At Home and Bored

We are never satisfied. I have been on leave since last week July. The first week was to after Baby Abang and was very domesticated. The 9th day, I had enough. I went back to the office the day Baby Abang went back to school.I think if I continued to stay home I would be very angry at everything. I went back to the office on Tues. I enjoyed the company, the work and being at my desk! I'm such a loser! I know!!!

Today I decided to stay home.
I am doing work from home. I have read so many books and magazines, surf the net and even rented DVDs - I think I have watched 4-5 movies in 1 week. Of coz some of the movies are Japanese and Korean. A girlfriend commented - Korean again (like my first pregnancy) - yeah. The difference is the first one is Korean drama, the second is Korean movies :P

3 more days.... and a whole new chapter begins :)

More Challenges Before I Pop!

I thought I could spend the last week of my pregnancy at home - by myself most importantly, catch up on sleep, read and just chill. Baby Abang is down with HFMD today. Yes, HFMD. On the same day, I developed sore eyes. Baby Abang has been grouchy for the longest time - in fact since I was in my second trimester but this time round, he is such a grouch I have to keep my hands closely to myself. My hubby on the other hand, has so much patience, it's amazing how he does that. Alhamdullilah for that. Seeing how cool he is, I have to put in a lot of effort to stay cool too. That has not been easy.

I hope this is the final challenge during my pregnancy period. I hope I have become a better person with all these and insyaAllah whatever more challenges there are coming my way, insyaAllah, i'll get through it.

Countdown is always a countdown and it begins now!

Hear the Tiger Roar!

I walked into the meeting room for HOD meeting and my boss exclaimed - "Wah! You are so big already! When is your EDD again?" Told her and somehow in the conversation she said, I don't see a lot of pregnant women these days. Told her I disagree. She said Chinese do not like having a Tiger daughter for many reasons. We then went into an interesting discussion. In the end she asked "Why ah? You Tiger is it?" I said "yep" and she ended saying "There! I rest my case"

I walked right into it.

The Last Lap

I'm in my 8th month now. Other than feeling extremely tired, I think I am beginning to walk like a sloth too - slowly pushing my legs forward. I am in bed on most nights by 10pm - with Baby Abang and will be wide awake from 2am t0 4am. Half the time I'll be contemplating whether I should go online and do work or surf the net but I keep telling myself I need to relax and let my mind rest. I end up either praying or watching TV - like hantu TV alone in the living room.

At work I am still fiesty and thrive with all the stress. I know I have a deadline to meet and yet I continue looking forward to getting the work done. I have to admit also that I am worried - so much to do - can finish or not and of course having to deal with some colleagues who just do not want to do their jobs is infuriating!

I remembered when I was pregnant with Baby Abang - I was a lot more energetic, jovial, carefree, singing and watching Korean drama and crying while watching it. I loved that feeling.

With Baby Adik, I am fiesty, fast tempered, too practical, fierce/ stern and half the time don't tolerate to any nonsense. I do like listening to dance music too and am anal about keeping the house tidy! People ask me - do you have any cravings with this one - the answer is no - just like the first. Have I gained a lot of weight? 8 months pregnant and I've gained 10.5kg - just like the first one - not bad. The only difference is, my craving is a clean, tidy house! With baby Abang,I watched too much TV!

Every pregnancy is different and I have to agree. Have I enjoyed the journey? Yes I have. It has been a challenging one - one episode every 2 months and the last one in June was a real scare and post that incident, I do take extra caution. Despite all that, I love seeing the changes my body goes through (except my butt!!! urgh but all prep for giving birth!) I'll live with it but I do hope to be a "hot mama" in the future! We shall see!

I Betrayed My Nokia

I am a very loyal person - loyal to friends, to family, to colleagues, company and brands. I have been using Nokia phone from Day 1 - that was many years ago. I remembered once buying a Motorola mobile phone and that courtship was only 3 months. It was back to Nokia again.

Last Friday, hubby was adamant that I get my iPhone. He's been persuading me for the past 3 months or more and I have been reluctant. Practically everyone uses iPhone now and I do not want to be one of them. I succumbed and left everything to hubby to manage. I had to decide on the color - black or white, I chose black and insisted on a Fuschia Pink cover. He went round VivoCity looking for that cover. On second thoughts I should have insisted on a bling bling iPhone cover.

It's been 3 days and I am not a convert... yet. I finally read the manual and went online to read more about the phone and the applications. This morning I got really excited - that was at 5am (!) and I will definitely continue reading on iPhone tonight. Hope I can stay awake till late.

