This morning, as I was driving back home after dropping hubby at work, I heard over the radio that Michael Jackson is dead. I thought it was a prank since the morning DJs are normally wacky and cheeky. But it sounded so serious that when I got back home, I straight away logged onto Internet to confirm the news. Yes, Michael Jackson is indeed dead. He was 50 and died from cardiac arrest due to abuse of prescription drugs.
I admit that I am not a Michael Jackson fan. But I have enjoyed listening to his music as I was growing up. I've read stories about him and watched movies about his families. So although I don't actually go all the way out to buy his CDs, whenever I came across gossips of him in the magazines, I would take some time to read it. I feel sad for his passing on. He was a huge success during his moonwalking era but at the same time, his life was falling apart. Looking at the way he lived his life, one can feel the inferiority he felt deep down, the constant loneliness and need for love, the fear of rejection and with that, he had undergone numerous cosmetic surgeries, drugs, perverted sexual inclination and also landed himself in massive debts. How can a person of such talent and success end up in such a pitiful state?! Ecclesiastes had said it correctly then, "Meaningless, all is meaningless under the sun." But our answers and hope lies with That Who is above the sun. Without God, life would indeed be meaningless.
MJ will of course be always remembered for his songs and his moonwalk, just a Elvis Presley did with his songs and twist. Australian Idol have actually included the "Jackson era" into their competition. Perhaps tonight I will sit on my couch, sipping a cup of hot chocolate and listen to Michael Jackson.....
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Joanna's visit to Sydney
WARNING: This is going to be a LONG blog.
Normally, when one play host to a visitor, one would plan on the places to bring them, the things to do together, the food to try out etc. It would involved alot of getting in and out of the house and rushing from one place to another. By the end of the visit, one would normally look forward to getting back one life's routine and a long rest to recuperate. But it was not so for Joanna's visit. The after-feeling of her visit was one of nostalgia, refreshed, sweet and heart warming. I have forgotten what it felt like to have just spent good time with good friend for quite awhile now. Aih, missing her already.
Joanna arrived on Saturday but it was all began quite dramatic for me. I sighted some spotting when I went to toilet in the morning. I was worried as we drove to the airport to pick Jo up. Deep in my heart I was worried if having Jo around would be a hassle since I wanted to bring her around Sydney but at the same time, I knew I should take things easy and rest as much as possible. I did call up my doctor and he assured me that if the bleeding stop and I can still feel the baby moving, there is nothing to be concern about. The baby did kick, so I thought perhaps we could still go on with our plan, which was to go to the city for lunch and then a stroll to Hyde park for the outdoor skating rink winter festival. Well, ended up it rained heavily and the traffic was so bad, we decided to have lunch halfway back and spend the rest of the day at home. That was the right thing to do. We had great food and lovely fellowship.
Jo came like a santa clause. The moment she stepped into the house, she unpacked 4 containers of home baked cookies, chocolate truffles, varieties of nuts, clothes and book for Ashley, and of course clothes for me. I have only requested for a pair of jeans for Ashley so you could imagine my surprise! I felt so blessed that she is so generous to us and it kinda reminded me of the feeling I had when I was a child- when during every Chinese New Year, my aunt from Singapore will buy me and my sister clothes, toys and chocolates from Singapore. You know, the feeling of having so many gifts to unwrap, so many things to love and like? But nothing beats the feeling of being able to have heart to heart talk, being true to yourself and yet being loved for who you are. We didn't do any of those touristy things that I've planned. Instead we took her through a trip to our "daily life", our normal hang out place, market place etc., and she even cooked dinner for us. Joanna embraced every moment of it and she cherished every moment of play with Ashley. It was so much fun to see the way they played and laughed together.
On the day that Joanna left, Ashley seems to know what's coming. In the morning, she tried to distant herself away from Joanna, as though bracing herself for what is to come. But it was a short episode and in no time, they were having the best farewell.
I can't wait for another visit from Joanna. I hope she had a blessed time too, as how she has blessed us during her short stay with us.
Normally, when one play host to a visitor, one would plan on the places to bring them, the things to do together, the food to try out etc. It would involved alot of getting in and out of the house and rushing from one place to another. By the end of the visit, one would normally look forward to getting back one life's routine and a long rest to recuperate. But it was not so for Joanna's visit. The after-feeling of her visit was one of nostalgia, refreshed, sweet and heart warming. I have forgotten what it felt like to have just spent good time with good friend for quite awhile now. Aih, missing her already.
