All By Myself... To Australia...

I had my first holiday overseas all by myself.


Not accompanied by family or friends. It felt a little weird. But anyhow, I took a brave step to spend some time in Melbourne, Australia with my Sister.


In fact, I have not gone on holiday alone with my sister for the last 15 years. Its always been with the family tagging along. Both hers and mine.


I am not sure if I will get the opportunity to blog the whole 19 days of the trip but I will make a brief outline of what I did:

• Peninsula Hot Springs: We went for a spa at the hot spring. It was amazing because the weather was so cold (according to me, the Asian) and the water was so hot. So, it was very nice and relaxing.
• Had a nice "yam cha" session with my cousin brother who has just relocated to Melbourne. I have not met him for 25 years or more.
• Great Ocean Road: Beautiful drive along the Great Ocean Road and visited the famous 12 Apostles.
• Victoria Market: Summer Wednesday night market
• Batesmans Bay, Lakes Entrance & Eden: Drove along the coastal road and spent a few nights along the beach.
• Fruit picking: Cherry, rasberry and blueberry. Awesome!!!
• Tour Melbourne City: Spent a whole day in the city - sitting on free tourist bus going around the city. Eating Italian food, gelato, souvlaki on Lygon St.
  
• Read 2.5 books - Patricia Cornwell & Bryce Courtnay
  

It was a relaxing holiday and I did nothing stressful or tiring. I ate a lot and laughed even more.


Thanks, Sis, for being a wonderful host and taking time to spend it with me, it was precious and memorable for me. Looking forward to more trips together!

On the Ocean Road Trip.... Did someone said that it was summer time?
Sure didn't feel like it! *shivers*

Great Ocean Road... The Twelve Apostles. Breathtakingly beautiful sceneries

Execution time!

Panning for gold

My trip was taken from Dec 3 to 22. I missed the children loads but we spoke almost daily on skype. The chocolates and lollies which I purchased for them made it all good ;-).

National Science Centre Trip

This year, I was just too lazy occupied to organise a birthday party for Ethaniel. Eventhough he had wanted one.

In the past, I managed to organise birthday parties for both of my sons for the longest time. As late as last year, Ethaniel still had a party. I just couldn't manage one this time round. The thought of planning, cooking, preparing, entertaining and cleaning was more than I could bear!

I felt bad.

He had wanted heaps of presents from his friends. I know, its nice to have heaps of presents eventhough half of them are either pencil cases or books. Nevertheless, its still nice. He is just 8 years old and the joy of birthday parties are still great!

So, instead of managing 20 children in a party, I have decided to bribe offer to take a few of his friends to a place of his choice and enjoy 1 whole day of fun, companionship and memorable activities. Well, he chose National Science Center in Bukit Kiara and we went on 30 Nov 09, Monday. The place is huge, fun, educational, cheap and surely able to keep his other 8 years old friends occupied. Nobody will be bored or restless, hopefully. Let's see... who is in his guest list.... Matt and Jon from BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), Timothy & Stef (cousins) and The Thomas's children. So, in all, there will be 8 children inclusive of Joel, his evil twin.

A carload full of ethaniel's friends

The Little Boy aka Robot Monster

The children at Science Center

Trying their hands at taking out the rope from the metal loop at the Science Centre

They spent a few hours at the Science center and then we proceeded to a open playground for them to play. The lake opposite Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya seemed to have a great playground, not the best but nice enough. They had a great time running around and really sweat it out!!!

Matt

Joel and Timmy

Jon

Stef and Ethaniel

Happy Birthday Ethaniel. I hope you had a great time hanging out with you friends.

Shots To Remember New Old House

I went to see our new old house in Kota Kemuning. Apparently, the Seller still have not told the Tenant that we have already purchased the house. She kept asking the Agent to inform them, when the house is sold. For whatever reasons, they still have not.

This is the land just across the house. Many papaya trees and lemongrass planted. The tall trees further up is where the children's tree house will be, hopefully.

The Tenant has been staying there for 5 years now and have done a tremendous job of turning the extra land on the side and in front of the house into a farming ground. There are papaya trees, lemon grass, chili, lady fingers, long beans and various other plants. I emphatize with them. After all their hardwork, I am going to harvest those yummy papayas. But most of it have to go especially the ones in the compound of the house. It looks too messy.