I guess I do not have a choice now. I just have to learn to use the phone and slowly love this new phone. Hubby will definitely not carry an iPhone, what more one with a Fuschia pink cover. He told me I am on my own and he will get a HTC phone. Wonder what his agenda is for getting me an iPhone. I guess I will have to wait and find out.

Milan to Rome to Singapore

The Milan office was great. My colleagues welcomed us with open arms and helped us through with everything - from meeting rooms to flights to restuarants and where to shop! What more can we ask for?!

I received a call from SQ informing me that they are gathering all their passengers and we were to leave for Rome on Monday evening at midnite on a bus. My boss and I left for the airport at 11pm and I have to say, when I got to Milan airport, everyone was very sombre. Perhaps it was late night. Got our boarding passes and on the double decker bus we go. I felt like the Vontrap family (not sure if the spelling is right but from the movie Sound of Music) leaving the country quietly and in the dark.

The bus journey was long - 9 hrs! Back breaking and not a great situation to be in for a pregnant woman. I tried to sleep and gave up in the end. Managed to see the sunrise in Italy and it was beautiful. Gosh, I traveled through Italy! Who would have thought?

The airport in Rome was chaotic. People were pushing, trying to get out and get in line. Lucky we managed to get our boarding pass sorted quickly. Then rushed to the VAT station to get our tax refund sorted. Gosh, the queue was long but did it anyway.
Finally got on the relief plane and made it home safely this morning - Alhamdulliah.

I have to admit that I hated the situation I was in - just the uncertainties of it all. Lucky I had colleagues with me and the blackberry we get constant updates from other colleagues who are stuck in other parts of Europe - each giving encouragement. Colleagues in UK called and emailed us often to make sure that we are all fine and yes, the social network Facebook is helpful too!

There are instances too where I feel that I should have just moved on with it but someone was against it... i shall keep that behind because ultimately, I made it home - safe and my family is relieved.

Cannes to Milan

Emirates called to say that our flight to Dubai is cancelled and off we go to Milan in a car. Mercedez Benz.. with a driver who got us into Milan safely and he took only 3hrs. Not bad.

The car costs us Euro 1400 and I have to admit, I was comfortable. We are staying in this hotel called Nhow - a very groovy, MTV like, stylized hotel. Not sure how I feel about it but I am not particularly picky - as long as the bed and toilets are clean, I am completely fine. I had to console my 44 year old colleague who just cried and cried when she got into the hotel. She hated it as it was too groovy for her. I don't blame her. There is a red wall in your room and the corridors are so dark - it makes us feel like we are in a prison cell!

I have never been to Milan and coming from Cannes and into Italy, the difference in country, people, language, culture is a huge difference! I'm in the fashion capital and there are just so many brands/ designs to look at! My goodness. I went into the oldest shopping mall - right now I cannot remember what it's called and they have Gucci, Miu Miu, Chloe - all my fav brands lined up next to each other. I was in awe.

I saw the famous Dumou Di Milano, it took my breathe away.

I do have some time tomorrow. No point crying in the hotel room and stressing out over flights routes, I should just enjoy being in Milan and continue to pray that all goes well and i get home soon. Meanwhile, Dumou, see you tomorrow! Will spend time there during lunch hour. Will be working in the Milan office.

Ciao!

Complacency or Just Plain Stupid

I got a earful from the Jules, our programming head today over dinner.
He could not believe that whatever route I am looking at now with our travel agent, I was also looking at costs. I am not the only one, my colleague from Oz does the same and when I spoke to the other Singaporeans who are here, they too are concerned with costs!

Jules stared at me and Deirdre (from Oz) in disbelief and kept reminding me the company will pay for all the travels and accommodation. He said, we are both stupid to keep thinking of how much this whole episode would cost us.

I also think because of our mind set, we look at various flight route out of Europe. If only I had thought of Dubai or Doha or Istanbul first, I would have been home already. Oh well. It's done.

We met today to find a Plan B - if our flights get canceled tomorrow, we will be on our way to Milan. Human Resources have been contacting us and wants us to be in one place and the best solution is to get to Milan by car (5hrs drive from Nice) and stay in Milan for the next few days and work from the Milan office.

Apparently the airport in Milan is also closed but will open by Weds/ Thurs. We'll see.

Again I am thankful that I have a great boss and colleague to see me through. If I have been on my own, I would be very much affected by this whole adventure.

Ash Weekend

It's been 3 days and more flights are cancelled.
I was supposed to leave for Zurich this morning, the flight was cancelled last evening.

While I am still optimistic and continue to look at various options to leave this beautiful French Riveria, I am telling myself to accept whatever that comes my way. I am disappointed - you may wonder why. I've been here more than 15 times - so I have seen enough. The Europeans love the sun, drinking champagne by the beach and enjoying the sea view. While I love being in the sun and the cold wind, I need to be occupied and doing some things. Shopping is out of the question now - things are not cheap and I have packed. And I miss my family back home.

