Details on my Swine Flu drama

I had the biggest drama with this swine flu episode. Well, technically I am not tested for swine flu so I am only a suspected swine flu victim. I made some mistakes which could get very serious and deathly but praise God, He looked after me. I want to just blog down my experience, hoping to educate others and as a reminder to myself.

Day 1- It was Friday and after watching the news about swine flu and pregnant women the day earlier, I decided to get myself checked for swine flu. I have been having runny nose for 5 days and have recently developed a cough. I was given the clear. By night, I was running a fever of 38 degrees.

Day 2- I went to the doctor and was given Tamiflu. He gave me a prescription for half the normal dose of antibiotics but told me to take it if my phlegm is not clear. Since I hardly cough out any phlegm, I decided to not take the antibiotic. I called my obstetrician and he told me to take some Panadol Sinus for my fever and blocked nose.

Day 3- I was feeling better when I woke up in the morning. But I was feeling unwell again by afternoon. I was coughing more and so I bought myself some chesty cough syrup. The pharmacist didn't ask me about other medication that I was taking. I took Panadol sinus for the 2nd time and I slept well.

Day 4- I was feeling well in the morning but I notice some fluid coming out of my lungs when I was coughing. There was some blood stain in my phlegm too. I decided to go see Ashley's doctor. She said my left lung was filled with phlegm and could lead to pneumonia. She gave me a prescription for full dosage of antibiotic. I casually told her about my other medication, Panadol Sinus and Chesty cough syrup. I was shocked when she told me that Panadol sinus is a no-no for pregnant women since it contains an active ingredient which increases the baby's heart rate. The cough syrup actually builds up phlegm in my chest to help me cough it out. So I have been taking counter active medication for the past 2 days. I am glad and thankful that I was prompted to go see the doctor today. I could have ended up having pneumonia, get hospitalized and maybe my life would be in grave danger!

Day 5- I was feeling better.

Day 6- I can't wait to get out of the house.

Day 7- I got out of the house!

I have not fully recovered yet but I am feeling much better than I have in days. I truly thank God that through all the mistakes that I have made, He preserved me. I could look back and regret all the "what if", and complain but I decided to thank Him for His timely intervention. This pregnancy is indeed a roller coaster ride, but God truly is Amazing. Jesus, Thank You.

A Beautiful Friendship

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING
THROUGH THE DESERT .
DURING SOME POINT OF THE
JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN
ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND
SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE
IN THE FACE


THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED
WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT
SAYING ANYTHING,
WROTE IN THE SAND ,

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE ..

THEY KEPT ON WALKING,
UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,
WHERE THEY DECIDED
TO TAKE A BATH .

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN
SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE
MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,
BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM
THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE:

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SAVED MY LIFE"

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED
AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND
ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU,
YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,
YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"

THE FRIEND REPLIED
"WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US
WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN
IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF
FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.

BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES
SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE
WHERE NO WIND
CAN EVER ERASE IT"

LEARN TO WRITE
YOUR HURTS IN
THE SAND AND TO
CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.

Thank God for good doctor

Boo...hooo....Ashley is sick. I guess there is no escaping when 2 out of 3 in the family is sick. My little angel started coughing on Sunday night and by Monday mid-morning, she had a temperature of 38 degrees. I called hubby back from office so he could take her to the doctors.

But BAD news. Ashley's favourite doctor had left the practice and there is no way of knowing where she has gone to. Praise God Tex managed to google her on the internet and managed to get hold of her house number, which led us to her new office. It was the most pleasurable visit ever. This doctor was warm and intelligent, confident and sure, gentle and friendly. When we left the clinic, Ashley told Tex:"Daddy, Ashley likes doctor. Doctor always smile". For a 2 year old to say that, the doctor must have been pretty amazing huh?

Ashley is feeling better. Her temperature seems to have settled although she still looks tired, perhaps from fighting off the virus.

Lord, I pray for healing and protection for my family. Keep us healthy and strong. Amen.

I am in the swine flu statistic!

