What's in a name?

If you were a kid and at Disney Land looking at the various souvenirs they had, what is more frustrating than hearing your mom say "NO, cannot buy this", "NO, cannot buy that"? No people, that is not the most frustrating - its actually not able to find your name on anything! Not even a mickey badge or minnie plate that has "Shireen" on it. Seriously, I could never find even a key-chain that says Shireen. What's worst is that they had my sister's name written all over the souvenir shop! Arrggghhh...

When I asked my mom why they named me with such an obscure name? Her answer was "Ask your dad". Of course, knowing my dad, Captain Von Trapp in those days, I didn't dare ask him. I just resigned to the fact that I have a name not many has (or so I thought) and accepted it, finito, end of story. Of course, that was until I found this :

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What Shireen Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

Holy cow!! You'd think that, after many years thinking that I can't even get a mickey badge that my search would come out with an "error" or "not found", right? How wrong was I! Oh, incidentally, I pinched this from Constance's blog...and thought, what the hey, I'd just give it a try and documenting it since its such a 'historical' moment for me..lol...

Gosh! I feel a pimple sprouting. Dang! I hope it disappears by this weekend and I won't need any form of acne treatment.

Tae tae Di di

Ash said her 2nd word. More like her 3rd word. Her 2nd was “meh meh meh meh”. She would come towards me and say it. So, its meant for me I am largely assuming. However, this “meh meh meh” sounds pretty ambiguous doesn't it? It could mean, she's calling me, “mama” with a slight twist or she could be hungry and she wants “muum muum”. So, its not clear where the "mama" title is concerned.

Now comes her 3rd word - 'tae tae di di”. Her way of calling out to her daddy. Not exactly perfect but at least it isn't as ambiguous as her saying “meh meh meh”.

OK, so where on earth is this all going? No where really. I am dead buggard! Cleaning day today and my limbs are falling apart. I know, I am so hopeless. In those days, how my mom never fails to remind me, moms who stay at home had to do everything. From cooking gourmet meals 3 times a day to mopping the floor so clean, I could see my own reflection. No need for mirrors I tell ya! But not for me, after cleaning just the lower portion of the house, I already feel like collapsing. I didn't even entertain Ash when she tried to engage me in her “Lets climb the sofa" game. I was just too tired and took the easy way out – Barney to the rescue. How I love that purple thing!

Its not time for bed yet but I am having trouble keeping my eyelids open. I don't know about you but having to keep up with a lil cheeky monkey all day, everyday, I “prefer” the bed to my hubby! Blek..

Yippeee...another award!

Thanks to this super duper funny "T" *snigger*, I have been given a Red Rose Award!

Thanks so much Tammy. You are truly a great blogging friend.

OK now my turn, my turn!! LOL...I sound like a kid, don't I? Can't help it, I am around one 24/7..

I shall pass on the baton to the following bloggers and in no particular order, the recipients are (now I sound as if I am giving out Oscars) :

Chumsy's Mommy

Helen

Jo-N

Chin Nee

Elina

Mott

Thanks to these wonderful gals for making my blogging stint a fun and memorable one. You gals can certainly rock the house down! :-D

The making of a "Player"

Hmm...today must be my lucky day. Just when I thought I was "moodless", my mood is back! Although, I am still trying to find out what a Schlage is.

I called hubby this evening asking if he was ok if we went out to eat. To my surprise, he said "ok". Alright, that was the start of my mood getting better. So, I quickly made Ashley her dinner and fed her at the start of American Idol (6pm). Around the half way mark, I heard the door and gate opening. I thought I was hearing things. Another surprise, the hubby is back and at record time too cos it was only 6:30pm! Pinch me somebody!

By then, Ash was already spitting out her dinner, so I stopped and another miracle happened. He offered voluntarily to give Ash a sponge bath! Normally, he would do it but today, he seemed to even look forward to it. Pinch my butt!!

