Twitter Party Hosted By Chicago Moms Blog and Chevrolet

April 11th was an exhausting day for me, the whole week was exhausting as the kids were on spring break and I had guests from London. I was invited to a Twitter Party which was hosted by Chicago Moms Blog(SV Moms group) and Chevy. I just couldn't pass this invitation. It would be my first blogger's event. I was excited and yet nervous. You know little fish in a big ocean.

I said bye to my aunt and let hubby drive her to the airport while I drove downtown to the event. I didn't know what to expect except there were butterflies in my stomach. I was late for the roundtable discussion but managed to hear the end of it. The organizers and moderators, Jill Asher and Linsey Krolik, guided the conversation about how we bloggers and brands can work together in the new world of social media. Brands have realized how we bloggers can vocalize our opinions about their goods and services these days and our tiny voices can be heard by many in the world of internet.

After the roundtable discussion, we got to meet the brands personally, it was an interesting to learn about the new products and I made some new friends. I found another blogher The goodies we brought home was AWESOME. I had a few extra that I "won" from turning the wheels. I love wheels!!

I've always heard of bloggers events/convention but coming to one was definitely an eye opener. Its one thing to read somebody's blog but to actually see a person and know they are fellow bloggers just like you is another thing. I'm grateful I've a friend who is big time blogger, she encourages me to blog, and to be in a room full of bloggers was certainly a good learning experience.

These are the goodies I brought home minus Garrett Popcorn that was devoured almost immediately. Thank you to the sponsors/brand :

• 1-800 Baskets
• Army of Women
• Babies
• bitdefender
• BusyBodyBook
• Chevy Missions
• Cinnabon Cupcakes
• easyprintdesign
• ebay classifieds
• Energizer
• Garrett Popcorn Shops
• Hard Rock Hotel
• iGo green
• litl
• Peapod
• Powerade Play
• Schlage
• Stonyfield Organic
• The Oprah Store

I'd also like to thank Jill Asher and Linsey Krolik from SVMomsGroup and MJ for such a wonderful event.

Disclosure: I was invited to the event by the SV Moms groups. We got goodies, food, and parking.

Continue reading...

Gilly's First Communion

Gilly about to get into the van

Sunday, May 24th 2009 Gilly received her 1st Holy Communion. We woke up very early all excited as its Gilly's big day. She is finally getting to eat the blessed "wafer" which she has now realize doesn't taste all that delicious. hahaha poor girl got duped into thinking its taste so good. Hopefully she will come to understand how blessed is the "wafer" .

Gilly with her flower and pretty dress.

Gilly insisted on taking photos with her plant. She got to choose the color of this plant when we bought it, and now has claim that it is hers... so it is except mummy has to take care of it.

Gilly walking up the aisle.

Mummy has to run around in the basement to make sure things were in order as she was in charge of the reception. I prayed the food ordered would arrive on time and the chicken wings I grilled would be warm by the time food was served. I got to sit down and speak to the priest for a few minutes and I came out a happy person. Wow... 15 more minutes and I still didn't pin up Gilly's veil !!! Got that done in a jiffy, thanks to ballet recital experience. Gilly looked so pretty in her dress.

Lighting of the candle. (Nobody caught fire)

Mass started on time and I wasn't ready for it. It went on smoothly but Greg was "bored" and he was sitting in the front row. Gosh, I was praying that he would not pull Gilly's veil to entertain himself. He was getting restless and finally out of desperation, I took out my iphone, turn on the silence mode and let him play with fluid and bubble. That kept him busy for awhile but that meant my battery was getting weaker.

Gilly reading (can't remember what, shhh!!!!).

Finally, Gilly gets to receive her blessed host. I'm very proud that she went through all the classes with minimal fuss. Yes, waking up early Sunday morning and getting dragged to church isn't fun, but she did it. She is a 4th generation practising Catholic and I do hope she would continue her faith when she is all grown up.

Gilly gets her first "wafer" also known as Communion Host.

Gilly receiving her certificate from Fr. Michael.

9 kids with priest and they don't know which camera to look at.

After Mass, the kids were lead to the entrance of the church where they got to shake hands with the congregations who were all proud of these kids achievements. Then we all got to take photos ... and boy there were so many cameras you'd think the kids were the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus and the paparazzi were lurking. Poor kids, they were all looking in different directions it was hard to take a nice photo.

Wonder what is that smile for? Hmmmm plotting something mischevious?

