Debonair

A meaningful and very real situation

2012-02-16T10:57:00.000+08:00

How Doctors Die
It’s Not Like the Rest of Us, But It Should Be
by Ken Murray

Years ago, Charlie, a highly respected orthopedist and a mentor of mine, found a lump in his stomach. He had a surgeon explore the area, and the diagnosis was pancreatic cancer. This surgeon was one of the best in the country. He had even invented a new procedure for this exact cancer that could triple a patient’s five-year-survival odds—from 5 percent to 15 percent—albeit with a poor quality of life. Charlie was uninterested. He went home the next day, closed his practice, and never set foot in a hospital again. He focused on spending time with family and feeling as good as possible. Several months later, he died at home. He got no chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical treatment. Medicare didn’t spend much on him.

It’s not a frequent topic of discussion, but doctors die, too. And they don’t die like the rest of us. What’s unusual about them is not how much treatment they get compared to most Americans, but how little. For all the time they spend fending off the deaths of others, they tend to be fairly serene when faced with death themselves. They know exactly what is going to happen, they know the choices, and they generally have access to any sort of medical care they could want. But they go gently.

Of course, doctors don’t want to die; they want to live. But they know enough about modern medicine to know its limits. And they know enough about death to know what all people fear most: dying in pain, and dying alone. They’ve talked about this with their families. They want to be sure, when the time comes, that no heroic measures will happen—that they will never experience, during their last moments on earth, someone breaking their ribs in an attempt to resuscitate them with CPR (that’s what happens if CPR is done right).

Almost all medical professionals have seen what we call “futile care” being performed on people. That’s when doctors bring the cutting edge of technology to bear on a grievously ill person near the end of life. The patient will get cut open, perforated with tubes, hooked up to machines, and assaulted with drugs. All of this occurs in the Intensive Care Unit at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars a day. What it buys is misery we would not inflict on a terrorist. I cannot count the number of times fellow physicians have told me, in words that vary only slightly, “Promise me if you find me like this that you’ll kill me.” They mean it. Some medical personnel wear medallions stamped “NO CODE” to tell physicians not to perform CPR on them. I have even seen it as a tattoo.

To administer medical care that makes people suffer is anguishing. Physicians are trained to gather information without revealing any of their own feelings, but in private, among fellow doctors, they’ll vent. “How can anyone do that to their family members?” they’ll ask. I suspect it’s one reason physicians have higher rates of alcohol abuse and depression than professionals in most other fields. I know it’s one reason I stopped participating in hospital care for the last 10 years of my practice.

How has it come to this—that doctors administer so much care that they wouldn’t want for themselves? The simple, or not-so-simple, answer is this: patients, doctors, and the system.

To see how patients play a role, imagine a scenario in which someone has lost consciousness and been admitted to an emergency room. As is so often the case, no one has made a plan for this situation, and shocked and scared family members find themselves caught up in a maze of choices. They’re overwhelmed. When doctors ask if they want “everything” done, they answer yes. Then the nightmare begins. Sometimes, a family really means “do everything,” but often they just mean “do everything that’s reasonable.” The problem is that they may not know what’s reasonable, nor, in their confusion and sorrow, will they ask about it or hear what a physician may be telling them. For their part, doctors told to do “everything” will do it, whether it is reasonable or not.

The above scenario is a common one. Feeding into the problem are unrealistic expectations of what doctors can accomplish. Many people think of CPR as a reliable lifesaver when, in fact, the results are usually poor. I’ve had hundreds of people brought to me in the emergency room after getting CPR. Exactly one, a healthy man who’d had no heart troubles (for those who want specifics, he had a “tension pneumothorax”), walked out of the hospital. If a patient suffers from severe illness, old age, or a terminal disease, the odds of a good outcome from CPR are infinitesimal, while the odds of suffering are overwhelming. Poor knowledge and misguided expectations lead to a lot of bad decisions.

But of course it’s not just patients making these things happen. Doctors play an enabling role, too. The trouble is that even doctors who hate to administer futile care must find a way to address the wishes of patients and families. Imagine, once again, the emergency room with those grieving, possibly hysterical, family members. They do not know the doctor. Establishing trust and confidence under such circumstances is a very delicate thing. People are prepared to think the doctor is acting out of base motives, trying to save time, or money, or effort, especially if the doctor is advising against further treatment.

Some doctors are stronger communicators than others, and some doctors are more adamant, but the pressures they all face are similar. When I faced circumstances involving end-of-life choices, I adopted the approach of laying out only the options that I thought were reasonable (as I would in any situation) as early in the process as possible. When patients or families brought up unreasonable choices, I would discuss the issue in layman’s terms that portrayed the downsides clearly. If patients or families still insisted on treatments I considered pointless or harmful, I would offer to transfer their care to another doctor or hospital.

Should I have been more forceful at times? I know that some of those transfers still haunt me. One of the patients of whom I was most fond was an attorney from a famous political family. She had severe diabetes and terrible circulation, and, at one point, she developed a painful sore on her foot. Knowing the hazards of hospitals, I did everything I could to keep her from resorting to surgery. Still, she sought out outside experts with whom I had no relationship. Not knowing as much about her as I did, they decided to perform bypass surgery on her chronically clogged blood vessels in both legs. This didn’t restore her circulation, and the surgical wounds wouldn’t heal. Her feet became gangrenous, and she endured bilateral leg amputations. Two weeks later, in the famous medical center in which all this had occurred, she died.

It’s easy to find fault with both doctors and patients in such stories, but in many ways all the parties are simply victims of a larger system that encourages excessive treatment. In some unfortunate cases, doctors use the fee-for-service model to do everything they can, no matter how pointless, to make money. More commonly, though, doctors are fearful of litigation and do whatever they’re asked, with little feedback, to avoid getting in trouble.

Even when the right preparations have been made, the system can still swallow people up. One of my patients was a man named Jack, a 78-year-old who had been ill for years and undergone about 15 major surgical procedures. He explained to me that he never, under any circumstances, wanted to be placed on life support machines again. One Saturday, however, Jack suffered a massive stroke and got admitted to the emergency room unconscious, without his wife. Doctors did everything possible to resuscitate him and put him on life support in the ICU. This was Jack’s worst nightmare. When I arrived at the hospital and took over Jack’s care, I spoke to his wife and to hospital staff, bringing in my office notes with his care preferences. Then I turned off the life support machines and sat with him. He died two hours later.

Even with all his wishes documented, Jack hadn’t died as he’d hoped. The system had intervened. One of the nurses, I later found out, even reported my unplugging of Jack to the authorities as a possible homicide. Nothing came of it, of course; Jack’s wishes had been spelled out explicitly, and he’d left the paperwork to prove it. But the prospect of a police investigation is terrifying for any physician. I could far more easily have left Jack on life support against his stated wishes, prolonging his life, and his suffering, a few more weeks. I would even have made a little more money, and Medicare would have ended up with an additional $500,000 bill. It’s no wonder many doctors err on the side of overtreatment.

But doctors still don’t over-treat themselves. They see the consequences of this constantly. Almost anyone can find a way to die in peace at home, and pain can be managed better than ever. Hospice care, which focuses on providing terminally ill patients with comfort and dignity rather than on futile cures, provides most people with much better final days. Amazingly, studies have found that people placed in hospice care often live longer than people with the same disease who are seeking active cures. I was struck to hear on the radio recently that the famous reporter Tom Wicker had “died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.” Such stories are, thankfully, increasingly common.

Several years ago, my older cousin Torch (born at home by the light of a flashlight—or torch) had a seizure that turned out to be the result of lung cancer that had gone to his brain. I arranged for him to see various specialists, and we learned that with aggressive treatment of his condition, including three to five hospital visits a week for chemotherapy, he would live perhaps four months. Ultimately, Torch decided against any treatment and simply took pills for brain swelling. He moved in with me.

We spent the next eight months doing a bunch of things that he enjoyed, having fun together like we hadn’t had in decades. We went to Disneyland, his first time. We’d hang out at home. Torch was a sports nut, and he was very happy to watch sports and eat my cooking. He even gained a bit of weight, eating his favorite foods rather than hospital foods. He had no serious pain, and he remained high-spirited. One day, he didn’t wake up. He spent the next three days in a coma-like sleep and then died. The cost of his medical care for those eight months, for the one drug he was taking, was about $20.

Torch was no doctor, but he knew he wanted a life of quality, not just quantity. Don’t most of us? If there is a state of the art of end-of-life care, it is this: death with dignity. As for me, my physician has my choices. They were easy to make, as they are for most physicians. There will be no heroics, and I will go gentle into that good night. Like my mentor Charlie. Like my cousin Torch. Like my fellow doctors.

Ken Murray, MD, is Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at USC.

