Footsteps With Him

While daddy was away

2011-11-04T17:07:00.004+08:00

Daddy was away for biz trip for a total of 13 days. Thank God he is coming back tonight :P

We've been telling Clement that daddy will be back today. Early morning when he awakes, and it was still dark, he sat up on the bed and turn around looking on our King size bed. No sign of daddy. Only the sleepy "pretend sleeping" mom.

"Mama, 爸爸。。。没有。。。回来。。。（daddy did not come back)." That was his first sentence of the day. Gosh. Did he feel cheated??

"爸爸... aeroplane...没有。。。回来。。。（he actually mean Papa is still on biz trip, not home yet, in case you think that he says daddy fly kite, that's why not home yet)" Guess that is the most logical reason for him why he did not see papa on the bed when everyone tells him that daddy will be back TODAY!!

Haha... Guess that time I should set 'precise' expectation for him -> Papa is coming back TOMORROW NIGHT instead of TOMORROW.

Feeling so relieved that daddy is finally coming home, though 'home alone' with Clement is still bearable for this heavily pregnant lady, with help from my in-laws. Only thing I regreted was that I dare not remind him of "Sunday School" on weekends. Because if I talk about it, he will start looking forward and I'm not sure if I'm able to handle him alone outside with the big belly and slight lower backache coming on and off.

Anyway, glad that he was happy with the weekend activities we been through together while daddy was away - walking to and fro the beach nearby, playing Play-Doh, drawing with fingers using washable paints and so on. Besides, am more pro in blowing bubbles through Clement's fist during bath time. I used to be so bad in this skill that everytime Clement gives me a disappointed face :(

Daddy, you need to work harder to bond back to Clement lo. He is very sticky to mommy now since you were away.... :)

Sharing on Parenting

2011-10-27T13:14:00.001+08:00

Saw this in friend's blog, which she referred to from other blogs. Nice.

http://parenting.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=5020390&page=3
清晨七點十分，先拉開嗓門叫孩子起床，再急忙準備早餐。十五分鐘過去了，還沒聽到有任何動靜，眼看上學快遲到了，只好一個箭步衝進孩子房間大吼：「趕緊去刷牙！」「還不換衣服！」「快點吃早餐！」

面對一連串「快點」的指令，孩子的動作卻更加磨蹭：「我想再睡一下。」「我找不到運動服……」「聯絡簿呢？」場面完全失控，惹得媽媽氣急敗壞，忍不住發火。對許多小學生媽媽來說，上學日早晨，家裡彷彿成了戰場。為了排除萬難，準時送孩子出門上學，做媽媽的不得不繃緊神經，言語間不知不覺充滿了肅殺的氣息。

其實，只要把握五大黃金守則，適度運用組織管理技巧，媽媽就可以給自己一個從容的開始，孩子也能踏實展開每一天的生活。

守則一：完善的事前準備

「最讓我感到疲倦的原因，是自己沒有為生活做好足夠的準備。」蔡穎卿在《我的工作是母親》一書強調在照料一家人時，做母親的心會因為提前的準備而安定下來。

天下雜誌教育基金會祕書長凌爾祥很重視孩子的早餐，充分的準備讓她的早晨有著從容不迫的餘裕。前晚她會用大同電鍋煮好五穀飯，隔早不消兩分鐘就能捏出飯糰。「前晚先想好早餐要吃什麼並做好準備，可減少出錯的機會。」任職於貿易進口公司的楊玟莉會事先切好水果放進冰箱，隔天起床馬上就能現打新鮮果汁。

不同年齡的孩子，能做的事也不一樣。了解孩子能做好哪些準備工作，譬如挑選隔天要穿的衣服，或準備該帶的物品。製作一份檢查清單，列出書包、課本、餐袋、作業簿等項目，並讓助孩子養成睡前確認的習慣。

專家建議，在玄關處放張小桌子、椅子或收納櫃，規劃一處「發射台」，要求孩子前一晚將隔天上學所需的物品，統一放置在該處。出門「拿了就走」，就不會丟三落四。

守則二：把起床責任交還給孩子

不停催促孩子「快點」的媽媽，只會讓自己筋疲力盡，孩子也無從培養自理能力。「經驗是最好的老師，」某私立女中老師張心怡（化名）指出，孩子都不喜歡遲到的感覺，與其使出「媽媽牌鬧鐘」，不如讓孩子明白「起床是自己的責任」。她跟小六的兒子約定：如果鬧鐘響了，你沒起床，媽媽只叫你一次；要是繼續賴床，就得自己承受遲到的後果。

「孩子終究是孩子，有時就是會失序，重要的是，要找到把孩子拉回來的方法。」張心怡會跟兒子分析：「如果你一直要人催，我只好提前半小時叫你，這樣算起來，你反而少睡了半小時。」孩子覺得有道理，隔天就能調回正常狀態。

實施獎勵制度，也有助於養成早睡的習慣。家有兩個小學生的楊玟莉會準備月曆，讓孩子每天記錄自己睡覺和起床時間，發零用錢時順便檢討，很快就能看出成效如果孩子的起床問題仍沒改善，應設法找出原因：是否太晚睡？睡眠量夠不夠？每個人所需的睡眠時間不同，除了滿足孩子的睡眠需求，父母也要先以身作則，養成規律的作息。

守則三：建立標準化的出門流程

「有些孩子不是不肯做，而是需要大人幫忙建立一套流程，」楊玟莉分享，她小三的女兒是個「需要軌道的孩子」，經常搞不清楚狀況。為了減輕工作日的負擔，楊玟莉利用週末將孩子上學前該做的事，規劃出一套有效的流程，透過遊戲活動，和女兒一同練習。漸漸地，女兒就能知道自己接下來該進行哪個步驟。如果孩子漏了某步驟，媽媽只需心平氣和請她去補，不必在孩子後面趕鴨子，也免去親子間的拉鋸戰。久而久之，孩子也從規律的流程中，建立對生活的掌握感和信心。

為了能準時出門，拿捏孩子的起床時間更是成敗的關鍵：先設定出門的時間，並問孩子需要多少時間跑完整個流程，往前推時要多留十五分鐘的緩衝時間。如果孩子動作溫吞，建議孩子把起床時間再調前一些。

動線的安排也不能輕忽。楊玟莉回憶，以前小孩總是出門前一刻才上樓找襪子，爬上爬下很耗時，而且往往跑到二樓又忘了自己要做什麼。後來她把孩子的襪子改放在樓下房間，孩子起床下樓，先穿妥襪子再吃早餐，可減少出門前的混亂。

守則四：早餐力求營養，但從簡
早餐，開啟一天的能量。中央大學研究員周育如專研兒童發展，深諳早餐對兒童生理和腦部發展的重要。在一切從簡的堅持下，周育如將早餐模式化，分成主食、飲品、水果三類，各選定幾種食物換來搭去，兼顧營養和效率。以主食為例，前晚多煮些白飯，早上微波一下，用冰淇淋挖勺挖兩球，灑些香鬆即可；或請孩子幫忙在土司上加肉鬆、玉米粒，放片起司放入烤箱烤，幾分鐘就可搞定；或把蛋加點水攪拌放進電鍋蒸，再淋點日式醬油做成蒸蛋。

有時，混搭也是種方便的選擇。先篩選幾項有健康概念的外食，搭配自己做的早餐，可減輕準備上的負擔。凌爾祥會用五穀米粥搭配7-11的茶葉蛋，或現打生鮮果汁配全麥麵包。即使材料再少，媽媽依然可發揮「窮則變，變則通」的創意本領。有回凌爾祥突發奇想，在五穀飯糰裡包入碎餅乾增加口感，竟讓女兒讚不絕口。

排定優先順序有助於提升效率。凌爾祥建議媽媽，衡量每件事所需的時間並善用零碎時間，做有效的排序，可簡化早餐的準備程序。

守則五：比孩子早起

楊玟莉回憶，每當和孩子一起睡過頭，全家就會陷入兵荒馬亂的局面。後來，她提前十五分鐘起床，先完成份內的事，等孩子起床，就能把重心放在確認出門的進度上。

日本人氣專欄作家成田奈緒子，也是兒童精神科醫師。她說，每天比小五的女兒早起一小時享受獨處的寧靜，是她忙碌生活的能量來源。

=====================================================================================孩子拒絕管教，該怎麼辦？
女兒今年六歲，她兩歲多時，我跟她講話，她就回我：「不要說了。」讓我感到很訝異。現在我告訴她一些道理，她竟然回答：「不要說了，不要每次都說是關心我什麼的！」而且她不喜歡別人教她，我告訴她：「這樣永遠沒辦法學到東西。」她又會叫我：「不要吵！」我這當媽的都不知道該怎麼教了。她才六歲就這樣，長大以後怎麼辦？

您為孩子的付出及認真、不斷思索如何幫孩子的精神，讓人佩服。但每當方法不彰，您可能會想：「是否我的方法不適用？」「什麼方式才是有效的？」當孩子回應您：「不要說了」、「不要吵」時，您腦海裡可能會馬上閃出「沒大沒小」、「孩子怎麼這麼叛逆」……等念頭。而這的確會讓您更想透過教育，幫助孩子，避免她誤入歧途。
其實您的孩子很有生命力，能勇敢說出她的心情，是未來很好的社會適應力。當孩子說：「你不要……」時，是有「自主」的需要，表示「我長大了，我想要自己嘗試。」人的自主語言表達，是從「你不要如何」到「我要如何」，最後在適當時間提出需要，和對方「相互協商」。為了幫孩子邁向自主語言表達的下個階段，當孩子說：「你不要如何」時，您可以緩和回應：「那你想要什麼呢？」聽聽孩子，讓她學習表達「我想要如何」的自主語言。
您真的是很關心孩子的母親，不過目前孩子可以接收到您的關心嗎？我相信若您能從自主的角度來關心，將教育工作交給「實際的自然經驗」，讓孩子從經驗中學習。在孩子有成功經驗時，多鼓勵孩子「已經做到」及「具體的好行為」，陪孩子享受成就的喜悅；若結果不如孩子所想，陪伴孩子的失望，讓她了解自己正處於嘗試及學習的過程，沒有成功不代表她做錯了或是她不好。這能讓孩子真切感受到您的關心，進而成為孩子繼續接受成長挑戰的泉源！（黃美淇友緣基金會專任諮商心理師）

http://parenting.cw.com.tw/QA/QATopic.action?id=322&idType=1

My dear toddler (22months)

2011-09-29T13:20:00.008+08:00

It's been a wonderful journey witnessing the growth of my lil toddler. He has turned from a child who loves seeing you dance, listening you sing, following your story tellings, to an active bubbly boy who will dance, sing and even tell you stories to cheer you up :) How amazing! I still remember he loves the song "拔萝卜" where you have to keep thinking of which additional person to called to come help you pull the giant raddish. This was his favourite for many months till later on he liked "old Mac Donald" until now. This is a normal song that we sang till bored and decided to add new 'features' in the song, changing new lyrics, but still, everytime you repeat the song, it's different animals/sounds or theme. Challenging har. But lately he will tell you ahead what animal he wants. Even funnier, he'll tell you horses don't go "neigh neigh", but "tik tok tik tok"... haha. And he insist you to sing his version. Occasionally we will ask him to sing, he might or might not. But if he does, it's really very cute and entertaining.

Story time has also been a good bonding time for us, especially before bedtime and while we travel in the car. "Noah's Ark" is still his favourite, besides "Daniel in the Lions Den", "David and Goliath" and also "God called little Samuel". When we asked him to tell us Noah's story, his version will sounds like this: Noah - good man - God - build big big boat - rain... (and then we will remind him that he forgot the animals, and he will recap as follows) two elephants - 2 giraffes - 2 birds - 2 bear bear - 2 moo moo cows - 2 eagles (until he run out of animals) - rain - dove - olive leave - rainbow. If you interrupt and ask how long it rained? He will tell you "forty days". And you ask forty days and...? He will continue "forty nights". Cute!

As he likes stickers a lot and we found this at the Baptist Bookstore. It was his BIGGEST sticker project (8 A4 size).

Before:

After:

However, this sticker project is different from his previous sticker project, which we bought with RM10 from Daiso:

This one is re-attachable stickers which you can stick on flat surfaces like wood or wall. When it is less sticky, you can wash it and it is sticky again. Clement is so used to this re-attachable version that he thought that his Noah's project works the same way. He started peeling off some of the stickers. We tried explaining the differences but he couldn't understand. No choice, am currently keeping it at a safe place. Will have to gather at least 6 pcs of similar sizes poster to laminate them since the min cost the shop will charge me is RM16. Guess it is related to their machine set up cost. Therefore, we'll wait to see if any parents having the similar Mega Sticker project as this and would like to combine with us to meet the MOQ 6pcs, or we'll buy more Mega Poster Sized Sticker Projects for Clement (I think he will smile ear to ear if he hears this). haha.....

Recently I had my first online shopping at Fabulous Mom. Got this RM10 Little Bat bag for the little boy, and also a pink Little Angel one for his mei mei. His first reaction was - he can now fly like angel! Haha....

Check out his favourite expressions lately when you take out the camera phone to take his photo:

This was after he feed himself daddy's ice cream 'cake' (actually we bought daddy a tub of Nestle Ice Cream, lit some candles on it as replacement of a real cake). happy birthday daddy!

Drawing has no boundary, even on your face. Haha....

That's my little boy, 2 years old to be in less than 2 months time...

Getting more expressive

2011-09-19T13:14:00.003+08:00

Clement is growing up so fast day after day. Am so happy that God blessed me with a job that require no travelling at all, and can have more time with Clement after work and during weekends.

Occasionally when we were rushing off to work in the morning, Clement would want to help carry my tumbler and handbag. Good that he has not attempt to carry daddy's heavy laptop bag. There were two occasions where he actually shouted at us when we were approaching the car. He ran into the house and showed up holding a food carrier at the gate later on, trying to remind us to take it to work as we've forgotten to. What a nice gesture and attentive boy. He really take notes of details, which surprised both YS and me. The caring character really touches our heart.

On Sunday, I went to have a haircut, after almost half a year of messy hair. To cut short the time, I prewashed my hair before I went there. Since there was not many customers in the shop, the hairdresser told me that it's going to be my turn in few minutes and my family member can just wait for a while. As Clement is in the stage of 'stranger anxiety' recently, he cried refusing to leave the car nor to enter the shop. Thus daddy and him stayed in the car while I went in for a 'quick' cut.

When done, I only realised that it was raining outside. Since it was not raining when I left the car, I did not bring an umbrella with me. After I entered the car with the hairdresser and her umbrella, Clement welcomed me with a big smile and hug.

On the way back, he said, "Mama forgot...."

He repeated that several times as I couldn't catch it the first two times. When finally it rings the bell, I asked him, "Mama forgot what?"

"Mama forgot um-bre-la... raining... Noah's ark..."

I asked if it has been raining for some time. YS said yes. And I asked if he mentioned umbrella to Clement in the car before I came in. YS said no, which he was also surprised at Clement's ability to express himself in words he knows.

At night when Clement was tossing in the bed trying to sleep, he hugged his Mickey Mouse. Recently he is very buddy with Mickey. (He even play wrestling with Mickey. He would free fall on Mickey and then tell us sympatically that Mickey stomach pain-pain, while rubbing on Mickey's tummy and say sorry to Mickey.....) Then we heard him saying, "Thank you, Mickey Mou... Mickey Mou, 谢谢你..." before he went to sleep. May God continue to nurture the loving and caring character in you, as gentle and merciful as what Clement means...

Thanks God for teaching us to love, through this little boy. May mei mei be as loving and kind as her ko ko too.

The Visit to Logos Hope Ship

2011-09-06T13:01:00.002+08:00

Yong Sheng, Clement and I visited the Logos Hope ship on 3 Sept, at Port Swettenham, Penang. On Friday night, we told Clement that we will be visiting the ship the next day. He happily sang "baa baa black sheep.... wooooo...." in response. Oh, how to explain that both "ship" and "sheep" are different thing though they sound similar?

So I started using "big big boat" instead of "ship", but on and off will keep repeating that "big big boat = ship". We had great time fellowshiping with some friends and their kids during the ship tour, followed by the book fair. I was happy to grab some kids bibles with CDs which are so cheap and nice! The songs are so lovely too. There were many other kids books and we bought some for Clement, not forgetting his latest favourites - the sticker books and some "Bob The Builder" fridge magnets :)

After a long day, Clement had a 4hours afternoon nap on that day. When grandpa asked how him how was his day when he finally woke up for dinner, he stretched out his hands wide saying, "Big big ship"! Haha.... Kids learns fast. Why was I so paranoid? :p He can now differentiate the "ship" and "sheep". Good boy!

Missing in action for more than half a year...

2011-08-10T12:03:00.016+08:00

Well, looks like I've disappeared for pretty long time. 8 long months without any post!!! Aiyo. Actually I composed a long one 2 months ago, but when I return to continue, only 10% of the entire draft was saved! Demotivated till now...

Probably have been really tied up with my 3M job as lots of traveling was required especially when I'm required to cover Ipoh as well since Jan. It was really consuming much of my time and energy travelling on plane or car EVERY WEEK for a total of five long months. Then, remaining time will be for a lot a lot a lot of rest to rejuvenate. Excuses... :p

Jan - it was my first 3M Sales Convention and Annual Dinner. Both took place in KL, Sime Darby Convention Centre and Le Meredien Hotel respectively. Nice. Thye actually hired event planner (The Jungle People if I remember correctly) which was not too bad. So glad am able to fit into the Cheong Sam I bought for the annual dinner. People told me that KL people will really dress up for events, and indeed I witnessed it, a huge difference compared to those few in Penang which I attended before. Imagine that, even guys also spent to rent costumes which suits the theme - Shanghai Night. There were few Malay colleagues who dress up as Monkey King （孙悟空）, Na Za （吶咤）, Huan Zhu Ge Ge （还珠格格）and so on (which not really matching the theme, but they were sporting enough to wear those costumes through the night!!)

My lucky draw prize, woth RM280 if not mistaken... They told me that usually the new hires will SURE win lucky draw prizes and I didn't really believe it. But it did happened to 60% of my dept new hires...

I think I have the most mother's chat with her...

The Technical Services Team Photo...

Feb - Chinese New Year, Wedding 3rd anniversary (wah so fast!!), and Valentines. Clement gets to wear several chinese costumes which were given by relatives. He looks so cute in those outfit - little chinese boy...

Apr - It was really rare to have a senior manager to organise trainings to the staffs. But in 3M, we were so blessed to have one who was willing to allocate his time to teach us how to use Microsoft Movie Maker as it seems useful to impress customers with the information, photos and videos we have. Nowadays power point is not sufficient or impressive enough. Short quality video speaks more than a thousand words in a short and interactive way, don't you think so? He is really up-to-date and techy though he's not from IT or engineering background. All he taught us was what he self learned during his free time. Salute! Well, free trainings don't come free. Our 'homework' was to submit a 2 minutes movie of any topic in 3 days time. Sweat... But it was a good practice. This is my first movie....

June - This is a special month. As it marks my last month in 3M. Till today I did not regret joining this great company with wonderful and talented people. However, the job was not really suitable for me for long run as it requires tonnes of outstation travelling, driving, flying (which majority are ad-hoc), and also the consistent fear of the need to stay overnight out of Penang for unresolved issues (again, adhoc). If I were not married, with no children, or if I am a guy, probably it would really fit me well :) Anyway, I do really enjoy all the friendships built within this 1 year.

The pantry room which turned into my lactation room for <1 hour daily. The mini bar was specially arrange for milk and food storage since the other existing refrigerator has some chemical stored inside.

The team of people whom I work most closely while I was in 3M. My 'travel' partners.

This was also the month where little brother graduates as a medical student. And also Clement's first flight experience. We went to Langkawi for a family retreat :)

July - This is another important month which I joined Altera, back to the company which paid for my tertiary education. Haha, the old scholars said, "Welcome back!" In fact, all UTM ex-scholars are now back with Altera, except for CCL. Everyone was 'waiting' for the Reunion Day if she does come back someday, and if all of us are still here. I really thank God for blessing me with this job, in this comapny which does not discreminate, at the right and perfect timing.

Below is a video I like. I'm not a crab person as I'm timid in heart one. Haha... When I introduced the little crab to Clement, I was also afraid that it might bite him. Thus I did not really let him touch it, just in case. As a result, he was also a little fearful at first. Then brave MIL teach him how to play with the crab...

Wrapping up for 2010

2010-12-29T14:49:00.004+08:00

Gosh. My last blog was in early Nov. And worse still, it was a copy and paste material, not pure TCM works.... The REAL last blog dated 13Sept. Imagine that...

What have I done these many many months? Hmmm... Since Malaysia Day, I've been restarting my baking engine, which target was to bake Clement's birthday cake. Those few weekends in Sept through Nov was pretty busy as once Clement sleep around 8+ or 9pm, my baking task will resume. YS called it midnight baking. Tried several items like carrot cake, steamed pumpkin cake (supposed to be pumpkin cake but oven was on Emergency Medical Leave for 1 week), custard cream puff, almond mango cake, banana bread, and finally New York Cheese Cake and banana muffin for Clement's birthday. After that I got a little slack since I have to deplete all the cakes since my in-laws are not cake lovers, and the cakes may not meet their expectation. Too much carbo-loading. Let's take a short break for now till I'm motivated to restart the baking engine again, maybe sometime next year.