We proceeded down to the basement for a reception. The food came on time, thanks to a helpful friend. Everybody loved the food and I was happy because I spent less than budgeted. Phew!!! I love my daughter but she drove me nuts... the minute she got into basement, she told me she wanted to change clothes. Boy, I sure got pissed and told her "Gilly, I don't care what you want... I spent so much money on that dress so you better be wearing it for the next hour. Stop the complaining and make it worth my freaking $60!!!!!!!" She reluctantly walked away but before she could take another step, a lady walked by and told her how pretty she looked in her dress. Gilly smile and I guess that made her day.

Now that she is done with her 1st communion... hehehe... I can play hooky on some Sundays... shhhh... I better hope nobody from my church is reading this...

Continue reading...

I am now 40!!!

Atomic Cake

Its been almost 2 weeks and into my 2nd week of being 40. Yes, the big FOUR ZERO. I'm all excited as I will be meeting up with my elementary-highschool classmates in a June and we will all be celebrating our big 40. The last time we did a big celebration was for our quarter of century. Gosh, its been 15 years...

It's a tall cake!!!

How am I feeling being 40? I love it. I didn't have any big celebration as usual. Maybe I'll do something when I turn 50... hehehe.. My girlfriend S asked what I was going to do on my birthday, and I quickly told her I was going to my favorite Nursery to buy my annual plants. Yes, I usually remove all the passenger seats in my minivan and fill it up with plants and that I surely did on my birthday.

On the eve of my birthday, K, S and I had lunch at Red Robins(hmmm delicious burgers!!!). The girls decided to go to the nursery as well. I certainly enjoyed myself, the flowers were lovely and the rose aisle smell so good. No, no rose plants called me this time, my wallet was spared.. hehehehe

K and I not wasting any cake.

Now, the bold thing I did this time was I ordered my own birthday cake. It must be about being 40 because I would not have dared to get my own cake previous years. This year, I told myself that I might as well order a cake I would eat instead of waiting for hubby. Last 2 years, my kids and hubby ate all my cake and I just smiled and watched them enjoy it. I was all excited because a few months ago, at a friends birthday, I had this delicious cake with toppings that wasn't SWEET. For weeks, I kept telling myself that I should get myself that cake. I asked the lady that bought the cake and she told me where to get the cake.. any readers reading this and you live in Chicago.. its Weber Bakery. The cake I got was called "Atomic" cake. Atomic it certainly was.

I got my gfs to come over to enjoy the cake. I was more excited about the eating the cake then the it being my birthday cake. You can see from the photo, my gf and I cleaning up even the plastic wrap.. hehehehe OH..... I forgot to mention that after driving almost 2 hours to and from the Nursery.... it took me another 2 hours just to get the cake when the kids got home. K asked what I was doing for dinner and all I said "I dont' know, I think the cake is the main entree and the dinner... I'll think about it later" hahahaha...

I had a fun Birthday this year with my family and friends... and I know I am going to have a blast in my 40s !!!!!

Continue reading...

What girlfriends are for!!!

• Girlfriends are there to call you in the morning to see what you are your plans for the day.
• Girlfriends are there when you are down and you need to talk
• Girlfriends are there when you are down and need to cry
• Girlfriends are there when you are down and need someone who will laugh with you
• Girlfriends are there when you need to be all silly and know you won't be thought a nutjob
• Girlfriends are there when you don't have to feel shy to ask the dumbest question

Most importantly:

• Girlfriends are there when they call your house and the "butler" you obviously can't afford picks up the call and says you are asleep. That girlfriend freaks out and sends the other girlfriend over to ring on your doorbell to make sure you are still alive!!!

Girlfriend brings you her famous led belbet cupcakes for your birthday!!

Girlfriend knows the vultures are circling so she makes sure there are enough "led belbet" for the birthday girl and vultures!!

NOW.... what are girlfriend's husband good for???

S

C

R

O

L

L

D

O

W

N

V

This one is for you Mr.A (you know who you are)

Continue reading...

