Send in the clown

Danielle's had to rely alot on her imagination these days.

These days, Mummy's too pooped to bring her out to the park, let alone playdates.

These days, Mummy's days are filled with appointments with various estate agents.

These days, the only 'stimulation' Danielle gets is the 'visually exciting decor' some potential flats offer - which isn't much - I can tell ya that.

This week, Mummy managed to squeeze in ONE miserable visit to the library. Even then, it was cut short. Mummy had places to go, appointments to drag Danielle to, people Danielle didn't have to meet, but did.

Why am I referring to myself in the 3rd person? I do not know. No, hang on. I do.

I half-wish there's another one of 'me' now. Another Saggs who'll do ALL the legwork - scheduling appts, showing up for appts, getting quotes, running errands, whilst the real me goes about my weekly routine with Danielle - trips to the park, library, supermarket, playdates, feed the ducks etc. That, would be nice.

Sorry if I'm boring everyone with my litany of complaints. It's been a tough week, worsened by the fact that Danielle's on half-term break. Which means she has to follow me on ALL the house viewings. And I'm feeling terribly guilty she's not having the fun she deserves. Or perhaps I'm just disgruntled that my usual routine has been thwarted by the sudden turn of events.

But rather than drivel on about my humdrum life, let's talk about Danielle's fertile imagination, shall we?

Somewhere between conjuring up Fisherman, Greengrocer, Teacher and a gung-ho Monster Buster, I'm surprised Danielle still finds time to be a Daughter and Mummy's little Comedian.

And she's been using the unlikeliest of props to aid her imagination. Besides whirling it around to cast spells, her magic wand also moonlights as a fishing rod (for catching Sharks with!), her green bolster (yes, the one she wraps her legs around every night) doubles up as a Monster-blasting raygun, her pink IKEA stool is the cashier counter that rings up the World's most exhorbitant veggies (20 pounds for 2 carrots!??)

She's also developed 'reasoning' skills over the past few weeks, and is now able to rattle off all kinds of retorts when I query her.

for e.g

Mummy: Danielle, why are you carrying so many bags?
Danielle: Coz (she NEVER says 'becoz' for some reason)... we're going TO THE SHOPS!

That's another 'habit' of hers, by the way. She's devoted half her answers to 3 special words - 'TO THE SHOPS!'

another e.g

D: Mummy! There's a dragon!
M: Really! Is it chasing us?
D: Yes!
M: Where should we hide?
D: To the shops!

'To the shops' is very important to her. It's a statement that's become the sum of all wisdom, the answer to every question, the mantra of her life...

2 days back, she conjured a scary 'Ice Monster' in my bedroom. It promptly started shooting icicles at us as we cowered under the bedcovers. We were Sun Princess & Sun Queen come to rid the world of the blistering cold and the chilly monstrosity. We blasted the ice beast with our bolster laser guns and pelted it with 'invisible' handgrenades. I wish I had videos or pictures to supplement this entry with, but I don't. So you'll have to imagine the battle scene for yourselves.

Then yesterday, she decided she was 'The Teacher'. With a long stick in hand, she pointed at numbers and alphabets with a suitable dead-pan face. But halfway through class, she declared imperiously, 'I have a moustache'.

After what felt like a full minute of jaw-dropping, mind-boggling astoundment, Papa and I burst into peals of laughter.

With a daughter like her, I'm hoping my next 30-odd years will be a laugh-a-minute.

Non, Non Famille!

We went to see the Rudloe unit on Saturday, I wanted Dee to get a 'feel' of the place and if he said OK, we would put an offer in. Miniscule kitchen notwithstanding.

But God had other plans...

We were told we COULD NOT rent the apartment becoz, get this - we have a child!!!

So ok God, we hear you. Rudloe, NO!

Next...

A Beautiful Mind

11ish pm: I'm sitting in my dining room, outside my kitchen, waiting in (eager) anticipation for the deafening silence to be interrupted by a blood-curdling squeak and a SPLAT.