This is one of the giant cream puff I baked. This was room delivered to YS who was babysitting upstairs in the midnight, fresh from the oven. It tasted so good that night, but in the morning it's not as good as this, when it was hot and fresh.

During the baking season, there were always few hundred of minutes where you stay idle doing nothing in the midnight waiting for the oven to "ting". One of those days I was introduced to PPStream. And my short term hobby started. Hahah... Covered 2 famous Taiwanese movies: 幸福下一站 and 命中注定我爱你. These 2 dramas I really like them. You may watch if you have free time. Anyway, as I don't wish to turn into a potato who quit doing anything but staying in front of the laptop every night, I stopped downloading movies and went back to my normal cow routine.

Talking about cow routine, am pretty relieved that I am able to fully breastfeed Clement till he turns one. Wanted to quit when he turns one to resume to normal human lifestyle without counting the hours daily, choosing selected 'suitable' oversized blouse to wear, carrying 2 backpack to office and business trips during weekdays, popping in multivitamins and calcium pills everyday..... But felt it's a waste since my breastfeeding process is so smooth and supply is still sufficient. In fact, turning back to 6 months ago, I was so worried my new job will affect my milk supply. But HE has provided, and more than enough for Clement. And my routines, HE has taken care, all of them. I always tell Yong Sheng that things always changed to be favouable to me, which I really thanks God HE continue to test and build my faith. Well, after all 1-2 years of cow years for now, is still very short compared to number of years I've lived. Besides, till today I still enjoy the bonding time we have during nursing, really. It is a rewarding journey and sacrifice.

This year is a precious year, some may not understand. Haha... If you guessed it correctly, BINGO!! Yeah, this is the final birthday which my age starts with a number 2. It's as if I have not celebrated my birthday for long long time. 2008 I was in Shanghai alone during my birthday, last year was just after my confinement and all focus was on baby Clement. This year am glad we went back to Malacca, had a birthday cake with candles on to blow :) Really felt very warm and no regret travelling back there despite the tiring journey.

Updates on Clement? He has now 8 teeth, 4 upper and 4 lower. Able to walk on his own just before his birthday. Now he likes to walk without people supporting him. We don't really mind him 'running' around on carperted floor but when on cemented ground, our heart pumps faster. He can do relevant actions when you ask him, "Where is your ear?", "high-5", "bye bye", "friend kiss", "one-two-tali-zom", and lately I teach him "gong-xi gong-xi" which will be pretty useful in 1 month+ time.

Does Clement looks like older than his age in this picture? haha... It's just illusion coz I strap him with adult seat belt on normal seat.

We are trying to instill in him the habit of brushing teeth in the morning and night before bed. These was his 1-year old official present from daddy and mummy. Cheap but practical leh? :p

My sister flew in all the way from Singapore for his first birthday and bought him this lego set for bath time. He really likes this and insist of playing it everytime he have his bath. Good buy!

How bout YS? He has been a fabulous dad. In this 6 months, I've been to Spore twice, 1 week each, and KL or Seremban (3 days 2 nights) trips almost every month or every other month. Daddy has been coping well and really proud of him. Good job!! Previously pacifier was daddy's "saviour" to put Clement to sleep but recent months he could just pat and sing Clement to dreamland. Really thank God for loving and caring husband.

Pencil & eraser story

2010-11-04T09:40:00.001+08:00

It's inspiring. A story which reminds me of my parents love, and also the commitment I have for my loved ones. Enjoy!

Pencil: I'm sorry....
Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.
Pencil: I'm sorry cos you get hurt bcos of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.
Eraser: That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad. :)

I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational. Parents are like the eraser whereas their children are the pencil. They're always there for their children, cleaning up their mistakes. Sometimes along the way... they get hurt, and become smaller (older, and eventually pass on). Though their children will eventually find someone new (spouse), but parents are still happy with what they do for their children, and will always hate seeing their precious ones worrying, or sad.

This is for all parents out there.....
Hang in there!

10 months old

2010-09-13T22:45:00.003+08:00

Clement is now 10 months old. Phew. He looks like a big boy now, though he is not yet one year old. But everytime he stands beside Shanna, Caris or Gabriel, he looks so tiny. Yeah, he's still a young baby :) So daddy and mummy needs to be MORE patience. Have to always reminds ourselves that we should not scold or beat to "discipline" a child below 1 year old as he does not understand yet. Haha.

Clement still have 4 teeth, 2 upper and 2 lower. Lately he likes to bite everything he finds interesting, esp the buttons on your shirt. Must be very cautious. Did I mention that we find his teeth marks on the headboard of our bed? Once I found a 'crack' on the plastic teething railing on his baby cot. Hope it's a cosmetic defect from the factory and not resulted from the 4 teeth :p

Clement had his first visit to Youth park on Merdeka Day. We let him tried the slides, monkey bars, see-saw, and the swing. He was pretty tired by that time, so not so smiley face.

Lately we found him quite adorable when being seated on the supermarket trolley. He really hold tight to the bars to make sure he won't fall out of it. So cute!!

Nowadays Clement can crawl pretty fast. Too bad lately no baby crawling contest, else Clement can enter as "experienced" participant and maybe help daddy and mummy 'break-even' for the competition 'fees' paid earlier. Besides crawling very fast, walking by holding on to items he can reach, standing hands-free for few seconds before sitting on his buttock, late he learnt to climb. Yes, hold on the the passenger car seat at the back, and use his little legs climb up the seat like spiderman or lizard. Daddy caught him doing the samething twice today, but in the playpen. The little boy is strategizing how to escape from that little jail. Sweat.

Mum and dad bought Clement a Baby Mickey mouse on Hari Raya. Mummy measured and found that Baby Mickey's palm and foot size is same as Clement. Height wise Clement is slightly taller, and thank God Clement has smaller head :p

From some minor test, Clement proves that he can recognise Mickey, penguin, bear bear and other "friend-friend" he has. He confused "daddy" and "teddy" sometimes when you ask him where is "daddy" and he was busy looking for "teddy" in the baby cot.

Yesterday was daddy's 3x's birthday. Clement gave daddy and morning kiss early in the morning, which melt daddy's heart a lot a lot since Clement usually only kiss mummy :p at night before Clement sleep, he gave daddy another surprise (which surprised mummy too). Guess what? 2 pieces of 'home-made chocolate cake' from Clement!! It's a very meaningful gift since it was Clement's 2nd no-poo-day. So now reset back to 0 no-poo-day and everyone is so relieved.

All the best, my dear sis

2010-09-13T22:30:00.002+08:00

It's 10.30pm on 13Sept. I was supposed to be in KLIA, bidding my little sis farewell but due to some reasons, I'm trapped in Penang. Sent her a blessing sms, and managed to call her before she checked-in. She told me she cried the most among her friends. Well, it's a growing process you need to go through. To leave your family, study somewhere locally (like me and Hoon), or abroad (like Yen, Wen and herself). But she is going to the furthest geographical location than any of us. After hanging up the phone, i also cry. Will miss you a lot, my dear sis.

Among all my siblings, I spent the least time with this youngest sis, due to the age gap. And also because when she;s still in primary school, I'm already in uni in Johor and after that 'partially settled' in Penang since it's so far from home and I only go back once a month while I was still single. Don't mention after married or having a child. I never have 'complete' CNY reunion dinner after married to Penang since the day I can go home is the day other siblings need to go back to their 'states' or 'country'. The earliest 'complete' CNY reunion dinner we'll have will be 3 years later when little sis comes back for her final year.

Dear sis, may the Lord continue to show you His plan for your life, as you continue to seek Him, find Him and follow Him through the years to come. As He has blessed each and everyone of us in His unique way, He will bless you too. Continue to serve Him with the talent He granted you, and also the love and patience you have for others, esp the elderly and the children. May His will be fulfilled in your life, as He grant the desire of your heart. Love you sis. All of us are proud of you. Enjoy this stage of life, as you grow to be more independent, and learn to know who and what to trust.

God bless you and keep in touch.

THE SEED

2010-07-29T10:06:00.002+08:00

Got this forwarded email from a friend. Nice one. Sometimes life is just so weird, but you got to stand firm on your principals and God's value.

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different.

He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he like the others, received a seed.

He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.

Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil -He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right.

He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes.

Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!"

Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.

"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the New Chief Executive Officer!"

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends

* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness

  * If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment

* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective

* If you plant hard work, you will reap success

  * If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

   * If you plant faith in God, you will reap a harvest

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later..

"Whatever You Give To Life, Life Will Give Back To You"

God's favour

2010-07-26T13:44:00.002+08:00

I just finished reading the book of Esther several weeks back, a book I really like. A book which encourages me most when you are surrounded by not so friendly people or circumstances. This morning devotion is on this book again. Would like to share with you all. God's favour, that's one of the best gift I really thank God for. Let's strive to be man/woman after God's own heart each day we live.

Finding Favor with the King - Never Underestimate the Power of Favor

The enemies of God and of the people of His purpose should never forget—it is dangerous to attack those who have favor with the King. Haman was about to experience the unmatched pain of God's justice: a complete reversal of fortunes in the time it takes for the king to utter one fateful command.
Finding Favor with the King, p. 169

Scripture Reading
Esther 6:4-9: God turns the tables on Haman's schemes after the sleepless King Xerxes is compelled to “check the records” and discovers Moredecai's unrewarded deed.

Favor often seems to work unseen, behind the scenes and silently in the realm of the human heart, thought processes, and emotions. Neither Esther nor Mordecai realized that God's favor was at work on “that night.” In fact, everything appeared to be going Haman's way!

“Perhaps, unknown to you, a divine reversal has begun in the court of heaven. Take this lesson from Esther: Never underestimate the power of favor ” (p. 169).

If we are honest with one another, most of us will admit that we are continually surprised by God's faithfulness and favor in our lives. Perhaps that is because we habitually underestimate the power of favor, and of God's willingness to grant heavenly favor to people on earth.

In Esther's day and for centuries afterward, a king's favor was the most powerful earthly force available. A king's favor could actually cover and pardon a convicted criminal from all criminal charges and punishments. It could countermand the rulings of the highest court, and set aside the most ancient of laws.

The king's favor simultaneously deals a death blow to the evil designs of enemies while distributing blessings and abundant provision to “those the king wishes to honor.”

Are you facing an impossible situation right now? Do you feel unjust persecution and false accusation have positioned you for misunderstanding, separation, or outright persecution?

“Most of us will encounter difficult days or overwhelming crises when we need a ‘that night.' Not just any day will do; we need a ‘that night' or a ‘that day' to set in motion the intervening favor of a King who never forgets ” (p. 169).

Our heavenly King really doesn't forget the good things we've done, and He actually says so in His Word: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

Will you set your eyes and your faith upon Him? Believe God, and never underestimate the power of favor!

Prayer: Father, You know what I face each day. You also know about my failures and fears—even though I sometimes try to hide them. Many times in the past, I actually underestimated the power of Your favor in my life and I feel missed out because of it. But today is a new day, with new hope and new faith.
I thank You that divine favor is at work on my behalf at this very moment, moving and shifting resources, obstacles, and even the hearts of people. Thank You.

A week of Mum and Baby Bonding (part 1)

2010-07-13T08:43:00.005+08:00

Daddy is finally on biz trip (1st time since we got married in 2008). 1 week trip might not sound long during our single days, but now with baby around, I guess daddy starts to miss us the moment he step into Penang International Airport.

Mummy thus keeps a week journal recording all big and small events happened when daddy is away. This is just half of the journal, just in case mummy fail her memory test again...

Day 1 10Jul10
- daddy took a super early flight at 6+am and left when Clement was still sleeping. When Clement wakes up, only mummy is seen but I think he's ok since mummy is his main source of food. Mummy kept telling Clement that daddy is away and will be back after a week. Actually mummy already missed daddy... Since MIL left for her Spore trip yesterday and FIL is out working, left mummy, Clement and maid at home. Clement is pretty cooperative today, poo poo before lunch and willing to open mouth mam mam during lunch. Mummy introduced potato for the first time and Clement seems to like it. Look at Clement waiting patiently in his baby cot... Mummy think this photo can convience daddy that Clement is really waiting for his return this saturday.

Clement's favourite past time in the baby cot is too stand up holding on to the side rail and try to pull his mobile friend. Mummy thought that baby cot is a safe place to play since Clement can sit there for minutes playing with his penguin, books and other toys, and sometimes holding on the the rails doing some stretching and leg exercise, until this happened....

Let's see the innocent face....

Day 2
- mummy introduced breakfast time with Clement. Haha... actually is because mummy is short handed but still cannot skip breakfast. Thus by putting Clement in high chair next to the dining table mummy can enjoy her milk and bread and cheese while Clement gets some tiny bites of the whole meal bread and water. Mummy was so happy that so far the home alone experience is pretty good. Unfortunately in the afternoon while Clement was having nap and mummy rushed down to store EBM, mummy heard Clement crying while she's rushing upstairs. Oh no... Mummy saw Cement in sitting position in the floor next to the bed. Clement fell down from the bed for the second time in his life... Mummy felt so bad. We apply ice on his head hoping no blueblack or swollen...

Day 3
- today is a super careful day. everything mummy also play safe, esp when Clement is sleeping. Thanks God Clement's head bump disappeared. When I was so glad today is not an eventful day as yesterday, in the evening I was so shocked to see a visiting awaiting in my room. A BLACK AND GRAY CAT!!! argh... the cat bang through our magnetic mosquito net and entered our 3rd floor room. Worse still, he was panicked and could not get out the same way since the net dropped and covered the "path". I screamed and ran downstairs. Argh.... That was the worst night I ever have, cant really sleep since am worried there is more than one cat entered my room, and if is stil in my room!!

Day 4
- first day manage Clement alone without daddy in the morning. It was pretty efficient and was glad everything was done as per planned. first time drive to work on my own since i join this company. first time using the seasonal pass since I apply it. 1st time customer visit too today.... wow... Is it an eventful day today? I thought I escaped until the car key slipped from my palm and dropped into the drain while trying to open the gate lock when i arrived home. Yes, still an eventful day.

Day 5
- this morning i guess i can see 2 top front teeth popping out. Haha... happy 8th month, Clement :) Hope you'll stop doing this,

But more of this in coming days ya, since those are not for your teeth but your eyes and hands and brains....

Was raining heavily in the morning and went it turned to drizzling, I quickly left home to avoid being late. Still an eventful day - car key rosak cos kena air longkang the day before... and I couldnt start the car thanks to Honda's safety feature. Called international call to daddy asking for help. Most expensive helpline I ever called. However, I was cheered up by my little darling sleeping pattern tonight. Like daddy like son. He had a very quiet baby snore when he first fall asleep. haha... so cute!!

3 more days left and daddy is coming home!!! yeah!!!

Clearing the mushrooms

2010-07-07T09:23:00.002+08:00

It's been sometime since I last visited this blog... Ehm, sorry, I mean, manage this blog.... It's time to clean up the cendawan, wild grass and fungus here, and to bring some updates through these few MONTHS!!

Daddy's first tears: Clement felt down from the bed when he was 5months+ old. It happended in the midnight around 12.30am when daddy and mummy were sleeping soundly. BANG!!! "Oh, Clement leh?" followed by daddy picking up Clement from the wooden floor and Clement crying in high pitch. While mummy took over Clement to pacify him, mummy see daddy's first tears and cracking voice asking how could that happen since we still could not figure out how he felt down the bed till today. From that day onwards, there is a noisy rattles near the edge of the bed, nearby to where Clement sleeps. We even did some minor reorganising of the bed and baby cot to reduce the chance of history happen again. Mummy remembered the "bad memory" red and white t- shirt Clement wore that night and did not let him wear that again so that won't remind her of the sad event.

Starting solid: Clement started on solid on 14 May, the day he turns 6 months nett. We had him started with Neslac (green packaging) + breast milk only as his first solid. He had that for a week and we were so glad he is so ready to mam mam. So week after week we add in pear, apple, carrot, apricot, spinach, pumpkin etc into his food vocabulary. Due to his teething milestone, there were times he refused to eat and just close his mouth tight. You can really see the determination he has there. However, I really salute the creativity my MIL has which can trick him to open his mouth so that she can feed him food. Lately we pinch some whole meal bread and let him taste. Haha he's so happy :) Oh ya, he has his first two bottom front teeth on his 6th month 4th week. And the two upper front teeth gonna say HELLO WORLD anytime soon...

Being more mobile: Old people says, 7th month can sit, 8th month can crawl, 9th month grow teeth. But nowadays the milestones are achieved at earlier age, based on some data collected from friends around. Clement is able to sit around 5-6th months. And 6-7th months he can crawl caterpillar style. Lately his crawling is more profesional and steady, even on hard floors. 7th months onwards he has been trying to pull to stand. He likes to do it with his baby cot bars. His latest hobby is to stand on our bed, holding on to his baby cot bars, trying to catch his mobile's butterfly, snail, frog or bee. Haha... During his 7th month 2nd week, he started to transit around holding on to our bed headboard and his baby cot handles. Occasionally he will let go his hand and try to reach you if you are sitting nearby. Yo, dangerous lo... He enjoy most while holding both your hands walking towards you. On 20 June Clement participated in Sunshine Farlim's Baby Crawling Competition. It was a good experince for Clement and daddy and mummy were able to witness the steady, confidence, determined youngest baby in action. Hahha... probably he didn't even know he's in a competition and might not understand the discouraging words some aunty spoke while he was on his ABC mats. Life should be like that, I learnt. Aim for the goal, complete the race, keep the faith. There's one more coming up in Sunshine Square on 17 Jul. Not sure if Clement can go since daddy won't be around on that day. Haha... Babies 6-14months out there, go while you are still eligible. Just for the fun and memory :)

Updates on mummy: Mummy made a big change recently. A leap of faith. haha.... Mummy change job. Is now officially an Avagone and renamed 3Mer. It was a great 7 years journey in my official first company, a place where I grew from a fresh grad, to YS girlfriend, to YS wife, and then Clement's mummy. VinM says that so far he has not met someone who fulfill so many milestones in the first company. A place I've met a lot nice friends and colleagues too. It's not a bad place to work, just some new challenges and ventures I'm looking for. Moving on in the new company, so far still ok. It's a new beginning with new faces, new culture, new working style. I'm glad I'm still committed in pumping sessions and brave enough to make known the needs. And I really thank God for His favour and understanding colleagues so far. Guess what, 7 Jul is a public holiday in new company. So nice....

Signing off for now. Will post some photos next round. Hopefully soon.

Kids eat for free

2010-04-22T22:06:00.002+08:00

A friend of mine told me that we can actually benefit from Kids Eat For Free program. One paying adult and one free kids meal.

"Huh, why? Can my baby eat?"

"Err, you are your baby's 'main course' right? You eat on his behalf. He'll claim from you later.... "

I haven't really benefit from this program so far. Haha... does it sound embarassing? Have you tried it my dear Malaysians with babies?

My latest "teddy bear" and "koala bear"

2010-04-22T21:42:00.007+08:00

I've always like to hug soft toys, esp the big ones. But since they are so pricey, prone to collect dust and space consuming, I settled with bolsters. haha.... (maybe just some sour grapes excuse for not having one)

Lately our little Clement reminds me of koala bears. Though I never hold one before, but I like the feeling of him clinging onto you, holding on your shoulders and sometimes wanna climb up your body when you are carrying him. The warmth when he hugs you, is so nice and close to your heart.

Last few nights when he cried in the midnight, I found a way to hug him close to my heart while patting him to sleep. very bahagia feeling :) so much better than hugging a bolster :p Not sure how long he'll stay in this huggable size and feel. Ah, I gonna miss it when he grows up. Better treasure each moment I have now.

Last weekend after our lunch at a super expensive Japanese restaurant (we got conned by the banner since we did not notice that you are entitled to the 15% discount ONLY IF you spend RM300 and above), I suggested to have Clement posing next to some soft toys on display at the restaurant. Well, since this restaurant is so nicely decorated and I don't think I'll step in there again... ahha. I was carrying Clement and YS supposed to take our photos. But somehow he was not attracted to daddy and refused to look at the handphone camera. So after that I decided to switch with him since I'm the one always taking Clement's photos using handphone camera. Ta-dah........ Easy job. 3 clicks and done.

YS felt funny why I insisted to take those photos since the teddy, doggie and doraemon are not really special. Well, at first I wanted to take the photo of Doraemon with Clement only since this stage he still has the Doraemon look (teethless and cutie tongue when laughing). But I also noticed that at this stage Clement is so small size compared to the big teddy, and he's almost same size as the small doggie. He won't be this size in few weeks or months time. ahha. In case this restaurant still exists when he grows up, probably he'll appreciate his growth rate especially through these first few weeks and months :p

"You know, last time i can sit on THIS teddy's lap..."

"You know, last time I was as big as THIS teddy and doraemon.... you see...."

I can imagine his cheeky face... :)

Sesame Street Cookie Monster

2010-04-14T22:24:00.004+08:00

Cookie Monster in Sesame Street has never been my favourites. I used to like Ernie but now I find Elmo more adorable :) haha... Maybe because I like red...

