CNY Travelling

Wow, time sure flew by so fast. It's already the 2nd day of Chinese New Year. And everyone still seems to be in holiday mood. Parties are still being held in this neighborhood of mine and fireworks are still being let off as I type. And Zen was kept being woken up by the loud noise of firecrackers! Sigh... Well, can't wait for him to grow up and to be the one insisting to play with firecrackers... NOT! Hmmm, I wondered if there are any personal injury claims for accidents involving firecrackers?!

This year, as with previous years, we traveled back to my hometown. But this year, unlike previous years, was my first chinese new year as an orphan. And somehow it's not the same. I do feel a certain emptiness and I kinda miss my parents a lot. My eldest uncle was very nice and had invited us and my siblings to his house for lunches and dinners. We had initially wanted to pay respect to my parents but hubby was not feeling well (having bad sore throat and fever) so we had to postpone it (their resting place's a couple of hours away).

Talking about traveling, traffic was quite bad. Which was not surprising. There's something about holiday traveling that turns many into horrible drivers... sigh. We saw an accident (which caused a huge jam though it was on the other side of the road), met many road hogs (they should be riding bicycles and making Bicycle accident claims instead) and some drivers and passengers who did not buckle up. And one of them was driving like he was in F1. Hope someone will tell him about whiplash injury claims. He probably will need that some day! Oh, we also saw a hitch hiker (I think it was a foreigner) trying to flag down speeding cars on the highway! Hmm...

Now that Zen is older, he enjoys the company of my extended family very much. He wasn't the youngest as there were 2 more babies but he sure had lots of fun and attention! So much so that he didn't want to leave! Kept wanting to play with the other kids! That sure beats playing with mummy! I had tried to download pictures from our camera but there's some slight glitches... will post them when we manage to download them ya. Meanwhile, enjoy the holidays for those who are still on holiday and for those who are starting work, have a good week ahead.

Happy Chinese New Year

HAPPY CHINESE

MOO MOO YEAR
IN ADVANCE !

I'm Sorry, My Son...

Zen was being really mischievous and demanding and clingy all roll into one today. And I couldn't get anything done at all... and I had so much things to do and some were urgent! He kept wanting me to accompany him in whatever he did, be it play or watch TV.

Normally, when I need to do some stuff around the house eg make lunch, I'll have Playhouse Disney babysit him. I would then tell him that I'm going into the kitchen to prepare lunch for him. Yes, it's just like having a boss... :-) And he'll be fine. Once in awhile he'll pop into the kitchen to supervise the cooking or to do quality checking (demanding to taste the food) before returning to Mickey and friends.

But today, somehow he's different. Wouldn't let me out of his sight. Insisted that I watch with him or play with him... all the time! And I meant ALL the time. The only time I could sneak off to do some things was when he was napping and that too was only 45min. Sigh...

So when hubby came home, I was so stressed up that I had to request hubby to bring the little kiddo out for dinner and I stay back to get things done. Zen could sense that and he started crying so hard. Am not sure if it was because he knew I was stressed (and that made him unhappy) or he still wanted to cling onto me... but he cried all the while when hubby brought him to the car. Good thing hubby didn't drive out of the house yet because Zen cried so hard he threw up.

My heart felt so bad.... I know I should have be more patient with him but sometimes... it's just so difficult... Mummy's sorry, Zen...

Colour Blind!

Going...

Going...

Gone...

Note: No offence meant to all colour blind drivers... am sure you guys drives much better than this person (^o^)

Bean Bags?

Does anyone knows where to get bean bags? We had wanted to get one for some time but couldn't seemed to be able to find them these days. They used to be more easily available last time :-)

Anyway, we were walking around The Curve the other day and noticed one of those stalls was selling bean bags (Yippee!!). But we weren't prepared for the cost of one of these. Was about RM300 - RM400! But then again, they use really nice fabric and tailor-made them to our requirements and also free deliver them to us. So I guessed they had to charge that price. Or is this the normal bean bags price these days? Hmmmm.... I remembered it used to be so much more cheaper, especially those DIY.