To top it all off, hubby suggested Korean BBQ at Tropicana cos we pass that place at least once a week but we have never had the chance to try it...until today. It didn't matter that potentially, my hair and clothes would smell but I was looking forward.

The dinner? Scrumptious. Even Ashley had a good time. Let me tell you, there were only waiters at that restaurant. While we had our dinner, slowly...she had her snack - teething biscuit. All the while, she turned to one of the waiter (who was kind enough to entertain her) and periodically, raised her hand, gesturing and seemingly offering her biscuit to him. And when he responded, she would shyly look away. She would repeat that over and over and ...O V E R!!! Nevermind that she's not of legal age and her mouth was full of biscuit crumbs, she continued to "flirt" with the young waiter. She even got the waiter to give her a sweet. She threw away her half-eaten biscuit and started to gnaw at the sweet. She even growled at me when I tried to take the sweet away from her. Squeeze me!!

All in all, Ash was happy, we were happy...I must have done something right today *smile*.

MIA

No la, been around. Just that I didn't have anything to blog about. Besides, I was looking for a new theme for my WP blog. Been told it looks a little..err...hiao...so better find one that suits me. I am such a sucker! I only want to please people LOL..OK la, thats not the real reason. The real reason is that apparently there's a new WP 2.5 version and I thought (as always), I needed to upgrade. So have been looking around for a new theme but unfortunately, I have to first update my version before even installing the theme. You say, dungu or not? Big time!

Added to my absence is because when I say have nothing to blog, I really DO NOT have anything to blog about. Not even a draft in my M-Word. You see, whenever I blog, its often spontaneous otherwise it goes out the toilet bowl faster than my shit. I don't know, its just me.

Also, more contributing factor to my mood-less mode is that my Ash don't like her new food. I tried to make a mixed mash of tomato and vege pasta for her but she don't like it. Every time, I fed her, she kept sticking her tongue out till everything in her mouth comes out. I got bored of making congee for her everyday and I thought I'll try something different. Nope, this girl isn't into venturing into un-familiar territory. This means more work, cos I have to cook again later...sigh...

Lastly, my neighbour, just 2 days ago, gave us a stack of table calendar. Apparently, he forgot despite the fact that we see each other everyday and its already 4 months into the year. 1st quarter already gone. Besides, what am I going to do with it? Put in all four corners of my house? Even that, I still have some left. I can't use it to wrap anything. Its too thick and the size is too small. The only thing I can think of is to swat flies with it. You think, can or not?

At 13 months...

Ash is getting more and more mischievous.

Let me give you an example. Yesterday, she woke up mid-morning from her nap due to a bad dream cos she sat up crying. When I went to her, she was still crying refusing to let me carry her but after a few seconds, she gave in. OK, so I carried her downstairs. Still looking visibly sleepy, we gave her some water and tried to calm her down for a while before putting her down to play with her toys.

That didn't go down too well with her. She was restless and whichever way we tried to soothe her, it didn't work. So, the hubby decided to take her upstairs to try coaxing her back to bed (to finish off her nap). He cradled her for a bit and put her down in the cot while he slept beside her on our bed. After a short protest, she lied down, held her pillow and sucked her thumb. That's what she does when she knows she's supposed to go to sleep or stay in bed.

So, they both stayed in their respective positions for about 10 minutes when the hubby decided to "sneak" out of the room. He rolled over to the other side of the bed and slowly, very snake-like (but I guess not too smooth...you'll know why in a while) got down on all fours by the side of the bed at the same time, kept his head below the surface of the bed - trying to hide away from Ash's view.

With all the "commotion" he caused rolling and all (told you it wasn't a "smooth operation”), she could sense that something was not right and promptly got up and sat on her bed. Hubby raised his head just a little bit to peek at her and saw her already standing up in her cot, with her smelly pillow in her mouth letting out her cheeky laughter “geeehhh...ggeehhh...geehhh..geehhh...” As if to say “hahah...caught you! Trying to run away issit? Think I don't know?”. Caught red handed, he had to get up, got on the bed and rolled himself back to the side of the bed that is next to her cot and assume the “sleeping” position once again.

