Connected Again

Hello world.

Have been away for almost a month. Away as in internet absence for almost a month.

The recent months had been really really good. I have been reading quite a bit (random books), bought a Yoga mat, went away and had some quality time with hubs and my living dynamo, tried out some new recipes (I finally made my own Aoili!), walked my son to the park outside our house several times, read to him every other nights before we kiss goodnight (recently he is loving the ‘Gruffalo’), gazed at the stars and tried locating Mars and Jupiter, did a round of “Mickey-Musical-Latern which was given by our nice neighbors” during the Mid Autumn Festival and gee, the list goes on.

Frankly, I’ve been living without a personal PC for almost a month. No private emails, no blogging, no online shopping (opps), facebook etc. It has been really really good. This whole disconnectivity with the circular world felt good. It feels like I just went through some cleansing ritual, and really, I would strongly recommend this whole disconectivity-pursuit if you are feeling pressed and “a little too-into the rat race”. I think one should really do this, well, as least for me!

The past month has been an overwhelming month as well because we traveled as a family for the first time. No mother, sisters, in laws, tour guides, nothing! So, it was just the 3 of us, Ethan, hubs and I; we did the Land of the Rising Sun. That was an adventure I tell you. Armed with the only Japanese words I knew “arigato, sushi, sashimi, tempura, and chawanmushi” we conquered the land of Shinkansens, hub to the latest electronic gadgets, historic ryokans,  GOOD FOOD, and seriously, good good food! I’ll write more about it soon.

While all these were happening, my son is now turning into a young broadcaster. He is picking up new words everyday and the latest addition to his vocabulary is .. yes, the much anticipated “penis”. It all started when Ethan did a leak while he was in his underwear ( we are trying to potty train him) and the horrified daddy had to clean up the mess. So big daddy took Ethan away from the targeted spot, wiped the stained floor, pull down Ethan’s underwear and sent him into the bath tub for clean-up. While cleaning up, big daddy pointed at baby e’s mini pride and glory and said “Ethan, when you she-she, you have to tell daddy and mummy”. Immediately, the baby pointed at his own p&g, giggled and said “she-she”. So big daddy had to do some correction, quickly he pointed to the mini one and said, “Ethan this is penis… you see, P-E-N-I-S”. Naturally, my brilliant son followed “pee-nise”. Ahhhh, and so it is done, the introduction to Penis 101 has began (try beating this) at 21 months. HAHAHAH. But seriously, he knows his penis, well at least the location of it. =)

It has been an amazing journey with Ethan so far. He is now coming to 22 months and showing early signs to the much dreaded terrible two. Yes, the time of trying to be independent while having to be dependent. Amazing isn’t it, how God create 2 year olds. I just love them!

It’s past midnight and all the other living creatures in the room are fast asleep. My head’s spinning and will need to hit my cradle now.

So for now, sweet dreams and good night!
I’m connected again.

Jog for Hope 2010

Good grief!

I'm joining my husband for his uni's charity marathon drive, Jog for Hope 2010 tomorrow. I'm pretty nervous now. The last time I did running/cross-country, I always finished in the top 10. Right now,after more than 15 years of not running, I'm just hoping I won't be in the LAST 10!

steps of life

my husband

my son

my life...

Central Park

I love the weekends!

We woke up to a beautiful morning a few Sundays ago. We didn’t have anything planned for the day and thought it would be amazing to go to the park.

I quickly fixed hubby, Ethan and I each a sandwich. We had the ham, lettuce and egg on whole meal, while Ethan had his mini cheese sandwiches. Chucked two breakfast mugs into the picnic bag and we were good to go!

We went to Central Park which was just outside our house, right in front of One Utama. It’s a good two minutes away from our place and this park has a huge play ground with several ponds scattered all over. And so we flung our straw mats on the floor and had our breakfast overlooking the beautifully landscaped grounds.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning, but it was a little wet because it rained the night before. Obviously that didn’t deter my champ from getting into the playground… not at all! He was just so thrilled by the fact that he was in a park. And there he was, picking up leaves, stones, and running his fingers on the sand/soil/mud?!? And since it was a Sunday, dog owners bring their dogs out to the park for walks and doggie-socializing sessions. We had a feast of a time dog-watching while enjoying our breakfast!

I must say sipping coffee while lazing in a park is just divine. The smell of crispy fresh air, and the touch of the cool gentle breeze on my skin made me realize that there’s so much more to life, especially when it's out here in the nature.