Actually, am looking for those DIY bean bags so that I can adjust the softness of the bag... hehehe... Maybe I should try those furniture shops along the main roads ya?

Google Picture Meme

This meme came from Angeline's brand new sparkling blog! Thanks ya for this fun meme. Sorry it took me soooo long to do this... hehehe...

"The rules are simple. Use Google Image to search the answers to the questions below. Then you must choose a picture in the first page of the results, and post it as your answer. After tag 7 people to do the same."

Current wish list (max 3)

Hobby

Worst habit

Best subject at school

Nickname

Town i was born

Favourite Colour

Favourite Food

Best thing to do

Favourite place

Place would like to visit

How old i will be next birthday

Good Memory

I sometimes do wonder if Zen does recognise the neighborhood where we live in. I think I've got my answer the other day.

We were driving past one shopping mall near our home. We usually don't go to this mall because the things were not always fresh and there's a shortage of shopping trolleys especially during peak time. But Zen's been in it a couple of times when we needed to grab something quick.

So the other day, we were on our way home after a short trip out and was passing by this mall when suddenly the young one was screaming and waving to this mall! Oh, he seldom points, rather he prefers to wave at things he wants... Anyway, we had almost passed by it when he did this so we didn't know what had caused it.

And a couple of days after that, we passed by this mall again and the lil kiddo was screaming and waving yet again! We couldn't believe it! He actually wanted to go to this mall!! Probably had enough of being stuck at home for too long and anywhere out of home will do for him! Hubby and I had a good laugh and nope, we didn't take Zen there either!

Back To Normal...

Zen is back to his usual mischievous self... and I'm glad! Before he fell sick, I did wish he wasn't "such a nuisance" especially when I've got so many things to do. Most of my chores / errands take longer to complete with him wanting to "help" me. Folded clothes get unfolded, cooking gets halted halfway, phone calls get interrupted (he thinks all phone calls are from / to daddy!) and blogging gets shortened.

But after him being so sick last week, I'm now so happy that he's back to being naughty. Well, at least for a couple of weeks I think! hahaha...

"helping" with the laundry...
the thing is they were still wet as I had to dry his clothes inside because it was raining outside

Worth The Wait?

We went out for dinner last weekend (yup, this is a delayed post) after not daring to venture out for a week when Zen was sick / recovering. Went to Boston Baru. Heard so much about this restaurant that we thought we should give it a try.

Just weren't prepared for the looooooooong wait though. Oh we knew it was a very popular restaurant (so good till people are willing to spend so much of their lifetime waiting for their food!!). And we knew it was going to be quite awhile before we get our food but we didn't expect to wait for 55 minutes from 7pm to 7:55pm!! Yes, we timed it from the minute we finished placing orders. First time in my life that I waited for so long... well, excluding the notoriously late wedding dinners of course. The things we go through for yummy food huh?

And Zen was making so much fuss. The kiddo just couldn't understand why we are not getting our food while other people were eating their food! hahaha... And he just won't sit still so hubby and I had to take turn to carry him around.... so tired!

And the verdict? Very good especially their mantis prawn. Their other specialty is their lala but I don't fancy that so we didn't order it. And are we going back for another round soon? Well, hubby wanted to despite the long wait but as for me.... I think I'll persuade hubby to go really early before the dinner crowd comes in which is about 6:15pm!

Front left: Nestum Mantis Prawn
Middle right: Sweet and Sour Pork
Back: Stir-fried Vege

Judge Not

When we were returning home after dinner during one of the weekends, we saw an accident. There were no fatalities which was a good thing but the cars involved were badly damaged.