Of course he didn't do that for too long la...After about 5 minutes of “sleeping”, he got out and left her in the room by herself. This time, she fell asleep, continuing her nap for another 20 minutes or so before she woke up. Just in the nick of time for her lunch and after that, we got ready to head over to my parents' where we adults had our lunch.

Some photos taken at the in laws yesterday evening.

Dis is my "yeh-yeh" (grand-dad)

"Haha...got it. I'm in charge of the remote NOW!!"

Completely slipped my mind

I finished my assignment last night thinking that I was done for the weekend but I had this nagging feeling that I may still have one more due before noon today. And this 'nagging' feeling I had last night turned out to be true when I logged on to me computer this morning and realised...I still indeed have one more to write. Thats' not all, I have to write about patch panels. I am telling you...this is getting more difficult by the day and I mean it...I absolutely am clueless..I guess I'd have to sit around longer then to figure out exactly what and how I am going to write it..ta!

Itsy Bitsy Spider

"Itsy Bitsy Spider
Climb the water spout
Down came the rain
and wash the spider out..."

No, don't sing along with me...I am merely describing the day today. It was sunny one time and then, it rained...sun...rain...and...

We took Ash out to the park for a wee bit. Funny, there were loads of people wanting to get some fresh air after being either stuck in the house or the mall due to the erratic weather. And we thought the worst was over after spending 10 minutes on the baby swing when we saw dark clouds looming and the sound of thunder. We quickly grabbed her despite her mild protest (thankfully it was mild) quickly walked to our car before it poured. Thought we could spend a little longer but I guess we just have to do it another day then.

A funny incident happened to me yesterday which I was supposed to blog about but I got carried away and now, I've lost my mood (to blog about the incident). When I get it back, I'd blog about it but now though, I stink after cooking and I will mosey on down to my walk in tubs and have a warm bath with rose petals...hahah...you know, I really wish but the size of my bathroom is pretty much the size of a public toilet stall so I guess I will be having a snappy hot shower instead.

How to save time

Can you imagine that I am, of all people, writing this down? *snigger*

Actually, to serve as a reminder for me :

1. Structure your household chores. For example, each week, take one room for thorough cleaning and by end of the month, you'd have cleaned your entire house.

2. Plan your daily meals on the weekend. Make an effort to sit for a few minutes or 30 minutes if you have fussy eaters and plan your meals for the week. That way, you can do all of your grocery shopping in one day.

3. Have an all-in one bank account i.e a combined savings account and checking account

4. Another one related to banking..do them online. Saves time and hassle of physically going to the bank.

5. When you set a routine for your kids, be consistent. They will know what to expect and will be out of your way most of the time. Unless of course if they are sick or if you feel like giving them a treat once in a while.

6. Fold your laundry as they are done, don't let it accumulate cos it may take just a few minutes instead of a whole pile.

7. Get your kids to help. They must do some work too.

You know, while all of these look good on paper (in this case, on the screen) but in reality, we are only human and not robots. We are bound to stray once a while but just thought it'd be a good reminder for me :-D

An astounding fact about the hubs..

That he is a typical male...Duh!!!

Who happens to love his wheels (literally speaking cos he just changed them after 4 years and “balding”...the tyres were almost going bust!), football or soccer for some parts of the world (here is the twist – its not the game, it is his betting hobby...its good actually...keeps him in the house *evil smile*), women who shops for him (so he doesn't have to go), his Playstation 2 (I know, its a little stale and old news. Even our nephew has a playstation 3), his torn and tattered t-shirts (or maybe this is only my hubby hehehhe)...these are a few of his peeves...there are more but can't reveal..*chuckle*

Kids and achievements (long post ahead!)