Joanna arrived on Saturday but it was all began quite dramatic for me. I sighted some spotting when I went to toilet in the morning. I was worried as we drove to the airport to pick Jo up. Deep in my heart I was worried if having Jo around would be a hassle since I wanted to bring her around Sydney but at the same time, I knew I should take things easy and rest as much as possible. I did call up my doctor and he assured me that if the bleeding stop and I can still feel the baby moving, there is nothing to be concern about. The baby did kick, so I thought perhaps we could still go on with our plan, which was to go to the city for lunch and then a stroll to Hyde park for the outdoor skating rink winter festival. Well, ended up it rained heavily and the traffic was so bad, we decided to have lunch halfway back and spend the rest of the day at home. That was the right thing to do. We had great food and lovely fellowship.
Jo came like a santa clause. The moment she stepped into the house, she unpacked 4 containers of home baked cookies, chocolate truffles, varieties of nuts, clothes and book for Ashley, and of course clothes for me. I have only requested for a pair of jeans for Ashley so you could imagine my surprise! I felt so blessed that she is so generous to us and it kinda reminded me of the feeling I had when I was a child- when during every Chinese New Year, my aunt from Singapore will buy me and my sister clothes, toys and chocolates from Singapore. You know, the feeling of having so many gifts to unwrap, so many things to love and like? But nothing beats the feeling of being able to have heart to heart talk, being true to yourself and yet being loved for who you are. We didn't do any of those touristy things that I've planned. Instead we took her through a trip to our "daily life", our normal hang out place, market place etc., and she even cooked dinner for us. Joanna embraced every moment of it and she cherished every moment of play with Ashley. It was so much fun to see the way they played and laughed together.
On the day that Joanna left, Ashley seems to know what's coming. In the morning, she tried to distant herself away from Joanna, as though bracing herself for what is to come. But it was a short episode and in no time, they were having the best farewell.
I can't wait for another visit from Joanna. I hope she had a blessed time too, as how she has blessed us during her short stay with us.
Ashley's another milestone
Ever since Ashley was born, I was given numerous theories on how one should put a child to sleep. There were the "same soothing music" theory, the "let them cry themselves to sleep" theory, the "cuddle them to sleep" theory, the "sleep in the same room or same bed" theory, etc.
Well, we adopted the "sitting on the fence" theory, meaning she sleeps in our room (less traumatic for her), but in separate beds (less dependent on us). She didn't like the cot initially but I insisted on putting her in there despite having to carry her out to sooth her numerous times each night. As soon she got used to the idea of sleeping in a cot, hubby got an offer to work in Sydney! While he got over a couple of months ealier to prepare the place for us, Ashley and I went to live with my parents. My mum, a loving grandmother would cuddle and rock her to sleep every night. Since we don't have an extra cot at my parents', Ashley slept with me on the bed. I knew when that happens, sleeping in the cot is a thing of the past. But it all worked well.
Finally, we moved to Sydney and it was smacked right in the peak of winter. We tried to keep Ashley warm by letting her sleep in our bed to share the body heat. During those months, I was always worried if Ashley would become so attached to the idea of sleeping with us and refuse to sleep in her own bed. So she turned 8 months old, I slowly prepared her for the transition by reading her stories about new bedroom, decorating her room together etc. She got the idea and there was no drama when we finally did move her to her own room. Of course we had to stay with her in the room till she fell asleep and crept out slowly.
Recently, we got her a new bed. I don't know if it was out of the excitement of having a new bed or just that the timing was right, Ashley finally learned to fall asleep on her own. We will tuck her in every night, said a prayer together and give her a kiss, turn off the lights and leave the room. It has been 3 weeks now and I am so proud of her. Sometimes, I feel that she has grown up so much and I kinda feel sad and reluctant to let her baby image go.
Lately, friends have been giving me pressure to toilet train her. I did try but she just wasn't ready. Perhaps, I should approach it in the similar way, let her tell me when she is ready. Till then, I am very proud of my little baby, who is slowly maturing and becoming a full on toddler.