The side of the house... too messy now

Took some photos of the place. Nice to see the before and after shots. Like... "This is what the house used to be like and now it looks like this"... kinda thing.


I am undecided if I should start a new blog on the new house plus the renovation or just fit it together with this current one. After all, its part of The Journey of My Life... a new season but still "in the journey". What I am afraid of, is running out of photo space. Google has limited space per blog. I feel too lazy to start a new blog. Oops, the truth has come out. Maybe I just stick to the current blog and label it accordingly like "new house", "renovation"... when I run out of photo space, then, just start another blog. Will worry about it when the time comes. Today has enough worries of its own.

The surau (mini mosque) is the one with red roof. Its a stone's throw away from our place

VBS aka Vacation Bible School

This year, Ethaniel went to VBS by himself. Initially, he had wanted Joel to join him. He almost does not want to go anywhere without his evil twin aka Joel. Unfortunately, the evil twin felt that since he has 13 years old, he is far too old for VBS. Ahem.. ahem... Oh well. Let it be. So, Ethaniel refused to go too.


I didn't force the issue. Eventhough I knew he will go... somehow.


The Children Church did a good job of advertising and selling the VBS to the kids. So, he signed up. From 24 to 26 Nov 2009, Tue to Thur, he was there from 8.30 to 5pm. He had a good time eventhough he was tired out everyday! Haha. They really know how to tire out these little children. Good job!


26 Nov, being the last day of the VBS, they went to Petronas Science. (It was also Ethaniel's birthday. So, I told him that we will celebrate his birthday some other day. Which he agreed). I was talking to him in the car about his day and he told me that they had Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch. He was so hungry that he not only ate his whole meal but had additional 2 pcs of chicken! 4 pcs for this small little fella???!! Apparently, he went around asking for more chicken, some were willing to "donate" and he ended up having enough to eat. My goodness! There is a bottomless pit somewhere in there. By the way, I feel tickled just imagining this boy going from table to table asking for more.


Obviously this boy will survive with or without his Mother or his evil twin.

Number 9

I was just reading through my previous blog and discovered that today, 27 Nov 2009, 9 months ago, we returned home to Malaysia. My, my... how time passes by.


I have not had the chance to sit down and think through what has been happening. All I know it that too many things have happened and is happening. No time to even catch a breath.


Life has just been crazy.


It's been constant change and the year 2010 is going to be even more changes. When I get to sit down and write, I will do that, I think.


By the way, I noticed that the number "9" has been creeping up a lot lately....

• The number of our new house is No. 9,
  
• this month is the 9th month of us being back to Malaysia,
  
• also on this 9th month, we purchased our new house,
  
• the number 9.9.09 is suppose to be a significant number for this year,
  
• I saw the huge number "9" on the church bulletin front page, the day I asked Pastor Mark & Rose to pray for our house (if we should purchase it or not)

Being curious, I went into the internet to search the meaning of number "9":

• marks the end; and is significant of the conclusion of a matter.
• end of man, and the summation of all man's works. Nine is, therefore, the number of finality or judgment.
• grace and finality.
• The ordained, fullness of God's plan
• Nine is also most noticeably a transitional number, being the last of the digits. Prophetically, as such, it may mark the end of an era

What does it really mean to me? That, I am not sure.

Happy 8th Birthday, Ethaniel!

Happy 8th Birthday, Ethaniel!


Oh my goodness... It was not so long ago you were just a small baby. Now, how you have grown. I still call you a baby because you are my baby, the last one.... There will not be another baby after you...


You have brought so much of joy and laughter in your 8 years of life. A lot of irritation, annoyance and pain too. But the joy has out-weight the "inconveniences" you brought.

Don't be deceived by that new born innocent-look. Since the day he was born, whenever he is hungry, he screams his lungs out!!! His face turns red and his umbilical cord puffs up. "Very healthy lungs" commented the Doctor tactfully.



Ethaniel had "octopus" hands because eventhough he only had a pair of hands, he was into EVERYTHING. Drawers, containers, cupboards and everything within his reach were not spared. He had special obsession for batteries and toothbrushes.


