15 Quick Ways to Release Stress Now

How do you find time to release those pent-up stress when you are busy working all day?

In today's world, a quick pace of life calls for quick measures. (Singapore has the world's fastest walkers, no less! Read about rankings here). 

With only short and odd pockets of free time here and there, I have found some fast and easy ways to recharge and perk myself up before another round of endless chores. Hope you'll find them useful as much as I do. Enjoy!

1. Turn on the Music

Music can lift me up instantly. I'll let it take me away from my tiredness and free my mind. More often than not, I'll sing to it, groove to it, or play it out loud while I'm doing something, like housework. This is my number one way to relax and cheer up. Never underestimate the power of music; it can motivate, inspire, calm, relax, heal wounds and give you an energy boost. Or it could be a means of catharsis, providing a channel or outlet to release bottled up feelings (e.g. worries and unhappiness) which may have accumulated unconsciously. It does not have to be vocal nor does it need to be pumping loud - a softly played classical/instrumental number can deliver the same results. 

2. Paint

Recently, I tried my hands at painting and it was therapeutic. I painted section by section as long as my free time permits. Gosh, I was so lost in the painting process and when I'm done, it was as if I've hit my refresh button and has centred my off-balanced self back to the original setting. Getting into the flow (the complete absorption in what one is doing), losing track of time and then, being back fully refreshed was truly rejuvenating. And hey, I could say I was once somehow in the same mental realm as my favourite painter Vincent Van Gogh! 

Painting My Beloved's Beloved.
I'm so going to put this in the study of our new home!

3. Yoga

Yoga can help relieve bodily pains, strengthen your core, reduce anxiety, increase your resistance to stress and is considered a form of meditation. Truly, one cannot ignore the strong connection between the body and the mind - if your body feels good and fit, you will feel better mentally and emotionally. 

Currently, I have three favourite yoga poses which I do in the morning to crank myself up for the busy day ahead. Why not find your favourites and you can do them whenever you need an energy boost, like during a mid-day slump? One pose only takes a few minutes to start reaping the benefits. If I have more time, I'll attend the beginner's class on my ipod app Yogify (Note: My whole body started burning and trembling within 15 minutes) And if you have the gumption for it, sign up for a yoga course and you'll be a full-fledged yogi in no time.

4. Meditate

Admittedly, I would say I have never fully went into meditation before. Yes, I had tried sitting still for 8 minutes which felt like forever and I tried focusing on my breathing and visualising all sorts of kind thoughts. But well, that few minutes of tranquility is worth all the effort. Anyway, if it is said to reduce stress and anxiety and that it can lead to 'true happiness', I am willing to keep trying. 

Up till now, my favourite type of meditation is guided meditation which comes with peaceful/nature background music. I watch guided meditation videos on YouTube where I simply follow the instructions of the guider/teacher. It goes: Now, relax your shoulders,... breathe in deeply for 5 seconds... Next, imagine yourself on top of a mountain with crisp fresh morning air...

At times, just before fetching my hyperactive son from school, I'll spend the last 5 minutes meditating, focusing on my breathing to 'clear my mind' and ready myself in a Zen state. You can try this to prepare yourself for the 'turbulence' ahead - like for an interview or a presentation.

Note: Sometimes, when I feel like I'm going to explode from my anger (courtesy of my son and/or husband), I'll shut my eyes and breathe in a few times deeply, kind of like a meditation. :) Try it to see if it works for you.

5. Have a Quick Home Spa: Massage and Heat Therapy

I often sneak in a quick self-massage whenever I'm bathing. Try this: When you shampoo, use the ball of your fingers (not the nails!) to gently massage your whole scalp. This improves blood circulation of your scalp and even promotes hair growth. If you are having a headache, use your thumbs to massage in small circular motion on your temples and upper-jaws, the area in front of your ears. Next, when you are showering, make use of the soapy, slippery nature of the shower foam to massage your body: Use both your thumbs to knead the back of your neck. Then, use your four fingers to knead the top and back your shoulders and your upper arms (cross your arms when doing this). Finally, lift your feet and give the soles a few strokes of pressure using your fingers and end by stroking your calf and thigh muscles upwards towards your heart to further improve your blood circulation. You can choose to sit down which is safer - the floor may be too slippery.

After your massage, have a little heat therapy: target a very warm shower spray onto your sore muscles for about 5 seconds on each spot. Let the warm water land on the back of your neck, shoulders, back, thighs and calf muscles. Feel the heat releasing your body tension. Not forgetting your toes, give them a good splash of heat. In fact, after a warm shower, I'll always feel squeaky clean, refreshed and renewed - like I had just washed my tiredness away and is now a brand-new me! But you should not do so for too long or the heat will dry up your skin. Slather on some body moisturizer if you like.

6. Laugh Out Loudly

Laughing is certainly the easiest and fastest way to lift your spirits. You can watch a funny movie, read a funny book or keep a very upbeat friend with you, especially someone who can induce your belly laugh with little effort. It's even better if you can make each other laugh, as making someone else laugh makes you happier too! Well, I married that friend and have not regret since. Every now and then, we'll have a good laugh over something silly or he'll make me laugh with a funny remark and the 'happy effect' can last for days, weeks, even years - especially so, if it was a belly-holding or side-splitting laugh. Haha! 

