Goodbye 2006, Hello 2007...

Everyone gets reflective at the end of the year.

Rather than blog my New Year resolutions (for in truth, I have not any), I'd like to begin 2007 with happy 'expectations' :

• Births (McMrsH, my B, Elaine, Shulz, Fiona... seriously, who isn't pregnant these days?!)
• Weddings (Ian & Geri, Joanna & Emmanuel, and some others that remain hush-hush)
  
• Relocations (praying for Vietnam for C, Mel & Drew to Oz)
• Successful business ventures (Rob, Ian, Vick, Dot, San, Simon)
• Possible London visits (Mabes, Mel, JH, Don, my mum??? Anyone else?)
• SGP visits (we'll be back in June & Dec 07! Prata here I come!)
  

And for things I know not of, I hope I'll be able to keep to my biblical mantra:

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

HAPPY 2007, everyone!

xxoo

* my African violet bloomed today! I'm certain it's 'a sign' seeing how I 'massacred' the plant Meiling/Andy gave me! :P Surely 2007 will be bloomin' good year! Hoorah!

I need a caffeine fix, Mummy!

The great part about the coffee culture here (and I suspect, other caucasian countries) is that they make the effort to cater to children.

Mummies around the world will likely concur that having coffee is no fun when you have to keep one eye on your kid(s), and the other on swirling sugar into your warm brew.

And try catching up with a girlfriend? Pfffht, not going to happen, erm, girlfriend!

So thank God for children-friendly concoctions like the babycinno Danielle is enjoying here:

For a good 20 minutes or so, it's amazing what a teeny cup like that can do for your nerves. This is a sure way to take kids' minds off traipsing elsewhere, or have their hands in places they shouldn't be (blot out ye filthy thoughts, you pervs out there! You know who YOU are, JH! Heehee! Super sabo!).

Danielle thinks she's drinking coffee of course. But it's actually milk, topped off with lots of froth. And becoz they serve it in the coventional way, kids are utterly beguiled. Rather than burst her bubble, I'm happy for her to savour her moment of being 'all grown up'.

And whilst she's at it, I sit back, and enjoy my own cuppa. :)

Kenny Vs Danni

Trey Parker and Matt Stone, look no further. Here's a perfect 'mate' for SouthPark Kenny... Heh heh.

Danielle and her Jingle Bells + Baba Black Sheep Megamix

Together with papa who 'graciously' lent his pipes as backup, the little one regaled us with her singing on Christmas Eve!

Well and truly stuffed

Our spread @ Christmas

Christmas traditionally sees us stuffing/guzzling ourselves silly. This year was no different. In fact, methinks I can still feel last nite's beef making its slow migration from my small intestine to the larger. *Belch*

As it was our first Christmas away from home, I decided to give my MIL ONE day of rest (heehee!) and whip up the Christmas fare. On my Christmas menu:

MAINS:

• Beef marinated in English mustard, served with thick beef gravy
• Honey baked ham (from Waitrose)
• Shepard's pie
• Cumberland sausages in honey and grainy mustard
  

SIDES:

• Potato & egg salad
• Mushy peas
• Fresh greens with cherry tomatoes
• Olives stuffed with sundried tomatoes
• Cream cheese dip (with tuna apple and walnut), served with carrot sticks and breadsticks

DESSERT:

• MIL's fruitcake
  
• Mince pies (from TESCO)
  

&... liberal quantities of champagne, wine and beer, of course.

That was how we spent Christmas, how did you spend yours?

Santa Came Early

Santa came early this year. In fact, he arrived last nite. But instead of taking his usual route down the chimney, he calmly walked up our stairs, and into our living room.

As he unloaded his sack of goodies, I was dumbfounded. For Santa had brought us a very special gift.

And in an instance, it started to look, no FEEL, a lot more like Christmas...

Sure, it isn't a real fir tree, it doesn't don pretty lights or decorations, you could even call it a 'dwarf' amongst faux trees. But to me, this is the BEST Christmas tree we've ever had. For even though it lacked in size and sparkles, this tree brought with it a warmth no other tree could parallel.

The warmth of giving and receiving.

So thank you, Reuben, our very special Santa this year.