I brought Ash over to my aunt's place yesterday afternoon for some “socializing”. My aunt has 2 grand-daughters – ages 2+ and 4 months. Though all 3 couldn't possibly understand each other at all, Ash seemed to enjoy herself and they or rather, the elder of the 2 was delighted to see Ash. I decided that its time Ash plays with other kids apart from ME (and I am a lousy playmate) and her grand-parents. All in all, she enjoyed herself and I plan to make this a ritual.

Then last night, I went over to this fella's blog for some juicy gossip and what greeted me was his daughter's report card for the term...LOL.."some gossip that was, Adrian...do better next time..:-P" *begging not to be thrown rotten eggs or tomatos*....I can't help but to smile and nod and shook my head but not too much, I'm old edi mar...brains might fall out...LOL...OK, no one needs to hear a lame joke!

It got me reflecting about the day, at my cousin's house...etc and then when I read the post, an immediate flash-back happened.

You see, seeing Ash playing with her relatives reminded me of me and my cousins at my grandma's when we were little. She took care of us while our parents worked. Every morning, our parents would drop us off before they head off to work and come back only in the evening to have dinner and then home to sleep. No thats not really the point of the story but thought I'd add in for some illustration (oK, you can *rolls eyes*....:-P)

When I was growing up, there were 3 of us kids whose age gap were pretty close. My elder cousin brother, S, who is a year older than me. Then there was me and then my cousin sister, W who is 2 years younger (and whose house I went to yesterday). My grandmother took care of W and I where as S stays up north, in another state and only visits during the festive holidays.

So, I'm sure you can guess where this post is heading towards. Yeah, we were compared our entire childhood to S and he was set as the benchmark when it comes to our academics. S was a brilliant student. He would have a string of A's for every exams he sat and anything less than an A- would be classified as a tragedy almost. Naturally, he was put on a pedestal each time by our parents and be reminded how we should emulate him and how he is so clever and how we were so hopeless, etc...yes, these words were used to our face most of time. I'm sure you know instead of a string of As we had a mix grill including sometimes burnt sausage...LOL

Then us cousins grew apart as we got older and only met during family functions. When we were kids, W got the worst crap. The way her parents were complaining about her, you'd eventually think that there REALLY was something wrong with her, that she was demented or stupid or something. She wasn't into drugs or anything, she was just not getting the desired grades. Just look at her now, I was at her house, a new house, with 2 very adorable kids, a loving husband to boot and a successful career at a multi-national company to end. More often than not, most of us ordinary folks would have to “choose” and I dare say that she doesn't, she has both!

Grades don't define you. Some are brilliant, as a child and throughout their adult life, there is no denying the fact. These people do “make” it in life with minimum or no guidance at all. But for most of us, encouragement and guidance at a young age is important instead of putting them down or dishing out punishments as a means to instill fear or feelings of remorse. It just goes against the human system.

I'm writing this down to remind myself not to turn out to be the impossible mom. I really hope I won't but if I do and if I am still blogging, feel free to tell me off..that is if my hubby don't get to me first...:-D

Some random stuff

I am taking a break from parenting books and magazines for a change. Been reading Sabine Durrant's “Ooh la la! Connie Pickles”. All I can say is that its very chic lit, that's about it cos I haven't finished yet..LOL...I used to be able to stay awake till I finish a book but these days, I'll tell myself “there's always tomorrow” and the last thing I wanna be feeling the next day is heavily sedated cos I've got a monkey-to-be kid.

It helps a great deal when Ash is sleeping early for the past few weeks now as she seemed to have settled back to her old routine so I was able to finish watching my movies (movies which my hubby bought to keep me company during my confinement!) and read this “fun” book. And what about blogging? I'm still doing it, I've not yet given up. Besides, still got assignments wot!! :-P

My sisters took some pictures of Ash on Sunday and these shall conclude my post of the day...

"Check out my teeth!"