Panic Attacks

What is panic attacks? How does one react during a panic attack? I had a conversation with my gf about panic attacks and I was laughing to realize since I was small, I had panic attacks but never new it until today. I'll be 40 this May and only now do I know I've always suffered from it. hahaha.. Do I need to see a therapist? Yesterday, I had a very weird day at church. The slightest thing would irritate me... and I would notice myself "zoning out" from conversations because the person sitting across me would irritate me. If you ask what did the person do to irritate me. My answer would be “she did nothing”. Now, if you love to Tango, you would have loved being me yesterday. If anyone came too close to me, I would get spooked up and I would take a few steps away... and like a true tango, my partner would shadow me in my steps. Normal days, it would not have irritated me but gosh, yesterday... it just irritated the crap out of me and I was in CHURCH!!!! I was wondering what was going on with myself because once I came home, I was fine. It was like I was fighting my own inner demons and it all happened while at church. Back to my “discovery” of panic attacks… I googled "What is panic attack?" This is what I found...... Panic attacks may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Another fact about panic is that this symptom is strikingly different from other types of anxiety; panic attacks are so very sudden and often unexpected, appear to be unprovoked, and are often disabling. Now comes the symptoms of a panic attack: (those in yellow.. is what I think I have/had) What are the symptoms of a panic attack?As described above, the symptoms of a panic attack appear suddenly, without any apparent cause. They may include · racing or pounding heartbeat (palpitations); · chest pains; · stomach upset; · dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea; · difficulty breathing, a sense of feeling smothered; · tingling or numbness in the hands; (I’d love to say numbness is a symptom but I do have carpal tunnel so this one is out) · hot flashes or chills; (chills) · dreamlike sensations or perceptual distortions; (dreamlike.. zoning out) · terror: a sense that something unimaginably horrible is about to occur and one is powerless to prevent it; (I always think of the worst would happen to my loved one when they go out without me there. When young, and my parents would go to Penang and I get to be at home by myself, I would worry until I hear from them that they have reached safely. Now, when hubby goes out to buy bread, I worry he would meet with an accident and I don’t get to see him alive again) · a need to escape; (need for my personal space, hence the tango dance I would do if anyone stands too close to me) · fear of losing control and doing something embarrassing; (Never catch me on a roller coaster or can’t pay me a $1M to ride on it cos I’m hate feeling not in control. Do I wish to go on the roller coaster? Yes, but would I go line up. NO) · fear of dying. (Yes, It goes thru my mind and gives me the chills and drives me nuts knowing my very young kids won’t have me to take care of them especially when none of my family member are closeby to help).

Hmm.. I wonder if “fear of losing control and doing something embarrassing” is the reason why I have told a friend what I want for my funeral. That would mean, in the end I still get to control how I’m bid farewell.

You won’t find me walking on back alleys anymore even on broad daylight. When I was 19, I was molested and all I remember when I got back to my room.. I had blood on my nails. Guys that I would date I would warn then not to come up from behind me to surprise me. I have dug my nails in to a few unlucky innocent guy friends who were goofing around with me. I walked to a grocery store yesterday after church. Seeing the back alley give me the chills. And all this while, I thought it was old memories but now I know the quick walk I do when I see back alleys is because of panic attacks.

Can I diagnose my craziness and blame it all on panic attacks?? How I react to certain things and how I behave at a certain time is all blamed on panic attacks? Or is it just plain ME problem? Ok... I'm done blabbing here... I'm off to my lala-land..

Continue reading...

Blooming Hibiscus in February

We are in the month of February and what you see in the photo is my hibiscus plant which is blooming her first bud today. The plant has a more buds developing. Yes, it is possible to bring in the hibiscus plant that is sold during summer at the nursery or in my case Jewell-Osco Grocery. This is my 2nd winter I've brought the plant into the house before the first frost. However last winter and summer this plant didn't flower. I did think of tossing it this fall and buying new one next year. I changed my mind somehow and decided to play with this plant to see what I could do... I pulled out the whole plant and discarded its soil, loosen the roots and repotted it. It seems what I did worked because I now have a flowering hibiscus. I just gotta remind myself that I now need to add more fertilizer as this plant needs alot of it when its flowering.

Maybe you could bring in your plant and save yourself $15 a year by not tossing it out annually.

Added on 2/18/09: I notice that my hibiscus bloom last longer than usual. In summers, the bloom would only last a day before it falls off. I've notice my bloom lasting a good 2 whole days.

Continue reading...

Do not call your friend when you are shopping!!!!!

