Eat, Live and Breathe Canary Wharf

Roselyn

2009-11-02T21:21:00.003Z

This is the little girl that has kept us busy for the last 12 months.

Moving On

2008-12-13T00:01:00.011Z

ELBCW has come a long way, apparently 271 posts to-date.

I have had almost two wonderful years of blogging in ELBCW. This was where I penned down all my thoughts and experiences - happy, sad, exciting, lonely, silly, fun times, travels, kitty-chronicles, my indulgences, work life (starring the Prick!), sunshiny days, trials and tribulations, married life, celebrations, my best bud - IK, my pregnancy and off late - bubba.

Too much of bubba, actually.

Hence the need to move on. It is with a heavy heart I have to put ELBCW aside for the time being as my life has changed drastically and this no longer reflects 'me', the Wharfer.

ELBCW, you were a loyal companion to me. We had a great journey together didn't we, into the unknown blogsphere world and even made a virtual friend or two along the way.

You will remain as my on line weblog ie diary for when I need some reminder of the care-free, yuppy-ish, responsible-free and most definitely blessed life I had as a thirty-something, married with no obligations, working in London.

Now I am a mother to a beautiful bubba. I now eat live and breathe bubba.

So.

What better time than the new year to start a-new. Close one chapter and perhaps create another blog dedicated to bubba, a blog revolving around my experience as a first time mother, a journal as a keepsake for this new life lest I forget the sweet moments, the fond memories as well as the bitter ones.

Cherry Mistmas and Happy 2009 to all my readers, yes all 2 of you!, and thank you for dropping by ELBCW to read my very very frivolous writing. Who knows, perhaps one day our paths may cross again ~In another life? In another blog?

I am so going to miss this space *sobs*. So long, au revoir, until we meet again, take care.

~Mommy and Bubba Wharfer~

Me and My Silly Countdowns

2008-12-08T00:08:00.005Z

December 2008

10th - End of confinement.Yahoo.
11th/12th/15th/16th maybe - Shopping; need some new size 12 clothes, my size 8/10 are too snug, have yet to loose the pregnancy weight I gained at my thighs and butt. Boohoohoo. Oh well, at least I get to see what's the latest in Zara and MNG; I have not bought normal non-preggers clothes for a long long time.
19th - IK returns (with goodies).

January 2009

1st - A short break by the beach; our first family getaway together. Woohoo.
3rd - Akikah + Bercukur ceremony

Wishing everyone a blessed hari raya aidil adha! Am off to have some nasi impit kuah kacang. Toodles!

December Already?

2008-11-30T22:57:00.014Z

Little Miss Sunshine turns a month old today. Wow. Milestone indeed. Which means I have gone through 30 days of my confinement period, and good news is ~ I have only 10 more to go. Huzzah. Counting down to mocha ice blended, twister, green apple kasturi juice and rojak buah.

One whole month gone. Now, on to Little Miss Sunshine's second month. More changes. More milestones. New experiences to embrace.

With IK in London, I have been coordinating bubba-shopping from afar. I am excited to see her little dress for the traditional cukur jambul ceremony which is planned at the end of the year, when she turns 2 months. Mommy needs a new ensemble too, but nothing as fancy schmancy as Bubba's.

Apart from bubba bubba and more bubba, life has been uneventful. Can't believe it is already December, where did the year go? I would like to reflect and note down the highlights of 2008 but I think it is safe to say, in 2008 my life centred around my journey into motherhood - mainly, my pregnancy for nine months and thereafter [and ongoing], our Little Miss Sunshine.

December is a good month. Looking forward to IK's homecoming and the holiday/festive season. Hello hellowwww December!

Daddy's Gone

2008-11-24T06:34:00.005Z

IK flew back to London this morning. It feels lonely without him but I have my hands full with bubba. She needs me constantly for feeds, burps, nappy change, sleep.

As she lies there peacefully, I am reminded how blessed I have been.

Little Miss Sunshine

2008-11-14T08:00:00.001Z

Bubba Has Arrived

2008-11-08T10:15:00.009Z

I became a mommy at 40 weeks 7 days. Medically a week overdue but I am guessing the EDD was just that - an estimate.

Baby R arrived on 31 October 2008 at 7.45 am (Malaysian time). It was a normal delivery alhamdullilah. Admittedly I cheated with epidural by the time I was 3 cm dilated.

Life as a mommy has been manic and loads of adjusting needs to be done on my part. Waking up every 1-3 hours at night, changing diapers, feeding and understanding the changes that is happening to her on a daily basis.

Not wanting to state the obvious ~ it has been tiring but I am slowly easing my way into this new role I have been blessed with, as is Baby R. Coming into this world cannot be that easy for her either after being snug as a bug in my womb but she is doing well so far. We are very proud of her.

And so, blogging has to take a back seat for now. Will resume when I am more settled and less clueless. Until then, take care peeps.

Smashing Weekend!

2008-10-27T12:34:00.007Z

It was a three day weekend here, with Deepavali bank holiday today. Not that weekends/holidays mean much to me nowadays. It was such a nice change to have IK for 72 hours straight rather than the usual week which goes by swiftly, abit like this:

Off to work by 8am.
Some emailing if he has time, otherwise he is just oh so busy.
He leaves the office on average at 7.30pm arriving home an hour later or sometimes even later thanks to the downpour causing floods/heavy traffic/etc KL is notorious for.
Dinner at 8.30pm.
Bedtime at 10.30-11pm.

All in all, we manage about 2-3 hours worth of chats daily for the past 3 weeks.

Weekends are normally filled with doctor's appointments as well as sorting out car.

This time, we didn't have any check ups (had it on Friday), car was all done and IK did not even have to work as he had predicted to. Huzzah.

All we did was chilled chilled and chilled some more. It was fun to have him around with me most times, despite not doing anything significant at all.

But.

It is back to stressful work and dull routine tomorrow for IK. I am having the blues on his behalf (whilst he is enjoying X-men on telly).

Joyous Deepavali to all who are celebrating!

Hormonally Depressed

2008-10-23T13:02:00.011+01:00

Forty weeks tomorrow. The end of my journey.

I am worried (re weight). I am anxious (re due date). I am scared (re labour).

I am missing my old normal life. Before pregnancy. Before coming back here.

I miss leaving the office at a reasonable hour; down the escalator into the mall, passing by Krispy Kreme & Bene Bene, traipsing through Canada Square shops, briefly stopping by Gap/Accessorize/Monsoon/Oasis prior to meeting IK in front of Waitrose, sometimes replenishing veg/milk/bread supply, walking hand-in-hand out of Waitrose towards Barclays, round the Cartier Circle, over the bridge and down the steps into Boardwalk Place all the while complaining about how (my) work sucks.

Then less than ten minutes later - home sweet home. Cook. Eat. Surf net. Telly. Sleep.

I miss my old Eat Live + Breathe Canary Wharf. Life was less complicated then.

Nesting

2008-10-19T06:51:00.005+01:00

Bubba's cot is finally ready.

All we have to do now is await Mr Stork's arrival *tap fingers on desk*.

Bun

2008-10-17T03:03:00.003+01:00

'Put a fork in me, I'm done'.

I have (only) seven days to go according to my pregnancy ticker!

Two Sides of a Coin

2008-10-15T12:28:00.003+01:00

Life has been revolving around bubba mostly. I dread to update my blog for fear of turning this into a baby blog. Looks like I am doing exactly what I planned not to.

Like for now, when I click on New Post, all I can think of updating is bubba's due date, how I feel being very pregnant at this point in time; basically everything about bubba, childbirth and pregnancy.

Surely there's more to (my) life than (my) pregnancy. Let's see -

Today I finally headed to the bank to collect my cheque book, had pizza for lunch with mumsy, dropped by the pharmacy for baby clothes' detergent. OK stop right there. Here I go again getting into bubba stories.

I think this can be attributed to the fact that I stopped working and socialising with colleagues/work mates since end-August. Being at home, I speak to mumsy + dadster, Winnie + Cleo, the maid and I have not even seen many of my mates around because everyone is at work.

Or was that merely an excuse for something I am avoiding.

Surely I can still be an individual who has a life that involves other worldly things apart from a child (not that I am belittling having a child, I am sure it is rewarding)? Or am I supposed to be all consumed with this being growing in my belly? Bubba this, bubba that.

Hmm. Have I actually become someone I could never relate to a few years ago?

Still Preggers

2008-10-13T10:11:00.006+01:00

Hello blog-world, I have been meaning to blog everyday but (other equally unimportant) things just seem to get in the way. And no, I have not popped yet.

I do wish it would be soon as bump is getting too heavy and the pressure it puts on my back (when lying down) and legs (when upright) is sometimes unbearable. But bubba has a mind of her own much to mommy's dismay. So in she stays until she is ready to see the world.

In the meantime, I am preparing myself for next week's check up to see how things are going with cervix, etc. I do hope she decides to come out soon. Like tomorrow maybe?

Life in Loopy Land

2008-10-02T00:55:00.011+01:00

My Hari Raya:

Mandi at 7 am, got dressed, obligatory call to the outlaws, eldest sister & family arrived from Subang Jaya to complete the original family nucleus. So by 10 everything was in full swing; lots of photos, lots of food, lots of duit raya exchanged [pity bubba did not receive any in advance!]

It was a full house yesterday, with siblings + spouses + offsprings. Main activity: makan makan makan. I is fat-ter.

Admittedly it was kind of (chaotic) fun with everyone around, but after a few hours - backache, tiredness kicked in, sleep deprived nights took a toll on me.

Oh I forgot, blood test results which I took before I left London came back - I am anemic. Hence the incessant complaints I had of constantly feeling tired. Must get some iron tablets from Dr G.

Have to say though, last night was the longest (and best thusfar) sleep I had from half eleven till half five; no disruptions in between at all. Normally I would sleep at 11 ish, wake up at 2/3 for a pee and not sleep until 5/6, only to be up again by 7 ish.

My life in numbers:

~ 1 day until IK arrives; need some TLC pronto.
~ 37 weeks tomorrow; 3 weeks to go. Yay-bump too heavy. Yikes-impending labour.
~ 13 days until peace and quiet resumes.

I hope everyone had a great raya.

Salam Aidil Fitri

2008-09-30T04:04:00.004+01:00

IK celebrates eid today in Londres, whilst us Malaysians have another day of ramadhan to observe.

He is well chuffed; he finds sahur a bit 'challenging'.

Over here, mumsy has started the big feast cook out whilst tidying up the house, where possible; well, with 3 kids and 8 adults, the possibility to cover everything is almost impossible. All this further reinstates my *cough* one-child-only policy *cough*.

Have a smashing hari raya, safe and happy travels everybody!

Birthday Wishes For Far Away Birthday Boy

2008-09-28T04:39:00.007+01:00

Happy Birthday Dad-to-be!

Don't worry, bubba has not come out, we're waiting for you to get back here pronto.

Hope you're enjoying the quiet Sunday, buy yourself a cake and a nice buka puasa meal ok.

Wish we were all there celebrating your 34th with you.

All our love,
~ Furballs, Bubba,Wharfer ~

Why

2008-09-27T00:29:00.011+01:00

Why is it that the people who you love most/love you most, the ones you pour your heart to, the ones who (supposedly) knows you inside out, are exactly the ones who simply can't seem to understand and just be there for you in times of need?

Why?