7. Take a Walk in the Nature

One will indeed instantly experience a sense of wellness when he is within the nature. This is what nature gives - they have the ultimate healing powers. In fact, I find walking as a great window of time to collect and clear my thoughts or 'think things through' - a little bit of mental housekeeping. So go on, find a park, garden or beach near your home for your daily walks. Who knows, you may even walk off a few pounds. All those little bits do add up :) 

8. Sleep

If you feel down and out or feel that you cannot cope anymore, all you might really need is a good, undisturbed nap. For a quality slumber, switch off your gadgets or put them down when you first feel tired enough to sleep. Do not put off your sleep by hanging on for another game, another webpage or replying another message. Do not delay or interrupt sleep over social connectedness. This habit might just lead to a chronic health problem in the long run. Just let go and have a good sleep or a good 10-minute nap. I am in fact, guilty of this and is working on it myself! Everyone, let us improve on this together for our long-term health, shall we? 

9. Dance

Dancing never fails to make me happy instantly. Hook up to a wireless earphone or strap up your ipod to your arms and just let the music take over you. Be it Jazz, Rock or Pop music, just groove to the beat of the music and get lost in it. Have a sexy dance, a happy dance or even a crazy dance in the comfort of your own home. (Ladies, put on your heels!) This is actually how I burnt off my pregnancy fats :) - it's truly a great indoors, sweat-out exercise. After a good dancing session, my body starts to relax and the 'feel good' hormones are then released into my body. All the organs of my body now seem to have re-strengthened and is working like a well-oiled machine. I feel energised and I breathe better. It feels great to be fit and healthy!

10. Go for a Foot Massage

Reflexology anyone? Ooh.. That heavenly sense of weightlessness after the massage session - I can feel that my blood circulation has improved, my body is much lighter, my feet are no longer as tired and sore and it feels like I'm walking on fluffy clouds - happiness! For me, though, foot massage doesn't have to hurt - it's the skill, not the strength that matters. But if pain is your thing... please do so. ;)

11. Be Kind to Someone

Help someone today unconditionally, even a complete stranger. Share something, lend a helping hand, give up a seat, or simply smile genuinely to light up someone's day.

12. Pore through Your Old and New Photos

Have a good laugh at your silly, out-of-date fashion sense in your old photos or reminisce about the good times you have had in that recent holiday trip. This is one of my mom's favourite pastimes. Even better, make slideshows out of them complete with background music for your own pleasure viewing. Note: I find playing my photos on the large TV screen using the Apple TV very amusing.

13. Meet an Old Friend

Just to 'touch base', to encourage and support each other, to lend a listening ear, have someone to talk to about the daily happenings in your life or have an uninterrupted tête-à-tête session. This deeper-level conversation gives one a lingering sense of comfort and security which brings about a great psychological boost.

14. Prepare Food for Loved Ones

Bake a cake or whip up a meal for your loved ones. Even better, have fun cooking or baking together!

15. Do What You Love, and Spread That Love. 

This is my life motto. It simply means to find something (anything!) that you love doing - perhaps something that puts you in the flow state - and then do something good out of it, like making someone else happy.

For instance, if you like making cards, why not send some self-made greeting cards to your loved ones this Christmas? You spread your love by spreading the Christmas cheer. Or, if you love to bake, and has successfully opened a cake shop, why not donate some of your profits or give away cakes on certain festive seasons? 

For me, I love making notes and lists for everyday life. Hopefully, by sharing them on my blog, they can help make someone's life be easier and happier :) 

So, what do you love to do? 

Chai Tow Kway (Fried Carrot Cake)

Before our baby came along, one of my husband's and my favourite breakfast haunts was in a coffee shop near Katib MRT. It's also where we'll have our routine breakfast before we set off for those Malaysia getaways (our little S.O.P.).

We'll order the same thing for every visit - 2 plates of dark Chai Tow Kway (fried carrot cake), 2 sets of toasted white bread with butter and kaya served with half-boiled eggs, and 2 cups of Teh Si (Tea with milk and sugar).

It's been so long since we'd enjoyed that spread. So, one morning, I decided to give my husband a pleasant surprise by bringing the Katib Breakfast home. Instead, I got the surprise when I realised that the kway did not turn out well - other than being a little too salty, it was rather unpalatable.

What happened?? It was the recipe I've been using all along - hubby loved it. Did I put in too little oil or is it because I fried the dish for too long? What actually happened?

For the rest of that morning, I was bothered by my failure. Our favourite breakfast no more... I was so ashamed of myself for not being able to deliver such a simple dish. Then, on a whim, I resolved to tweak the existing recipe until I get it right and blog out the modified recipe nicely so that there'll be no more such surprises in the future.

As luck would have it, I hit the jackpot after a few tries and managed to save my day :) Talking about making everyday count! 

PS: My version of Chai Tow Kway is unlike the authentic version which uses radish (literally called luo bo in Mandarin, which means 'carrots'). I sort of replaced it with the orangey carrots that we are familiar with. 



Fried carrot cake - dark version. My lunch for that afternoon. Yummy!



