Week 2 and counting

It's been 2 weeks and 2 days since I've started my night shift and it's still a challenge to get used to the "time difference". Perhaps I'll get used to it some day but perhaps never. I have colleagues who shared with me their secret of staying up - drinking tea !

It's not too difficult task for me to drink tea since I'm the tea drinker as compared to being the coffee crowd. But it's still a struggle to stay awake when possible and stay asleep when needed. Hopefully time will help and change.

These are the updates for the past week :-

• I finally got my Florida's Driver License (I took the Traffic Laws twice cause I didn't read about it since I was busy playing catch up with sleep but I'm excited that I passed the Traffic Sign and the Practical driving on my first try. Yes, I did my FIL proud and we did have a good laugh at that, as in he busy teasing me and me busy laughing at the situation. It's preety cool to have a FIL whom you can joke and tease with (or at). I've been driving around with my International License since I return back to Singapore annually and it's just more convenient for me to just apply for it with no test and no hassle. Whereas in Florida, I have to study for it and test for it, both theory and practical. Considering the fact that I've been driving in total darkness, I can't believe that i still need to test for it !

• Paul finally fullfilled his dream and got his first bike - a Harley ! I was preety shocked cause I send him out on a grocery buying trip and he came home with a Harley. He's super excited about it but it's his turn to go for his riding class this week (Thurs-Sunday). Until he can really ride freely in the streets. While he's off on his riding class, I can sleep guilt-free.

We are certainly looking forward to BIKE WEEK ! Or riding around aimlessly and feel the wind brushing against our cheeks... Yah, now that I'm on the bike, I have to stay awake or I'll be thrown off the bike.

Mad Monday !

I'm just relief that I survived my Monday night and did my first cross over of the week to Tuesday. Yes, it's still insane when I think that I go to work on a Monday, return on Tuesday and still return back to work on Tuesday night. But I'm really counting down to the weekend and lookinf forward to Friday. riday night is basically the Party night for us since there's only 4 of us (including our night manager). We basically, eat together, chat and joke around. It's really cool. Perhaps it's more barely now cause I have been listening to my ipod at work. Yah, that really help to keep me awake and alive. But I'm not going to jinx it, afterall I still have 4 more days to go.



Last night, I try the Chinese Tea potion to keep me awake since my "neighbour" aka co-worker basically drown himself on Green Tea. I don't know if it's working but the fact that I am still awake now after 12 hours and still have the energy to update my blog prove some effect.



Anyway... will try to update more..... for now, I need to catch up on some sinful reality TV.

Week 1, Summary

It's been a week of graveyard shift and it's draining. More physically than mentally.

Basically here's my itinery for the past week :-

8.30am - Reached home

8.35am - Walked HatLee

9am - Home from walking HatLee (sorry boy, mummy's dead shag unable to keep up with the 45mins walk like before)

9.05am - Shower, check emails

10am - K.O (Knocked Out)

5.30pm - Woke up from sleep, lazy around

6.30pm, Prepare dinner (anything thrown into the microwave)

7pm - Finished dinner, do some housework

8pm - Return to bed for a short nap

9.45pm - Wake up, cold shower, get ready for work

10.15pm - Leaves home for work

10.45pm - Arrive work, calls Mom, text BFF

11pm - Start work and figuring "What the heck am I doing ?" cause work is a very mysterious mystery to solve.

2am - Frightened by the silence cause no one talks at work

2.15am - Take a 15 mins break and IM my BFF, Tricia (Without her, I'll be dead by now, she keeps me going with motivation, jokes and gossips).

3am - Looking forward to my breakfast break at 4am.

4am - HURRAY !!! It's an hr break time. Had Breakfast, full force on IM and chat with BFF again. Thank God for my phone and my web service !!!

5am - Back to work and already looking forward to another 15 mins break at 6.45am

6am - Fighting really really really hard to stay awake !!!

6.45am - Take 15 mins break and finally closed my eyes and blank out for a few mins.

7am - Wondering why 8am is taking FOREVER ...

7.55am - Glad I made it through the day and wonder if I have the force to drive home

8am - Hit the parking lot and mentally sing "What a Wonderful World"

8.30am - Arrived home and the entire cycle begin again....

Yah, that's preety much all, my daily routine. I basically spoke about 2 sentenses to Paul each day. To think about it, I speak more to my Mom in Singapore or IM more with my BFF than him. If I were to analyse it, my day time desk buddy leave me more "love notes" than I even speak to Paul.

Yah, there's another week to go... MAY THE FORCE BE WITH ME !!!

Day 2

I practically sabotage myself at work !

Today my Quality Maintainence Manager told me, for newbies, we're basically expected to only handle 25 files (case). So out of curiosity, I asked her how many files I've done yesterday. When she run the report, apparently I've done 80 files and she was like "That's a very good number, keep it up and that's what expected."

My second question was "So out of the 80 files, how many bounced back (i.e wrong). And she was like "Only 13% which is a very good number."

Inside my heart, I was secretly cursing myself for doing so much files. Now that I've set it at 80 files, if I did a sudden dip like only 40 files, she would think I've skive big time. Bloody !@#$%^&&*()

It's still a struggle to stay up all night and I have a different admiration for those who worked the graveyard shift. There is a co-worker who have been there for slightly more than a month told me she is having break out on her face, getting dark eye bags and eye rings which she never have before and she caught herself dozing off when driving home (which is a super bad thing). She confuses me with her reply when I asked her "So you know what you are doing (ie at work and on the files).