Clement started mouthing since he was 3+months. He started by discovering the back of his hand, then the fists, then the fingers and recently the thumbs. I like his expression of putting his whole fist into his mouth, so cute... but I usually tell him, "Clement, your mouth not so big la... cannot fit in one..." And that really reminds me of cookie monster.

Cookie Monster is a voracious monster and one of the main characters on Sesame Street. Covered with blue fur and possessing a pair of googly eyes, Cookie Monster has an insatiable appetite. As his name implies, his primary craving is cookies, but he can (and often does) consume anything and everything, from apples and pie to letters, flatware, and hubcaps. Usually when he eats something, he makes loud munching noises, usually like "AWWWWM-num-num-num-num..." (http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Cookie_Monster)

www.coolchaser.com/graphics/3054

Am wondering if one day I find cookie monster pajamas, will I buy for him? wahahah....

Happy 5 months old, Clement

2010-04-14T13:01:00.007+08:00

Today Clement is officially 5 months old. Clement was so blur when daddy and mummy kept telling Clement that he is now 5 months old, so fast hor he has been with us for almost half a year, last time when born he was so tiny and now he so big boy de, bla bla bla.... haha. Next month must be more excited since he can start eating soled by then :) Mummy weight him this morning and he's slightly above 8kg. Good growth though we are still maintaining his milk to 5oz every 3-4 hourly.

Daddy and mummy felt very blessed that God has granted them baby Clement. We prayed for a healthy, happy baby who bring joy to people around him, and to be man after God's own heart someday. We thank God for answering our prayers and Clement has started smiling and baby talking everyday since he was 1 month old, and brought much happiness to our family members, even strangers.

Baby Clement is able to sit more firmly now, and likes to move his legs. Haha, guess he really wants to crawl. Everytime we put him on the bed, he'll turn to tummy position and start lifting up his little butt and moving his legs forward. Daddy and mummy cheer him every morning and he's showing little progress now - at least not giving up so soon :p You can see him smiling with mouth open wide (like doraemon) when we hold him to walk on our bed, or even harder surfaces like table. He likes to feel mobile :) hehe... daddy and mummy better treasure this period when Clement is still not so mobile. Later on when Clement can crawl and climb, we'll be on FOC intensive slimming program. In fact, now that he can only turn one side (180degrees), we should be glad that one pillow at each side of the bed is sufficient. Later on might have to fill the whole room with pillows :p

So far besides 2 caps and 2 sweaters for the recent Cameron Highland trip, daddy and mummy only bought 2 more pajamas for Clement. One is with Doraemon since sis-in-law says he looks like Doraemon when he laughs with mouth open wide, teethless and can see his little tongue :p

Another one was bought in conjunction with this lunar tiger year (no la.... ). Mummy always like to describe baby boys suck milk like "harimau" since almost all her friends with baby boys (and some with girls) report the same observation. They say baby girls are more gentle, and boys are more aggressive while latched on. Daddy and mummy spotted this pajamas at Jusco over the weekend and bought one for Clement. We bought 12-18months one this time since we bought 6-12months Doraemon pajamas for him last 3 weeks, and it is just fitting for him now.

快意享受Ｂ级人生，走出 A＋成就迷思

2010-04-14T09:47:00.001+08:00

Something that I've been thinking also lately. What you really want in life? An example, I told YS that the child is growing so quickly that you actually only have few years to spend quality time with him, growing up with him. Especially now that he spends most of his time sleeping when we are back from work. Time when he's wide awake and ready to play and learn, we are busy making money at workplace.... After school days, college days and working days, you won't be able to have him by your side all the time as now. Thus there first 6 years are actually so precious...

http://www.sjtumba.org/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=1771

快意享受Ｂ级人生，走出 A＋成就迷思

你想要过A级人生，事业有成薪水顶尖，却牺牲掉其它全部人生，还是想过 B 级人生，宁可降格赚次级收入，却能享受精采人生？
这取决于你如何衡量「人生投资报酬率」。

若是成绩单上出现B ，大部分人联想到的，绝对不是「 Better 」，而是「Bad」。

B 这个字母，长期以来被认为是「次等」的表现，每个人都奋力想达到A，甚至A+ ，彷佛若不能达到 A的成绩，就是不够努力与称职。
但人生凡事都追求A，一定能获得满足感吗？

享受生命的充实感

最近「 B级人生」的话题，在日本引起不少讨论。
起因于经济专家森永卓郎，把人生分成三级： A 级人生是「有钱没闲」； B级人生的「钱少一点，但是有闲」，可算是「有钱有闲」。
至于 C级人生则是经济困窘，可能是「有闲没钱」(如失业者 )，也可能「没钱没闲」 ( 如底层劳动者)。

森永卓郎认为，B级人生是最有满足感的生活。
若每天工作10 几小时，牺牲家庭与休闲，不惜一切代价追求 A级人生，即使赚到A级财富，没时间享受也是枉费。
B级虽然收入次一等，但还是能维持在一定生活水准之上，反而因为付出较少的代价，有时间去做自己想做的事，享受生命的充实感，
所以整体生活绝不输A级。

因此，森永卓郎特别强调「B is Beautiful」，认为「B is Better Than A 」。

精算人生投资报酬率

B级人生这种价值观的出现，有其社会渊源。
作家刘黎儿指出，日本经过长年经济不景气，原本「 1亿国民都是中产阶级」的社会，已经不再回头，
转成「 1％超级精英＋99 ％平庸上班族」的结构，除了极少数A＋超级精英之外， 99％工作者的薪水都在递减，再怎么努力也是枉然。

在这种社会结构下，「一分耕耘、一分收获」的正比例关系被打破，打拚不再保证出头天，「努力必有回报」也成为一种欺瞒的说法。
因此，许多日本上班族，开始思考「人生投资报酬率」的问题。
当付出无法获得回报，他们不想再无条件卖命给公司，宁可将更多时间用来享受家庭生活，或是经营个人兴趣休闲。

B级上班族虽不是高薪族，但还是有一定生活水准，也还买得起车子等用品。
比起将人生全部送给公司的 A ＋超级精英，谁的人生比较划算，答案不言可喻。

赢了事业，输了人生

有人用古玛雅文化的活人献祭，来形容追求 A级人生的工作者。
玛雅皇宫贵族居住的中心地带都有一个球场，凡是赢得球赛的人，就会被当作被神所选中的神圣的人，由祭司血祭给神；
而赢家被砍头祭给神明，被看成是件很光荣的事。
超级精英不惜一切赢得 A 级人生，就好象在玛雅球赛最后赢得胜利的人，所换到的不过是过劳死。

根据统计，日本每年死于心脏病的 21万人，至少有 20％是肇因于过劳，其中多半是中壮年上班族。
追求 A级人生本身没错，只是若只把人生当成是一场竞技，就算赢得了胜利，却输掉了身体、输掉家庭、也输掉人生，这样划算吗？

事业高度Vs.生命广度

但追求B级人生，是否太消极呢？

一位在媒体任职的刘小姐认为，B级人生重视「人生投资报酬率」，从追求工作表现的「高度」，转为追求人生多采多姿的「广度」，
这是一种价值选择的问题，与人生是否积极进取无关。

她以研究所成绩为例，一般研究生表现普普大约有85分，稍微认真一点有86 分，一定要表现很亮眼才能拿到 90分。
她自己每天不眠不休，念完所有原文papers才得到 89 分，但其实只要稍微多花点心力念书，已经可以得到86分。
为了多得那3分，刘小姐舍弃了社团活动与假日休闲。
「一学期 120天，每天多念3小时书， 360小时只换来 3分，想想真是划不来；若是拿360小时做其它有意义的事，人生想必更精采。」

刘小姐认为，不论是课业或工作，都适用80 ╱ 20 法则，亦即80％的成绩，来自于 20％的付出。
假设你有 100小时，只要花20小时做 A工作，就能拿到 80分，剩下的80 小时，你有两种选择：

1精益求精在 A工作下苦工，最后拿到满分 100分；

2去做BCDE四件工作，每件工作投注 20小时，各拿到 80分，最后总分是5×80 ＝400 分。

哪一种时间运用方式，投资报酬率较高，可带给你更大的满足感？这就是 B级人生所要思考的问题。

从连续2年蝉联年终奖金第一名的理财专员工作引退，宁可在银行柜台当一般行员的安小姐，就是选择 B 级人生的例子。

工作乐趣荡然无存

大学毕业后，安小姐就在老字号的三商银担任临柜行员，办理一般存款工作，5 年前银行民营化，她在组织重整后，被调到贵宾理财部门。

刚转换跑道时，她相当满意理专的生活，「可以说是虚荣吧！」安小姐说，
这几年理专俨然是当红炸子鸡，金控为训练理专「伺候」金字塔顶端客层，安排许多缤纷的课程，安小姐转跑道第一年学到很多新鲜事，
包括高尔夫、品酒品茗、艺术鉴赏、插花、命理星座等。
课程的多采多姿，让她学到许多人际应对技巧，而且第一年就考上多张证照，还幸运地拉到几位「 VIP 大户」(资产超过 300万元) ，
使她从工作中获得不少成就感。

每想到，第一年的一帆风顺后，银行开始调高安小姐的绩效指针。
「公司把我的业务目标订得『比山高比海深』，高不可攀的业绩压力，令我深感挫折，工作乐趣也荡然无存。」安小姐说，
当时每天加班到晚上 10点是常态，甚至周末假日也不得闲。

「我不怕累，但我最怕客户赔钱。如何在业绩与顾客权益取得一个平衡点，令我饱受煎熬」安小姐说。

安小姐去年决心向公司递出辞呈，但公司基于爱才，强力慰留她当银行行员。

人生，要学习「减法」

挥别年薪百万的工作，安小姐没有后悔。
她说，人生前半段的职涯规画，是一种「加法选择」，所以担任理专时，她不断寻求各种可能性，为自己的职涯资本增值，
包括薪水、职位等等。现在她则把人生当成「减法选择」。
她说，减法管理其实非常简单︰在人生诸多追求的目标中，如金钱、地位、家庭、爱情、享受生活等等，一项一项删除不是最重要的东西，最终留下一两项，就是自己的人生目标。

33岁的李勇毅过去一直是个众人称羡的电子新贵。
担任芯片设计研发工程师期间，李勇毅形容说，自己每天至少12 小时和计算机相亲相爱，忙碌一天后，再也提不起力气做任何事，
下班就直接打道回府，顶多倒在沙发前看电视，洗个澡，睡个觉，又是另一天的开始。
他表示，大部分工程师的生活乏善可陈，根本没时间参加联谊活动结识异性，所以旷男怨女一堆。
「工程师最大的座右铭就是努力工作、赶快赚钱、尽快退休。」

再见！电子新贵

刚开始李勇毅也是抱着这种看法，但3年前他找到人生挚爱的伴侣，婚后生活有了重心，他开始无法忍受一天工作 12 小时的生活。

「4 月结婚、 5月就决定考公职、7月如愿考上高考第一志愿电力工程，分发到民航局上班。」
从电子新贵到小公务员，李勇毅的薪水足足缩水一半，但他毫不后悔。
「以前我用时间换金钱，现在我用金钱买时间，把过去加班的时间，用来享受天伦之乐。

作家吴淡如说，「赚钱也赚到人生，才是最大幸福的人。」人生和金钱的关系有四种可能状况：
赚钱也赚到人生、不赚钱却赚到人生、赚钱却赔上人生、不赚钱也赔上人生。
前两者都是成功者，后两者则为失败者。
赚钱也赚到人生，其实就是 B级人生的真义，拥有一定水准的金钱，做自己想做的事情，才是人生的赢家。

( 本文由《Career 职场情报志》提供 )

Clement

2010-03-28T21:09:00.003+08:00

26 Mar 2010

It was a special day.

Mum sent an sms, "In which book of the bible is the name Clement mentioned?"

I told them many time already since the day we named him Clement, so forgetful... "None." I replied the sms.

"Wrong. It's in Phil 4:3. HA HA!" Mum replied the sms. Sounds like I failed a quiz???

Doubtfully, I turned to my e-bible. And Yong Sheng too.

Philippians 4:3
Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement* and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Surprised and embarrassed :p opps... Clement, congrats your name is in the Bible, and even Book of Life! :) Daddy and Mummy should read Bible more de...

*In chinese, Clement is translated as 革利免。

Fake Crying

2010-03-08T19:24:00.003+08:00

It was not easy to introduce car seat to Clement. But we were glad that he is able to adapt to it after the CNY trip back to Malacca. At times, mummy is still a better car seat, got people to cuddle mar... haha... This was what happened when he got real bored one day at 3month 1week old.

FIRSTs

2010-03-08T18:49:00.006+08:00

Today (7Mar2010), three FIRSTS happened.

First First, Mum attended Sunday service from beginning to the end with Clement. Daddy was on ad-hoc video duty. Thank God it was still manageable :) Mum brought Clement to the front row for few minutes to look at the flaggers and tambourinese. Mum was wondering if Clement like the movements of colours. Out of mum's expectation, Clement turned his head every few seconds to check on his daddy, who is on video duty right at the back of the hall. Haha.... We did not stay in front there there for long due to the loud music and also the short exposure was good enough :)

Second First, Mum and Clement spent about an hour and a half in Gurney Plaza while daddy went back to church for his ministry. At first mum planned to read some books to Clement in MPH since Clement was on baby carrier, facing front. Apparently Clement is more of an activity person and like to walk around, look around. Poor mum had to keep walking since Clement did not like mum to sit down for long... Mum managed to find his favourite Alphabet Bug in Mum's Care and she held the toy in her hand, kept playing the ABC song while she walk around checking out the products there. Most products are nice, but the price is 'nice' too. After that mum brought Clement to Toy-R-Us to look at the high tech toys nowadays. Kids nowadays really have a lot of interesting toys to play. A dad and a child was playing fencing in the store... Dangerous as they were not paying attention to surrounding. Great that mum was able to find a seat near the Toy-R-Us entrance later on and Clement had his nap in mum's arm. So nice to see him sleep. Mummy's legs and shoulders managed to get some rest too (hehe, it was a no-stroller session since Gurney is not stroller friendly. Besides, it was Clement's first time to sit in the baby carrier, need to standby my only 2 hands to carry him in case he get bored of the carrier). I was carrying everything on my shoulder - Good muscle training. Hope mummy wont become sumo or Hercules :p

Third First, Clement laughed out loud for many many times before he went to bed. Mum was so excited and she also ketawa terbahak-bahak with him. Too bad when mum wanted to record it, Clement stop laughing that way :p Daddy saw this laughter once few days ago during their bonding time. That time mummy was standing behind Clement and did not see his face with that big laughter. Today mummy saw it, and heard it, and it was really really amazing!! Wahahahaha....

Thaipusam Replacement Holiday

2010-02-04T18:23:00.007+08:00

Again... stucked in my "Edit Posts" for weeks....

Last Monday (1Feb) was Thaipusam Replacement Holiday. We decided to bring Clement for a real outdoor activity, since all the while we only brought him to Queensbay Mall... We were hoping he'll like the nature, fresh air, trees, birds and monkey. haha.. I kept telling him that we are going to show him monkey. Little creature maybe same size as him, but already able to walk and crawl and run and climb :p (bad description)

As usual weekends, we dress him up first before grooming ourselves. He resist not to fall asleep to make sure we bring him out as per promised. He was already quite restless when I put on his shoes. He was very happy when he has his shoes on, since it means he gets to go kai kai. That settled him and he was not so cranky anymore. By the time we were ready, he was already too tired and was found sleeping by his own in the playpen.

After I transfer him from the playpen to the car's bassinet, he was still peacefully sleeping. Wow, he must be really tired as sometimes he will wakes up when I transfer him from bassinet to stroller or stroller to bassinet.

A quarter through the car journey, Clement woke up. I told him he should sleep and reserve energy since it's still quite a distance from Botanical Garden. However, he loves looking at moving cars and buildings and refused to sleep. I supported him in sitting position so he can see more things in the "normal" angle :p Thank God we managed to find a free carpark. Daddy was trying to make things simple and decided to just carry Clement. No stroller, no umbrella. Mum had some concern but daddy said it's going to be ok.

After walking 300meter, not even arrived at Botanical Garden main entrance, daddy gave up. Clement was too heavy for such 'long' walk. Haha.. So mummy carried Clement while dad walked back to the car to get the stroller and umbrella. That was a correct decision :) We also saw another 4 mom+dad+baby when we arrived there. Looks like it's a good day for babies outing.

Clement was still very awake at that time. He enjoyed the stroll so much that when we stopped to show him monkeys, he got cranky and started crying. Mummy and daddy kept pointing and telling him, "Nah, monkey... see, monkey.... neh, those moving ones ar, those are monkey...." But he simply not interested. haha. Maybe out of his expectations :p And also he was sleepy already I guess. Never leave home without "chut-chut" (pacifier). And it did work to silent him :p But when mummy took out her handphone camera wanted to take Clement's photo, he was quick. See....

Thank God again for the umbrella. On the way back to the car, the sun was shining so bright that mummy had to walk in front, blocking the sun so that Clement can be in the shade (mummy's shadow). Mummy told daddy that Clement was like an emperor. Haha... By the time we reach our car, he was already sleeping. Good.

Hopefully next outing to Botanical Garden, we can walk more than one big round. Haha...

Happy Clement (2nd Month)

2010-01-30T23:26:00.003+08:00

When I told friends that I rarely log on to PC during my confinement and remaining of my maternity leaves, some of wondering why is the baby occupying so much of my time. Well, it was pretty routine of feeding the baby, entertaining the baby, bathing him, help him poo poo, changing the lampin, soothing the baby when he awakes halfway in his dreams. Well, I miss the 1-1 time with him after started working. I especially miss the talking time with him during the weekdays. Am glad still have weekends to accompany him.

Clement is an adorable baby, and will always be, in my heart :)

My favourite photos of Clement (1st month)

2010-01-30T22:53:00.016+08:00

Family photo in Nov2009

Many people were surprised to see Clement's dimple, which he has on both side of his cheeks. His mummy only has one her her right cheek...

Little Clement with little arm, little thigh, little feet, little face...

Notice the skin peeling off on some part of his body. Dr says it's due to he is overdue, but some says it's due to the water bag residue.

This is one of his sleeping pattern. He likes to have a feet stepping on the mattress when sleeping.

Daddy's favourite burping position, Trust me, he is not strangling Clement.

Mummy's favourite burping position is above the shoulder, then will follow this "koala" position which Clement likes.

This was Clement's favourite expression when he was 1month old.

Space Discovery Gym by Lamaze. Guess Clement wasn't really know how to enjoy it yet. How daddy and mummy wished we have such lovely toys and playland while we were young...

ny

The first labour experience

2010-01-30T22:43:00.005+08:00

Finally I'm enthusiastic again to complete this blog entry which has been saved in the draft since Nov09..... Before my memory fades, let me complete it....

"The First Labour Experience" (don't ask me when will the next one be since I just survived the first one)

2-3 nights before the REAL labour(10Nov), I experienced "contraction". It was like the tightening in the abdomen, starts from bottom and extended to the top. But Dr told me that contraction (note that there is no inverted commas here) is the tightening in the abdomen, which starts from top to the bottom, and I will definitely recognise it when I feel it. The "contraction" disappeared after I changed position, so it was a false one, even if it was a contraction...

Being confused, I asked 2 close friends who went through normal deliveries. I asked them how did their "contraction" feel like. One says it feels like you gonna have a bad diarrhea, another one says it's like menstrual cramp. Sounds like different people experience differently?

Anyway, 13th Nov 4am, I felt menstrual cramp. Haha... I was surprisingly happy. Maybe baby is coming out :) But I did not tell YS since he was sleeping soundly. First baby not so fast one la since this is only the "early phase" of first stage.

7am when YS and I went out for morning walk around the housing area, I could feel the Braxton-Hick + menstrual cramp contraction. We started to time the "contraction". It was pretty regular, 15s every 3-5mins interval. Shortly after that, I could feel a small patch of warm liquid flowing down. Worrying that it might be water bag burst, we stopped walking and I told YS we need to walk home. Thank God it was not water bag burst since I felt only a little wet and not water gushing out, nor water dripping out continually. Later at home I found out that it was blood-tinged mucous (show) discharged from the vagina. Good. Clear sign that this could be the REAL labour.

After reached home, I immediately went to take a bath, wash my hair as clean as possible since I might not be washing it for coming few days (well, actually no matter how clean you wash it, you gonna sweat a lot while pushing in the labour room right?). Then we called Adventist midwife to ask if we should be going to hospital directly, or later. After we told her the details on the contraction and show, she asked us to go to the O&G since it was a working day, and Dr can advise further.