He took his own sweet time to talk but his personality was of obvious bubbly, joyful and gutsy. Has a compassion of a saint, sensitive heart of a Mother, persistence of a 2 years old and independence of a teenager.




A rare grumbling look. So cute, huh? Well, not when its directed at me (which often is the case). He keeps nothing in his heart. As transparent as a can be, he speaks his mind - good or bad!

Thank you for being yourself. I wouldn't exchange you for anything, except maybe all the wealth in the world, oh.. oh... I mean, nothing. All the wealth will be meaningless, if I do not have you in my life.


I will also not change a single thing about you... well, except, that you don't bug me too much, be more diligent in your studies, eat less sweet stuffs, tone down on your passion for cats and dogs and those wet kisses on my cheeks, just keep it coming.

What a handsome boy you have turned out to be.... To match those looks are a real loving, compassionate and a heart of gold. I have been so blessed to have been given you, as a Son

Have You Had One of Those Days? Part 2

Incident #4

I took the kids to the shopping mall and upon reversing my cute little MYVI into a parking space, I heard my reverse sensor beeping. Thinking that I was too near to the next car, I quickly drove forward to make another attempt at re-parking.


Then suddenly, before I could reverse in, someone drove into my parking spot!!!! A huge red pick up truck. So, I horned him to let him know that he parked on my spot. But he made no signs of driving out. I had to quickly make some decisions:

1. Sit in the car and feel really upset
2. Drive off to another spot and feel really upset
3. Come back later to puncture his tyre and feel great
4. Come back later to make some interesting graffiti on his windows, which will also make me feel great
   
5. Give him a piece of my mind and still feel upset but not as bad
   

OK... I had 5 seconds to react....


I decided to do thought #5. I parked my car on the side, at the same time observe if this fella has a ring on his nose, tattoos on his arms and bodyguards by the side. Oh goodie, none of it.


I proceeded to knock on the passenger window and told him that it's my carpark. He gave the stupidest excuse I have ever heard (according to me) ..., "Did you put on your signal light?" and I answered, "So what?". It was clear that even a toad could see that I was reversing into the parking space. Duh?!!! Blah blah blah and some more blah. If he had intentions to leave, he wouldn't have taken the spot in the first place. It was clear that he was not leaving. But I had wanted to give him my piece of mind. And I did.


I decided to give one last shot and said to the girl he was with, "Eh, you don't marry this fella. He is not a gentleman. Take a woman's parking spot". Of course, if he was not in such a hurry to leave, I might wanted to say more. After all, I was on a row....


Not so long ago, I usually react by moving to another parking spot and feel really upset. And then, I grew up and now I stand up for myself. I also wanted my children to know that they should not behave like that lousy fella. Its not right to take someone's "things" aka car park, intentionally or accidentally. At the same time, stand up for what you believe. Don't take crab when you need to stand up for what is right even if you are alone. Don't have to walk with the crowd.


I hope that "lesson" from me would have shook the fella and stop him from "stealing parking spaces" in future. He must have done it before and being Asians, most of us would brush it off and say that its a waste of time even trying to talk to bullies like that. Maybe. Maybe not. The next time you see this red pick up truck and if he ever attempts to take your parking spot, remember to give him your piece of mind. Not too large a piece, just enough to stand up for what is right.


Incident # 5

The cashier counter at MPH Book Sale had problems when I went to pay. After waiting for 10 minutes, I decided to pay cash instead of credit card.


Why me?????!!!!!

Have You Had One of Those Days? Part 1

I had a series of mishaps or "bad luck" (BTW, I don't believe in luck) incidences which was totally annoying, to say the least. You know, the feeling that nothing goes right. Everything seems and somehow feels that it WILL go wrong. When moments like that happens, I feel like locking myself in the house. Not that it will help. For all I know, the lock breaks down (which it did).


Its not major like the roof came down or I killed the neighbor's cat or something to that effect.


Have you had one of those days?


Well, it all started last week .... *back in time music*


Incident # 1


I was at the Macy Annual Sale 2009. Being the 1st day, Thursday, it was packed!!! Doesn't anyone work at 11am on a Thursday??! Or is it that all the Homemakers are out of the house (like me) and have decided to help the household budget by buying stuffs at a sale and save money (like me).