I ran to Sam's Club today as I desperately needed a flannel sheet for my mattress. Blabbing with my friend S while I shopped, I noted that I was doing very well with only 1 flannel sheet set, 1 calendar and 1 bittersweet chocolate. I was so proud I did stuck to my shopping list. Then I decided to call friend K to confirm she wanted bittersweet chocolate and not semi-sweet chocolate. While blabbing with her, I stroll pass an aisle to see... bedset!!!! Holy cow... I got all excited as they looked so good. Then K encouraged me to get a set. Hey.. it came with everything, it was a good buy. I was told hehehehe Over the phone, we discussed which design to buy. K decides to jump on her PC to see if she could find it at Sam's site.. and she did... When she saw the plain design.. she said "oh, that is so you" damn it.. that was the more expensive design. I sneaked and unzip both designs to notice that the more expensive one was so soft... Reluctantly I took that bedset and dumped it on my cart. I called S and told her... in future wherever you are shopping, dont' call K cos you will end up with a $159 item in your cart. S asked me "what happened, I thought you were checking out"... I know I know.. K told me that I deserve to get something nice for myself as I've been wanting to make my bedroom nice and comfy. We did talk about painting my bedroom this summer. Plus for what I got, it would cos 2-3 times at Macy's .... Yes, I'm excited with a new bedset (current one is 10 yrs old) but I'm still shocked as I didn't plan to spend that much today!!!!!

Do you know which set I bought, the Green or Brown ???

Continue reading...

My Wii Fit Night Out !!!!!!

Last week was a busy night and can you believe that I drove to downtown 2 nights in a row!!!! First was to watch the Broadway show Wicked and it was worth the drive. The 2nd night to driving to downtown was even better. It was the highlight of the week. *grin* I've been to a few parties and I wondered what would make a Wii Fit Party any different. Boy, it was beyond my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised to see a friend I've not seen for a long time. They had set up 3 TVs to 3 Wii Fit system, and by the time we reached the party, the gals were playing on the aerobic games. You could hear all the laughing and cheering. I was abit shy at first so I sat down and chatted. Finally I was forced to step on the board when my gf Wendy finished her round. Thank God nobody laughed at my BMI and then I choose the hula hoop!!! We had a good laugh at my butt twisting activities. I've to say working on the wii fit with your girlfriends is very fun and hilarious. I believe we will burn more calories from laughing too much. Seriously, Nintendo should come up with a wii fit where we can drag just our board to our gf's house and a few of the boards to be hooked up to just 1 console. Kinda like how we have 1 aerobic instructor to 20 clients... but in this case a few wii boards to one console so gals can meet up and exercise together. We had some good drinks and delicious food and continued with our wii fit games. Nintendo Wii staff were very helpful and I now know to use my hip and knee to maneuver to catch the flying hula hoop instead of using my head ...hehehehe... I know I'm dumb... Before we knew it, the ladies told us that we had to stop for awhile. So we sat down and continued to chat and before we realized it, they came out with a wii system for both the hostesses. We were all excited for them and man.. wished we got one too... hahaha too bad.... that's what we thought, before we knew it... the ladies now came out with Wii Fit boxes and announced... "Everybody gets a Wii Fit" and we ladies screamed like HELL.... it was like an Oprah moment. Not only did we get a Wii Fit but also the Yoga Mat and a Yoga bag and a cute workout outfit. I was hugging my Wii Fit so tight... Never have I won anything like this before!!!! So Thank you to MJ and Jen (both co-editor of ChicagoMomViews.net) for inviting us to the party.. and Thanks to Nintendo for the Wii Fit. What a perfect night for me!!!

BTW, stop by at ChicagoMomViews. You may just win a Free Wii system and Wii Fit worth about $370. Enter the contest and you might be even luckier than me!!!

Continue reading...

2 ladies picking Okra at the store

Instruction for selecting okra:

1) Grab bag

2) Pick up an okra

3) Hold the bottom end of okra

4) Quickly snap tip of okra

5a) if snap, put in bag or

5b) if it just bend, throw it back

6) Very importantly... do not look left or right or above you.

Okra is one of my favorite vegetable and I love eating it with sambal or curry. I was at the grocery store with my caucasian girlfriend last Monday. We decided to shop at night without the kids and it was fun. At the store, I saw some okra and decided it would be good with some green curry and decided to get a few. I was snapping the tip to see if they were young okras. My girlfriend was standing next to me and I told her to help me out. I told her "snap the tip and if breaks off, its good. the ones that bend are not good." I notice she was uncomfortable with my suggestion and was cautiously snapping a few and everytime she did that, she would look around to see if the POLICE was watching her. Till now I'm cracking up recalling how she looks when she was snapping the okras. Just like a little girl putting her hands into the forbidden cookie jar...

