Paint it Purple

There is a party going on and it's going to be purple!! and no, Barney will not be making an appearance. OK, so...here's the deal :

It started when the very fabulous and creatively talented Dinah called out for a group contribution to our very own Women's Aid Organisation (WAO). This was in response to a campaign to raise US$1 million for WAO Malaysia (in which you ladies have contributed to) & the USA’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) initiated by the Pixel Project (an innovative virtual volunteer-led non profit organisation using social media and online strategies to turbo-charge global awareness about violence against women while raising funds and volunteer power for the cause).

I am all for a group thing - you bring the ham, I'll bring the cheese, no sweat. Especially, when it's for a good cause...and especially, if I don't have to do the lugging about hehehhe...I'm kidding!!!.

Dinah was kind enough to co-ordinate with WAO and then, collate all the items from willing and helpful donors while having to work and juggle the house. Didn't I tell you she's also amazing?! The items were sent yesterday and shortly after that, I received (as the others who have donated would also have received) an email from the organization thanking me for the contribution I made. I felt touched and you know, they didn't really have to thank me because I compared to what I have done, they have done (and still doing) much much more. My contribution pales in comparison to what the volunteers and the staff who are so dedicate in their work to help these women and children.

Anyway, just so you know, the Pixel Project has also kickstarted Paint it Purple, which is essentially a campaign against Domestic Violence on Women by raising global awareness about Violence Against Women through a Social Media campaign that will “paint” the internet purple and Raising funds and grassroots advocacy for The Pixel Project and our partners through the global “Paint It Purple” party.

In conjunction with this, the Paint it Purple Party in KL will be on this Saturday 2 October 2010, details of which are as follows :

Date : 2 Oct 2010, Sat

Time : 2.30pm

venue : Leonardo's Restaurant, Jln Bangkung, Bangsar, KL

Dress code : Purple and white

Entrance fee is rm40 for a box of 4 Heavenly cupcakes by Just Heavenly.

If you'd like to attend, please get in touch with Annie at annie@wao.org.my. So yeah, if you are going, have fun and remember this is all for a good cause and well, have fun...:-).

our 9th wedding anniversary

Earlier this evening, we kind of celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary by eating out. Ha! No cooking for me today and since we moved into our neighborhood about 5 years ago, we have not even had dinner out nearby to any of the shops nearby. So, kind of pathetic actually so this evening was the first time.

We ate at H&H, a little cafe/restaurant situated in Kota Damansara, near Giza. The food was reasonably priced also. We ordered crispy squid, ginger beef, claypot tofu and kangkong belacan. Of all the dishes we ordered, I think I make a better ginger beef. They had other asam fish and all that but we had Ash with us so.. She didn't take the kangkong belacan naturally. Lil Em was happily eating her rice, making a mess and ate some veggie from the claypot even though she already had her dinner. I told you she loves food right? She can eat and eat and eat. But, she's still kind of lean compared to other meatier babies.

Not much of a celebration I know. Well, it wasn't planned really. Besides, with lil EM, it's not easy trying to have a nice quiet and slow dinner. Your digestive system better work double shifts when she's at the dinner table. She wants in...on EVERYTHING!!!

Anyway, I can't believe we have been married for 9 years. 9..I feel old. Hmm...I am old hahha..That was our quick and jiffy 9th celebration. I will make sure we have a better one for our 10th!! gegeggeeg..

a 3rd child?

This morning, I went to visit a friend who has just given birth. Actually, just about 3 weeks ago. She looked so happy, calm and all together. Can't say the same for me when I was in her position a year and a half ago. I had to battle depression from even before lil EM was born. Strange eh but I did or should I say, I think I did.

Whilst there, we were fed with the most scrumptious dish ever made by her aunt. A Hockchiew delicacy which was simply delish. Or, it could be because I have not tasted it before and without shame, I took on seconds (and thirds).

Questions such as having another child will pop up inevitably especially when visiting moms and their newborns, and some of us, are planning for a 3rd or 2nd. WHen they looked at me, I went "no...no way". As complete as it may sound to have a son, I don't think we want to go through another bout of depression. Existingly, we have 2 kids, more than many people would yearn for and when you're thinking about expanding your family, it's no longer just your needs that matter -- it's theirs also. This is what we feel anyway.