Yes, the kitchen is officially a war zone.

We've laid TWO traps for the furry scuttleboo, placing a delectable cheese bait (blue stilton, no less) on one, a shiny unsalted hazelnut on the other. I'm certain even our prey would approve of this 'gourmet' selection. That, would be its last supper before its unpleasant demise, of course.

But enough prattle about kitchen nasties.

Danielle's begun to have memories.

I realised that a couple of months back when she started recalling events, places she'd been to, people she'd met (and their names), who gave her what, and more noteworthily-what she did yesterday.

Whilst I rejoice that minute chance she can remember (however vaguely) episodes of her life in UK in retrospect of her childhood, I'm concerned she'll remember the countless horrid occasions when Mummy got impatient with her, hollered at her, 'disciplined' her. Or my abject expressions reflecting my utter distress...

These are not good memories to look back on. And I fear these will outweigh the positive mother & daughter memories - filled with laughter, kisses, hugs and cuddles.

For isn't it always the sad events that stay ingrained in our minds, like stubborn stains that won't wash off?

I cannot influence what she stores in that compartment for memories. But I pray, for all my shortcomings, she'll always think of Mummy fondly...

Mouse update: we 'bagged' the little cheese-nibbler in our trashbag. The furry one was enjoying a smorgasbord of banana skins, scraps from unfinished dinners, Danielle's soiled night diapers, and other unsavoury, decomposing 'treats' when we sealed off its entry points to the garbage bag and promptly took the trash out for collection tomorrow. Hopefully, it's content being imprisoned in the trash. Afterall, wouldn't that be paradise for a bottom feeder? :)

Squeak!

The vermin is back, with a vengence.
I saw it.
Danielle saw it.
It's eating our bread.
Drrrrrrats.

Oh What A Day!

In between viewing houses and having her SMILEY* photo taken at school today, Danielle and I stole time to whip up a yummy tea-time treat just for fun. I'd wager a guess that every Mum, at some point in her matriarchal career, will engage in this fun-filled activity with her bairn- experiment with a recipe off a kiddy storybook.

Our cook cum story book of the Moment: No More Biscuits, by Paeony Lewis.

THE RECIPE: Magic Monkey Bananas!!!
And now, pls give it up for sous-chef, Mademoiselle D, who'll share her 'sweet secrets' with us via slideshow: (applause, applause)

This a fantastic 'time-filler' and takes all but 15 minutes to prepare. The result? A belly-happy kid who'll kowtow to your every bidding for the next hour! (hey, that's a long time!) Try it!

++++++

Househunt Updates:
The H Road apartment was passable (yes, OK only) by my standards. Loft area was a little stuffy (only one window, lighting wasn't great), stairway to loft was a tad too steep for my liking (and I worry a little for Danielle, quite frankly), and apartment reeked of ciggie smoke becoz of the current tenant. Those factors aside, the reception was a good size, and I could see myself slaving in the modish kitchen. I'd give this unit a 3 upon 5 for Overall Look and Feel. Distance to the Tube: 4.

ladder-like stairs leading to loft

Next was a property about a 2 min walk from the afore-mentioned apartment. Located at Rudloe Road, this first floor unit has a charming garden lovingly tended to by the landlord, who resides on the ground floor. I was bowled over by the gorgeous reception, handsome bedrooms, and sufficient storage space. But, the damper? A miniscule kitchen. It's sooo tiny and narrow, I'd have to be waifishly thin (think skinny-arse Kate Moss) to fit into it. Overall Look and Feel: 4ish. Distance to Tube: 3ish.

Of the two, I definitely like unit 2 better. It exudes a warm, homely feeling - ideal for a family. But I'm not sure whether I can whip stuff up in the kitchen. My kitchen projects with Danielle will be hampered by space issues - not much elbow room, or room to manoeuvre.

The H Road property will likely be preferred by Dee for the mere fact it sits on H Road. I'd say he'd need to view both properties himself to make a final decision. In the meantime, keep those prayers vigil. I know this is no biggie, but prayers would mean a lot. We want to make a God-driven decision. So thank you, everyone.