I was struggling to queue at the counter, while lugging two huge boxes of "goodies" (like Santa Claus). Its the lousiest queue I have ever been on. Like one of those queue at the NKVE highway during public holidays... Two lines which eventually end up at the same payment counter. Not realising that this was the case, I was standing for 30 mins with the afternoon heat and sweat. Well, you get the idea, it was not a beautiful sight.


Then, I changed queue and after 5 mins of waiting, they shut down the queue. What? I was asked to go next door to pay. There, I waited an additional 15 mins and when it was my turn to pay, the counter had problems with the computer.... Aaarrrggghhh! Anything else???!!! Bring it on, baby!


Incident #2


After returning home from the Macy Annual Sale 2009, I realised that they had over-charged me. Yaiks! In my hurry to get home after the sweat, heat and 1 hour of waiting at the check out cashier, I had forgotten to check my bill.


Guess what? I had to go back there again, the next day.... and not only I managed to get back my monies, but I also helped the household budget by purchasing even more stuffs.


Save money by buying.


You know, what I mean? We women are great at that, its a skill perfected through the great examples set by our Mothers and her Mother before her and it goes on......


Incident #3


Some of you might have read my blog post a few months ago, that I have started working part time. The Company provide Adventure Program to Christian groups. So, we had this particular group which was scheduled to have a program on a Saturday but due to some problems at a certain department, they had to work during that weekend. So, on Thursday afternoon at about 3pm, I received an email, requesting to postpone the program.


Aiyo!!!


First of all, its not a good idea to cancel the program on such a short notice i.e. 1 day. A lot of planning had gone into it. Secondly, earlier there were various changes on the venue, as a result, the activities had to change, so more planning had gone into it. Thirdly, the Instructors are all volunteers and would have sacrificed their weekend to block this date and now the cancellation.


Its just bad.


Especially, when I have to be the bearer of bad news.... informing the team of the postponement *bad feeling in the pit of the stomach*


To top the icing on the cake, the client didn't pay up, yet. That would have been my job. I asked them to pay, but they didn't (Irrelevant. Even if I engaged the services of Ah Long (thugs who "make" creditors pay their debts), its still my job to ensure clients pay-up). I will never know if they would have postponed the program if they had paid up (Again, irrelevant since it had already happen).


Sigh.


Stay tuned for more upcoming mishaps ......

House Hunting - Part 3

I told my boys that if I have extra cash after the renovation of the house, I will ask the carpenter to build them a tree house in the piece of land, just in front of the house. What a joy to be able to play in a treehouse whilst staying in the city!


You see, when I was a small little girl, we had a tree house. A make-shift one, with few pieces of wooden planks plopped on top of the tree. I remembered those times when I used to climb trees. It was great fun. I had often wished that for my 2 boys but it was difficult to get such opportunities, especially when we stay in the city. Now, it seems that God is granting my wish for my boys. The joy of childhood.

How about a simple little tree house?

Nice tree house... A great design

If I have this tree house, I wouldn't even want to go back home!

Joel, my 13 years old son is so excited with the idea of moving to the new house that he tells me EVERYDAY! He has plans of playing BB gun wars in that small little jungle! Both of them have drawn up the plans for their tree house and fantasized about what they will do there.


Well, not only the children have been fantasizing and planning, so, have I. Thinking of ideas to be done to the house has taken quite a portion of my time.


With limited budget for the renovation, I will be busy looking for bargains. Well, I will have a few months to compare prices and to continue to look out for bargains.


Lastly, I want to thank God for providing a miraculous house to us at a great price. I hope to be able to pass on the house to my grand-children. Haha. Such long term planning, eh? It would be great to see my grand children playing on the same tree house, their daddy had. Here I go dreaming again......

House Hunting - Part 2

At one point in time, it was so frustrating that we almost purchased a house which was a whopping half-a-million and it was just a double storey link house of 24 x 75!


We made various mistakes in the purchase of our previous home that I didn't want to repeat the same mistake this time round. So, I seek counsel from various people e.g. real estate agent friends, personal friends, my Pastor and his wife, my sister in law and even my Mother. Eventhough it was really confusing hearing many different comments/views but there is safety and wisdom in the multitude of counselor, as written in the book of Proverbs in the bible. I know that at times, our arrogance and pride stops us from wanting to hear what others have to say, especially if it contradicts what we want. Humility is the way to go!