Now that I'm feeling a whole lot better compared to the first couple of months lil Em was born, I'm getting my ol' self back. Not entirely but I'm getting there. It's been quite a rough couple of months then. I may not have described it in detail in this blog because...honestly, I don't know what to say about it except that it's not the most wonderful feeling in the world; not even one that you'll wish for your worst enemy. It's not only about how you feel but more of, how your reaction to those feeling affect the people around you.

So, no more pregnancy, no more morning sickness, no more.... Although, I have to say that when you hold a newborn in your arms, the urge is there. But, it does feel good to be able to hand the baby back to the mom once you're done cuddling..heheheh..

food that tastes so good, you'd think you're in heaven

Last Saturday, at 4pm in the afternoon, I had banana-leaf-rice. Yes..you heard me - 4 in the PM.

We were on our way back to my PIL's place, Ash was napping in the car and all of a sudden, I had this craving for tosai. So, I told hubby to stop by Sri Ganesh (section 13, close to the University Hospital) to have tea. He said ok because we had such an early lunch and was clearly exhausted (and not to mention, hungry) from our outing. Besides, lil EM was with my PIL and it's been a while since we had a decent meal; esp our kind of meal.

Then, as soon as we stepped into Sri Ganesh, my tummy took a turn and I ordered banana-leaf-rice instead. You should've seen the look on hubby's face..like "what is wrong with you woman?" I didn't care. I ordered one anyway. I even grabbed a plate and filled it up with curry chicken. And I was on the highway to heaven as I dug into every grain of rice smoldered with yummy and warm fish curry. Never mind how they made their food, it was good enough for me to eat.

After that, I couldn't move. Ash ate all my poppadom and asked for more. Hubby had roti canai with dal. Did I say that Ash ate all my poppadom? Yeah she did and at the same time, finishing the man's tub of poppadom causing him to refill the tub with more. I held up my hand and gestured "no more please". Needless to say, he was Ash's best friend for the day.

YOu know, I haven't had such a lovely meal in such such a long time. It did ruin my dinner but what the heck, my tummy's meant to be spoilt rotten once in a while..heheh..**burp**

happy weekend

Usually, our weekends are not exactly 'packed' with activities but there are some activities in that we bring the girls (that will be lil Ash to be exact) out to where ever they want. It's their weekend; they are the ultimate decider. For Em, she's just happy to be out. I could bring her to watch people a chess competition and she wouldn't complain.

I like the weekend too simply because hubby takes over and you can say, I'm a 'free woman'. No cooking, no cleaning, nothing...OK, so maybe we do the laundry and fold the mountain pile of clothes sitting in my bedroom but other than that, the part-timers take care of most of the cleaning on thursday so save for the spot cleaning that we may have to do, the floors (and bathrooms) are squeaky! hehehe..

Weekdays really feel like a work week for me even though technically, I don't work. I'm really dreading the day when Ash goes to a real school - the everyday 9-12 thingy. I'm not sure how I will survive those days. **think happy thoughts** **think happy thoughts**.

Will not mess your weekend up. We shall all be happy happy since the weekend is here. So, have a great one you guys!

the big sis

...you must know how much Ash makes me beam sometimes.

on being a parent

My friend mockingly asked "so...how do you find being a parent now?". I told her "arrgghhh...". Then, she laughed her head off. And I sensed a relief from her upon hearing that. She's been telling me how her girls (ages 7 and 4) constantly drive her up the wall and that she's always yelling at them and wishes that they'll stop talking or asking questions, basically know when to stop wanting her attention when she's not ready to give any.

I know how she feels, not so much about the talking bit because one of my girls doesn't know how to 'talk' yet. Yes, just because I don't talk about their relationship with each other in great detail, doesn't mean that they don't fight. Both my girls do. Thankfully, Ash doesn't hit back or endanger her sister in any way. Like if Ash's playing with something and lil Em wants it, she'll simply hold on to it, or run away with it leaving Em screaming her little lungs out. YOu would think lil EM'll let it go and not be bothered right? Nope. She will cry and cry and attempt to grab it from her big sis. SOmetimes, I'll just let them be but most times, to just stop lil Em, I'll tell Ash to give in which she usually does.

However, I honestly don't feel as stressed up. Maybe not yet. At times I do because I can't stand babies/toddler crying. Now that will stress me up to a point where I will feel a giant zit popping up on my forehead. ANd, when that happens, I will get further stressed up just looking for the best acne treatment because I have really sensitive skin. Other than that, if they fight happily and no one cries, I'll be ok.