"Up close and personal"

"Like model annot my po-sie?"

"Cannot see Kung-kung face, I block"

"I dun want to walk lar"

Pink Heart Tag

A new blogging friend sent me this all the way from Singapore! Its very lovely isn't it? I like it. Mucho Gracias Constance!! I feel really loved.

Now, my turn. I'd like to send this to EVERYONE on my Momsie Clicks. So, if you are on there, this one's for you. I really do appreciate the time spent dropping by my lil' blog even if its not everyday and I know that with the increasing demands of work, household chores and err..other blogs to read, you continue to give your support and encouragement.

This means a lot to me when I see familiar comments and I honestly thank you so very much!

Old Stuff

You know, I think that my gynea's hospital must be the “poorest” of them all private hospitals. Why I am saying this is because a friend has shown me a coloured scan of her baby! As I re-call, my gynea's ultrasound still had the black and white image. It made deciphering toes, fingers, arms, legs so much more difficult during the early months. But, surprisingly, my gynea is able to tell. “this is the arm..this is the spine...this is the private...can you see??” Most of the time, we (hubby and I) would just nod cos my gynea is very fierce, so we had better just agree you know even though we can't make out a thing! LOL...I know, we are so pathetic. Well, hopefully, the next time, when we visit him, the hospital will be equipped with the latest medical equipments and medical supplies. I would love to have a coloured scan hard copy for keeps..:-)

It stinks, Daddy!

Too bad, no picture for this. Even I have no clue, only using my imagination. The only person who saw it and will probably have the image etched in his brains for at least a few days is none other than Mr. Daddy *jealous pout*. So yes, he related the entire episode to me *pouts again*

What happened was, the hubby was going round the house spraying mozzie spray, trying to get rid or deter them mozzies. Ash was bitten quite abit on the legs, hands, feet and everywhere lately. Our place is fogged once (sometimes, twice) a week and I have 3 electric mozzie zappers and they are still buzzing annoyingly around. I think I need mozzie netting for all my windows and doors but I don't really fancy it cos it makes the inside real stuffy when its hot out.

Anyway, hubby went and sprayed the entire insides and outside of our house with mozzie spray yesterday evening. He was out on the master bedroom balcony spraying the corners and all. Ash was inside the room in her cot, standing and looking at her Daddy. My hubby was outside spraying and she started to cough...that tiny sound..”ughh ughh ughh”..Hubby turned around and saw her looking at him. After that, he continued spraying. A few seconds later he turned around again and found her holding her blankie to her face, covering her mouth and nose! LOL...It's a pity I can only imagine how she must've looked like and yeah, he didn't have his camera with him. You know, I really hate it when I miss expressions like these cos I know, I'll never get it back..sigh..

OK, back to the mozzie thing. I am thinking of getting those mozzie repellent cream for Ash. Do you think its advisable for me to use it on her at this age ? I am just afraid of her touching her legs or hands and then putting her fingers into her mouth (she's still putting everything into her mouth and biting them). Thanks...

Plenty to do

What I've realised after becoming a mom (OK la, all you seasoned moms and pops out there, go ahead roll your eyes...:-P), the house is a mess even after you have cleaned it. I mean, I thought I just washed the dishes a couple of minutes ago and the sink is piled again or I had just done laundry and the basket is full once more.

What about the floor? Yea, what about it? It is perpetually messy. I try my best to keep the toys, toys that I use to entertain Ash but she's not really that interested after throwing it all over the place, I still find myself doing it night after night like clockwork. Of course, some nights when I am dead buggard, I just leave things till the next day like my pile of dishes at the sink after a late dinner last night. Once I am inefficient, everything else starts to take a step back. I can't even leave a "window" at any one point.