+++++++

Today was certainly chock-a-block with activities! We went to St James Park for a playdate with Makiko & Dan in the afternoon. This was our first visit to the royal park. The kids had fun at the playground. And since it was such a lovely, warm Spring (is it still?) day, we took a slow stroll around the park, then stopped for a quick cuppa at a nearby cafe. I think I'll miss them when they return to Japan at the end of August. Makiko is lovely. Altho' she speaks halting English and we try best to understand each other, she's warm and sincere. And that's enough for me. I hope we continue to stay in touch after our stints in the UK...

* remember the teary passport photo some of you rec'd from me? Well, she's practically beaming in the latest photoshoot! What a difference a few months makes, eh! :)

These Legs are Made for Walking?

We saw 5 apartments today. I say 'we' because Dee took some time off work to view 3 of the apartments with me.

It was good having him around as I'd have given an eager nod to a lot more properties than he. And the man is, ultimately, the ONE we REALLY need to cater to.

Hang on, am I making it sound like my opinions don't matter? Of course they do. It's just that I'm letting Dee have the final say, that's all. It is important to me that he's comfortable with the new residence because, in truth, he is Mr Pay-ALL-the-bills, as well as the one who's enduring work shit, stress, and then some. So even if his criteria seem a weeeeeeeeee bit inflexible (3 min walk to the Tube! 3 min walk to the Tube! 3 min walk to the Tube!), I'm willing to accede to all of them (or all of 'it'? as there seems to be only 1?).

In any case, I know Dee would never FORCE me to say 'yes' to a place I absolutely abhor.

We didn't put the offer in for the lovely Tunley Road maisonette in the end. Dee's legs, (literally) stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of the distance from that flat to the Tube. The twin terrors then went on a lengthy diatribe, and even threatened to go on strike should we take up the apartment. Fearing they'd stop work...walking for him, Dee buckled at the knees and begged me to concede to their unreasonable demands. They were and are, his ONLY means of transport. If they wouldn't move him, who would? Lazy stumps.

So alas, despite 63 Tunley Rd's near-pristine and plush conditions, we had to say NAY.

Then we saw another property, a 1 Bedroom unit along Balham High Road. Very nice apt - quite new, clean, cozy. Most imptly, it's CLOSE to the Tube! But I envisage we will have a storage problem if we take this one up. The house comes with v little cupboard space. Plus, where is Danielle going to sleep? In the reception? On the floor? In the tub? In our bed (No way! No way!)? We're still keeping that KIV though, until...

...we view another apartment that's just gone on the market. Get this - it's on the same street as our current flat! Woo hoo! I hear it has an attic and all, and from the pictures, the reception (aka living room) looks spacious, and has good natural lighting. I'm like, TOTALLY psyched for the viewing tomorrow! This property is located at the far end of H Road though, not at the start of the street like our current place. But it's still at H Road, and to Dee, that's ALL that matters!

Prayers please! :)

The Search is On...

Well, I'm certainly feeling efficient. Saw 2 houses yesterday. One of which was so decrepit, I walked out within seconds. Viewed another 6 today.

Today's viewings were much better. Unfortunately, they all come with a heftier price tag as London property prices continue to sky-rocket. We are looking at paying an estimate of a 100 pounds more, per week, for the new pad compared to our current abode. What's worse, none of them provide the same easy access/convenience like our present residence.

Also, the cost of this move will not be borne by Dee's company.

Yes, what a bummer. You win some, you lose some, I guess.

My enthusiasm levels continue to undulate. At times I sport a nothing-can-faze-me attitude, other times I feel sorta the pits.

It's only Day 2, 8 houses, and already I feel I'm running out of steam?

The search continues tomorrow with another 4~5 houses to view. I really hope God reveals our new pad to us soon. I'm in dire need of faith and strength which I know God will provide. I just hope I don't forget to let Him lead.