Her reply was "I know the business and how it is and work but sometimes I still don't know what I am doing."

GREAT ! Just great ! I was having the same question to myself that I don't know what the bloody hell I'm doing 70% of the time but if I only get 13% of it wrong, it can't be too bad right ?!

Thank God for my cellphone, I can get online and chat with my BFF during my breaks and breakfast break at 4am (florida time). Without her entertainment and encouragement, it would be beyond miserable !

*sigh* I need to overcome and get over this upside down lifestyle....

NO DARK EYE RING OR EYE BAG !!!!

On the Job ! - Day 1

It's 9am (Florida time) and it's been 24 hours since I had a wink and I am totally drained... But at least I made it home and still uses the last of my energy to update my blog for the curious folks out there.



I had a feeling that my brain shut down 2 hours ago when I'm still at work and I seriously don't know how I get through the night. It's like an out of body experience but somehow the fear of making mistake kept me awake.



I didn't take any "5 hour" energy drink , Red Bull nor any drugs. Just pure determination ! Not forgetting at my weakest hour at 4am, I managed to get online and chat with my BFF from Sing, Tricia who kept me entertained for an hour. Yes, that was the darkest moment, I told her if I were to take a nap, I may not wake up....



It's insane that I'm driving in the total darkness to get to work. No street lamp, no nothing ! The street practically belongs to me except for a few vehicles who shine pass me... At least I don't have to fight with the traffic. So that's a good sign.



Work = My Supervisor basically left me alone to fend for myself and I have to ask/bother/harrass my co-worker who was sitting beside me. I know he's secretly suffering from internal bleeding but hey, it's my first day and I don't even know what the heck is going on. At least my supervisor did not complain about my work.



So no news is good news right ????



Okie.... I'm getting sleepy.... very very sleeppppyyyyyy ..... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Drive, drive, drive

I think sleeping at 9pm last night and waking up at 7am this morning really charged my battery up to the brim. Today I feel so fresh and rested. Well, 10 hrs of sleep wouldn't kill you right ?

FYI, we have to sign a confidentiality agreement at work thus we can't discuss or post anything in our blog or on involve in any form of "publications" pertaining to work and anyone at work, thus I basically can't comment too much.

I can however mention it's fantastic that we have a break room with cable tv. It's also not that bad when we have a pool table or free pop corn, free chicken soup or free hot chocolate with mini marshmellow. I know there's people out there who have even better and more fancy stuffs but hey, beggars can't be choosers. I know for sure, a pool table is unheard of in Singapore.

So I've been driving to and back from work and I'm still nervous but I try not to think about it. It's like the more I process it or the more I magnify the fact that I'm driving and I drive worst. Thus when I have that negative energy, I start thinking about other stuffs and paying more attention to the songs on the radio. Since I'm born without a GPS in me and neither am I known for my sense of directions or rather I am known for having a bad sense of direction. Till now, I still worry if I'll miss my turn or I'll make a wrong turn. But hey, when that happens, we'll worry about it then. I really detest the part that it's been raining in the evening and that makes me nervous. But I reckon, that's how life is in Florida. My fellow colleages who are from Brooklyn, New York and Chicago tells me how much they miss the train and the buses up North. I am like "Hey, me too, driving sucks" *lol*

It's 6.45pm now and I told Paul, I need to watch some reality tv to perk me up and play with HatLee a little since he's all by himself for most part of the day.

Day 2

Day 2 of work and I am exhausted. With 8 hrs of lecture/training I had a hard time trying to stay awake by the time it's 3pm.

Okie, it's 8pm now and I NEED my sleep.

Yes, I've been driving to and back from work and I still get nervous but I'm getting the hang of it. I know just someday I will be this F1 driver but for now, I just want to be accident free.

It's going to be another day tomorrow but I love working or at least I am for now hahahha

Night Folks, have a pleasant day ahead !

To be continue......

My Life Saviour ! =)

We had one of the best "play date" yesterday with Sommer and Pete at Blue Springs. Honestly, each time we go out "playing" with them, it's always fun. We were in the Blue Springs enjoying the cold water (I think the water is about 20 degs) and the hot sun (oh yes, I did coat myself with sunblock before I even stepped out of the sun).

We were in the rubber tube and letting the current drift us through the river. But out of the kindness of Sommer and my kind heart, we let the boys place their happy butt on the rubber tube while we girls swim up the river and I mean against the current.

Yes, it was like mission impossible (at least for me). While the boys were ahead of us and in their tubes, Sommer had to hold on to the branches by the side of the river to pull herself and move on while the current was pulling me further behind. During then, it was not fun at all, Sommer was worried if there's snake on the branches and I'm worried if I'll ever make it there but now when I'm recall that scene, it's funny.

At one point, Sommer had to pull on the branch and tell me "Di, grab my feet." Since she was ahead of me and by reaching out to her, I would be able to pull myself upwards.