I understand why she feels the way she does. First of all, she works full time and on alternate Saturdays. Second of all, they don't have a maid -- not even a part-timer. For the sake of her family, she cooks dinner too. Not whipping out gourmet dishes but at least she does something for them. She hardly has time for herself. She was telling me how difficult it is to even have a conversation with her hubby at home or in the car without her kids butting in all the time.

So, yes, I get her and feel for her. I didn't start giving her a lecture on how she should get her kids to bed early so she can have some "OUR" time with her hubby or to take them out for activities so that they get to burn all the urm...pent up energy or have home projects for the kids to keep them occupied. It's not easy having to juggle the household without help, work long hours, and have to endure our school time-table. By the time she picks her kid up from school and head on home, it's already 7.30pm she says. I can imagine her having to multi-task at top speed to get dinner ready, her girls cleaned up and do laundry. Plus, you're supposed to do ALL of that with a smile on your face.

It's never easy being a parent. Just randomly pick out a mommy or a daddy blog and I can guarantee you there will be at least one post lamenting about how incredibly difficult it is being parents. It's one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do, if you choose to do it. But, at the same time, it's also one of the best thing that will ever happen to you if you become one. Believe me and I say this crossing my heart, hands, and limbs...no one will ever tell you otherwise.

how mommies can lose weight..

I'll tell you a secret - just have kids.

ANd I am not the only one saying this. My single friend can vouch for that statement as well because she's seen it with her two eyes (or 4 cos she wears glasses). I was told that she met up with a classmate whom she hasn't met in ages and got the shockalingam out of her life. That classmate used to be or look like Joanne Kam PoPo. You'll have to google her if you don't know who I'm talking about. And apparently, after 3 kids, she looked like that Swedish nanny from Sex n The City 2. SLimmed down big time. The secret was...get this -- she lost all her weight as the babies came popping out.

Of course, I cannot verify the truth in what she's telling me because I've not met her friend but I can't think of any reason why she'd want to fabricate some stories. I believe her..wholeheartedly because it's happening to me. Rather, it has happened. You see, after giving birth to Ash, it took me 1 whole year before I could fit into my jeans. With lil Em however, it took only 6 months. So, now you know why I believed her story. And, I always say this and I won't hesitate to say it again - having kids are your best fat burners!

the flairies

"we don't have wings so we are not fairies, we are flairies"

Oh dear!! I am having an overdose of Barbie cartoon. Ash's been playing her CD non-stop for the past 3 days. Lucky hubby cos he's back to work and he does not have to endure the torture of 'the flairies' every single day. Urrgghh...

The flaries are demi-fairies who have glitter power and how they work is that they spice up dresses or clothes with glitter. But, you know what's bugging me still? - the fact that they can 'fly' even if they don't have wings. And, they claim they are not fairies. **rolls eyeballs**. Maybe they are not fairies..FAIRIES but pixies with high protein powder intake from http://www.proteinpowder.net.

OK...whatever floats your boat hunneeee...

what's up with the Barbie cartoon?

I am from the scooby-doo, Jem and the holograms, She-ra, He-man, Smurfs generation. That was ages ago but if you want to be reminded of what they look like, just look them up on Youtube.

Nowadays, they have the...I don't even know what they have because we don't even subscribe to the Astro cartoon channel. We just buy DVDs or CDs for the girls. Lil Em's into Barney lately whereas Ash has been into mickey mouse and movie cartoons. They still look pretty much like cartoons I am used to when I was a kid.

But, last Friday, of all things she asked for at Pavilion, was a Barbie CD. We got her the CD and she was ready to go home. Obviously I wasn't (ready) because we just got there. Unfortunately for us, we walked passed by a CD shop when we were looking for my cousin's shop and there it was..a Barbie cartoon being played on the display set. She wouldn't leave without us getting her one. Hubby even tried coaxing her to buy the Barbie watch instead but she still insisted on the cartoon. Lil Em was watching us from her stroller and possibly wondering what the big deal was. In the end, we got one for her; the one she chased. She was happy naturally.