It happened at a traffic lights and I'm narrating from our car's point of view in terms of directions. Our lights were red and we were happily discussing the meal we just had when we heard a loud bang. I looked up and saw all cars came to a halt. Apparently, the cars opposite of us at the traffic lights had just started moving, when a car from our right at the traffic lights rammed into one of the cars coming from the opposite direction. Luckily no one was hurt but the driver of the car being knocked looked like she was in a shock... poor thing.

Actually, the reason I'm writing this post is to show how we (or is it just us?) are so quick to judge a person. Right after the accident, we were kinda blaming the "culprit" driver ie how fast he was and that he shouldn't jump red lights etc.

A couple of days after the accident, I was at the same spot and I noticed that the traffic lights from where the "culprit" driver drove past were not working ie there were no lights at all. I know... this should not be taken as a reason for the accident and he should all the more be more cautious but... it does goes to show that I was quick to judge him without giving him the benefit of doubt though I had vowed not to judge others many years ago.... Human nature? hmmmm...

My Son's Into Shopping!?

Over the last few days when Zen was feeling better, he wanted so much to go out! Usually, we would take him out for shopping on weekends and to the parks on some weekdays. But since he was sick, he had to be quarantined at home.

So when he was feeling better, he would lead me or hubby by the hand and bring us over to the door and tried to open the door and then looked pleadingly at us. (how cute...) And when we said no and that he had to wait till he's fully recovered, he would try another way. He would take his shoes out from the shoes cabinet and then our shoes. (how adorable..) Yet again we had to reason with him that his immune system is still low and he should wait... and this is when he started to scream loudly and stamped his feet! (how scary...)

This is not a special effect picture...
It's just the lil kiddo moving too fast (now that he's better) for me to take a good shot

Up and Running

Yes, Zen's almost fully recovered now. Thanks for all the wishes. *hugs* He was feeling much better on Thursday but that's physically. Emotionally, he wanted... nope, I should say needed.. to have mummy beside him at all times. So you can imagine how difficult it was to prepare meals and go to the bathroom!

The ulcers are still there I think since he still refuse to open his mouth when we ask him to but I think it's healing since Zen's willing to eat and drink. Yippee!!

Watching Playhouse Disney at MIL's house a couple of days back...
noticed how he had his mouth shut tight and it seemed like he has something in his mouth? It's full of saliva that he won't swallow as it hurts.

"Ohhh... it hurts so much mummy!!"
But eyes still glued to Pocoyo!

Japanese Food Orange County

Oh I missed Japanese food. Haven't been to a Japanese restaurant for ages (or so it seemed... hehe). Well, at least a month or more I think. And you know what I did the other day? I surfed the net for good Japanese restaurants!

Guess where I ended up in? A pretty and cosy Japanese Restaurant Mission Viejo. This restaurant has a view to be envied! It's situated on a small slope overlooking a lake... ahhhh... Great view and excellent food always makes me feel good.

Was drooling over all the pictures in their menu page! *wipe keyboard* You have to check out their rolls. I may be biased since I love sushi rolls but trust me, they are really beautiful. Absolutely artistic too! Wished I was at that Sushi Orange County... hehe

Gosh, am so hungry now and it's not even time for dinner yet. Maybe we should go to a Japanese restaurant tonight... right dear? And hopefully it'll be as good as those Japanese Food Orange County

Mmm Mmmm Mmmmmm!

That's all Zen can managed these days. He won't open his mouth and will only murmured when he need something and I had to become a mind reader. He's got really bad sore throat. So bad that his fever went up to 40C the night before. And yesterday morning I took him to the pead again. Found out that he had mouth ulcers near his throat. Yes, you read correctly, it's ulcerS... he has more than 1. Poor thing. And they are located near his throat so you can imagine how painful it was for him. Even swallowing saliva is too painful and he keeps them in his mouth and when his mouth is full of them, some of it will dribble out.