Yes, during this time, the boys just look at us and "motivate" us. But we did managed to join the boys. Who would have known that Sommer would be my life saviour. =)

We finished the night with a great BBQ at Sommer and Pete's place and gosh, she made the best corn on the cob ever !!!! Oh, how can we forget the movie "Last House on the Left". It was violent and blood splattering but I really enjoy it. Our kids, Willie and Hatlee had fun playing but we have to shout at them a couple of times to break up their play. The kids like to play rough...but Boys will be boys. =)

It was a fantastic day and I can't wait for our next play date . I am sure Hatlee is thinking of the same thing too ! =)

AM WORKING !!!! Wooohooo.....

As many of you know, I've found a job or rather a job had found me. Either way, I'm excited about it and I'm glad it happened. It's like now I've returned back to the working force and put my rotting brain to good use. I'm starting work on Monday and for the first time, it's like my first day of school.

Coming Monday, it'll be training week for me, thus it's the normal routine of 9am to 5pm. But after that, I'll start my graveyard shift of 11pm to 8am. I would describe my work as a distributer for hotels in Asia. From my understanding, I would lialise with hotels in Asia and get the best deals and from there, I'll input the details into my Company's system and in return they will sell/download that information to other travel search engines. You're with me so far ???

Perhaps my ability to speak, read and write Chinese and English make me so sought after for this position. Somehow, all those years in school, trying to master and learn Chinese are paying off.

I always thought that perhaps I should work graveyard shift since everyone back home knows how grumpy and grouchy I am in the morning and my mood tend to be better and I'm less violent as the sun sets. Maybe, just maybe I would be "Miss Popular" at work for once. Hahahahah

HatLee - A Dog Whisperer Fan

Like any humans, I discovered that dogs (or perhaps only HatLee) enjoys watching TV program too. Being a first time dog owner, I know nuts about doggie training nor their behaviour and thank goodness, Sommer and Pete are always sharing with me their knowledge of Doggie behaviour. This at least calm my paranoid behaviour cause no one wants to hang out with a crazy doggie owner.

Fortunately there is this very informative program called Dog Whisperer. For those back in Sing who never heard of this show. Basically there is this "Dog Whisperer" who goes to the Dog owner's house and help to correct and train their problematic dogs with bad behaviour. Apparently he works magic with them.

This show comes on every friday night since it coincide with Paul's school. It have become HatLee and my date night. I watch it to learn something from it and I reckon HatLee watches it cause it entertains him ??? But either way, Paul learns something new each time he watches that show as well.

Either way, this boy of mine is officially a Dog Whisperer Fan. He would sit/lay infront of the TV once the show comes on and play with his toy during commerical break and promply sit infront of the TV when the show comes back on. Believe me, he would watch till the whole show is over before he goof around again. I managed to snap some photos of this TV addict.

It's amusing ! =)

Hat + Moo

I am not going to say much on this post cause I'm afraid I'll jinx it.

So check out these pics.

Took them when they least expect it, ENJOY ! =)

P/S : Paul + me are very happy ....

Independence Day ??? Alien Invasion !!!!

This is the insane weather we face in Florida. It can be preety intense when the hurricanes or the tropical storms are approaching. But I reckon, that's what you need to pay to enjoy the short months of winter, that's the sacrifice we need to pay.

Paul was standing in our backyard while HatLee is running in circles in our yard and Paul shouted to me "Di, come here, this remind me of the movie Independence Day when the aliens are making their landing. Dark clouds rolling in and the sky just changed. "

Aliens or not, I'm not sure but this is definately a sight I don't get to see when I'm in Singapore. Perhaps being surrounded by tall buildings and living in the concrete jungle kind of rob the scenery from us.

For folks in Sing, these photos are for you !

Happy HAPPY Birthday SISTA !!! =)

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER !!!

May today and everyday bring you lots of joy, happiness, laughters and fullfillments !

Oh wait, you already had those when you have Ethan *grin*

Anyway have a splendid day and remember there's tons out there who loves you, including ME + Mooch + HatLee =)

Coffee, Tea or Me ?!

I bet everyone have heard of the saying "No man is an island". During then I thought, Bullshit ! It would be a fantastic island, no troubles, no nonsense, no headache and no dramas. Basically it's an island of just do whatever the heck I want with no worries.

I've been to that island and by then, even the birds who visited me, crap on my island make me see the rainbow. Again, that doesn't mean I appreciate drama.

This morning, Mr Postman visited me today and he brought me a parcel ! The postage fees is extortion, yes, it's freaking SGD60.70 fees (approximately USD40) and it's from Singapore. Sender - One of my longest BF, Klarie. I realised I've known Klarie for 16yrs !

I ripped off the tape and presented before me Fruity Lite Tea (FYI, I'm a Tea Drinker). This really got me excited, Klarie have shared with me her new discovery - Fruity Lite Tea and apparently she's been drinking it and it taste fabulous and even better - flatten her tummy ! Now, which girl would say no to that wonderful discovery ?

After I took my shower, make myself a cup of yummy-li-cious tea from Klarie and it's like heaven. Who would know, all it takes is a cup of tea from your BF to make your day ! =)

So THANKS, THANKS, THANKS and THANKS Klarie ! Thanks for your thoughtfulness and your tea. Now I can't wait to share it with Paul. And I believe no man would say NO to flat belly either !

P/S : I will make sure I'll drink that 3 times a day !!! Wooohooo .... I LOVE MY FRUITY TEA !