Disaster

2008-09-26T01:12:00.001+01:00

Wish I was back in London.

Survival of the Fittest

2008-09-25T16:08:00.004+01:00

Only half of Day 1 and mumsy turned a shade of pale, about to pengsan.

Cleo didn't come out from under the bed until 8 ish but got spooked and ran helter skelter, jumped out of window, hid under the longkang.

New maid arrived, totally inexperienced hence requiring training from mumsy. Doubling, no quadrupling her daily tasks, over and above guest-related tasks.

Unlike Cleo, Winnie is less sensitive/edgy to strangers. She was abit apprehensive and remained mostly in my room for most of the day but ate well nevertheless.

Got into an argument with dad; I just don't get him behaving over the top over the 'guests'. Truly unacceptable. He just winds me up big-time.

What will happen in the next 20 days I wonder.

Hari Raya

2008-09-25T01:50:00.002+01:00

In less than 5 days, we will be celebating Eid.

This year the celebration will be extremely different.

One, I did not observe ramdhan per advice by GP and to be honest even if he said it was ok to, I would struggle quite abit to curb/manage my hunger. Hence the lack in (or of?) festive mood.

Two, everyone will be home. My sister and family arrive this afternoon from Melbourne; they will spend three weeks here. On Monday, my brother and family fly in from Bali for two weeks. Coincidently I am back as well to pop during this festive occassion.

I have mixed feelings about this whole idea.

On the one hand.

The house will be packed to the brim; am not sure I like that - chaos chaos chaos all around. I actually prefer the 'peace and serenity' of being on my own with mum, dad + cats. The poor kitties, I foresee them suffering the most. Plus mumsy who will be slaving away in the kitchen daily for everyone.

We have not spent raya together as a complete family for the last 6/7 years or maybe more, what with everyone scattered everywhere, and to coordinate holidays at the same time was just not possible due to different work schedules. This will be a first in a long while. Having said that IK will not be around on the 1st and 2nd day anyways so it will still not be totally 100% attendees!

This year there are many changes in the way I celebrate Eid; in the last three years I was at my desk on the first, second, third, so on and so forth day of Eid. It was not too bad as I think I have outgrown that 'raya/festive' feeling. I merely missed mumsy's food spread.

On the other hand.

This year I will be having all my siblings around, with three toddlers screaming and running about (meriah, some crazy people call it?), mumsy's rendang/kuah kacang/nasi impit/raya cookies to savour, and I even got myself a baju raya to complete the whole Eid shebang.

Sounds like all the essential ingredients are there for a celebration, no?

When Will They Tow The Line

2008-09-24T03:09:00.001+01:00

Poison in children's clothing is emerging as the latest health risk from China -- scientists found formaldehyde in woollen and cotton clothes at levels 500 times higher than is safe.

First it was the melamine found in the baby formula, next I watched on Londres telly about chemicals found in leather sofas made in this very country causing severe allergic reactions to those seated on their sofas.

And now this.

I am very troubled by this piece of news as I recall most toys I bought from ELC for Bubba is made in China. I know this because I specifically checked the label for the 'Made In' information. I am not prejudiced, however, looking at their track record, I am very wary of all products coming out of their country.

Last night I went through Bubba's clothes, blankets, mittens, socks, etc. My findings are:

Mothercare and Marks & Spencer's products - mostly (almost all) made in India.
Gap - Everything is made in China, except one piece of onesies that is made in Turkey.

This morning I washed all her stuff and they are now hanging out to dry. I can only hope the excess chemicals have been completely washed out.

Finally, the one question that's on my mind - should I bin her toys as there is no information made available on the materials used to produce the toys and she could be biting into some chemically-laden soft toys/ball/cloth-books/rattles and subsequently make herself ill in the long run?

Too Pampered

2008-09-23T07:27:00.008+01:00

Life has been easy. I don't do much apart from rest rest eat eat rest rest some more.

In London, I would have at least to do some cooking in the evenings, a bit of mundane chores and sometimes I'd have to go to the shops to get grocery or do last minute shopping which requires a walk to the mall or a ride on the tube (not licenced and not confident enough to drive out in Londres).

Here, everything is made simpler - I don't cook, mumsy does, I take the car if I need to go anywhere and everywhere (no such thing as walking), I don't need to shop anymore for baby and I don't even clean.

Hence the growth in bump size. Today I looked at it and thought wow, she is getting big. Dr G expects bubs to be between 2.8 - 3 kg when he last saw me on the 15th. I am not so sure he will think the same in the next visit. Maybe I should do more around the house and eat less - after all if bubs gets too chubby, I will be in BIG trouble.

She is due exactly a month tomorrow and as the date draws nearer, I am increasingly worried and wonder whether I am truly prepared for this new phase in my life? But it isn't like I have any choice anyways, I will just BE.

Well at the very least mumsy is around if I do indeed breakdown.

***

Have not put up funsters pics for the longest time. Both are doing well, cute as ever, and they are being the biggest sweethearts keeping me company while IK is away!

Just One Of Those Days

2008-09-21T17:24:00.004+01:00

I miss the cooler (not the freezing bone-chilling cold) weather.

I miss having effortless + undisturbed sleep.

I miss my pillows.

I miss my bed.

I miss IK.

Silly Father

2008-09-20T09:15:00.011+01:00

IK leaves for Londres tomorrow morning, but he will be back on the 2nd of October to work out of the KL office, with the hopes of being around when I go into labour.

I have just frightened him with a piece of news I heard - a friend, both times, delivered at week 36 (I am currently 35 weeks pregnant). He wants bubba to 'wait' until he is back, that would be at least week 36.5-37, before deciding to come out. How silly is her father. If she is anything like her mother, she'll definitely have a mind of her own and would certainly not like to be told when to do what.

But in my condition, I will miss this silly father for a week and half; who will give me back rubs and ensures I get a comfy sleep position now?

He on the other hand will have to go through the rest of the ramadhan and day one of eid all by himself.

I can safely say that both will definitely be counting down to 2nd October earnestly.

Meltdown

2008-09-18T08:11:00.007+01:00

Lehman Brothers - BK, BoA bought over Merrill Lynch, AIG in trouble, Morgan Stanley is looking to merge, Llyods buying HBOS.

I am wondering whether my employer, an american bank, will be affected too by this credit crisis.

Tell me o crystal ball, should I start worrying about not having a jobbie soon?

Gulp.

That Day Has Come

2008-09-16T22:20:00.006+01:00

As promised I am home now. With Winnie and Cleo.

......I absolutely adore and miss my Winnie (and Cleo) dearly. Currently far, far away from her (them) and counting the days when we shall be together again.

--- No Longer Applicable ---

2008-09-12T09:53:00.005+01:00

Weather: Gloomy, cloudy, 14 degrees (@ 10:00)

Mood: Glum-de-dum

Repeat on iTunes: Will Young's Leave Right Now *sobs*

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What a sad sad day it is for me today.

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Need To Get Cracking

2008-09-11T07:18:00.006+01:00

Have had my days full since the weekend. And how they tire me out. I am totally exhausted by the end of each day, I need a rub to soothe my aching back and sleep has been elusive of-late. Yesterday I was feeling really really poorly. I hope to feel better before my long flight home.

Packing, ante natal classes, shopping, cooking and (very tiny teeny bits of) domestic chores -- these have kept me busy since Saturday.

Latest discoveries:

Ante natal classes at the hospy were really good for me. I attended one for childbirth and another for breastfeeding. I am glad I had the opportunity to attend these classes despite some pooh-poohing the idea. I was totally enlightened and I hope it all goes well for me now that I am better informed.
Disposable diapers are expensive. Yesterday we bought our first pack for newborns for my hospy bag. It was a pack of 54 and cost almost £7. I was told babies use an average of 8 a day? I did the Maths and figured I would spend a whopping £35 a month just on diapers? Yikes. That is a lot of money to throw away but I would be doing my head in if I opted for cloth napkins, so for now let's just put this as a sunk cost. Hopefully if nursing goes well, I will save on formula.

Re packing -- (so far) there will be three huge suitcases, a box for the stroller and two handluggages.

Bubba's stuff took up about 1 and 1/3 of a suitcase.
1/3 is IK's stuff.
My pregnancy clothes plus some pre-pregnancy clothes, shoes, handbags, toilettries, other bits and pieces will take up the rest of the space.

Today I am staying in, if I plan an outing, I will not be able to do much else later in the day and I so need to sort out my packing. O such fun. Not.

B I G T R A N S I T I O N

2008-09-05T21:51:00.019+01:00

Warning -- Long post ahead and some may find parts of it offensive/unacceptable -- but they are my opinion, my life and this is, my blog after all.

The ticker says I am 33 weeks today and I have 49 days to go. That's about 7 weeks before I pop unless she decides to come into this world sooner. I read that chances of bubs arriving on due date is as slim as 5%. I am not sure what exactly she has in store for me, we shall wait and see.

As the due date draws closer I am beginning to feel all sorts of emotions, regrettably more negative than +. I try to block them out and live the moment as advised, enjoy this journey as everyone tells me that (a) they enjoyed being pregnant and (b) I should cherish this wonderful experience, but currently I have been feeling out of sorts. It may also be that this is just me having too much time on my hands and not having work as my constant distraction per normal working days. As they say, an idle mind breeds evil thoughts.

Anyhow, I made a (personal) conscious decision to have only one child, despite protests from concerned/caring friends and warnings that my only daugther will grow up selfish, spoilt, dysfunctional, etc. For the records, my mum, an only child, turned out extremely well (no I am not biased) so I ain't too worried, I'll get bubba a cat as a step-sibling!

So seeing that I will only go through this once, it is all the more reason I should capture all the happy moments; bubba's first kick, first heartbeat, first ultrasound scan where I got to see her, the day I found out bubba is a girl, the extra attention I get from waiters at restos, the pampering from my loved ones, etc, as I will not be experiencing this again.

Anyways back to my controversial and unacceptable decision (in my society) to have only one child. I made this decision partly because I never wanted to have one in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I love kids, especially toddlers - I have a niece and nephews - but they are not mine, that's the difference. When they cry or get cranky, I can always cop out by giving them back to their parents to sort them out. I don't have to deal with the issues/problems, I merely take on board the fun part.

To be perfectly blunt, I am plain selfish and hate the responsibility that comes with being a parent. It is an appalling trait but do cut me some slack for being honest.

Another reason is that I certainly don't think I am strong enough to go through another pregnancy where I have no control over anything; not my body, not my sleep, not my eating, nothing at all. I have always been able to do everything myself, but now I am made to feel so useless and helpless over my life, even trawling the mall wears me out in no time. At this point, basically any activity just wears me out.

It irks me so much that I cannot bend easily to pick things up, I cannot carry heavy objects, I have no control over my bladder, I need assistance to get up from my lying down/seated positions sometimes and let's not even get into the sore backs, discomforts and the morning sickness episodes.

I don't think bringing up another soul into this world is easy at all or even fair. It is a cruel cruel world and I do not want to inflict the pain that I currently see going on, to my offsprings.

Other reasons are - children are expensive I may as well indulge the best of everything in one (yes I fear I may spoil her), I could not cope with more than one screaming child, I am not mommy material and I really am clueless about bringing up a child.

So back to my gripes.