To view some of the 'better' houses I saw today, click here (this I like, and am planning to put an offer in tmr morning), and here.

Prisoners of Luuuuurv

My 2nd gift for Dee

I hate gift shopping for Dee, I really do. Having been together for yonks, each passing year is a struggle to keep creative juices flowing in the gifts dept.

My special gift for him this year? A pair of personalised cufflinks.

I know, it's not terribly exciting. But at least he'll use them!

I deliberately chose to engrave my name on one side of the cufflinks becoz I had a few soppy romantic dumb ideas in my head:

• Dennis Chan, Sylvia Chan - we are a PAIR...(= a pair of cufflinks. geddit geddit?)
• We are 'cuffed' together for LIFE (enjoying my corny sense of humour yet?)
  
• We are each other's missing 'LINK'. Together, We complete Us... (i know, this is soooo bad*toilet flushing in background*)
  

A hopeless romantic or simply hopeless? You decide.

:P

Of Gifts & Goddesses...

It was Paaaaarty time @ the Chan abode on Saturday!

Now that Danielle's a little older and understands the special significance behind birthdays, I was able to 'recruit' her as my partner-in-crime for the tiny surprise party I'd planned for Dee's 32nd.

Despite my best efforts, Danielle wasn't able to grasp the concept of keeping ANYTHING a secret. She'd announce quite unabashedly: 'We're having a party, Papa!', 'Happy Birthday, Papa!', 'I made you a card, Papa!', 'We bought you a cake, Papa!', 'Mummy blew balloons!'... But worst of all, she revealed the secret hiding place where our gifts were stashed. Doh!

As my girl Friday, I made Danielle choose Papa's birthday cake, draw him a bday card, and help with the party decor. She seemed genuinely pleased to be involved and could holler 'Surprise!' and sing the traditional Bday song on cue (well, almost) as Papa made his grand entrance into the party area (aka our dining room).

Dee is not big on birthdays and already warned me not to plan anything much in case he didn't display the 'right' emotions I hoped he would. I assured him that it would be a quiet do.

And it was.

I cooked him a special dinner (followed recipes. Thank you v much, ASDA!), recycled Danielle's bday decor & last year's Christmas tablespread, and blew up 2 measly balloons.

Despite the lack of fanfare, I surmise the birthday boy did enjoy himself. In fact, he gave my smoked haddock soup & romantic chicken roulades a whopping 8/10! And an additional 0.5 for good value and great company! Geez, 8.5 ! I'm swelling up like a pufferfish, I am.

After dinner, we brought out the 4.99pd cake from TESCO, did the usual blowing of candles, making a wish thingamajig and after, presented him with his gifts. They were the MAIN reason why we had the celebration early actually.

Why? Because MEL, you are a Goddess!

Dee was over the moon at the sight of your gift!!! Coupled with my complementary 'Personal Movie Goody Bag' ensemble, he swiftly assumed the lotus position & ascended to 7th heaven...

Even as I blog, he's sprung roots deep into the living room floor and is relishing his first movie for the evening, 'V for Vendentta'. I don't actually have to tell you this but what the heck - yes, he'll be there for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG time - just so you get THE idea.

I still have part 2 of my bday gift to surprise him with. But I can tell you - Mel, yours is certainly a Tough act to follow! :)

* 21/5: Thanks to everyone who sent him birthday wishes and for remembering! :)

A change of pad, perhaps?

Firstly, 'tis a rhetorical question, my dears.

Secondly, I'm not asking for any femi-9 advice for them nether regions either...Hell no! Eeeeuuuwww??!!

We've been unceremoniously asked to vacate our home of 11 months and hit the road. Ok, maybe not that callously but we were given marching orders to vamoose, nonetheless. Our landlords have decided they've had enough of the Mauritian sun and want to move back into the premises. This leaves us with the unenviable task of finding a new pad, of course.

So, we'll need a new home. By July.

