What a way to start a week.

Imagine its Monday morning, you are dragging yourself to work. The cup of coffee isn't helping kick the Monday morning blues, at the train station, you just assume that it will be the usual boring routine... and you happen to see this right in front of you. What a fantastic way of starting the week... Enjoy this... I sure started my day with a nice pleasant jolt.. More than 200 dancers were performing there version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. with just 2 rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! Those 4 fantastic minutes started the 23 of march 2009, 08:00 AM. It is a promotion stunt for a Belgian television program, where they are looking for someone to play the leading role, in the musical of "The Sound of Music".

Continue reading...

How little girls just make me laugh

Yesterday my friend, MJ came over with her 2 boys and daughter. We were goofing around with our flip and she showed me certain tricks to make my flip videos look better. I clicked on one video, and that made little Katie start giggling with her cute hand posture.. I had to FLIP that moment and here it is....

Now, you must be wondering what is so funny that Katie was giggling so much...

It's my Russian daughter, Cricket who loves making funny faces and she is really good at it.

Continue reading...

Car Seats is just like Milk, they have expiration dates.

I was talking to my friend, Kat and I was telling her how I can't wait to hand over Greg's old infant carseat to my niece. She ask how old was it and I said "It was Greg's. So maybe 5 years old?"

Her comment that surprised me was "there is expiration dates on car seat". I was like "HUH, what do you mean there is expiration date?" I know I sounded dumb especially when I've had my oldest who is 8 using carseats 8 years ago. I dragged the carseat out of its box, tried to get it off the base (I even forgot how to get it off the base). I looked all the labels and didn't find it. Finally I notice prints that were molded into the plastic of the seat. Damn it.. there is an expiration date. December 2009. Hmm.. I didn't know carseats are like MILK.. it will turn bad.

Oh well I googled and it talked about why there is expiration dates... blah blah blah of change in technology, warp of the plastic, fray of the belts (yeah right. like the 3 mth old would fray the belts). So, I shall email my niece and tell her about the expiration date and if she doesn't want it. I will just add more plastic to the landfill.

So for those of you who love buying carseats from ebay or garage sale. Do remember to check out the expiration date of carseats.

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...

My take on Reality Shows.

When I first came to USA, I found this show called Real World on MTV and I got caught with the Reality show. I know, I know, I'm a nosey parker who likes to see how people live. Then came Survivor.. then the Bachelor... these days, I watch "The Hill" and "The City". Wipe that frown off your face!! I'm 40 but I kinda like seeing how these 20 year old chicks get to live this fabulous ultra chic lifestyle. Cos I never got to do that.. amazing how they can afford to drive Benz at this age. They add some color to this dull life of a SAHM. hahaha Last year when I found out the truth about that $$$$ loving mom from Jon & Kate Plus 8. I was shocked and vowed I would not watch anymore of their show. So, TLC... I have stayed true to myself and refused to even watch the episode where she moves into that million dollar house. It says something when a lady has no contact with her parents and siblings!!!! Curious of how her new hse looks? Yes, but I'm not giving that family any ratings. Now comes this disgusting show called The Bachelor of ABC. I used to like watching it the first few series. I was glad to see Trista marrying Ryan but that show seem to not produce too many successful relationships. It encouraged a guy to pursue more girls that he should at ONE TIME. I saw somewhere in Facebook about "Bachelor Update - Don't read unless you want to know". I decided to see what its all about... it basically was a "spoiler" about the ending of this show. I was shocked by what it revealed... then I decided to watch the Finale last night. HOLY COW... If the person that wrote the "prediction".. could have predicted the Mega Millions.. I would have been jumping over the moon.. but you know what... what I read on Facebook... It played out like how it said it would. I did some googling.. and came to this site called http://www.realitysteve.com/ he certain has some pretty interesting read. So.. I told myself.. I'm NOT going to watch The Bachelor series anymore. Like how I don't watch Jon & Kate... I won't watch The Bachelor anymore... I don't think Americans are that dumb to be fooled by these networks... We have eyes and know how to add 1 + 1.. you can fool us with your editings and manuveurs for a few times.. but that is all.. I'm DONE... so slimeball bachelor... I hope you will have a wonderful marriage if you do marry her. Molly, why would you want a guy who can be easily manipulated like that.. it shows how heartless he is.. and if he can do that to Melissa, he could easily do it to you. Are you that desperate? Just remember karma's a bitch.. Jason, you have shown America what is Crocodile Tears!!!! all this is my opion... and I'm allowed to have one...