Firstly, adjusting to staying at home and not going in to work has caused me some mild distressed, if you can call it that. I don't exactly love my work but I definitely find the no-routine days I have had for the past week rather unpleasant. I constantly am consumed with guilt and feel pressured (self-inflicted by my own conscience) to always be cooking and cleaning. Simply because I no longer have work to use as an excuse to delay or to cop out of doing domestic chores.

This new life I lead sounds abit like this - I surf the net hours on end, decide what to cook, cook, iron (it just does not end this), surf the net some more. I have not even included vacuuming, sweeping and mopping in the equation. The three occassions I was out of the house were for a dental apointment, a shopping trip last Wednesday and lunch with colleague today. Apart from that I rotted away at home.

It is sheer boredom I tell you. I do not like watching movies. I do not sew/knit. I would like to go about snapping some photos but weather has been wet and cold and in my 'grande' (size, not mood) condition, I tire easily after long walks.

But.

I have been warned to turn this boredom around to fun acitivites to do whatever I want to do; like catch up on my reading, to enjoy lie-ins (but sleeping is not so comfy anymore), to go shopping etc because once bub arrives, these luxuries will cease to exist. There will no longer be idle time for me to even spell the word 'b-o-r-e-d'. Only problem is to do those activities I would so much like to, like photography, requires alot of enery on my part. Energy which seem to have slowly dissipated recently.

Secondly, the bump has been getting in the way and I am finding it difficult to find a comfortable position, apart from standing up and walking. Bubba also seems to not like it when I lie down flat or on my side. It feels like she is trying to tell me 'please don't squash me mommy' and she reacts in some sort of funny dance, jiggles, movements that make me wonder if she is distressed. Although gynae/midwife assures that it is always good, rather than bad, sign that bubba moves. She used to merely kick or punch me, now I see wave-like movements on my tummy which I find rather scarry and me being me, I don't like feeling any pain from her jabbing so I get quite upset over it. I can be quite a silly cow.

Speaking of sleep, this can sometimes be quite a challenge but I have been having a good past few nights with one million pillows to support/cushion me. So thank god for that. But I do terribly miss sleeping on my sides comfortably, sans bubba's perceived 'protests' and backaches.

Thirdly, I will be flying out next week to have bubs at home but don't feel quite ready to move to hot humid Malaysia in my condition. When I was home a couple of weeks ago, I had a taste of being preggers in a hot hot country and I can assure you, it was most uncomfortable. I was big and sweaty, rashes appeared at some parts of body and I itched alot. I know I have lived there all my life, but being preggers magnified my discomforts. I honestly am not that fussy about the heat back home.

I am a little sad because I don't know if after 12 months, I will return to London again. It depends on IK's work and if things don't work out in Malaysia under the current (sad) state of affairs the country is in; we may come back and I can then continue my employment here. But it may be a bit tricky with a one year old to care for by then. The alternative is ~ I settle down in KL and request for a transfer/seek other employment and if this is indeed the outcome, these will be my final few days left in London. Boo hoo hoo.

With the upcoming trip to deliver bubs back home, I planned to have my last beach holiday before Mr Stork arrives. I love Berjaya Redang and wanted to have a short break - swimming, snorkelling, island hopping, lazing away with good food et al - but realised that it would be not feasible as this is the fasting month. I had to abandon holiday idea. So there goes my holiday for the next couple of years. I am such a pessimist, I apologise for making this sound like having a baby marks the end of my life. I must change my mindset to this -- Going forward, I will have more fun holidays as a family.

Finally I am starting to worry alot about childbirth. The pain, the long labours, the birthplans that did not go as planned (emergency C-sect vs. normal), the pain, the pain and the pain. I have decided on normal birth plus epidural as I don't think I can be in control of my body when the contractions set in. There are all these conditions/right methods of giving birth - the right time to push, as well as a time when not to push even if you feel the urge to (in order to aviod tearing ow ow ow), episiotomy or when long labour exhausts all your energy reserve but you really need to push bubs out else she suffocates. Far too many things to worry about, it is nerve wrecking. Hence the need for drugs. It is just too much for me to focus on once I am in pain. OK OK now I am really stressed. Let's stop at that.

So now that I have aired out my gripes and I have whined a bucket-load, I feel so so bad because I do want to have a healthy and happy bubba and meet her soon, just that I wish the nine months journey was a little less challenging and a little more 'walk-in-the-park' for a (whiny self absorbed brat) person like me.

I must must must start adjusting my mindset that all this change is good for me and having a bubba will improve my life in the most beneficial way ever. I will love someone unconditionally and vice versa, have a special bond with her like no other and become a better, less selfish person that I am now. Maybe all these 'words' amount to nothing much but once I have her in my arms, these feelings of pure unconditional love will descend upon me, and all those discomforts, pain, worries will seem a distant memory.

I pray everything will work out for the best, God-willing.

The Cutesy Cleo

2008-09-04T11:12:00.004+01:00

Winnie and Cleo had a big showdown last I was home; territorial little gurls indeed.

They have lived together under the same roof for the past 6 years and yet they still don't get on well. Is there a potion I can get to make them the bestest of friends?

I Need A Routine!

2008-09-03T22:15:00.004+01:00

Could not take being at home from sunrise to sunset doing nothing apart from surfing net/chores, so with my trusty iPod as faithful companion, I headed to Oxford Street for a spot of shopping as early as 10 a.m.

Why can't I seem to adjust to this no-routine life, hopefully when bubs arrives I'll be thanking my lucky stars for this ML.

Pit stops made were at:

Fenwick (to look for some shoes for AH)
Mamas and Papas (looked for cot mobile, bouncers, but ended up spending on a decorative item for nursery and a toy)
Mothercare (for my lift me up leg+foot spray)
Marks and Sparks (in search of rose potpurri oil and ring for mumsy, white linen shirt for KS)
Gap Maternity (got me some bargains!)
HMV (Spinners CD)

The weather was gorgeous too despite a forecast of rain in the afternoon. Not a single drop in sight. Instead I was bathed in sunshine, it was lovely to be out and about. Although being at this stage of my pregnancy, I needed alot of breaks in between and by noon I felt like I had lead in my feet. They were so heavy and tired from all the walking I did.

Got home almost four, propped my feet up for a good two hours and by six I started preparing dinner for buka puasa.

What a long day. Tomorrow morning I need to stay in to recover before my dentist appointment in the arvo!

New Pet

2008-09-02T10:46:00.003+01:00

We have been feeding some pigeons and some little sparrows in our backyard. Last week we found a new visitor feeding on the (bird) seeds too, have a look.

She is quite a clever little one as she would turnover the little container of bird seeds (and even managed to break one in the process!), make a big mess on the ground to get exactly what she wants. We gave her some nuts and she has taken all of them too to be buried somewhere in time for the winter I am sure.

Now we rarely see the sparrows and pigeons as much as we used to, she must terrify them with her size and gung-ho-ness (I believe this is called survivor skills in the animal kingdom). Poor little birdies!

Who would have thought a squirrel can survive in canary wharf!

Selamat Berpuasa

2008-09-01T16:40:00.005+01:00

Here's wishing everyone a blessed Ramadhan!

Sincerely,

* Mr + Mrs + Bubba Wharfer *

Twilight Delight

2008-09-01T12:32:00.009+01:00

Last week on our way home after work, we were lucky to discover that the London Symphony Orchestra was playing at Canada Square Park, right outside my office. The open air concert was free, and was scheduled to start at 7.30pm we were told as they handed out free mats to the crowd.

Some daylight still

IK found a good spot at the park and was assigned to wait there as the crowd was already gathering fast and we did not want to end up too far back had both of us gone home and come back later. I, on the other hand, went home to change to something more comfy and warm. I also made the effort to pack some sandwiches, crisps, chocklits and a flask of hot milo to keep us snug while watching the orchestra play throughout the 2 hour concert.

The theme for the night was space and the music performed were from the motion picture Star Wars (Imperial March, Princess Leia's theme,Main Theme), Superman, E.T., Aliens, X-Files, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and a few more which I was not too familiar with.

It was really a good concert, LSO was fab and everyone enjoyed it tremendously plus having a little picnic outdoors was great fun too.

As night time beckons

51st Merdeka Celebration

2008-08-31T03:22:00.005+01:00

Lovely colonial mansion at Tun Razak Research Centre, Brickendonbury, 30 August 2008

Found a lovely shady spot for a picnic by a little river on a very warm sunny summer day

The myraid of stalls nicely lined up selling what else if not malaysian grub!

'Semut' balloons

Silly Cow

2008-08-30T07:05:00.006+01:00

It was weird waking up and not have anything to do after breakfast yesterday. OK OK admittedly I do have the laundry, the ironing, the unpacking still to be done, but hey give me a break. Surely I am entitled to chill on my first day of freedom.

I really did not achieve much. I fell asleep at 10, woke up at noon, had a shower, popped by the shops for lunch and ended up spending money I don't have on make up because that lady at Benefit was so good at telling me how I needed all those products to feel good when preggers and how all pregnant women should be pampered, while she plastered a tonne of make up over my face.

I was looking all glowy with long enhanced lashes and nicely caked-up face while frying ayam goreng chilli and sayur campur for dinner that night. What a waste of my mini make-over huh.

But but but back to the point I was trying to make before I rambled on, that is - marketing ploys preying on fat vulnerable pregnant women are appalling and shocking. But hey I did fall for it. Sigh.

My Two Little Gurls

2008-08-29T07:09:00.001+01:00

A holiday shot - Winnie bonding with bump at 31 weeks.

New Chapter

2008-08-28T23:39:00.009+01:00

At 1700 today, I started my long awaited maternity leave.

It felt a little sad to think that I no longer will be in the work force for the next 12 months and that I will not wake up to a routine.

It is strange but this was what I have been waiting for and yet I kind of don't want it. Funny how the human memory is so selective and can choose to forget all the distressing moments but only retain the good ones when circumstances change.

I will surely miss my morning healthy snack of melons, oranges, grapes, pineapple fruit salad from the resto and traipsing down the mall to get me some pastry from Paul's mid-morning when hungry. Oh and free international calls from my fixed landline (I have to admit I abused it by calling mumsy every other day FOC).

I know I will definitely not miss the slave-drivers and the limited access to certain internet sites at work. We were not permitted access to my lifelines - facebook, gmail, blogs - it was a pain!

Anyways, I have been wondering what I will be getting up to these next few days before I fly home and briefly this is the list (I so love list-making, it helps de-clutter my knotted thoughts) I have come out with:

Some shopping for bubs, mum and my sister
Becoming a domestic slave (am no goddess unfortunately), with Ramadhan approaching
Be on top of my ironing and laundry
Packing and organising bubba's stuff
Lots of blogging and net-surfing

There we are, lots to keep me occupied after all huh.

Time's Up

2008-08-24T08:02:00.005+01:00

It has been 9 days already, time to head back to the wharf.

Checked the weather in London - on average it will be 22 degrees, cloudy. Not too grim.

I still have some last minute shopping for bubba that I need to do back in London. Initially I thought I could get some stuff in KL but after seeing what they have to offer, I had second thoughts. I am not a snob, but some baby shops in KL sell some really cringe-worthy stuff.

Anyways, I will be back in about three/four weeks to deliver bubba. So this is really a temporary goodbye.