Recipe

Serves 2 hungry tummies, each serving 550 kcal

2 Tbsp oil (use canola/sunflower oil for a healthier version)

1 tsp minced shallot

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 cup grated carrot (for the added texture and natural sweetness)

450g ready-made carrot cake (rice cake), diced into small cubes

2 beaten eggs

Chopped spring onion, as much as you can handle! (It's filled with vitamin A and C)

50 ml water

For the sauce (mix all well in a cup)

2 Tbsp light soya sauce

2 Tbsp dark sweet sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp fish sauce

Few dashes white pepper powder

1. In a deep pan on medium fire, heat oil and fry shallot and garlic till fragrant.

2. Next, fry the carrots for a few minutes. Then, fry the diced rice cake. At this point, mix in the water and cover the pan to steam the carrot and rice cake till they're softer, about 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Remove the pan cover, stir the rice cake briefly and let the steam evaporate till dish is drier. Next, pour in the beaten eggs all over the rice cake evenly. When eggs are almost done, flip the cakes over, section by section, to cook the other side briefly. Then, break up the rice cake into little pieces, pour in the sauce evenly, and mix everything well.

4. Finally, turn off heat, sprinkle the spring onions atop (stir a little here if you want) and serve warm.



Ready-made rice cake, grated carrots, and spring onions.



5 Shoes Every Woman Should Own

Hey ya ladies! I know, we can never have enough shoes, but here's what I think we all should at least have. If you are just starting to work, or if you are thinking of a shoe overhaul, this list should be able to fulfill your basic needs.

* Shoes are created from the ipad apps: DreamApp and ShoesMe.

1. The Everyday Shoe - This shoe should be versatile enough for both formal and casual wear. Think Friday pant-suit combo, jeans and even your little black dress. It is easier to match if it is in a darker and neutral colour like brown and black. Or you can try off-white or taupe (shown above) for a fresher look. I have a black mid-heeled shoe which I can wear with almost anything. For me, this everyday shoe doubles up as my dressy shoe too (see below).

My trusty, comfy, everyday and everywhere heels.
The only heels I have which does not 'bite' me. From Clarks.

2. The Dressy Shoe - Often reserved for the occasional wedding dinner, that year-end party, or that big night out, this is like your Cinderella shoe. Either in silver, gold, bronze, champagne or anything glittery, wear it with your grandest dresses or other party outfits. Don't forget to pair it with a flashy clutch or minaudière!

3. The Booty - A more comfy and cosy alternative to the everyday shoe, this can be worn with just about everything. Especially suitable for freezing-cold offices or for that overseas winter work-trip. Wear socks underneath to keep yourself warm. It'll be good to buy it in a slightly bigger/broader size to make leeway for thicker socks. Height of boots depends on your liking. I used to have a mid-calf brown booty which I wear to work, to overseas trips, and even to parties! It was my best friend :)

4. Sporty Chic - Give your feet a break every now and then by going sporty-chic. Wear sneakers, brogues, loafers or sports shoes, preferably one with a good arch and ankle support (sports shoes are the best for this category). Match them with basics like shorts, pants or jeans topped with smart-casual blouse or polo tee. Also, carry a leather sling bag to smarten up the whole look. By the way, I'll always wear sports shoes for my grocery runs. They give me good support and ample cushion so that I can lug my bulky buys home comfortably without hurting my feet.

5. Comfort Casual - Going to the beach or swimming pool? A picnic in the garden? Bringing your kids to the playground? Or just need to run an errand nearby, in the rain, no less? Needless to say, comfy low-heeled sandals or flats/slippers are your best choice. Do buy them in your favourite colour if you like. Orange? No hay problema! Cobalt blue? Yes, please! White? Bring it on! PS: Be sure that it is non-slip and is not too flat (buy one that has at least a little cushion and arch support) - be safe and sound!



My comfort causal shoe (left) and sporty (but not so) chic shoe (right).
Both are so comfortable! From Fitflop and Mizuno respectively.

Solo In Bali

I was back almost a month ago and was instantly sucked into the whirlpool of daily frenzy the moment I got home. The never-ending chores! Now that I finally have the chance to sit down and do my personal things (my son is at the in-law's), it is time to do some digital housekeeping - photo sorting. Not much, just a thousand of them (!).

I know how tedious photo organizing is. But, it is totally worth the effort - it will be a huge boulder off your shoulders. Imagine all your beautiful and meaningful photos nicely sorted in their categorical order and date (baby, travels, food, etc) and ready for your future pleasure viewing. If you do not know where to start, here are some tips.

Firstly, you should allocate one block of time to do this job. Next, browse through your photos, and delete the unflattering, blurry and duplicated ones. At the same time, decide how many categories you want them to be in. Example: Bali 2013; Baby 12-24 months; or Random Pics May 2012. Make a folder for each of them. Then, select all photos belonging to one category, let us say, Bali. 

Now, if the Bali photos are not nicely bundled together, preventing you from selecting them all at once using the shift button, you should try this trick which is really helpful: hold down the control button (Ctrl) and click on the desired photos. If there is a huge stack of desired photos you come across, just do the normal shift and select - all this while holding down the control button. After selection, right click to copy or cut your photos and paste them into your newly created folders. You may need some practice, and it will only get easier ;)

You can also use this trick to select the photos that is needed to be rotated (clockwise/anticlockwise) in order to be upright. Special thanks to hubby for teaching me this - it saved me so much hassle. Now, digital housekeeping seems to be such a breeze :)

Ok, I shall not stray any further. Now. To my Bali trip.