First trip to the Beach

It's both HatLee and my first time to the Beach but I went fully prepared. Before we left the house, I was covered and loaded with the Sunblock SPF70. I told Paul, I can't recall when was the last time I went to the beach. The insane thing is, when I was younger, sunblock was unheard off, I was ready to just hit the beach. Yah, that was when I'm in my teens and was fearless. But now, I have age and dark spots to think about and I'm not hitting the beach unless I have my sunblock with me.

The trip was so fun ! I know Hatlee definately had a fantastic time, he was running on the sand, playing with his BFF - Willie the entire time. Doing their rumble, running after each other, chasing after the fresbie and swimming. I love it when the boys swim, they look so funny doing their doggie paddle. Infact, they rumble (play) so much, we have to drag them to the water so they can swim and stop their rumble. It was fun meeting other dog lovers too but some are rather annoying. They don't hold on to the leash of their dog, perhaps for some reason, they think it's cool but when their dog run towards HatLee or Willie, it made me nervous. Cause I don't know how friendly their pets are. Some dog owners even tell us, their pets are not friendly ! If so, just jolly well, hold on to their leash and don't let them run around ! Arrgghhh.....

After the beach, we head off to Pete's folks condo. But the boys were still trying to rumble with each other. Until we have to put them on the balcony with us. That's when they can finally chill and just watch the vehicles go by. Sommer even took the cutest photo of them taking their nap together. Yes, those who naps together, stay together !

HatLee was totally exhausted. He totally crashed and was snoring on our way home.

They are just so adorable and Yes ! we're definately going back to the beach.

Hmm...

It was scary yesterday when Hatlee started limping. Instant thought that hit me was like did the "distemper" virus hit him ? Is he dying ? Cause the Vet told us, once dogs get infected with it, there is no cure for it and one of the symptoms is losing balance or shaking in the limps etc.

Paul rang his previous vet and apparently Hatlee had his "distemper" shots in Feb 09 when his previous owner brought him there. Since it's compulsory for SPCA to give this shot, we know that Hatlee now have the jab twice is should be fully covered (a jab will protect him for 3 years). Or the virus could infect him before he had his shots since the virus could incubate in him for 3 months with no signs of it and when it's full blown, there will be no cure. The jab acts as a preventive measure but not a cure. Like a nervous mom, I am still keeping a lookout for any greenish discharge on his eyes or nose or if he continues to limp.

As for his runny/wet nose, our vet advise us, he could be having allergy like us humans. I had fed him with anti-histamine and soon after, his nose would always be dry and normal.

We fed Hatlee some pain pills last night in hope it will help with his paw as he was limping so bad, his right front paw didn't even touch the floor. After 2 doses of pain pills, as at current, he is behaving like before.

He even met another Retriever this morning during his walk and they were playing around. From that, I know that my baby boy would be doing preety good.

As at now, he is playing with his toy.

I am Paranoid !

Like any other day, this morning, HatLee woke me up with a shake on the bed. He have this habit of sleeping right beside me after his early morning walk with Paul. The moment I call his name, he will wag his tail like it's about to drop off and start panting and get really excited.

After a breif chat with my girlpal from Aus, I took HatLee for his morning walk. He was sniffing, peeing, pooping and display no strange behaviour. When we reach home , I noticed he was limping and his front right paw was barely touching the floor. He came and rub himself against me, then he lay down beside the couch. So I gave him a snack and when he came walking towards me, again I saw this strange limp and this time I panicked.

Insane thoughts hit my head ... could the virus hit him like the ones that Vet was mentioning ? Did he hurt his paw during his walk ? Did he sprain himself ? Did something bite him when he was in the field cause we hve been told there are snakes in the empty lots around us. I inspected his paw and there was no strange objects in it. Thus I panicked and started call the Vet's office. Like any typical senerio, I can't get through them. So I proceed to call the next emergency number on the list - Paul's Cell.

Like a calm father, he kept assuring me, "HatLee is fine, he's okay". According to Paul's list, as long as there is no visible broken bone, no bleeding, no splitting of the flesh, the bone did not punture his skin, he's alright. Even thought I am on the urge of crying over the phone and about to hold HatLee in my arms and tell him not to die, Paul think he's fine. Yah, I never thought I could be this dramatic mother. Whereas with Mooch, I am more calm cause he is the fighter and one who can and did kick HatLee's furry butt.

HatLee is still not talking to me and telling me what's wrong with him. I guess he'll only tell his Dad when he returns. He just walk to his crate and lay down with his toys. This worries me even more, like which child wants to lie in bed and not go out and play ???

Never in a million years would I thought that I would be this paraniod mother. To begin with, even being a dog owner now still amaze everyone around me. But I am paranoid and it's about everything, every poop he makes, I will look at the color and determine if it's a different color from his last poop (and NO, I don't touch it to test it's consistency or taste it either, you sicko).

I worry if he's eating enough, if he's drinking enough and if he have runny nose, I worry if he's sick and got infected with "swine" flu. I know, HatLee is just a dog but ask any dog lovers/owners out there. They don't see it as a dog, they see this fur ball as their child who love them unconditionally, who follows you around and love on you, even better, they never talk back. In Paul's case, HatLee is the only one who appreciate and enjoy his burp...