He refused to eat or drink yesterday so I had to force fed him with a syringe. Mostly milk and juice and also his medicine. That too he cried so pitifully. Doesn't even want ice-cream. Sigh... Didn't want to play and all he wants is cling onto mummy even when he sleeps. *so tired*

His fever went down a little today and he could managed some bread dipped in cold milk and diluted Yakult. I know I had always "complained" that he was too active and mischievous but I will trade that anytime with what he's going through now. It's so heart wrecking to see him like this...

Oh... It's Sore Throat

Took Zen to the pediatrician this morning. And only then did I find out that what's causing the fever and uncomfortableness for Zen, was his sore throat. He does have flu but not so bad. Apparently, his throat was "very red" and that explains why he didn't have much appetite lately. Sigh, lousy mummy...

Come to think of it, he did constantly put his fingers into his mouth and then gave me the "ouch" look, which I thought was because he was teething. According to the pead, Zen was teething but it wouldn't be that painful, just slight uncomfortable. Poor kid. His eyes are kinda puffy now due to the lack of quality sleep. He kept waking up throughout the night because of the fever and the flu... The poor thing... :-(

Down With Flu

What a bummer! Now it's Zen's turn to be sick after hubby. Hubby's was at year end and Zen's is at the beginning of the new year. Hmmmm.... Actually, hubby's got a bit of the flu bug but he's not too bad... phew! Mummy's holding the fort, wish me luck!

Zen's got the flu and also down with fever on and off (mostly during the night) and thus, is having difficulty sleeping at night. I did try to alleviate his head but he kept turning and slip away from the pillow. Sigh. And I'm not getting any quality sleep neither.

His appetite is not good at all and is super cranky. Wants to be carried most of the time. He's not as light as he used to be and I'm worried it'll hurt my back if I carry him too long. Guess he'll need to learn to be bit more independent even though he's sick huh? But he's cries so pitifully when I put him down that I will give in and carry him. Sometimes, he won't even let me sit while carrying him. Need to walk around or to wherever he points eg to the window to wave to the birds / cats; to the cupboard to say hello to Totoro (a toy character from a Japanese animation, which is one of hubby's prized procession, which explains why it's in the cupboard)! *rolled eyes*

Sweettttt....

Thanks to this lovely lady, I've got a goodies pack full of what else but goodies courtesy of Teik Senn! \(^o^)/ Yippee!

There were products of Sunsweet, Sun-maid, Diamond and Tulip. And I'm so glad to receive these coz I love them, especially the prunes. Back in my college days, I used to, well, have constipation. You know how it is, studying away from home without mum's healthy home-cook food. That's when I gotten to like pitted prunes... for how it can help as well as the taste. The luncheon meat too was a reminder of my college-days (geee, am in a nostalgic mood...). It was tasty and easy to prepare. I can still remember how we fried them in a rice cooker!! hahaha.. those were the good old days!

Oh, and you know what I also found out? That there are actually so many other ways to eat raisins than straight out of its box. Will be trying them soon...

Mischievously Yours

Zen was being extremely mischievous on new year's day. "What's new...." you say? :-) Well, this time it's a new "trick" of his. Lately, he's been into switches for lights / fans etc. Since he's not tall enough to reach the switches, he would pull an adult over to those switches and then stretched out his arms to be carried so that he can switch on-off. *rolled eyes* I normally won't let him "play" with the switches even if he cries so pitifully (and he can do that very well!).

So I guess he has all this urge to play with switches built up in him. And yesterday, I was checking my emails when suddenly the computer went blank! Yes, Zen switched off the main switch on the connector which was reachable to him! We usually would stop the lil guy from venturing to these switches and he knows it very well that he's not allowed near them. But I guess he was on the lookout for opportunities and when he saw mummy was not paying 100% attention to him, he made his move! And boy, did he get a scolding from mummy and daddy! His first for the year :-p Sigh, it's so difficult to give him full attention and concentrate on my own "work"...

It's 2009 Already!

"Ohhhh... 2008 has come and gone already!

Here's Wishing Everyone
A Very Happy
2009