It will be really boring to read through my itinerary in chronological order, thus, I shall just highlight some worthy events coupled with photos.

I bade goodbye to hazy Singapore. And, of course, my dearest son and hubby. It felt as though someone is digging a hole in my heart at the thought of leaving them. How sentimental, ah? Then, an advert in the flight magazine distracted me:

This, this, THIS restaurant. Over the last decade, I have been meaning to go back and order its minestrone soup again. It was the best I ever had. So, a trip down there is compulsory. I am not sure whether I can find it though.

By the time I reached Bali and checked into the hotel, it was almost midnight. But hey, as my taxi whizzed through the Legian Street, it was still bustling full of traffic and people in their tank tops and slippers. The whole street is lined up with rows and rows of shops, restaurants, convenient stores, discos and bars pumping the loudest music and, combined with the continuous blaring of traffic horns, this is such a happening spot to be in.

For the first night, I was too excited to fall asleep - I cannot wait to make a rocketline towards the beach the very next day when the dawn breaks, just as I planned. And I did. What I did not know is that a huge surprise awaits me - as I approached the beach I was wholly awed by the sight I saw.

Between these majestic stone structures, I could see and hear the thunderous crashing waves beneath, I felt so tiny and it was as if nature took over me. What a sight to behold! Note: Can you spot the moon?

The Indian Ocean. At long last, I am here again. As I enter the beach area, I took a truly deep breath and exhaled completely. AH... FRESH AIR!

And, as expected, the beach touters closed in on me, asking to engage their services. I gave in to some. Bought a handmade bracelet, had my toenails painted, and got a henna tattoo.

And I ate. Really sat down and ate, at my own pace, bitten every mouthful, savoured every taste, with no burden and with nowhere and nothing to rush to. And yes, I am so lucky - I stumbled upon Kopi Pot. Found it, yay! Ordered minestrone soup immediately. The next day, went back to have another hearty meal. Heaven's oh... I ate so slowly and mindfully, it felt so good.

I thought someone should be missing me by now, so I face-timed my boys (one young, one elderly). I was so wrong. They were practically having a party - eating whatever and whenever they want, unlimited ipad playtime and TV, late, late nights... in short, I have two happy campers back home. Arghh...

And so, I continued my peace, and ate and walked about, and relaxed. This is one of my alfresco breakfasts at the hotel.

One thing I must shout out: I see rainbows everyday, either on the beach, or over the buildings! Even better, I saw a double rainbow once, from my hotel balcony. Note: Pardon my naïve reactions over a natural phenomenon, hee.. Anyway, my ipod camera didn't do the rainbows enough justice. Trust me, it was way more beautiful than what you see here :)

I believe there are many professional photos of the Bali streets online so I shall not post my mediocre ones here.

So. Did I sleep? Yes, but only on the third night. I slept uninterrupted for 12 hours! Yes, from 9pm till 9am. And yap, I body-surfed in that crashing waves like a crazy little teenage girl for as long as I desired - I sprained my ankle (which is still slightly swollen now after a month, but I don't care. Haha) and my whole body hurts from the over-exertion even one week after I returned home. Also, I could literally feel my muscles burning warmly for a good three days after that. And so, I emerged from the sea with a fitter bod, a bronze tan, and a swollen ankle. Good job, girl! This is the most delightful part of the whole trip!

What else did I do?

Finally, I get the time to learn how to manage my anger. Since I need to know when, I have gotten so ansty, sensitive and short-fused, and I flare up over the slightest things. I was especially guilty whenever I snapped at my puny son.

Armed with the iDharmaBook app in my ipod, I read Working With Anger, en route to Bali. This is not the first time I'd read this book, and as with many other books, each time I read it, I always digested its contents in a different way. And this time, it is really, really different. At last, I began to have a deep understanding of its contents, and surely, it was liberating - it feels great to have a taste of emotional freedom.

As with all parties that will eventually come to an end, it is time to head home. I donned on my flight pants and shoes and took a final look at the charming island before boarding the return flight. I am going home happier, a little more wiser, and fully recharged - ready for another round of daily grind!

My Kampong Childhood - The Village Life

Clockwise from top left: My cousins here to celebrate my brother's and my birthday. Me, Papa, and brother. My parent's wedding photo, classic! Mummy, Papa and me beside a paper money pagoda burner - Papa used to be part of a temple 'organization'. The place where the bubble-blowing uncle works - check out that vintage blue van! My aunties preparing food in the super-rustic kitchen. Also, check out the beautiful forested backdrop behind these pictures. It is indeed a blessing to live within such vast nature :) Ah... all that crisp, fresh, oxygen-filled forest air!

From birth till the age of nine, I had the privilege of staying in a kampong (village) in Singapore. My old wooden house topped with metal roof is situated amidst the Bukit Timah Hill, the highest hill in Singapore, no less!

Suddenly, a mental time travel transported me many years back to a scene in my kampong house nestled in the forested area. I was barely 5 then.