Laundry List

2008-08-19T12:03:00.007+01:00

I am glad I made this trip home, albeit a slightly short one. I managed to get quite a few things sorted out:

Sorted maid issues at agency for when I am back, need mumsy to train her on household chores etc
Had a pleasant and thorough check up with Dr. G; all questions/worries put to rest plus he is such a lovely gentle man
Renewed my driver's licence
Got my maxis line sorted for when I am back for ML
Mani/pedi, hair cut, eyebrows + leg wax. Such bliss being well-groomed (at a cheaper price too)

Other items to cross out before the 25th:

Find out what baby stuff I can get in KL without having to lug everything back from London
Some banking transactions
Dinner with old buddies

After watching The Secret enroute flight home, I am now visualising hard:

Quick and easy labour (can't help being repetitive, my pain threshold is unbelievably low)
Healthy happy bubba
Good efficient problem-free maid
A new *ahem* watch for myself

Hope I am persistent and strong enough to make all the above happen.

Yummsteroo

2008-08-17T13:45:00.007+01:00

Had some ubi kayu + kelapa + gula, a very un-posh traditional dessert, but o so delish.

Yes I am home sweet home.

Quickie

2008-08-14T23:48:00.010+01:00

Simply not enough time in a day.

By day:

Snowed down in work - rcsa, closing caps, handover, month-end reports. Glad I managed to finish up at least 75%. As for rcsa, it is temporarily over, until I return to tie up loose ends.

By night:

Packed on Tuesday (What did I do Monday night?)

Birthday dinner on Wednesday (can't believe I did not have time to blog about my 34th)

Dark Knight and abit more packing tonight-Thursday

150808:

Mumsy's birthday
30 weeks into my pregnancy
MH003 12:00 Farewell London

Countdown

2008-08-10T16:35:00.006+01:00

The excitement has set in.

Tomorrow I will go in to work with an extra bounce in my step. Don't anybody dare rain on my parade.

I will be at work for the next four days. A birthday some time in between. Friday morning we set off to LHR and will be home-bound on the noon flight.

I will be at home for approximately 9 days; savouring mumsy's cooking and playing with Ninie + Cleo.

We will head back to the wharf and arrive LHR on bank holiday.

(Try to) work work work for another three days. By 5pm 28th August I am a free woman. Huzzah. Huzzah. Huzzah for maternity leave.

Reflections

2008-08-07T23:01:00.008+01:00

Approaching the big three-0 was a little daunting if I remember correctly but IK was thoughtful + enterprising. He threw me a surprise birthday dinner with some close friends in Dome BSC.

Unfortunately his fail-proof plan was exposed during our lunch together earlier that same fateful day; he left his mobile on the table and was away when he received a text (which I automatically checked on his behalf, no I'm not nosy) from one of my girlfriends inquiring about the time of dinner that night. For a moment there I thought, ‘Eh is he having an affair with my buddy?’ Haha.

That was my 30th.

On hindsight, I embraced turning 31, 32 and 33 pretty well and was nonchalant about the whole age thing. I think I was more in control and felt good about myself, no more hung ups on the body/looks issues that I had when I was in my early/mid-twenties (yes I was quite the bimbo). Perhaps it was the also the year when we moved to London. I was 31 then. Being away, lots of travelling, adjusting to a new life, in a new environment, starting a new job, I was too occupied with sweating the big stuff, rather than the small stuff (re aging). Perhaps. Perhaps. Who knows?

That was then.

Now, with my 34th drawing closer, I am somewhat affected by this age-thing. It just feels so damn O.L.D.

I am closer to being forty and even closer to being mid-thirties. The mind is a powerful tool and I really should wipe out unpleasant thoughts as I have much to be thankful for – I have been blessed in many facets of my life thusfar. I need to focus on the bigger picture.

The one big enormous change this year for me is having a bubba. It certainly marks 2008 as a special year for me like no other.

I will soon learn (instinctively I have been told) a host of new skills that never existed in me pre-bubs. I imagine a great learning curve, especially in the character-building department. All for the better. Everything good good good I truly believe, see list below:

Stop being selfish + self-absorbed
The world does not revolve around ME
Bubs is 1000 times more important
Being very protective over bubs (that special mum-baby bond)
Start being responsible for another being
Be sleep-deprived; two hour cycle for nursing/feeds/diaper-change 24/7 (but all worth it when bubba smiles)
Control my temper + be more patient + the need to behave appropriately as bubba is impressionable + easily influenced at early age
My priorities should soon be in this order: Bubs, Winnie, FB + Blogging. Not FB + Blogging, Bubs, Winnie

Turning 34 and expecting a bubba simultaneously can’t be all that bad can it, age notwithstanding?

Five years down the road (when I am going through chronic depression on approaching 40), I am almost certain I will look back and think how wonderful it was turning 34. That it was beyond doubt the highest point in my life as I embrace mummyhood for the very first time.

34. Bring it on.

Flowers Off Tooley Street

2008-08-02T21:06:00.000+01:00

Emotion-High

2008-08-01T23:51:00.019+01:00

What a week! Not sure if it is purely due to pregnancy or the extra activities that happened throughout.

I think it all began last Sunday; entertaining during one part of the day and sorting cat matters in the second half of the day. That was physically and mentally exhausting. Mentally, because some people are plain toxic toxic toxic.

Wednesday was dinner, prior to AA's departure, at this lovely place in central London. The food was exceptional, company was tres fun, service excellent. Abit on the pricey side but they threw in a free dessert on top of each of our own yummy desserts and even served up some vanilla ice cream for me when I casually mentioned that none of their dessert had that in it. Now you know what I mean by excellent service. Also, one of the many the perks of having a bump, how I love the attentiveness of the waiter(s) waiting on me (us).

The other nice resto was at J's birthday a week ago, food was sublime and service was great too. Anyone planning a special meal should try these restos - Asia De Cub@ (Covent Gdn) and Sk3tch Gallery (Conduit St off Regent St), if you haven't already that is.

Alright. Back to my hectic week.

Work was awful, being tired meant I had so much difficulty concentrating on the tasks at hand. Having only a few weeks left before I leave for maternity and loads to do made it 1000 times worse.

Oh but I do have a confession, I was distracted with this new online group that I recently joined. It's a mother's group with lovely mommies from around the world sharing their experiences and so I have been catching up on threads, forums and messages on the board. It is very informative and certainly makes up for dullness I face at work. How naughty am I, if only I did my work as diligently as I read the forums.

With new online group, blogging and FB have taken a back spot. I actually had some problems with sites on blogspot, could not access it at all, not even my own blog, up until tonight. Wonder if I was the only one experiencing this. It didn't help that the office restricts access to these sites too so I was blog-less for a couple of days.

Another issue that truly got me upset was about our trip home. IK has work in KL and I am merely tagging along. We had my tix sorted, upgraded and booked, my holidays approved, when suddenly his office decided to switch meeting dates just a week before the flight. Bah. Oh how that threw us off-course. I had to adjust so many appointments which were not easy to change - one being my appointment with Dr G in KL, my next appointment with the midwife here, find another date with upgradeable options, my holidays had to be re-approved, my birthday (it shall now be celebrated here boo hoo). Thankfully it has all been sorted after much tears (on my part) and anxiety + hardwork (on IK's). Mental torture I tell you.

A whole mixed bag of emotions I was going through - happy, sad, angry, excited, upset, but mostly T.I.R.E.D.

I am 28 weeks today, that is 7 months along into my journey. It has been so far so good, alhamdullilah, last week's roller coaster ride notwithstanding.

Can you believe we have gone through > 1H 08, and it is already August 2008?

TGIF, happy sunshiny weekend peeps.

Tired Insomniac Old Brown Cow

2008-07-27T04:16:00.007+01:00

It's 4 a.m. and I cannot get back to sleep try as I might since an hour (or two?) ago, after answering nature's call.

I am knackered after a full day of activities yesterday but these eyes just won't shut and the body simply cannot find a comfortable position. Sigh.

Today, I foresee a long day ahead - we are having some guests over for lunch. Hence cooking + preparation from morning, entertaining may drag until the late afternoon and cleaning up after into the late evening/night. O joy.

Let me tell you this, being sleep-deprived is not the most charming of traits I possess.

How now brown cow?

12 Hours Later

2008-07-25T20:12:00.009+01:00

I did end up hauling my ass to work this morning. I'm good slash square like that.

I think it would be easier had this been KL cause I would have seen my GP and asked him to certify me 'unwell'; he in turn, would administer some vitamins + rest-well advice (bless Dr Chow) and provide a signed copy of a medical cert and I would happily (but sickly of course) be on my way home to rest, as all pregnant women would be allowed to.

But because the policy here is that one is permitted to self certify oneself of being ill, up to a max of five days, it makes me extremely conscious of calling in sick. They trust you to act like an adult and have faith that you really are sick when you say you are. It just seems wrong to abuse the system.

For the records, since being preggers, I have only taken three days off, and that was during trimester one when I was severely sick at the beginning where even chewing my own food was physically not possible due to my energy being zapped trying to prepare womb for bubs. O how I don't miss those days, they belong in a lttle dark corner called 'the past' and that's where they should stay.

So apart from those three sickies, I have been at work religiously despite sometimes wishing I could continue my slumber when my body was feeling so weak and refused to budge. I really should be thankful I was never sick enough to be medically certified unwell, unlike mumsy who was bed-ridden for 7 months apparently.

However, sometimes, I do wish I had that option to tell Dr Chow I'm tired and need a rest so please pretty please can I get an MC, consequently not turn up for work, but not feel an ounce of guilt the next day because the GP was the one who prescribed me the 'recuperating' time I needed. Just sometimes....

Anyways, work wasn't too bad, I survived it didn't I, and the weekend is finally here! Huzzah. Huzzah. Huzzah.

Good Tidings

2008-07-25T07:19:00.009+01:00

We have much to be thankful for. We are truly blessed. Amen.

But but but can I still skive off work today, really don't feel like going in. Blurgh.

Social Distractions

2008-07-22T18:22:00.004+01:00

O such bad luck has befallen upon me. I am to do the Q3 rcsa yet again despite taking off for maternity leave soon. What a pain, especially since there is now officially a department responsible for this but are not able to take my Q3 rcsa on board yet - apparently they are seriously under resourced. Wtf. Pardon my french.

Work has not been all that great but I comfort myself that this shall all end fairly soon. To console myself further, I welcome all forms of distractions in my personal life:-

This week is busy busy; J is here from HK and will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow at Covent Garden 7.30pm. Need to get her a pressie too, but what?
Thursday is the appointment with midwife. Finally I will get some bubdates and find out how bubba is progressing.
Saturday, brunch with Rockchick and her girlfriends. It is daunting to be making new friends at my age, hope it goes well.
To have IK's boss around for dinner one of these days (soon) because wifey isn't around and he does not cook at all.
Next week, dinner with A + N, somewhere special, as it will be the last one before A leaves for Singers.

Happy news to share, best buddy has given birth to bubba this morning (exactly on EDD, what are the chances eh?), HK time 3.03pm; mom + new bubs + older bubs are doing well!

Ingredients for Summer ~ BBQs, Clowns, Ice Cream, Parks

2008-07-20T16:05:00.011+01:00

Finally some semblance of summer-time. We were at IK's office summer party slash family day yesterday.

It was held at Gray's Inn's lovely garden/courtyard. There were lots of bouncing castles for kiddies + games for the adults too so IK was well entertained despite initial plans of leaving after an hour (!). Me, I was just enjoying the food - BBQ chicken, prawns and avocado salad was delish - and the company I was with.