This is him sleeping in his crate now, surrounded by his toys.

Play Date

We brought HatLee for his 2nd playdate with Willie and Reese on Sunday and gosh, they are just like kids playing, running and chasing each other around the yard. Unlike Reese, the boys were insane, they were after each other and it's amusing. I just hope HatLee will love the water a little more and jump in fearless like Willie.

I know HatLee totally enjoyed himself cause he burned out all his energy and even his reserved energy and basically crashed and layout flat on our ride home. He also slept the entire of yesterday. Little did he know we have planned another play date at the doggie beach for him this weekend.

This time, our mission is to let him enjoy the water and swim like the natural swimmer that he is (he just don't know it yet).

Last night, I caught myself laughing out loud when I recall Willie hiding behind the tree and poke his head out when Sommer called him. He's so adorable and funny.

UPDATE : We think Mooch is getting along better with HatLee, for the past week, there's no attack launched or any injuries. We even caught Mooch sneaking up to HatLee and sniffing him. However, HatLee always mistaken Mooch to be Willie, who like to run around and chasing each other. We still have to correct HatLee or tell him to leave Mooch alone.

Thanks Klarie !

I believe that like every single female out there, I am one who is on the constant lookout for the most comfy pair of shoes, the all occassion bag, the go-to outfit and the perfect accessories. For me, I am on the look out for all of the above and like the rest, it's never too much to have the additional pair of shoes, another bag or just another pair of earrings.

I do have a weakness for earrings and like my BFF, Tricia, she is my "earring" shopping buddy. She had bought me a pair of hoops earrings before but I feel that I still need another pair of hoops earrings and I've been on the look out for that particular one to add to my collection. Finally, I bump across this pair of inside-out Blue Turquoise Stirling Silver earrings. They definately caught my attention and this time, they are not getting away ! Best of all, it's a birthday present from my long time pal, Klarie. So it's totally guilt free shopping for me.

I finally received them in the mail today (thank goodness, I've got them eariler as they are on Wait List now) and it's like my birthday all over again !

Once again, THANKS KLARIE for your brilliant taste and choice for my B-Day Present. =)

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH !!!

1 down, 2 more to go....

AM on my "Special" project now to create something for the triplets.

They are growing older and more mischievous each day and every little news and stories about them told to me by my mom cracks me up. Their school activites and their homework from school. Despite the fact that they are only 4 but there's homework for them to accomplish over the weekend. It's insane but I reckon that's the education system now afterall, it's good to start from young. They are each very special in their own individual way and funny with the things they say.

This is what I've done for them. I've completed "Renee" and I'm working on "Darrius". Hopefully I can finish his soon then I can start working on "Rachael".

Turning ___ yrs old (Hint 16 + 17)

We had a fantastic saturday.

It was a great day, we woke up early and drag HatLee to the Sanford's Farmers Market with our sandwiches in the cooler ready for our picnic later. He was both excited and nervous at the same time. Perhaps his previous owner don't bring him out to places cause we discover that he have this problem everytime he's at a crowded places. It was fun bringing him around but he later got so excited that he was dragging Paul everywhere and it's hard to walk with him when he's dragging Paul along.

Thus we decide to cut short the trip at the Market and decided to head off for our picnic but by then it was about 40 degs out and we really have no desire to eat under the blazing sun and by then, Paul was sweating like a pig and I was close to passing out and Hatlee was foaming at the mouth from dehydration. So we loaded him up into the car and returned back to our cooling house.

Yah, Hatlee was happy with his water and we're just relief to be away from the heat. I took a long nap and it was good cause we have dinner appointment with CJ and Lisa.

We went to this restaurant called TuTu Tango and it's basically Tapas style with various choices to choose from and share. We were nervous about the decision from the menu but was surprised by how yummy it all came out. Till now, Paul is still raving about their Egg Roll Chicken, while CJ is the big fan of their Bang Bang Shrimp. There was a surprise Birthday Shoutout and I'm so embarressed but it was all in good fun and even better, the yummy ice cream and brownie.

We end the night with a trip to Fun Spot where we ride the go-kart, play the arcarde games and collect the tickets and exchange for silly toys.

It was simply, GOOD TIMES and I had so MUCH FUN !!! =)

Can't get over it

Gosh, I am still so super excited about my brand new handbag ! I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE IT ! This is like my favourite bag in the world (Sister Neo, I am not trying to "Three-Leg" you) .

It's my magic bag, I can stuff my novel (hard cover) in there along with my diary, my junk and my water bottle. Yes, I have this habit to bring my water bottle with me... filled with ice which is like the temporary solution for the steamy hot summer days (I know I'm not supposed to drink ice cold water, but it's 39 degs outside, surely everyone need a break). Even Paul the super picky/fussy man commented my bag is nice.

So once again girls, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!! I am so happy with my presentssssss !!! =)

They who know me and They whom I love dearly !

This morning, I don't know what got into Hatlee. He woke up all hyper, jumping around, walking back and forth around the door and even barked (twice) for no apparent reason. For his bad behaviour, I put him into his crate for some soul searching.