It was a beautiful and blissful Sunday morning indeed!

back

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated. It’s really a pleasant surprise to get calls asking how am I doing as they have not heard anything from myskimlatte. Thanks for all your concern guys. I’ll definitely try to make it a point to keep the updates coming; but really, I’m humbled by your concerns. Well, at least I know I’ve got a bunch who cares!
Just so that those who didn’t know, we just came back from London. Some may not know as Adrian and I were working quite a bit, saving up our leaves for this trip prior to the trip. And of course, Ethan came along. It was spring, but freezing cold. It was about 4 degrees one evening. Yeap, that’s global warming for you I suppose, but again, I was told that the weather in London is schizophrenic!


Well, it was an awfully needed break for hubs and I, and especially to spend quality time with Ethan. My little champion is close to a year and a half. Where did time go? Adrian and I often talk and laugh about how our baby is becoming like a little old man now. We recently taught him his pleases and thank yous and, now whenever he shoves anything right in front of your face, he’ll expect you to take it and he’ll remind you with a “kank-u”. Oh ya, he’ll need to look at the contents of his food before actually having them in his mouth. And yes, he started showing interest in what he likes to wear. Gee, turning into an old man isn’t he?


So, while hubs and I muse over all of Ethan’s quirky beginnings, I asked if he could help me blog about them. I was thinking two is better than 1, wouldn’t you agree? And hence, I woke up the silent author in him. He surprised me one day with this beautiful entry he did on his blog. I almost cried as I knew what he wrote was straight from his heart and it rather inspirational. So here, maybe when you don’t hear much from the coffee freak, pop over to the sound box to see what genre is playing.


p/s: I finally learnt the simple art of tea drinking after coming back from London.

Banana, oats and raisin muffin

I’ve wanted to be adventurous in introducing new food into Ethan’s diet. Not too long ago, I made muffins; some form of ‘baby muffin’. To my surprise, when I first baked the “so called baby muffins”, my aunt gobbled all of them down. “I like it a lot” she exclaimed. Frankly, she is a very fussy and picky eater. And I was flabbergasted when she hinted me to bake this type of muffin when she comes visit. As I ponder on it further, I realized that the reason she fell head over heels over these muffins because they weren’t sweet but full of flavor… How silly of me. I should have realized this as they were meant for baby, and obviously, minimal sugar was my aim.

Well, not to mention, everyone loves this, even the daddy!

Banana, oats and raisin muffin

Ingredients
2/3 cup of self raising flour
½ cup plain flour
¼ cup caster sugar
1 ½ cups of oats ( I used the fashion old quaker oats)
3 ripened bananas
a handful of chopped raisins
½ cup milk (low fat cows milk)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup canola oil

1. Preheat oven to moderate 180 C. line 12 muffin cups.
2. Place flour, sugar, into a large mixing bowl.
3. Make a little whole in the centre, add fruit. Combine eggs, oil and milk. Using a wooden spatula, stir for a minute or until all ingredients are just combine; do not overbeat.
4. Spoon mixture into prepared muffin cups, filling 2/3 full.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until puffed and lightly golden.
6. Take out, leave to cool and serve.

dum dee dee dum

I sometimes really wonder what's running through his mind.
I really wonder...

Ethan,

Feb 19, 2010

Happy New Year 2010!

I made a new year resolution,... only to my hubby. I will update my blog as often as I could. Ethan is 13 months now, and too many happened since my last entry.
When the clock strike 12 am on new years eve, we were all seated around our black glass dining table savoring Belgium Chocolate Baskins which we queued up for as there were on 31% discount that day.

I felt really melancholic about the whole new year fiesta. I suppose it was mainly because the year just flew by, very quickly, and really, I asked myself, where did 2009 go?
Well, after having to get lost in thoughts for the longest time, I decided to briefly pen them in here to remind myself that 2009 was indeed one of the most significant year for me so far.

1. Experienced first ever post natal depression… It was quite bad and I remember my O&G had to write me a referral to see a psychiatrist. Thank god for best friends; my best bud, my confidant was there when I needed her most. Really, I did not see any psychiatrist what not after that.

2. I got my first ever promotion

3. finally gathered my valor to leave my son behind for Sydney for almost a week, all alone! It was really really good. Having to soak the Australian sun again. I am totally thankful to the dearest hubs for allowing me the time I needed to go away and to gather myself again. Well, of course it helped with the actual reason to Australia was to attend Benjamin and May’s union as man and wife. It was one of the most beautiful wedding I have attended. Perhaps I should write about it on a separate post.

4. Hubby got me my very first coffee machine. Frothing low fat milk is what I look forward to during long weekends. And ever since then, we have been eating wholesome breakfast with Egg Benedict being the latest fad in our ‘family favourites’ breakfast menu.