No la, this is not a real and true rant, its just something I feel like saying. Whenever I see my house looking like a mini tornado (I only have one kid so far mar) just swept by, I am reminded of what my aunt used to tell me about singles (her landlady was un married at that time) and their need to be clean, tidy, to have order and how they are not receptive to have kids around their house, in case things get broken etc...as compared to couples with kids, they practically live in a messy house...LOL...

With all these movements and "exercise" (I know, the workout purist would pound their fist and say "its not exercise!"), I won't need Precor elliptical to keep fit, will I? *wink*. OK, I am off now to finish off some more work. Remember last night's dishes? Its still there, waiting for me...tata

Get smart with your health

With the ever increasing demands of our kids, the more reason for us to take better care of our health. In other words, we have to love ourselves first before we can adequately and efficiently “love” our family.

Promoting better health is exactly what chelation therapy aims to achieve. “What” therapy you'd probably be asking. Firstly, Chelation is the mechanism that uses EDTA to bind molecules, such as heavy metals toxicity or minerals, and “chelate”, or remove, them from the body.

How then, does this therapy improve one’s health? Chelators are commonly considered to be extractors of heavy metals toxicity. When metals and minerals remain in the bloodstream, they accumulate and harden, causing poor circulation. However, EDTA is the only chelator used over the last 50 years to also reverse the effects of arterial plaque and thus, preventing stroke, and/or heart attack. This is possible since liquid EDTA can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream where it begins to chelate toxic and heavy metals, along with excessive mineral deposits. Therefore, when the body’s arteries and veins are cleansed, blood flow increases. Proper blood flow will supply the body with nutrients and oxygen, 2 vital elements needed for the body to recuperate, regenerate and to function at a normal pace.

Many things in life can wait but health is one of those that should not be taken for granted of.

Carpet cleaning LA

Everyone knows all too well about what its like having carpets in their house, its awesome! It gives a nice cosy feeling and your feet will stay warm during the winter mornings. However, maintaining them is another story altogether as finding the right carpet cleaner may take many trials and errors before you actually find one that is suitable in terms of quality and value for money.

Some of the common grouses by people of carpet cleaners are, for example :

- They did a lousy job even at a high price.
- Inefficient cleaning
- The staff(s) were rude, un-knowledgeable and wasn't informative.
- It was always difficult to schedule a convenient time.
- All levels of the service were mediocre
- The carpet cleaners were always late
- The cleaners weren't friendly and professional

Seems like a very long list there but let me tell you, these complaints are REAL even though some carpet cleaners may offer better service than others but it sure is difficult to find one that does (offer good service).

Apparently, is one such carpet cleaning company. Not only do they believe in efficiency and good service, they are meticulous in their cleaning by adopting the 5 step cleaning process to deliver excellent carpet cleaning. So confident they are that they offer a 30-Day No Hassle Guarantee which essentially means that if you are in anyway unhappy with their service, they will re-clean the affected area. If you'd like to give them a try, you can call Toll Free 1-800-675-7768

Who does Ashley look like?

I found this at my mom's place on Sunday. Incidentally, there used to be a stack of my baby photos but neither me nor my mom could find it. Its definitely some where but we don't know where.

ME on my first birthday

And, this is Ashley...taken recently

Ash on sister's bed

So...the ultimate question...look like me annot??? :-P

Wordless weekend

My "Stylo Mylo" Ash!!

Jenny McCarthy

I may have babbled on and on in my last post to an extent where I don't even know whether I sound cohesive or not. The actress I was talking about, who was on Oprah and whose child had autism, is Jenny McCarthy and her recent book is called "Jenny McCarthy-Louder Than Words". Anyway, here is something I found while browsing through the net and basically, summarizes how she feels about the whole MMR vaccine and autism.

OK, I don't want to dampen anyone's weekend but well, I am just saying, that we should all be aware at least. At times, when it comes to things so relevant such as health care and prevention, we can't just say that “its better not to know” or “there is no use for such information cos we are not doctors, so lets leave it to our doctors”. For our kids' sake, I feel, we have to “know” and with some information, we can, at the very least, have a more fruitful discussion with our medical practitioner.