When we're not entertaining Mr Deluded and Ms Stupefied, Dee and I are doing great. Especially me, surprisingly. I have a 1,001 different thoughts running helter-skelter in my brain, trust me. But when my spinner decides to stop at the 'Think Positive!' wedge, I ask myself what's so bad about that?

A look inside my grey matter:

No. of +ve thoughts today:

1. Can experience another flat in London! Whoop-dee-doo!
   
2. Can perhaps get a floor that's not carpeted?
3. A tiled kitchen would be good.
4. Yeah! Adios to the horrid musky smell that leads up the stairs!

No. of -ve thoughts today:

1. Do we HAVE to move?!! *whine whine whine*
2. Where do I get boxes from? Tesco? How how how?
3. Do I have to walk more than 10 mins to a supermarket/Tube station? I don't wanna! Waaaaah!
   

As you can see, positive thinking is the order of the day! Positivity Rules, Reigns, Raaawks, whatever!

In all honesty though, I dread the thought of moving. The only thing that keeps me moving (har har) now is that I'm DEAD SURE God has better plans for us. So if He moves us, hey, I'm not going to tell Him 'I don't wanna!', ya? :)

+++++++

Also...

Gwen Stefani can do no wrong.

Doesn't this just make you wanna shimmy and bop your head in manner of chicken pecking on grain? (how that looks like escapes me, of course.) Although, I'm certain it looks NOTHING like this.

She's definitely the epitome of Cool...

Dear Piggybank

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my appalling misconduct. I confess to misappropriating funds from the sacred coffer. As an act of penance for my wrongdoing, I hereby sentence myself to ADDITIONAL hours of menial labour (which could include: carrying Danielle as opposed to 'pramming' her? Vacuuming the house TWICE, instead of once a week?)

P/S: You've been looking noticeably anorexic lately.

+++++

Dear Saggs

Thanks for writing. But why are you writing to inanimate objects? GET A LIFE!

P/S: Thank you for effortlessly taking inches off my waistline. I confess those 'metal milkshakes' were doing me in.

+++++

Last Friday (11/5), wee one and I dropped in on an Orla Kiely sale. The sale was held at Studio Voltaire at Clapham Common. With the sale located sooo close to home, wild horses couldn't keep me from checking this one out!

I decided to get to the sale at a quarter past 11am. I reckoned the sale wouldn't be in full swing at that time.

Daaaaaah! Wrong again! What have you NOT learnt, girl? Brit lasses: 1) DO NOT SLEEP, 2) Are (I'm convinced) genetically KIASU.

The venue was THRONGED with women!!!! Stampeded! Jam-packed! Invaded! It was as if Ali Baba's 40 thieves had upped and left their cave in Baghdad (??) and were going over their ill-gained stash at the Studio.

There were women from all walks of life - yummy mummies with babies/toddlers, corporate go-getters, showy fashionistas, Sporty-Spices, nubile 20-somethings, elegant dames in their 40s... all of them wanted a piece of Orla, as did I.

After an hour of foraging through piles and piles of bags/wallets/card cases and rummaging through racks of clothes, I decided to purchase a wallet to replace the one stolen at Tooting Bec. At 30 quid, this is my most expensive purchase in the UK yet.

this is it, whaddya think?

Deciding on a suitable bargain item was the least of my worries though. The queues to the cashiers were horrendous! Unlike me, the other women had more than one item (and more $) on them. Most of them had 3~4 bags plus a dozen clothes slung on one arm, while toting their own designer bags (Prada, Gucci, LV) on the other!

Also, overheard at the queues:

Woman 1: Olivia... yeah, I'm at the Orla Kiely sale at Clapham Common. I need to pop back to the office for a bit. Was wondering whether you can come and stand in line for me?

Woman 2: Hey... yeah, I'm here. Yes the sale's pretty good. Do you think you can slip away to come over?

Hmmmmm... lesson 3) Brit cha bors take their sales very VERY seriously.

And all I could think of while standing in line was - have they completely lost their marbles?

Zombies from the night of the living dead

SAGGS LUVS CAMPING!