YS and I, feeling 'excited' somehow, packed the necessaries and head to Adventist. Haha... baby "keeps his promise' and looks like will be coming out before 15Nov. On the way to the hospital, the contraction was still there, but felt less intense and irregular now :( When we arrived at the O&G, the nurses were surprised to see us. We told them I might be in labour. After taking my blood pressure and weight, I was scheduled to be the next patient to see the Dr. Haha... no need to wait, straight away jump queue :p Dr checked and said that I was 4cm dilated, water still quite a lot, and baby's head is still quite high (not fully engaged). When Dr was checking on the dilation, he did help to stretch the surrounding so that the body will release certain hormone to accelerate the dilation (we found out about this during the 1st checkup after the delivery, interesting). Mixed feeling. We need to continue praying... Since Dr will have an operation scheduled in the afternoon, he said will come and check on me after that. He might want to break the water bag, or induce me so that he can try to reduce the risk of cord prolapse and placenta abruption. He said I should be able to deliver by night time. Ok... night time. I was thinking - still got a lot time to relax (typical last minute attitude...)

YS asked if we could still go jalan-jalan, Dr told us to jalan-jalan in the labour room, since already dilated 4cm. haha... Well, MIL said that jalan-jalan can help to speed up the labour mar.

The nurse then asked me to sit on a wheel chair, and a macho guy pushed me to the O&G ward. Felt so paiseh as many eyes were looking at you. Argh, ok la, nice experience, also able to access the "special lift" where visitors are forbidden to use.

I was sent to a wardroom-like place with attached bathroom and some basic equipment while YS go pay the deposits. The midwives were not quite friendly though. One of them shaved the episiotomy-to-be area without giving you heads up. I was a bit tense as I was not sure what to expect. And when I moved a little as reflects, she just said, "Don't move! Later got cut!" Then she asked if I've already have my big business and I said yes. Then she just walked away. Some mothers told me that they were given some medicines to clear the bowel... Well, better try my best to clear it myself as much as possible later.

Later on only I found out that there are 2 more ladies going to deliver that very morning. No wonder the midwives are so busy and not very patient while answering your questions. Anyway, those few hours of waiting was pretty ok, since I no longer feel the regular contraction nor menstrual cramp. During the wait, we actually "witnessed with our ears" 2 labours. Both were normal delivery. Only then that we realised that I'm actually lying in an actual labour room, not wardroom. At first I did not believe it, but after the 1st mother delivered, that room was left with clothes with blood stain on the floor. What really surprised us was that labour room's door is wide open. People next door can hear you scream!!! Gosh. But it was a good "preview" for us on the actual labour since we can hear the midwives cheering for the mother, together with the doctor (who only arrived last minute). We also learned that you need to convert the "crying strength" into "pushing strength" since the midwives kept reminding them... I was praying for the 2nd mother as she was near labour and when the midwife called the Dr, we heard her responding "Ok Dr. You try your best to come as quickly as possible, we'll do our best here..." Thank God the Dr did make it within sufficient time to help the lady through the labour. Hahah.. after pushing for quite sometime, we heard the midwife said, "Ok, already fifty cent..." YS was like, "Huh? so long already, only fifty cents?" He used his fingers to form a circle. Ooohh.... fifty cents is not very big ooo.... After more cheering, we finally hear the baby's first cry. Wow, so touched. I told YS I'll be crying when I first hear my baby cry later... Different Dr different style. The 2nd Dr was actually a better "cheer leader" than the 1st Dr. But since both were able to deliver smoothly, it was an encouragement to me too. Others can do it, I can too :)

At 12pm, I was already hungry and asked if lunch is included. The midwife was reluctant to give me food as she scare I might throw up if the delivery is soon. After checking with the Dr, she gave me some "soft diet" - porridge and milo. Nice :)

On and off the midwife will come to the room and strap 2 belts on my tummy, one to check baby's heartbeat, one to check contraction. She asked me to press a button when I can feel the baby moving. Err... challenging, I told her I can no longer differentiate contraction and baby moving. Both feelings already like blended together... Hahha...

At around 1pm, there was a shift change. A friendly midwife aunty was on duty and she was very very friendly. She talked and joked a lot with us, made me so at home :p At least I left much more comfortable with her. She'll share a lot encouraging stories when she put on the 2 belts on me and checking the baby heartbeat and contraction. At 2.30pm, the Dr came to visit me in his operating theater uniform. Looks like his operation ended earlier than expected :p I told him that I dont really feel much contraction now. And he suggest breaking the water bag, or induce to expedite the labour - i think that's what normally Dr will do here in Malaysia, at least from few friends I know. But I've also heard of many stories where after breaking the water bag or performing induce, most will end up going to the theater for C section. I told Dr that I would like to discuss with YS since he was out for lunch.

During this period of time, God actually sent us angel in human form. She encouraged us to make the right decision, and don't be pressured by the Dr. She said that if we would want to try natural delivery, we need to tell Dr and make our stand clear. Dr will understand and he will not force you into decision you are not in favor of, since this is our baby. Both of us prayed hard, and when the Dr came in at around 4.30pm, we told him our decision, that is to wait and allow natural birth to happen. I guess he was shocked a little and reemphasized to us the risk of this decision. Baby is already overdue, contraction not regular and if wait maybe next day also can't deliver yet, baby's head too high and water too much... Anyway, we really appreciate his detailed explanations to us so that we will not regret any decision we make. For safety purposes, Dr. requested the nurse to insert the little "water-drip-adapter" on my left hand, so that in case emergency cesarean is to take place, there will be no hiccups. At this time he checked my dilation is around 5-6cm. Still, no pain and irregular contraction. YS was joking that probably that's how "supernatural childbirth" feels like since I was reading the book during 1st trimester and few days before birth. Well, but at least the writer did says that contraction is a way God designed so that we know when to push and when not. If irregular contraction, it really doesn't sounds like the body is ready for delivering the baby...

At around 7pm, the nurses moved us to another delivery room, the bigger one. This one is more complete I guess, I least I see more equipments around. This was the room the first mother gave birth this morning, where I saw clothes with bloodstain? Haha, but it didn't haunt me.

All through these hours since the morning, the nurse has been asking me to wear maternity pad. It is a super big and thick pad compared to the normal ones. Strange? Yeah, I thought it was when she asked me too since the bloody show is just a little by a little. By evening time, I start seeing more blood coming out over time. It was bleeding like heavy flow menstrual after few hours. After 9months without menstrual, this was an indescribable experience. There was an instance when YS told me that there's some blood stain on the bed and I went to the toilet to change the pad. The midwife told him that that is only a small amount of blood. More is to come especially during the labour. She kept reminding YS as she scare later he'll faint. Haha. Anyway, joke aside, from 9.30pm onwards, I can start feeling more intense pain and regular contraction. And there were occasions where I felt I want to pangsai. I sat at the toilet bowl for some time telling nurse that I need to clear my bowel. Then they told me it's the baby's head pressing and kept emphasize NOT TO PUSH as it will injure some muscles or tissue. Argh, but pushing will really make you feel better... Anyway, got to hang in there. To be honest, at that moment with that baby head pressing on, I really wish I could just push the baby out there and then, and settle the "project of the day" Err... in the toilet?? At that time you don't really think much. ahha... Anyway am glad that was only an imagination.

Around 10pm, I start sweating. The pain is still bearable and as per the midwive's advise, I was trying to sleep to store my energy for later use. At times when the contraction peaks, I hold on to my fist, curl my body, whatever, to distract myself from the pain. YS must be regret offering his fingers instead of his arms for me to squeeze... Poor thing.... The aunty midwife did asked if I wanted an injection at the buttock for pain control, which also can make you dizzy and sleep a little before the stage 2 starts. I refused few times since the pain was still bearable and I was preparing mentally for greater pains since I promise YS I will try not to give in to epidural. After the midwife asked few more times, I decided to take la, haiya, perhaps it will make me enjoy the process more. After all it's already in the package and everyone takes it without side effects... But since my contraction has just begun to be consistence and slowly building up, the nurse scare that after giving me this injection, the "momentum" of contraction will drop and the labour time will be much much longer. Thus, at the end, I agreed not to take the injection, and the pain continue to builds up... Besides, I was dilated to around 7-8cm at that time. And the nurse says that it's too late to give that injection though since I've been able to stand the pain level thus far...

When it was near to 11am, I was a little sad, as the aunty midwife shift will be over. She did shared a lot on breathing techniques since I already forgotten most of it after the antenatal class. Her techniques are those more practical ones, she said those taught in the class are too theory and it may not help much. Well, thank God that she did shared with us the practical techniques verbally before she's off duty. Cos the next shift midwives did not tell you anything. Just tell you "push... push... ah, push harder..."

My next option of pain release will be the laughing gas, again, this is also part of the package. The aunty midwife did let me "practice" how to use it few hours ago when she was explaining about the breathing techniques. This time, I really cant stand it and straight away reach for the mask. After breathing in the gas while contraction peaks, it really helped to "distract" you, though you may still feel painful if you keep focus on it... I did not really feel good if continually breathing in the gas. It made me felt dizzy and blur. Thus I only breathe it when the contraction peaks. And I've shifted my focus to "ok ok ... the contraction is coming... ok ok ... standby mask... ok breathe!!!!!... ok now let go the mask and breathe normally". To be frank, I did still feel the pain when the contraction peaks, but the loud breathing in the mask reminds me of my diving experience. haha... those relaxing moments :) so I closed my eyes and made my mind imagining that I'm currently diving! haha. The last dive session was during our honeymoon in Sipadan 1.5 years ago. Sweet memory le... Those diving imagination really helps, since the contraction peaks were so frequent, felt like every 15s or 20s.

I asked YS to ask the midnight shift nurse to check on me. She said I was 8cm dilated. We request for the Dr to come, she says still too early. After few minutes, I felt really really painful and got a very strong urge to push. I asked YS to ask for the nurse again. The nurse, who sits outside at the counter most of the time, without monitoring my contraction and fetal heartbeat as dedicated as the aunty midwife, brush YS off saying that she just checked few minutes ago and won't dilate 10cm too soon. I guess YS got really angry and almost wanted to pick a fight. Reluctantly the nurse came in again and check on my dilation. Then she said "wait..." and went of. We heard her calling the Dr in, "Already 10cm, Dr..."

Argh.... YS was very angry. At that time, I was more worried, since the water bag is not burst yet!! Will it burst itself before the Dr comes in? We really pray hard. It was amazing that this "natural birth" decision has brought us this far. I was thinking, if we've allowed Dr to burst my water bag (which the earlier shift nurse called it my "bao bei"), probably I'd have delivered? Many people said that when the water bag is burst, contraction is more painful due to the friction. Guess I was really blessed with God's favour that all the peak contractions I "suffered" through was milder ones :p

I was kind of dizzy and blur when YS told me that the Dr has arrived. I was glad he made it on time. He checked on my dilation, not sure if I heard wrongly, dilated 11cm... I think my legs were lifted up on some holders at both side of the bed. It helps you to open your legs wide. The Dr. then burst my waterbag, and I could felt his hand pushing slightly on my stomach, trying to control the water from flowing out too quickly. The warm sensation was felt. A lot of water... ahah... I could still ask Dr, "Has baby pangsai inside? Got meconium?" and He said, "No." Wow, thank God. And thank God that no cord prolapse nor placenta abruption.

Next, the Dr asked me to start pushing. It was pretty natural that when the contraction peaks, you'll push to reduce the pain. Wow, felt so much better now since I've been having the urge to push for so long but am not allowed to, and now all you need to do is PUSH. Really felt much better. At first when the nurse took away my "diving mask" I felt helpless, ah, how to distract the pain? But it actually wasn't so bad as you'll stay more alert.

To conserve energy, I was closing my eyes most of the time during the pushing. Partly to be more sensitive to the upcoming contraction, partly to rest while no contraction. At this moment, I realised that I have a lot of stamina to breathe in, out and hold on to it, and push while continue to breath out. Haha.. I took me few rounds to really catch the "tricks" to make the pushing more efficient. Halfway through the pushing (cant really remember the sequence), Dr asked if I need his help. I replied no. Then, I asked him, "Err, what kind of help ar?" Some friends did told me some Dr will help to press on your stomach to top up on your pushing. "Forcep?" I asked. He said, "No, vacuum..." "Err... no thanks..." That's really neither of my options.

Besides "push...push harder... ok ready, push again...", there was a moment the nurse shouted, "ok, can see 10cents already." What? 10cents only? I remember that the new mother this morning, after 50cents, there were quite some time before the baby's first cry. Now mine is only 10cents, not even 50cents!! Oh my... haih... I guess I wasn't pushing enough. After many pushes, I heard "50 cents already....". And YS kept shouting, "ok... one more. One last push... Ok.. you can do it. One last one..." There were so many LASTs until finally I could felt that the head is coming out and I just need to hang in there, continue to push, but harder and hold that breathe longer to sustain the pushing momentum. Something big came out, and later on baby cry. I was aware of the episiotomy cut i guess. I couldn't recall if the Dr said, "Congratulations, it's a baby boy", but I only remember that I was too tired to shed my tears as what I told YS I would earlier. Hahha... I remembered asking if the baby was born on 13th or 14th (the next day).

Later on was the 3rd stage of delivery, the delivery of placenta. There was an injection given near the episiotomy area. I thought that it was some pain killer for the episiotomy, but later on I read somewhere that it is for easing the delivery of the placenta. The delivery of placenta was quite smooth. The following many minutes I was lying on the bed, as the Dr patiently doing the stitches for the episiotomy. I guess the process was pretty long. Tried to chit chat with him since I was a little board (YS already left me to go take video of Clement) but I was afraid the Dr might be distracted and affect the stitches quality. After that the nurse passed the baby for me to see, asked me to check my name on 2 tags tied to his legs, and the baby was put on my breast to initiate breastmilk. I didn't managed to look at him clearly at such closed distance but I knew he made it too. The miraculous journey of him leaving his comfort water zone for 9months to this world filled with air.

By the time I got back my glasses, it was already 1.30am. What a long marathon. I told YS i felt like I've climbed a very very high mountain, or ran a very very long marathon. That night I could not urine, just the muscles are not responding somehow though my brain told them to. During my confinement I read about it in "What to Expect when you are expecting - Postpartum", apparently it's very normal. Thank God haemorrhoid did not gave me much problem throughout the delivery as well as during postpartum.

To God tbe all glory.

For more info on the labour stages, you may refer to http://www.babycenter.com.my/pregnancy/labourandbirth/labour/stagesofchildbirth/

Lesson learnt 101

2010-01-29T11:04:00.000+08:00

After blogging about 'almost' forgot to take the expressed milk from my working place, on 29th January, my 7th day in office, I missed the boat. I attended a teleconference till 6.01pm. And I totally forgot bout the milk until I saw the clock - 6:01pm.

Gosh, I walk at top speed to the clinic - where the mother's room locates. I was hopeful that the clinic is not closed yet. After all last few days a lady in-charged told me that she usually works till 6+pm, and I've still seen her around at 6.15pm. Was rather shocked when I see the clinic chained with padlock, and all lights off. Ah....... How? I remembered now that the lady in-charged is an Indian and probably she needs to leave on time for Thaipusam. As I did not bring my handphone with me, I needed to walk back to my cubicle, at top speed again. It's not very nearby though....

While I was walking, I was counting the days the milk will be "trapped" in the clinic. Since Monday is public holiday, by the time I collect it on Tuesday, the milk will be spoilt already :( I purposely pass by another mother's cubicle. She's gone. Guess no one stays on late on Friday, further more it'll be long weekend...

When I reached my cube, I immediately call the only Avago mother's hp number which I have (suddenly regretted not getting more numbers). Thank God she picked up the phone and told me that the security guards have the clinic's keys.

Filled with joy, I ran back towards the nearest guardhouse from the clinic. I bumped into 3 securities and requested them to open the clinic for me. The most senior guy was very reluctant to help. He told me that the clinic has recently changed a new padlock which they don't have the keys; and even if they have the key, I need permission from the lady in-charge to open (which they also do not have the lady's hp number, so how to call???)... I later on discovered that these guys were simply too selfish as they were on their way to the smoking area.

I called back the Avago mother. Thank God for good timing that she's at the main guardhouse at that time. Over the phone, I heard her pleading with the securities to help me get my milk out. To cut the whole story short, she told the securities that we needed to talk to the top management and finally approval was given to me to get my milk out from the clinic. One of the smoking guys were called back to unlock the clinic for me =)

It took me almost total 40mins to get the milk back. When we arrived home, Clement was already very sleepy and luckily he managed to strived through the bathing time without tears...

Lesson learnt, set alarm at 5:45pm daily, and even if got conference or meeting, leave temporarily. (Hehe, many colleagues support this idea after listening to my bad experience). Again, thank God for His favour. From that day onwards, I always tell Clement to appreciate every drop of his milk....

Started work since 21 Jan

2010-01-29T10:08:00.002+08:00

I've started work for a week plus now. Thanks God Clement has been cooperative and wakes up around 6am every morning. With the daily routine below, YS and I are able to leave our house at 8am and reach office by 8.30am. We've made a point to reach office early, and leave office latest 6.15pm (without short-changing our earthly employer) so that we are able to reach home play with Clement before he goes to bed and sleep for hours.

Morning routine:
1. Clement drink milk (1st half)
2. Clement on potty for big business
3. mum go take bath while daddy play with Clement
4. mum prepare baby bath tub, warm water, soap, towel...
5. dad bathe Clement then dress up Clement while mum groom herself
6. mum play with Clement and ends the session with milk (2nd half)
7. dad brings Clement downstairs to handover to mother-in-law. Usually Clement is sleeping by then
8. mum continue expressing milk since Clement may not have emptied them. Dad will have his breakfast and prepare breakfast for mum
9. Mum packs breastpump and accessories, then have breakfast while dad sterilizes the used accessories which mum needs to bring to office.
10. Mum will continue her breakfast (usually 2 slices of bread) in the car and daddy drive the car

Sounds like daddy is doing many things. Am really blessed with a lovely husband. Most of my time is on feeding and pumping... Sometimes I do feel that I want to spend more time with Clement, hug hug Clement more, but for time efficiency wise, the above routines looks compacted already. Probably some sacrifices to be made while I'm still blessed with breastmilk, the best food for baby. Thus my best bonding time will be his feeding time, though he's mostly half awake and half asleep during that session.

In office, mum is always looking at the clock. 11am and 3pm is the time for mum to report to her 2nd full time job. Mum is blessed with a very efficient pump (Medela Pump-In-Style), loaned from a close relative. This pump saves her much time and mum is really happy about it. As the pump is in a backpack form, it's pretty easy to have outsiders thinking that mum only arrive work at 11+am or leaving office around 3+pm... Haih... Should I put a big tag telling that "I'm not going home" or "I'm in office since 8+am"... haha... some mothers did tell me that the breatfeeding room is safe enough to keep your belongings there so that you dont have to carry to and fro. Well, majority of them are using manual pumps, but the pump I'm using is pretty pricee, and it's not mine... Better take good care of it. Occasionally there are meetings that clashes with mummy's 2nd job. So need to make adjustments here and there. Really pray hard that I'll not have strings of continuous meetings, and also will have understanding colleagues and bosses. Haha. After all I'm just sacrificing my teabreak time for this 2nd full time job in office. Mummy almost forget to go collect her breastmilk from the room yesterday. (The place will be locked at 6pm).

After arrive home, dad and mum has very little bonding time with Clement as he usually is awake since 5.40pm and his awake time is pretty limited. When reach home, depending on what time, and also depending on the awakeness of Clement, the routine below is done flexibly (not in sequence):

1. mum and dad to eat dinner if Clement is not showing crankiness
2. mum will bathe Clement since in the morning dad does it
3. mum will feed Clement and express out the remaining
4. mum/dad will put Clement to bed
5. mum/dad will take turn to eat dinner we did not have it earlier while the other party stays upstairs with the baby

Weekends are very precious, and I understand why many new working parents say that. Am glad this coming weekend is a long weekend (with Monday as replacement holiday for Thaipusam). Really looking forward :)

Before the labour

2009-12-04T21:12:00.002+08:00

Finally am now more familiarized with baby's sleeping pattern and am able to put my memories into words, before I forget the details...

Before labour, most of you may remember the "anxiety" I had - baby did not come out on due date and Dr suggested to induce, which sounded like a "threat" to me personally since we've prayed for no human intervention so that we can give God all credit. Throughout the pregnancy it has been a faith-testing period, and thus we have to continue to trust God for His hand upon us and baby.

We shared the real challenges to some close friends as prayer requests, but it's time for me to write them down here to give God all the glory for ALL answered prayers. God really answered all of them.

1. YS and I moved everything from a rented apartment to my in-law's place when I was in my wk32-34 pregnancy. It was definitely a time consuming process as I can't really carry heavy stuffs and all I could help was to packed the stuff into boxes, or into trolley (travel luggages), storage containers with wheels. All things needed to be packed to be light weight enough for YS to carry them as he needs to put some stuff onto Tim's trolley and his contributive Honda Citi. The moving was like never ending, batch after batch, days after days and weeks after weeks. Anyway, we thank God for His protection despite all the Chinese pantangs (you know what I mean), and house owner who were willing to return us the full deposits though there sounded to be some reluctance at first.