During the festive season, especially Chinese New Year, all the extended family members will turn up at our house to catch up on each others' lives over the endless supply of food churned out from the kitchen. I remember how grandma, who is the main cook herself, would give out culinary instructions to my aunties who were helping out in the kitchen, in authentic Hokkien. The rest of the adults will either play mahjong or just sit around and chat merrily.

And the kids? Oh yes, I was one of the kids! We had a whole lot of kampong fun, of course. HEE.

After the adults all sort of settled down and got too 'busy' for us, the whole gang of kids, (more than 10 of us) would run off and often first head towards the little stream, which is a few hundred metres from the front of our house, to catch fishes. On the way there, we'll have to pass by a chicken farm which stinks horribly! My two big dogs, one in orange and the other in black, and which I call both 'Kopi' (which means 'Coffee' in Hokkien), will always escort us. They'll sort of keep a lookout for us, tumble with us, and we have this weird practice of cajoling them to lick our wounds if we got hurt.

It was real fun in the nature.

Or we'll dig the earth and bury something, play with sand, throw stones, pick up sticks and branches, collect durian, papaya, and lime, climb trees to pluck out rambutans and jackfruit, chase the monkeys and squirrels, yelled and laughed about - all with nary a care in the world.

Once, there was this gigantic python twirled around and resting magnificently on a sturdy old tree, at a crossroads of the village tracks. I swear it could swallow me whole in minutes! For the entire time, it probably slithered only an inch, while the villagers gathered in a big circle and looked on. It was a frightening sight. I mean, snakes are scary enough, ya? And an enormous one at that will only amplify the fear factor! But still, I can't resist to stay and stare.

There was also this tall, balding uncle with sun-drenched skin and the kindest smile who worked near my place, fixing cars. He used to amuse us kids by blowing out tiny bubbles using his tongue. I can still recall that scene vividly where I'll look up at his stunt from a short height (hey, I'm only 5 okay?) gasping in awe.

So, this is kampong life... we were living for the moment, enjoying the present and not worrying about the future - the epitome of carpe diem!

Life's Punctuation (31 Years Old)

It has been very hazy here in Singapore lately. With the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hitting as high as 400, it is the highest and most hazardous PSI ever recorded. And people are looking for N95 masks which is almost sold out.

No doubt, what we are facing seems minute compared to the earthquakes and floods occurring in other parts of the world. Right now in the Himalayan hills, for example, thousands of villagers and pilgrims are stranded in the flood-hit area inundated by heavy rains. Hundreds are dead and thousands missing, buildings washed away. A consequence of hydropower development in the region. This is something I cannot imagine facing.

Still, back here in our tiny city-state, while we fight the worse dengue epidemic, I do hope that the forest fires in Indonesia will subside soon. The pregnant, the elderly, the sick, the children and the rest are all suffering. Like many others, I am having teary eyes and a numbing headache.



Haze over Singapore shaded in red and orange. Blue dot (Bali), I'm coming!

What a gloomy way to begin a post that serves to punctuate my life. C'est la vie, non?

Nonetheless...

With so much going on at home recently, I have now come to a point in my life where I think I should pause, mark my life with a big comma, and take stock of everything before I move on again - hence this post.

First up, I am unwittingly beating the haze by hopping out of town, southwards. A 3 days, 3 nights trip to my favourite place, Bali - alone, no less (ticket was booked way before the haze came).

I remember announcing this to Hubby a few months back:

I am going to sleep for 3 days and 3 nights(!) the day our boy can take care of himself.

Meaning that he can eat, sleep and bathe on his own and he does not wet himself at night. I estimated that that will be about 3-5 years later. Apparently, Hubby brought that much needed break forward - I have not slept throughout the night for more than 2 years! And I desperately need my 'me' time too. Note: My son is practically crawling all over and under me while I'm trying to type this post. 

In a random messaging session, Hubby abruptly asked,"... I can take 1 week leave. See whether you wanna take a break abroad". Three hours later, I'd decided on the place, got a return air ticket and accommodation, and is bound for Bali in a month's time.

And so, for the first time, I am going to travel alone for leisure - alone but definitely not lonely ;) If Singapore is a little red dot, then, Bali is my little blue dot. My little piece of heaven where I had spent one of the happiest moments of my life doing my favourite sport - body surfing. Of course, Bali is a much, much bigger dot (see map above).

Anyway, I am not going to sleep for 3 days. My baby sister (she's 24, 7 years younger than I am. But to me, she'll always be a baby in my eyes) was asking me what I am going to do alone. Well, I am going to surf myself silly! In fact, with my hotel just minutes from the sea, I will be making a rocketline for the beach as soon as I can. 

I will slip on my swim suit and a kaftan, slip on my slippers, get some money for the surfboard, gallop towards the beach, get the surfboard, throw away my kaftan and slippers, and jump into the Indian Ocean - in that order. I will surf till the sun sets, or till the surfboard stall closes, whichever comes later, and then repeat everything for the next day. We shall see how much my much older body can take compared to my salad days - especially so after giving birth.

So much for travelling alone. Will update when I'm back.