5. We ate in Bobby Chinn’s. One word: astounding. Food was top notch, milieu was superb and did I say that the food was splendid again?

6. celebrated Ethan’s 1st birthday. This little sunshine managed to put a smile on our face for the past year. Everyday for 365 days. How else should I elaborate? He is our sunshine!

7. became a full time corporate rat racer by day and full time mummy by night. My goodness, rat racing has never been that easy if you ever compare it to sorting a child who is going through separation anxiety (the tears rolling down his cheeks stretching his little hands longing for a hug, turned out to be having to carry him throughout the night because he doesn’t want anyone else except his mummy). It’s tiring and I am not complaining at all.

8. Brought Ethan back to Sabah for the very first time. He was very well behaved during his flight journey, which made it tad easy for us. At least we did not have to deal with stares which will potentially make us looked like we were in a midst of "disciplining your baby, 101".

9. Saw 2 of our Godchildren baptized in SFX; Ethan Zachary Chong was baptized by Fr. OC Lim and Kristen Tham was baptized by Fr. Simon Yong. That would mean, we are now proud Godparents to 4 Godchildren; Ian Lim, Pio Lim, Ethan Zac Chong, and Kristen Tham. We are blessed in so many ways, and we could not ask for more when He gave us Ethan, our bucket full of sunshine.

10. I got my a husband a Macbook Pro. That would mean I will have to adjust my wardrobe stocks for the year 2010, and it will probably look unhealthy as I would need to start my year with high balance brought forward (b/f), low disposals and lower capital. Not too nice looking in my balance sheet, but he is smiling silly. So heck the balance sheet. =)

Happy New Year.
Eat, love and live!

An act to a word?

I came across an article on some really weird situations where an act eventually became a word.

Pinkwashers (n) Certain companies who specifically use support for breast cancer research to promote products or services.

Carborexic (n) A person who is obsessed with minimizing his or her use of carbon.

Precycling (v) Purchasing products based on how recyclable they are.

Ghost call (n) A silent phone call received from a person who inadvertently has dialed or selected the number on their mobile phone (also known as ``purse-dialing.'')

Micro-boredom (n) What we used to call downtime is now increasingly filled by fiddling with mobiles or BlackBerrys. Those who market these devices, or the services they use, see it as an opportunity to sell us something.

Baby goggles (n) A phenomenon where the parents of an ugly baby think their baby is adorable and no one else does.

Fauxmosexual (n) A person who pretends to be gay, particularly as a way of garnering attention; a person who mistakenly believes he or she is gay.

Kitchenheimer's (n) When you're in the kitchen going around in circles because you can't remember what you were doing there.

SOURCE: Cramer-Krasselt's ``Urban Dictionary''

I find these words really amusing… and I really like the term Kitchenheimer's, maybe because that’s the word I have been looking for, for a long long time and yes, I do get Kitchenheimer's all the time. Do you?

Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the blood He gave
Green is for the grass He made
Yellow is for the sun so bright
Orange is for the edge of night.

Black is for the sins that were made
White is for the grace He gave
Purple is for the hour of sorrow
Pink is for the new tomorrow.

Give a bag full of jelly beans
Colorful and sweet

Tell them it's a Prayer...
It's a promise...
It's an Easter Treat!

writing again...

Before Ethan came into our lives, I was busy looking for one of those “my baby journal” books to pen Ethan’s developments as a reassurance for that I am actually growing with him, despite being a working mommy, which I did.

Some of the contents in the book: my first day at home, my first Christmas, when I first slept in my room, my first smile and the list of my firsts…

As I look back at these writings, it has taken on new meaning as I have gone through the stages of motherhood within these 4 months. When I feel like I have been too busy at work or too unaware of Ethan’s small changes I pull out this journal and read just one or two of the tiny details of my life with him. Immediately the richness of my motherhood experience unfolds for me and buoys me up.

However, I realized that they were more things which happened and I would like to remember. Ie: sleeping patterns, children’s parties Ive attended, shopping sessions with grandma, outings, other curiosities that took place.

And hence, I'm writing again.

And I hope that this will eventually be a trail to follow, to try to figure out how Ethan is unique in his own ways; his maladies, his fear, and his accomplishments in the years to come.

These intricate details hopefully would be able to take me back to my motherhood experience, where it all began, the struggles, pleasures and contentment. And hopefully over the years, they bring me the peace of mind that while leading a working-mommy life; busy, hectic, full life was full of motherhood's great rewards and pleasures.

Santa Claus!

Right now, I’m sitting next to Adrian. He is focused wanting to finish up his work for the night, while me, just stepped out from the shower thinking about something really strange.

Santa Claus.
Who is Santa Claus.

