The Island

This show stars E. McGregor and S. Johansson. Check it out. This takes insurance policy to another level.

Sewing 101

It's been ages since I used a sewing machine. My first experience was in high school when they still had the machines with the wheel where you have to turn it yourself. When mom was here this summer, we invested in a electric sewing machine. All you have to do is align your fabric and press the automatic pedal and off you go. It took me about 45 min to learn all the bells and whistles as well as threading the needle. Then, I did a few test runs just to be sure I have the stitch I wanted. After all that, it took me 5 minutes and I finished my little project - a hooded towel for DD. She got one from one of the ladies at work and that's all we've been using. All the towels they sell for babies / toddlers are useless, they are expensive and non-absorbant. Little things like this puts a big smile on my face. Now, I am thinking what else can I sew......

Days off

Made a deal with the boss on some mandatory vacation to recoup from the hectic holidays. Yes, while everyone was enjoying the last holidays of the year, I was working even on my day off. The deal breaker is if I answered any emails or worked. I am happy to say I did neither. It felt great. Had a few days just doing what I wanted or felt like doing. Had multiple therapies - retail, massage and cinema. I did check my blackberry to stay in the loop and saw how my boss and staff picked up the load while I was out. As much as it's appreciated, it's harder on me to let go but I did. I feel good.

Kitchenette

For the past 6 weeks, I've been analyzing different toy kitchens for DD. They come in all shapes and sizes complemented with its ridiculous pricing ($30 - $180). We looked at playability, utensils, bells & whistles and reviews from other parents. Today, we went out to Toy'srus and was determined to buy this kitchenette which we think would really put a big smile on DD. Instead, we found this Fisher Price Fun Folding Kitchen tug away with no demo displays. This one never made it to our list for consideration. A closer look revealed a gem - folding capability for storage ease, has sound for "reality", minimal utensils - enough for DD to play and not too many to drive hubby insane and it's reasonably priced. It's take 10 min to "pop" it into place and the screwdriver is only needed to put one handle on. Nice! Has a removable sink. It's so real, DD poured water in everything she cooked. After 1 hr of play, she lies down with hubby and said, "Thank you, Mommie!" Aahh.....success.

Must watch TV - really?

I plunge myself in the sofa with our harmony remote and was eager to catch up with my weeklong tivo recordings. To my disappointment, there weren't much recorded. What did get my vote are still NCIS, BL, GW and DH. I will add Crumbs, the new Fred Savage comedy. The pilot was good - it made me laugh. Can't wait for the new Jenna Elfman show.

TV shows in 2006

Ok, 2006 Tv season is not starting off on the right foot. It's already the 5th day into the new year. Where are all the shows????? Our TIVO is now forced to record crap we normally would not see.

Our house

After a productive and successful (AHEM!) decluttering session the past 2 weeks, I am happy with how our house looks. Still small as our needs have grown considerably but cozy, high-tech, likable, almost in a sentimental way - being our 1st house and all. In reflection, it's far better than the homes in Malaysia. Acceptable level of dust, central air and no unexpected visits from our other relatives (human and non-human). In M'sia, if you leave anything sweet on the kitchen counter, you just open a sign up to invite an army of ants for a fiesta. Anytime you want to complain about what you already have, think about what you don't have or want. We're happy to have a roof over our head and central heating (at least during Winter season).

Sleepless 2006

Some things don't change. I crashed into bed at 8pm last night after 4 hrs of off and on sleep the previous night. Woke up at 12:30am and hubby is still gaming. Made the mistake of getting up the first place, now my zombiness kicks in. Daughter has that sixth sense of detecting me out of bed. Maybe it's the TV noise but I like to think it's her sixth sense - sounds cooler / creepier adn great water cooler ice breaker. :-) So, had to cradle her to sleep. An hour later, I am up again. *&@#$%^%% My mind starts to think and the creative thoughts kept flowing....another hour passed and after 3 pages of writing down my thoughts, I have one work goal accomplished! Progress? Yes. Crazy? ABSOLUTELY!

Another word game

This wordgame is quite fun. The only con is you can't type the words.

Happy New Year!

Had family over and we cooked up a feast. Nasi lemak, sambal, lamb curry, schezuan tofu and bok choy. For dessert, ais kacang. Aah, this is life.

May you and yours have a prosperous new year!