Last Friday hubby and I went to the doctor hoping to get tested for swine flu. We got the clear in the initial screening and all was well, or so I thought. By night time, I was down with fever. My temperature soared between 37.7 to 38 degrees. I tried to delay taking panadol since the temperature will be important for the doctor to diagnose me properly. By 2a.m., I was struggling so hard and I popped in one panadol and went to sleep.

Saturday morning came slow and dreary. I had to wait for almost 1 1/2 hour to see the doctor. I was feeling so sick and I must have looked really bad because I think I did scare away a few potential patients. I was dressed in my pajama and had a blanket wrapped around. When I am not in too much discomfort, I tried to keep my face mask on. This time round I was diagnosed to be a suspected swine flu victim. I was given Tamiflu tablets and panadol for the fever. It is hard to be sick when one is pregnant because one can't simply take any medication so the recovery process is a little longer than normal healthy people. I called up my obstetrician to be extra sure that the medication is alright for the baby. I truly praise God for a good obstetrician who always pick up my calls and ever so assuring.

The Tamiflu really works fast. I was feeling much better after a day and the fever seemed to have settled. I can't wait to get really well again because being this sick just doesn't suit me. I am of course quarantined for a week, so that is another big challenge for a "kaki jalan" like me. I want to thank the many people and friends who prayed and cared for me during this time of illness.

I thank God for Sylvia who prepared delicious and warm meals for us, Rebecca for her minestrone soup, friends and family who prayed and sent me get well wishes. A special thank you to my hubby for his love and care. I know I have been so difficult and demanding these past few days. Thank you for being patient and loving though I know you are tired and in need of a break yourself. I love you. A big hug to my little angel Ashley. You are mummy's best medicine. Thank you for being so understanding and behaving so well for daddy. Thank you for the kisses and flowers (though daddy forgot to pick them up for you). Mummy love you and will give you a big kiss once mummy is well ok? Finally a big thank you God, for Your healing power. Continue to protect the family and all my loved ones from this flu outbreak. Thank You for health. Amen.

My MIL's bread cake

My mother in law (MIL) is a great cook. From Chinese cuisines to western, main course to desserts, she is the expert in all. That explains why my hubby is a big guy! During our dating days, his mum always bake this bread cake for us. I remember allowing myself to eat only one small piece each time, hoping to stretch the yummy dessert over as long as I can.

When we moved to Australia, she passed me her recipe book and asked me to copy down whatever recipes I wanted since eating out is so expensive here in Australia. Of course one of the first recipe I looked out for was her bread cake. I have attempted to bake the cake but I always lacked one of the ingredients. Last week I was feeling very gung-ho and I have this craving for sweet desserts. I finally made the effort to give the bread cake a try. Result? It was great! My cake turned out so well. Other than being a little too sweet, hubby said it tasted just like the one his mum used to bake. I was so proud of myself. When I am in my baking mood, I can go on baking for days. Of course having appreciative eaters motivated me. Sylvia and Rebecca loved my cakes.

My next challenge is to try my hand on decorating the cakes. It would be a fun activity for me and my kids to play and experiment with icing and food colourings. Perhaps when I am really good at it, I might be able to generate some income from this little hidden passion of mine. Hehehehehe......

Swine flu scare

Hubby and I have been struck down with flu for the past one week. It was horrible because we couldn't rest properly at night and the weather had been extremely cold. Yesterday, the news was reporting of swine flu spread in Sydney's west with many pregnant mothers contracting it. One was even admitted to intensive care and the death toll has been rising. It was advice that pregnant women with any flu symptoms to go get themselves tested for swine flu. On top of that, one of hubby's colleague was confirmed positive with swine flu. All these factors gave me slight concern.

This morning hubby and I went to the doctor's, hoping to get tested for swine flu. However, the clinics weren't allowed to carry out swine flu test any longer because the labs were overwhelmed with the requests since the swine flu outbreak. The doctor is only allowed to screen the patients and for those who fall under vulnerable category will be given a shot of Tamiflu antiviral. Since none of us have got a fever, we were not eligible to get Tamiflu shots. In a way, it is a relief to know that we are not at risk of swine flu but at the same time, it puts me on tip toe to monitor my body temperature every few hours. Other than some homeopathy medication, all I can do is to let my body's immune system fight off the bug.