When we got home, she put the CD on. She loved it. She could even tell me which anorexic figure was Barbie. If there exist a guaranteed Barbie-esq quick weight loss program for women , there will be lots of happy women. Many can only hope...and wish. Anyway, I shouldn't digress -- have you ever seen a Barbie cartoon? DOn't you just hate the computer animated figurines? They look really really and I mean really super scary. Not to mention Ken too. Then again, I always hated the Ken part of the equation; he shouldn't even have been invented! Like I said...the cartoon..too strange for my liking. Either that, I am still an oldie at heart..

Doc's appointment

I'm due for my yearly ObGy's appointment. I was supposed to have seen him in June and now, here we are in Sept and I still have yet to make that date. Along with my residence maintenance fees, I forgot about this one also. You know, I'm getting very forgetful lately. Either that or since I dread seeing doctors, I forget on purpose.

Whatever it is, I will need to see him soon. Yes my ObGy is a HE. "He" happens to be really good at what he does; may not be the smoothest of all men nor is he the most approachable because depending on his mood of the day, he can get seriously grouchy. But he delivered my babies the old fashion way - without anesthetics, without devices. WHen Ash wouldn't come out he persisted for 18 hours despite my water breaking and despite her losing air inside. Some may call him mad but well..gotta trust your doctor.

Another reason why I dread seeing him is the queue outside his office is always very long. And he'll only dedicate to seeing pregnant ladies on Saturdays. He has so many patients that at times, he'll go on without food or toilet breaks. ALso, because he's the hospital's in-house doctors, you can be waiting for hours and have him suddenly tell you he has to go up to the delivery suite. So, you'll be, like, there waiting for an additional hour on top of the 4 hours you've already been waiting. I've definitely learnt my lesson to at least bring a good book and have coffee at Starbucks after submitting my card to the nurse because I'll tell you, by the time you finish reading about cure for herpes from the scraps of brochures lying around at the waiting area outside his clinic, you'll be the ultimate expert. TRUST ME, you will!!

almost on the blacklist

You'll never guess what happened or almost happened to us? We were almost blacklisted by our residence's management. More like, we were this close to being put on the 'defaulter's list".

We forgot to pay our monthly maintenance fees. Can you believe it? Ok, not unbelievable and believe it because we did (forget). I think we were 4 months in arrears. When hubby went to the management office this afternoon, he told me that our file wasn't even up on the shelves amongst the other good guys. It was sitting right there on the manager's desk..on the "priority" tray and apparently, ours was the only one!!! Ekk...

Obviously, I was glad that hubby had the honors of going into the manager's office instead of me because if I had to do it, I'd sprout an instant zit due to embarrassment and stress. And then, I'll have to spend money purchasing the best acne product for said zit. Surely, as you would imagine, this will not go down well with the hubby because technically, it's my duty to make sure all the household bills are taken care of. So, try picturing him....walking back..not too happy...ready to pounce on the next person that steps on his tail. Luckily for me, I made him a thoroughly wonderful and yumzy lunch today so there wasn't a squeak. Good thinking eh??!! hehehe...**snigger**.

mom

Lately, Miss Ash has been calling me MOM. Mom this...mom that. Sometimes she'd forget and say Mommy instead but you can tell that she's trying very hard to maintain that "MOM" word.

What has gotten into her??

I'll tell you this : she's been watching way too much Barney. And in one of those episodes, this girl kept calling her mom, MOM and I think Ashley just wants to be like that little girl so she's started calling me mom.

Frankly, I don't really want to be called mom. I mean, not when she's only 3++. To me, she's still my baby and babies are supposed to be cutesy and to call their mothers "mommy", not MOM. "Moms" are for defiant 8 year olds. I don't really want to grow up so fast you know. At the rate she's going, I might have to look for additional affordable health insurance just in case I get a heart attack when she decides to call me by my first name one day!!

kids' first word

I was just thinking about this - kids' first word.

For Ash, it was "no". Just plain simple N-O. Everything was no -- "do you want to eat - no".."what is your name? - no"..."you ng-ng (shit) already right? - no"..."is mommy pretty?" - "no...is daddy pretty? -no"...."why do you always say no - no"...

Then, for EM it was MUM-MUM. Don't be too happy - she's not referring to me; she just wants to eat. Her favorite hobby. If you want her to be quiet and sit still, just chuck her something for the mouth and she's happy. No need for anything else. And it can be anything - fruits, veggie, cookies, biscuits...whatever and she'll happily gobble everything down.

So, what was your kids' first word? Care to share them with me?