With some peace to myself, I was thinking, "Perhaps later when Paul goes for his accupuncture, I'll go to Target and look for a handbag. It's time to pamper myself. Perhaps I'll apply my facial mask too and just chill but am not sure about it, cause the facial mask can't be bought in US thus I have to use it sparsely but they are so good and effective." *sigh*

20 Mins later, the door bell rang and the postman drop me a package. Hmm... this is interesting, that familiar handwritting written on the envelope from my BFF - Tricia.

I instantly rip off the package and found the best present in the world. Entirely filled with love and even better, what I have wanted and been thinking of. I can't help but laugh out loud and go "wooohooo" !

Yes, my special birthday present from my brilliant BFFs. They got me a handbag from are one of my favourite brand - Esprit (my fav design too ! Hobo style) and the facial mask that all my girlpals used and rave about and just what I needed. Along with photos of my Godson - Ethan and all those came from my sisters in Singapore !!! How lucky can a girl get ???!!!!

I just can't express enough thanks for their thoughtfullness and their love.... Yes, I am one super lucky girl !!!!!

And of couse Hay, I didn't forget you, Thanks for that touching B-day card.

It meant a lot to me =)

and They said "Hello"

I never thought this day would come but last night, Mooch decided to check Hatlee out and said "Hello" to him. I was laying down next to Hatlee and Mooch was approaching us, too close for me to be comfortable with the situation thus I back off and Paul took over.

Paul just hug Mooch and carry him into his arms and Mooch started purring while Hatlee was sniffing away. Mooch remained in Paul's arm and both boys certainly enjoyed the sniffing session while Paul just watched and I grabbed my camera and started snapping the photos.

For a good 10 mins, Mooch were just purring in Paul's arms while Hatlee just lay right next to Paul's feet, chilling. They were both so sweet WITHOUT the fight.

Fortunately this episode turn out well and no one is injured.

Now I'm hoping for the day when Mooch will lie down next to Hatlee and both can take a nap together. I am not kidding, I still get nervous when Mooch gets too close to Hatlee cause I don't know when Mooch will snap, jump into Hatlee's face and scratch till he see blood. But meanwhile, I'll just have to keep a close eye.

Hatlee is with Kennel Cough

During Hatlee visit with the vet last friday, the Doctor told us our boy contracted Kennel Cough and we suspect he got it when he was in SPCA previously. He was given anti-biotics for 2 weeks and is due for another visit 2 weeks later for a follow up.

Like a kid, he doesn't respond well to medication, so we tricked him by wrapping his medicines with a slice of cheese. Thinking it's his treat, he gobble it all down. Infact, I think he looks forward to his slice of "Special" cheese every morning.

Somehow Hatlee doesn't eat as much as we want him to and the vet suggested we feed him with white rice and boiled chicken (human food). Fortunately I told Sommer about it and she advised me against it cause once we get him started, dogs tend to not eat their food anymore and start wanting to eat our food and may even start the annoying habit of begging since they have taste something good. Thank godness for Sommer's advise or not I would have fed him human food and end up with a bad habit of his to break.

So NO, we're not following the vet's advise. Instead, I break his dog treats (milk bones) into 3 pieces and buried it into his dog food and Hatlee just have to eat his way into his treat. Yah, that's the Dog Whisperer for you ! *lol*

Meanwhile our insane puppy is still jumping around, running all over the place and playing with us every single chance he gets. But he's still a good boy and we all love him very much. I managed to snap some photos of him. There's one of him in his crate sleeping last night. No Joke, he really sleeps with his limbs up in the air. I don't know why but he does that all the time.

Enjoy....

Insane Weekend

Gosh, it was a hectic weekend !

Sunday, we went to this place call "Big Tree" I don't know for sure if that's the exact name but the youngsters have been raving about it that they can climb up a tree and jump off from there etc etc. So we went to investigate.

Instead of a nice view, it's a swamp. For real, the waters are dark and dirty, I am not surprised if there's snakes and alligators hiding under the waters or nearby. there's a group of young punks smoking pot and all over the place, there's broken beer bottles, empty cans and to put it, it's muddy, dirty and filled with junk. I don't know what the hype it's all about so we left about 10 mins later.

Then we head off to the swimming pool where we can really swim in the clean and clear water ! It's kind of a work out for me and it's cooling to be in the pool under the hot sun. Oh yes, I did load myself up with the SPF 70 sunblock.

On Saturday, for the first time in a long time, we woke up at 9am on Saturday morning and finally venture the Sanford Farmers' Market. It's there every weekend from 9am till 1pm. Apparently they have stalls that sells organic vegetables, food and products. It was splendid, we found a stall that sells "Fine Pasta". Believe me, there was tons of selection from Dark Chocolate pasta which is for dessert to Carrot Pasta. Since we're not that wild an creative in the food department, we bought ourselves some "Lemon Chives Angel Hair" pasta. Yup, we're planning to top it with Shrimp and Saute mushrooms. But that's in the pantry for now. We're planning to bring Hatlee with us the next time we return.

Next, we hit World Market. It's a store that sells items from all over the world and I was estastic when I found my childhood candies "Fruit Gums" along with Prawn Crackers and Crunchy Chocolate Bars. For those who have no idea what the Crunchy Chocolate Bar is, you have to get your hands on it and discover what chocolate bar really is. I don't know why, since Americans are such chocolate/candies people, why don't they sell the Crunchy Chocolate Bar at all supermarkets ?