Continue reading...

Nintendo DS, So Near Yet So Far

Two months ago, my aunt and cousin from London celebrated Christmas with us. The kids were all excited as they seldom get to have cousins hanging out with them. They had a wonderful time playing with goofy Uncle Josh. When they went home, we had an envelope that said "Here is some money for you to buy Greg a Nintendo DS when you think he is ready".. I'm paraphrasing!!!

Gilly had gotten her DS which she made her day as she knew mummy nor Santa Claus was bringing her one. Greg was happy with his presents but would occasionally ask when he would get one.

Came last monday, after dropping Gilly at her ballet school, I decided to surprise Greg by taking him to Target. In the parking lot, he asked what we were doing at Target. He finally realize what was going on when we walked to the video game aisle.

I told him since we had a busy day, we are not able to open the game yet as we needed to have dinner than get ready for bath and bed. He suddenly did a 180º with me and became moody. The next morning, he woke up happy then changed his mood again as he had to go to school and couldn't play with his DS. When he came home from school, again he started getting moody as he couldn't get to play with his new toy. I know he is all excited about his new toy. Maybe my fault for buying it on a weekday... duh me.. Tuesdays are extremely busy as I had to make sure my kids' homework is done and I have 4 piano lessons to teach.. so my boy wasn't a happy camper. Came Wednesday, he was all moody again.. man... I have never seen my son this crabby in his 5 years. I was starting to resent the fact that I was dumb in gettting myself into this mess.

This emotional happy-moody ping pong game went on from Tuesday till Thursday. I after reminding him that he wasn't behaving and it wasn't acceptable, and I may have to return the DS if he kept going... it wasn't working. I finally told him Thursday night that I had enough. For 3 days it was horrible, one moment he would come talk nice to me, then start the angry look. He could come hug me and then the next thing after letting me go, he would fold his arms and huff at me. No hugs before he jumped in the bus nor a his sunshine smile waving bye bye when the bus drove off. Gosh... what a MONSTER I had.

Friday came and he was a happy camper as they have Valentine's Day party and I volunteered. He came home with all happy and he asked if he could keep the DS. I had to tell him, and I knew that was coming and I had this internal debate if I should or shouldn't give him a chance. But I had to remind myself that I had already said I would so I better keep to my words or he would not take me seriously the next time.

Saturday came and finally we had the time to go to Target. My little boy quietly walked behind me while we headed to the Customer Service Dept. While talking to the lady, I saw him rubbing his eyes. He didnt' throw a temper tantrum but had tears in his eyes. All watery eyed, he quietly stood next to me. Before we walked away, I told him I didn't like returning the DS but his behaviour towards me forced me to do so. I told him that the money for DS is still his so we could always come back to get him a DS, but he has to remember that he has to behave himself.

My heart was breaking as I did feel miserable, we had to grab Gilly a pair of pants, so we headed towards the girls' clothing. Before I could realize what was happening, I felt a tiny hand grab my hands. Gilly was ahead of me, it was Greg. He wasn't angry with me, he held my hands. He still loves me... I felt so relieve that he wasn't hating me at that moment.

Since returning the DS, he has not been moody and he is back to hugging and waving at me at the bus stop. He would sometimes ask when he is getting his DS but other than that... he is back to his old self playing with his Knex and Magnetix and trains and cars.

I do eagerly wait for the time I can make my son go all excited cos he got his DS back......

Continue reading...

New Addition to the Family

Baby Edwina

I am all excited to have a little baby Girl in the family again. She has no name yet, so for now I shall call her Baby Edwina..hehehehe... All we know her name will start with an E. I can't wait to carry her and in a few months time, I know I will be carrying her. I'm all so excited... my side of the family has had 3 boys in a row and finally after 5 years... we have a little girl to carry. Now... don't get me wrong that boys are no fun... they are just a different "species" hehehehe.. As for my little niece... Welcome to the family. Don't worry about Daddy... he will spoil you rotten because being a daddy's girl, you will be able to twirl him with your little finger and sweet smile. That's our secret.. oppps that I've let out of the bag.

2/17/09 Update: Baby is now officially Elysha... (Ee-lie-sha)

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...

Baby Kangaroo

Introducing my baby Kangaroo .... this is the only photo taken backstage by the director of the performing centre. Due to copyright, we were not allowed to take any photos nor videos of the performance.