Well, we adopted the "sitting on the fence" theory, meaning she sleeps in our room (less traumatic for her), but in separate beds (less dependent on us). She didn't like the cot initially but I insisted on putting her in there despite having to carry her out to sooth her numerous times each night. As soon she got used to the idea of sleeping in a cot, hubby got an offer to work in Sydney! While he got over a couple of months ealier to prepare the place for us, Ashley and I went to live with my parents. My mum, a loving grandmother would cuddle and rock her to sleep every night. Since we don't have an extra cot at my parents', Ashley slept with me on the bed. I knew when that happens, sleeping in the cot is a thing of the past. But it all worked well.
Finally, we moved to Sydney and it was smacked right in the peak of winter. We tried to keep Ashley warm by letting her sleep in our bed to share the body heat. During those months, I was always worried if Ashley would become so attached to the idea of sleeping with us and refuse to sleep in her own bed. So she turned 8 months old, I slowly prepared her for the transition by reading her stories about new bedroom, decorating her room together etc. She got the idea and there was no drama when we finally did move her to her own room. Of course we had to stay with her in the room till she fell asleep and crept out slowly.
Recently, we got her a new bed. I don't know if it was out of the excitement of having a new bed or just that the timing was right, Ashley finally learned to fall asleep on her own. We will tuck her in every night, said a prayer together and give her a kiss, turn off the lights and leave the room. It has been 3 weeks now and I am so proud of her. Sometimes, I feel that she has grown up so much and I kinda feel sad and reluctant to let her baby image go.
Lately, friends have been giving me pressure to toilet train her. I did try but she just wasn't ready. Perhaps, I should approach it in the similar way, let her tell me when she is ready. Till then, I am very proud of my little baby, who is slowly maturing and becoming a full on toddler.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Anticipation for a Lovely weekend
Ashley's godma Joanna is finally coming to visit us this weekend. She had been to Sydney a couple of times now but we always didn't get the chance to meet up. When she first came, I was back in Malaysia. The 2nd time she came, we were in Perth. She wanted to come earlier but financial constraints made it impossible. 2 months ago, she found herself a job and ta-da, she is coming this weekend!
I am absolutely thrilled to have her over for the weekend. It has been 1 year since we last met and we've got so much to share and catch up. We call each other every week and our phone conversations would last anywhere between 1 hour to 3 hours! (Luckily I am on a phone package that allows me to call to any local phone lines for FREE!) I am truly thankful to God for Joanna. We are so comfortable with each other that I can actually give her a list of things to get for Ashley without worrying that she will think me as taking advantage of her. I could tell her whatever that's in my heart and she will never put me down, in any way. She is gorgeous and yet I will never feel "intimidated" or lousy standing next to her. But most importantly, she is genuinely concern of and in love with Ashley.
We've got the plans lined up for the 3 days she will be here. Though it was forecast to be raining over the 3 days she is here, I really hope that we will be able to enjoy the wonderful plans together. Thank You Lord for great friend(s)!
I am absolutely thrilled to have her over for the weekend. It has been 1 year since we last met and we've got so much to share and catch up. We call each other every week and our phone conversations would last anywhere between 1 hour to 3 hours! (Luckily I am on a phone package that allows me to call to any local phone lines for FREE!) I am truly thankful to God for Joanna. We are so comfortable with each other that I can actually give her a list of things to get for Ashley without worrying that she will think me as taking advantage of her. I could tell her whatever that's in my heart and she will never put me down, in any way. She is gorgeous and yet I will never feel "intimidated" or lousy standing next to her. But most importantly, she is genuinely concern of and in love with Ashley.
We've got the plans lined up for the 3 days she will be here. Though it was forecast to be raining over the 3 days she is here, I really hope that we will be able to enjoy the wonderful plans together. Thank You Lord for great friend(s)!
Why are Asians unkind to Asians?
I have had several disappointing encounters with Asian shopkeepers recently. Initially, I would brush off such rude encounters as "Oh, they are just like typical Asian shop keepers. At least they remind me of home." A close friend of mine, who is an Asian has always told me how pissed off she was and is with Asian shop owners. She tried as hard as she could to not go to one, if given the choice.