After, I grabbed all my goodies, we made a mad dash to the pet store cause Paul wanted to buy back seat covers to protect his back seat since Hatley would be with us more and we don't want his fur to cover the back seat. When we were ready for payment, Paul discovered he lost his ATM card. Yah right !!!!

No, he didn't misplace his ATM card, he lost it. After a lengthy phone call to the Bank to report his lost, it seems that the ATM machine retain his card cause he left it in the ATM machine. Don't ask me how and why he did that. If I have an answer to every of his unexplainable actions, I wouldn't be wondering why he did what he did in the first place.

After all these, it's only 12.30pm and we have to dash off to the Car Dealer and get the oil change for our car. Seriously, by this time, I want to just go home and chill. But I can't since we still need to go to the supermarket and grab some ingredients so I can make the party food for the night. Yes, you heard me, we still have a party to go to.

By 5pm, I had my ingredients, I was ready to get everything ready and have my first decent meal of the day. Few slices of Pizza... Fortunately I managed to get my Devil Eggs ready and 8pm, we were all "costumed" up and heading to our neighbour's place (2 doors down).

I thought dressing up as Yoko Ono in Protest would be easy since she's dressed in her PJ and have her hair all messy with NO make up. But I over estimate that set up. It took me 45 mins to get my hair messy and for the first time, I wonder why is my hair behaving so well.

But the night ended with a bash, we had fun, our neighbours were insanely funny and it's really a great party !

Check out these pics....

Double Billy May (Apparently he sells items on TV and everything he sells makes profit up to millions)

It's me with Jimmy Henricks.

Dead Celebrities Party ???!!!!

With the recent death of celebrities like MJ and Farrah Fawcett (The original Charlie's Angels). My wacky neighbours decided to host a party, this Sat in memory of our favourite dead celebrities. And that's all for good fun but the theme - Come dressed Up as your favourite Dead Celebrities !

Honestly, Me and Paul always have mixed feelings about dressing up parties. Don't get me wrong, I totally enjoy watching others dressed in costumes that they will never wear on a normal day, all of them being so creative and spontaneous, so it's all fun and hilarious. But for me and Paul, it's a major nightmare and days of cracking your head looking for inspiration on who we should dressed up in. It takes days of debate, arguing and when we finally agreed to the role, up come hunting down for the costume portion and where to find it and if I can find it. And of course, finding it at minimal cost since God-know-when we'll dressed up like that again.

Seriously, after days of migraine, the party doesn't really seem that fun after all....

I mean, whatever happen to just BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) or Party till you drop aka drunk ??? Arrrgghhh.....

So the Party is this Saturday and only Today, Thursday did Paul and I come up with our final decision. He's going as John Lennon and Me, his side-kick and partner Yoko Ono.

Our next step now, is looking for the round black sunglasses for Paul and he'll bring his guitar along for the party. As for me, I think thinking of dressing up as the Yoko Ono in the 60s, with my hair all messy and perhaps I'll go in my PJs as an re-enactment to their honeymoon "bed-in" for peace in room 902, the presidential suite of the Amsterdam Hilton as protest to the Vietnam War. So my chant during the party would be "Make Love NOT War". Am sure that'll be an instant hit.

I guess that's like ZERO effort on my part, just go with NO MAKE-UP, NO Brushing of hair either !

FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY !!!!!!!!!

Morning Walk

Every Morning at 6am, Paul would drag himself out of bed to bring Hatlee for his poopy walk. I know how much Paul love his sleep but I know how much more he love to see his boy, Hatlee. It's a sight, when Hatlee gets all excited, wagging his tail like it's about to fall off when Paul is standing infront of his crate. I'm tell you folks, Hatlee is hyper when he see Paul, it's like Paul is his treat, he will even jump around Paul cause he's so happy. And you guys should see the smile on Paul's face too.

Apparently 20 mins of walk is enough for him to explore, sniff, whiz and poop. So when Paul leaves for work, he'll leave Hatlee in my room, with the doors closed and from that point onwards, that boy will either play sliently in the room with his toys or go to his crate and sleep or just lay and wait for me to wake up. About 9am, when I finally open my heavy eye lids, the moment I said "Hi Hatlee", he will get up, come to me and wag his tail like it's play time. Yes, I am beginning to love morning now, walking up to my boy.

It's really fun when I bring him on his morning walks, amazingly, he still poop and that's two times in the morning considering how little he eats, I am shocked he have so much poop to generate.

But it's the after effect of the walk that I love, he gets his energy burned during the walks. The moment he reach home, he'll look for his toys, gather them around him, play around a little, eat some food, drink his water and just lay down and take a "cat" nap. Until he's ready to wake up and play again....

As for Mooch, he will hide behind the couch and observe what the crazy dog is up to. Or perhaps he's planning his next karate move on Hatlee.

Check out these pics taken after his morning walk.

UPdate !

Since my last update, there’s been interesting events going on, like the family’s annual 4th of July celebration at my FIL’s place. Seriously, it’s so fun watching fireworks going off about 10 feet away from you and you’re constantly debating if you’re going to relax and enjoy the show or take precaution about getting burn or covered by ashes from the fireworks. But either way, as long as you’re with your family, who cares? If I get burned, they get burned too! *lol* Fortunately no ones get burn and everyone have a great time.