2. If you have piles before, you might know my feeling. Dr told me that piles are common during pregnancy, and it will be there till after pregnancy since the baby and the water bag adds weight unto it, and it might be worse during the pushing time during labour. Haha, he was so shocked to see my piles during wk 37 when strepB test was done. It was so serious that the Dr said that I might need an operation to remove the piles in case the condition is worsen, esp when the baby is engaged (the baby was not engaged at that time). I asked during the operation, baby and piles will be removed, or only the piles. He said, "Only the piles." Huh? What bout the baby during that piles operation. "He'll be in your stomach since you'll be in general anesthesia". Poor baby. I actually cried for the few days and asked God to work miracles. He actually did and thank God the piles not only did not get worsen, but got better. I actually forgot about the piles problem when the baby engaged, and surprisingly, it did not haunt me during the labour (else I might not have pushed hard enough). Lesson learnt, piles should be removed before pregnancy if it's a pre-existing issue :)

3. Baby not engaged when Dr said he should have already during wk37+. In average, first baby usually gets engaged in the pelvis bone much earlier, say few weeks before delivery. We did not understand the importance of baby engaging into that location until later when Dr explained that if baby is not engaged, he might not be ready for vaginal birth. We used to think that if baby's head diameter is bigger than 10cm, he might not be able to be delivered through vaginal since dilation is up to 10cm only. Aiya, wrong concept la. If baby does not report to his 'station' (engaged), he might not have high chance of going through normal delivery. Baby was 3/5 engaged during wk38+ and 4/5 engaged during wk39+. He is not considered fully engaged but "kind of engaged".

4. If amniotic fluid is too little, there is a risk of premature birth. If too much, what's the problem? None of my friends around experienced or heard of people having too much water. But I did. Mine was not critical case though, but every check up Dr kept telling us that "there's quite a lot water". It was till wk38+ that we finally "remembered" to ask Dr what is the implication of having "quite a lot water". He said, when water is quite a lot, the pressure is high when water bag burst. If baby is fully engaged, his head can be like a "stud" controlling the water pressure when gushing out. However, since our baby's head is not fully engaged, there are 2 risk. When the water bag burst and the water pressure is high, the umbilical cord might gush out first and cause umbilical cord prolapse, or placenta abruption. This remained as our prayer even on labour day. But you know from my introduction, God answered the prayer.

From Wikipedia:
Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency during pregnancy or labor that imminently endangers the life of the fetus. Cord prolapse is often concurrent with the rupture of the amniotic sac. After this happens the fetus moves downward into the pelvis and puts pressure on the cord. As a result, oxygen and blood supplies to the fetus are diminished or cut-off and the baby must be delivered quickly. Some practitioners will attempt to reduce pressure on the cord and deliver vaginally right away. Frequently the attempt to resolve the prolapsed cord and deliver the baby vaginally fails, and an emergency caesarean section must be performed immediately.

Placental abruption (also known as abruptio placentae) is an obstetric catastrophe (complication of pregnancy), wherein the placental lining has separated from the uterus of the mother. Placental abruption is also a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Many women can die from this type of abnormality.

5. We prayed for normal delivery, without epidural. YS kept challenging me if I can really stand the pain. Else need to spent additional RM800+ for the epidural if needed last minute... We thank God He has better plans.

6. An old friend who delivered in July actually send me an sms when I asked her how was her delivery experience. She told me her experience was long story (some kind of complicated normal delivery) and I better do all prenatal exercises. I got quite worried as honestly I did not do much exercise, brisk walking or walking up down the stairs or swimming due to long hours in office. Worse still, in office you sit down most of the time. And YS has been nagging at me on this topic :( God answered this prayer of mind by giving me peace, and I totally forgot about "You DID NOT exercise enough" statement in the labour room :p

Clement says Hi

2009-11-18T22:34:00.003+08:00

Finally the long awaited bundle of joy has arrived on 14Nov09 hours 0042. :) Will find some time to blog about the labour experience later in separate post.

You may view baby Clement's 2nd day photo at http://www.pah.com.my. Click on the "Baby Photo Online" button. Access Code is "327432WEM". Personally I like this photo a lot as it was really precious to see him smile with the two dimples, and eyes open wide on the first few sleepy days. Poor Clement were having some eye irritation which is common to newborn on the photo shoot day. Thank God it went off on the 3rd day.

Here is a photo daddy did...

Everybody is waiting for you....

2009-11-12T16:26:00.002+08:00

Ok. Maybe not EVERYBODY, but many many people are waiting for you ooo....

Just realized we have not really announce baby's name. Haha... It should be finalized by now and the baby has responded to that name when we called him.

He shall be called..... "deng deng deng deng deng...."

Clement Chew Xue-Yi (周学毅).

Clement, in Latin means gentle/merciful. 学 means learn. We hope this baby boy will be a humble and teachable one. 毅 means determination.

Daddy says that baby Clement is too determined not to come out by his estimated due date (11 Nov 2009). In fact on 10th night, as usual we talk to Clement and he responded with kicks and boxes. Then daddy said, "Clement boy, tonight or tomorrow you come out ok?" Suddenly it was great silence. No kick, no boxes, nothing... Wow... Refused to agree. Very determined.

On 11Nov night, when obviously baby has missed his "due date", mummy told baby, "Baby Clement, be 'merciful' to mummy ya. Please come out before 15Nov ya... Else Dr gonna ask daddy mummy induce lo..."

Baby Clement, don't let us wait too long ya...

Still waiting...

2009-11-12T15:28:00.008+08:00

"40weeks and 1 day pregnant." That's it? No more xx days to go?

hahah.... I was laughing to myself when I see the ticker on the top my my blog today. Only God knows when the baby will have his grand entrance to the world. Sometimes I just felt that the waiting is interesting. Watching out for SIGNS... Like waiting for the second coming of our Saviour by watching out for SIGNS too. Make sure you attend PCC for the following few weeks for Revelation related sermons by Ps Isaac (free ads).

Yesterday was my 3rd day not in office. So bored. Told Yong Sheng to fetch me from home during lunch. So he dropped me at QBM. Walked and sit and eat/drink for the few hours. Much better than the first 2 days sitting and lying and watching TV. Haha. Best of all, I finally got myself a toy.

Yes, Puzzle Ball. An expensive toy I've been hesitated to buy since I first saw it in KL. Since this is called a "junior" puzzle ball, it came with 3 guidelines to help you.

1. Reference. This is interesting. You can turn the 2 wheels to figure out how the top and bottom of the ball looks like

2. Numbers at the back of the pieces to help you not fix the wrong pieces together

3. Piece #1 is packaged separately so that you don't sweat to start :p

It did not really take much time to complete it. Last night I kick started the "project" and achieved this:

Daddy was busy with his new toy while mummy building the 11cm diameter puzzle ball. Guess baby was happily playing with the umbilical cord and shaking his belly in the womb. (That was what baby was doing in his wk39 check up last Sunday. Dr stopped the scanning for few seconds as he can't stop laughing after seeing the baby performing belly dancing while Dr tried to measure baby's belly diameter.)

This morning within an hour, the ball is completed. Should buy a bigger ball if I found one in future to kill time, esp for "waiting" period like this (dream on... when baby is out, you will be glad you had at least those few minutes to complete the 11cm diameter puzzle ball... )

Ok baby, your birthday present is ready, waiting for you to come out. Ta-dah...

Last lap to go

2009-11-10T10:10:00.003+08:00

This morning when I saw the ticker on the top of my blog says "39weeks & 6days pregnant. Only 1 day to go." Gulp. Time really flies. Wonder what it will say tomorrow, and the days after tomorrow. haha....

Last Friday was my happiest day throughout my pregnancy. Last day at work. Finally I'm ending the stressful days and am making the last lap of pregnancy a much more relaxing one. Phew, ain't I proud to have managed to go through all the ups and downs even with the little baby in my womb? It wasn't easy and am glad God has granted me much favour and has allowed me carrying the baby to full term (and might overdue somemore :p) Used to envy expecting mothers who had relaxing pregnancy, not much workload, happy happy goyang kaki and can go for tea breaks regularly everyday. How I used to wish I have those special privileges too :) But now I am glad the sense of achievements is much more rewarding.

This is the only photo I've taken in the office on my "last" day. I told Yong Sheng I planned to walk around taking photos with colleagues with my big stomach. Haha... but sounded to "kua zhang" (exaggerated) as if I'll never be back to work next year. So I only managed to have one photo with a China colleague, who was having the last day of his trip to Penang on that day. I told him that my target is to have the same belly as his after my delivery. And he laughed :p

Let THE penguin parade begin....

2009-10-07T20:30:00.003+08:00

You are now in your last month of pregnancy....

Haha... what a welcoming word. Well, I like it though, looking forward for the new life begin (yeah, I know, you'll tell me to sleep as much as I want now, and to enjoy all the "honeymoon" season left before the little one arrives). Hmmm... at least it makes me feel that the pregnancy process is not forever, at least.

Thank God for no heartburn, no water retention, no backpain and so on. And also thank God for "under-controlled" stretchmarks :p Though did not really have problem walking for breathing, but a friend recently told me that I'm finally walking like a penguin. Haha... with legs open wider and big tummy at the front?

The one penguin parade has just begun. Should watch the penguin climbing up six storey stairs for the past few weeks. haha.... Now the penguin starts climbing up 3 storey stairs, several times a days. Am glad penguin is able to balance well till now... haha... Yong Sheng was joking that I should start walking sideway, like a crab (haih...) Hope he remembers that he's not in a zoo :p

Baby boy, enjoy your days in the womb. Have your lungs developed well before you come into this world ya :) Give daddy and mummy a good cry to notify us on your arrival...

Braxton Hicks contractions

2009-09-28T14:57:00.001+08:00

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic uterine contractions that start about 6 weeks into your pregnancy, although you won't be able to feel them that early. You probably won't start to notice them until sometime after mid-pregnancy, if you notice them at all. (Some women don't.) They get their name from John Braxton Hicks, an English doctor who first described them in 1872.

As your pregnancy progresses, Braxton Hicks contractions tend to come somewhat more often, but until you get to your last few weeks, they'll probably remain infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless. Sometimes, though, Braxton Hicks contractions are hard to distinguish from early signs of preterm labor.

Play it safe and don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. If you haven't hit 37 weeks yet and you're having more than four contractions in an hour — or you have any other signs of preterm labor (see below) — call your caregiver immediately.

By the time you're within a couple of weeks of your due date, your contractions may get more intense and more frequent, and they may cause some discomfort. Unlike the earlier painless and sporadic Braxton Hicks contractions, which caused no obvious cervical changes, these contractions may help your cervix "ripen" — gradually soften and thin out (efface) and maybe even dilate a bit. This period is sometimes referred to as pre-labor.
How can I tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions?

In the days or weeks before labor, Braxton Hicks contractions may intermittently become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, possibly fooling you into thinking you're in labor. But unlike true labor, during this so-called false labor the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.
What can I do if my Braxton Hicks contractions are making me uncomfortable?

If you're within a few weeks of your due date, try these measures:

• Change your activity or position. Sometimes walking provides relief. At other times, resting eases contractions. (True labor contractions, on the other hand, will persist and progress regardless of what you do.)

• Take a warm bath to help your body relax.

• Try drinking a couple of glasses of water, since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.

• Try relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing. This won't stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort. (Use this opportunity to practice some of the pain-management strategies you've learned in your childbirth preparation class.)

When should I call my doctor or midwife?

Call your caregiver right away if you haven't reached 37 weeks and your contractions are becoming more frequent, rhythmic, or painful, or if you have any of these possible signs of preterm labor:

• Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or more than four contractions in an hour (even if they don't hurt)

• Any vaginal bleeding or spotting

• An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge — if it becomes watery, mucusy, or bloody (even if it's only pink or blood-tinged)

• Increased pelvic pressure (a feeling that your baby's pushing down)

• Low back pain, especially if it's a new problem for you

If you're past 37 weeks, there's no need to call your doctor or midwife just for contractions until they last about 60 seconds each and are five minutes apart — unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise

====================================================================================
Above were extracted from BabyCentre. Last checkup (wk33) Dr asked if I've experienced Braxton Hicks contractions, and I told him I don't know since I'm unsure of how it feels exactly. He described briefly to me, and it sounded much more relevant and "imaginable" than what I've read about in books or website. I guess I experienced it before in the 3rd trimester, but somehow I thought that it was some weird 'stunt' done by the baby :p

After monitoring for 2 weeks, haha... yeah, I can now recognise the Braxton Hicks contractions. But it always follows with a kick or punch from the baby after 30s or 1minutes. Probably was his reaction towards the 'squeezing force' surrounding him few moments ago :p

It's amazing to know how God create our body and function. The Braxton Hicks contractions is actually a "practice" for the uterus to expel the baby out from mother's body when the time comes. Creative creator. He takes care of all details :)

Great Big God and His creations

2009-09-27T10:45:00.004+08:00

During this pregnancy process, the Almighty God has encouraged both Yong Sheng and I in many ways. It's a joy to have a baby. It's a greater joy to know that you are part of a miracle. It's even greater joy to know that you are the miracle yourself.

Read a book recently that each and everyone of us were from the combination of below:
1. 1 out of 100million of daddy's sperms
2. 1 out of 100thousand of mummy's ovums

Out of so many other "candidates", why God made me from that particular sperm, and that particular ovum? It could have been someone else to live instead of me. But God has chosen the particular ones for His unique reason and purpose. No one is an accident. Through the years you may have heard miscarriages or infant death happening around. Why God chose us to be alive till now?

It was a blessed CG meeting yesterday when Freddy shared on Laminin. It was the first time I heard bout it, but it made the verse Colossians 1:15-18 more meaningful, and suddenly made sense to a mere human....

Colossians 1:15-19 (New International Version)

The Supremacy of Christ
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

After the CG I noticed that PCC ISMA Mania mentioned about this too. In case you are interested, go to the links below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKMw1ndl-EY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2mcCvHT1wY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVxdRrWjh0g&feature=related

God is great. Huge and tiny stuff, He's in them. Amazing. My little baby, you got to know this God, love Him and serve Him.

What I like about 3rd trimester

2009-09-23T20:57:00.004+08:00

Used to miss 2nd trimester when it ended few months back. Probably when people tell you that 2nd trimester is the best period you will enjoy, since it's the most energetic months you can enjoy. Haha... to be frank, wasn't really looking forward for the third trimester =(

But after able to cope and handle constipation, heavier weight, increasing tiredness, leg cramp etc, I've also learnt to look at the bright side. In fact, one thing I like most is the movement you feel in your tummy everyday. I still remember that I started track if I'm now able to "sense" the flapping of butterfly wings since week 16, but only ended up disappointing, till about week 18 when I started feeling something moving, but not really obvious ones... It was till 2 days before my week 20 checkup that the baby finally kicked me harder, and enabled me to answer Dr. Low's question "Have you started feeling the baby movement?" "Oh yes.... (finally I'm confidence I felt something)"

Since week 20, baby became more active with increased activities, more kicking, somersaults, hiccups and so on. There were times where you can actually play with the little baby, by tapping back when he kicks you. I recalled testing his "maths" by tapping once, and he kicked back once. Then tapped twice, and he kicked twice. I think he was able to kicked back thrice, but when I tapped four times, he simply gave up, or bored of playing the boring game :p Chew was happy when he was able to get the baby to response to his tapping.

BabyCentre says that at 32 weeks, baby's movements will reach a peak of activity and from now on, you will notice an increase in the frequency and type of movements as your baby gets bigger and stronger. Am now 33 weeks. Yeah, stronger movements. Sometimes can feel his 2 hands and 2 legs moving at the same time, at four corners of my stomach... haha... the guessing games is just fun and funny. Am just wondering if I'd ever see his footprint or palm mark on my tummy. Can Hi5 then :p

Was a Europe baby, but now slowly transitioning to a US baby. Daddy pray that he'll be a pure Malaysian baby when he's out, sleep when time to sleep, active when time to awake :p

How to minimize puffiness

2009-09-14T16:58:00.002+08:00

Came across this article in BabyCenter and found it interesting :) Thank God yesterday Dr said that I do not have signs of water retention so far, but it's good to prevent :p Yeah, my face is much rounder now compared to pre-pregnant days - I know.... Am glad most friends says that I'm not as huge as they'd have imagine...

Can I do anything to minimise the puffiness?

• Elevate your feet when possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk; at home, try to lie on your left side when possible.

• Put on waist-high support tights before you get out of bed in the morning, so blood has no chance to pool around your ankles.

• Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, keeping hydrated helps your body retain less water.

• Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike.

• Eat well, and avoid sodium and salty foods like olives and salted nuts

Great... the bolded point comforts me a lot as I always drink some water after every toilet visit in the midnight. Well, just to wet my throat actually... Nowadays I have to wake up at least twice every night. Welcome to the 3rd trimester, again :)

Hello Chiang Mei! 30 Weeks Pregnant

2009-09-02T18:00:00.002+08:00

Hello Chiang Mei!
30 Weeks Pregnant

That's what BabyCentre greeting me today. Phew. Time flies. Am now officially entering the 'last quarter' of my first pregnancy journey. Still remember when I entered 2nd trimester, the journey still seems so long. I told Yong Sheng, we are not even one third done. But now, wow, good time really flies. Second trimester, the most energetic stage went on so fast... Well, probably there were travelings and holidays which goes along with it.

Really don't know what to expect for this 3rd trimester. What I realised it that I'm getting hungrier earlier nowadays. And need to eat more frequently. Well, baby you enjoy all the food mama eat now. When you comes to the world, you'll have ONLY milk for the first 6months ya :)

Highlands here we come

2009-08-09T21:08:00.002+08:00

Since we did not make it to Melbourne, why waste the leaves? haha....

Last friday we came out with some adhoc plans to fill up the 5 days leaves which we've applied for the Melbourne trip. Guess where... yeah, somewhere with lower temperature - Genting and Cameron.

Well, not much expectation since I don't think I'm allowed to get on the rides in theme park, nor hiking in Cameron. Will just treat it as a "family retreat". haha. Too bad malacca has been taken out of the plan since sis is currently in charged of the A H1N1 patients in GH malacca and mum has refrained me from going home :( sob sob. But I know deep in my heart that it's all for the good of the baby and myself. Pregnant ladies are listed as in the high risk list, so, don't play play lo... It's saddening to hear that a pregnant lady and her pre-born baby died in the evening news just now :(

Take care all pregnant ladies. Let's be careful by doing all precautious, and remember to eat the supplements ya. God bless all pregnant ladies and babies in the womb...

A painful decision

2009-08-03T19:00:00.002+08:00

Today Yong Sheng and I made a painful decision, but thank God it's a decision we made together - peacefully after considering many factors.

Yong Sheng has been down with fever, coughing and flu since Friday night. We've agreed that if he's still not well on Monday, we'll be canceling the flights to Melbourne.

It's Monday today and he's still sick, though slightly better, but not fully recovered :( The flight will be on Thursday early morning and you can't cancel the flight within 48hours from the departure time. Means, by hook or by crook, if we have to change the flight or do something about it TODAY.

Was still trying to bargain with Yong Sheng that probably we can still go since most likely he's not having H1N1 (as per what the GH Dr says since his fever already subsided). However, my dry throat is getting no improvement through the day, I hope it's not any H1N1 symptoms but simply because I've eaten too much tortilla through the weekend... opppss.

Last sign that we prayed if it's God's will to let us go Melbourne - currency exchange. Apparently AUS dollar went up this few weeks, and it's not what we've prayed for. OK. God win... We are staying back in Malaysia for the 'vacation'. Hope Yong Sheng can get well very very soon and I can go back Malacca and Camerons and IKEA and ....... haha... still the playful Chiang Mei and little baby in the tummy.

Looking at the bright side, probably we'll have cheaper vacations by Cuti-Cuti Malaysia :)

after 1month idle

2009-08-02T18:57:00.002+08:00

Has been a month since I posted my last blog. Wow. Felt so bad about it. A friend actually skyped to tell me that my blog has grown fungus :p haha... Sorry bout that.

July 09 has been a busy yet fruitful month. It started with a week training for the FAEs and marketing folks. It was really time and effort demanding to compile all the information, as well as understanding them before you start teaching wrong things (coursemates used to call it "ajaran sesat" during those days). Anyway, at the end of it, was feeling satisfied and glad that there are more "apprentices" to help me out instead of fighting a lonely war :)

It wasn't a smooth sailing months as there were other troubleshooting and debugging items to do, both key projects at the same time. Bosses were joking asking if my baby can come out later than the actual EDD. Well, my answer was, you all should be happy if the baby is not coming out earlier than he is due to all the stress the mummy is in... Brilliant answer :)

Some collegues joked that the baby should be able to withstand much stress in future since his mummy is 'training' him now. Well, really pray hard that he'll be alright. And prayerfully Aug onwards will be more relaxing :) haha... But I guess the baby is getting himself used to mummy's schedule. He kicks most in the morning (probably to wake mummy up), and at night when it's his Bible story time. Daddy is very happy every night especially when baby response to his voice.

We went for our 24wks checkup last Sunday. The doctor scanned baby and gave us a 4D photo of his. Guess what was the baby doing? He was praying, with 2 hands holding together right below his mouth, using mummy's placenta as his pillow. May you be a prayer warrior after God's own heart. And thank God Dr confirms that I no longer need to worry about low lying placenta. We've been praying for months since the Dr indicated previously during few checkups that the placenta may be low. Thank God :)

Happy 5th Year Loving Me....