But recently, I really could take it no more. I was at an Asian kid's clothing shop last week and the shop keeper irritated me so much, I almost give her a piece of my mind! There were other shoppers in the shop, some Australian, some Middle Eastern and some Indian. I choose 2 winter coats for Ashley and all that I did was to ask if she could give me some discount, since I am getting 2 coats. Her reaction was as though I was asking her to give me her money or, life savings even! She could have told me no further discount but was there a need for her to say that I am leading her to bankruptcy?! Another shopper was asking for discount and she was smiling and said, "This is already our discount price". I was SO MAD at the "racism" given by an Asian to another Asian. Why is it that Asian are always treated with less respect by other Asians? If one would shop at Petaling Street, one will notice how a local is being treated differently than the treatment rendered to a foreigner. Is it because Asians are "less rich" or perhaps because Asians are smart and not easily fooled by sweet talk of the seller?
I have determined in my heart to avoid going to Asian shops, if I can avoid it. Of course there are a few nice ones, e.g. my Asian grocer (praise God for that!) and some restaurant owners. I really hope to see a shift of mindset and attitude towards Asians, by Asians. We are equally capable to "contribute" to their business, if not better.
But recently, I really could take it no more. I was at an Asian kid's clothing shop last week and the shop keeper irritated me so much, I almost give her a piece of my mind! There were other shoppers in the shop, some Australian, some Middle Eastern and some Indian. I choose 2 winter coats for Ashley and all that I did was to ask if she could give me some discount, since I am getting 2 coats. Her reaction was as though I was asking her to give me her money or, life savings even! She could have told me no further discount but was there a need for her to say that I am leading her to bankruptcy?! Another shopper was asking for discount and she was smiling and said, "This is already our discount price". I was SO MAD at the "racism" given by an Asian to another Asian. Why is it that Asian are always treated with less respect by other Asians? If one would shop at Petaling Street, one will notice how a local is being treated differently than the treatment rendered to a foreigner. Is it because Asians are "less rich" or perhaps because Asians are smart and not easily fooled by sweet talk of the seller?
I have determined in my heart to avoid going to Asian shops, if I can avoid it. Of course there are a few nice ones, e.g. my Asian grocer (praise God for that!) and some restaurant owners. I really hope to see a shift of mindset and attitude towards Asians, by Asians. We are equally capable to "contribute" to their business, if not better.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Time Out
I have always been very careful with the way I discipline Ashley. I avoid using cane to great extend. I tried everything the parenting books recommended and I was successful....until now.
When Ashley was young, I always use the distraction and avoidance methods to control any potential tantrum outburst. Distraction method has proven to be very effective at the initial stage when she was so curious. If she wants something in the mall, just offer her another distraction, e.g. a ride, an apple from the trolley and she will "forget" about her wants and thus avoiding the tantrum. If I know that some places will cause her too much distraction, e.g. toy section in the mall, I will avoid going to those places when my time is limited and I am tired. Well, all worked fine and great until recently. Ashley is finally in the terrible 2 stage. I never believe there is such a stage. "It is all in the way you train the child", was what I would always say. Boy oh boy, how wrong I was. You name it, I've tried them all. I always have snacks in my bag, paper and pen are the essentials whenever we go out, I tried playing games with her, brought her favourite toys, but nothing could "distract" her no more.
I was at my wits end yesterday when Ashley misbehaved during lunch with a friend. I was so upset with her that I lashed out blames on hubby. Hubby was in a defensive mode and told me that it was all my own doing because I was too lenient with her and it is about time to bring out the rotan. His comment made me angrier and I brought out the rotan during dinner and tried to "force" my way onto Ashley. I never hit her with the cane though, just threaten her. Still that didn't work and I sent her off to her room. I thought that would not work because I have never tried time-out with her. I was so surprised that she actually stayed in the room. When I turned the tv on, she sneaked out quietly to ask if she could watch tv with me and I told her sternly, that was a no because she is still being punished. I was very very surprised when she turned and ran back to her room and went to sleep an hour later. I checked on her later that night. Her eyes were puffy from crying. She looked so innocent and angelic. I was so upset with myself for being so hard on her. I think she is ready for time-out now. It is definitely less traumatizing and a more "diplomatic" way to discipline a child, not forgetting for me too. I will reserve the rotan for some other occasion instead. I really hope this method of discipline works because I never want to feel guilty over over-disciplining a child.
Aih.....perils of a young mother.