Happy CNY 2012

2012-01-26T03:39:00.000+08:00

Had a super busy but warmth 年三十and 初一. It's never been better having families and love ones around especially this year with the 2 new addition to our ABC Family!

We had till date 4 gatherings (lunch & dinner) but didn't manage to take much photo because nearly 90% of time was spent on handling the twins, if not on Barry. Even as my bird day fall on 年三十, hubby and I were really tired to celebrate or did anything special. Sincere thank was to Ming for buying the yummy cakes & macaron from Antoinette (new found love with a hefty price tag).

冲冲忙忙的又过一年,回头看看许多人与事只是过眼云烟,因此更感恩更珍惜身边的人。

Teriyaki rice using rice cooker

2012-01-09T17:05:00.001+08:00

Many ways to prepare... My way... The lazy way :-) only applicable to slice chicken/pork/beef w/o bone.

Prepare slice onion, carrot (give the sweet taste), mushroom (give moisture), beef or chicken slice (larger piece but thinly sliced. Mix together add teriyaki sauce (any brand but I prefer Jap brand becos the taste more balance, some local brand tend to be very salty. Ang Mo brand normally added pineapple juice on their teriyaki sauce, hence more tangy).

Method 1) u can stir fry all together 1st but make sure the meat is only half cooked. When rice is about ready, mix in all the ingredients and let it simmered in the cooker till serving.

This method is fail safe, the rice won't be too soft or dry.

Method 2) throw in the raw ingredients when the rice is semi cooked (the rice about to dry up), but make sure the ingredients r not too wet. Normally cut down the water in the rice by 1/2 if using this method (onion & mushroom will release moisture while cooking).

If u using chicken w/ bone (like claypot rice) the ingredients must be in together w/ the rice b4 cooking. Frying the chicken, garlic, shallot and raw rice together, pour in the water/stock, simmered then transfer to the rice cooker. The amount of water needed to cook the rice must be accurate, otherwise rice will become very soggy.

Once u get the hang of it, u will be surprise on the unlimited variety of 一窝熟. I always explore such dishes because of time constrain yet needed to provide nutrient meal for Alan & Bary.

Happy cooking :-)

Xmas with milk bottles & soiled diapers

2011-12-19T04:08:00.000+08:00

One more week count down to Xmas 2011. While many r surrounded with Xmas parties & holiday trips, we are surrounded with milk bottles & soiled diapers!

It will be a lie if I say we careless on the Xmas festive; the gift shopping and the Xmas gatherings. But hugging my babies; Abbey, Barry & Codey (ABC) do melt out the desire. They r not pretty angels, especially the amt of poo poo Abbey's generate, the crying thunder of Codey demanding "I want it, I want it NOW!", the emo Barry learning to balance between being the big brother now and the baby who had 100% daddy & mummy's attention for the past 3 yrs.

Life is not a bed of roses, we have the hair pulling moments, near to breakdown moments, totally exhausted, flat out moments... and self doubt moments. All testing on our relationship and faith on each other. We can be the best of friends; understanding, supportive & kind to each other, we can also be biting each other head off... Yes, this is life, the REAL life! Not fancy fairy tales of happy everlasting without issues on money, frustration and expectations.

In years to come, our fruits of labor will grow and flourish. We just wish not to miss any part of it.

At home, on our comfy bed & loving arms....

2011-12-12T14:01:00.000+08:00

On 18 Nov 2011.....

2011-12-12T13:51:00.000+08:00

Codey arrived

Followed by Abbey...

"I am under weight but healthy, strong & pink!"

2 weeks

2011-11-28T10:10:00.000+08:00

2nd week since Codey & Abbey had arrived. We r trying to establish a pattern on their feeding & sleeping habit, this is important to ensure sanity.

MCYS ruling to accept infants once they pass 8 weeks however, given my twins weight, I am reluctant to put them till 12-15weeks. As such, likely to claim my full ML + Annual leave all at one go. Or maybe.... staying home for awhile, let's see how thing goes and wat's planned ahead for us.

Tis Xmas will be very special to us....

2011-11-19T22:33:00.000+08:00

First of all, allow us to thank all for the well wishes we received since yesterday. "Thank U! Our dear Codey & Abbey have arrived!"

On Friday (just the day after seeing my Gynae) like another day, ard 730am, hubby was busy getting ready to send Barry to childcare then to Office. I got bad tummy ache tho need to go poo poo... "No leh, false alarm. Must be me kicking the blanket last night n kenna "Wind" in the tummy."

Went back to Barry room to help him get ready. Suddenly the cramp came again, this time more intense and followed by a gush of water leaking.... "oh no....!太快了吧？

Told hubby, within 5mins he activated the whole world (my mum, Gynae, hospital, his mum, etc). I took a shower, calmly waited for my mum to arrive and babysit Barry... Nothing dramatic, only being rushed thro'out. From the admission to the ops theatre cos my Gynae n Anesthetist were all ready standby.

Under GA, so zzz thru. Lucky lor if I had opted epidural sure scare till death cos Abbey was in breeching position, really a good Gynae is VERY imp, twice complications (Barry & Abbey) twice Doc Kee had saved us.

Codey & Abbey's weight r rather low... It will be prefect (2.4-2.7kg for twins) if they wait till 28 Nov (scheduled C section) but my darlings prefer to be scorpio instead of sagittarius. So regret that we can't allow visitors as both mummy & babies r under strict doc advice...

We will be fine! Codey & Abbey will meet all the uncles & aunties once they gain more weight & strengthen up their immune system!

2011-11-18T01:42:00.000+08:00

Barry's full performance "Lion Sleeps Tonight"

2011-11-18T01:36:00.000+08:00

Final Song (Yesterday Dream)

Mulberry Learning Centre Year End Concert 2011

2011-11-18T01:11:00.004+08:00

Some photo taken during their rehearsal

Barry performing "Lion Sleeps tonight" (from Lion King)

Some photo on their daily activities

Barry's fav = MegaPlay (indoor play in the center)

Performance by the older kids

Little boy no more

2011-11-17T12:37:00.000+08:00

No more toys
Strewn on the floor
No little friends
Come through our door.

No more bat
And no more ball
No noisy feet
To pace our hall.

No patches left
For skinned up knee
No tiny arms
Reach out to me.

No little lad
To warm my lap
No sleepy head
To take a nap.

No choo choo train
Or teddy bear
No tiny hands
Clasp tight in prayer.

So many little things
To miss
A smile, a hug
A cry, a kiss.

The toys and memories
Are stored away
To fill our hearts
With yesterday.

When fingerprints
Smudged windowpanes
And tiny feet
Splashed in the rain.

Author/Written By:
Marilyn Ferguson
©1988

*******************************
Life's passes us so fast and we do not want to
regret when the days come.

Barry's concert: Lion sleep tonight (Lion King)

2011-11-13T00:18:00.000+08:00

Super proud of my boy!

2day we (爸爸，妈妈，婆婆，奶奶 & 小叔, just tickets itself costed us S$150) attended his concert @ Chervon, organized by his childcare centre, he remembered his positioning & all the dance steps.

These were the moment u want jump up and scream "tat's my BOY!".

Hubby was so impressed by the K2 kids with their vast vocabulary n confident in speech, he is totally convinced that we should send our boy to speech & drama courses. As for the 婆婆&奶奶、 they hope Barry attend 佛学班or弟子规。

Urgent request!!!

2011-11-08T22:55:00.000+08:00

Any sista has contacts and/or remedy to solve block duct???

Stress n previous bad experiences start haunting me as the clock click closer n also after CH recent experience....

Technology

2011-11-08T21:11:00.003+08:00

What a nice evening....

Barry busy playing with his iPad,
Daddy busy playing with his Galaxy S II, and
Mummy busy playing with her iPhone 4S.....

The power of technology :-p

New handphones

2011-11-02T23:51:00.000+08:00

Hooray, my 4S will be delivered to my doorstep tml! Thanks to hubby :-)

I m stuck deeper with Apple while hubby is now shifting from HTC to Samsung Galaxy II.

Wait before u judge us.....!!! We are both changing (not due to vanity or profiting)but becos our current phones r giving us all sort of problems from poor signal to SIM card reading error....

Hopefully the new handsets won't disappoint us :-)

Funny~

2011-11-02T23:41:00.000+08:00

Hubby recently was on course at his ex company, someone commented something which Alan as his usual humble self just laughed & brushed it away but I find it either a tastless joke or plainly being insulting.

Anyway, as most of my frez knew, one of the reasons I left MOM was to avoid the situation as my hubby is higher in job rank than me in the same organization. So get it??!!!

4yrs maybe short & routine to some but may also be a vast opportunity to others.

Barry = Handy Helper =)

2011-10-23T13:02:00.000+08:00

My hubby's evil plan to train Barry doing the laundry.