2009-07-02T13:07:00.000+08:00

Hari ini dalam sejarah....

2 July 2004 was the day we decided to enter courtship. Time flies. 5 years already... Glad that we managed to "struggle" through all the tough times, enjoyed all the good times with friends, various pets and hobbies through the years, entered lifetime commitment in 2008, and now preparing for parenthood beginning this Nov.

According to HP, Agilent and Avago culture, employees' effort are recognized every 5 years. That's where you hear about 5th year service award, 35 years service award and so on... Congratulation Yong Sheng, you just entitled to your first 5 years award today :p

Thanks you very much:
1. for chauffeuring me around to/fro office and breakfast/lunch/dinner/supper since courtship
2. for enduring my bad habits
3. for helping me with housework and cooking especially during my pregnancy period
4. for cheering me up your unique ways
5. for bearing with my ignorance and insensitivity
6. for teaching me things I overlooked and never knew
7. for reminding me of my weaknesses
8. for loving me as who I am
9. and many many more....

I love you, dear dear...

Baby boy or girl

2009-06-21T22:36:00.002+08:00

I guess this is the FAQ for the week. Very coincidentally, at least 3 people ask me the same question everyday. Probably everyone is as excited as us.

While the baby's sex is not revealed yet until end of the month (hopefully), I just ask if anyone wants a guess. Haha, guess that's the best thing I can answer for now :p

While friends are guessing, I learned some "tips" on how they guess. Pretty interesting and somehow I still doubt most of the "old wives' tales". Check this out:

1. If the mother is having a baby boy, she is still sharp as normal; if the mother is having a baby girl, she tends to be more clumsy and careless
2. If the mother is having a baby boy, she craves for food she likes all the while; if the mother is having a baby girl, she craves for strange food she never really like
3. If the mother is having a baby boy, the tummy looks pointing to the front; if the mother is having a baby girl, the tummy looks round.
4. If the mother is having a baby girl, she tends to have squarer face/double chin
5. If the mother is having a baby boy, her nose will be huge.
6. Count your date of conception vs your period cycle to estimate the baby's sex

Basically I don't quite believe all the items above since after I shared these "guessing tips" with some parents, most of them are not accurate at all. Probably I'd believe #5 since I've seen some colleagues having that nose as evidence :p #6 is based on some simple biology theory but in real life, most females do not have 100% accurate cycles monthly, unless you monitor it regularly using the ovulation test kit.

A friend actually send me a document which "teach" you how to get a baby boy or girl through positions, food you eat, age of husband and wife, date of conception and so on.... Gosh...

It's interesting to hear all the stories and ideas from friends, where they heard them from their parents or other friends. But was pretty shocked when a lady colleague insisted to see if my tummy was pointy or round shape in the ladies' room. Guess it was a little over the border, isn't it? Thank God it wasn't successful.

Anyway, as what I told most of them, for sure you'll know the baby's sex on the day he/she is born :)

Life is a miracle (Part 4)

2009-06-21T22:20:00.003+08:00

At week 12++, the baby surprised us with his/her active movement in the womb when we "visit" him/her through the ultrasound. We could see the hands and legs movements pretty clearly. It's the first time we saw the baby's movement since the previous visit we only saw the heartbeat... Yong Sheng says that the baby is exercising on his/her own since the mummy is not exercising enough. Ooppps... 1st trimester has been tiring months for me though I was not having any morning sickness... You just feel like sleeping at 9pm after dinner and bath, a toilet visit in between, and waking up at 7am++. Thank God for understanding husband who helped out a lot in cooking and housework :)

During last appointment (1 month ago), the Dr told us that we have an option to do Nuchal Translucency Scan (usually done between wk 11-14). Through this ultrasound scans, the Dr can access the risk of baby being affected by Down Syndrome. This is done by measuring the skin fold thickness(nuchal translucency) at the back of neck of the baby. If the neck fold is unusually thick, it may indicate that you baby may have Down Syndrome. It's usually 80% accuracy.

We were glad that the Dr actually told us what to look forward in the next appointment. We prayed together before the appointments and we give thanks to God for answering our prayer. The test went on smoothly though the baby was not in the optimum position to do the scan in the beginning...

Wk12++

Life is a miracle (Part 3)

2009-06-21T22:03:00.005+08:00

We had our appointment at wk7++ and wk9++ at original hospital and 2nd opinion hospital respectively. The exciting part of the appointments was to see/listen to baby's heartbeat, and to see the embryo shape (imagine the yolk sac has developed to be more like a little human). Amazing isn't it? How great is our God and am really honoured to be part of His miracles.

Many mums told me to expect the heartbeats to sounds like horse galloping. yeah, pretty fast one... But the first impression that came into my mind when I see the heartbeat, was like the "firefly" blinking. haha. YS recorded the baby's heartbeat. Look for him if you want to hear it :p

Share with you some of our joy...

Baby's head and body visible now. The doctor says he can see tiny feet and hands too...

The baby's heartbeat captured and the machine can actually plot some graphs :p

With this tiny heart formed, we pray that baby's heart will be devoted to the Lord, his/her Creator.

Life is a miracle (Part 2)

2009-06-21T22:01:00.001+08:00

On 15 March, our first visit to the O&G. We were both glad as we went there with good news - we are expecting a baby!! I jotted down all the questions I have in a little booklet, so that I won't miss any question I want to ask. The Dr was quite humble and friendly. After some family history and health background Q&A, it's time for ultrasound. Ever wonder how your baby looks like when he/she is 1month old in the womb?

Obviously we do not know how to interpret the ultrasound image on the screen. Patiently waiting for the Dr to break the mystery, the Dr finally spoke, "Sorry but I can't see any sign of the baby in your womb...." We were shocked. What? No sign of the fetus/embryo? My heart sank. The Dr says we were supposed to see a black round stuff which is called the "yolk sac". :( continue praying. God, may your will be done. He asked us again to confirm how did we know I'm pregnant, and I answered "Home Pregnancy Kit." Which the ads says it's 99.9% accurate....

Dr says there are 3 reasons why the yolk sac is not seen.
#1. It may be ectopic pregnancy where the implantation happened outside the womb. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency, and, if not treated properly, can lead to the death of the woman.
#2. I may have experienced miscarriage after the day I took the pregnancy test, before we come to see the Dr.
#3. It's too early to see the sac.

We did a blood test on that day and was scheduled to do the next one on 2 days later to compare the pregnancy hormone level (hCG). On that first visit, I did not take out the little questions booklet, as the answers may not be relevant for now =(

On the next morning (16March), Adventist's nurse called and told me that the Dr wanted to speak to me. Wow... first time receive a Dr's call since most cases you are supposed to call to follow up or if you need to talk to them. He told me that the hCG is slightly exceeding 1000mIU/ml. Means, I'm confirmed pregnant 'yesterday'!! Hahah... Ok... Good. Dr says if hCG will increase 66% by the next 2 days (which is the next day), then it's not ectopic pregnancy (please not....)

Within those 2 days, YS and I read a lot from the web about hCG and ectopic pregnancy. This was what I managed to read up from Wikipedia:

hCG Levels

The following is a list of serum hCG levels. Note that these are merely typical values--a given woman's values may not fall within these ranges. (LMP = since last menstrual period).

* 3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
* 4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mIU/ml
* 5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml
* 6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
* 7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7, 650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
* 9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
* 13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
* 17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
* 25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml
* Non-pregnant females: <5.0 mIU/ml
* Postmenopausal females: <9.5 mIU/ml

17 March was an important day which we've been counting down to. The nurse actually called up to remind us of the appointment and the "agenda of the day" - blood test, then follow by ultrasound. This round, we remembered to pray before going into the hospital. We prayed that God's will be done and we'll continue have faith in Him. The appointment was supposed to be 5pm and we arrived at 4.30pm. When we registered at the counter, the nurse pass me a form, requesting me to go to the laboratory for an URGENT blood test. Yeah, it was written "URGENT", in red, on the form. It was the same guy taking my blood again. I remember that during the last blood taking, his hp actually rang when he almost finish taking my blood. I was so tempted to ask if he can off his hp when he's on this important duty this time. But I dare not... after he apply the antiseptic (i think so) with cotton, his hp RANG!!! Aiyo... he quickly take it out, and sent a busy tone to the caller. I said, "Wow, you are very busy." He replied, "Yeah, almost 5pm. My friends are looking for me already." The prick was a little painful this round. Maybe he tried to take revenge. Or maybe I was over-sensitive. Yong Sheng asked me not to talk too much next time :(

After the blood taking, not long later it was our turn to go into the Dr's office. Ultrasound... No yolk sac found, again :( was sad. But there's an unknown object (which Dr labeled as "?") was still found at the outer uterine. I think he told me that it's not on the Fallopian tube, it's somewhere near the uterus, BUT NOT UTERUS. Well, really hope it's just some normal cyst during pregnancy which does not harm me nor the baby. He told us that the 'object' actually shrunk a little compared to previously.

To know if it's ectopic pregnancy, we could only wait another 40mins for the blood test results. He asked when was the last hour I ate something, and I told him 2pm, actually I had some kiwi at 4pm but I forgotten. The nurse later told me not to eat or drink anything from that minute onwards, as they might want to admit me for a "scope" if the blood test gives <66% increment of hCG. They need to scope to see what's in there to ensure I won't die of losing too much blood in case something nasty is happening. Really sad and anxious. I think the 'minor surgery' costs about RM3000. Gosh, we came to the Dr initially with good news and now the Dr is preparing my heart for a not so good news. Worse, we did not have any guarantee letter to claim from insurance company!!! It's such a big sum...

When we were notified that the blood test result is out and we were supposed to go back to the room, we were sweating. Trying to cool down the tense situation, I said to the Dr in a very innocent and joking tone, "Don't you give us bad news ar..." He smiled. Then I reconfirmed with him again if the "66" mentioned was referring to "count" or "percentage". And he said percentage...

"OK, this was your hCG level two days ago....... and today it is........" And he showed me the new number - 2388mIU/ml.

"Dr, more that doubled le!!! Wow... " So glad. NOT ectopic pregnancy!!

Dr then confirms that mine is a normal pregnancy, with very healthy hCG hormon level. He asked if I want another scan, intravaginal ultrasound. Worrying that we will have to pay more for it, or maybe more worried if still can't see the yolk sac again will affect the remaining days before next appointment, I declined. When we walked out, the nurse again remind us to go straight to the emergencies in case got bleeding or intense stomach ache. Anyway, thank God I did not need to stay at the hospital that night and can continue eating and drinking water. Managed to go to the Open Heaven Revival Meeting that night. Next appointment will be on 22March.

22Mar
After answering "NOs" to his questions of "abdominal pain? Spotting? Bleeding? Vomiting?", I was asked to go to the ultrasound scanner place. Haha... this round we could see the 15.27mm yolk sac in the uterus (actually we seen in during our "second opinion in another hospital a day ago, but we promised each other to act surprised, since it was the 1st time this Dr is seeing it). Haha.. we actually felt that he's even happier than us during that appointment :p This round, he officially told us the baby's EDD (Estimated Due Date). Finally this time, we felt free to ask questions like should we start drinking the pregnant mum's milk, is the blood flow sufficient and so on... This Dr's answer would always be, eat balance diet. 60% carbo and fibre, 30% protein, 10% fat. The only supplement needed for 1st trimester (Wk1-Wk12) is folic acids, 1 per day.

Share with you the yolk sac we've been expecting...

5wk++

Life is a miracle (Part 1)

2009-06-21T21:35:00.000+08:00

This post has been saved as draft for several months. Supposed to published it 2 month ago when we were ready to declare to the world that - we are going to be dad and mum end of the year!! Well, never too late to share with you the journey of faith we've been through... It shall serve as a reminder for both YS and I on God's grace and love upon us (and baby) all the while.

=====================================================================================
YS and I have been discussing on when are we both ready to be parents. We did enjoyed our 'honeymoon year - 2008' and time spent together. A lot of growing in the relationship as well as knowing each other and both family members better. Though we were ready to embark on the next stage end 2008, but I was sent to Shanghai for work purposes from mid Dec 08 to end Jan 09. Thank God I was able to be back home for CNY as well as our 1st wedding anniversary celebration at Pangkor Laut.

I guess it was God's divine appointment for us to have a child this year. Since at the time we resume with our baby planning, there was cost cutting and project delay at workplace. Means, less chance to travel, which is good good...

It all started with mild but continuous stomach cramp for few days (before my next period), a little like menstrual cramp but there's no signs of the cycle start. Beginning the pain was mild but it was worse the day after. Skipped CG on Tuesday. 4 March went to a clinic at Bayan Baru but disappointingly he gave me Ponstan (painkiller for menstrual pain) insisting that the pain must be due to premenstrual related, though I never have such symptom for the past many years. Well, I hope not all guys doctors will assume the same thing. Probably he thinks that I'm merely there to get Medical Certificate. Sorry. Not everyone is like that. On that night, we went home and did the first urine test on home pregnancy kit to make sure that I'm not pregnant and is safe if I am to take Ponstan. Negative...

On 5 March we decided to seek a second opinion at a clinic at Farlim, since they have ultrasound equipment there. Sad enough it was almost the Dr's off time and he politely refused to use the equipment on me since it will take some time for him to setup the equipment. I told him that I've had cramps for few days, a little like menstrual pain but it's near the abdomen area. Could it be Urinary Tract Infection? However from the urine test, it did show some parse in the urine. Probably we were right - urinary tract infection. He gave me a syrup and amoxil antibiotic after we told him that we are planning for pregnancy. The pain slowly subsided but I'm more aware nowadays, no more being lazy of skipping toilet visits especially during midnight. On Friday, Angeline and Lee Chin says that based on their experience, I dont look pregnant... hahha... Jessie brought up the topic since she suspected I am. Probably because of the 1 hour rest in the in-house clinic few days ago due to "menstrual-like pain" but menstrual not yet come case...

For the entire week, I drank a lot of water, went to toilet frequently and was still waiting for my period to arrive. This week, can feel the breast is tender and some pain could be felt. Could be the pre-menstrual signs. But my abdoment is not blotted yet. ok... just wait... Impatiently, on 11 March morning, we used the pregnancy test kit again. Sadly due to insufficient urine (since it's the second batch after the first one 2 minutes ago), the results were suspicious since the urine was insufficient and did not reach the 'control window'. The results looks positive though... sounds like got a little hope :p We went to buy a new set in Guardian during lunch time and at night we were curious about the results again. That was the most pressured pee experience. Scare that insufficient urine will waste another RM18... haha. The results were pretty solid this round. POSITIVE!!! We immediately made an appointment with Doctor.

Lesson #1:
Aren't we glad that we did not take Ponstan? Gee.. How bout the syrup and amoxil antibiotic? I'm not sure how many pregnant ladies experience the cramp as I did... But it can be risky if we've listen bulat-bulat what the doctors asked us to consume for those unconfirmed symptoms.

Lesson #2:
Home pregnancy kits are mostly accurate if you use it earliest on the day you miss your period. There are some better ones nowadays which you can use them 2-3 days before the day you miss your period. We were too gan cheong that we used the first pregnant kit (which is the normal ones) 2 days before the day I missed my period. So there goes your RM18 + few more anxious/worried/confused days :(

Daorae Surprise

2009-06-07T11:16:00.003+08:00

YS has been bugging me to go to this new Korean Restaurant at Bayan Point, which is catchy when you pass by the Bayan Lepas roundabout. However, due to super bad experience in another Korean restaurant at Crystal Point 6 years ago (hmmm.. I have good memory for this since it was the worst food poisoning I ever experienced, vomiting and running in/out the toilet), I was quite reluctant and kept postponing the 'date'. Till last week he can't wait anymore and brought his colleagues there. Good thing he said he wished I was there with him as the food was really nice (haha... at least still know how to comfort me).

So on Friday we went there. Though the first impression I had when I stepped in the restaurant was the thick BBQ smell which will stick to your shirt for the remaining of the day, overall the ambient was good. Clean and organized.

The food was good, really. And it actually reset my expectation and favor over Korean food. Most importantly, I think Korean Food are healthy, probably will rank high in my craving list for some time.... Sorry forgot to take photos of the food since the food was not the highlight of the day, but who we saw in the restaurant. He sat at the table next to us.

Ta-dah....... upclose and personal. Guess the PCC's 40 Days of Community black t-shirt which I was wearing caught his attention. He read, "We are better together..." Then he made his own slogan, "We are better tomorrow..." And I just smiled. Yup, Penang is in your hand. All the best serving the Rakyat and trust we are better tomorrow :)

Chiang Mei (CM) and Penang CM - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

To sit or to squat

2009-06-07T10:22:00.004+08:00

Guess it took me a big courage to start my "survey" with some mothers for the past 1 week on this topic. Haha... It must have taken me a bigger courage to post it here.

It really surprised me a bit when almost 90% of the mothers I spoke to sit when they do their business, and 100% sit when they were pregnant. haha... well, I was trained to sit too since young, but when you start to go for school camps, universities and traveling in different countries, you'll never know whether you'll get a squad toilet bowl, or a sit toilet bowl. And even if it's a sit toilet bowl, will you hesitate to sit on it since it may not be as clean as your house toilet? Argh, so, the best way is to learn how to squat when you do your big business, and you'll survive anywhere, any condition, anytime. I found it actually easier and faster to complete the big business when you squat comparing to when you sit :p

However, this "best" method has been valid for me for the past 10+ years, until lately when I tried to imagine how am I going to climb up the sit toilet bowl when the tummy grows bigger and bigger, bigger and bigger. I got so used to squatting that I've been climbing up that toilet bowl every morning for the past 4 months since I got pregnant. Better sediakan payung sebelum hujan. Probably it's time to relearn some old tricks.

Am so glad that those mothers did not show their shocked face when I told them I've been climbing up and down that toilet bowl for the first 4 months of pregnancy, but they've given me tips on how to sit and poo as efficiently as when you are squatting. haha... So far the information I obtained was pretty consistent - to lean forward and just do it. However, a mother actually shared with me her experience that she got too used with the sit toilets that one day when she was in her 3rd trimester, she went to a place where only squat toilets were available. Though it was just a small business and she need not squat too long, but she had problem standing up when done. Hmm... probably it's good to use the squat toilet for small businesses once in a while to train your leg muscles and to be "ready" for "squat-toilet-only" places.

OK. 1-week of experiment goes on so far so good. Thanks for all your encouragements and sharing :)

Does size really matter?

2009-06-01T17:55:00.002+08:00

"Huh, you 4 months pregnant de ar? Sure or not? Tummy so small one?"

"How come you eat less than non-pregnant ladies one? Aiyo, later your baby not enough food...."

"Last time my first baby also the stomach not so small le... hmmm..."

Gosh. Was really got 'frightened' and 'worried' by comments such as these 2 weeks ago. Which after that I decided that outer look can be misleading, and stop wearing the maternity jeans skirt, maternity long pants which may look tight though they are not. Meals wise, well, can't really eat a lot since experience told me that you'll feel much much better to eat less but frequent meals. Sorry for not performing up to your standard esp when you guys need someone to wallap the leftovers on the plate. Not the right candidate.

After the check up yesterday, am very glad, and relieved that Doctor says baby is in good shape, water is enough. Phew. Thank God :) haha

Meetings

2009-05-14T19:58:00.001+08:00

It’s great to have friends giving positive response when you sms them to meet up when you go to their “territory”. It was very touching for me to have these friends coming all the way to meet me at Midvalley since I’m not so mobile nowadays… Firstly I’m very super not familiar with KL direction and traffic, secondly I don’t think I would want to go squeeze in the LRT or KTM train with little baby in my stomach. Thanks a lot for your flexibility and understanding.

Wednesday night we managed to meet up with Angie, Chin Yuan and Kok Wai who abandoned Cheong for me since they needed to choose between him (in One Utama) and me (at Midvalley). Sorry Cheong… We had much things to share and laugh about till we were the very last to leave Manhattan Fish Market when the workers are ready to go home. Well, I guess the highlight of the day was the Kisah Benar joke Angie shared regarding the snatch thieve who got a bag of gold on the way down from Genting Highlands…. Remind me to tell you the story if you are interested 

Thursday was fun too. Wen Dee and I met up at Ding Tai Fung. I passed by the same franchise at XinTianDi Shanghai last year but did not went in since the price was not reasonable. Surprisingly the price is attractive in KL. We had 3 XiaoLongPao + a bowl of LaMian + a bowl of black sesame TangYuen in blended red bean soup + water/tea at RM19.80 nett… Great deal? Tasted not bad too, with quite little ajinomoto if compared to other restaurant. It’s an honour to meet back with my UTM shepherdess, and my Malacca Wedding Dinner emcee (agreed though last minute appointed).

Thursday night we met up with Jan Er. Guess other SET mates were busy… Hope will have better timing to meet up with them other times. But am really happy each time I’m in KL, Jan Er always makes time to meet up. Really touched, buddy…

My first ‘real’ vacation since pregnant

2009-05-14T19:37:00.000+08:00

This vacation is different. It was pre-approved by our gynae and Yong Sheng felt less stressed with it. In previous Kedah trip 10days ago, he was quite worried since the midwife said that people who is near the end of 1st trimester might experience abdomen pain or spotting if travel on road for too long, or if the journey is too bumpy.