When Ashley was young, I always use the distraction and avoidance methods to control any potential tantrum outburst. Distraction method has proven to be very effective at the initial stage when she was so curious. If she wants something in the mall, just offer her another distraction, e.g. a ride, an apple from the trolley and she will "forget" about her wants and thus avoiding the tantrum. If I know that some places will cause her too much distraction, e.g. toy section in the mall, I will avoid going to those places when my time is limited and I am tired. Well, all worked fine and great until recently. Ashley is finally in the terrible 2 stage. I never believe there is such a stage. "It is all in the way you train the child", was what I would always say. Boy oh boy, how wrong I was. You name it, I've tried them all. I always have snacks in my bag, paper and pen are the essentials whenever we go out, I tried playing games with her, brought her favourite toys, but nothing could "distract" her no more.
I was at my wits end yesterday when Ashley misbehaved during lunch with a friend. I was so upset with her that I lashed out blames on hubby. Hubby was in a defensive mode and told me that it was all my own doing because I was too lenient with her and it is about time to bring out the rotan. His comment made me angrier and I brought out the rotan during dinner and tried to "force" my way onto Ashley. I never hit her with the cane though, just threaten her. Still that didn't work and I sent her off to her room. I thought that would not work because I have never tried time-out with her. I was so surprised that she actually stayed in the room. When I turned the tv on, she sneaked out quietly to ask if she could watch tv with me and I told her sternly, that was a no because she is still being punished. I was very very surprised when she turned and ran back to her room and went to sleep an hour later. I checked on her later that night. Her eyes were puffy from crying. She looked so innocent and angelic. I was so upset with myself for being so hard on her. I think she is ready for time-out now. It is definitely less traumatizing and a more "diplomatic" way to discipline a child, not forgetting for me too. I will reserve the rotan for some other occasion instead. I really hope this method of discipline works because I never want to feel guilty over over-disciplining a child.
Aih.....perils of a young mother.
Weather Forecast? Cloudy.
Yes, it has been cloudy again in Sydney and it has been fore-casted to be cloudy and rainy for the entire week. Cloudy weather normally brings about a feeling of "depression", as though there isn't sunshine in life. I am currently going through such a stage in my life. My first serious encounter of depression? Perhaps, but I seriously hope that it is not. It is not something that I've gone through before so I am feeling a little odd and concerned.
I have had a terrible week. Bad news came one after another. Friends suffering from miscarriage, Ashley fell sick, a passing of my ex-employer, the anxiety with my current pregnancy, friends moving away etc. On top of that, everything that I said and did went wrong and decisions that I've made turned bad. I ended up having a big row with hubby and I lost my patience with Ashley. I was so upset with her over dinner that I sent her off to bed at 7pm. I was so disappointed with myself that I just felt like hugging my pillow and have a good cry. I wonder if this is somewhat related to pregnancy depression and if it is a sign that I might suffer from post-natal depression once the baby is out. I finally experience the reality of depression. You can't just snap out of it and the feeling is one of helplessness and hopelessness.
Today I shared my failure as a mother to one of the mums in playgroup. I almost break down and cried. My friend was very wise. She said all I need to do is to lower my own expectations. It is alright to slack in my duties, it is alright to make mistakes and it is alright to feel depressed sometimes. This is just part of being real and authentic to who you are. I came back from playgroup determined to be more lenient with myself. I will also try to plan my daily schedule wisely to avoid unnecessary stresses, especially in the mornings where there seems to be 1001 thins that needs my attention.
I am not sure if this will "solve" my problem once and for all. But I am willing to give it a go. Hopefully with time, I will learn to manage my life better and learn to deal with the low periods of my life wiser.
I can't control what the future holds Lord, or which way my emotions will head to. But I ask for Your grace and wisdom, strength and courage to face each day with You. Help all the mothers in the world, to be less hard on themselves but more dependent upon You. Amen.
I have had a terrible week. Bad news came one after another. Friends suffering from miscarriage, Ashley fell sick, a passing of my ex-employer, the anxiety with my current pregnancy, friends moving away etc. On top of that, everything that I said and did went wrong and decisions that I've made turned bad. I ended up having a big row with hubby and I lost my patience with Ashley. I was so upset with her over dinner that I sent her off to bed at 7pm. I was so disappointed with myself that I just felt like hugging my pillow and have a good cry. I wonder if this is somewhat related to pregnancy depression and if it is a sign that I might suffer from post-natal depression once the baby is out. I finally experience the reality of depression. You can't just snap out of it and the feeling is one of helplessness and hopelessness.