Now both fighting for the TV remote control

Great World_Amazonia Family Center

2011-10-23T12:06:00.001+08:00

THE latest family entertainment center in Great World.

Entry fee @ S$20 for 2 hrs. Not a very big area but the stuff r new and they did spend some $ on the equipment maintenance. This place attracts more local than expats, suitable for younger kids.

Home made Macaroni cheese

2011-10-23T11:56:00.000+08:00

Special thanks to D & E for bring the cheese all the way from London =)

Shredded cheese~

Macaroni

Add 3/4 cup of fresh milk into the pot, stir in the cheese till melt. Add sugar.

Stir in the macaroni + ham bits

NB: This dish is definitely sinful, not for those on diet....

Chinese toddler ignored after hit and run dies

2011-10-21T14:51:00.001+08:00

A Chinese toddler who was ignored by 18 passers-by as she lay critically injured in the street after being run over by two vehicles has died..... I heard so many versions as why such phenomena happened.

Some of my China Chinese frez mentioned that because of the corrupted China hospital services that demand $ first before any administration and treatment.

Some mentioned that the Peng Yu's case (and 3 other similar cases in China) in Nanjing has destroyed the kindness of a whole nation. (Peng Yu, then 26, said he stopped after seeing the woman fall in the eastern city of Nanjing, but she accused him of knocking her down with his car, and a court ordered him to pay her 45,000 yuan ($7,000) in damages.)

Another commented that it is worst in India.....

And expert say is due to rapid urbanization affects anywhere in the world where you have a lot of high-rise buildings, where there is high population density, then the relationship with the neighbors, and with each other is affected.

But what actually went wrong? The expert's theory of urbanization? Or the past cases (Peng Yu) that people fear kindness return with blame more haunting than seeing a toddler in a blood pooling?

We just need to admit our society is getting sick, whether the developed, developing or 3rd world... abuse of children & animals, child sex trade, exploitation of child labor, drugs, weapon, kidnapping mental & physical disability to get their social funds..... everyday the news does not lack such report and discovery....

May God show mercy on our souls....... cause we created our society, we will pay back to what we have created....

@ 29 weeks

2011-09-30T15:38:00.000+08:00

I am 29 weeks......

Ya, start feeding your piggy bank =)

2011-09-28T23:16:00.000+08:00

2day somehow considered a closure on the project i m handling n the r/s of a family member.

Speechless n exhausted... 没那么简单... 对爱情，亲情或事业。真的有时想掏空自己，不想有太多的情绪。。。

黄小琥 - 没那麽简单

2011-09-28T22:56:00.001+08:00

黄小琥 - 没那麽简单

作词：姚若龙作曲：萧煌奇

没那麽简单就能找到聊得来的伴
尤其是在看过了那麽多的背叛
总是不安只好强悍
谁谋杀了我的浪漫

没那麽简单就能去爱别的全不看
变得实际也许好也许坏各一半
不爱孤单一久也习惯
不用担心谁也不用被谁管
感觉快乐就忙东忙西
感觉累了就放空自己
别人说的话随便听一听自己做决定
不想拥有太多情绪
一杯红酒配电影
在周末晚上关上了手机舒服窝在沙发里

相爱没有那麽容易每个人有他的脾气
过了爱做梦的年纪轰轰烈烈不如平静
幸福没有那麽容易才会特别让人着迷
什麽都不懂的年纪
曾经最掏心所以最开心曾经

想念最伤心但却最动心的记忆

2011-09-28T15:38:00.002+08:00

It is getting harder to see the purpose and worth...

Jacob Children Garden

2011-09-25T17:32:00.000+08:00

My colleague recommended us this garden a few weeks back but due to the bad weather we were unable to visit. Today we wake up early (thank to Barry) hence decided to dropby after a hearty breakfast at Coffee Bean @ Gurthrie Building.

Banana tree

Tree house

Do u still remember this plant? When u touch it, the leave will automatic close up?

Appearently u can book the function rooms and hall for private function.... we r pretty interested =P

Time to go.....

Highly recommended:

Free entry, safe (one way in and out), not pet allowed, very child friendly and enriching =)

Moon cake festive 2011

2011-09-24T01:18:00.000+08:00

A mini gathering at my mum's shop, so long the elderly r happy what else can we say.... =)

Tong Lok Seafood @ ECP

2011-09-24T01:11:00.000+08:00

Have a few Tong Lok discount vouchers, hence dropby for early brunch. Our verdict: Skip the dim sum but the regular dishes were pretty nice & decent.

East Coast Park

2011-09-24T01:01:00.000+08:00

Last saturday we went ECP just to chill out. Barry had his fun in sand castle building and a dip in the water, while I explored with the new camera.

Nose & body ballooned up.... yeah, tat's what u get with twins pregenancy. Let's see how long will it take for me to shed the fat.... *cry*

Dempsey Dome Cafe

2011-09-10T23:59:00.000+08:00

My colleague recommended us to visit Jacob Children Garden @ Botanic Garden. Excited we prepared to have the whole Sat afternoon there, however, the weather didn't really cooperated. Ended up we stick to our usual = lunch at Dempsey followed by mega indoor playground.

Surprisingly DOME @ Dempsey attracted many families w/ young kids (3-10yrs), price is pretty decent if you compare to the other counterpart like Jones, House, Prime Society, etc. Food quality and portion wise, i find it above expectation, especially the pasta.

Our new camera, Sony HX100V

2011-09-10T23:39:00.000+08:00

Got our new camera, Sony HX100V, for a week, frez been asking on the performance. So far pretty satisfied with the pic quality and user friendly function.

Below are some pictures taken (got one picture which I zoomed into AC's mouth, can see very CLEARLY his teeth *color & throat = and because of it, he strongly advice i dun post up >< )

2011-09-06T21:35:00.000+08:00

Surprisingly even when and how long I m going for maternity also deseved as a rumor topic =p
Anyway for frez who are truly concerned abt me and for those wondering what is the diff from single birth vs multiple birth,some info for reference...

For single birth, normally full term is abt 38-40 wks where for multiple birth is about 36-37 weeks. So in normal case, it can be 4 wks different and in situation of premature birth, it can go more than 8-10 weeks different which is not a desirable situation.

According to my Gynae, I will enter the "danger" period during mid Oct (exactly on mid year review week 11-15 Oct). This period I will be given various drugs to 1) strengthen the babies lung development 2) relax my womb muscle 3) Zzzz half the time so to prevent excessive movement. Especially since my 1st deliver was by emergency C section, chances of my previous stitches rupture is also high.

Hence, if by early Oct, my Gynae detected that my tummy is under too much pressure he will prescribe me for bed rest without any hesitation. It is therefore my duty to inform my bosses n colleagues of such possibilities. As I mentioned to many, the risk is too great for us to play with. WE can't afford the kind of medical fee involved! With 2 babies n me passing 35 years old, we need to carefully handle the risk involved. So Whoever like to bad mouth, compare or rumor... I can't stop nor am angry about.

Simply whoever say whatever lor cos it is my tummy n my babbies so guess we are the ones best to decide and judge. No dead hero, acting tough here cos being responsible to myself, my family n my babies, shall be the 1st order.

2011-09-04T00:17:00.000+08:00

Hurray got ours Sony HX100V :-)

Devil trying to seduce me to join her for Nex C3 but still like the feel n touch of HX100V.

Need a camera

2011-09-03T17:24:00.000+08:00

Sony H9 or HX100V, Olympius Pen or Nex C3???

Thinking.....

For the People

2011-09-01T11:26:00.000+08:00

"The government has to appoint grassroots advisers who support its programmes and can play this role well," said Ooi. "Opposition MPs cannot be expected to do this and thus cannot become advisers to GROs."

The Singapore People's Party echoed this view. "By choosing not to work with duly elected Opposition MPs, the PA is confirming that it is working for the interest of the PAP, not Singapore," the party's central executive committee said in a statement.

For too long there is only one ruiling party, the line is really blurred between ruiling party vs. government.

ANY civil servant or uniform group will tell you, the government and ruiling party is treated as separate entity. We work for the government, who serve the people of Singapore => civil servant. Hence all civil servant / uniform group cannot join any union in order to remains impartial from any political power.

Not siding any parties (PAP or Opp party), just felt sick that the response actually degraded civil servant and uniform group on our core value and integrity.

6 years in Fire Fighting and 3 yrs in Civil Service..... for the people not for the politics.... pls....

人生之道

2011-08-26T19:41:00.000+08:00

从前年少读书时和男朋友吵架是为了输赢。
长大做工后和男朋友吵架是为了坚持自己的原则。
现在和老公吵架只会衡量吵架的原因有多重要，会有多大伤害。

是我们成熟了，还是我们变聪明了?