I really hope that we will be healthy soon. The blocked nose and bouts of coughing has been hurting my lungs and giving me trouble to have a good night's rest. Hopefully the cold weather will pass soon and the sun will shine bright and warm once again.

Movie Outing with Ashley and friends

It's school holidays again! That means we get to hang out and do stuff with Joanna (Ashley's adopted sister ;-)). Today, Bec and I took the kids for a bus ride and movie outing- Ice Age 3. Ashley was a little scared when we took her to the IMAX 2 months back. Perhaps it was the music when the predator captured the prey, perhaps it was the 3D effect. Ashley needed quite abit of soothing words from daddy and mummy to sit through the entire 40 minutes screening.

I prepared myself and Ashley for this trip. I repeatedly told her that we are going to the movies to watch dinosaurs. Tex put in Ice Age 1 & Ice Age 2 to get her interested in the upcoming Ice Age 3. Ashley seems to get the idea. She was all excited when she woke up this morning. Everything went smoothly from the start. The bus was right on time, the driver was friendly and very thoughtful of the kids, the kids well behaved, even the cinema was not too dimmed or loud for the kids. I was so proud of Ashley. She was obedient and sat quietly throughout the entire movie. She finished her popcorn and was calm even when the music was a bit "scary", especially when Rudy the dinosaur came chasing after Bug and his friends. She even ate her McD lunch by herself and finished all her food.

Overall it was a very good outing for us all. If she is this consistent (I know I am dreaming to expect a toddler to be consistent all the time), there will surely be more movie treats for her in the future.

Women and relationship.....

Lately, I have a girlfriend who entered into a wrong* relationship and ended up getting hurt badly. (*Spiritually incorrect) This is the 3rd girlfriend that I have "counseled", if I may use the word, just in this year alone. All my 3 girlfriends are gorgeous, confident, successful women in their late 20s. When they first met their respective ex-boyfriends, I have warned them of the outcome. Most of them have other friends and family members telling them the same things I did. Although I was flattered that they would ask for my opinion, I was terribly upset that their refused to listen. Their hearts were set to falling in love, with or without your "approval".

I remember how I struggled to be "happy" for them when they share their romantic stories with me. I know it wasn't right, yet I want to be part of their life since they are very close friends of mine. When I expressed my concerns, they always justified their actions and out of disappointment, I told them that when the day of "doom" arrive, I will throw the same words and warnings back to them because they took it upon themselves. Guess what, when those days arrived, I couldn't do what I wanted to do. Seeing their broken souls, all I can do is to cry with them and offer comforting words.

I was just thinking why my 3 friends are so desperate for love that they choose with their heart and not their mind. True, love is all about hearts and emotions. But certain things are obvious, aren't they? It gets me thinking about the taboo around women not getting married by 30, the things said about them. No wonder they are so pressured to hook up with any tom, dick and harry that comes along.

I sincerely feel for my friends and those women who are not married by the age 30. I pray that they will turn to God instead for security and importance. May we be more understanding and look at them as perfectly capable, confident, gorgeous women, and not as some weirdos.

Ashley's got my temper!

I admit that I've got a bad temper. I don't have those big outburst type of temper. Mine is the excruciatingly silent treatment type of temper, if you know what I mean. Hehe.....Ask Tex is you want to find out how bad it is.

Anyway, lately Ashley has been showing signs that she is heading in the same direction. She is undergoing her terrible 2 stage, which I totally disagree prior to this. My gal was the perfect toddler. Kind, helpful, adorable and obedient. But as all new mums, I was ignorant and totally unaware that this is actually a "normal" stage in a toddler's life. It has got nothing to do with parenting skills, the personality of the child, the environment etc. All these external factors are only there to make the stage harder or easier to cope with. Back to Ashley and her silent treatment episodes. Lately, she gets upset easily, especially with her dad because he is overly patient with her. When she doesn't get things her way, she will push her dad away. For example, she will refuse to let him put her to bed, refuse to let him kiss her, being mean to him and not wanting to play with him. She may only be 2 year old, but she sure knows how to "hurt" the feelings of the people who love her. I was terribly distress that she would do such things to her dad, especially. Did she pick that up during one of my silent treatment episodes with Tex? If she did, I am totally guilty as a bad role model.