I had a good time last evening with my colleagues from UK and Australia. I am really blessed to know them and knowing that we care for each other. Our programming head for all Nick channels was up all night sorting out various routes/ flights for all his programming members. He was adamant I stay put and not try my luck via Frankfurt. Frankfurt air traffic is now closed.
My UK colleagues left this morning at 3am - car ride to Paris and later on Eurostar train to London. Hope all goes well on their end.

This experience is just so surreal. I'm sure when we meet again next time we'll be talking about our experience and be thankful that all are well.

I don't know my next destination at the moment - latest update - Rome air traffic is now closed.

Stranded in the French Riveria

I've been awake since 3am this morning - in Cannes.
My 6am flight to Amsterdam was cancelled and Schipol airport is closed. Apparently all airports in North of Europe will be closed for the next 48hrs.

For the past 3 hrs, I have been on the phone looking for various routes out of Nice. Munich, Barcelona, Zurich, Frankfurt. The last one is the best option - there are 3 flights a day from Frankfurt to Singapore on a daily basis. Chances of getting on a flight there is higher.

In my hotel room now, I have been glued to BBC - I should change channels right but everything is in German/ French and I'd rather watch BBC. It's pretty depressing knowing that thousands of flights are being cancelled and thousands more are stranded in airports. I know several people who are stranded in Schipol.

I was so looking forward to going home - back to hubby and my son. My lil one has been unwell for the whole week and hubby has been tired staying up on most nights as the lil one is coughing. It makes a lot of difference to hear the small one sings on the phone - still cheerful and playful.

I keep taking to my lil one in my tummy - and busying myself with work. Some friends who are still here suggests a day trip to Monaco or Grasse but I'll pass. I've been to both places many years ago and my mind is set on going home only.

One step at a time. An interesting ride ahead.

Second Pregnancy

I am 5 months into my second pregnancy already and I have been on long haul flights twice. There is another one next month and I don't think I will be able to get through that. It's Los Angeles and I saw one of the itinerary - American Idol show! I know!

I have to admit, the second pregnancy is unlike the first one. I am a lot more tired, fatter (I think) though many friends, colleagues and distributors do not agree with me. It does take a lot of mental strength to tell myself that I can get through all the meetings scheduled during the week. I cannot believe it's only Tuesday - I feel like I have been here ages already!

I'll get through for sure...I just need to learn to acknowledge that I am tired and listen to my body.

A Scary Episode

My hubby fainted on me last Sunday.. at the carpark.
He is currently on crutches - stretched ligament.
Before he passed out, he told me he could not see a thing, he eyes turned white and off he goes.
I had him leaning on my body and holding on to my lil one... calling my brother and sister for help.
The only thing I wanted to do was cry then - I didn't. Luckily, the whole episode lasted for like 5mins and he was conscious again.
I blame it on the medicine that the doc gave him - we were at NUH Emergency Unit on Sunday.

I am supportive of hubby's interests and usually let him do what he likes. Right now, I feel like telling him to STOP playing soccer. I've had a few scares already - acute chest pains, fractured finger, now the ligament. The fainting incident tops it all. I won't tell him now - he is short fused because of the pain and being immobile but will tell him later when he starts walking on his own and becomes his usual self.

Have a Little Faith

If you have not read this book by Mitch Albom, I recommend you do so.

But my blog today has nothing to do with the book I read but my recent exeperience on a flight to Jakarta.
We were hit by a turbulence - nothing new but what annoyed me most was there were Indonesian ladies, screaming and holding on to each other tightly. As a result, I teared... and I blame that on those women! I can be void of emotions at times and I have to admit this experience did affect me.

While I prayed that all of us will get off the plane safely, I wished I could tell those women to stay calm and pray. What do you get when you scream? You irked other passengers and it's not as if the birds could help you or the cloud could cushion your fall.

Have a little faith - regardless what your religious beliefs are. It helps when you pray.

Deja Vu

This week has been a tough week - mentally, physically and emotionally demanding.
Started off the week knowing the fate of some of my colleagues. Deja Vu.

It's done. I have a headache and all I want now is to leave the office soon.

Challenges

A girlfriend recently told me I am living in denial.

Perhaps I refuse to acknowledge stress. Stress do exist I'm sure but I prefer to say that I am challenged and not stress. I take on each challenge and will always find a solution to each situation. It gets mentally tiring and some times it gets emotionally draining. I don't think I can ever stop finding a solution to situations - I guess I am so used to that thought process, it just comes naturally.