Next, as if travelling to my piece of heaven wasn't enough, Hubby literally bought me another piece of heaven - an ipod touch, 5th generation. To others, this might not be much of a thing, but to me, it is a nice boost to my everydays ahead. For a music lover like me, this is essential. After almost 10 years, I am finally going to bid farewell to my old mini ipod where its screen has almost fade out, and say hello to my new buddy, in the same colour hee...



I sincerely want to thank my friend who bought the mini ipod (left) in 2004 as a farewell gift for my 4 months work trip. It was, and will always be my precious gift. Thanks Hubby too - you just bought me a little piece of heaven (right) :)

Side note: Goodbye to my VGA camera phone too, which has just died off after 7 years usage - it's time you go my old friend, thanks for your service. Hello to Nokia Asha, a non-3G, nothing-much phone. To me, a phone should be just a phone. Excuse my radical opinion :)

The third and last affair that warrants this post is that - lo and behold (takes a deep breath) - we have gotten the apartment we were eyeing! So, in 5 years time, our little family of three will be bidding farewell to our first home of 12 years and will be moving into our tiny and cosy dream home on the 35th floor. We absolutely can't wait.

The interior designing will be all up to me and I do not want our home to be another beautiful home - I want something weirder, something unexpectable - so that I won't be bored too quickly. You know, Aries do get bored rather easily. Right now, I am aiming for a masculine, practical and simple decor. The first and foremost priority is that it must be easy to clean and maintain. 

You know what is the best part? Our new place will just be one street away from the village where I had spent the first nine years of my life. How lucky. Feels like going back home, literally. I am feeling so nostalgic! *silent squeals of delightment - Yiieeyy!!* You bet, one fine day, I will take a walk back to my village when we finally move there and when my son attends full-day school.

Artist's impression of the SkyPeak

On a different note, after the passing of some unpleasant events, life has been better overall now: I totally adore my baby boy and my man; my boy, at 30 months old, is finally speaking (alot!); and there are some good news for Hubby, work-wise. I am just truly grateful for all I have now and I am not going to focus on what I do not have.

To round it all up, I have an advanced solo trip, a new music player (ipod) with a camera to boot, a new handphone, a spanking new apartment, and things are now fine and dandy at home - all after a bout of dreary days. And as I let out a huge sigh of relief and give out a wide and wistful smile, I know I am now in a very cosy spot in my life. I am thankful for everything. 

Till the next life comma, stay upbeat and perhaps you should count your blessings right now. Also, do not covet for others' lifestyle - live your own unique life, at your own pace, befitting with your own personality. If you can afford, walk the unbeaten path. Do do something useful to the society, and you can't be wrong. And, like I always do, when the going gets really tough, bite your teeth and tell yourself, "No-thing lasts forever - everything is transient. Therefore, this will pass".

Meantime, my boy and me will be evading the haze and the unbearable dry heat by trawling the malls and lingering in the Jurong Regional Library (the largest public library in Singapore) - before Hubby takes over when I leave for Bali. That's when I shall finally break free from the never-ending chores, exhale and let go COMPLETELY. Hopefully, by the time I return, my dwindling batteries will be fully recharged. :)

People-looking at the skating rink at Jcube shopping centre, Jurong East



Cultural show at the library





Grilled Portobello Mushroom

Today, I would like to talk about a dish which I prepared, quite by chance. A whole stack of these large portobello mushrooms caught my eye the other day while I was at the supermarket, with my son in tow. I could add this to my cooking repertoire, I thought. I grabbed a packet and moved along.

Then, further down the lane, we came to a promotional stall which gave out free cheese samples. These stalls really work for me - No Try. No Buy. I always try to stick to this policy if possible. Too many past wasted buys made me a present shy buyer. Even when the lemon law was passed, I do not have that extra energy and time to go through the hassle of negotiation.

And so, the kind lady tending to the stall gave out pieces and pieces of this so called emmental cheese which my son heartily wolfed down and eagerly asked for seconds and thirds. I caved in and bought two packets and fled the scene before my son finishes up all the samples. For one, I tasted the cheese and thought it was softer and milder than the ones we usually consume, which is a yes for my recently toned-down palate. But more so, it felt uneasy not buying after my son's little 'meal' and that there was an attractive promotional price of buying two instead of one. That's Psychology of Sales in action - guilt after tasting/using product for free (but, I think they're good usually) and the attractive discount of buying more.

These (cheese) could go with the mushrooms, I decided.

Before I move on to the recipe, let me introduce you to my new best friend.

Tada~



Isn't she sexy? Gotta take shots of her glorious days before she gets abused and bruised from my cooking.

We have decided that this will be our family's do-it-all pot. Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner; omelette, stir-fries or even instant noodles, she'll bear all the brunt (sorry, but thanks pretty). There is no more need to search for the 'right pot' anymore - she does it all. How easy is that? Heh heh...

Okay, that's her for now, back to the dish I was talking about...