Today I shared my failure as a mother to one of the mums in playgroup. I almost break down and cried. My friend was very wise. She said all I need to do is to lower my own expectations. It is alright to slack in my duties, it is alright to make mistakes and it is alright to feel depressed sometimes. This is just part of being real and authentic to who you are. I came back from playgroup determined to be more lenient with myself. I will also try to plan my daily schedule wisely to avoid unnecessary stresses, especially in the mornings where there seems to be 1001 thins that needs my attention.
I am not sure if this will "solve" my problem once and for all. But I am willing to give it a go. Hopefully with time, I will learn to manage my life better and learn to deal with the low periods of my life wiser.
I can't control what the future holds Lord, or which way my emotions will head to. But I ask for Your grace and wisdom, strength and courage to face each day with You. Help all the mothers in the world, to be less hard on themselves but more dependent upon You. Amen.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Stop and LIVE
Lately I have been feeling really drained. I am tired of the routine of my daily life and the constant rush I have to deal with day in and day out. I stopped playing with Ashley for a week or 2 now because I can't deal with her "naughtiness" without getting upset. I dreaded cleaning up after playtime that I ignored all the fun during play. I was at my lowest yesterday when all I wanted to do is just to lie down and do nothing. I didn't get dinner fixed and I didn't complete everything on my to-do list.
This morning, I decided to skip Bible study and not worry about rushing about to get things done. I took time to have coffee at the mall's cafe, savored every bite of my donut, browsed the shops leisurely and refused to look at the time. When I got home, I just threw stuff into the slow cooker and didn't make a big deal about dinner. I made a deliberate choice to ignore the condition of the house (dusty and messy) and sat down to played with Ashley. I even let go of my "perfectionist" streak and let her stir in the flour for our banana muffin. Yes, we made a big mess in the kitchen but boy did we both had a great time. Not forgetting to mention, those were the best banana muffins I've ever baked. Today, I finally see the spark returning to Ashley's eyes and I am so glad for the decision I made to take things easy. I can't wait for tomorrow, for all the fun things Ashley and I could do together.
Lord, teach me to pause and appreciate all that I have around me each day. May I never get bored and dull with this life that You have blessed me with.
This morning, I decided to skip Bible study and not worry about rushing about to get things done. I took time to have coffee at the mall's cafe, savored every bite of my donut, browsed the shops leisurely and refused to look at the time. When I got home, I just threw stuff into the slow cooker and didn't make a big deal about dinner. I made a deliberate choice to ignore the condition of the house (dusty and messy) and sat down to played with Ashley. I even let go of my "perfectionist" streak and let her stir in the flour for our banana muffin. Yes, we made a big mess in the kitchen but boy did we both had a great time. Not forgetting to mention, those were the best banana muffins I've ever baked. Today, I finally see the spark returning to Ashley's eyes and I am so glad for the decision I made to take things easy. I can't wait for tomorrow, for all the fun things Ashley and I could do together.
Lord, teach me to pause and appreciate all that I have around me each day. May I never get bored and dull with this life that You have blessed me with.
Best on screen kiss
Almost all the people who know me knows that I am a hopeless romantic. I love romantic novels, any romantic gestures send me off to dreamland for days, and when I am stressed or tired, I can be easily fixed with a good romantic comedy. I am watching a TV program called "20 to 1" right now. Today the program is showing the 20 to 1 most romantic on-screen kisses and I am so glad that one of my all time favourite movie and of course on-screen kiss is in the list! Drum roll please.....it is none other than BRIDGET JONES DIARY!
I had a crush on Colin Firth in that movie. Of course he went and spoiled his perfect image in my heart taking on the role of a gay in the movie Mama Mia! Horror of horrors! Anyway, back to Bridget Jones, I LOVE the moment when he wrapped Renee in his winter coat and kissed her passionately. It is not just a kiss for the sake of kissing, but somewhat a protective and sensitive kind of kissing. Of course I should have known better by now that the kiss was well choreograph to "fool" those hopeless romantic viewers like me. But I can't help but melt when I see that scene again. Hehehe...giggle.