We had a good laugh when I told her, "hey this is sold here for asians so they know how the asians would choose it.. so don't worry." Then we both looked up at the cameras... Security must be having a good laugh at my guilty friend. I'm just a normal snapping okra asian lady and she the guilty snapping okra white lady. Does it mean we are better off with our kids around as we would behave better???

Continue reading...

My Not-So-New Laptop

Introducing my newest toy... or rather not so new toy.. Toshiba P305-S8838. I just love my new toy except for the weight.. hubby got too enthusiastic about gadgets and insisted on buying a 17" instead of 15". Why do I love this laptop? Because I can drag it anywhere in the house and it sits on my dining table in the kitchen alot. I just love to try out recipes from other bloggers and it just easy for me to have it next to me in the kitchen. I used to have to run the stairs to my loft to look at some recipes. I know it was good workout but this is so nice. I can chat online while I'm baking or cooking as well. We bought this laptop from Costco, hubby had been wanting another PC as I do hog the only one we had. I insisted that the laptop had to be a Toshiba as I worked for a Toshiba distributor and know how reliable they are. I also insisted that we only buy it from Costco as Costco has good 2 year extended warranty for computers. We waited for good 2 months to see if this laptop would go on sale.. and it finally did.. we paid $899 (after $100 rebate) for it while it retails $1200. I just need to kick my lazy butt to install all my software to the laptop, and I would be able to blog fully here. For now, I still upload my photos to the old pc.. then upload it to blogspot... hehehe.. I know I know... I promise I will do so in near future *grin* Till then... have a good day.

Continue reading...

Angry with Mummy

At this moment, I'm not my daugther's most favorable person. She is angry with me, eyes all wet while she is doing her math homework. Why the tears? Because she is being punished. Her Brownie troop was suppose to meet at 4.00pm at a pumpkin/corn maze farm. Greg and I waited in the car for her school bus to arrive. All she needed to do was to go to the bathroom then jump into the van for a 30 minute ride to the farm. I warmed up the her macaroni cheese for her to eat in the car and had snacks ready for the trip. Rewind back to this morning.... I told her that she has forgotten her Reading book for 3 days and she needs to make sure she brings it home today. She has comprehension test on Friday and I'm trying to teach her to do things in advance and not last minute.. so bring the book home on Thursday doesn't work... I warned her that I would cancel the Brownie trip if she didn't bring the book home..... Back to present time... here Greg and I were all excited that she is home and all ready for a fun evening... until I realize her school bag was way too light and that there isn't a Reading book in sight... So here I am hating myself for being the mean person but I have to keep my word and be the Mom that I don't like ... the strict mean mommy... I was forced to dissapoint both the kids and said.. "Greg, get out of the car, we are not going anymore." So, I dragged all the food and warm clothing out of the car. I made the dreaded call to the Troop leader to tell her we won't be there. Gilly is still upset but I guess she will learn that she has responsiblities, and the most important one is.. studies and homework comes first. Let see...she has a birthday party to attend this Saturday, and I wonder if she will be missing out on that.... oh.. I can't wait till she is a teenager!!!!!

Continue reading...

Bad mommy?

Greg my 5 year old who is in Kindergarten goes on the Kindergarten school bus. His sister who goes to the same school goes on a different bus because our school system separates the kindergarteners from the elementary kids. I like that as its pretty intimidating for a newbie to get on a bus with bigger kids. Unfortunately, with the kindergarten bus, a mom or designated person has to be at the bus stop for pick up. If you are not there...the bus driver has to take your kid back to school and you have to go pick him up and sign him out. Yes... and yesterday after some drama... I was in the basement doing extra laundry. I ran out of the house when I realize it was about time he gets home. To my dismay, I see the bus at the end of the corner of our street and leaving. I missed him... and the other mom who just picked up her daughter told me the bus driver refuse to wait for me especially when the bus was a few minutes early. I notice then that yes.. she was early today. Oh well I jumped into my car and followed the bus. The bus driver saw me, stopped the bus and told me "I can't let him down, you have to go to the school to pick him up." RIDICULOUS!!!! Yes, I know I wasn't at the stop but you do recognize me as you talk to me everyday at the bus stop... so let my son down... oh no, I had to drive back to school to sign him out. I met Greg at the school ground and walked with him to the school office. I had to go sign him out. I asked Greg if he got scared that I wasn't there at the bus stop. He smiled and said "NO". He said "I had the whole bus to myself mummy." He continued smiling and said "Mummy, I came to school twice today." I smiled and am proud that he wasn't feeling all angry with me. I did talk to him a few weeks ago. I knew that there was a high chance of me missing the bus so I did prepare him for it. I told him to treat it as an extra special trip back to school. Since he loved sitting on the school bus, it would be fun if mummy wasn't at the bus stop and he gets to go on a extra ride. I did cross my finger that he would feel OK with it.. and I'm glad I did what I did. I did miss Gilly when she was in Kindergarten and I guess, I learn from Gilly what to do this time round. So... I had a happy boy who even called his daddy to tell daddy that he got to go to school twice on the bus in one day. So.. am I a bad mummy for missing the bus??