Danielle asked for you this morning and was ecstatic when she saw the tree! Here she is with a personal message to you... :)

Wishy Washy tales

Did I mention our washing machine (actually, the landlord's) broke down last Fri? I suppose I didn't with all that brouhaha created by the 2 mice (btw, the 2nd one is either still scuttling through our cupboards, or dead somewhere - which, is going to be such a nightmare since I'll be 'smelling' it soon? Gag!)

Anyway, you cannot imagine the inconvenience this caused, especially when our 2YO spills and smears things on herself ALL the time.

Left without a choice, we had to handwash our clothes the past few days. My hands are chapped from the harsh water, washing powder and scrubbing out nasty stains. BAH!

But enough of griping, I'm gleefully posting this up now that the repair guy FINALLY (after 5 days of incessant chasing, I might add! double BAH!) came over & had the problem fixed. Busted fuse, as it turned out.

So we're all smiles and squeaky clean again! What a relief, and before Christmas! YAY!

Tsk tsk, our reliance on modern appliances.

For Posterity Sake

I seriously doubt I'll attempt this 'creative' feat again so here's a last look at my most prolific achievement in 2006:

Do any of these look familiar to you? :)

Christmas Trimmings?

At Story Time today, Pat (the librarian who led the session), asked the children what they had on top of their Christmas trees.

Immediately, they responded with a cacophony of yells, shouts and screams.

An angel!
A star!
Fairy Lights!
A dolly!
Teddy! (???)

I watched Danielle, slightly bewildered by the ruckus they were making. She turned to look at me and pointed at the big star on the Christmas tree in the book Pat was reading to them.

Danielle: It's a star, mummy.
Me: Yes, it is.
Danielle: On tree!

I felt a tinge of sadness? guilt? disappointment? More for Danielle than for myself since I care nothing for Christmas trees, stockings, baubles and the like. But I wondered whether we were depriving her of a 'full' Christmas experience without these 'frills'.

I've been deliberating whether we should get a real fir tree. Just this once, since we're spending Christmas in a foreign country. Unfortunately, the price tag cannot dissuade me further. A small tree (and I mean the midget of the lot) costs a whopping 35 pounds! Certainly a luxury, not a necessity.

Last Saturday, when we made a trip to ASDA, I made a feeble attempt to brighten the house with a couple of Christmas decorations - a table spread here, some string and pegs for X'mas cards there. I even picked out an economical box of party crackers to pull on Christmas Day, just for laughs. And I'm planning to buy a pot or 2 of ponsiettas to make the house more 'christmassy' but for now, here is my rather dismal Christmas display:

I know Christmas is not about the fancy dinner, the presents, and certainly not that over-rated fir tree. But the mummy side of me still wonders whether I should just relent, and spare no expense to create a 'magical' day for my baby.

Then again, should I bother since the miracle of Christ's birth, His life and sacrifice, is the true 'magic' she should experience at Christmas?

Vermin in our midst

We had 2 uninvited visitors in our house today.

They scuttled up our stairs in plain sight, or dare I say, brazenly??!!

Whilst living in the UK has 'saved' me from encountering abominable invertebrates such as cockroaches (arrgh, eek, help!), ants, and lizards - all which are resident houseguests in Singapore homes - am now faced with another sort of pesky, pest-y problem.

Mice.

To be honest, I'm not afraid of these furry critters having kept some as pets earlier in my life. In fact, I find them kinda cute? But having a feral one (in this case, 2!) scampering around my house, nibbling through my nibblies, is somewhat unnerving. Coupled with the fact that I don't want the critter(s) anywhere near Danielle's food or munchies, of course.

However...I managed to rid 1 of 2 out of my house, I did. *pat on back*

Yes, c'est moi, c'est nes pas Mister.

Shan't go into details on how I did it, but in case any animal lovers out there are reading this - my actions were swift, did not involve bloodshed or a karate-chop to the neck, God forbid.

Am still on a look-out for the other rodent (now Public Enemy No.1!) who's probably having a grubfest in one of my cupboards as I'm typing this. Bleh.

Hello little fella.
Come out, come out, wherever you are!