I just saw the kiss again, like right now and I apologize if I am typing like a school girl falling in love. Maybe I should stop typing right now and go give me wonderful hubby a nice kiss. ;-) That, my friends, is not a movie. Tee-hee-hee
I had a crush on Colin Firth in that movie. Of course he went and spoiled his perfect image in my heart taking on the role of a gay in the movie Mama Mia! Horror of horrors! Anyway, back to Bridget Jones, I LOVE the moment when he wrapped Renee in his winter coat and kissed her passionately. It is not just a kiss for the sake of kissing, but somewhat a protective and sensitive kind of kissing. Of course I should have known better by now that the kiss was well choreograph to "fool" those hopeless romantic viewers like me. But I can't help but melt when I see that scene again. Hehehe...giggle.
I just saw the kiss again, like right now and I apologize if I am typing like a school girl falling in love. Maybe I should stop typing right now and go give me wonderful hubby a nice kiss. ;-) That, my friends, is not a movie. Tee-hee-hee
Ashley's 1st winter cold
It is common to catch a cold or fall sick during winter. The surgeries (clinics, as we would call them in Malaysia) would always be packed with men, women and kids with dripping noses, coughing spells, and unsettled children.
As I have written in the previous blog, I've braced myself for winter. Or so I thought. All the preparation I have done was insufficient when the "cruel" chilling wind came blowing in. Even with the doors and windows closed, I could still feel the chilly-ness of the wind in the house. Ashley was the 1st victim to fall sick in the family. It all happened in just one night. All she did was tossed and turned in bed and the blanket came off. Then in the wee hours, she was calling out to me to bring her a blanket. When I went to check on her, she was curled up like a ball and her cheeks were icy cold. Poor gal must have had a horrible night. In the morning, she started coughing and came down with slight temperature. I gave her some cough mixture and kids panadol and tried to keep her warm. She lost appetite for food and all she wanted to do was stay wrapped up in her couch and watch cartoons. But praise God her fever subsided though her cough developed into chesty cough, which caused her lots of discomfort, especially at night when she was so tired yet couldn't sleep well.
Ashley is getting better now. But I have started layering her up. Time to shop for more winter clothes. Hopefully it won't result in her having a heat rash! Aih, perils of a young mother.
As I have written in the previous blog, I've braced myself for winter. Or so I thought. All the preparation I have done was insufficient when the "cruel" chilling wind came blowing in. Even with the doors and windows closed, I could still feel the chilly-ness of the wind in the house. Ashley was the 1st victim to fall sick in the family. It all happened in just one night. All she did was tossed and turned in bed and the blanket came off. Then in the wee hours, she was calling out to me to bring her a blanket. When I went to check on her, she was curled up like a ball and her cheeks were icy cold. Poor gal must have had a horrible night. In the morning, she started coughing and came down with slight temperature. I gave her some cough mixture and kids panadol and tried to keep her warm. She lost appetite for food and all she wanted to do was stay wrapped up in her couch and watch cartoons. But praise God her fever subsided though her cough developed into chesty cough, which caused her lots of discomfort, especially at night when she was so tired yet couldn't sleep well.
Ashley is getting better now. But I have started layering her up. Time to shop for more winter clothes. Hopefully it won't result in her having a heat rash! Aih, perils of a young mother.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Bible stories --> Novels
I am currently reading this novel entitled Lineage of Grace. Hubby bought it for me because he knows what a novel fan I am. It is a series of stories regarding women from the Bible, how they were linked to each other and whose chronology finally leads to the birth of Jesus Christ. The author has kept the story true to the Bible's, just adding some background and extra casts which helps to keep the story alive.
I am a novel person and I can stay up the whole night finishing a book. This book is really good and I highly recommend friends to read it. I never used to make the connections between Tamar, Jacob's daughter in law and Rahab, the harlot who hid the spies in Jericho to Jesus's lineage but this book helped put things into perspective for me. The more "revelational" thing is that those women were not even Jews. They were Canaanites, they were not from God's chosen people. Yet, way before Jesus came into the world to die for sinners, Jews and Gentiles, He has already shown us His intention and His plans. Jesus, had harlot and widows as "ancestors". I was so awe-strucked at this newfound revelation. Each time I read the Bible, I read them as a story in one of the books in the Bible. But I never see how through the entire old testament, the stories and happenings is a leading up to the ONE important story, the story of redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I have just finished the story about Ruth. I cried when I read how tough it was for Ruth to be accepted by the Israelites because she was in fact, a foreign woman. I am excited to see how Bathsheba is put into the picture after this. It will give me a whole new perspective and understanding of the story of David and Bathsheba.