This round’s destination is Kuala Lumpur for 3 days 2 nights, then Malacca for another 3 days 2 nights. We got to stay at Midvalley Gardens Hotel!! Wow wow, nice hotel indeed, though I still rank Radisson Pudong, Shanghai first in my heart.

Check out the hotel –
Cabinet near the room entrance:

Queen size bed and sofa for reading. You can see the swimming pool and dirty river through the window...

TV and study table

Wardrobe with mirror doors, right behind the sink, next to the bathroom and toilet.

Bathroom with bath tub

And Yong Sheng’s dream shower, it’s really cool

I was wondering how to switch the water and temperature control between the bath tub, handheld shower and ceiling shower. Obviously this shows you the standard control for bath tub.

What about the handheld and ceiling shower? Luckily I found this at the lower wall before I needed to call the frontdesk :p

Toilet - Don't ask me why did I need to take this photo, just felt that the "collection" will only be complete with the most visited place in the room.

Safety box – which amazes me since I can put my huge HP Compaq 8510p laptop in there and lay it flat in the box.

There were 2 pop quizzes at night before we go to bed. I covered Yong Sheng’s eyes and asked, “Is the mirror you see when you brush your teeth at the sink, square or rectangular in shape?”

He answered, “It’s round…”

Then he covered my eyes with his hands, and asked me back, is the bathroom mirror round or square?”

I answered, “ Rectangular…” Gee, you should have change the “pattern” of asking the question la. Even if I don’t know the answer, I might still manage to guess whatever logical answer not given as options in the question….. Anyway, was amazed he did noticed the rare big round mirror….

Just hope baby will not be confused with such kind questions in future if ever we are in the mood of being cheeky... haha... Good luck, babe... You have funny parents :)

My first trip since pregnant

2009-05-14T19:27:00.000+08:00

It’s long weekend with Labour Day holiday falling on Friday…. Was supposed to go back Malacca for the weekend by last minute we were warned by various parties that it may not be safe YET to travel so long distance… Hoon actually specially took leave to wait for us to go back Malacca so that she can spend time with us (and the baby I think – I always wonder if you can hear the baby’s heartbeat from the stetoscope).

So ended up we decided not to take the risk. Since the midwife kept emphasizing us to relax while travelling, take frequent stops for some exercise and walking around, and most importantly don’t rush and treat it as a vacation… Ok… We followed all that, except we changed the destination. Instead of driving down south, we went up north, visiting Huey.

As I’ve always wanted to tried Nasi Lemak Ong, we’ve ask Huey to meet us at Alor Setar since she attended church at Alor Setar. It took us some big rounds before arriving at this little shop, but, it’s vacation, so no rush…. We arrived there around 2.15pm. Probably it’s a bit late since the operating hours are 12pm – 3pm. Most dishes were gone. Daniel wanted to have fried fish (which is highly recommended in Ah Xian’s website), which is obviously not on the tray, but was shown on a big poster with Ah Xian as the model (as advertisement also la). Surprisingly the shop owner actually pretended to catch the fish from the big poster and place it on Daniel’s plate… then we all laughed, haha… quite a humorous taukeh.

My dish (chicken and potatoes):

Yong Sheng’s dish (beef)

Daniel and Huey’s dish (fish, chicken and mutton)

Overall is good, especially the sauce and tender beef, we liked them. However, Yong Sheng managed to spot big rats in the shop not far from the dish counter during day time 2++pm!! We managed to see them too as they appear again for the second time. Well, that might give us second thoughts to come back to the shop again…

After that we brought Huey shopping for groceries at Tesco nearby, dropped by the Rice Museum and sent Huey back to Jitra. We were amazed to see that Tesco offering very attractive price for Anmum Materna, even cheaper than what we got at Jusco after considering the rebates… anyway, never mind la.

The trip was good, and safe. No spotting, no abdomen pain. Thank God.

Good friends are angels

2009-05-12T09:59:00.000+08:00

I like this story. Do not be too quick to judge, and understand that God put you in every situation with a purpose.

=====================================================================================

One day, when I was a freshman in high school,

I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.

His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?

He must really be a nerd.'

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.

They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye..

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks. '

They really should get lives.

' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'

There was a big smile on his face.

It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.

He said he ha d gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends

He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.

I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!'

He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.

When we were seniors we began to think about college.

Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.

I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation.

I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.

He looked great.

He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous!
Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.

' Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.....

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story.'

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend..

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

'Thankfully, I was saved.My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.

With one small gesture you can change a person's life.

For better or for worse.

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift.

Cherish

2009-04-27T14:55:00.000+08:00

A friend forwarded this to me. Thought the content of the story is predictable, but the lessons listed below really touched me. How many times we've taken things for granted and kept complaining of things we don't have, without cherishing things we have....

A Story to live by

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'

有一位瞎女很討厭自己因為眼睛瞎了。她也討厭每個人，唯一不討厭的是她的男朋友，因為他都常守在她身旁。於是她對她的男朋友說：「如果能讓我看到這個世界，我愿意嫁給你！」

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

有一天，有人捐了一對眼精給她。當紗布解開時，她能夠看到一切，包括她的男朋友。

He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

男朋友問她：「現在你可以看到這世界，你愿意嫁給我嗎？」那女孩看了男朋友是個瞎子，他那對蓋上眼皮的眼睛嚇到了她，這是她無法想像。她想：要我嫁給他而一生對着他這個樣子，我無法接受。

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'

於是，她的男朋友很傷心的離開她，幾天後寫了字條給她：「親愛的，請你好好照顧你的眼睛，因為它不是屬於你的之前，它是屬於我的。」

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes..

Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

這也是人的腦會如何做當情況有所變動。只有少許人會記得他或她之前的生活及誰會在身旁當他或她處在困境的時候

Life Is a Gift

生命是一份禮物

Today

before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

今天，當你要講一句不善之言－－請想想那些無法講話的人

Before
you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.....

當你要埋怨食物的味道時－－請想想那些沒有食物吃的人

Before
you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

當你要埋怨你的先生或太太時－－請想想那些在向上天哭訴要一個伴侶的人

Today
before you complain about life - Think of someone who died too early on this earth.

今天，當你要埋怨生活時－－請想想那些太早離開人世間的人

Before
you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.......

當你要埋怨小孩時－－請想想那些渴望小孩而無能生育的人

Before
you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

當你要爭論沒有人清理屋子時－－請想想那些住在街邊的人

Before
whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

當你在哀訴駕駛的路程－－請想想那些同樣的路程以代步的人

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

當你很疲備而埋怨工作時－－請想想那些無工作，殘疾的，及那些多麼希望擁有你這份工作的人

But
before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin.

當你想要指著人或互相譴責時－－請記得沒有一個人是無罪

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.....

當壓抑的念頭讓你無法振作時－－請你笑一笑想想：你還活著存在世間！

The Mayonnaise Jar

2009-04-23T10:08:00.000+08:00

A friend forwarded this to me today. Though I've read it before some time ago, but it's good to relearn the things you might not be practicing.... Lately got to know of some career women who are just too occupied with their work and are blinded with some priorities in life. I really hope that I will not make the same mistake in future. If I do, please remind me with this statement I just made.... Career is only for few years, for you to generate some income, to achieve some dreams in life, but it's not your life. Cherish people around you, friends, family, time alone with God...

=====================================================================================

When things in your life seem, Almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again
If the jar was full... They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand

And poured it into the jar.. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced Two cups of coffee from under the table
And poured the entire contents Into the jar, effectively
Filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, As the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life..
The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions –

Things that if everything else was lost

And only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter Like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life..

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are
Important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things That are critical to your happiness.
Playwith your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time
To clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand
And inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"

I just did...

Answered Prayer

2009-04-10T13:30:00.000+08:00

This morning had very heavy breakfast - Big Pao!!

During lunch time I was still feeling pretty full and not much appetite. While approaching the canteen, I told God, "Can I have something light and not spicy?" Like porridge yesterday is good. But I know that the canteen will not repeat the food on the next day, usually.

"Ok la. Something like noodle soup will be good. Amen."

Jessie walked back to meet me after she checked out the food menu today. "Today nothing much to eat la. Won't make you feel like eating too."

"Huh? So bad? What they serve?"

"Ipoh Hor Fun and Nasi Pattaya."

Amen!!! I was so glad. I told her, "I'm going to take the Hor Fun." and she also want to take the same thing. Great!!

When at the counter, we both look at the Ipoh Hor Fun and nasi Pattaya. Both looks delicious. Hah. We decided to order one each and share.

Nice nice lunch. Nice nice variety. Thank God for answered prayer and lunch partner to share food with :)

Above all

2009-04-10T12:14:00.000+08:00

A song that I heard when I was in Salvation Malacca many many years back. That was the first CD I bought, after saving money over the years, can't remember was it my first paycheck, a permanent job I got while waiting for my SPM results. Those days CDs were expensive if compared to the conventional cassettes.

I prayed. "God, please guide me to buy the CD that I will love, with songs that will speak to my heart."

Above all. I was attracted to the CD cover (as usual if you know me, I get attracted to the cover design easily if it's nice) as well as the title. I loved that song since the first day. I remember that many years later a senior in the university led this song in the Saturday service. Wasn't really good but I know she did her best. Not an easy song if the congregations are not familiar with the song.

A song that continues to touch me even today. A gift we do not deserve, yet was given freely though it's not cheap.

ABOVE ALL
Above all powers, Above all Kings
Above all nature, and all created things
Above all wisdom, and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms, Above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth

Chorus
Crucified, laid behind a stone
You lived to die, rejected and alone
Like a rose, trampled on the ground
You took the fall, and thought of me
Above all

Father Lord, I pray that those who do not know this gift yet will come to know it, to have it and to share it. Thank you for being humbled, went through all the sufferings to bring us back to you. Sometime I can't even accept nasty people, but you've showed your loved to ALL, even the not lovely ones like me. Help me to be more like you each day....

Caring Friends are Blessings

2009-04-09T10:14:00.000+08:00

Today I'm on my replacement leave, since have applied in the system for some time and still have not really rest officially :p

A cake lover friend found me on GoogleTalk and told me that she brought a cake today, and would like to share a slice with me. As I told her previously that I can't take food with liquor, she has specially made it without any alcohol in the cream, as she used to like to do.

At that moment, I really felt blessed. I felt very touched... I thought she'd have excluded me from her "cake distribution list" since the last round I told her I can't eat it cos there's liquor in the cream....

Since I'm not in the office, she told me she'll bake another one tomorrow. WOW, aren't you glad you are accepted by your friend for who you are? I AM, VERY BLESSED.

100++ Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

2009-04-07T09:58:00.000+08:00

Useful info from a friend...

Getting familiar with keyboard shortcuts not only help you get the work done faster, but also more efficient. If your daily job rely heavily on using Windows, here are some 100++ Windows Keyboard Shortcuts you might want to check out.

The General Shortcuts

* CTRL+C (Copy)
* CTRL+X (Cut)
* CTRL+V (Paste)
* CTRL+Z (Undo)
* DELETE (Delete)
* SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)
* CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
* CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
* F2 key (Rename the selected item)
* CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)
* CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)
* CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)
* CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)
* CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)
* SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document)
* CTRL+A (Select all)
* F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)
* ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)
* ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)
* ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)
* ALT+SPACEBAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)
* CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
* ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)
* ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)
* F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)
* F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
* SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)
* ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the System menu for the active window)
* CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)
* ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu)
* Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)
* F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)
* RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu)
* LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu)
* F5 key (Update the active window)
* BACKSPACE (View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
* ESC (Cancel the current task)
* SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)

Dialog Box Keyboard Shortcuts

* CTRL+TAB (Move forward through the tabs)
* CTRL+SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the tabs)
* TAB (Move forward through the options)
* SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the options)
* ALT+Underlined letter (Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option)
* ENTER (Perform the command for the active option or button)
* SPACEBAR (Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box)
* Arrow keys (Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons)
* F1 key (Display Help)
* F4 key (Display the items in the active list)
* BACKSPACE (Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box)

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Shortcuts

* Windows Logo (Display or hide the Start menu)
* Windows Logo+BREAK (Display the System Properties dialog box)
* Windows Logo+D (Display the desktop)
* Windows Logo+M (Minimize all of the windows)
* Windows Logo+SHIFT+M (Restore the minimized windows)
* Windows Logo+E (Open My Computer)
* Windows Logo+F (Search for a file or a folder)
* CTRL+Windows Logo+F (Search for computers)
* Windows Logo+F1 (Display Windows Help)
* Windows Logo+ L (Lock the keyboard)
* Windows Logo+R (Open the Run dialog box)
* Windows Logo+U (Open Utility Manager)

Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts

* Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch FilterKeys either on or off)
* Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)
* Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK (Switch the MouseKeys either on or off)
* SHIFT five times (Switch the StickyKeys either on or off)
* NUM LOCK for five seconds (Switch the ToggleKeys either on or off)
* Windows Logo +U (Open Utility Manager)

Windows Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts

* END (Display the bottom of the active window)
* HOME (Display the top of the active window)
* NUM LOCK+Asterisk sign (*) (Display all of the subfolders that are under the selected folder)
* NUM LOCK+Plus sign (+) (Display the contents of the selected folder)
* NUM LOCK+Minus sign (-) (Collapse the selected folder)
* LEFT ARROW (Collapse the current selection if it is expanded, or select the parent folder)
* RIGHT ARROW (Display the current selection if it is collapsed, or select the first subfolder)

Shortcut Keys for Character Map

* After you double-click a character on the grid of characters, you can move through the grid by using the keyboard shortcuts:
* RIGHT ARROW (Move to the right or to the beginning of the next line)
* LEFT ARROW (Move to the left or to the end of the previous line)
* UP ARROW (Move up one row)
* DOWN ARROW (Move down one row)
* PAGE UP (Move up one screen at a time)
* PAGE DOWN (Move down one screen at a time)
* HOME (Move to the beginning of the line)
* END (Move to the end of the line)
* CTRL+HOME (Move to the first character)
* CTRL+END (Move to the last character)
* SPACEBAR (Switch between Enlarged and Nor mal mode when a character is selected)

Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Main Window Keyboard Shortcuts

* CTRL+O (Open a saved console)
* CTRL+N (Open a new console)
* CTRL+S (Save the open console)
* CTRL+M (Add or remove a console item)
* CTRL+W (Open a new window)
* F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)
* ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the MMC window menu)
* ALT+F4 (Close the console)
* ALT+A (Display the Action menu)
* ALT+V (Display the View menu)
* ALT+F (Display the File menu)
* ALT+O (Display the Favorites menu)

MMC Console Window Keyboard Shortcuts

* CTRL+P (Print the current page or active pane)
* ALT+Minus sign (-) (Display the window menu for the active console window)
* SHIFT+F10 (Display the Action shortcut menu for the selected item)
* F1 key (Open the Help topic, if any, for the selected item)
* F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)
* CTRL+F10 (Maximize the active console window)
* CTRL+F5 (Restore the active console window)
* ALT+ENTER (Display the Properties dialog box, if any, for the selected item)
* F2 key (Rename the selected item)
* CTRL+F4 (Close the active console window. When a console has only one console window, this shortcut closes the console)

Remote Desktop Connection Navigation

* CTRL+ALT+END (Open the m*cro$oft Windows NT Security dialog box)
* ALT+PAGE UP (Switch between programs from left to right)
* ALT+PAGE DOWN (Switch between programs from right to left)
* ALT+INSERT (Cycle through the programs in most recently used order)
* ALT+HOME (Display the Start menu)
* CTRL+ALT+BREAK (Switch the client computer between a window and a full screen)
* ALT+DELETE (Display the Windows menu)
* CTRL+ALT+Minus sign (-) (Place a snapshot of the active window in the client on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)
* CTRL+ALT+Plus sign (+) (Place a snapshot of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)

Internet Explorer navigation

* CTRL+B (Open the Organize Favorites dialog box)
* CTRL+E (Open the Search bar)
* CTRL+F (Start the Find utility)
* CTRL+H (Open the History bar)
* CTRL+I (Open the Favorites bar)
* CTRL+L (Open the Open dialog box)
* CTRL+N (Start another instance of the browser with the same Web address)
* CTRL+O (Open the Open dialog box, the same as CTRL+L)
* CTRL+P (Open the Print dialog box)
* CTRL+R (Update the current Web page)
* CTRL+W (Close the current window)

Love Comes Softly

2009-04-04T23:41:00.000+08:00

Love Comes Softly. Another movie we watched within 24 hours. Haih, I missed out by forty-five minutes while having my beauty sleep till 8.45am. Can you imagine that Yong Sheng has been watching that since 8am? hahaha.... Another movie that make you sad and shed tears.

It was shown on the Hallmark Channel, and from the internet I got to know that it's based on a novel by Christian historical fiction writer Janette Oke. We did not expect it to have Christianity elements in the movie thought Missie (a nine year old girl) told Marty (the stepmother) that Clark (Missie's father) goes out for a long walk everyday to talk to God.

A scene that is very memorable is when Clark takes Marty to his "church," a bench that faces a beautiful view where he usually walks to for his quiet time. There, he explains his faith to her when she was doubtful about Clark's God since some tragedy just happended to the family.

Marty asked, "Why are you praying to your God? If your God is so good, why did He allow bad things to happend in your life, like taking away your wife and letting the barns on fire?"

A very common question Christians get especially when faith is challenged. I was waiting for Clark's answer anxiously. Hehe... But I was impressed with that answer. A answer that kept Marty staying longer at the "church" praying to the same God.

Clark explained that he as a father, could not stop Missie from falling down while she is walking beside him. But what he can do is to make sure that he is with Missie at all time, carrying her up when she falls. That's how our Heavenly Father loves us too. He is with us through all the thicks and thins.

Amen. Thanks You Lord for your faithfulness and unending love.

Happy Birthday

2009-04-04T23:26:00.000+08:00

Last night after late dinner, lazy of doing anything else, i just continue to sit in front of the TV after the 9.30pm NTV Mandarin News. The news broadcaster announced that we are now officially under "Najib's Days". Hope it meant more good than harm especially during the uncertainties.

After the news there was a cantonese movie. Ok la. Lazy to get online to settle some stuff, just sit down and watch la. Since I just had a nap from 7pm-9pm... opps...

Happy Birthday, starred by Rene Liu and Louis Koo, a sad yet very romantic story. Managed to steal my tears, a lot, even yong Sheng's though he only watched it for the last 30minutes...

Birthday wishes are something we look forward to every year. Can't really trace how many friends send birthday wishes without fail every year. Used to send birthday wishes to friends even though have not seen them for years, but when there's no "returned" wishes to you, I'd feel sad. Sentimental? hmmm... yeah, but i really hope that those "unreturned" wishes will never be caused by what actually happened to Nam in the movie.

Cherish your loved ones.

What animal is ar? I thought is Flying Fox...

2009-04-03T14:01:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday evening when Yong Sheng and I went to Youth Park (our recent weekly activity), I saw an animal I never seen before (as far as I could remember). Was very excited as this little creature, having her baby in her "pocket", with her claws on the tree trunk. This little creature has a special flap of skin connected to her wrists and ankles. Was really really very blessed to see her legs spread, where this flap of skin acted like wings as she glide from a tree to another tree nearby. Though it only happend once, but was really more than enough. Precious moment.

I was so happy I told my colleague that I saw the real "flying fox" in Youth Park. So proud!! I wanted to show him some pictures since he never see it before. However when I went to Google Image, only I know that Flying Fox actually refers to the bats family, which have faces like fox... Oh no, then what's the name of the creature we saw? Thank God for smart husbands. Yong Sheng went to the web and found this:

http://www.abc.net.au/schoolstv/animals/GLIDERS.htm#marsupials

Yes, we saw gliders, not flying fox. haha... But am really glad we saw the blur blur baby glider too. Cute and secured. Really envy those baby animals that can stay in mummy's pocket :p

Swim Champion

2009-03-29T12:08:00.001+08:00

Dad was the first person to teach 5 of us how to swim while we were still young. There's a story he told us which I'd never forget, probably because you are named a champion in that story. And also the story motivated us to swim, since we once knew how to. Dad said, "Last time all of you could swim, and you all took part in a competition with many many other people that wanted to be daddy and mummy's child. But you all scored #1, that's why you are can call me daddy and your mum mummy..."

Wow, sounds so great. "But how come I don't remember such glorious event at all?" One of us asked. "Cos you people were too young. Anyway, the most important message in the story is, you all once knew how to swim, managed to swim, and won the competition. So you guys can do it NOW also!"

Very motivating. Hahah... "So I guess Yen was first to arrived, Mei got 2nd place, Hoon got 3rd place, Wen got 4th and Huey was last..." One of us trying to figure out the sequence...

"No, the competition were held at different time. Each and everyone of you was first in each competition. All of you were first, not only Yen." Dad explained. It was like another fairy tale, or story which kids like to listen. Only after some time when I was much older and wiser, then I reckone that hey, that was the 1st sex education Dad gave. A very true and motivating one.