When we left at four, weather was ice-cream-perfect, plenty of sunshine! We adjourned the party in search of Thornton's ice cream before ending the evening at Greenwich Park, feeding the squirrels some nuts.

This morning, IK left for the Farnborough Airshow while I am home-bound busy sorting out the laundry. Boo hoo hoo. To be honest, laundry or no laundry, I would have tagged along had there not been any worry of how the thundering jet noise will/may affect bubba.

Alrighty I am off to marinade some chicken for din-din; nasi ayam on the menu tonight. Toodles.

I'm Such A Dumb Dumb

2008-07-17T22:16:00.000+01:00

Went into work like the fool that I am and regretted every minute of it.

Should have stayed home *bangs head on wall*

C'est La Vie

2008-07-16T07:36:00.010+01:00

I should really be in T2 LHR right now checking in for our Sicilian beach holiday. Instead here I am, still in the comforts of home, typing away on the laptop of my circumstances.

We cancelled our trip last night. All very last-minute.

Despite dying for a beach retreat for the longest time, we gave this a miss mainly due to the two reasons below.

The weather in Sicily is supposed to be 38 degrees, that’s even warmer than what I am used to in Malaysia and I was worried about what I read in the pregnancy lit – swelling of feet/hands/face when too hot and constipation (leading to piles) if dehydrated; the (common?) discomforts that may occur during pregnancy. (Am I being irrational, or too cautious here, by letting pregnancy rule my life/take the fun out of everything – remember We Will Rock You?)

Secondly, IK checked the reviews on the hotel and despite it being rated 4*, all the comments about the hotel were negative, apart from nice Mediterranean Sea views (oooh how lush is that but…). We tried looking for alternatives and perhaps pay a bit more for an upgrade but it appears that all hotels by the beach around the Palermo area had bad reviews, yes even the 5* ones. What is it with Italiano hotels?

At the time of booking this holiday, we took the option to be able to cancel it at a minimal fee. With that, Exp3dia was able to reimburse our hotel cost but we will only receive a credit note for the flight tickets. I very much doubt that we will have the opportunity to claim the credit note because the airlines’ policy for pregnant women to fly is 27 weeks (trimester 3) and that’s 1.5 weeks away for me.

Don’t know if we did the right thing. Am I disappointed? To say no completely would be a lie, so yes I am a little, but surprisingly not as much as I expected to be. But there goes my last holiday for the next erm, 5 years maybe?

I have booked my leave until the 21st, that’s Wed - Monday. Wondering what I am to do with all that time in my hands. Perhaps hit the shops and return all my maternity beachwear?

Friday Statistics

2008-07-11T22:04:00.015+01:00

Today Dadster celebrates his 3,640 weeks of exisitence (40 in womb + 3,600 in the world) vs. Bubba who celebrates her 25th week in my womb.

She certainly has a long way to go.

Happy 70th Birthday Pa, wish we were home to celebrate your milestone with you. Hope it was a good one anyways with mumsy + kitties! Lots of love from the wharf.

***

Current bad habits:

Kit Kat
Aero Mint Bubbles
Vanilla Ice Cream

Current must-have mid morning breakfast:

Melons, grapes, pineapple cubes, oranges + greek yogurt + muesli + seeds from citicafe

Current complaints:

Lower backache (due to bump)
Upper backache (due to bad bad posture)
Expanding derriere (think J Lo)

Current wish:

Easy and quick labour

Current iTune on repeat:

Most of All – Jody Watley

Currently looking forward to:

Some sun-worshipping activity next week. Finally a proper sand-in-feet, blue skies, crytal clear sea, sun-drenched beach holiday. Yahoo.

Currently counting down to:

The start of 12 months of maternity leave – 26 working days before I am completely and blissfully work-free. Yahoo. Yahoo. Yahoooooooo.

I Did Not Achieve Much

2008-07-06T22:45:00.007+01:00

Was feeling a tad bit adventurous tonight hence the new layout. Not adventurous enough to change the colours and font types though. Gimme a couple more months.

It has been a low key weekend simply because IK is sicky (but not sicky enough to be able to get all boisterous + provide criticisms/commentaries during the bloody 7/8 hours tennis finals hmm) and so our time together is limited. We were supposed to have breakfast with friends and that was cancelled too for fear of contracting the sore throat etc whilst being confined in car. Am trying not to contract the bug from him cause no GP will be able to prescribe me anything in my current condition. But this makes it all boring, after all he is my only accesible-at-all-times friend.

Despite all the idle time over the weekend, Monday has managed to creep up slowly from nowhere and it is back to work in less than 10 hours. I do want to go to work simply because staying at home bores me but I just wish my bosses were not around. Just me myself and I with a croissant or two, left on my own to catch up on my to-do lists. But what are the chances of that happening aye? Zero to none. Well, one can live in hope, can't one?

Been searching online for maternity skirts the whole day to no avail. Sigh. They are all either too short or in white + pastels. I need something in black (to hide my growing derriere) and below the knees (to hide ugly legs).

Highlight of weekend - major major grocery shopping. I have not done one since we got back from Msia and that was a month and half ago.

It is already 11 pm, I better get to bed. Need all the rest I can get to face the start of another week, under wet weather conditions. Nighty night London.

(Loud) Music To The Ears

2008-07-04T06:35:00.011+01:00

Seeing that my life will change drastically (in a good way no doubt) very soon and time will no longer be on my side, no more idle moments on how to spend my days and nights, I had a host of list of musicals I wanted to see at the West End. Mary Poppins, Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Chicago were tops. I thought I could go see at least one each month this year.

January we were away, end of February - early April I was suffering morning sickness, May we were back in Msia, and at end June we finally booked We Will Rock You. Yay Queen!

All excited we headed to Tottenham Ct Road on Wednesday evening, had dinner at Burger King across the theatre and we were settled in nicely in our seats by 7.15pm.

Then we realised something.

We had the speakers right in front of our faces. Literally. There we were, seated a few rows from the stage on the far left hand corner, with mega huge mean looking noise-generating machine staring back at us. Oh-oh.

When I was un-preggers, I never realised that the music can get a notch too loud in there. 10 minutes into the show I was wondering if bubba was okay to be exposed to such thunderous noise. I mean it was REALLY deafening. I covered bump with handbag (yeah like duh) as my oversimplistic solution and realised I still was not feeling comfortable with situation.

We decided to move to the back of the theatre and I kept my fingers crossed there would be some empty seats for us to switch to.

We managed to secure some seats about 7-8 rows from behind but I still found it way too loud. I was worried I would damage her ear drums, harm the development of her hearing or even scare her. After all, I did read that bubbas can already hear your voice, the surrounding and the rumbling tummy above her. I can't imagine what she must have thought had happened when Radio Ga Ga came on. Por little thing.

Despite being away from the speakers, it did not alleviate my worries over how bubba was reacting to the noise. In the end, my instincts kicked in and we decided to leave halfway through. After all I was not enjoying the musical completely what with the nagging fear I had.

I am abit shattered I did not get to stay till the end, I really wanted to hear my fave - Don't Stop Me Now and the other hits - but I guess tak ada rezeki.

I am also gutted that I won't be seeing another musical for a long long time.

Any mommy or pregnant women out there who has had similar experience on this maybe, since I googled the net and the reviews were mixed. Being risk-averse, I guess my approach was better to be safe than sorry.

Land of Tulips [Minus the Tulips]

2008-07-01T22:13:00.011+01:00

We celebrated (well in my books any occasion is a good excuse to celebrate) my 23 weeks' milestone with a trip to the Land of Tulips, Clogs, Cheese and Windmills.

It was a fab trip, I love Amsterdamster.

For its easy access to drugs. For the Red Light District.

Kidding. Kidding.

Top 10 reasons why I love this European city, in no particular order:

Great restos and eateries abound - authentic yummy Indonesian and Siamese food (I have yet to find anything similar in London)
Beautiful flowers in abundance - the Dutch seem to be very passionate about their flowers

Bicycles everywhere! Doggies in baskets, toddlers in seats, men in suits, despite ladies all dressed to the nines, their bicycles were totally unattractive, very generic and berkarat, it was odd (I would insist that my bicycle stand out amongs the crowd and reflect my personality in terms of colour at least)

Colourful clogs - I wish I could buy many many more to start MY CLOG COLLECTION, they are so cute

Its beautiful architecture - homes, Rijksmuseum, general buildings

We found a gem of a shop that sells lovely decorations for the home, if only we had the capacity to buy loads more sigh

Our hotel, near Leidseplein, was a perfect choice, very very central to everything touristy

Lovely canals - I'd love to have my birthday party on the boat while cruising the gorgeous canals in the warm summer breeze basking in the evening sun with good food, good company *bliss*

Great selection of food (I'm Malaysian, nothing else matters)

Great selection of food

OK. So maybe Top 8, but who's counting eh?

Out Of Office

2008-06-26T22:43:00.004+01:00

So I don't have to work tomorrow. Yahoo.

We are going away for a short weekend break. To Amsterdamster. Never been there at all so hopefully this will be fun.

OK then toodles everyone, have a good weekend and don't forget to buy the euromillion - jackpot is £46 million whoaah!

Flowers and Fishes, Plants and Pond

2008-06-25T22:51:00.001+01:00

Burn Baby Burn

2008-06-20T22:07:00.008+01:00

Summer sales have begun.

I am now earnestly looking for:

the goosey that lays the golden eggy
the end of a rainbow
the will (which I misplaced since Baby Gap started their sales yesterday) to resist all enticements of material-possesions in nature
IK to generously offer usage of his credit card *tee hee hee*

*OhLordPleaseHaveMercyAndHelpThisFaithfulFollowerOfYoursResistAllEvilConsumerismTemptationsAmen*

.

My Pregnancy Abroad

2008-06-15T22:15:00.006+01:00

This is my personal and possibly very biased opinion but here is what I think of my journey towards motherhood has been like, being in a land far far away from home.

Happy times:

Better choices in maternity clothes; some pricey some affordable - Gap, Dorothy Perkins, H & M, Mothercare, Blooming Marvellous, Crave, Zara, Mamas and Papas.
Endless choices for baby stuff - most of the shops mentioned above and my absolute favourite, The White Company.
Greater awareness of health and safety for mums + bubs in the sense that everything (milk, medication, equipments, etc) must be approved by the government.
Excellent maternity benefit - one whole year of maternity leave.

Not so happy times:

Those uncontrollable cravings for all things malaysian - food food food!
Expensive private care hence dependance on NHS where you are made to feel like a second class citizen.
Muddies (mummy buddies) are too far away to seek advice + emotional support over (decaf) mocha ice blended at Coffee Bean.
Being sicky during the first trimester.
No access to massage/confinement lady (or maybe it is just me who does not know of any such services available).

But then again I have never been preggers at home either, so I wouldn't really know, would I?

The Week That Was

2008-06-13T23:09:00.006+01:00

I loved loved loved the SATC movie!

It was just so captivating. I don't know why but I really could relate to all the emotions potrayed by each character - the tears and sadness, the joy and laughter.

This is not very nice but I was so distracted by SJP's mega huge muscly arms. She's gorgeous and all but I personally find them scary looking. Female gladiators come into mind.

***

Sneezy + bunged up nose. Hay fever is no fun.