So for friends out there who is searching for a good book, without too something easy to read and entertaining, go get this book. It is worth it.
I am a novel person and I can stay up the whole night finishing a book. This book is really good and I highly recommend friends to read it. I never used to make the connections between Tamar, Jacob's daughter in law and Rahab, the harlot who hid the spies in Jericho to Jesus's lineage but this book helped put things into perspective for me. The more "revelational" thing is that those women were not even Jews. They were Canaanites, they were not from God's chosen people. Yet, way before Jesus came into the world to die for sinners, Jews and Gentiles, He has already shown us His intention and His plans. Jesus, had harlot and widows as "ancestors". I was so awe-strucked at this newfound revelation. Each time I read the Bible, I read them as a story in one of the books in the Bible. But I never see how through the entire old testament, the stories and happenings is a leading up to the ONE important story, the story of redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I have just finished the story about Ruth. I cried when I read how tough it was for Ruth to be accepted by the Israelites because she was in fact, a foreign woman. I am excited to see how Bathsheba is put into the picture after this. It will give me a whole new perspective and understanding of the story of David and Bathsheba.
So for friends out there who is searching for a good book, without too something easy to read and entertaining, go get this book. It is worth it.
Winter is here!
It is June already and it only means one things- WINTER is here....boo.hoo...hoo. We escaped the onset of winter, basking in the warm sunshine in Perth. Hubby went there for a week-long of work and since we haven't been to Perth, we thought it would be good to tag along before the baby comes and traveling comes to a halt for me, at least for awhile.;-P
Well, I don't really hate winter because some of the most pleasurable things and beautiful sceneries are found in winter. There is the winter flower (I don't know the name but it looks like lotus on branches without leaves), the snow (if we travel further south), the trendy coats and beanies, the hot soups, the hot chocolate, the misty mornings, the smell of warm clothes fresh out from the dryer, nights of cuddling up in blanket in front of the tv and watching a good movie etc.
Having said that, winter started off with 2 week-long of non-stop rain here in Sydney. It is alright if it rains just during the night but I want some sunshine in the morning. But it rained whole day! The days seem gloomier when the sun isn't shining and there is this feeling of dampness all around. We have to stay cooped up in the house and when we did go out, we'll bring a trail of wet footprints and wet grass back into the house. Ashley missed outdoors so much, she started to ask me to put on her raincoat and gum boots for her so she can jump in the puddles. How can I deprive a sweet child? All I can do is to wrap her up nicely and let her feel the rain drops in her face. Children, they teach you the simple pleasures in life, don't they?
Perhaps I should view life through the eyes of my child. Rain or shine, life goes on and life should go on full and well. However, secretly I do sincerely hope that the rain will stop soon, even if it's just for a day .....hehehe.
Well, I don't really hate winter because some of the most pleasurable things and beautiful sceneries are found in winter. There is the winter flower (I don't know the name but it looks like lotus on branches without leaves), the snow (if we travel further south), the trendy coats and beanies, the hot soups, the hot chocolate, the misty mornings, the smell of warm clothes fresh out from the dryer, nights of cuddling up in blanket in front of the tv and watching a good movie etc.
Having said that, winter started off with 2 week-long of non-stop rain here in Sydney. It is alright if it rains just during the night but I want some sunshine in the morning. But it rained whole day! The days seem gloomier when the sun isn't shining and there is this feeling of dampness all around. We have to stay cooped up in the house and when we did go out, we'll bring a trail of wet footprints and wet grass back into the house. Ashley missed outdoors so much, she started to ask me to put on her raincoat and gum boots for her so she can jump in the puddles. How can I deprive a sweet child? All I can do is to wrap her up nicely and let her feel the rain drops in her face. Children, they teach you the simple pleasures in life, don't they?
Perhaps I should view life through the eyes of my child. Rain or shine, life goes on and life should go on full and well. However, secretly I do sincerely hope that the rain will stop soon, even if it's just for a day .....hehehe.
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