2010 - A Year of Changes

My lil one goes to a full daycare/ nursery on Monday. That's a big event for us all and changes to our daily routine begins.

He now needs to get dressed and have breakfast before he goes to school.... which probably means my morning "me" time is no longer mine. I may have to get up at 530am now:)

I cannot work long hours or late - have to leave the office by 630pm at the latest and that's a huge change! I cannot remember the last time I left office that early!
I guess I'll continue working from home when the lil one goes off to bed.

I'm getting another maid for mom. Yes, my heart aches each time I hear her tell me how tired she is from doing housework and how quiet the house is when my 2 brothers are not home!

InsyaAllah (God's willing), my elder brother is getting married this year. He seems really serious with this one. Good for him.

And.. InsyaAllah we can start calling the lil one "Abang" and then everything changes!

Asset Management

Mom informed me on Tuesday morning that she has been shortlisted for umrah in 2010. From the shortlisted, only 10 will be chosen and she could be the lucky one. All she needs to do is to go down to Singapore Shopping Center to register. She then asked me, how to get there.

I brought her there. Despite telling her it is a waste of time, she insisted on being there and registering. Of course, there is a catch.... she has to sit through a 1hr asset management talk before she could register.

I was annoyed and it was no secret. These are the reasons why I don't trust them and told them so;
- why would I want to put thousand of dollars in a company that is only 2 years old and claimed that they have done many businesses in developing country - focusing on India. They then showed us some of the projects that they are involved in... in 2 years they've built that? hmmm...

- when asked, where is their source of revenue/ income, what is their profit like, who is their parent company... - no one could answer. They sent 4 officers to me (!!) to answer my question. And not one could give me an answer

- their board of directors are made up of ex soccer player, musician.... eerrr... no offense but what would they know about asset management?! what more in the developing countries. Not credible

- Their PR manager is a Chef and you have seen him on TV. He thinks he is a celebrity.. he wore a white suit... and trying to sell me the company! Get serious.

So I finally asked them why should I put my money in your company and not a reputable Islamic Bank? They could not respond. And with that we left.

Mom is lucky she has her kids to talk to before making any decisions. What happened to other old people who live on their own or has no one to consult to? They may think that they could make the additional 10K or more by investing and who knows might end up losing that money?

Third Time Unlucky

Some people say, all unlucky things happen in 3s. I guess this time round, it's true.

I sent my 3rd maid back to the agency yesterday. Yes, my third. Since Tutik left in July, I had 3 maids - each lasted for about 6-8 weeks. The last one - 2 weeks.
Each time I sent a maid back, I'll analyse every single situation - could it be me, my mom, the workload or the maid?!!

The first one was hardworking, but she's too smart to my mom's liking. When mom commented on her work, she'll give mom her opinion and will pull a face. We decided to send her back.

The second one is in her own world. We called her "hantu dapur" and will stay in the kitchen all the time. When you speak to her, she just stares at you and walk off. Very bizarre. I sometimes wonder what she's thinking off. Mom had enough because mom ended up doing most of the housework while she stayed in the kitchen. She did not cook - mom does the cooking. She finds comfort hiding in the kitchen we feel.

The final one.... she's full of pretenses and is a smartass. She will do well when you stand to look, the minute you walk away, she does a half ass job. Most frustrating example, I told her to clear the dishes after dinner. She did, and instead of washing the dishes, she used my dish cloth to clean the bowls! I was so lost for words! And she takes 3 hrs to iron 12 pieces of clothes!!!

Yesterday, mom called crying. Chest pains from stress. The maid decided to pull on a long face - because I reprimanded her the day before. I sent her back within 4hrs.

Now I am maidless again. Yes, I do not need a maid. I took a maid to accompany mom - that was the only reason. With the lil' one, having a maid to help mom out was necessary. Luckily for us, my lil one is off to daycare/ nursery on Jan 4th.
Mom looked so much happier this morning.

Next, I'll just get a part time helper to come on weekends and help mom with her housework.

Ask and You'll Get It?

I hope.

I have been asking for the past 2 years - each time during our performance review.
Not so much for myself - but for the team.
This time, I said my team is like the battered wife - kena pukul and yet continue to stay with the marriage.

I've learnt to ask from my non-Singaporean colleagues. Perhaps that explains why they get richer each year and live a lavish lifestyle. I'm usually happy with what I get and since I am not a money person, I take whatever increment and salary readjustment that comes my way. And I know I cannot assume that my team members are like that - but they seem like that because they never ask.

Let's hope this time round we get what I ask for. Pray pray pray.

Big & Bulky

Kris Kringle Theme for today.

And what a nice surprise!

My secret pal -i'll give you a big kiss!