Am rather enjoying my 'hero' status in the household now. Or heroine, in my case. Dee is more than happy to swap ranks with me, seeing the current dire situation. Heh heh.

So, hand me them pants now, won't you, luvie? :)

* Started playing 'Spot the Mouse' with Danielle. She's absolutely over the moon that we have 'a leee-tle mouse' in our apt. Can't bear to break it to her that once caught, lil' mouse ain't staying as a pet or anythin'. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Taking a back seat...

After 5 months of looking after Danielle 24/7, am now experiencing the joys of a real break with the arrival of my MIL. :)

She fusses and fawns over Danielle, bathes her, brings her to the potty, offers to cook dinner, amongst many other things...

Maaan, I'm starting to feel rather redundant but nevertheless, am enjoying myself - stretched out and reclined in the 'back seat'.

'Freedom' (limited tho' it still is) never tasted this sweet...

* Lochinvar had a Christmas party for the tots today so Danielle was dressed in her fairy dress again. Think it made my MIL real proud walking her to school. Thank God for the simple joys in life... :)

An Official Launch

I'm proud to announce the launch of Vicky's website, Victoria Stardust!

The website certainly looks promising. Already she has page after page of lovely trinkets for sale - lovely drop-earrings, intricate Swarovski rings, and one-of-a-kind necklaces.

She's taking overseas orders so please, do lend her your support!

My personal favs:

Muffin Madness with Monkey D & Momma Saggs

Don't we sound like rap artists now? Heh heh.

Rained in, Danielle and I decided to bake muffins to while away the afternoon. Seem to be baking alot these days. But I cheat. ALOT. We ALWAYS get ready-mix.

Oh who cares? As long as it entertains your child for about 45min, everyone's happy.

Danielle hand-picked the muffin mix herself, simply coz she likes Noddy. Or perhaps she just 'recognized' him best, compared to Dora and Postman Pat?

And as usual, she helped herself to MOST of the icing...

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Mich n Brian!

Happy @ 2

Happier @ 3
What a wonderful way to celebrate a 3rd anniversary!
Have a lovely celebration, you 3...

much love xxoo

A Visit from Oz

Kian Lee dropped by for a short visit last week. In case some of you are wondering who she is, she's a friend of Kelvyn Ting, Mich & Brian.

As she resides in Sydney, I was able to fill myself in on the the folks 'Down Under'. We spent a lovely 5 hours together - coffee at Cafe Nero, a visit to our pad, and a trip to TESCO. Then the ever-busy girl headed for dinner at Covent Gdn with some friends.

Here's a looksy at what we did!

Thanks for dropping by, Kian Lee! We enjoyed our time with you! :)

BACK! and Better than Before?

I don't mean to sound ungrateful here but something's up with Dee.

Since moving here, he's been surprising me with... well, surprises?

??!!

First, there was the anniversary celebration where we enjoyed a night about town, sans Danielle. Now this...

Guess what ma sweet ol' hub got me this Christmas?

Heh Heh.

Does he know me, or does he KNOW me?

All I can say (gushingly) is: I LOVE it! what a Beaut! 2GB!! 8 megapixel!! Woohoo! Am definitely well-equipped for MORE happy snaps in 2007! Whoop-dee-doo!

At this point, I'd like to thank: (gimme a moment while I do this Oscar/Grammy/Emmy/BAFTA style)

• JH - for purchasing the camera on behalf of Dee, passing it to Meiling, adding your personal touch with the lanyard(smart move), and giving us the fab camera bag. You da Man!
• Meiling - for lugging the presents back and keeping it a secret!
  

And 3 Cheers for hub! I thank God for 'opening your eyes' to the world of sweet surprises! You're getting better at this! 2 thumbs up and errr... keep it up!? :P

* Miracles never cease! Dee wrapped (jaw drop) and actually wrote A MESSAGE (eyes poppin' all over the place) on the wrapping paper! I feel a strong urge to buy some kind of sweepstake?!!!

TORNADO!

Gosh, I'm writing so many of these backdated entries! Oh what the heck!

A tornado hit London last week. Round about the time I went to get Danielle from nursery.