For the ingredients, it is pretty clear-cut. The usual suspects with amounts that are decided by my guesswork. I am indeed lucky to have got it right - the way my son goes Mmmm at his first ever bite of portobello mushrooms is so amazing. Truly, the mushrooms are fresh and juicy in every bite and that heavenly sauce! The oyster sauce I used in the recipe simply brought out and enhanced the mushroom flavour beautifully. I shall pair this with white fluffy rice at another time. You should too :)

Before I go, I just want to share a little news with you: Hubby and I are getting a new apartment soon. Particularly, we are eyeing a top-floor unit at SkyPeak. This is a neighbourhood development in Bukit Batok, Singapore with several blocks of public housing ranging between 26 to 40 storeys high. According to our queue number, we will only be able to select our unit on 17th June 2013, which is just three days away. As the better units are taken up and crossed off the list every single day, we could only await anxiously for the day to arrive and hope that that unit will be ours. If not, we shall have to settle for the second best, I guess. So, wish us luck, ok? Updates later! 

For now, do enjoy your meal :)

Recipe

2 medium portobello mushrooms, de-stemmed

1 cup mixed vegetables

2 tsp olive oil

1 tsp minced garlic

Sauce: (mix well together)

1 tsp cooking wine (I use chinese cooking wine)

1 tsp oyster sauce

dash of black pepper

3 tbs water

1 piece of emmental cheese, grated

dash of mixed Italian herbs, finely chopped (I use a ready-made one which includes: Basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, etc. You can use chives too. This is optional)

1. Heat olive oil and sauteed the garlic till fragrant. Then, grill mushrooms for about 4 mins on each side till cooked. Add in mixed vegetables and fry for a few minutes.

2. Next, add in sauce and continue frying for 1 to 2 minutes, mixing everything well.

3. Dish out and sprinkle on grated cheese and mixed herbs. Serve warm.



MY MR. SUNSHINE

That's me with fake hair and husband with flat hair.
Wedding shot taken in Desaru, Malaysia, in 2005

At times, when I see my husband, a ray of sunlight seems to be emitting from his head as in this picture.

This sun ray - this RAY of HAPPINESS - lights up my world, instantly.

You see, sometimes when he reaches home, he'll parade around the house exhibiting a laissez-faire behaviour, together with a cheery and cheeky disposition, bantering and teasing whoever (me or son) is in his path.

Our son is fully entertained - parading after him, blushing and giggling at his silliness. For me, I can't deny that I'm really delighted to see him home. Then did I realise how much I miss him! And he insists that we're the only ones in the world to see this side of him. Otherwise, he looks serious and solemn.

Thing is, he always seems to be there for me in both my life's small (but notable) and big events. Like the sunrays, he's shining at me as if rooting for me - giving me warmth, security, and strength. And this post is a list to commemorate those moments and events, so that we can look back and have a smile.

1. My riding practical test - I failed this test thrice! And each time I retake the test, he just sat there and waited for 2-3 hours with a newspaper and several cups of tea. It's such a pleasing joy watching the minute him from a distance, as I took my tests in the circuit with trembling legs. Deep down, I know that he was rooting for me.

2. My final-year exams - All exams end at the same time and there'll be a massive student-jam on the campus. Buses will be jam-packed to the door and taxis will somehow cease to exist. Usually, my sweet husband will come and pick me up with the reason that he wants to see my after-exam reactions (which is either Yippie, I nailed it! or Oh s**t, this paper is a killer). He'll wait gingerly in his car looking out for me as I wouldn't know exactly where he parked and I usually submit my exam script before the stipulated time. He's done that for most of my exams.

3. The day he sent me off to the Middle East for a 4-month peace-keeping mission on a Navy vessel. He did something that totally stole my heart away! Together with my sister, he sent me off by 'following' my vessel, driving along the southern borders of Singapore from the eastern tip of Changi to the western tip of Tuas until my vessel disappeared. Isn't that romantic? My sister even told me that she saw tears streaming down his face (he was wearing sunglasses). Note: This is one of the reasons I marry him. One other being his bedsheets. Yes, really. It's just some common cotton sheets but I've never slept in such a comfortable one before and I was hooked till today, 10 years later! Told him about it back then but he just gave a feeble acknowledgement.

4. Once, we almost fell off a cliff in Cameron Highlands! We were venturing into the hilly roads on a car and when the roads got narrower and muddier, I insisted to continue moving upwards (that's the immature, wilful me). Halfway through, our car got stuck in a muddy puddle and couldn't move, both forwards and backwards. To make the situation worse, it was drizzling, the ground is getting softer, on our left is the high mountain wall less than a metre away and on our right is the edge of the cliff barely 2 metres away! If we want to turn back, we'll have to make a 10-point turn. We got off the car, went into the rain, and sized up the situation before we decided to find stones and logs to shove into the back of the wheels so that the car can get out of the mud. We tried to drive backwards but the car wouldn't move.

Luckily, a local man who came in the opposite direction driving a tractor came to help us. Hubby and the man then put larger stones behind the wheel. This time, I took over the wheel. As the two men try to push the car manually, I ramp the accelerator cautiously - if I'm too slow, the car won't move. But if I'm too fast, I may fly off the cliff with my car! At this time, I saw hubby grabbing the car by the side of a door with all his might and I thought, Isn't he supposed to push or pull the car instead of grabbing it?? Came to know later, he said he was pushing but at the same time, he held the car tightly so that if the car is really going to fall off the cliff, he would be able to hang on to it with ample time for me to escape out.