***

I hate NHS. On a whole new level.

***

I overdosed on pink. Don't ask.

***

TGIF. Have a great weekend peeps.

Back, Big and Busy

2008-06-07T10:38:00.004+01:00

Have not had time to be glum-de-dum like I always am once returning from home-holidays.

Arrived Sunday evening, had to adjust to jet lag, plus I had piles of paperwork and deadlines to meet and to submit at the office by close of business yesterday. The week flew by without a hitch and left me no time to whine or get super depressed about being back at the wharf. Which is a good thing.

IK has gone off for his dreaded 6 hour exams.

I am left to my own device at home. I have had breakfast, twice, surfed the net, replied to emails, left FB comments, completed a pile of laundry, ironed some bed sheets, and the plan is to have a shower, call home, haul lazy ass to jubilee place - need a book and some lunch, come back and do some more ironing. Not the most exciting Saturday I must say.

Hope the exams go well cause I want to go out somewhere nice for dinner tonight and catch SATC at the movies (am so excited to see SJP and gang!) and go (window) shopping for bubba tomorrow at Bluewater.

I don't think it will materialise if IK comes home a-sulking. Fingers crossed.

***

Before I went off for two weeks, everyone at the office remarked that I am not showing despite being 4 months preggers.

After two weeks of gluttony i.e. I literally ate non stop since I landed in KLIA, any doubts of my status/conditions have gone out the window - my bump is finally making its appearance.

Fact: Pregnancy literature states that after 20 weeks, I am supposed to experience growth spurts anyway. Yikes.

Bun in Oven

2008-05-30T07:27:00.000+01:00

19 weeks today.

Had a scan at Dr. G's a couple of days ago - Bubba is sugar and spice and all things nice.

Good Things Must Come to an End

2008-05-28T13:33:00.002+01:00

With impending exams in early June, IK boarded MH004 to Londres this morning to have a headstart to get over jet lag and prepare for his papers. He is currently airborne and will arrive in about an hour but I am not sure how long before I can speak to him after IRIS (or clearing immigration if IRIS is closed) and collection of luggage.

I am wharf-bound on Sunday morning. Not looking forward to returning (yawn what's new):-

Want to stay here longer wish I had another week boohoohoo.

Travelling on my own having to say bubbye to la familie (+ kitties + good food) is depressing.

Work that is awaiting my responses after my two week absence yikes.

Prior to entering departure hall, we both hugged each other tight, said our goodbyes and agreed that our 'travelling separately' arrangement sucked big time. Him - depressed to be leaving early and I - depressed about travelling alone come Sunday morning.

Oh well we will be wiser next time.

Latest Edition from Home II

2008-05-27T14:17:00.003+01:00

Latest Edition From Home I

2008-05-27T13:54:00.003+01:00

Bi-Annual Pilgrimage

2008-05-15T22:15:00.003+01:00

Friday cannot come any sooner...

Here's To Us

2008-05-11T05:16:00.010+01:00

Our Wedding Favours - 11 May 2001

It was seven years ago that we said our vows to each other and this year we embark on a totally different journey together into a new phase of our life. Happy to say it marks a very special year for the both of us as we await the arrival of Mr Stork in autumn.

My hope is that we will make it further together, with more love to last a lifetime, greater understanding and lots of happiness. To always be there, not only for the good times, but especially the bad times, for each other. To grow old together.

I am grateful for the blessings, big and small, we have had in our marriage and in our lifetime to have found each other. Amen.

Here's to fond and happy memories we've shared in the past
and hopes for a brighter future together.

Happy Anniversary IK, Love You Very Much.

[Ps. No seven year itch please.]

Happi-yappi-ness

2008-05-07T19:53:00.002+01:00

We packed everything he needed for his work trip (or so we thought); I, the genius, specifically remembered the cuff links (yay me!) because the last time he forgot about them.

Suit. Check. Hankies. Check. Undies. Check. Neck ties. Check. Socks. Check.

Work shirts? Zilch.

Thank goodness Dadster and him are the same size - 15 1/2. Yes, he will be using my father's shirts for two days to work. Ha ha.

Apart from packing boo-boo, all else is fine. Dadster is abit weak and lacks appetite but Mumsy is recovering. IK has a sleeping partner - Winnie! Cleo forgot momentarily who IK was and hid under Mumsy's bed when he arrived but happy to report they have been reacquainted since.

I am just happy to know that everyone is well at home. Tra la la la la la.....

Home Alone

2008-05-06T19:05:00.003+01:00

The taxi whisked him away at 6pm and barely an hour, I am feeling the loneliness already.

To be honest I really should not be entertaining my straying little mind as I really need to clean the guest room, change to some fresh bedsheets, tidy up the house to be in order before my sister, brother in law and nephew arrives. They are on the way as we speak (type) and will arrive LHR tomorrow morning but will only be staying over from Saturday onwards after redeeming their free stay at Hyatt for three nights.

***

Mumsy and Dadster are both unwell at home and I feel so bad I cannot be with them times like these. Such is life away from home.

To make up, IK will not be putting up in hotel but instead will be with them by tomorrow evening until Saturday to help out after work hours, should they need anything.

Wish I was going home too. Sobs.

Weekend Away

2008-05-05T20:05:00.007+01:00

We were at St Ives, Cornwall over the May bank holiday. Lovely weather, plenty of sunshine, beautiful seaside retreat and lots of fresh outdoor air for a chnage. All in all, it was good being away from the wharf.

Below are some pix around the quaint little town of St Ives. We stayed at the Porthminster hotel which was had a perfect location high on the hills overlooking the gorgeous St Ives Bay. It is a picturesque walk down into town from our hotel. The little town is littered with shops, eateries and cafes all the way to the pier where you can rent boats, enjoy short trips to nearby islands/lighthouses etc.

Thankfully we had good weather during our entire trip and we went sailing on the first day we arrived; we had the opportunity to see a pair of seals bobbing in and out of the water - he/she was oh so cute.

The other places we visited were Land's End and St Michael's Mount captured in following two posts.

The bay the hotel overlooked

Beautiful flowers abound

Gorgeous view of blue skies and azure sea

The Pier with the white Lighthouse at the end

The picturesque St Ives

Spot the little doggy-diver on the dinghy!

Good sport - ever obliging little seal allowing us to get a good look at him

Land's End

2008-05-05T20:00:00.000+01:00

St Michael's Mount

2008-05-05T19:34:00.000+01:00

Energy-Zapper

2008-05-01T22:54:00.001+01:00

I hardly go out after work especially if travelling out of my comfort zone ie.'canary wharf bubble' is involved. That is the bad side of living and working in the same post code. I just cannot be bothered to make an effort especially if it involves public transportation ie. packed tube during rush hour.

This week has been an exception; Tuesday night we travelled to Holborn to catch a talk by our ex-prime minister. I am pretty certain I would never get such an opportunity in Malaysia, this would probably be my only claim to fame of having been about 8 feet away from the man himself. To be honest the talk was abit dry apart from some bits of innuendos about the current political situation at home but the Q & A session made up for the monotony.

On Wednesday was dinner with the girls at Leic Sq. Food was yumms but it was pouring so finding resto was a chore as I was delayed at work and had to find my own way there.

After (only) two consecutive late nights out, I am left feeling knackered. It just confirms the fact that I am (getting) old. Sigh.

***

This weekend is the bank holiday weekend and so we are heading to St Ives for some sand, sea and (hopefully) sun therapy. If weather permits, there may even be some sailing involved (yahoo). Please dear Lord, let the sun shine brightly over in Cornwall this weekend.

On Tuesday IK is heading to KL for work. How unfair is that. If not for my work commitments, I would have jumped on the plane with him too (free tix!) for four short but sweet escapade.

On Saturday my sister arrives.

I already feel tired for my hectic week ahead. Time for bed. Nighty-night.

Sucky being Sicky

2008-04-25T21:19:00.009+01:00

Oh my god. What a week this has been.

IK came home on Monday with the worst fever, cough, flu, sore throat. Because my worst nightmare is getting a sore throat in London (horrid past experience when I first arrived here - no GP i.e. free NHS consultation, would prescribe me antibiotics despite having an inflamed throat for > 1 week, then paid private health care at £50 per 15 min consultation and hey presto - a course of antibiotics prescribed immediately wtf), I made sure IK and I slept in separate rooms and not breathe the same air.

Despite taking the necessary precautions, I woke up Wednesday morning with exactly that - a sore throat. After all that clever scheming - if I was in kitchen, he would be in his room, if he was in living room, I’d be confined to my room, vice versa – I still got infected.

I was obviously very hysterical at 6 am that morning when I awoke with the rough feeling in my throat, I immediately called IK on the mobile (we slept in different rooms remember?) and blamed IK for giving this to me. Very cruel of me but this is a fact that whatever virus he contracts from his stupid office-mates, he will ultimately pass it on to me, every single time I kid you not. Hence the abuse he received at six bl**dy a.m.

All I could do was nurse the pain in my throat and the fever with lots of water and occasionally the odd honey and lemon mixture to soothe the soreness - as advised by all the usel*ss free NHS GPs in London. Did I mention how much I hate getting sick here?

We were both bed ridden for two days. I could not eat much, forced myself to swallow two slices of bread with a cheese slice for all three meals. I was so weak I was in bed 24/7. IK was a little better off than me as he had his course of antibiotics, paracetamol and cough drops to mask all his pain.

It was truly the worse feeling ever - being ill, with no medication, no one fit enough to care for you, being quarantined with nobody to talk to; needless to say they were the two longest days of my life.

Today despite not feeling 100%, I had to get back to work. I stress whenever I am away from the office – stress about the deadlines I must meet, agonize about the emails mounting up (2 days away from the office and I had to sieve through 90 odd emails today), fret about the work I have not completed, get anxious speculating the auditors' requests etc. Yes I lose sleep whenever I am away from work. I cannot help it, I am not the most relaxed and easy-going person around.

First half at work was not so good but I felt better after lunch and you know what, we both agreed that being out (no doubt it was the office and not Hyde Park) did do us both some good. Being cooped up at home and confined to the bedroom, for two days, me and four, him, was really depressing and that must have not helped with the recovery process.

Right now I am feel ing a whole lot better. Just in time to welcome the weekend. Can't say the same for IK though, he is still feverish and coughing like a demon.

I Need A New Hobby/A New Life?

2008-04-20T21:37:00.010+01:00

Have decided to make an effort with maintaning this blog cause I got slagged off by IK for not updating regularly. Will write very briefly about the last week or two of what little I can remember.

Let us begin with the last weekend. An old schoool friend and coincidently ex colleague had a lunch party at her place in North London. She served delish finger food and impressively whipped up kuih seri muka for dessert. I met some old friends and made new ones there, all very interesting people indeed. All in all it was enjoyable despite my first reaction of trying to find an excuse to get out of attending it in the first place. I know, I am terrible. Blame it on the hormones.

I think Sunday I was pottering around the house feeling depressed the weekend was almost over. You know the usual whining and moaning of 'why does the weekend always fly by swiftly and do I really have to go to work tomorrow' .

Then the week at work went by quickly and was pretty uneventful save for the ongoing ARR review. Oh no, I do remember being hassled by the doofus QA team. God I hate them so.

Ended the week with kebab/chiken tikka/naan for dinner on Friday night and bumped into friendster who had us over for lunch last weekend (mentioned above). Small world. Or perhaps the kebab joint is rather popular amongst malaysians.