I had a talk with hubby the other night. I told him that he needs to stand up for his "right" as a dad. It is about time the little lady learns that she shouldn't step all over her dad's head and go around acting like a little tyrant. Instead of always being cautious not to ignite her temper flare, trying to please her and walking on thin ice, we should be the ones who are in control. Who cares if people think we are the worst parents or giving us funny glares, the issue is to get the gal's perspective right. Well, I think it might work. Today Ashley was the perfect child. She listens to what I said and she lets me sit through my Bible Study lesson with no distraction. She surprises me further by trying to sooth a crying baby Nasia.

We have so much to learn as a parent. Ashley has so much to learn too as a toddler. When times are trying, stop and reflect and discuss with your partner. Two heads are better than one. If it doesn't help solve the problem, at least it helps to know someone else is "worrying" about it with you. Hehehe.

Should we or should we not take the risk?

Lately, I've discovered that an ugly side of Sydney-siders. It is regarding the issue of parking. Back in Malaysia, on and off we will read in the newspaper incidences or fights as a result of "fighting" over a parking spot. I have always thought that it was plain silly to get into a fight over a parking lot. So when I get caught in such situations, I normally won't insist on "claiming" the parking spot I eyed on. I haven't have bad encounters in Malaysia though.

When I got over to Australia, I found that Australians are generally more tolerant, especially if they see that you have a young child in the car. Their common sense while on the road was great and it was "safe" to drive around without getting nasty stares or finger pointing in your direction. However, lately I've discovered that the trend have changed. People are getting ruthless and inconsiderate, especially the younger generation. Parking spaces reserved for those with prams and toddlers were ignored, people eyeing the same parking spot refused to budge and small offenses (i.e. forgetting to turn on the indicators) gives you angry stares and muffled murmurs from the drivers.

This morning I took Ashley to the mall for my weekly grocery shopping. I saw a parking spot and had my indicator on, ready to park my car. Then in the opposite direction was a guy, just putting on his indicator and using sign language, told me that he wants to park there. I was furious. In my mind, I was contemplating on "fighting" for my parking spot. But the man looked burly and I have Ashley in the car with me. I couldn't risk our safety, all for the sake of "insisting" on getting MY parking spot. Praise God there was a better parking spot for me further down the road, closer to the mall's entrance. Of course such coincidence don't happen frequently. That got me very upset. Why are people getting so unkind and inconsiderate? When will the rights of the "weaker" side be vindicated? I do hope that someone else will be able to "teach" those group of people a lesson. However, I realize that the issue here is not in teaching them a lesson (as a form of revenge), but rather the overall matter of the heart of a large group of people living in our generation. People have become hard hearted, self-centered, unloving and evil, if I can use that word.

It saddens my heart greatly. What kind of world are we going to raise our children in? What kind of values should we impart into our children? Of course I never doubt in teaching and nurturing my kids in the ways of the Lord, full of compassion and kindness but is that good enough to help them get through life in world unscathed? Indeed we are living in a fallen world. I know this for sure, no matter how I try to prepare my kids for the world, they are sure to get hurt and have bad encounters. I remember talking to new parents, how they desire to equip their kids to excel in the world, achieve an easier and better life. However, my aim is no longer to help them to succeed in the world with a worldly definition, but to do their bits to make this world a better place for some and to look forward to their final destination, which will also be our final destination in Christ. Amen.

Relationship, it's hard work isn't it?

Today I visited my friend who is going through a rough patch in her marriage. I was nervous as I made the arrangement to meet up with her. Should I make it a relaxing visit with no mention of the marital problem or should I help her open up her heart and release the tension building inside? I was worried if I will make things worst by saying the wrong things at wrong time. In the end, I didn't do any of those things I planned. Instead we just sat and talk about the kids. I wouldn't say alot had been of being accomplished in this visit, but at least she had a couple hours of "something-out-of-the-routine" moments.