From that, two thoughts came to my mind. Firstly, did he think he was Hercules (?!) and had enough strength to hold on to a sedan car? Secondly, he had watched too much action-packed movies, thinking about me escaping and jumping off the car just before it falls off the cliff. Isn't he silly yet sweet? Haha! Of course, we managed to get the car going, did a many-point turn and went back safe and sound. But that was really scary! PS: A big thank you to the helpful man. God bless you!

5. He sold his beloved '1st wife', a large bike (BMW R1200C) and some insurance to get me through university.

6. He kissed me - even though I have just given birth and is fat, bloating, out of shape, and foul-smelling. 

7. When I am sad, depressed, stressed, anxious, shocked, afraid, crying, grieving, angry, cranky, lost, successful, delighted, blissful, happy, joyous, excited, wilful, crazy or mellow, he seems to always be right there. Just right there at the same spot beside me. I wonder how he takes in all of my nonsense! He's such a poor thing. In fact, he seems to be singing a Jackson 5's number:

I'll be there,

I'll be there,

Just when you call,

I'll be there. 

...I'll be there to comfort you,

Build my world of dreams around you,

I'm so glad that I found you

I'll be there with a love that's strong

I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on -

(Yes I will, yes I will)

[PS: RIP Mr. MJ (1958-2009), I'll miss you forever]

Infant Envy

I was reading someone's blog who is a newly-minted mom. And this feeling took over.

 

That chummy baby scent,

That comforting heat from the head,

That instinctual hand grip around my little finger,

That curious gaze and heart-melting eye blinks,

That little harmless cub with a head that's just the size of my palm,

Those tiny feet and toes wrapped in those tiny mittens and booties,

That lovely bodysuit that I have decided to keep as a memento,

That cutest cry I have ever heard,

That finest soft hair,

That translucent nose and skin,

That kite-like 'soft spot' pulsating on the top of your head which made you so vulnerable,

Those precious moments when you rooted to latch on me and your cheeks pumped and pumped in milk from my body all-day coupled with that warm and fuzzy let-down sensation,

That silly facial expression and hilarious sleeping position that snaps me into the picture/video-taking mode in hopes of capturing all those moments,

That all-day cradling, rocking, and snuggling,

That mini-me who is completely defenseless and yet dictates when I eat and sleep,

That wrapped up bundle of love that has totally changed my life the instant he left my womb,

For better or worse, it doesn't matter,

As long as he is.

 

Thankfully, twenty teeth later (my son's), both of us are still intact!

We've come so far, son. And this is just the beginning of our wonderful journey. My naughty, silly rascal, mommy loves you so dearly. Baby, I miss your infant days so much that I'm envious of other new moms already. Makes me want to treasure our everydays even more, as they come, go, and be gone.

And so, a quick recall made me realised that I'd been missing from this world for months. Yes, yes. It's that horrible experience of potty training. It's so scary that I wouldn't go through it again at any cost. Once is enough. Even told one of my friend to seriously consider outsourcing potty training. Unless, of course, if she has many helping hands. 

Now that this messy job is over (it took me us 5 months), I can finally pop up and take a deeeep breather... for many more exciting events ahead. Below are pics of him at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, looking worn out after all the bouncing about. You do get tired my child, don't you?

P.S. to child: BTW, your pre-nursery teacher didn't described you as very hyperactive in your report card for nothing. Report card for Jovie aged 2+, filed.



Boy and Swan



Son: Heh heh... my idea of heaven

Mommeee, I'm scared of grass... I can't move

Hospital Bag Checklist

In a sturdy, roomy bag, you can pack the following.

1. Disposable Panties - I used my old and unwanted underwear and discard after use

2. Maternity Pads - for after birth Lochia or 'menses'

3. Pyjamas - 2 sets. Double this up as going home clothes. I wear zip-up sporty sweater and pants.

4. Large Jacket and Socks - to keep you warm in the freezing air-con room

5. Slippers - double this up as a going-home shoe or wear disposable slippers 

6. Toiletries - shampoo, shower gel, facial wash, toothbrush/paste, lip balm, body/hand lotion, pimple cream, make up, sunblock, insect repellant, comb, hairclip/band etc

7. Towel - if you prefer to use your own

8. Tissue Paper and Wet Wipes 

9. Nursing Bra/Pads - for breastfeeding

10. Baby's Diapers and Going-home Clothes - just in case, although this is usually provided by hospital

11. Camera, Phone and Chargers

12. A Few Big Plastic Bags - to store used clothings/towels or to store things given by hospitals/visitors or even rubbish

13. Important Documents - Identity cards of both spouses, marriage certificate, doctor's/hospital/government documents, and phone list for confinement nanny, tingkat/meal delivery, massage lady, etc. As usual, I'll also bring a small notebook with a pen to list down the things that I need to do or buy.

Note: I wore old clothings to the hospital to give birth, so that I can chuck them after giving birth if they're soiled. And I brought some magazines and a book for leisure reading but they went home untouched. Instead, I pored over the mini guidebooks (I love this one) that is given to us packed within the complimentary hospital bag.

Other items in the bag include: product samples (nursing pad, newborn diapers, etc), brochures and catalogues of products or services you may need (nanny hiring, full-month celebrations, confinement tingkat or meal delivery, etc).

Have a wonderful home-going experience!