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.