Yesterday I had my eyebrow threading and leg wax appointment at noon. We ended up in MH for lunch and overindulged on fried vermicelli, keropok lekor, goreng pisang and some kuih lopez.

I wanted to check the sales at the Gap flagship store and since parking is near impossible around Oxford Street, we left the car near MH and I dragged IK on the Central Line. We braved the manic crowd all the way from Bond Street Station; and whilst I plodded on to Gap, IK made a pitstop at HMV.

The effort made was worthwhile indeed; I got some really good bargains and left the store a very happy bunny with my new khakis, jeans and combat trousers.

Watched some Little Britain before going through pains trying to decide what to have for dinner. We truly are sick of the usual restos we patron and nothing gives us that satisfying feeling anymore. Need some new restos to venture to badly. We ended up at Nandos despite IK's decison on GBK. Hiks.

Today was just another lazy day at home; although I did have the laundry, ironing and some cooking done. So hurrah me.

I almost forgot - today is also that same day that I would get all depressed thinking about miserable Monday morning. Big fat sigh.

***

With the loony cold weather I have not had the opportunity to practice my shutterbug skills. I so miss the EOS and the fun I get out of it. I am in dire need of taking some photographs before I go bonkers.

I am truly bored.

Zzzzzz

2008-04-20T14:34:00.004+01:00

Life has been stagnant. Nothing out of the ordinary happening. Nothing to report in this blog.

The usual routine; work, eat, sleep, some weekend R&R. Repeat.

Beijing 2008

2008-04-06T21:37:00.002+01:00

Quite an eventful Sunday.

Apart from the snow, I was lucky to witness the Olympic Torch run en route to the Millenium Dome, scheduled to pass by the wharf at 5 p.m.

There were pro-Tibet protestors (shouting 'shame on China') and pro-China supporters around bearing China/Olympics flags, hence the heightened security observed. Apparently there were protestors trying to make a grab at the torch and attempts made at extinguishing the fire! Thankfully nothing unexpected happened on our route.

These photos were taken right outside my office, see if you can soak in the atmosphere.

Snow at the Wharf

2008-04-06T20:49:00.006+01:00

Woke up to heavy snowfall this morning. Howsabout that huh, snow in spring? Obviously the phrase - country with four seasons in one day - didn't come about out of nothing.

IK braved the cold and went about the wharf snapping some shots while I made jemput jemput pisang for brekkie in the warmth of our home.

Our little backyard enveloped by fresh clean sheet of snow.

It was about two inch thick.

The Basin behind our house.

The daily route taken to work.

The park behind my office.

The innocent victims of unpredictable weather.

Spring Surprises

2008-04-01T20:49:00.006+01:00

Look what I received via the post last week.

What a delightful surprise indeed. Can't thank this ever so talented lovely lady enough for her generosity and thoughtfulness.

Thank you Zaza, this is such a beautiful sunshiny spring-inspired card you've made, I'm so touched.

I can only wish for good things to come your way; sunshine, beautiful blooms, good health and lots of love, joy & laughter with Aidan and Hardy!

Random Nothings

2008-03-28T23:26:00.013Z

I have neglected this blog for a while. Per my previous entry, no, not because the mess was too great, nor is the house gigantic that it took me this long before I could commence blogging.

I was simply engaged in other matters and have not been feeling on top of the world the past few weeks.

As I sit here trying to put words on to paper, I find myself struggling to write something meaningful.

To be honest there are too many things going on for me to pen it all down. Still trying to come to grips with things, trying to grasp the concept…very s..l…o..w…l…y

Let me begin by tying some loose ends from my last post – the other reunion I had was with my ex boss. He was in London for work and we met up a couple of times. It was good seeing him after a long time and to know I have a job to come home to. Offer is tempting but my options are currently very much ‘open’. Let’s see what the future holds.

OK. So that was the other reunion I had.

Other random updates:

I am peeved. Some friends have been really unbearable, to put it mildly. All I can say is when jealousy reared its ugly head, common courtesy + being civil, goes out the window. You then start questioning the sincerity of the friendships forged.

I know some will shake heads in disbelief but I finally learnt how to make nasi goreng belacan, but I was disappointed that it didn’t turn out as I anticipated/expected. Tak ada kick.

I found me a resto in Soho that makes great rojak buah. I is well chuffed.

Right. Enough with the food talk already. You’d think I have not eaten for days.

Wondering when spring will arrive. I need some warmth.

Been following the Malaysian state of affairs very closely + eagerly since the GE. A lot have unfolded before my eyes. I like the very out-of-the-ordinary situation that’s going on in my homeland. It is a refreshing and promising change.

Finally, all I do is count the days until I fly home to keep me going, while adding more and more to the list of food I am missing; currently top on the list is my mum’s chicken chop.

WhoOopsy. No more mention of food. Have a great weekend peeps.

Blast from the Past - The Sequel

2008-03-14T22:08:00.006Z

I have had two noteworthy reunions since last weekend.

The first was with the girls at Didcot. Anna's home is lovely, very tastefully decorated with hard wood furniture and she has a beautiful garden with a gorgeous olive tree (my fave!). She was ever so kind to prepare a lovely lunch for all of us.

It was nice to see everyone all grown up with bubbas but are still able to maintain the youthfulness of yesteryears. Everyone with bubs I say, but more accurately, everyone 'cept Anna and I.

These zany girls and I had a really wacky time during our first year at E6. It was my first time living amongst the Welsh and British. I was lonely, missing home and these great gals were warm, kind, friendly and welcoming that they helped ease my homesickness. Thankfully we got on really well and I was never made to feel out of place, despite being the ‘different' one.

I can never forget how considerate they were - not wanting to exclude me from their xmas meal of turkey, potatoes, yorkshire pud, they made a separate halal roast chicken just for me. Twas our xmas dinner to celebrate the yuletide season, to celebrate the new year, to celebrate our new found friendship, to celebrate the end of term, before we all went home for our xmas break that first year; such respect and sensitivity shown towards my practices and beliefs, I was so touched.
That was winter of 1994.

It is now spring of 2008. Who would have thought the friendships forged would last this long.

Well, they’ve been constantly keeping in touch since they left university. It was only I who lost touch when I left Cardiff 11 years ago to fulfil my dreams and ambitions back home.

I really would not have found any of them had I tried to mainly because they had adopted their partners’ last name. I owe Leanne the world for locating me on Facebook that fateful day in November. Otherwise the weekend in Didcot would never have materialised.

To great friendships I say!

***

The other reunion will have to be for another post, I need to sort this messy home for now!

Blast from the Past

2008-03-06T22:37:00.003Z

It's Friday tomorrow. I am so glad it is almost the weekend. It has been a tiring week for me physically and mentally. I so need to recover to prepare myself for the following week~don't ask work has been a right pain.

This Saturday, ex E6 Senghennydd Court flatmates (+ partners + offsprings) are having a reunion in Didcot. After 13 years, this should be interesting (!).

(All this made possible thanks to Facebook.)

In a Funk

2008-03-03T23:14:00.015Z

I have been feeling lousy since Friday. My misery unfortunately spilled over into the weekend.

I watched the weekend go by from under the covers. Did. Not. Want. To. Get. Out. Of. Bed.

Weekend outings were limited. Very unusual for me.

Instead, watched ‘Pursuit of Happyness’; contrary to the (misleading) title, it was a depressing movie. [Note to self: Must not watch when pms-ing/in bad mood/suffering stomach discomfort/nursing headache.]

Energy levels are low. Conversations have been minimal.

I am feeling sad that I can’t be home. To cat-sit. I miss Mumsy + Dadster.

Despite all that emotional mayhem, I did well in the cooking department. I managed to conjure some nasi lemak on Sunday and today, some mee goreng for dinner.

And so I barely survived Monday. One down, four more to go.

***

On the flip side, Mumsy is having a whale of a time - massage sesh and shopping today (while almost-four year old grand dot had a manicure haha) and spa treatments scheduled for tomorrow.

I'd love to trade places with Mum; every other normal days are spent with the kitties, tottering in the garden, while holidays are filled with lots of pampering and laughter with loved ones.

Torn Between Two

2008-03-01T15:47:00.005Z

Mumsy is celebrating mother’s day tomorrow by catching a flight to Bali to see sibling + family for a week. This was a surprise pressie from sibling for Mumsy and so she had no say in the dates, length of stay, all timing-related matters basically.

She welcomes the break to spend time with cute grand dot and the craft-shopping she can get done in Bali but is a bit apprehensive as her flight back is the following Saturday - that’s a whole week away from her other grand dot (of the furry kind). She cannot request to change the flight dates earlier at the risk of offending said sibling.

But being as besotted as Mumsy is over these cats, I know exactly how Mum feels about leaving them behind for a long time. She would not be too concern had it been a 3/4 days' trip.

I’ve probably mentioned countless times how Cleo has no outdoor surviving skills and how she is very dependant on Mumsy for everything – meal times, toilet trips and even her bedtime. Mum also waits on Cleo when she is out in the garden for fear of the notorious grey tomcat preying on Cleo and for fear of inadvertently locking her out of the house (she does not do windows, only front doors). I guess it is mostly Mum’s fault for pampering her but that’s too late now.

As for Winnie, she is more independent than Cleo but does have her peculiarities that only Mumsy could ever understand e.g. where she wants to go (‘Please carry me upstairs Gramma’), which blanket/bedsheets she prefers, her 'please open bedroom door for me' meows or when she wants her biscuits, etc.

Dadster is fine with them but there really is no ‘special’ bond. He will however provide the basic necessities they need; rub, feed, clean litter, but he wouldn’t understand their meows or actions as well as Mum does. He ain't no Dr Dolittle!

Mum sent me a text a couple of hours ago saying she is going to Bali with a very heavy heart. I have assured Mum I would call Dad everyday to check on the cats (and him!) and that everything will be okay.

I guess it is time I go home to be with the family so it would be easier when Mumsy has to go away. She can go with a peace of mind with a trusty cat-sitter around (i.e. me me me).

Second Chances

2008-02-27T22:12:00.016Z

Do we deserve to get a second chance? A second attempt at making things right?

It really makes me wonder why some things happen the way they do and when they do. And why they happen to you.

My take on this: -

We all make mistakes and I believe what is really important is that we truly learn from them.
The beauty about second chances is you would not appreciate something going well for you unless you had it hard the first time round.

Sometimes getting a second chance is all we need to put things in perspective.

Cat Therapy Needed

2008-02-26T21:43:00.004Z

I miss this furball.

The joy and contentment I get when I am around her is just indescribable.

Days like these I wish home was just a stone's throw away.

Songs On Loop

2008-02-25T22:19:00.004Z

groovejet if this aint love + spillers

off the wall + michael jackson

shine + take that

just the way you are + barry white

sandy + john travolta

give me the night + george benson

to sir with love + lulu

all night long + mary jane girls

and the beat goes on + shalamar

you give me something + james morrison

only heaven can wait + roberta flack

in the stone + earth wind and fire

fix you + coldplay

never too much + luther vandross

Dollar Wise, Pound Foolish

2008-02-24T00:13:00.006Z

Got me these cuties from Covent Garden last weekend. I love them. They make me feel really young and trendy.

Until I discovered in the internet that this only costs $40 in usa i.e. £10 less.