I was actually thinking to myself, who is Santa Claus. Believe it or not, having gone through quite a NUMBER of Christmases and growing up always wanting be know where santa came from, I just can’t believe at this point in my life, I still don’t know who is Santa Claus.

Without much thought, I dived into the internet and googgled Santa Claus. Typically, the 1st result that appeared came from wikipedia.

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply "Santa" is a fictional folklore figure who, in Western cultures, is presented as bringing gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or on his feast day, December 6.

The popular North American form Santa Claus is derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas, which in turn is a contracted form of Sint Nicolaas (Saint Nicholas). However, the Dutch Sinterklaas is depicted as being very different from Santa Claus in many ways.

Also, I found out that the outfit Santa Claus wears comes in many colors depending on which country. The most common depiction (red with white cuffs, collar, and black leather belt) became the more popular image in the United States in the 19th century due to the significant influence of Thomas Nast.

Thomas Nast's depiction of Santa Claus

Thomas Nast was a famous German-American caricaturist and editorial cartoonist in the 19th century and is considered to be the father of American political cartooning. He drew A classic version of Santa Claus1863 for Harper's Weekly. Before then, most depictions of Santa Claus showed a tall, thin man. Nast drew him as the bearded, plump man known today.

In the mid-20th Century, and artist Haddon Sundblom came up with a series of Coca-Cola advertisements featuring a Santa Claus which was round and jovial, closely depicted by Thomas Nast.

Haddon Sundblom's depiction of Santa Claus is the Coca Cola Advertisements

Many legends and miracles are attributed to Santa Claus:

• When he was an infant, his mother only nursed him on Wednesdays and Fridays; he fasted the remaining days.
• He halted a storm at sea in order to save three drowning sailors.
• During his lifetime, he adored children and often threw gifts anonymously into the windows of their homes.
• His father left him a fortune which he used to help poor children.
• He grabbed the sword of an executioner to save the life of a political prisoner.
• He brought back to life several children who had been killed.

Present day, you can find quite a number of legends, related to Santa.

• Throughout many countries in Europe, St. Nicholas/Santa distributes gifts to the children on DEC-5, the eve of his feast day. In some countries, the gifts come at another time during Advent or on Christmas eve.
• In Germany, Weinachtsmann (Christmas man) is a helper of the Christkind (Christ Child)
• In France, Père Noël distributes the gifts.
• In Russia, under the influence of communism, St. Nicolas evolved into the secular Father Frost. He distributes toys to children on New Year's Eve.
• In England, Father Christmas delivers the presents. He is shown with holly, ivy or mistletoe.
• In Scandinavian countries, the ancient Pagan Yule goat has transmuted into Joulupukki - similar to the American Santa.
• In North America, Santa Claus rules, thanks to a certain brand of soda.
• According to Roman Catholic church, his body is said to have not decomposed. In his shrine in Bari, Italy, it is believed by many pilgrims to exude a sweet smelling odor which cures medical disorders and illnesses.

Right now, I'm left with a retiring smile because at least part of my naive and innocent growing up year believing that there is a Santa is not at all a fairy tale. He is just Saint Nicholas!

THE POEM

I've read this poem a couple a times and never really thought it meant anything to me. Of late, I've been really caught up with work and sometimes forget totally about the meaning of existence and the creator of it.

I am truly humbled and often feel much more secure to know that He is close to me.
Now I'd like to share this poem with you and hopefully it'll speak to you soon.

---

I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work for bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book; It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said "Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down... but never found the time"

pralines?

A couple of minutes ago, Adrian and I were just chilling when I took out a box of Max Brenners chocolates Andrea brought for us from Sydney.


This box of chocolate comes with a little menu/catalogue where it labels the type of chocolates in the box.


I chose the "Dark Chocolate Praline with Cornflakes" and Adrian picked the "Praline with Dark Chocolate".

Then he asked, "Hunn, What is praline?"

I thought for a second "I think it's high class chocolates."

He paused and said "o-kay".

For the next 30 seconds, I sat still and I came over to the check what a praline actually means.

Praline is a family of confections made from nuts and sugar syrup. (Source: wikipedia)

As originally invented in France at the Chateau Vaux-le Vicomte by the cook of the 19th century sugar industrialist, Praslin. Pralines were whole almonds individually coated in caramelized sugar, as opposed to dark nougat, where a sheet of caramelized sugar covers many nuts. The powder made by grinding up such sugar-coated nuts is called 'pralin' or 'praliné' in French, and is an ingredient in many cakes and pastries.