高处不胜寒

2011-08-24T00:26:00.001+08:00

明月/几时有，把酒/问青天。
不知/天上宫阙，今夕/是何年,
我欲/乘风归去，又恐/琼楼玉宇，
高处不胜寒。

起舞/弄清影，何似/在人间！
转朱阁，低绮户，照无眠。
不应有恨，何事长向/别时圆？

人有/悲欢离合，月有/阴晴圆缺，
此事古难全。
但愿/人长久，千里/共婵娟。

Workplace wisdom

2011-08-24T00:09:00.000+08:00

It is never the work nor the non recognition that kill you.... it is the people who sit around playing with lip service, yet accusing you for doing too much irritate you.

Zen.....

24 weeks

2011-08-23T10:13:00.001+08:00

Moving into 24 weeks this week, the movement (sumersault and kicks) of both my babies are now very apparent and frequent.

It is like carrying a bowling ball with its pressure right at ur bladder!

To pamper myself (excuses!) got myself a Prada & Gucci just to make my nausea feel better (keke)..... guess this will somehow be my last few collection for the next 3-5yrs?!! (Will you believe?) My tai tai gal frez recently came back from Taiwan and was asking me when i want to upgrade to Chanel cos she looking for a few good pieces.... DEVIL!!!! Then at the other side, ET constantly encouraging and facilitating my indulgence due to her regular trips to UK & Europe.... must stay away from them once i "pop" out.

Our preparation so far quite okie... settled the main items like clothes, extra pram, bumbo seat, however, we need to give up some funriture and re-organize to create more space.

The day bed sofa = going... gone
The rattan mirror, side table = going.... gone
Will get either 2 single sofa seat or a short one from Ikea = cheap n to tahan for another 2 -3 yrs
Our master room = Re-organize, we will shift our bed to squeeze inside the walk in closet and leave the bigger space to our 2+1 (in case Barry refused to Zzz in his own room and want Zzzz with his brother & sister)
Our hardwood cupboard and TV rack = going... gone
Barry room will include a kid bed and his own closet and cupboard = My boy now big bro liao, so must have his own furniture.

In fact, we shifted to our new house barely a year and we are talking about re-organize... damn lucky never did built in, otherwise, 头痛!

For this I learnt from few colleagues' experiences, like HCC, he & wife love retro theme, spend a bomb on housing loan, instalement plan, etc. to get the house nicely done up but within a year => productive! So having problem to re-organize the furniture as too many built in and too expensive to give up. Thinking once the boy get older will be able to enjoy the house better, Oop 2nd on the way... so advice those thinking to conceive, as simple as possible.... lesser the loan n sponsorship from family, you will need the cash and support down the road for more important thingy!

2011-08-11T23:21:00.000+08:00

最近领悟到的智慧.....山不转~路转，路不转~人转，人不转~心转。

2A+B+2C = ABC happy family (3 Monkeys + 2 Sweeties)

2011-08-05T12:13:00.000+08:00

Detailed scanning today: 龙风胎!!!!

We r grinning from ears to ears.

Information mummies MUST know

2011-08-04T10:03:00.001+08:00

When we’re feeling sick, we look at the medicine cabinet to see what pills we can take. We should check out the pantry instead. Many everyday ingredients can treat different ailments and unlike drugs, they are inexpensive and with less side effects.

Honey
Honey is good for cuts and scrapes. It has three powerful components: sugar for absorbing moisture so bacteria can’t survive, hydrogen peroxide to disinfect and propolis to kill bacteria. Plus, the honey dries to form a natural bandage. Just spread thickly over the infected area.

Olive Oil
Olive oil is actually the basis of many skin moisturizers. For eczema, rub olive oil on the skin to keep it from drying out.

Spicy dish
Good for a stuffy nose or congestion, spicy dishes loosen the mucus by making the eyes and nose run.

Garlic
Garlic is antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and an antioxidant so it has many uses. Take garlic when you have a cold to fight the infection and boost the immune system. Mix together minced garlic, warm water and honey for taste. Leave the garlic in the mixture for a few minutes then swallow without chewing. Another way of taking it is by chewing raw garlic cloves with honey. Repeat every two to three hours. Garlic can also be used for athlete’s foot due to its antifungal nature. Simply rub a clove of raw garlic to the affected area.

Baking Soda
Baking soda is used to remove odor so it makes weird sense that you use it for body odor as well. Sprinkling baking soda on your armpits and feet will reduce the moisture you produce.

Chamomile Tea
Wrapping cold, wet tea bags in paper towels can help sooth itchy eyes from colds or hay fever. The tannic acid in tea reduces the itch. Chamomile tea can also be used for calluses. Soak your feet in a diluted chamomile tea bath to soften the hard skin.

Ginger
Ginger has anti-sickness properties so it can help in nausea. Pregnant women can also relieve morning sickness by taking ginger biscuits.

Turmeric
Turmeric is good for treating many skin ailments. It can be used to sooth acne, scrapes and sunburn. Mix several drops of water with ½ teaspoon of powdered turmeric to make a thin paste. Apply the mixture on the blemishes or sunburn and leave for an hour. Be sure to rinse after because turmeric stains.

Rice Water
Bangladeshis have been using rice water as a treatment for diarrhea forever. The proteins in the rice help stabilize the bowel and it’s tastier than any medicine.

Banana
Who knew that aside from being a yummy snack, bananas can be used for bug bites? All you have to do is eat the fruit and apply the banana peel fruit side down on the bite. Hold it there until the itching subsides.

*Pink* = Strong beliver, proved effective due to own experience or people close to me.*Red* = No doubting but just skip... in relaying such methods.
*Yellow* = New knowledge built on existing believe.

U Learn_my latest project

2011-07-29T11:47:00.002+08:00

Roadshow & distributing flyers day

2011-07-28T09:14:00.001+08:00

Dun be shocked to see us distributing flyers... yeap you heard it right; x02 AD + x02 SM + x01 Snr Exec + x01 Temp, we will be rotating to attend roadshows and distributing flyers at MRT stations....

丢脸?!!!! Hmmmm... quite hor.... but give us the credit that we walk the talk.... even tho not very cost effective, no choice pilot run, must know the ground and public perspective / sendiment of NTUC LHUB moving into child education w/ "ATAS" (above average) pricing.

Can sell? Let cross fingers bah. Better than begging here and there for manpower & support.... ppl telling me "too enagaged" in dealing w/ resignation, staff overloading w/ work, generating huge revenue and no time / resources to help. Nothing new here, i guess.

I dun think we can create another bucket of gold for LHUB, cos the variable factors now are simply too many. Anyway since i admit my competency is not in politics n boot licking, can only get hands dirty to make myself useful.

Saturday Dim Sum

2011-07-26T16:46:00.001+08:00

We had Dim Sum at Warren Country Club @ CCK. Not too bad as a alternative from the Downtown crowd.

Teambuilding~Ice cream making

2011-07-26T16:29:00.001+08:00

Our BD team building~ice cream making at Shaw Tower.

Cookie & Cream / Dark Chocolate ice cream

Step 1) Listen to INSTRUCTION, even our CEO!!!

Step 2) Crack an egg, discard the white and keep the yolk.

Step 3) Add sugar (20g)

Step 4) Whisk till u drop

Step 5) Warm milk

Steaming but not boiling

Step 6) Add Milk to egg, stir gently

Step 7) Achieve the pale color

Step 8) Back to heat, add cream

Step 9) Steve the mixture to prevent lumpy residue

Step 10) Whisk till u drop (AGAIN)

Step 11) Done for your ice cream base. Add the dark choco (just warm n mix)

爱心ice cream for my boy

2011-07-21T22:25:00.001+08:00

Whoever playing a spam, my hubby and I hereby would like to give u a firm response... "no geninue mother will curse someone child, no true religious person will seek such sinful prayer, only a loser will accuse others in words n hide...."

We believe in cause n effect, ie Karma, if we ever cause hurt n harm, we will suffer our deserved karma, and u have planted yours in the most lame way.

煮饭饭

2011-07-08T19:40:00.004+08:00

Saturday night we had steamboat with my brother family. Went Isetan to get the the meat, FYI the beef n pork belly is really good for steamboat / Sukiyaki and the best part? At a very reasonable price. =)

The left over seafood I used it for the next day seafood porriage (Lunch). Yummy....

Sunday morning, being a good mummy & wife, i prepared pancake for the family while they were all nesting happily in bed.

Words of wisdom (regardless whether u r gen X or Y and the wisdom not from me but passing down from generations).... a bonding family start from the kitchen.... be it betw husband & wife, mother & children.... there where the souls and mouth meet....

The left over meat I used it for Terriyaki beef + chicken + mushroom don on our new rice cooker. Original retail price S$268, Takashimaya promotion S$168, less S$100 discount voucher = S$68

I am grinning........

Anyway try my receipt.