There were various times when I went 'house shopping' with my friend, M. It was cute, 2 homemakers sitting in a car driving around, calling Agents, staring into houses, undecided where to go and even ended up at another friend's place chatting for 2 hours!


There was a particular time when I was talking on the mobile phone and an Agent asked me, "What is your budget?" and I replied, "Less than RM500K", knowing full well, that most of the properties were ranging RM400K and up. Even with half a million, it wouldn't be "the best" they have.


M gave me a nudge and said, "RM350K!!!".


I gave her a passing look. Not daring to stare in disbelief. But in my heart, I thought that she obviously have not been shopping for houses as long as I have. I have not heard of a corner unit house that cost RM350K. Its ridiculously silly to even have suggested it! But of course, not wanting to offend her, I kept that thought to myself.


Unknowingly to me, not her, this woman spoke out of faith. It was an impression that God gave to her. Obviously my faith was not up to her level. I couldn't believe God for a miracle... "Forgive me, God". Well, that's the reason why I asked her for help. So that eventhough this little "hard ears" of mine is unable to hear God, I will still not miss His best for me. Everybody needs help now and then....


A few days later, I contacted an Agent that took me around to view some houses. He brought me to 2 houses which I felt, I could shortlist. The 1st one, was a fully renovated corner house at RM500K. It was renovated to my taste but it was slowly breaking down, being almost 10 years old. The next house was an endlot with land but was a basic unit. A little rundown because it is 10 years old and has been tenanted all these while. The disadvantage to this place is the surau which was diagonally situated in front of the house. Will it be noisy? But its an affordable RM360K. Hmm.....


It took us another 1-2 weeks to decide on purchasing the house, after viewing another dozen or so houses, sitting outside the surau to 'test' the sound of the 'singing', if its bearable.


At last, I think that the house by the surau was what we were looking for and a good price to go with it. The Seller also reduced the price of the house to exactly RM350K, no more and NO LESS (we tried).


We paid our downpayment on 11 Nov 2009.


You see, that house by the surau (mini mosque) had all the criteria which we wanted. Not only that, it faced a piece of land which will not be developed because it is neither big nor small. I enjoy the view of the huge trees and the many papaya trees planted by the current tenant.


To be continued .................

House Hunting - Part 1

We have been house hunting for many months now. Its been tiring and frustrating!


We couldn't decide where to live!! We were shopping mainly at Putra Heights, Subang Jaya and Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam. Well, there were no shortage of houses to choose but unfortunately, we had a budget to stick to.


Honestly, the price of houses were almost ridiculously expensive, in my opinion. A double storey link house was going for RM450K to RM580K. Let's not even mention about corner units. The funny part was, people were buying them like hot-cakes!! If you take more than a few days to decide, its gone! Taken! Purchased!


I used to drive around these housing area, looking at "For Sale" signboards and would have spent hundreds of ringgit calling up Agents. It was a tiring affair but yet, I persevered knowing that there is a house specially stacked away somewhere by God, just for our little family.


I had my little "wish list" ....

1. Quiet area, away from city buzzing and traffic jam
2. Convenient to major destinations for children activities and Hubby's office
3. Guarded, for safety reasons
   
4. With heaps of greenery
5. Ample parking space
6. Not facing another house
   
7. Housing area which is children friendly e.g. playground, not many passing traffic
8. Preferably a corner or endlot with land
9. Not overly large or small but comfortable for a family of 4
   
10. Good buy and affordable
    

Is there such a house tugged away somewhere?



To be continued ........

Babies & Shoes

I was baby-sitting my niece who was 1.5 years old. Whilst travelling in the car, there was a bad traffic jam and she was not used to sitting in the baby car seat. Infact, it was her first time. I know, blame it on my brother.


Little Ji Ann, began to cry. The screaming, deafening, sharp kinda cry. As we were in the car with all the windows, it didn't really help.


After 15 mins of cry....


Joel: Aaarrrgghhh... I can't take it anymore! *frustration*


Me: *trying to pacify Little Ji Ann by giving her toys to play*


Joel turned to me and said the following....


Joel: Its OK for her to cry for 3 mins but for 10 mins, she will be tasting her shoes!!!