Now I feel stupid (but trendy nonetheless).

Big fat sigh.

For the longest time, my view of London has always been that it is the best place in the whole wide world to shop. Disclaimer: Please discount opinion expressed above, given my limited knowledge on shopping havens.

Granted (almost) everything here is more expensive in comparison to most other countries. However, I had no qualms paying a little extra; my justification being - the vast variety and endless choices she offered.

After my trip to the big apple, I know now that America is indeed the better option. Everything I like is considerably cheaper over there; be it make-up, iPods, cameras, shoes, handbags or clothes.

I *heart* Amerikaaah, for the wrong reasons no doubt.

Hence I did have a major spree stocking up on M.A.C., Coach, DKNY, Nine West, Gap, Ralph Lauren, T Hilfiger, and even Samsonite luggage is more affordable in the usa. Busted. I *cough* ran out of *cough cough* luggage space hence the purchase *cough*.

Now when I find the need to buy something, I make it a habit to check online its corresponding prices in the states.

And most times I am left feeling cheated and disappointed.

I wish I lived in America; the land of opportunity (to save money) indeedy.

R & R

2008-02-22T23:10:00.001Z

After careful consideration and much deliberation, I have officially decided against going away this Easter in return for some serious, unadulterated rest & relax.

My reasons being:

1, In the last three months, I have had two major holidays already.

2, I really need to be wiser, learn to (and preferably stick to) budget, not make hasty decisions resulting in spending at my whim and fancy

3, I want to see my savings inflate (big big hopes and dreams here, bear with me)

4, I want to be able to do absolutely nothing during my time off as opposed to rushing about somewhere

Per point one – I was away during Christmas and three weeks later re-packed my suitcase for another trip abroad.

Points two and three are related. They are about my reckless, bordering wasteful, spending habits *hangs head in shame*.

Finally, on my last point; I just want to be able to put my feet up, wake up when I choose to, not have to leave the bed and roll about under the warm and toasty duvet, surf the net, roll about some more, have brunch or maybe skip breakfast altogether and proceed to having lunch at tea time, continue to be slothful until dinner, finally collapsing into a pile of snooze zzz and then repeat the whole routine for four sublime days. In between maybe read a book or two, catch a movie and seek good food.

I hardly spend my London days in this manner. Rest assured, I am very much looking forward to it.

Progress

2008-02-21T23:18:00.004Z

Good news (finally) at the work front.

Two new recruits will be joining the team next week and the following week, respectively. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and stop doing five people’s work-load.

Huzzah. Huzzah. Huzzah.

Holiday vs Stay Home. Adventure vs Relax. Luxurious vs Sensible. More Savings vs Less Spending.

2008-02-18T23:01:00.004Z

Easter hols is at the end of March and we are in the midst of deciding to go away for a short trip.

This sounds odd but I don't really want to go for a holiday as all the events leading to a holiday is exactly what it is not supposed to be. Stressful, tiring and not fun. I end up exhausted with all the packing, cleaning up house, emptying fridge, laundry, waking up early, travelling to the airport, hotel transfers etc. Urgh

Then there's the intensive sight seeing to be done having merely four days; planning our itinerary for each day, what and where to visit, finding best methods of travelling around the city, where to have meals, etc - all too complicated really.

I think holidays are never restful (unless you head to a beach and just laze about with a good book sipping pinacolada all day long).

But.

There is a nagging worry that should I decide to stay home and just chill for four consecutive days (O bliss - it sounds so tempting already), I may regret not taking advantage of the bank holidays to venture to the continent. I only have a limited amount of annual leave entitlement per annum. This will be a good opportunity to save them and yet get some travelling done.

But.

If we decide in the end to go somewhere indeed, that simply means more money going out.

And.

The anniversary ticker indicates our wedding anniversary is less than three months away. It being the seventh makes me think I should put extra thought and effort on a more memorable and meaningful gift vs. previous gifts. Special gift = more money? Without sounding very materialistic, yes, I am afraid so. I know what he really wants (needs?) and it does not come cheap.

My bank account has been steadily depleting since September last year at an alarming rate. There was a big birthday gift, trips home, Boxing Day and January sales, the trip to the states, and more recently, Valentine's Day.

I need to restore the sad state it is in pronto.

Can someone ever so kindly tell me where I can find this goose that lays the golden eggs?

London By Night

2008-02-17T13:53:00.008Z

A Celebration of Love Life and Laughter

2008-02-15T23:52:00.023Z

War, er I mean, work front update: Still around, hanging on, albeit precariously. I want to quit but what would I do at home all by myself? No kitties. Or kiddies. And who will support my favourite pastime activity if I don’t bring home the dough. So work wise – status quo.

Thankfully there is this duality concept of yin and yang.

To balance out my dreadful work life, I had a lovely lovely valentine. IK did not disappoint (!).

First, there was a pre-Valentine celebration on Wednesday night at the movies. 'Definitely Maybe' was such a great feel-good, funny movie, with a splash of very touching parts thrown in as well. I, personally, loved it and I highly recommend it to all romantics out there.

On the day it self, we exchanged gifts (I am one happy love-filled bunny!), and had our romantic feast at BP. We ordered one too many dishes and ended up overeating. Heh. The yam cake was oh so divine though, so no regrets there.

Post-valentine; IK booked tix for the London Eye tomorrow. We have been on it twice before but both times in broad daylight. This time around, we will be seeing London by night from a few hundred feet above sea level. The view, lights, experience and with love all around, I’m guessing, it will be spectacular!

Hope everyone had a great time celebrating (with) their loved ones this valentine’s.

Happy Valentine's Day to my best friend, my soul mate, my punching bag and my pillar of strength.

'Grow old along with me and the best is yet to be'

Love You Lots.

Had Enough

2008-02-11T22:29:00.000Z

Sometimes I feel like I am so done with this rat race and all forms of human interaction. I work 5 days a week on an average of 9 - 10 hours a day with people who don't matter to me.

Not only don't they matter, they are incredibly unbearable to be with.

Yet I have to be there every day; talk and behave politely and professionally, tolerate their difficult ways, deal with stupidity, manage unsupportive/unreasonable/unhelpful superiors, engage in non value added activities, get dumped with other people's workload subsequently having to understand very quickly how to do someone else’s job within the next half an hour, try hard to ignore and not allow lazy team-mate get to me, fight a battle just to get simple things done, get told off for being too slow (hey if you can do it any faster, be my guest). I’m sure there’s more but I’m too tired to elaborate.

I think I have taken in so much of crap for the last couple of months that now, today, this minute, I am feeling battered. I am totally drained. I have totally given up.

They have succeeded in breaking me.

***

I hope I will feel better tomorrow after a good night's sleep, I'd hate to see them win.

DC Shots

2008-02-10T22:05:00.000Z

Congress - View from Washington Monument

White House - View from Washington Monument

WWII Memorial - View from Washington Monument

Library of Congress

The grand decor inside the Library of Congress

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

The White House - Ellipse view

The White House - Lafayette view

World War II Memorial

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Washington Monument

Congress, Capitol Hill

Pentagon

Cleanest and biggest Metro I've ever come across

Epicure

2008-02-09T21:53:00.000Z

Being Malaysian means loving food more than loving your parents. Maybe that's going overboard but you get my drift. Our life mainly revolves around food – for birthdays, anniversaries, festivities, promotions, for any type of celebratory events basically. I'm pretty certain we, shamelessly, live to eat.

This post is a note on my current favourite hideout(s). Essentially, about the source of local food I have discovered to sustain my cravings in this foreign land.

I have a favourite resto for each of my local palate:

Blue Pac for Chinese food - North London/serves yam basket, char koay teow, kangkung belacan, tahu bakar, steam fish etc.
Tayyabs for great hot + spicy Indian food/kebab/nan bread/etc - East London /their sauces are excellent.
Msia Hall for delicious malay food - West London/the current selection is wider and taste a lot better too.

The epicurean that is me is sorted for life. Huzzah.

*****

My Saturday looked like this:

Weekly skype sesh with the both families in the a.m. All OK.
Tayyabs for lunch. Yummsteroo.
Terminated RSC membership. I hope I don't regret this.
Stopped by office to check new work station. Liking team's new seating-arrangements.
Ice skating at the wharf. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Completely zonked out at 5 - 6pm.
Woke up feeling rejuvenated and did heaps of laundry. Yay me.

My Sunday should start like this:

Nasi lemak and teh tarik breakfast at Msia Hall.

Simple pleasures in (my) life. Ooooh I can hardly wait.

Stock Take

2008-02-08T11:47:00.000Z

To commemorate its one year presence, I have been browsing through some older posts of ELBCW and stumbled upon my scanty New Year resos.

Did a stock take and was appalled to discover that out of the five, I have failed three already, and we are merely 1 month and 8 days into the new year. Let's review my development shall we.

1, To become active in RSC again

Contemplating terminating my membership as I have been traveling a lot, am a busy bee at work and have no motivation at all to sacrifice my precious weekends for it hence exorbitant fee of £91/mth has been an utter and complete waste.

2, To find a suitable photography class that does not do too much damage to the pocket

I did find one. However, the classes I wanted to enroll with changed their time from 7pm to 2pm or something unworkable like that. Shattered. Truly am.

3, To enjoy my role with JT

JT resigned two weeks ago howsabout that.

4, To be healthier, food wise – I need to up my intake on fruit and veg. I have stocked up on EPO and spirulina for a start

On track with Spirulina and EPO. Re fruits and veg, so far so good although admittedly I have gone through 1/2 days without any fruits but am more aware of my intake now than I ever was.

5, To be happy, thankful and optimistic with life at all times

Work in progress.

I did also mention how I wanted to see more musicals and I did that in NY - it was Grease, my first for 2008. So that's one positive outcome.

To redeem myself,

I will work on finding another course for reso numero duo.
I will also try enjoy role with JT’s replacement, whoever that may be.

Will update on progress in the next couple of months.

Washington DC

2008-02-07T21:46:00.000Z

After New York, we had the option of taking the train or renting a car to proceed to DC (taking a flight was very expensive). We chose to drive simply because it meant no restrictions on luggage and no rushing about for inflexible train schedules.

Our road trip which should have taken 3 hours ended up being 5.5 hour journey. Adapting to unfamiliar driving conditions i.e. driving on the other (wrong!) side of the road (IK), trying to understand the less *ahem* sophisticated Hertz satellite navigation system (me), missing a few junctions along the way (me) and heavy traffic in DC were the main reasons for the extra 'joy ride' hours.

Big Boo Boo: Driving out of NYC to get to the motorway - the time my heart skipped a beat when IK turned into the opposite carriageway. Funny it was not.

We made it anyways and kudos to IK for getting us there in one piece.

Highlights of DC:

Lots of spacious, open areas

Big boulevards + ample car park

Large, comfortable + unbelievably clean subway trains

Our fantastic hotel room

Magnificent monuments + memorials

Outstanding Smithsonian museums

Remarkable and beautiful Library of Congress

One piece of advice. Although the cost of the train tix was no different to the car rental, we discovered that it was more expensive to drive resulting from unforeseen incidental costs such as fuel, additional parking charges at the hotel and lots of tolls along the way. In conclusion, travelling by train would be the cheaper option, although you won't have the luxury of time and will be bound to rigid train time tables.

***

Gong Xi Fa Chai to all celebrating the Lunar New Year!