I remember it raining but as it wasn't too heavy, I decided not to bring an umbrella along. Lazy (and later v drenched!) bum.

As I headed towards Oldridge Road, I felt my steps literally shifting with the direction of the wind. If I were any lighter, I swear, I would've been swept off my feet and given a twirl around - just like them autumn leaves on the ground.

Only later did I realise (via tv coverage) I'd probably experienced some of the effects of the tornado up North. Thank God we live in Southwest London so we didn't experience the brunt of it.

Poor folks living in the Northwest though...

A Father I Never Knew

(I've been trying to piece this entry together since last week. I simply could not find the words. Even now, I'm still struggling to find the words...)

From where I am now, news reports undoubtedly centre around the Americas and Europe at large. Of late, I've been religiously following reports of James Kim and his family.

James Kim, senior editor at the illustrious IT firm, CNET, together with his family found themselves lost and stranded in the middle of the Oregan wilderness. They had taken a roadtrip over the Thanksgiving holidays when things went horribly awry.

A week after they were marooned, the mother and their 2 young daughters were thankfully found 'in good condition'. They were saved after family and friends raised the alarm when both parents failed to show up for their appointments the following week. Rescue teams were frantically set up and began an unrelentless search for the family.

With the wife and daughters found, the rescue teams continued their search for James Kim who had decided to leave his family in the hope of finding help. Over the next few days, there was a huge outpour of support and prayers from people in the US, even around the globe. Everyone was praying James would be found alive, and reunited with his family.

But sadly, they discovered his body in a shallow creek, 4 days after he'd left his family.

What began as a rescue became a recovery.

James Kim died of hypothermia, only a mile away from his family. Reports said he had walked approx 10 miles trying to look for help and was probably finding his way back when his body gave in to harsh weather conditions, fatigue and hunger.

Why write about a man I hardly know, save for the newspaper reports I've pored over?

I guess I was moved. Moved by how this man, this father, literally died trying to save his family.

I was so affected by news of his death that I stayed up that night, having a discussion with Dee on what he would've done if he were in James' position. As expected, he responded that he would've done exactly the same thing. Just as I knew he would.

But something Dee said really struck me - James Kim did what he did knowing that he could either succeed, or die trying. When he made that decision to track out in the cold wilderness, there was basically no turning back. No room for U-turns. It simply didn't make sense to embark on a half-baked attempt to look for help, only to come back hours later with nothing. That would mean going back to square-one.

And square-one meant watching your family members die right infront of your eyes. No worse, die because of your inaction.

The part that really kills me is when I think about how I'd have reacted if I were his wife. When I read that James had 'promised to return' after a few hours of scouting, that, really hit home. Coz I knew that would've been exactly what Dee would've said to me to convince me to let him out there.

Coz I'd never have let him go.

I wouldn't have let him go risking the what ifs. I know he'd have promised me a million, a billion times that he'd be back in a couple of hours. But knowing him, he'd have kept pushing himself harder with every thought that if he didn't try hard enough, he'd be letting his family down. He'd be letting his family die. And that must've been the same motivation for James Kim...

Reports say his trek up the rugged terrain was 'superhuman'; that he was very 'motivated'. But to me, I think James did what he did simply because he was a dad - one who loved his family too much to give up.

...

My bottom line is this: No family goes on a holiday expecting tragedy to strike. No wife waves goodbye to a husband, knowing she'll never see him again.

And that's what tears me up. If I were Kati Kim now, I'd cry every time I think I didn't even have a chance to say goodbye. I didn't have one last chance to tell him I love you.

(James Kim died not knowing whether his family was saved or not. Although I know if he's in heaven looking down now, he'd be at peace knowing his attempts had not been in vain. Rest in peace, James.)

In Good Company

(Note: this is a backdated entry)

After spending an afternoon (5 Dec) at Silke's:

My hair smells of butter and sugar
My face's powdered with flour
My mouth is speckled with crumbs
My fingernails are caked with remnant yellow dough
My t-shirt is dappled with bits of choc chips & colourful sprinkles

You've guessed it - I've been B-A-K-I-N-G (I know, me? bake?) !!! Cookies, to be exact.