1) Mixed onion (slice) + beef (sukiyaki slice) + chicken drum cube + white mushroom + golden mushroom with terriyaki sauce.

2) Wash rice, amt depending on the pax (we use only Jap pearl rice at home, so depend whether u want the QQ taste or else Thai rice is fine)

3) Less 1/2 the usual water amount since mixture 1) will have the fluid (avoid too much moisture).

4) Just cook the rice as usual, once ready, stir the rice to release the excess moisture. Keep warm till serve.

Easy bah? Cheap & healthy.... a bowl outside cost u easily S$15, home made cost less than S$20 for 3 adults n a toddler.

Food_Barcook Bakery + 小霸王

2011-07-08T19:40:00.003+08:00

Yesterday schedule was filled with Meeting after Meeting...... missed lunch. After my last meeting at OMB, went over to grap my fav bread - Bar Cook Bakery and tried the 小霸王.

Barcook bread is always fresh, nice n soft..... the 小霸王.... errrr.... fried stuff not my type bah.... after eating i felt nausea for the whole evening.

Puzzle

2011-07-08T19:40:00.000+08:00

Another set of puzzle bought for Barry from Vivo.
He had mastered it within 3 days.

Food_Teochew porridge + durian buffet

2011-07-08T19:39:00.000+08:00

We had the teochew porridge + durian buffet @ Goodwood Park. All the dishes were nicely prepared, no complaint on the quality, taste and service.

Variety wise, Goodwood Park is not a place famous for "eat till u drop", so enjoy the food and ambiance rather than the mass.

2011-07-08T07:44:00.000+08:00

Today is coming to the end of the 1st week Barry attended his new childcare @ Mulberry Acer. The facilities, curriculum, teachers n food nutrient wise all exceeded the previous centers he attended (which included MMI & LSH).

Only mishap was yesterday my boy snatched his playmate toy n got scratched at his hand n face. No choice he asked for it so he had to suffer from his bad behavior. Hubby was unpleased tho, he was upset that the other child was left w/o any scratch yet Barry 破相. Man ego thingy bah??! Told Barry next time he better whacked back. Hmmmmm.... Tat the education...

Rabbit gal???

2011-06-29T23:05:00.000+08:00

This month, we send our blessing to the joyous arrival of 2 beautiful baby gals from Steph n Carmon.

Sooooon cute!!!! Rabbit gals r really gentle n lovely!

Assessing from my stomach... Many been guessing is either 2 gals or 龙凤胎, but many claimed that at least one baby is a rabbit gal. Time to stock up Liao!!!!

2011-06-29T01:03:00.001+08:00

莫名的憎恨，是无法磨平任何伤痛，能掩盖的只是自己的眼睛对自己种下的因果。

Confinement arrangement

2011-06-29T00:39:00.000+08:00

Was wondering if I utilize all my annual leave in half day unit plus 6 days childcare n off in lieu due to public holiday falling at weekends, practically I will only need to work 4 and half day week for a year.... Not too bad an ideal!

Yeah right, dream on ;p

Recently we r planning our VL to prepare for the arrival of our two darlings. The quotation I received for a confinement nanny to handle twins was S$2.8K and if stretched over CNY, the cost will jump to S$4.8K. Was sharing the quoted price with my colleague in a cab n the cab driver immediately said he dun mind cooking n helping me to take care of my twins if I m willing to pay him S$4.8K.... Now even confinement nanny is going to be a luxury good in SIN.

The magic of parenthood

2011-06-27T11:38:00.001+08:00

24 pieces floor puzzles

2011-06-27T11:33:00.001+08:00

Barry is done with 12 pieces puzzle, so i got him a huge 24 pieces floor puzzle. My smart boy is mastering it, getting faster each time when we play. Hubby is so proud of him =)

Fullerton Hotel~Chocolate buffet

2011-06-27T10:36:00.001+08:00

Planned to go for Goodwood Park Hotel Durian buffet however was fully booked, they were not willing to take in even walk in or under reserve list, hence we adjorned to Fullerton Hotel for the chocolate buffet from 8-11pm.

BTW i chop my hair short again, too hot.....

The chocolate buffet is not cheap, total cost abt S$90 (2pax) inclusive tax & service charges. Many may feel totally riped off since no main dish, crab, scallop, sashimi, etc. However, my boy love it very very much and this made my hubby super delighted. To Alan, this was $$$ well spent.

Chocolate of various density; 32%, 38%, spicy chocolate, white chocolate, orange chocolate, etc.

What can come between my boy n his macaroon?

Mummy!!!!!

Yeah right, fat hope!

Playground_IMM

2011-06-27T09:48:00.001+08:00

Having kid play....

Food_Sing Meng, Vegetarian

2011-06-27T09:11:00.001+08:00

It has been awhile since i last posted. Now carrying a twin and handling my boy, with work & household chores, etc.... our battery level is nearly flat every night

Yes, everyone is telling us to get a FDW, so our lifes will be better. Yeah, right if u get a good one, otherwise, our lifes will definitely be more troublesome handling FDW issues. Moreover, no one at home, so leaving my FDW alone at home w/o supervision is also another problem.

One way for us to minimise hassle is to engage Ting Kat service, we selected Jessie Catering, so far so good (for a week liao), not too salty nor oily. But if you expect fancy dishes, expensive ingredient's for less than $280 for 3 pax, u open the catering service, i sure patronise. Our weekly groceries shopping normally range betw S$80-S$120, so going for Ting Kat is also a more economic and less wastage (buy food ingredient but didn't cooked) option.

Again nothing much to share (no extreme sport, clubbing or travelling) BUT FOOD that we had been munching for the past 2 weeks.

Sing Meng Famous 肉骨茶，咸菜鸭，烧腊

Vegetrian mock duck

Vegetarian xi hua noodle

Vegetarian homemade bean cure "pockets"

Vegetarian fired something (haha cant remember but nice cos they made it themselves instead purchasing from frozen commercial mock stuff into the fryer)

Vegetarian Ah Sam fish, spicy n sour

Vegetarian sugar can flower

Oscar scan

2011-06-10T11:13:00.001+08:00

At TMC doing my Oscar scan, both babies r good, ard 7cm.

Baby 2 is SUPER active, jumping, moving non stop when the doc did the scanning, more active than Barry! What previously Barry did was he 'waved' when the scanner poked him. While Baby 2 use his hands n legs to 'fight' back all the poking from the scanner.

Baby 1 is the angelic one, laying calmly n peacefully. Ignoring the jumping n kicking of his sibling beside.

Both babies crossed their legs hence unable to see the gender but hubby feel that both gals... Hmmm.... I totally have no cue... Nvm importantly both just be healthy, mummy n daddy are happy!

Sony DSC HX 9

2011-06-09T21:00:00.000+08:00

Very keen to purchase a new camera, my eyes r fixed at the new launched Sony DSC-HX9. Cnet Asia gave a rating of 8.5 out of 10.

Hopefully can get a deal in the current PC show but chances r slim, didn't see any discount offer for the Sony H series.

Hubby can't understand why we female like Sony... In his perspective, the Len n the features r not particular impressive, just pure maketing n packaging... U agree? I dun! My argument is Sony is much more user friendly than many other brands.

Time to slowly stock up items to prepare to welcome my 2 angels :-)

Chinese boy sells kidney to buy iPad 2

2011-06-06T14:49:00.001+08:00

This is happening and will happen more rampantly if SIN legalized transaction on organ transplant. Now is on those poor China kids, if one day.... this happen in Singapore?

Never? Cos our kids are smarter and less materialism?
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/chinese-teen-ipad-2-cost-him-kidney-033207341.html

Our society is sick, so as our younger generation.....

For those whom suffer from kidney failure and needing a kidney, i understand, I really do.... cos my late aunt suffered nearly 20 yrs from kidney failure, from waiting for a kidney, till transplant followed by years of complication, relapsed and passed away.... I know the pain and suffering from the patient and the family. BUT you have no excuse, not even a single excuse to BUY kidney from the undermarket, KNOWINGLY this will happen!!!! This is pure evil, cos it is not just a kidney you are buying..... your $$$ have also buy over humanity.

Sunday_at home "Nuah" day

2011-06-06T08:03:00.004+08:00

Due to the rain, can't find any sensible excuses to get my hubby's butt out of the house even Barry was super lazy.

I was lucky cos the fridge was stocked up with left over n some brought over food by mum, hence we settled bf with healthy 棵 and vegetarian 粽子. We went back zzzz till early dinner n I prepared beef sukiyaki which hubby enjoyed it very much.

The night entertainment was Kung Fu Pandan (part I), Barry's all time fav where he could seat straight 2hrs watching and giggling.

We are in the mist to decide our June holiday plan... Started off very ambition, now jus look for somewhere close n comfortable.