The performance was amazing. The dancers were truly professional and it was my first time watching the PROs at work. The first performance was Sleeping Beauty, and they had 4 local girls as the fairies. We assumed those fairies were getting big parts... to my surprise, the came in holding branches, sat on stage for awhile then got up and did a split jump before exiting the stage. Sleeping Beauty was very "formal" where all the audience was watching in silence.

When it was time for Carnival of the Animals, I was surprise at how light and entertaining it was. We were laughing at the roosters and hen flapping their wings throughout the whole dance. The mama Kangaroo was so cute hopping out, then getting her mirror and brush out of her pouch.. then came the moment where she looked behind the trees and coaxed her little baby out... there came hopping out was my Gillian.. she looked so adorable in that cute outfit.

I always get emotional when I see her dance and knowing she is doing it well. Here she hopped and I prayed she would not fall flat on her face. hehehehe I was on eggshells for the few seconds she went from one end of the stage to the other. I could hear the audience AWWWW-ing at her.

Her role was tiny, but if it was me, I would have to be pushed out to the stage to do it. Later I asked her if she was afraid and confidently she said "no". For once, my super active daughter has put her activeness to good use. hehehehe... If you guys know Gilly since she was a baby, you would know what I mean. She is my daredevil-tomboy that I thought was needed ballet to make her a lady.

Gilly was honored to have a few family and friends come watch her. Aunt Jennifer and Cousin Jessica came to watch then had to rush to Chinatown for their family reunion dinner. Oma Iola watched Gilly proudly and eventough Daddy and Greg slept thru Sleeping Beauty, they managed to wake up to watch Gilly (expensive $26/person nap!!!). Sherrill and Allison came to watch Gilly too. It was cute that Allison (6 years old) notice that the danseur (male ballet dancer) was wearing only tights. She told her mom "he is not wearing pants" hahahaha... her mum and I were amused by her observation. Gilly was asked by one of the ballet teachers of Dance Images to sign the program book. So Gilly signed her first autograph.

Continue reading...

Gillian in the newspaper

Chicago Sun Times (Jan 23, 2009)

Daily South Town (Jan 23, 2009)

Continue reading...

My Baby Kangaroo in New York Theatre Ballet’s “Carnival of the Animals”

Gillian, my 8 year old has been dancing ballet since she was 4. We went through 2 ballet schools, her first year it was like a joke as the school was more interested in the moolah than the art itself. When a friend decided to change ballet school, we quickly jumped wagon too. Was it a good decision??? Yes, Gilly was mesmerized by this bubbly energetic lady named Mrs King. She was so enchanted by this teacher that you could see her do half-hearted kicks .. all because she was just paying attention to this "funny" lady. Since that first day of class, Gilly has had Mrs King from Dance Images at Tinley Park for 3 years. Yesterday, she told me that she dreads the day she will get a different teacher

My New Year plans were to kick back and relax after a long end of year celebration. Oh boy.. I was surprise by a phone call from Mrs King. While she said her "hi", quickly I ran through my mind if I had not signed the check or didnt' write the amount on the check correctly. Boy, how wrong I was... hehehe.. She asked if Gillian would be busy on January 24th. Knowing it was a Sunday, we had CCD (which was compulsory as she is receiving her First Communion this year). She asked if Gilly was interest in dancing a recital that Sunday at 4pm. But... but... we don't have the annual recital until end of May, I thought. Then came the big news... New York Theater Ballet needs a tiny girl(who is a quick study) to dance with them in their performance of "Carnival of the Animals" as the guest role of Baby Kangaroo.

I knew that was a good opportunity or more of a good exposure for Gilly. I know I don't expect my child to be a prima ballerina, but I want her to know how its like to dance with the professionals. So I told Mrs King that I would get an answer from Gilly. It was a quick YES from Gilly. Withing hours, we let the teacher know... I think I do have a brave girl for a daughter as she will only learn her routine at 2pm, and will dance at 4pm. I dont' think I would dare to do it myself shhhh... please don't tell her I said that.

Gillian had a phone interview with Chicago Sun Times and she will be baby Kangaroo this coming Sunday. Poor Gilly has had to deal with a paranoid mom who is afraid Gilly will fall sick and then not be able to dance that day... or sprain her ankle... or break her hand.. so Poor Gilly has not been able to go sledding. I know I know ... I'm a bad mommy and I don't like to sound like a stagemom. Hey.. I doubt she would get another opportunity like this, so I'm keeping the risk to the minimum. Hahahaha.. I was so worried I would jinx it as well.. well I can't now cos Gilly should be appearing in Friday's newspaper

Continue reading...