Made a whole batch with Silke today. And I have to say - this is my FIRST time baking cookies (or anything at all!) with a friend. Unless, of course, you consider Home Econs classes during secondary school. But I certainly don't! Especially not under the watchful eye of shrieky Mrs Temple! *shudder*

We had a really, really good time. Silke got the dough ready prior to us going over, so all we had to do was roll it out, and cut out the shapes. But the best bit - decorating them! Even Danielle helped and that thrilled her to bits!

Whilst we mummies busied ourselves with flour, dough & icing sugar, the kids had their hands (and mouths!) full - eating bits of cookie dough, licking icing, stealing Smarties and colourful sprinkles off the table, and floor. Greedy little buggers.

After the last batch of cookies was decorated and icing left to settle, we sat down for a nice cuppa, ate stollen and sampled some of our sugary biscuits. They were mouth-smackingly delish! It was a fantastic way to pass the afternoon...Oh, one more thing - I mentioned A-ha to Silke and whaddya know, she whipped out the 'Hunting High and Low' album! We went on to listen to it 3 x over! Talk about overkill. By the end of the 3rd round, I was ready to wrangle Morten's throat (causing him to shrill more, no doubt!). And I don't care how much I profess I luuurv (???) him!

On a slightly different note, Danielle asked for her 'harness' tonight. It's been a loooong time since she's asked to be put in it. And I stopped using it simply because she's so big and heavy now. But she asked for it tonight when I sang 'Edelweiss' to lull her to sleep. Awwww... she associates mummy singing that song with the harness. :)

* Urm, you don't see me often in the photos but I was helping out in baking ok! No one took me while I was rolling out the dough, cutting out shapes, or decorating my batch of cookies. Boo hoo, such is the life behind the lens (eh, Jh?). Kekeke...

**Photos were recently downloaded with use of card reader from JH! More in another entry! But yes... I'm BACK! Wahahahaha!

Boy II Man

Early this morning, I was awakened by the desperate need to answer nature's call. The trip to 'the John' somewhat jolted me from sleep and after, I decided to surf the internet in a lame attempt to 'lull' myself to sleep... suuuuure.

Imagine my surprise when I navigated to Geri's blog.

My brother, Ian, PROPOSED!!!

"Whh...?!"

I couldn't believe it? I knew it was coming but I didn't expect it so soon. I sat there - reeling in a mixture of disbelief, happiness, worry (although I know I shouldn't) & confusion.

I say confusion because I realised, in that one swift act, my kid brother made one of the most 'adult' decisions in his life.

And in that one moment, he's no longer 'Ianie boy'. He's become a man. A MAN??!! And soon-to-be husband, and father figure.

As an older sis, I'm still grappling with his newly-inducted status. I can't help but think of him as a teen not a day past 18 - gawky (but cute, heehee), slightly hunched, with eyes perpetually glued to the computer.

But whilst I grapple, I am happy for them. I feel, without doubt, that Ian has found a wonderful soul-mate in Geri.

So, CONGRATS from us to the newly-engaged!!! We know you will be immensely happy together. Remember to always place GOD in the centre of your lives...

Our love and prayers of many good things to come, are always with you.

Congrats, 'kiddos'... :)



Postscript: My blog's turning into a bulletin board of family-type announcements and glad tidings! Who's next? Heehee!

London Musings (Part One)

As a SAHM, I get to mingle with locals in rather banal, less threatening 'day-to-day' -type settings. This, as opposed to chatting over cubicles, exchanging niceities in the pantry, or making small talk over a business luncheon.

Instead,
I empathise with mothers at the playground giving chase to a child on the loose.
I share a parkbench with a fellow ambler, and pigeon watch.
I sit amongst parents & children and listen to Story-Time at the local library.
I peer into grocery baskets at supermarkets, and wonder what that person will be cooking tonight.
I silently observe commuters on buses/waiting at bus-stops, occasionally listening in on an interesting conversation or two.
I stare at the backs of people in banks or while queuing at ATM machines, waiting my turn.
et cetera et cetera.

My point?

Putting my auditory senses to good use (ok, so I eavesdrop!), I've picked up a thing or two on British lingo, their fav terms/phrases, and even popular children's names.