Continue reading...

Sunday's Poncho

*Drum Roll* Ta Da!!!!! Here is the poncho that I was busy working on last Sunday. I finally added the frills today and boy.. it was my first time working on frills and that zigzaggy one was tiring!!! The poms were quiet easy but the time consuming and eye tiring ones were the zigzag. Smart of me to buy a wider zigzag so I had to make sure the top and bottom were sewn. I didnt' want to leave it to chance that it won't curl up after some abuse by my girl. I was afraid of working with the frills as I've never attempted it. I thought my friend would help ahaha but I was too impatient to wait for her and decided to do it on my own. I figured I'm not selling it so what's the harm in attempting it on my own. So ... for now.. the poncho is OK..

Continue reading...

A Wonderful Sunday

WOW!!!! Something new on this blog today!! Is that what you are thinking? Yes, I'm back. We have been pretty busy running around doing a thousand things and yet nothing much to show. I just have to say, yesterday was Sunday and I sinned terribly by not going to church. With a daughter who is going to receive her first communion next May, I know I've sinned terribly. oh wait.. No.. I did worse. I neglected my poor kids yesterday. *grin* Let see.... I had bought some flannel cloth and was planning to sew Greg some PJ pants as he outgrew those from last year and Gilly's were too pink for him to wear. The flannels were on sale $2.99/yard. I found a nice easy pattern and bought some fleece cloth and decided to sew Gilly a poncho. Now... with those in mind, I just didn't think of anything else but sewing those outfits!!! This would only mean, poor family didn't have food for that day. Even at breakfast time, I was already working on the 2nd pants for Greg and the kids had milk and pandan chiffon cake. Opps... hehehe Lunch time came and daddy came over to ask "what's for lunch?" I asked the kids, "what do you want for lunch?" and continued... "who wants daddy's famous instant noodles, please raise your hands?" One, two and three hands came up... daddy sigh and went down to cook lunch. Woohoo.. that was the most delicious instant noodles. It had fishball, cuttlefishball, choy sum and eggs in it. Super Duper Yummy what what Greg claimed!!! Dad didn't look excited.. because he had to do the cooking. Came dinner time.... I just finished the poncho!!! Yes I did finish the poncho but have yet to add the frills. Dad came and asked if we were having Kathryn's spagetti meatball for dinner. I then realize I didn't not take out the tomato sauce to thaw.. and the meatballs need to simmer in the tomato sauce for 30 min.. that meants... no spagetti meatball for dinner... awwww.. what a bummer for Daddy. I told him to run to Dominicks to get a box of creamer... we are having Ikea Swedish meatballs for dinner. Poor Daddy, he had to figure out the meals for Sunday as Mummy wasn't thinking properly. But I sure enjoyed my Sunday. I do like going to church but I did get alot accomplished yesterday. Daddy got the shelves up on the basement (opps that means I've more work down there now) and he got my new laptop networked to the printer. The kids and Daddy helped Greg with his class assignment and I got to sew my 2 PJ pants and a poncho. I know some will say I should just go buy my kids nice outfits instead of wasting my time sewing ... but the kids just love it when I surprise them with their newly sewn clothes.... so... its OK to neglect feeding the kids once in a while.. hehehehe...

Continue reading...

First Day of School

First day of school went well. It was only 2 1/2 hours which seem short but chaotic as we were all trying to get use to the bus schedules. Greg and Gilly are not in the same bus this year. The school separates the Kindergarten kids which is nice as its not intimidating sitting with the bigger kids. Two days before school, he had school orientation where he met his teacher and his classmates for the first time. He loved it there and was so excited to go back to school by Wednesday. That was also the day we dropped off school supplies which I like as its just too much for a kiddo his size to handle by himself.