*shocked reaction from Mum*

I guess not....

What does 13 years old boys like to do for their birthday?


Hmm.... let me see....


Hang out with their Mum to a quiet dinner at the Mamak stall?


Watch a movie with their Little Brother?


Window shopping with Grandma?


Sit by the computer reading their Mum's blog?


Giving the dog a bath?


Finishing Math homework which was suppose to have been completed last week?


Watch Spongebob Square pants 13 series at one sitting?


Hmm....


I guess not.

Excitement in the Air!

"I am sooooooo excited that I cannot sleep", Joel came over and hugged me.


It was already 11:23pm.


"Why are you so excited?" I asked curiously.


"Because I am turning into a teenager tomorrow. That only happens once a lifetime", he said beaming.


Its really great to see him being so excited about himself turning into a teenager ... 13. That's a big number. I felt excited for him.


I don't think I have ever been that excited about my own birthday. Of course then, there was nothing to look forward to. I wasn't going to get a party or presents from my parents. Unlike Joel, who is so fortunate because he has been talking about his birthday present for months now. I still don't know what he has decided on.


I hope that he will have a great week because we will probably have a dinner with him during the weekend and then upon his request, have a few friends to go to Midvalley Megamall to some playground. I have not checked out the place, yet. But his friends mentioned that it was fun. So, that would be probably next week. How nice. The birthday celebration is spaced out for a whole week.


The joy of childhood.

Joel's Upcoming Birthday

Joel's birthday is this coming Thursday - 8 Oct 2009. He is turning 13 years old.


Don't forget to wish him, "Happy Birthday"! He is all excited about getting presents and getting wishes....


Of course, it will be nice if you could get him a present as well ;-). I am sure he will really really appreciate it.


The joy of childhood.

You can help to ease their pain

On August 1, Gorja Pakistan Muslims burned down homes of 50 of Christians families. One family of 7 burned alive.

What happened in Gorja, Pakistan is a horrible tragedy. Seven lives were ended early when Muslim demonstrators lit forty Christian homes on fire. International Christian Concern wants to aide these victims by helping people like you send them letters of encouragement. Christians are poor and chastised in Muslim societies like the ones in Pakistan.

A fellow Christian can help lift the spirit of downtrodden brother or sister in Pakistin. Fill out the form below to send the families of Gorja some encouragement in this difficult time. Let them know they're not alone in their struggle to live as Christ wants us all to. A simple word of encouragement from.

Go to here to send a few words of encouragement.

These is run by International Christian Concern.

2 Piano Teachers

In the last few days, I have decided that I will take up piano. I have wanted to play piano almost forever but never had the opportunity.


My children, have been taking piano lessons. Joel (12+ yo) for the last 1 year and Ethaniel (7+ yo) for the last 4 months.


When I expressed my interest to pick up piano, you should have seen the eager teachers!!! Both of them were so zealous.


"I want to sit beside, Mum," chirped the little teacher


"You move to the other side," insist the bossy teacher


"Mum, Mum, here's what you do," both teachers talking at the same time!


"Good job, Mum," compliments the bossy teacher


"Wow," claps the little teachers


"No! Mummy needs to play this page first before that!" insist the bossy teacher with a sharp look


I was amused.


I noticed the difference between the two teachers. One is so systematic and insist that I begin with page 1 and continue page by page. Whilst the other younger teacher insist that I play the piece he has just finished learning, without looking at the book, just "look at me, like this, Mum!" Obviously my Son thinks that I am some prodigy!! Haha.


How to learn just by looking? After 2 kids, brain cells have decreased in numbers, you know? I have a hard time trying to recall what I went upstairs to take!!!

Backfired

"Its all your fault!" I pointed to my belly.


"What?" Joel and Ethaniel turned.


Streaks of stretch marks doubled after 2 pregnancies. Its fun to be able to blame the children for something ;-)


"I used to have a stomach like yours, you know?" I stared at his belly enviously.


"No wonder you don't wear bikini" said Joel as if enlightenment has come to him, at last. Actually there are more reasons than stretchmarks that makes me stay away from bikinis... but I should not elaborate.


Ethaniel came over and touched. I thought he was interested to see the ordeal I had to live with... instead...