2 thumbs & 2 bigtoes UP for this weekend's rustic sojourn to Ashford, Kent! We set up camp at Broadhembury Holiday Park, a location superbly chosen by Andy, who along with Meiling, joined us for this fan-ta-bulous adventure.

Can you tell I'm kinda gushing?

Although the weather wasn't ideal (it rained all day Sunday), we still had a wonderful time setting up tent, devouring tasty char-grilled morsels of BBQ food, getting cosy in our spacious 4-man tent (a pat on back for Papa, for making the right 'executive decision'), snuggling in our sleeping bag (once again, *pat pat* Papa), stroking wee animals at Rare Breeds Country Farm, taking a ride on a real steam train, and visiting the historical ruins of Bodiam Castle.

I'd say we did swell for one weekend. :)

Okay, pictures!

* More photos & videos later.

Mum-may, there's a tiger in my tub!

This weekend, we embark on an exciting rustic journey to THE GREAT UNKNOWN. But before we do, here's wishing all a ROARING good weekend! Rwwwaaaaah!

DAG Queen

If a Dag Queen pageant was ever held around these parts, I'd be the undisputed title-holder. But instead of the proverbial diamond-studded tiara, I'd be crowned with a luverly brown paperbag. Over ma head.

Helloooo beautiful! *wolf whistles*

I'm impossibly daggy when it comes to dressing up for a jaunt round the neighbourhood. Actually no, I'm just plain daggy. Period.

I practically live in my 'out-to-the-supermarket/park/nursery' ensemble: faded jeans, turquoise Espirit jumper (which I toggle with another canary yellow pullover and a purple sweater), and scruffy red Nikes that have definitely seen better days.

my trusty road warriors

I'm pretty sure people here think I'm a bag lady. Or perhaps, a really shabby au pair since I hang around a rather groovy-lookin' kid who, incidentally, only vaguely resembles me. Hmph.

I TRY to inspire myself to dress a tad more hip, happenin', or emulate haute monde. Or simply be like 'em perrrty, neatly-dressed mums I find myself admiring surreptitiously at the playground. But the truth is, I'm too lazy.

Plus, who the heck am I lookin' good for? The Tesco lady at the till? The highschool kids masticating bubblegum at the bus-stop? My indian newsagent?

I think not.

So dang if I'm daggy, and dang if I'm drab! Dag's just my style!?!

I guess I'm content looking 'good enough' for me. At least for now. :)

Double dang, I need a fringe cut!

Cards for Peddlin'...

Dear All...

As you've all been ultra generous in your comments, advice, zany remarks & what-nots, Danielle & I would like to proffer you our modest hand-made cards as tokens of our appreciation.

The cards were inspired by Ian Whybrow's Harry and the Dinosaurs Go Wild. The book educates children on endangered creatures and illustrates how even young 'uns can do their part to aid animal conservation.

You'd notice, however, that some of the animals (pictured below) are not exactly endangered. In fact, dinos are already extinct! Oh well, she's 2, ok soon-to-be 3... so cut her some slack, won't ya? I'm sure some species of giraffe or monkeys are fast dwindling in numbers somewhere!? Why are they being enclosed in nature reserves & zoos then, I ask you? :P

The cards are extremely limited. In fact, they are one of their kind. Therefore, be BOLD and AGGRESSIVE! Lay claim to the one you like best! We'll send them by post to you within the week.

We operate on a strictly first come, first serve basis. And ONE card per person, if you please.

We look forward to your requests soon (we hope there are takers??)!

Thank you,
Saggs & Danielle xxoo

Disclaimer: Danielle drew FACES of animals. And in some cases, the bodies. Colouring & most animals drawn by Saggs.

Changing lanes...