Greg with school supplies.

Greg getting ready for school orientation 2 days before school.

They both woke up at 7 a.m. and was so excited. They quickly had their breakfast and was so ready for school. Gilly had to take some school supplies by herself and I dropped off the rest later as it was just too much for her too. This time round, I remembered to label Greg so that he won't be lost. I forgot to do it for Gilly on her first day of Kindergarten. Their bus pickup time are only 10 minutes apart so its just easy to get both of them out at the same time.

Gilly and Greg waiting for their buses.

Gilly about to get on her bus.

Gilly can't wait to jump into the bus!

Greg's turn to wait for his bus.

Greg waits for his turn to get into the bus. Hurry up lady!!

Finally with both kids off to school, the house was eeriely quiet. I was kinda enjoying the silence and yet still missed their noise. I guess I've got accustom to their noise. What did I end u doing? I was busy on the phones as I had nice girlfriends who called to see how I was faring as they knew my baby was away from for the first time. Before I knew it, they were home and the house was noisy again. I had lots of paperwork to read and checks to write.

Greg back from school.

Gilly's back from school too!!

Its been a week since they started school and my life has changed alot. I know just can walk out of the house without having anyone tagging along. I just got to get used to closing all the windows by myself and putting the dog in his cage by myself... I do miss them helping me get ready to go out... hmm.... something to get used to... but I'll survive.

Continue reading...

(that's how the house sounds)

All I can hear is the water splashing from my outdoor fountain.... The house is so quiet... The house is way too quiet..... I'm lost....... I've cleaned the garbage can.... Now what do I do???????

Continue reading...

My son is leaving me!!!

Isn't he handsome in this photo? Greg just turned 5 last month and he will be hitting a milestone tomorrow. He will be going to Kindergarten and he is jumping into that "cool" yellow bus tomorrow. For the last 4 years since he was a baby, he would get all excited seeing his sister get on that bus and finally he has his turn tomorrow. After 12 wonderful and sometimes stressful weeks of summer vacation(what vacation, I was a fulltime referee with both kids fighting all the time), both my kids will be heading to school tomorrow.

3 nights ago, in my dream I told myself, "you can go for pancake breakfast with your girls now" and within a few seconds, I realized in my sleep that for the rest of my life, I've lost my best buddy. That buddy who was a leech that stuck to me 24/7... he won't be with me constantly anymore. I've been dreaming for the last 8 years of some quiet and "me" time and now that its here, I'm having mixed feelings. I'm happy my baby is now going to school, I've done my part as a mom to change his diaper, feed him, take him to the park or to the zoo all those years and he is so eager to go to school, and yet I'm sad that I'm losing that one constant person that is always with me... he was always there to show me I'm needed... and now I'm not needed for 5 hours a day. OK.. OK... I guess I am allowed to be a pity potty for a few minutes. I do know that I will do my happy jiggle when they get on the bus... but I do know I'm going to shed a few tears when Greg gets on the bus. I'm entitled to that feeling...

What will be doing with my new free 5 hours when Greg is in school? I have a few plans and hopefully I'll follow through with them. I will have 1 hour with Greg before Gilly gets home so maybe my best buddy and I can goof around abit... oh yeah... dream on... there is homework!!!!

I've been "begging" Greg to stay home with me... here are a few of our conversations:

Me: Greggy, can you stay home with mummy?

Greg: No, mummy, I want to go to school.

Me: Don't you want play with me?

Greg: I want to go to school, school is fun

Me: Greg, I know you don't want to go to school, you love to stay with mummy.

Greg: Mummy, I love going to school.

Me: I know you love school but you love mummy even more.

Greg: But I want to go to school to learn

Another time:

Me: Hey, why don't you stay home with me.

Greg: No, I need to go to school

Me: I'll be so bored, nobody to play with me and bug me.

Greg: Mummy, you play with Shan Shan

Me: But Shan just sleeps all the time

Greg: Why don't you throw the bone at Shan

Yesterday's conversation after his school orientation...

Me: Greggy, I'm going to lock you in your closet so you can't go to school

Greg: No mummy, I love the school. Its so fun, I like my teacher. I want to go to school mummy.

Today's conversation...

Me: Greg, I'm going to let you sleep at midnight, you can play with the computer. We can play Wii fit and Mario Kart, you can watch TV all night long.

Greg: (puzzle and amazed look) wow.. I can play computer???

