Changes

Moving to our new place this Sunday but we're still not completely packed yet. :( Been looking at Andrew helplessly while he packed...wish I could be of more help. I know, I know...MANual is for MAN, so consoled our dear friend, Maggie, but I still feel bad.

He's doing a great job packing and organising everything, but I'm used to moving around like 'lightning' (hehe...as quoted from my darling husband's blog), it's frustrating now I have to 'drag' my very swollen self around. He usually takes things at a leisurely pace (unless highly required by circumstances). He never once said 'stress' to so many changes he's facing now -- moving to a new area to live in after 32 years, deadline to hand in thesis, Faith's arrival anytime now (soon our usually quiet home will be filled with Faith's initial crying till she's used to her new world, and my mom's endless talking to baby, to me, to him and herself), the commencement of his new routine when he starts work before Christmas.

I'm all tangled up inside with mixed fillings -- very proud of him and the effort he is making for us; but feel very bad because I am usually more of a risk taker and extrovert than he is and now he has to face so much roller coaster shielding me...

Well, at least my maternity leave starts Monday. Hopefully Faith comes out sooner than we expect her to, since she's already so restless. I can feel her diligently elbowing her way down. She's packed herself up like a little canon ball. :) Andrew will have one worry off his task list once Faith is home with me.

From snowflakes to SNOWBALL!

Last week I received another one of those forwarded emails requesting for some kind of help. Something stopped me as I was about to habitually delete it before I even read it.

I've received too many of such mails, I guess, and have been somewhat disappointed by quite a number of disencouraging feedbacks from some of my friends who replied to those mails I forwarded in the hope of snowballing help for someone out there whom I know nothing of except the help required quoted in the mail. Some informing that the emails are no longer valid as they were circulated from a long time ago; some informed they found out the mails were hoax.

The straight forward subject title caught my attention first. It was requesting for used school textbooks, school bags and stationery. I opened the mail and read on to find out that a group of volunteers have started giving free tuition at Blk 31 Chai Chee to children and youths from less privileged families.

I recalled my childhood days when dad would always 'disapparate' or end up fighting with mom whenever the school year comes to a close. My brother and I? It happened so often that I'm used to masking my face with brave positive laughters, as if nothing big deal's happening; my brother continued to glue his eyes emotionlessly on whatever tv program he was watching. There were times when we had electricity and water supplies cut off because the PUB bills hadn't been paid for as long as half a year. We read storybooks borrowed from the library and did our homework with light from the public corridor.

Friends are always surprised that I'm not emotionally affected by all that. In fact, I'm very thankful that God has brought me through all this way. The childhood I had, I believe is a path God carved out to mould me into who I am today. I can't imagine how different I would be, had I had an easier childhood.

Anyway, I started today with the brightest morning...the email I eventually forwarded after calling one of the volunteers to verify its authenticity has received even more response than it had already generated. Another group that is involved in projects helping youths on career guidance emailed me to ask if they could help and some of my colleagues have asked to be updated of any help they could offer too! It's overwhelming! SPH has arranged an interview with them too! Looks like the mail has reached far more than the intended receipients of 'a few close friends', as the volunteer I spoke to had told me.

Snowflakes might seem probably the most fragile existence on earth; but the power of snowflakes rolled up into a snowball cannot be underestimated indeed...

Nursing Room

I've been earnestly looking out for signs to nursing rooms in shopping centres lately (Andrew influenced by me :p); in fact, I think I have more attention on that than doing justice to merchandise showcased in the shop windows. Obsessed? Maybe.

The constant worry that plagues me now is not being able to effectively continue breastfeeding Faith after my maternity leave, so I've been trying to do as much 'homework' while I can -- reading books and materials online, finding parental support online and in groups, researching and getting nursing aids that I need for lasting use (since I'm planning to breastfeed each child for at least two years). I can forgo the convenience of feeding my babies canned food, if it means compromising their health with products of lab experiment -- too much for me to trade.