Me and Paul took the weekend off and drove up to South Carolina to visit his BFF who was down with pneumonia and thankfully, he recovered and is now with his family in North Carolina. We took the opportunity to visit Savannah, Georgia where Paul had wanted to bring me for the longest time. It’s a good getaway for both of us.

Now, this is interesting and I know it'll knock the socks off everyone. It’s a known fact that I am afraid of cats and dogs and neither am I particularly fond of them to speak of. I remembered clearly that I will run the opposite direction when I see a dog approaching or be on the other end of the room if I happen to be in the same room as a dog/cat. Infact I still am weary of strange dogs cause I never know when they will snap (perhaps some day I will let my guard down).

After witnessing all the fun that Sommer had with adorable Cooter and funny Willie. My FIL with his sweetie, Reese. I have secretly been wanting to have a dog, especially a Golden Retriever but at the same time, I’m rather worried about their behavior, if the dog is too hyper, too aggressive, too much bad habits, too much work.

But I get envious when I see everyone is having so much fun with their dogs. Finally, I was determined to have a puppy where we can have fun with. However, Paul with his pail of icy cold water pouring over my head telling me how much work we have to do, what we need to do and all the other stuffs and responsibilities that come along with being a dog owner, like giving up on vacations since we can’t leave the dog alone at home like what we did to Mooch or going out for long hours at a time and leaving the dog home alone, by himself. Even waking up at 6am to walk the dog for his “poop” deposit etc. It’s like raising a baby, without the night feeds and without the back talking.

Last Wednesday, I don’t know what hit Paul, he suddenly agreed to having a dog. Striking the iron while it’s hot, I made him drive to the SPCA where we can adopt a dog and give him a shelter. When I saw this Golden Retriever playing with a potential adopter, my heart sank, as he’s so adorable and he looked so calm and happy. So we stood by the fence and talked to this potential adopter and discovered that she can’t adopt him since she just moved from Seattle and doesn’t have a place for a dog yet.

Secretly I was doing my cheer and ready to shout, “We can, we have a place for him !” But I still don’t know how Paul feels about this puppy cause he had saw another dog in the kennel right before. But the moment we stepped inside the fence, this Golden Retriever just come and sat down right infront of Paul. That moment, I know Paul love him too.

Everything just happened so fast right after, all the paperwork, all the signing of Adoption application forms etc. The next thing I know, he is going to be sprayed the next day and we can bring him home the next.

It’s been 6 days since Hatlee is home with us and he’s been a joy to be around. Except for the part that Mooch is terroising him since Mooch had scratched Hatlee twice and hiss at Hatlee with every chance he gets, it’s a nightmare to keep them apart. Since Hatlee is so curious with everything around him and wants to be friendly with Mooch and Mooch just want to hunt him down.

Other than that, this bundle of joy is everything I wanted and more.

My Godson - Ethan

When my BFF (Tricia) told me that she's bless with a baby, I am excited. It's like finally I can be a Godmama and finally the good are rewarded aka the god is looking her way (an insider joke).

During most of her pregnancy, I witnessed my BFF's flat belly slowly swell up to the size of a football, I'm also confident that he's going to be as calm, composed and super easy going like his mummy.

On 3rd October 2008, this little bundle of joy finally arrived. It was a disappointment that I wasn't there when he kicked full force into this world. It sucked even more that I wasn't there for his Full Moon Party (1 mth old celebration). But his mummy always sent me photos of him or update his growth in his website. ( http://my-precioustots.blogspot.com/ )

When I am back in Singapore this time, I finally have the chance to meet this little bundle of joy, Ethan for the very first time and boy did he make an impression ! He was basically crying, screaming, cranky and upset the whole entire time. He have a very fix routine that sent his mother slaving all over him and sent his Godmama - Me spinning when he cry and helpless when he scream. Suddendly he was no longer fun. It's all about feeding, cleaning, pacify him when he's cry, making him all comfy and petting him till he fall asleep. Then 1 hour 30 mins later, he's awake and ready to go through the entire ritual again. I reckon that's the "glamourous" side of being a mother and the "superstar" side of being a baby.

I even told his mummy, "I don't think I am really ready for a kid at this time, it's way too tough." But calmly, his slaving mother assured me "It's all worth it."

The next time when I met Ethan, I think he finally got over himself and decided to give him mom an easy day. This entire day, he was simply charming. He smiled at everyone, giggled at every chance and he's just a big ball of sunshine and great joy to be around. Even when his mummy was playing mahjong with us and Miia gracefully took over Ethan and he didn't even kick a fuss when his mother is not slaving all over him.

Despite the fact that we "man handled" him between us, as if he's a football, he was a great gentleman and simply surrender to our insanity and allow us to do whatever we want with him. He's a great sport especially when his mummy whip out her camera. Ethan just smile all the way showing off his charming side. Then I told Tricia "Yah, it's really worth it. Even if you have to change his diapers and fend yourself when he pee at you but his smile and giggle make everything all worth it."

I can't wait for the day when Ethan will call me "Godma D" or even better when he'll sit on my lap when I play mahjong with his mummy and win her money ! *lol*

He's such an adorable boy and for real, he's like an addiction you can't quit and don't want to quit ! Check out these photos.... (Photo 1 : Cecilia n Ethan n Me. Photo 2: Miia n Ethan n Kayden)