As for me, I am so definitely gonna bring this up to my paed in 2 months' time, just to get her point of view and whatever she has to say about this. Not that I regret allowing Ash to be vaccinated but more of, I wished I knew about this sooner rather than now. I guess I was so caught up with all the usual feel good parenting books, that I neglected to find out more about other issues which are equally important.

Sigh- Alright, enough of this cos I have been looking and pondering about this for the past 2 days now. Its crazy being a parent isn't it? I need a mental break. I'm off now to watch the follow-up episode of Kimora and her house hunting escapade. She gave her realtor 3 days to find her the 'perfect' house in LA otherwise, the deal is off. Man, his bollocks must be frozen even from Beverly Hills heat. Just a pity that he can't just pick any house from a sign that says “land for sale Branson!" Tough!

Something disturbing

I know its a Friday and the weekend is looming, the last thing anyone wants to read is some disturbing post. I promise it won't be "that" disturbing to the extent of feeling goose bumps all over or having no appetite to eat. Just something I've been thinking about when I went to bed last night and all of this morning.

I never watch Oprah, not a 'kaki" but for some reason, after returning from my in laws last night, I turned on the tv and there she was, with a guest (an actress la) talking about autism (Oh yea, this post also won't have those excerpts, footnotes and what nots cos I've got to run out shortly). This actress recently wrote a book about her struggle with her son having autism. Her book isn't only about the cause, the diagnosis. Its also about how she believes that autism is treatable and her book attempts to give hope to other parents with similar situation, to 'save' their child. I must confess I haven't read the book though it has been out a while now (since last year, I think).

Anyway, what startled me was that many parents with an autistic child actually believed that the reason for their child acquiring it was because of the MMR injection. Therefore, linking the MMR to the disorder. Now, that, I literally sat up!!

MMR stands for Measles, Mumps and Rubella. This 3-in 1 vaccine was never available during my time when I was young. I actually suffered the break-out of Measles and Mumps when I was a kid. Thankfully, I received the Rubella jab when I was 13 while in the States cos it was compulsory for girls at the time.

The thing is, I never really questioned the jab since it seemed like a routine jabs for every newborn even though I never had it when I was young. I mean, medicine too evolve and do become better and seems like everyone I know, who has a 1 year old would have the MMR. So, including me. I happily went to the paed and Ash was administered the vaccine and that was the end. Never a doubt in my mind - until now.

One of the things this actress said last night was she believed that these vaccine shouldn't be a "one size fits all" i.e not combined. Her son was only diagnose when he was 2.5 years old when he had a fits after fits. She did say however that there were signs earlier especially after he received his dose of MMR jab. Her son had become withdrawn, would not smile, interact, would not play with his toys, always was fascinated with the wheels on his toy cars etc...typical symptoms of autism.

Although, there is no conclusive scientific study that confirming the link between the MMR and autism. But more studies and research are still being conducted to be damn sure.

I don't know la. I am just disturbed. Maybe I am reading too much or pondering too much. Or like people always say "EFNTD". Anybody shares the same concern? Or whether you have personal experience of your child having 'changed' after the MMR? Would really love to hear from you. Thanks...

April's Fool

When I woke up this morning, I had this “evil” plan to trick my hubby since today is April's fool's day but seeing how serious he is these days, I better not! Besides, his car battery died on him during the weekend. Luckily it didn't pass out while they were at the prayers place. I KNOW – car.battery.flat – its a husband and wife thing. Only happens when you are super connected and the earth is in the right zone (???).

Don't mind me, I gonna be in the looney bin soon cos I am suffering from an acute disease called TENNISILITIES. Incurable! And thankfully, its not really contagious. Had me waking up in the middle of the night and dozing off by mid-morning and afternoon.

On something totally unrelated, Ash started to experience what a "bad hair day" is and feels like:

Its all in the family