I reflected on the little things that we've touched on about marriage life. Indeed, having a strong marriage is not easy, especially for our generation and specifically here in Australia. Alot of people still grew up in a typical Asian culture where the husband holds the veto power in family affairs. Yet, at the same time, women have become empowered, through education and the influence of western culture which promotes individual rights and independence. When east and west meets, conflict of opinion is bound to happen and if things aren't dealt with wisely, marriage breakdown is sure to follow suit. I sympathize with my friend deeply for she was trapped in such a situation. I thought of no words to say without offending either culture.

I think all individuals in a marriage needs to have his or her own support group. Just by having someone they can share their innermost thoughts can ease alot of tension and pain. Misunderstanding can cloud one's mind and most times, the deceiver will use such times to break up relationships. Preferably, this friend shouldn't be confidant of the other marriage partner. The other important key to a good marriage is to actually "leave" the parents and cling on to the husband or wife. The Bible is so wise to include that verse in it's content. It is by no means not being filial but it is more of a shift of priority. There are of course other keys to having a great marriage but the ultimate KEY would be to have God as the Center of the marriage. When God is placed at His rightful place, everything else will come together.

Things might not look promising for my friend right now. But I am encouraged they have taken the "Christian" approach to resolve their issues, by going to the pastor for counseling. Perhaps, with a godly guidance and right perspective, their marriage will be one that lasts for a lifetime. Amen.

Lollipop Playland

Today Bec & I took the kids to Lollipop Playland for a change of routine. Since the weather is getting colder, an indoor play area is going to be better than an outdoor playground. What better time to try it out than now!

The entry to the playland was AUD10.90 for kids between 2-9 and AUD4 for parents, for the entire day. The ticket includes a free coffee or tea for the accompanying parent. So it was quite reasonable. Initially I was worried if Ashley might get upset with the strange place and new kids in there but boy was I glad she ran "wild" the moment she stepped into the play area. It was quite a spacious playland with separate sections for toddlers and bigger kids. They have got jumping castles, spinning teacup ride, tiny tikes (toy cars), play shop, play kitchen, playground, obstacle challenge, video games etc. The entire floor is padded with foam padding and the playground frames were wrapped in foams so in case the kids fall, there won't be serious injuries. Not bad eh? There were also activity rooms for different programs that run throughout the day, e.g. craft, dancing, party, workshops etc. Not forgetting, a cafe and a magazine rack with the latest gossip or parenting magazines for the parents. I had such a great time relaxing over a cup of cappuccino and flipping my magazine, knowing that Ashley is happy and safe somewhere in the playland. The food served at the cafe wasn't costly and the variety of food on offer was not bad either.

After 2 hours of play, Ashley and Harry started showing signs of tiredness and crankiness. The mums had their break and so it was time to head back home. It was a good day. We'll definitely make it a monthly treat for the mums and (ahem) also the kids. Hehehehe......

Nigella Lawson in the making?

I love to cook. That was one of my passion since young. I love to prepare a good meal and see the looks of satisfaction on my "food guinea pigs". Lately I have been experimenting with a lot of Aussie food because they are pretty easy to prepare. All you need is a good casserole dish and oven. It is hearty during winter months too.

Today I tried my hands on lamb shank. I was never a fan of cooking lamb because I never know how to cook them nicely. I love a good lamb grill or lamb curry but my past attempts failed miserably and a good piece of lamb will end up in the waste bin. But having tried cooking apricot chicken, sausage bake, chicken casserole and getting raving reviews from my Asian friends, I got inspired enough to give lamb a go. Well, my hubby had it for dinner today and his comment was "this lamb shank tastes better than some of those I've eaten in hotels!" Hubby always orders lamb shank or steak whenever he is away for work trips because he knows that I hardly cook those type of food at home. I was so pleased with myself. Even my picky little baby eats the lamb shank! She is the true food critique because she only enjoys food that tastes good and smells nice without "bribery" or drama.

There are still a lot more Aussie recipes for me to try out in the future. I am thankful Bec is always there to encourage me to try out new recipes too. Perhaps when I am confident enough with my Aussie cooking, I will extend dinner invitations to my Aussie friends. Do I see the possibility of working in my little cafe one day? Who knows... ;-)