In most other countries the word 'praline' is used to mean this powder, or even a paste, often used to fill chocolates, hence its use by synecdoche in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium to refer to filled chocolates in general. In the United Kingdom, the term can refer either to praline (the filling for chocolates) or, less commonly, to the original whole-nut pralines.

After reading this, pralines are not exactly high-class chocolates. There are chocolates which have softer/caramelized texture inside and are covered with another layer of chocolate.


Hehe, I will need to explain this to my confused husband.

peep out

taken from my room one evening.

breathing Bali

random shots taken during our trip to Bali
September 2007

I was delighted to see a cotton tree. Really, this is my first time seeing a cotton tree in my entire life. Looked like an ordinary tree at first, then I was real pleased to see tiny cotton drizzling down, looks just like snow, but the weather was horribly humid!

A shot of the locals in action.

paddy field

I swore that I will never waste a spec of rice ever, after seeing how hard these people have to work in the paddy field.

the keys

Today, we got the keys to our new place. It was pretty tough looking for a place with the property prices getting soaring exponentially. Anyway, we got a really neat place in Bandar Utama and I can't wait to furnish it.

We just got a huge TV and that will sit in our room, spoiled ourselves silly with a gorgeous bed and a huge tub. Right now, we will really need to go around hunting for a good dining set, some book shelves and I am desperately in need of some ideas for a garden.

being too cool

Cool people
Cool hobbies
Cool rewards

The Cool Boys
Justin, Brandon, Jeremy, Devin, Evan, Adrian

The" Cool" Drummers
Evan, Brandon

Brandon in action

Part time cool models as well

The sweet "cool" voices and sweet "ccol" faces too
Tanya and Jeslyn

"Cool" Trio in action
Tanya, Jeslyn and Joyce

The "cool" guitarists

Devin, Justin and Adrian

The "very cool" keyboardist
Michelle

her "cool" part time assistant, Brandon

Coolest reward: besides getting real reward from Heaven for rocking the church, they get pocket money too for playing for the KC and Yueh Li's Wedding Mass.

I need a break

Have been working real hard for the past couple of months, pretty much like a routine; to work, home, dinner, chores, and bedtime.

I need a break terribly. Have been staring at my table calendar for the past month counting down the days when I can see sunshine, feel sunshine and see sun set.

This time round, we've have booked ourselves a good 4 day 3 nights compliments of YTL properties for hosting our wedding dinner in one of their boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur. We enthusiastically packed our bags, and so ready for a road trip to the east coast. Being Malaysians, which I have to admit that I'm a pretty bad one, we have decided that we should visit the towns/cities that are located at the east coast. So, we booked ourselves a hotel in Kuantan, Pahang for a night before heading to Tanjung Jara, in Dungun, Terengganu.

The ride there was good, taking our time absorbing the scenery and the air of freedom, (for just a miserable 4 day out of the office/work/rat race).

Guess what, it's our first time having to go for a trip with nothing much planned out/no research done. We just needed a break, not thinking of what needs to be done during the break, but just "being" in the break. It felt really good, to just let go some times and and experience come what may.

Slipped some CDs in the side compartment of the car and off we went, cruising. I'm not so much of a cruising person, but it hit me that I should stop at some point in life and not take mother nature for granted.

We took about 4 hours to reach Kuantan, where we took an overnight stopover and visited the Kuala Cempedak coast the next morning. Growing up in Sabah, I have also loved the beach.

Breathing the sea breeze again refreshed my life (I had some time to think about growing up, friendships, love, mistakes, and really withdrawing from the pressures of this ever-changing world). I always have this nostalgic feeling every time I’m being the seaside, especially now that daddy is gone, I know I will always feel him in the wind. (My dad and I shared some of the best times in our lives by the beach back in Sabah).

Authentic in architecture and attitude, always warm and welcoming, it is an environment to let go, to relax deeply and take time to rediscover yourself, your family or your friends;

Then off we went, for another 3 hour drive into Dungun, a small town in Terengganu which is culturally untouched. We saw villages after villages and rows of coconut trees which mark the drive along the coast. It was a gorgeous sight!

And finally, we have reach to the winner of an Aga Khan Award for Architecture's Tanjung Jara Resort.

Reception area.

We were told that about the philosophy of the Resort which is based on the Malay concept of Sucimurni, which emphasises purity of spirit, health and well-being. Indeed, that was how I felt when stepped into the warm and cozy reception area; I felt like a long anticipated visitor which was very much welcomed by the locals.

When we arrived, we were welcomed by a hot towel and a glass of chilled Roselle drink, (made from the extract of Hibiscus flowers) which frankly tasted like plum juice. It was nice indeed, not really because the drink was excellent, but really, the fact that you have someone coming up to you serving you a nicely presented drink.