Here goes:

Names
Top 5 Boy names:
William, Harry, Oliver, Jamie, Thomas (Tom)

Top 5 Girl names:
Daisy, Olivia, Hannah, Emma, Lucy

Terms and Phrases: (Don't say --> Say)
Hug --> Cuddle
Half past 2 -->Half 2
Clear up --> Tidy up

Popular phrases:
That's Awful!
Dreadful!
Horrid!
Mucking around
Brilliant!
Completely knackered
Bloody
Posh
Call their children 'Poppet'

Street English
You know --> It wasn't like I had, you know, any choice?
Yeah --> You see these potatoes, yeah? Peel and scrub 'em, yeah? (Watch Jamie Oliver and you'll know what I mean)
Isn't it --> In-it?
Getting --> Ge'in
Little --> Li-el

This is but a snippet of many, many more observations to come. Watch out for them. :)

Santa's Little Helper

I can't believe it's Dec already.

Just a few more days to Christmas!

I must say, and rather smugly :P, that I'm proud of my Christmas achievements this year!

To date, I've hand-made 25 Christmas cards (you lucky few out there! heehee), wrapped ALL the presents, and sent gifts out to Australia, Malaysia & Singapore!

That's what I love about Christmas. It's really a season of giving, in'it?

2 Little Cheekyboos

Hui-O (Joyce) & friend

holding hands??!!

Shen-O (Anna)
looking cheeky but as 'botak' as ever!

A Walk In Heaven

Someone introduced this song to me and I fell in love with it. Certainly makes you wonder what it'd be like, standing in His presence.

Listen, imagine - and I hope, like me, you'll be filled that same awe.

I Can Only Imagine... (by Mercy Me)
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

Chorus:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Sun
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

Queen of Fluff and Fuzz

Some updated pictures of Bambi. Looks like she's having a whale of a time at Meiling & Kim Leng's! She's even put on weight!

Lazin' in the sun...

Slinking around and...

...finding that perfect hiding spot

Isn't it grand being a cat?

Resurgance of an 80s Band

What d'ya know.

My fav 80s pop band, Aha, is back with a new album 'Analogue'. Ok, well, not that new. Released end 2005, methinks?

A recent interview on 'London Tonight' revealed that other great bands like U2, Coldplay and Oasis cited Aha as their musical influences.

Really?!! Despite the iffy lyrics? *guffaw*

Anyway, here's a musical tribute to one of my fav bands of all time.

Take On Me

Hunting High and Low (Danielle & I lurrrv this one! She calls it the 'Changing Lion' song)

Sure brings back memories, doesn't it? :) Morten Harket... those droolsome, droolsome eyes...

** HAPPY BIRTHDAY MABES and McH!!!

Pee Plea

A few people have been asking me whether Danielle's fully potty-trained now. Well, here's the thing...

We first introduced Danielle to the potty when we first arrived (July 06). Then, she was a month shy of 2.

A few weeks of making good progress, she suddenly decided she'd 'had enough' and dissented from any form of potty-training. She objected vehemently (such an understatement!) every, single, time I brought her to the 'throne'. Only when making doodoo, did she allow herself to be brought anywhere near the potty.

I blame myself for not having been more persistant. I should have stuck it out with the training. But I chose the easy way out. Rather than bemoan the vagaries of her behaviour, I chose instead to preserve my sanity and not grate my nerves further with her incessant screaming and protests.

That was end August'06.

Fast forward to present time, I have resolved to have the potty training down pat by end 2006. But from the looks of it, it's going to be loooong and arduous affair.

Our washing machine is now full of her 'pee-ed on' panties, pyjama bottoms and pants. And I have to follow her around - boxes of tissue, wet wipes and anti-odour spray in hand - mopping up each and every 'accident' puddle.

What's worse? The flooring here is COMPLETELY carpeted.

*Faint*

The only thing that keeps me going now is knowing EVERY parent goes through this very 'trying' period.

God bless us potty-trainers everywhere!!!

* Some people/books recommend you start 'potty training' when the child is 'ready'. Whilst I think the advice is sound, I think I'll still try my hand at it... and hopefully live to tell the ordeal! :P