Exhausted Saturday

2011-06-04T23:13:00.003+08:00

The day started as hubby went for golf and dropped us at Dempsey. Had bf @ The Jones, honestly I dun think the bf menu is so fabulous that warrant the publicity. But having say so, the cold cut which u can select from the grocery and immediately serve on the table was really good.

Yaya & me opted for the English bf (usual suspect of egg, sausages, bacon, mushroom, tomato and 2 thick slice of bread), milkshake and a latte. In addition, we ordered 100g shaved honey ham & beef salami. The bf sausage & bacon were way too salty for our liking (definitely not for Barry) hence we finished nearly most of the ham instead.

In future, if you host any party or wine session, go tapau the cold cut and impress your guests :-)

Later the day, we sent YaYa & her school mate to T3. The gals going to Korea organized by the school (nowsaday student r so damn lucky, my era go St John Island for school holiday already very big deal Liao), anyway we have peace for the next 7 days.

Back at home now, eating our supper... BBQ stingray & chu chu..... Yummy!!!

What we have been eating~

2011-05-31T16:43:00.004+08:00

Xiao Ai told me previously "你怀胎十月，吃足十月。。。" Hee hee, cant disappoint the gals hence a preview of what i have been eating for the past week

The only "guilt free" period in any craving desire =P

Black Truffle 小笼包

Foe Gras 小笼包

夫妻肺片

Jelly Fish

狮子头汤

Western Food @ Ghim Moh Road Block 10

FYI, I stayed in Ghim Moh for nearly 10yrs of my life. Holland kids? Biker gangs (scrambler bikers)? Hahahahaha..... been there done that!

"You can choose to remain inside the well to see the world and interpret all things centred within you.

You can choose to jump and leap to greater height, out of the well, but prepare to fall for the unknown; slapped to change and forced to learn.

That's the different between the league"

Formerly at Holland, now at Dover. The original XO fish head noodle.

Bird Nest

2011-05-23T12:51:00.004+08:00

Last Friday or Thurs (cant remember....) went Watson Member's sales.

Got my hand on the "bird nest" which ET commended that her frez mentioned supper effective. With 20% + 10% quite a deal. Anyway, i do like Bio-Essence Marvel gel, the V V face cream (this is really effective, used it after i give birth to Barry, when my face was like "bread face"; i.e., flat n round) and after using a few days of the bird nest, i guess it is definitely inside one of my fav list.

The cleanser goes beyond the normal "feel tight or not" sensation; after wash, skin feel super refined, smaller pores and smoother feel.

The face serum = non oily, easily absorb into skin. Best part, does not feel heavy after layering the eye serum n moisturizer and subsequently make up.

The eye serum = for dark eye circle = apply b4 Zzzzz, the next day the pigment does lighten n lower eye lid feel light n supple.

The moisturizer with whitening effect, feel damn luxury on skin despite the price.

Anyway, some may feel that this is too cheapo as compare to other leading cosmetic, but i do find that $ well spend and pretty worth a try; luxury w/o breaking the bank; No guilt even when i put a generous serving of bird nest =)

Home made Lobster 粥

2011-05-23T12:28:00.005+08:00

Went Giant saw the lobster on promo selling at S$10.90 each. Bought 3 to prepare our home made lobster porridge.

Step 1) Clean the lobsters

Step 2) Boil the water and add some ginger slices

Step 3) Once the water boiled, place the lobsters inside and continue boiling. Once the lobsters cooked (turned orange~keep it around 80% cooked). Remove from pot.

Step 4) Remove the lobsters heads with the help of a knife (detach the head and the body). The head is filled with creamy yellow roe (or brain.. hee hee) place them into the rice with stock to cook the porridge.

Step 5) Discard the shell and cut the lobsters meat into cubes.

Step 6) Place the ingrentient you like for your porriage. We put water cress veg, minced meat and before dish out, place the lobsters meat.

Step 7) In addition, i fried silver bait fish for Barry (better than fries). Just seasoned the baits with oyster sauce, pepper n sesames seed oil. Coated with corn flour and fried.

Dessert we have fresh cherries =)

ECP_May 2011

2011-05-18T10:24:00.013+08:00

"幸福是一种感觉，认同的人会感受到，装不了也不必挂在嘴边."

现在的我们不想大风大浪，不想争一日之长短, 做我们该做, 较少胡话... 生活简化会更和谐和健康.

/div>

NTUC 50 anniversary_MBS

2011-05-18T09:54:00.007+08:00

Okay, i admit mountain tortoise haven been to MBS so the anniversary dinner there on last Friday was pretty well received, esp the GOH is MM Lee =)

Didnt spend any $ to doll up also, anyway no point, cos whatever i buy now cant last for another 2 motnhs.

500 tables so we could only see him thru the big projectors around us. President, MM / SM / PM, Minister MBT, GKY, etc, attended, all the SUPER heavy weight...

The security since 530pm.

Guess i had set too high the expectation on MB, food and service..... hmmm.... too big occassion, too many tables PLUS the location must be too expensive, hence organizer left with limited budget on food menu.

Dun expect any shark fin, abalone..... really...

Honestly after this dish, i gave up taking photo.... what followed were a big birthday cake per table (actually not that bad, butter cream cake but extremely light n fluffy), chicken rice (yes, u hear me right!) and fried banana wanton.

ECP_Vasak Day

2011-05-17T13:27:00.003+08:00

Right now we r under the super hot sun, covered with ton of sunblock at ECP!

Last night when we asked Barry on whether he preferred to go playground aka Slide or beach aka Sand? He was very excited and kept chatting sand sand sand. This morning to get him out of the house was a bleeze. In fact, Barry was the one commanded us to get out of the house!

We went for traditional bf @ CMC n headed straight to ECP.
(photo to be uploaded).

Simple holiday filled with sun, laughters n love....

Update on 宝贝记

2011-05-11T21:02:00.003+08:00

Just measured my weight, 54kg!!! Woof woof 2 mths 5kg... Am I on track??? Will only know tml after my checkup. Sometimes I jus can't revisited the thot of putting on 30kg again (maybe even more this round)?

Thinking of the effort from S to M to L to XL, then reverse the process... = Damn siong!!! Changing not jus clothes size but shoes, bra & panties too. More troublesome than changing season clothing cos u remain in ur own size & figure rather than balloon to a shape which u have little control. Anyway all the mummies know, this is part of the headache, butt pain process that drag beyond the 10mths.

Currently we been doing some small shopping, like buying 1-2 packets new born diaper (the most expensive, never discount item), wet tissues (we used tonnes of it, even till now for Barry) now and then. We find such method easy on wallets but need large storage space for stocking. Also we r sourcing for pram n waiting for frez to go Haikou, to help us stock our pearl powder. Joke u not, pearl powder is really good applying on rashes, inflammation, giving the healing n calming effect. Barry been using it like normal baby powder since birth. Yes, u will say I m mad cos of the pricing. Actually all the price in SIN is inflated. Ask any PRC, they will tell you pearl powder is relatively cheap in China. Just choose the better brand n quality (certified edible grade) unless u Atas opt only Japan pearl in SIN.

Another must do thingy for us is to 念经 <地藏菩萨本愿经>. in Japan, it is traditional to chant this 经 for blessing to the pregnant woman n babies.

Home Cooked Roasted Chicken Meal

2011-05-10T08:43:00.002+08:00

Yummy home cooked roasted chicken meal.... prepared & ready in less than 30mins... how we did that???!!

Hee hee.... 1. precooked roasted chicked from NTUC (surprisingly good, tender n juicy even the breast meat *disclaimer: refer only to the outlet we got from = Jurong Point)

2. Pre cut & washed salad pack

3. Bread, butter & cheeze

Spread butter n top with mozzella cheeze

Empty the salad pack, add raisin + nut + cheeze plus ur fav dressing

Chicken coated with extra thick layer of BBQ sauce then off into the oven

Ta Ta...

4x the effort

2011-05-08T13:11:00.002+08:00

Read this in one of the mother forum, "I thot having a twins was double the effort of a single birth pregnancy till the nurse told me wrong, it was 4x more...!"

Yes!!!! I got so easily tired, even right after a meal! When hungry it is like I never been fed.... Morning sickness, is not longer morning symptom, hit u anytime. Sometime i crave badly for greens, after eating a big bowl of salad, another "voice" start telling me I need meat, lot of meat.... Many said that I look pale n weak, questioning Alan, never "chi bu". Haiz... Taking care of Barry n still prepare tonic, I rather Zzzz... We r the no so pamper n fortunate couples surrounded by relatives to help out, everything is "Just Do It (yourself)"

My mum helped by occasionally cooked dinner for us and soon to source / monitor the part time maid. she need to work n moreover, she has already converted so I dun wan to impose on her. The rest.... Forget about it, never happen, Always double standard.