Gilly: (giggles) Greg, mummy is trying to trick you!! She wants you to sleep late so you wake up late and don't go to school.

Greg: Mummy, No I'm going to go to bed early. I have to wake up to go to sc hool.

Later in Costco...

Me: Greg, how about this... if you stay home and not go to school, I will buy you one big big big bag of M&Ms...

Greg: (he ran over to touch that big big bag of M&Ms)... I want to go to school! (he folded his hands and walked away from the M&Ms)

Oh well... at least I tried.. hehehe....

I know my baby is ready for school as he wasn't one bit shy when we went to his new class for his orientation. And I'll be on my new adventure with 5 hours of freedom.

Continue reading...

My Wii Fit

I finally got my Wii Fit, thanks to my niece who had lined up for hours at the store. How is my Wii Fit, its such a cool and cute device. I'm amazed at how innovative these techie guys are at inventing something like this for us lazy bumps to exercise.

I just love the fact it helps track my weight and tells me how unfit I am. It allows me to set a goal on weight loss for a period of weeks or months as I see fit. So far my machines has called me a couch potato. It says I've a body of a 59 year old person and I'm embarassed to announce my BMI.. so you take a guess if its overweight or obese. Please don't use the comments to play a guessing game... hmm... maybe I should disable the comment for this entry. hahahahaha. It guides me with my balance when I'm doing yoga. I love that hula hoop that makes me make 300 spins. I hate it when I cant' balance and get my head hit by shoes at that football goalie game. The more minutes I spend exercising on it, it opens up newer and harder exercises for me.

Last friday, I paid a visit to my endocrinologist. Do not ask me why I went to see this old man who is very slow paced , mellow personality. I've seen him since I was pregnant with Gilly. I just trust him enough to go get my blood drawn by him. For those of you that know me well, you know how I hate needles.. hate is a very mellow word when it comes to my distaste for needles. We were talking about me and losing weight and I told him about my new toy.. He had a good laugh at the comments I get from my Wii Fit. He is the cool and calm type of person and is one that seldom laughs (the most you see is a smile from him). He was curious at all the functions of the wii Fit. He gave me the usual card for me to call in to listen to the results of my blood work.

Yesterday, the kids and I spent the whole day in the Shedd Aquarium. When I got home, I saw on my caller ID that the hospital called. I got kinda worried as calls from Hosp usually didn't mean good news. This morning I called that 1-800 number to see what was going on.. to only get my blood work results... PLUS my doctor asking me for that device that I told him about because he wanted to get it for HIMSELF. He usually records the results and not call me. That's why when I saw he called, I got worried. I had a good laugh at that.. He wants a wii Fit. I'll will have to call and tell his nurse that its called Wii Fit.

If you are interested, here is a video I found on Youtube showing what a Wii Fit does...

Continue reading...

Be Nice To Me Or I'll Blog About You!!!

Last Saturday, as we had breakfast at McD's. Now, don't lecture me on how unhealthy it is to have McD for breakfast. I just love their Sausage McMuffins with Eggs and their hashbrowns. Greg asked me to finish his hashbrowns and when I took a bite, Gilly said "Mummy, you are eating more than us!" I smiled and pointed to my T-shirt and told her "Read this."

My t-shirt basically said "Be nice to me or I'll blog about you". Gilly giggled the moment she read it. Then Greg proceeded to say, yeah mummy, you are bigger than us. I turned to him and said "Read this" and continued... "oh you dont' read".. Gilly quickly said, "Greg you better be nice to her or she will blog about you." Greg laughed and said, "she always blogs about me."





Oh well, I guess the shirt is a warning to others but not my kids. It won't work. hahahaha ...I did wear that t-shirt to church and to a family function on Sunday... Good enough a warning??? *giggles*

Continue reading...

Happy Birthday Jane of All Trades

Happy Birthday to You.

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to Jane of All Trades

Happy Birthday to You

I can't believe that one year has passed since my first blog entry. I remember my first entry, I was still hesitant as I didn't want to fail. I thought my blog would be boring. I know I've sometimes gotten lazy and my blog stays "paused". Sometimes its also because I'm just too buzy. I'm glad I did start blogging as I now use it as a reference guide when I can't recall when a certain even happened. Last week I came back to check when I bought my patio set as I intent to buy a few extra chairs. hehehe.. Thank God for the blog!!!

So my friends who have been reading here, thank you for coming back over and over again. Mr.Ray, thanks for encouraging me to start this blog.

Continue reading...