Anyway, talking about nursing rooms in public places -- shopping centres, at least. As we scouted around for nursing rooms, we found to our dismay that most nursing rooms are built -- only for display. We're trying to encourage ourselves by constantly reminding ourselves that civic conciousness always take some time and, as one of Andrew's friends said, doing the right thing is never easy.

Take for example IMM; I never knew there was ONE nursing room in the building until I 'stumbled' into it one day. As the staff at the information counter later put it to me -- it's conveniently located on level 1, next to Bali Thai and Crunchy Carrot.

Why was I never aware of it's existence even though I've worked in the building for almost 2 years? 1) There is no sign indicating it's a 'Parents Room', 'Nursing Room' or 'Breastfeeding Room'; 2) There are always mops standing behind the opened frosted glass door, rags laid out to dry on the sink top; if you're lucky, you'll get to meet the cleaner resting his or her feet inside. Does it look like a nursing room to me? No, and it still doesn't now that I've been informed it is -- it still seem more functional as a janitor's room to me!!!

When the friendly information counter staff confirmed to me that THAT is a nursing room, I told her what I saw in the nursing room and request that she feedback to the management about this. She sounded shocked and agreed that the room shouldn't be doubled that way. She also promised she would feedback to the cleaning supervisor to see that the mis-practice stopped. Sadly, the room is in the same state I saw it last, when I dropped by the washroom next to it. I showed Danny the room when he came to meet me for lunch this afternoon.

What is the point of re-constructing new restrooms in shopping centres to include parents' rooms when proper use of the rooms are not safeguarded? :( And we consider ourselves 优雅社会...

Out!

In two weeks, I will be out of office -- on maternity leave; out of our present lodge -- into our new home; and Faith will be out -- here, into the world! Hehe...getting more and more excited...so many things happening so soon.

I was recounting our 'track record'; long term deals are really not such good ideas for us after all -- ever since Andrew and I met, we've been doing things as if we are two single wings that met to form a pair.

28 Nov 2003 - Met on ICQ because we mistook each other for someone else.

6 Dec 2003 - Met at Parkway Parade after chatting on ICQ, SMS and phone for a week.

1 May 2004 - Andrew proposed at Toa Payoh MRT station and we were engaged that day.

8 Oct 2004 - Our ROM.

24 Jun 2005 - Our church wedding.

Nov 2005 - Our first child, Faith will be born.

Akan datang? - Planning at least three more children in the next four to six years...hehe...

See? That's why we can't be too sure if a 'special' subscription offered to us for a bulk of three years IS actually a good idea for us or not -- we don't even know what adventure we might decide to take a turn on next. ;p

Personality Profile

Saw this link from Erwin's sister's blog and tried out of curiosity. Is that how I am like? Hmmm...sounds like one side of me, I guess. I chose this picture out of my 'loyalty' to white flowers being my favourite coloured flowers. :p

Your Personality Profile

You are pure, moral, and adaptable. You tend to blend into your surroundings. Shy on the outside, you're outspoken to your friends. You believe that you live a virtuous life... And you tend to judge others with a harsh eye. As a result, people tend to crave your approval.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

These paintings caught my eyes first...perhaps because of the colours and presentation of the pictures.

Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Your Personality Profile

You are funky, outdoorsy, and down to earth. While you may not be a total hippie... You're definitely one of the most free spirited people around. You are very impulsive - every day is a new adventure. However, you do put some thought behind all your actions. Still, you do tend to shock and offend people from time to time!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Your Personality Profile

You are happy, driven, and status conscious. You want everyone to know how successful you are. Very logical, you see life as a game of strategy. A bit of a loner, you prefer to depend on yourself. You always keep your cool and your composure. You are a born leader and business person.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Your Personality Profile

You are elegant, withdrawn, and brilliant. Your mind is a weapon, able to solve any puzzle. You are also great at poking holes in arguments and common beliefs. For you, comfort and calm are very important. You tend to thrive on your own and shrug off most affection. You prefer to protect your emotions and stay strong.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Mmmm...think it might sound more like me if all of the above are put together...dunno...*thumb and first finger on my chin...thinking*