Financially we are also re-evaluating, the existing car is going to be too small for 3 baby seats. To change to Estima, it roughly cost double of the installment we r paying now (due to the high COE). Placing 3 kids in infant/child care will cost ard S$2.5K-S$3K. Dun say to me "so expansive, go get maid, place them in PAP or get your MIL to take care." No offend to other, but that will not work for us.

Maid = we can't trust
PAP = if u believe from 0-6 yrs is the prime period for moulding the child's ability n character, then u just won't if given a choice.
MIL = not easy to talk to someone who dun quite believe to be living on earth or bothered abt "earthly matters" n kinship.

So ultimately is just ah Lao, me and Barry to storm over the rough tides for the next 2 yrs.

Should I sack my current maid?

2011-05-05T10:29:00.002+08:00

Saw this from the forum, nothing personal, nothing political to attack any parties. Just somehow admire the writer's wits in describing her unsatisfactory in the most civic and humor manner!

Should I sack my current maid?

I need your urgent advice about employing a maid. As a busy mother, I
need someone reliable to help out at home.

My maid is from Profits Agency Pte (PAP) and she has worked for me for a
long time. Her mother worked for my parents and did an excellent job, so
I had faith in her. For several years her performance has been very
good, but recently she has become arrogant and insensitive, and is
making lots of mistakes.

For example:
1) She flooded my kitchen - she told me that the drain pipe has
blocked (she was supposed to clear it once a month but didn't). Then she
assured me that it is very rare (once in 50 yrs) and won't happen again
in the near future. Guess what? It flooded again within a year!

2) She didn't close a window and my terrier dog escaped. I was so
worried cos he is dangerous and could bite lots of people. After the
incident, she didn't apologise and just shrugged her shoulders saying
"What to do, it has happened." Fortunately my neighbor found the dog and
we locked it up again.

3) Without consulting me, she has been bringing in strangers for
my house's maintenance work. She says they charge low wages and keep
costs down, but they eat my food, make a lot of noise and rest on my
bed. I think they even tried to seduce my husband. It stopped feeling
like my home, more like a cheap hotel, and I don't always want to come
back at the end of the day.

4) When she first came to work for me, I instructed her to clean
the different parts of the house at least once a week. But for some time
she has stopped taking care of the bedrooms of PP and H; they are now
dirty and messy. I asked why and she told me that the kids had been
disobedient, so she was neglecting their bedrooms as a punishment (she
has forgotten that she is paid to clean all the rooms).

Even though my maid has worked for me for many years and I value what
she has done in the past, I think she is now getting complacent. Her
attitude is imperious and dismissive. She ignores my comments and
basically treats my feedback as "noise".

I wrote to the agency about her behavior; they assured me that they are the best agency around and all their maids are "Committed to Serve" - but I think it is just rhetoric and I don't see that in her actions. Her salary is much higher than maids in other countries, but the agency say this is to keep her
honest and stop her moving to another employer. They say there is a limited supply of maids, and isn't big enough for more than one good maid agency, so I should not trust their competitors.
I have to decide whether to renew my maid's 5-year employment contract.
When we discussed this she said that she is now part of a team, and if I
want her I must also accept her friends doing part-time work for me. One
friend is very inexperienced, can't do basic tasks or explain what she
intends to do. I suspect that she is actually underage. When
interviewed, she only seemed interested in her days-off and visiting
Universal Studios. When she couldn't answer my questions she stomped her
foot and exclaimed, "I don't know what to say!" But I am still expected
to pay her a high salary.

Now there happens to be a few other maid agencies - Workhard Pte (WP),
New Solutions Pte (NSP), Super Personnel Pte (SPP) and Star Domestica
Pte (SDP) - that offered me some helpers who seem sincere, genuine and
intelligent. They are keen to work, willing to assist me and have a good
attitude. I know that they may take a bit of time to learn how
everything works, but frankly I am inclined to give them a chance.

People say that the devil you know is better than one you don't. But I
feel that I can't tahan my current maid anymore. Do you think I should
sack my current maid and try out a new one?

Crowded.... With joys n love

2011-05-04T20:40:00.003+08:00

This coming Dec will be very excited n crowded for us! Initial thot we r prepared to handle another monsters, now we will face total 3 monsters.... Really being caught in surprise!

Money super NOT enough liao *cry cry*

Philips Air Fryer

2011-05-01T23:08:00.002+08:00

Pretty interested in this product recently launched, the reviews and comments are encouraging too. Guess for ppl similar who avoid eating deep fry stuff due to health and beauty can now indulge. A fryer w/o the need of cooking in oil (sound delicious Liao), moreover saw the recipe, even can cook Cha Siew, Buffalo Wings, Choco brownies!

Retail price saw in NTUC S$349, let's see any promo price in Taka & Tangs :-)

GE voting

2011-04-30T22:10:00.005+08:00

This GE, hubby n I will be voting at diff locations (my area will still be at WC while he will be at Jurong). My bad, only changed my address less than 3mth ago hence reflected old address.

Common sense cos they need to ensure the residents remain in the last known address for at least 6mths, otherwise it can easily manipulate the voting system by last minute changing of address to a particular zone/GRC to affect the voters number. Such malpractice can be leverage by the ruling party or opposition, hence for transparency, accountability n fairness, it is better to fix such criteria for all.

So again, empty vases after all r empty vases; stupidity n lacking common sense?

2011-04-29T23:55:00.001+08:00

Told Hubby, i cant imagine in SIN w/o PAP as the government... can u??? Reliance or 中毒太深?

IPad 2

2011-04-29T23:53:00.000+08:00

Hee Hee~
We got our IPad 2 in white! Swee arh!!!!!

IPad 2 to be launched in SIN; 29 April 2011 @ 0100hrs

2011-04-29T00:37:00.002+08:00

Click Click Click..... we r waiting for the clock to strike 1.... IPad 2.... 

Go Go Bambini

2011-04-26T15:40:00.009+08:00

After breakfast, we headed to Go Go Bambini. Barry's 2nd fav indoor playground. 1st = Fidget.

The obstacles are more challenging and demanding, not a place where you let the toddlers loose, parental guidance is required. If u want to seat back and relax instead of running round with the toddlers (err... i let Alan do the running actually), both Fidget and Go Go Bambini are not the right places.

90% filled with Ang Mo, if that is okay with you.... the kids are louder and rough, but that the "lesson" we want to cultivate Barry. Afterall, he is a boy so cant be too demure or timid.
http://www.gogobambini.com/

Saturday morning big breakfast

2011-04-26T15:30:00.010+08:00

Daddy went for his weekly golf, mummy and Barry went Dempsey for a good healthy big breakfast.

姨姨 opted for the bacon

妈妈 as usual go for the less sinful but ham (dry).

Good Friday~Sentosa

2011-04-26T08:17:00.009+08:00

More Singapore families opt for the healither lifestyle outing

We went to our usual beach pub, not so crowded.

Guys>>> If you think playing and handling the kids is the responsibility of the mother, think again (pls be back from the 60s)!

Ladies>>> Dont think that your lifeline is to stick to the kids, it is to facilitate the bonding between the father and child.

Black Truffle Xiao Long Bao

2011-04-21T10:40:00.006+08:00

Bought 4 vouchers from Groupon at S$7.90 each for a basket of xiao long bao worth S$19.80.

Pretty good deal and best part, the participanting restuarant didnt impose any sort of silly T&Cs or giving bad service when we show them the vouchers.

Rainbow xiao long bao.... not all the flavour are "acceptable"... cheeze, garlic, sichuan and ginsen seem rather werid to us.

The 2nd voucher we used it on pure black truffe flavour. Hubby like the Foie Gras flavour too, but too fully to order more.

Next trip bah!

Botainical Garden with Mummy

2011-04-18T17:11:00.004+08:00

Daddy playing golf so Mummy & Barry go for a walk in Botainical Garden... just us =)

Lee Family gathering @ Paragon

2011-04-18T17:00:00.005+08:00

清明节

2011-04-18T16:46:00.008+08:00

Bad traffic as usual for every year...

While we were waiting....

Hubby's turn to keep Barry occupied.

Our humble weekend

2011-04-17T23:26:00.002+08:00

Had a wonderful weekend.
Sat went Lee family gathering at Paragon, one of my cousin fr Aussie, was back for short holiday w/ his family. His boy is exactly 1 yr 1 day younger than Barry. Went home for afternoon Zzzz followed by dinner at our fav 手拉手at JP for 小笼饱，天俯水煮牛肉, 杨周抄饭。

Sun is market-ing day. Prepared a few dishes for the coming week, 麻油鸡，芋头鸡，耶菜花汤, teriyaki cod fish, etc. Veggies we always stick to the simple ones like 豆苗, 小百菜, 芥兰，fast to wash, fast to cook,good to eat! Dinner we had Thai food at one of the popular coffeeshops over JW neighborhood. Not bad, homely Thai food, altho not prepared by Thai, the focus is not individual rice/noodles set, but decent good dishes for a table to share. Next round will take n upload some pictures, tonight Barry enjoyed v much, we were busy feeding his demand (i want, i want... the egg, the crab meat ball, soup, prawn fritter....) than taking the pic.