You know your life is forever changed when...

instead of Sex & the City, you're watching Sing Song City
instead of racy adult fiction, you're reading chaste fairy tales
instead of ogling at hunky Wentworth Miller, you're gawking at Bob the Builder
instead of hitting the pub, you go to a park

And,

you surf YouTube for cute-sy videos like this or this
you entertain by singing songs like this, or more recently this
your walls are plastered with kiddy artwork
you ace at reciting all sorts of nursery rhymes
you know EVERY, SINGLE Hi-5 member's name
musicals are watched on DVD, not on Broadway - Annie, Sound of Music, My Fair Lady
your weekend movie marathon includes exciting movie titles like Toy Story 1 & 2, Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc, The Incredibles...

Welcome... to our world!

+++++

It must be great being Daddy's girl. I was thinking that as I photographed Papa & Danielle over the weekend. They had a swell time wearing each other out at the playground and at the common. They squealed like two excited schoolgirls at the new 2-man tent Dee bought for our upcoming camping trip.

We are going CAMPING! Tra-la-la-la-la...

Dee is absolutely chuffed that he's finally going to have his thirst sated for The Great Outdoors. Me, I'd rather lie in the comfort of my own bed then sprawled out on some grass patch somewhere. Then again, I'll try anything ONCE. I'm sure it'll be an experience lying under a blanket of stars, enjoying an orchestra of crickets and frogs...hey, indulge me while I attempt to romanticise the moment ok!

huddling in the tent
(btw, this is ONE of 2 tents purchased. the other is a friggin' 4-man tent!?!)

nothing does it like ice-cream in the park

you ain't heavy, you're my daughter * back creaking*

Problem with shutterbugs like me is that we hardly get captured in the moment. So here's one for the memory.

Danielle, see that hand you're reaching out to do a high 5 while on the swings? That's mine. You may not see me often in photos but the fact that they exist show I was there with you...all the time.

THE ULTIMATE STINKY CHEESE TEST

This is NOT a blog-mercial. I'm merely putting this space up for 'rent'.

By decree of a certain 'Queen', she hereby requests that the following test be undertaken by the 'genteel court ladies' (or brave knights) of her round erm, cheeseboard (I hope you know who all of you are!). So go forth, intrepidly!

Create your own Friend Test here

*This announcement was created especially for Queen Lovie by Subjectie Love.

Know Me, Take My Test

Are you:

1. Great at multi-tasking?
2. Twiddling your thumbs at your workstation/home?
   
3. Finding it hard to resist a challenge?
   
4. Dead certain you'll come up tops?
   

If you've answered a resounding 'Yes!' to all the above, then take this test and find out how chummy we are! Good luck!


Create your own Friend Test here

Buff Times

The hooded bathtub raiders!

Lately, Danielle's been insisting on having her baths with me. Whilst I have no qualms showering au naturel with my daughter - we do have a fun time splish- splashing & pretending to be fish, crabs, whales, and other strange sea creatures - it's made me think when I should talk to her about human nakedness and privacy?

So here's my question: When should we start raising the topic of sexual inhibition to our children?

What's your take? I'd like to hear from you.

In the meantime, here are some interesting discussions regarding the topic. Click here and here to read what others have to say.

'Class Act'

Watch her say her name!
Marvel as she reveals her age!
Gawp as she shows off 'nifty' finger manoeuvres!
Be astounded as she identifies world famous monuments!
Be floored by her 'uncanny' Mr Spock impersonation! (under the kind tutelage of Ms Skiver A, *applause applause*)

The eponymous Vulcan salute

Oh, but she does fumble while trying to remember who gave her what. Uncle Derrick? Auntie Mabel?

But hey, she's still T.I.P - Training In Progress, ya? Heh.

Hand me a Kleenex, why don't you?

(a May 01 posting)

I've just spent the last hour and a half bawling my eyes out.

Yes, I'm impossibly emotional. It's almost as if my hormones are performing some athletic feat like say, a 20-mile marathon? Hmmm...make that 40.

I'd pant in exhaustion if I could but my overworked tearducts have been completely exhausted of all my body's water. That's right, all 68 per cent of it.

Before I continue, let me say that I do not intentionally seek sentimental or tear-inducing activities as an afternoon past-time. I'm not that neurotic! Honest!