"Hey Koh Koh, you see, it moves like a blubber. Mummy stomach moves so much when I poke it. Hahaha", Ethaniel was doubling over with laughter.


This is what I call.... Backfired.

Swimming & Having Fun

On 27 July, Joel had his 2nd leg of competition which was organised by Milo. This time round, they held it in Seremban. It was nice. I have not been to Seremban since the death of my maternal Grandmother. That was 13 years ago. Yes, that long ago. I was 2 months pregnant with Joel.


It has this bitter sweet memory.


When my maternal Grandmother was alive, our family would visit her in Mantin (30 mins away from Seremban, I think) and then at times come to Seremban to visit other relatives. Incidentally, Grandmother was hospitalised in the General Hospital where she passed away. Sigh. I do love that sweet, gentle and frail woman. Gutsy too!


Let's get a little distracted and talk about Grandmother.... Just recently, my Mother told me that when Grandmother had aches in her body - like most 90+ years old women do, she would ask neighboring children to do a quick 'guasa' (scraping her body using a clay spoon. A traditional Chinese therapy) on her back. When done, she would reward the child with 50 cents. That tells how both innovative and generous she is. That's my Grandmother.


Anyway. Back to topic.


Where was I?


Joel's competitions were back stroke 50m, Butterfly 50m, Freestyle 50m & 100m and Breaststroke 50m & 100m. He did pretty well and made better time than during training days. So, he was pretty pleased with himself and I was definitely proud of him.


The water in the swimming pool was freezing. Having to train at 7am in the morning didn't help. On the 2nd day, he might have gotten a chill which gave him a fever but yet, he persevered and didn't pull out from the competition. What a good lesson on perseverance.


I never knew being a parent of a swimmer took so much more perseverance. From 7am till 6pm, all we do is hang around waiting for your child's turn to swim - which does not last more than 5 minutes in total. So, there is just so much thing one can do... chatting, reading, game boy and some more chatting and some more reading...


After each competition, they are to continue their swim in another pool, so, his fellow swimmers were playing around pushing each other around the pool. I saw that and started taking photos. It was so funny seeing them having some fun amidst some serious competition.


Since Joel was about 10 years old, I had trained him to be able to cope with 'pranks'. After all, we live in a world full of 'jokers' and cruel children. So, he does need to survive and not get offended all the time.

Joel's friend almost pushed him in

Pushing another boy in

This bunch of girls and boys had heaps of fun. Nice to see that young boys and girls can play together and not be shy

Joel looking tired

After the children were playing 'pushing' into the pool for almost 5 mins. Suddenly, one of the parent came over and reprimanded her daughter and told her to stop! I felt a little embarassed. There I was condoning it - so shameful *sheepish smile*. Lighten up, Mum!

Monkeys

Ethaniel and Daddy was chatting away....


Daddy: So, when you were in the car today, what did you see along the way?


Ethaniel: Monkeys.


Daddy: Really? Monkeys.


I had an urgent urge to add some remarks.


Me: Yeah. There were 2 monkeys in the car too (trying to imply Ethaniel and Joel).


Without missing a beat.


Ethaniel: Yes. And its Mummy and Koh Koh (Older brother in Chinese)


*Me laughing away*


Such a quick witted boy.


My son, obviously.

Another Near Miss!

*screams*


"Mom!"


"Mom!"


I saw Ethaniel screaming hysterically and crying while lifting up his t-shirt.


I saw patches of white on his stomach and soon discovered that while Joel was pouring some hot water into a cup, the kettle's cover flew open and the boiling hot water landed on Ethaniel and his stomach.


I scrambled to get some aloe vera which I usually have in hand due to my constant usage of it for vanity purposes. I cut away the skin of the aloe vera leaf and made a paste to put on Ethaniel's wounds. The wound was as large as the palm of my hands. Due to the pain, I was not able to put whole pieces on it, so, I squeezed the gel onto the wound and summon Joel to get Paracetamol as a pain killer for this little boy who was in obvious excruciating pain.


It was a daunting sight.


He was brave.


After 10 mins, he was still in a lot of pain, so we decided to take him to the Emergency Ward of Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya (used to be known as SJMC). Arriving at the hospital, I could see people in face mask. H1N1. What a place to be at 12.10am.