Now hubby is ironing in front of the TV, Barry zzzz in room, we had 猫山王durian (expensive manz! 2 for S$50) n watched Ocean (a very good documentary, narrated by Pierre Boson).

That's our weekend! Simple (boring to some) but we are happy, that's matter the most :-)

I am living my life

2011-04-17T22:07:00.004+08:00

Funny thingy... When I was a civil servant, was able to write more freely abt wk n ppl in general so long no confidential stuff n names mentioned. Here.... V often, I have ppl whispering over my shoulder telling me who n who is monitoring my blog, who n who is reading n commenting.....

Corporate maturity n group discipline (words, actions n behavior) r imp elements to create harmony working environment. We r NOT in a US capitalist society where ur gain is definitely my lost. Everything is a comparison or measurement unit... 不累吗?

Anyway, work is an imp part of me to remain useful in life n bring decent (organic...heehee) food back to my family. BUT no longer work is the determining factor of my worth. Will do what is right n needed in my organization, the rest of the nonsenses.... Like it or not, beyond that phase liao.

www.salary.sg

2011-04-16T22:57:00.004+08:00

If u ever feel depress or "helpless" in work, go to the above website, select "benchmark your pay by age n gender". It can either make u feel "woof woof, I am actual a top 10% percentile earner in my age category" OR "holy sh?t, I m really lacking behind the cohort!"

Where do u stand?

Legacy 2.5 Wagon (turbo)

2011-04-16T22:36:00.004+08:00

Seldom I get a crush on car nowadays but TODAY the new legacy 2.5 wagon really strike me.

Used to drive Subaru legacy wagon (ard 2005) love that car, both the performance & exterior, but the subsequent facelift was hmmm... Lose the appeal NOW the new version (a total revamp design) is really damn cool!!! Selling at UP S$152K, promo S$138K now...

Hubby doing the research n math now, fuel consumption, paper value, etc... His counter argument... Such pricing shd get Estima instead. As usual, we seldom agree on car preference. He like Audi, I like Volvo. He hate Benz & BM, I like SLK & Mini. He like Mishi, I prefer Subaru & Nissan... The list can go on... Anyway so far only 3 cars we ever agree on 1) the one he is driving 2) Estima 3) Golf GTi. So it will be my evil plan to add Legacy as the 4th car we agree on.... However, chances r slim.....

Cause & Effect

2011-04-14T22:05:00.004+08:00

All things that happened are inter-related or for a reason...

If my 1st project is not suspended due to the GE, will still be required to fly, which is nothing close to ideal at my current situation. If my 1st project is not suspended, will not have the luxury (time, space and experience) now to enjoy formulating my 2nd project.

Everything happened for a cause / reason, we need to open our hearts to reflect and honestly learn thru the experiences and lessons taught.

爱屋及乌

2011-04-12T20:12:00.002+08:00

必需称赞老公一下下！
八点多了冒着大雨，帮岳母大人把维修好的车拿回来。

懂得爱屋及乌的人，拥有比较成熟和智慧的心态。

Ion Orchard

2011-04-10T15:00:00.002+08:00

Dun ask me why, just have the craving to go Ion Orchard since Friday???!! So many snacks which I wish to buy, macaroon, gourmet popcorn, cupcakes.... Now I have the world of reasons to indulgent....

Hurray!!!

2011-04-08T21:48:00.003+08:00

Congrats to all LHUB promotees! Well done!!!

Tis week we received a handful of good news. 1st Hubby redesigned as group head, 2nd we received increment & performance bonus. 3rd.... (Secret for this moment).

Delighted n thankful!

Donate generously

2011-04-07T17:10:00.007+08:00

EDITOR'S note: THIS letter, written by Vietnamese immigrant Ha Minh Thanh working in Fukushima as a policeman to a friend in Vietnam, was posted on New America Media on March 19. It is a testimonial to the strength of the Japanese , and an interesting slice of life near the epicenter of Japan 's crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. It was translated by NAM editor Andrew Lam, author of "East Eats West: Writing in Two Hemispheres." Shanghai Daily condensed it.

Brother, How are you and your family?

These last few days, everything was in chaos. When I close my eyes, I see dead bodies. When I open my eyes, I also see dead bodies. Each one of us must work 20 hours a day, yet I wish there were 48 hours in the day, so that we could continue helping and rescuing folks. We are without water and electricity, and food rations are near zero. We barely manage to move refugees before there are new orders to move them elsewhere.

I am currently in Fukushima , about 25 kilometers away from the nuclear power plant. I have so much to tell you that if I could write it all down, it would surely turn into a novel about human relationships and behaviors during times of crisis.

People here remain calm - their sense of dignity and proper behavior are very good - so things aren't as bad as they could be. But given another week, I can't guarantee that things won't get to a point where we can no longer provide proper protection and order. They are humans after all, and when hunger and thirst override dignity, well, they will do whatever they have to do. The government is trying to provide supplies by air, bringing in food and medicine, but it's like dropping a little salt into the ocean.

Brother, there was a really moving incident. It involves a little Japanese boy who taught an adult like me a lesson on how to behave like a human being. Last night, I was sent to a little grammar school to help a charity organization distribute food to the refugees. It was a long line that snaked this way and that and I saw a little boy around 9 years old. He was wearing a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. It was getting very cold and the boy was at the very end of the line. I was worried that by the time his turn came there wouldn't be any food left. So I spoke to him. He said he was at school when the earthquake happened. His father worked nearby and was driving to the school. The boy was on the third floor balcony when he saw the tsunami sweep his father's car away.

I asked him about his mother. He said his house is right by the beach and that his mother and little sister probably didn't make it. He turned his head and wiped his tears when I asked about his relatives. The boy was shivering so I took off my police jacket and put it on him. That's when my bag of food ration fell out. I picked it up and gave it to him. "When it comes to your turn, they might run out of food. So here's my portion. I already ate. Why don't you eat it?"

The boy took my food and bowed. I thought he would eat it right away, but he didn't. He took the bag of food, went up to where the line ended and put it where all the food was waiting to be distributed. I was shocked. I asked him why he didn't eat it and instead added it to the food pile. He answered: "Because I see a lot more people hungrier than I am. If I put it there, then they will distribute the food equally."

When I heard that I turned away so that people wouldn't see me cry. A society that can produce a 9-year-old who understands the concept of sacrifice for the greater good must be a great society, a great people.

Well, a few lines to send you and your family my warm wishes. The hours of my shift have begun again.

Ha Minh Thanh

*******************************************************************

Donate generously, forget the past, afterall, it is for the people..... My last post still taking about holiday plan.... felt pretty bad =( A slap on my face for being shallow!!!! Yup, shd scrap the idea and donate another larger portion out to Japan and the rest saving for raining days.

Holiday.....

2011-04-07T07:48:00.002+08:00

The urge is back hunting us (rather me specifically)! Last yr planned to go Japan / Taiwen but was put on hold bec change in job. Now Jap/Korea/Taiwen are out of bound.

Wanna plan go New Zealand, Hubby said it is seated on 2 tectonic plates n w/ active volcanoes....
Where else can we go???!!!
Europe & USA = I Discriminate them! Yes, u hear it right! I discriminate them for discriminating all the other colours (yellow, black n brown).
Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines = Errr..... Skip

Guess the only 2 country we both agree n value friendly to bring the whole family is CHINA & Australia!

I NEED A HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!! Ah Lao!!!!

3 blind mice

2011-04-07T07:43:00.002+08:00

Three blind mice... Under the sun and rain around SIN to collate competitor's pricing n differentiating factors!

We had fun and many insights! This journey so far is much palatable than the previous ;-)

Updates

2011-04-04T22:44:00.003+08:00

Haven been blogging for awhile.... Busy on work n family.

Received a shocking news on Fri, altho I can understand n anticipated the outcome, a little disappointed. Anyway had a good 3 months of roller coaster ride, gained the overseas exposure, couples w/ some hair pulling frustration. Now embarking a new journey hopefully lesser red tapes n challenging environment.

Hubby also shared a surprising news at work 2day... a bigger profile also mean greater responsibilities... It takes alot of understanding n effort for a couple to be equally competitive, hopefully we both excel well in our respective career and together at home.

Life is interesting as one never know wat lies ahead n all the twists n turn, we need to maintain a positive mindset to manage the unexpected n handle any undesirable situation/ppl.

Afterall, this new FY brought us many opportunities which we are truly thankful. N our scarely income tax reflected a positive sign on our effort so far...