I began my tranquil afternoon (Danielle's at PM nursery today) listening to Hillsongs and was immediately moved to tears by these 2 songs:



Then I read over the Internet about a US Christian mother's plight and my floodgates swung open again. H is a mother of 3, of which one of her daughters is autistic and suffers from Mitochondrial Myopathy. H has also recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She's 32.

She goes for surgery this Thursday and as it is with any operation, there are risks. But her (and her family's) strength, and her faith is truly awe-inspiring. Bear with me whilst I take some excerpts from her lifestory:

On her husband:
"There are things that you talk about with your spouse that you would never talk about with anyone else in times like this. Not because they are so personal and private, but because they are so amazingly honest. Mark and I were talking about the risks of the procedure- death being one of them; He looked me square in the eyes and said “If you die, I will be so angry”, he paused and then said “because you will get to see Christ before me”. Having a husband who truly gets it- truly understands what this is about is so wonderful. This isn’t about me- never was.

On being a living testimony:
I stand before you today and tell you that my tumor is not God’s punishment. My daughters terminal illness and autism and failing heart are not Gods punishment. My life is a living testimony of his grace and love. The 5 years that I have spent with this amazing child, who every doctor told me would be dead by now, is a testimony of His grace and love. Finding this tumor from an inner ear infection is a testimony of His grace and love. Being so young, and without any symptoms from such a large tumor is a testimony of His grace and love. Having 32 years of life is a testimony of His grace and love.

Bad things are going to happen. Its inevitable. Facing them with hope and power makes the journey so much more possible. Facing the pain knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that my future is secure, and my eternity is claimed- that is an indescribable feeling..."

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It's far easier to get angry with God for the bad things that happen to us. I've walked that road countless times before. It's so easy to vent our frustrations on Him becoz we EXPECT Life to be smooth-sailing ALL THE TIME. But the truth is, it isn't.

It's hard for me to admit this but - Trials Do Make Us Stronger. And it's those trials that have 'forced' me to submit my life to God time & time again, telling Him: Please Lord, take charge. I'm not in control here. You are. And every time I do that, He turns my sorrow into dancing. I face my challenges knowing He'll never forsake me...

To top off my emotion-charged afternoon, I received an email response from my mum telling me she'd read my blog and was touched by the things I wrote about her. Now, Mum's not the expressive type (she's old skool) so her brief comment meant a lot to me. Call me egoistic but when I read her response, I scrolled down to re-read the entry and started tearing! Again! At my own blog entry! Bah!

I know, I have issues. So...erm, hand me a tissue! (How's that for a corny ending to an emo-filled piece, eh? Heh heh.)

'I wonder how it began?'...

And while we're on the topic of longing, here's a fabulous trailer from one of my favourite movies of all time.

Certainly not a movie that moved the masses, but it moved me. And I never tire of watching it.

This is Wong Kar Wai at his zenith (well, at least I think so). Using subtle nuances, WKW weaves a poignant tale of 'loss', 'missed opportunities', 'betrayal', and of course 'longing' - all which crescendo to a heartbreaking finale. The storyline is intentionally oblique and the audience is forced to think about the 'what ifs', the 'perhaps', the 'maybes' - whilst empathising with the piteous protaganists, played by HK luminaries Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung. In the words of another critic: WKW makes us look within ourselves to interpret his movie in a personal way...everyone can arrive at a different place after seeing this film.

The emotions are captured with such sublime accurancy, it's heartwrenching. Coupled with great cinematography in the form of gorgeous textured shots, a haunting soundtrack and a kaleidoscope of colours displayed through Maggie Cheung's extensive wardrobe of elegant cheongsams, the movie is a stunning spectacle.

It is a restless moment.
She has kept her head lowered,
to give him a chance to come closer.
But he could not, for lack of courage.
She turns and walks away.
That era has passed.
Nothing that belonged to it exists any more.
He remembers those vanished years.
As though looking through a dusty window pane,
the past is something he could see, but not touch.
And everything he sees is blurred and indistinct.