For those who can't swim yet, YOU CAN DO IT. We were all once champion.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/baby/slideshow-conception

New Look

2009-03-10T22:59:00.000+08:00

Finally, after keeping my long hair for Alex and Elynne's wedding, I've made the big step on 8 March, International Women's Day.....

It still looks ok on the first day, though Yong Sheng did not really like it, due to it's much shorter than his "approved" length. But, too late right? My positive way of looking at it is to think that I may look like "Lu Yu" :p Check this out...

But it was pretty hard to manage the next day, after I wash my hair...Argh. Finally, I'm back to the best known method ever - rebonding :) haha... the magic that saved a lot of women's life, some guys once told me that :p

Surprised almost all colleagues at work on 10March. Lena told me that she is thinking of letting go her dream to keep long hair as she's tempted to go back to short hair after she seen mine :p Sherry was gave very positive feedback as she likes my new look, very different from the long hair look. Though not everyone praises my new hair, one particular mood spoiler was an aunty friend that kept reminding me of the RM200++ spend on "short hair rebonding" since she kept comparing my saloon with her home-based hairdresser centre. To her is such a big waste, since she can get coloured and permed long hair with that price... haih, depressing. But it should not affect me much since more positive feedback was received. More encouragements :) happy happy.

My last look taken with long hair on 28Feb09.... Probably will have to wait for another 2 years for such long hair, with the growth rate of my hair... haha...

Hello new employee, please share 3 jokes...

2009-03-02T09:47:00.000+08:00

Everytime I receive forwarded jokes from my friends, I can't help but to remember the first senior manager in my working life. He requires new employees to share 3 jokes after introducing yourself to the whole department in the monthly meeting. AND, if no one laugh, please replace it with another funny joke... Pressure pressure pressure. I never know that it's not easy for a joke to appear in my mind until that day. Was almost 6 years ago. phew. SO, in case in future there's another occasion where I'm forced to tell jokes, tah-tah....... I have backups... here...

Enjoy, and you can use them as your backups too!

:) :) :) :)

Why did Ah Beng go to a movie with his 18 friends?
Because below 18 not allowed Lah !
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

Ah Beng wants to buy a TV set. He goes to a shop.
Ah Beng : 'Do you have color TV ?'
Salesgirl : 'Yes !'
Ah Beng : 'Give me a green one, please '
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

Ah Beng is filling up an application form for a job.
He supplied the information for the columns on Name, Age, Address etc.
Then he comes to column on 'Salary Expected', but he is not sure of the question.
After much thought, he writes ' Yes '
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

Ah Beng goes to a store and sees a shiny object.
Ah Beng : 'What is that shiny object ?'
Salesgirl : 'That is a thermos flask.'
Ah Beng : 'What does it do ?'
Salesgirl : 'It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold'
Ah Beng : 'I'll buy it'
The next day, Ah Beng goes to work with his thermo flask
Boss : 'What is that shiny object ?'
Ah Beng : 'It's a thermos flask.'
Boss : 'What does it do ?'
Ah Beng : 'It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold'
Boss : 'What do you have in it !?'
Ah Beng : 'Two cups of coffee and one cup of ice cream'
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

After taking photocopies of documents, Ah Beng always compares
it with the original for spelling mistakes.
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

Ah Beng always smiles during lightning storms because he thinks
his picture is being taken.
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

Why can't Ah Beng dial 911?
Because he can't find the number 11 (eleven) on the phone.
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

Ah Beng had just bought a new computer and was using it.
When he encountered some problems. He decide to use the 'Help' command after some tries.
Soon after, he became very irritated and called the computer retailer for support.
Ah Beng : 'I press the 'F1' key for help lah, but it's been over half an hour and still nobody come and help me Lah ?!'
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

Ah Beng with two red ears went to his doctor.
The doctor asked him what had happened to his ears and he answered, 'I was ironing a shirt and the phone ring, lah - but instead of picking up the phone, I accidentally picked up the iron and stuck it to my ear, lah' 'Oh dear !' the doctor exclaimed in disbelief. 'But.
What happened to the other ear ?'
Ah Beng answered : 'That stupid dumbo called back, lah !!!!'
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

Ah Beng talk to a long-distance telephone operator.
Ah Beng: 'COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME THE TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Taipei and LAS VEGAS ?'
Operator: 'JUST A MINUTE...'
Ah Beng : 'THANK YOU lah' AND PUTS DOWN THE PHONE.
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

After completing a jigsaw puzzle he'd been working on for quite some time, Ah Beng proudly shows off the finished puzzle to a friend.
'It took me ONLY 5 MONTHS TO DO IT', Ah Beng brags.
'FIVE MONTHS ? THAT'S TOO LONG', the friend exclaims.
'YOU ARE A FOOL.' Ah Beng replies, 'SEE THIS BOX, IT IS WRITTEN 'FOR 4-7 YRS'.
-------? ? ? ? ? ?-------

At a bar in New York, the man to Ah Beng's left tells the bartender, 'JOHNNIE WALKER, SINGLE' and his companion says, 'JACK DANIELS, SINGLE'.
The bartender approaches Ah Beng and asks, 'AND YOU, SIR ?'
Ah Beng replies : 'Tan Ah Beng, MARRIED lah'
-------? ? ? ? ? ? ?-------

2009 Valentine's

2009-02-16T18:34:00.001+08:00

How did you celebrate Valentine's this year?

Haha... mine started as a normal day but ended well. We went to McD Greenlane meeting up with A&E for their wedding meeting and then went to QBM for free Cornetto. (no la, we are not so tam-chiak one... we went there for shopping, just happen the free Cornetto are still available, so we ma get to eat free ice-cream lo)

After hanging around while finishing up our ice-cream, we went to check out the new Honda Cities. Nice except that I still like some features that Chew's older model Honda City has. However, Chew was sad to hear that his older model Honda City is less less less less valuable now... Don't cry, it's ok. We won't sell my bridal car...

After doing some weekly shopping at Jusco, we went home and start cutting stuff in the kitchen for tonight's project. haha. Then we spend some hours in church as the little girl is scheduled to dance this weekend. When we got home at night around 11pm, the project just started... haha... Steamed Yam Cake Mission!! We followed (though not totally) the recipe we casually found from the web. http://roseskitchen.wordpress.com/2007/03/10/steamed-yam-cake/

Ta-da........ we managed to produce 2 of this...

and 2 of this...

So we share with Penang family members, CG members and some 'lucky' collegues. Thank God almost all of them like it. We were so disappointed on saturday night when the cakes looks soggy... I almost regretted adding on more water... God answers prayer. The next morning it looks and tastes much better when it's cooled off.

Good job. As Hooi Pin says, Jia You Jia You... haha....

Things I want to do

2009-02-16T15:55:00.000+08:00

It's great to have lots of free time, especially during weekends. Nowadays I treasure the weekends more, even started making more time by sleeping late on Friday night and Saturday night. Probably after reading Mitch Albom's "For One More Day" during the Chinese New Year long break. Life is short and probably I don't want to miss out more things when I'm still young and not much commitment... Why not try out more things? I'm in the midst of enjoying "The Five People You Meet In Heaven". Both were listed as bestseller fictions. Probably will be reading "Tuesdays With Morrie" once I'm done with TFPYMIH.

One of the things I wanna try this year - more new dishes. Used to be very energetic baking cakes and making fortune cookies when we first bought a oven in Chew's house. Now the cooking inspiration is back after flipping through one of the local delicacies recipe book in Pangkor Laut hotel room in Feb09.

Haha... Steamed Yam Cake became one of the target. There are more, all listed on my house refrigerator. Better not list here in case I "hangat-hangat tahi ayam again". More looking forward for "shopping with plans and targets", and eventful weekends in the kitchen. Not to forget, more time for books too. Passion for reading is back this season. Live life to the fullest, won't you. Join me if you like what I'm doing :)

My Icons

2009-02-14T01:06:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I started to change my Skype, GoogleTalk and MSN icons. Guess which is the most "happening" icon where people start teasing me about?

MSN:

Skype:

GoogleTalk:

Did you just said PANDA? yeah... somemore got people trying to bribe me with bamboo shoots... Hope I get to see a real one in future though i enjoy viewing them on TV and YouTube...

My very first

2009-02-14T01:00:00.000+08:00

Congratulations, you've finally learn how to add in images into your very "wordy" blog. Good job!! (Yeah right, actually was lazy waiting for the photos to load... but feeling good after adding the colors to the blog)

Actually hor, I also have another first.... my first video uploaded to Youtube. Not supposed to be shared publicly but am glad it did touched the birthday boy last year.... a birthday greeting all the way from Shanghai :)

Check it out. (Wah!! so glad I have another breakthrough!!!)

My 2009 Pre-Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T00:36:00.000+08:00

Haha.... today we celebrated our 1st "official" valentine's day after kahwin for 1 year plus. Actually is pre-Valentine's. Am still expecting something tomorrow.... :p

Basically did not remember what we did last valentine's as it was too close to our honeymoon and it was not blogged... Probably we did nothing i guess :p

It's special this year. Big Dear Dear promised to prepare me Special Valentine's Dinner after I cooked spaghetti for him (why no one take photos of my spaghetti one??) and the upcoming steamed yam cake... hahah.... da-da-da-da........
Grilled Lamb with Mushroom Sauce and lady fingers

and

Mushroom Soup with Crouton (check out the name on the mug.... ) and here I introduced you the satisfied chef.

Valentine's day will not be complete without flower/s, right? This was found outside our house 3 days ago... first baby rose since we moved to Pearl Garden.

Probably it's gift from our Heavenly Father, for the couple who have been faithfully remembering to feed it with H2O++....
Happy Valentines to all the love birds. To all unattached singles, happy friendship day :)

I will work for food

2009-02-05T09:09:00.000+08:00

A story I read today. Interesting. Will God use me this way?

TO MEET SUCH A MAN

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.

As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, "I will work for food." My heart sank.

I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.

We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.

Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square."

Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.

I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.

"Looking for the pastor?" I asked.

"Not really," he replied, "just resting."

"Have you eaten today?"

"Oh, I ate something early this morning."

"Would you like to have lunch with me?"

"Do you have some work I could do for you?"

"No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch."

"Sure," he replied with a smile.

As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where you headed?"

" St. Louis ."

"Where you from?"

"Oh, all over; mostly Florida ."

"How long you been walking?"

"Fourteen years," came the reply.

I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story."

Then Daniel's story began to unfold.. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.

He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God

"Nothing's been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now."

"Ever think of stopping?" I asked.

"Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles . That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads."

I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?"

"What?"

"To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?"

"Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me."

My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, "Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in."

I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked.

He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite.

"I've read through it 14 times," he said.

"I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see" I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.

"Where are you headed from here?" I asked.

"Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon."

"Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?"

"No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next."

He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.

"Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet."

I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope."

"Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you."

"I know," I said, "I love you, too.." "The Lord is good!"

"Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked.

"A long time," he replied

And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem."

"I'll be there!" was my reply.

He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"

"You bet," I shouted back, "God bless."

"God bless." And that was the last I saw of him.

Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.

Then I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"

Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...

"I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."

Life

2009-02-05T08:27:00.000+08:00

1 Feb 09 evening
A friend invited me to join a Facebook Group "Please Pray for Gina Lee Yeok Jang" - Please continue praying for our sister in Christ, Gina who's fighting 4th stage Lymphoma Cancer now in University Hospital.

2 Feb 09 morning
An email was received.
"Our ex-IKUTM sister Gina Lee Yeok Jang passed away peacefully at 5:42am, 2nd Feb 2009 at University Hospital."

It was shocking to hear that as within 12 hours, the news changed. I dont even have enough time to understand what is "Lymphoma Cancer"....

The last 2 times I last see her. First one was when I first stepped into KL City Harvest Church, where I was welcomed by her, one of the ushers. It was warmth to see a familiar face in a stranger world. Second time, and the last time, was when she attended my pre-wedding reception in Malacca. I can still remember she asked me to send her the wedding photos once ready. I posted in my mywedding website. Gina, I really hope you saw them as I did not personally send you the photos....

Life is short. Sis told me that young people who are at the very last stage of cancer usually will leave us faster than the older adults as the metabolism rate is much higher and thus the cancer cells grow faster...

I want to spend more time with people. With those I love. Friendships are what money cant buy. And once someone is gone, you'll feel better if you know you'll see them in heaven. But if you know you'll never, ................. Make a choice and do your part today.

John 3:16

2009-01-18T11:39:00.000+08:00

This morning I decided to spend more time with God, after about 1 week lack of discipline. While singing praises to prepare my heart, I looked down at the Big Thumb Square. A lot of people were already queuing up to get signature of some super star. Wow, so energetic. Are we showing the same passion to wait upon Him, to praise, worship and adore Him?

I saw a mum running towards her toddler who were pushing a shopping trolley. She quickly carried him up and hugged him tenderly, perhaps as a sign of apologies for leaving him unattended. At the moment, this struck my mind : yeah, it's her only child, must be very precious. In fact yesterday while reading about the babies died caused by the melamine scandal in China, I felt sad for the parents. So far there's only a couple that are willing to accept US$29000 as compensation for losing their 5 months child as they would not want to continue on with the complicated lawsuit and procedures. Other parents would not want to accept the compensation as it's really too low.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.

God gave us His Son by purpose, not by accident. And even when Jesus cried "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (in Mark 15:34), do you think God is not heart broken to hear that cry of His only Son, the Obedient One? But there is a bigger mission to be fulfilled, which can only be done through the sacrifice of the Holy Lamb.

I really pray that this will speak to the very heart of people of the nation, this nation.

I'm really going home....

2009-01-09T22:34:00.000+08:00

Haha.... after several weeks of telling people I'll be flying back this weekend, FINALLY, I am...

It has been long 4 weeks, instead of a 10 days trip. But am glad the ticket validity was 1month. else I'm not sure when can I really go home :p haha... though there is still possibility that I'll be flying off a week later to the same place where I spent Dong Zhi, Christmas, birthday, 2009 new Year, I really hope I'll be back for Chinese New Year and most importantly our 1st wedding anniversary :)

Today some predicted there should be some snow, but it did not happen. I even left the curtain open overnight so that when i open my eyes in the morning, I can know that it's bright out there and I can start spotting snow flakes :p at 5.30am this morning when I open my eyes and walked to the window, no snow. Guess what, after that I snoozed with my spectable on... and open my eyes once in a while so that i don't miss any falling snow.

Anyway, thank God that I can still go home despite no snow :) Please make sure I get up the 6.25am train and able to catch the 8.20am flight tomorrow.... Some collegues gave me other tips to get a RMB15 taxi trip to Pudong International Airport, but... gee, still feel the Maglev is safest and no traffic jam :)

YES, I'm coming home. 1st 2009 day in Malaysia.

Light and Salt

2009-01-05T19:01:00.000+08:00

Wonder if you've been a real salt or light in the world? Are you saltier each day or you've lost the saltiness through the waves of life?

Was browsing through a friend's photos and testimonials posted in his friendster. A very old friend of mine whom I first knew in UTM. Haven't seen him for long time, I think about 5 years already. Viewing through the photos and familiar names in the testimonials reminds me of my uni life. 4 long years. How I wish it was longer as it's the best time in your life before stepping into the complicated world.

Probably uni days are the best time for evangelism as you spend most time with friends, eating, joking, travelling, talking nonsense, building rapport. In working days not many people are willing to just sit down with you for hours to talk rubbish and eat unhealthy food at abnormal hours. Hahha.... when you get older, more health issue. And when you get into the world with more peer pressure, you starts to be more interested in getting more money and achieveing more...

Uni life was mostly spent in lecture rooms, church, CG, home and other fei-low-ship places. Looking back, I once thought that I've not achieved much for God. Not getting my dream results to fulfill my purpose as a student. But am glad through various clubs and society, and friends from different contacts, I've built many friendships. Hope I did live a Christian life that encourages many, and not stumbling any...

Lord, give me more time and passion for people around me. Can I not focus too much on work and achievements but to slow down to take a look at my surroundings? To practice my human love? A heart that reach out and not always looking in? Help me to balance my life again. I'd rather have the joy relating to people, than to chase after empty dreams that will not leave much good memories for me when I'm leaving the earth in future....

Divine Appointment

2009-01-04T13:15:00.000+08:00

Have you ever experience missing a plane, a train, a bus, and you almost did not know that? Haha... I just experienced it on 28Dec08.

It was in HangZhou where we were supposed to catch the 5:25pm train to go back to Shanghai. We were told by the taxi driver that it's ok to leave hotel at 5.00pm. But since it may be tough to get taxi at that time, we should get a taxi probably at 4:45pm. After late lunch and stroll by the lake side, we decided to catch a taxi at 4:25pm. Much earlier than we supposed to right?

We waited at the hotel lobby and found no taxi, probably not a common time for people to check in to hotel? We decided to walk out to the main road as it looks more promising. There were many taxi out there but almost none of them are empty. Some was hitched by other passengers waiting at other "better" spots than us. By 4:50pm, we were still standing by the roadside trying our luck.

At 4:55pm, finally I "caught" one, empty taxi!! The taxi driver refused to take us as he's rushing to get to his office for a daily procedure at 5pm. I told him we are going to miss our train at 5:25pm, and we've been waiting for half an hour. He wanted to refuse us again but after he looked at his watch and the heavy traffic, he agreed to help us catch our train, since it's running real late. We were so touched when he was willing to put our needs above his.

When I open the door and wanted to hop into the backseat, I saw a pink Nokia phone, a phone I used to like. Without hesitating, I passed to the driver, saying I found a handphone at the backseat. I guess he was surprised at my honesty and said that it must have been left by the previous passengers who were in Lou Wai Lou for a dinner reception. We asked if we were supposed to call the owner's friend (any number from the recent dialled numbers) and inform them that the phone was left in the car. The taxi owner says no need. Argh, at that moment of time, I almost regretted handing the phone to him - probably the phone will be lost forever. He then clarified that if he submit to his company, he will get extra merit points for honesty. Phew... ok. He's not that bad after all. We also wrote our phone number and thanks you note for him to show his superior to explain that he was late because he wanted to help passengers catch train. Else he'll be fined RMB1 every minute (worse than lintah darat!!).

After a while, while the driver was answering his cell phone, the pink Nokia phone rang. I offered to answer the phone since he was occupied. The lady in the phone sounded anxious, but she was so grateful when she found out that I was the next passenger and I actually did not keep the phone for myself. It was a very sincere "Thank You" you can tell. Great that she is local Hang Zhou residence and she has made appointment with the taxi driver to collect the phone in the taxi office. The taxi driver also asked her to report lost to the taxi office so that the merit point is secured when the taxi driver report "lost and found" at the office later on.

We reached the train station at 5:15pm. After sqeezing through the long and compact queues, we managed to get into the departure hall at 5:22pm. When I was 10meters away from the gate, I saw a lady closing the gate. OMG. The few passengers before and after me yelled, and all of us ran even faster. Luckily the lady let us in and we did not miss the train. Phew... Guess what, there was actually a "notice board" requesting passengers to be at departure hall 2hours before departure... argh, should have read that and not simply believing the taxi drivers and hotel concierge team :( But am glad God seen us through. Great amazing race!! :)

A dream, an inspiration

2009-01-04T12:58:00.000+08:00

I ended 2008 by doing something I really like, but not all always doing - visting museums, memorials and science centre. I never realised I like these places so much since I never really found someone that can "bare" with the amount of time I wish to spend in these boring places. Previously when visiting these places with other friends, I need to accommodate their preference and tend to browse through the facts quickly, so that I don't tie others down. After most visits, I felt a little discontent for the limited learning, but.... OK la... It's group activity. When visiting those places alone, I usually find a lot people passing by behind me, they seemed to be able to read and comprehend fast... Wow!!

Been to Shanghai Museum, Soong Ching Ling's House in Huai Hai Zhong Lu, SunYat Sen House at Si Nan Lu, Zhou En Lai House at Si Nan Lu, and also Shanghai Maglev Museum end 2008. Through these visits (except for Shanghai Museum and SCL House), I'm glad I finally found someone who actually spend equally long time browsing all the words and artifacts, even spend longer time than me esp at SYS House!! This someone that share the same interest as me is my best friend, Chew Yong Sheng. Haha... a hidden gift God gave me through our wedding early this year. Actually I should have realised it since we've been to Petronas Science Centre and Hanoi Cultural Village, but probably those were rushed trips, so did not appreciate it much :p

Was thinking about all these informative places. And was inspired - has anyone came out with a Bible Museum? How good it is to have such a informative place where people can just walk in and browse through the key message, historical moments, miracles, parables, and Christian teaching in a building? Haha.... It's nice to have such overviews. Best if can collect all the proofs which tells that those recorded stories really happened before!! Awesome!!

It's a dream. It's an inspiration. It's also a chance to give back to the society, since the museums and info centers helped me so much. If you are working on something like that, I'd like to be part of it :)

Footprints in the Sand

2009-01-04T12:55:00.000+08:00

I've been inspired by this story, which was first told by a Sunday School teacher when I was still a kid. It's awesome to know that in this life, you do not walk alone. You have a loyal friend that will never leave you. He chose to walk with you not because of who you are, but because of who He is - your Creator. Thus I'd like to begin this blod with this story.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me??"

The Lord replied, "The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson, 1936