Will I Jinx It?

If something good is going to happen... should you tell everyone especially blog about it or shut up about it??? I got some good news a few days ago and things seem to be going well. I told a few close friends but wish I could shout and tell every Tom, Dick and Harry... but I don't want to jinx it.... I used to say I'm not superstitous but all of a sudden ... I AM!!!! hmmm... there goes that open minded lady... Well for now.. I'll still ponder... or wait till its all over and then I can blog about it. I keep thinking.. "knowing my luck, someone might just break a leg or fall sick, then that day won't go well, so Yours Truly, keep your mouth zipped up!" ARghhhhhhhh...... hehehehe I'm going nuts!!!! Ciao!!

Continue reading...

Happy New Year!!!!

2009 is here..... I want to wish everyone a..... Happy New Year and that 2009 will be a good year to all. Eventhough 2008 went downhill towards the end for the whole world, I'm still grateful that I have been happy and glad my family and close friends are here to support me. Hey, I'm not complaining about gas at $1.65/gallon... hehehehe...

Continue reading...

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas !!!!

Continue reading...

This Threw Me Off My Seat

Come December is when I start knitting furiously as I love giving away scarves for Christmas... and when i do this, I love to "listen" to TV on the sofa. Scrolling on my comcast remote... I saw on the program... PBS Great Performance: Hitman David Foster & Friends... and I selected it. Right away, I heard someone sing the ending part of St.Elmo's Fire song... and next Katherine McPhee came on (I ran and quickly switched on the amplifier).. and oh my... her voice... her pretty face and her pretty voice... it has surely grown.. I was impressed as the last I saw her was the final of American Idol where she "lost". I just love what I saw as she certainly has improved and now looks professional... Like a Mom that is proud of her child... I was proud to see how much she has grown professionally... I "YouTubed" her on this special.. and found her clip... plus my favorite Renee Olstead... so enjoy what I did last night.....

p/s.. I don't usually buy DVDs.. I'm thinking of getting this DVD as it has a great list of singers performing. (damn public library doesn't have it or I'd borrow it)

Continue reading...

Can You Sewing Quilt on Handy Stitch??

Is it possible to sew a quilt with a Handy Stitch??

Hmmm.... any idea?? Please let me know... oh wise ones....

*grin* Oh S... I just love you!!!!

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...

Koo Koo Ciao dissapeared!!!

My sister in law is pregnant (brother's wife) and weeks ago, I spoke to my sister in Singapore. She told me the good news that the ultrasound revealed it was a boy. Fastforward to last Thursday, I was on yahoo chat with my cousin's wife and she brought up the topic of babies and said "wah, your brother is going to have a girl." and I said "NO, its a boy."She asked "are you sure, that is not what I heard." Confused, right away I called my brother and thank goodness it was not midnite yet or the suspense would have killed me. "Eh, are you having a boy or girl?" I didn't even greet him as I got too excited.... He answered "Girl." Surprised!! I asked "What happened to the Koo Koo Ciao?" He in his cool manner said "Koo Koo Ciao dissapeared." After that call, I confirmed to my cousin's wife that she got it right. Then I called my sister but got her voice mail and left her a message... "Idiot, why didn't you tell me that the koo koo ciao dissapeared!!" For some of you that would have figured it out by now.... Koo koo ciao is a Hokkien word meaning... P-N-S... boys genital.. Its a common thing that parents in Malaysia will find out the sex of the baby. I refused to know my babies gender as I believe that its one guaranteed pleasant surprise that God gives. I just love the suspense and it was hard with the boy as I had to do amniocentesis. I had to remind everyone that held my pregnancy records to not tell me the sex of the baby. I know, I know some parents like to be prepared.. I just always had 2 (for each gender) names ready... and got everything in yellow, green, blue and that way I could save money on clothes which they only wear for 3 months... I'm happy my brother will get that little girl who will twirl him round her tiny fingers. He is a good dad to begin with... And we 3 siblings now each have the 1 girl and 1 boy combo. And this little girl will get to wear Gilly's baby clothes ... which I like seeing as its a reminder of the baby girl I got.. So.... hehehe Koo Koo Ciao Dissapeared news... was a hoot!!!

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...