Ethaniel was wheeled in. After watching ER on TV, one tend to have a distorted expectations of having doctors and nurses running to you when you enter the emergency door. To summarise it, it was a disappointing experience. For a burn case anyway. Was not dramatic at all.


The doctor ordered the nurse to give Ethaniel some paracetamol through the anus. There is name for that medication, but trust me to forget that scientific name. I thought they were going to give him an injection. So, imagine me staring at him for another 25 mins in excruciating pain. Why do someone wants to go to the Emergency if not to have immediate cure. Anyway. After collating enough information, I realised that once the painkiller kicks in, the nurse will wash his wounds with saline and apply a cream.


OK, OK, call me a skeptic but I could easily have done that at home. Obviously my ignorance in how hospitals treat burn patients was a wasted trip and 1.5 hours of wasted time. The aloe vera which I used to treat him was a much much better way. It heals the wound naturally and as I observed it, the scalded flesh was from inflamed red to pink and slowly looking less scary. I use it when I get oil splashes during my cooking sessions too. It works perfectly and leaves no scars.


Of course, for Ethaniel's case it was more serious, his scalded stomach caused the skin to peel showing pink flesh. Eeewww.... Poor boy. Anyway, Thank God it wasn't his face or eyes.


After reaching home at 1.30am, I took more aloe vera, de-skinned it, laid it on the wounds, covered it with gauze and taped it up.The next morning, I took out his patch and saw that the wound was healing nicely. This aloe vera work wonders! And not forgetting to thank Ethaniel's guardian angel for taking care of him again after the drowning and "sand-in-eye" episode (for those who read the blog post which I took out)


I wonder if the guardian angel is standing beside God complaining of all the hard work he has been putting in for the last month. Hmm....

Have you seen a cuter or more adorable smile? Bet you never.

Photos of Baby Ryan

This is photo of Baby Ryan 2 weeks old, I think.

The little feet vs my hand

Squeezing his cute cheeks

My sons with their baby cousin

Black Tie Event

My boys seldom wants to wear a suit. Especially Joel. It was difficult to convince him to wear one. He has outgrown 2-3 suits without having won it once! Ethaniel on the other hand, is more willing. He enjoys looking coooool.


Attending our Bangkokian friend's wedding in Penang, again, we tried to convince the boys to wear their suit before they outgrow it again.


When they actually put it on, all I could see was ...


stunning...


handsome...


unbelievably good looking...


totally "leng chai"...


drop dead gorgeous...


Cannot take my eyes of these handsome boys!!!


Well, I could be a little bias, but just a little.

making sure his hair is nicely combed

Joel looking all grown up

Ethaniel trying to keep himself occupied during the wedding ceremony.

Two Buddies

Joel and KG have not seen each other since we returned to Malaysia in Feb 2009, that was 4 + months.


They re-united at Penang and had a good time playing together.....

KG

Joel

KG & Joel rolling on the sand...

Ah, the joy of childhood.... and good friends.

Penang Part 3

Today is a very special day for our friend who will be celebrating their wedding anniversary by having an official wedding ceremony. They became Christians a few years ago and were never married in a Church or said their marriage vows, the Christian way.


So, they have decided to do that and travel all the way from Bangkok, Thailand to his hometown in Penang to do that.


We were all in the same cell group in Bangkok, Thailand and have agreed to be part of this very special day even before we returned to Malaysia in Feb 2009. We were really looking forward to meeting the whole cell group. It has been many months since we last met.


The wedding ceremony started around 5.30pm and followed by a dinner reception after that. The simple wedding was a wonderful event. Gathered by people whom they are closest to i.e. Parents, Siblings, Uncles, Aunties, Nephews, Nieces and Friends.

The flower girls, page boy, coin boy, bridesmaid and of course, the bride

Bride, Bridegroom and their children

Beautiful Bride

Photos are compliments of my Hubby who was the official photographer for the evening. To view more photos go here and here.


Back to the trip....


We enjoyed some good Penang food throughout that 3 days 2 nights trip. Short and sweet trip. We also made a short trip to the Penang Hill. The last time we were there, it was easily 5 years ago. Ethaniel was just a little boy. The weather was nice and cool, up at the Penang Hill but unfortunately, there was nothing to do. Unless if you spend a night at one of the hotels there. Which we had no intention.