My Dress for The Wedding Day!

Not forgetting my dress on The Couple's Wedding.

I looked more natural on this picture when I knew hubby was the photographer!

Worst, I force hubby to present me a rose! Apparently, he was unwilling! Look at this face!

Wedding Celebration of Jia Xin & Mei Foong

10-11-2008, Monday, The Conrad Centennial

The couple (Jia Xin & Mei Foong) tied the knot on this special day!

I specially dedicated some photos for them.

Hope they like it!

May The Couple Be Happy Forever & Ever!

Deal Won!

When we said 'Deal Won', it means I GOT THE DEAL!

Yes, this time the deal was US$6,500 which was US$1,000 lesser than what I expected.

Clients slashed the price!

What to do? It's either you take it or leave it!

Take it means I got to work extra hard for another US$1,000 to come into my pocket!

Leave it means I don't even get US$6,500! I lose everything.

That's even worst isn't it?

jUST because I'm SICK

This morning, I almost freaked out when my boss asked if I were pregnant.

Of Cuz ... NOT !!!

I'm just down with a flu and sore throat. That doesn't cause me to be PREGGIE again!

Record for the month of Nov '08

To mark this day, 04 Nov 08, my 1st deal was US$7,500

2nd deal on 14 Nov 08 @ US$10,000

What's next?

I'm expecting another US$7,500 this week.

I'd anticipated there are more to come ... based on my wits. Hee ...

What Do I Want To Be?

Quite sometime ago, I was watching a Canada channel and the title was "What Do I Want To Be?"

This man is a father of two teenage girl and current occupation is a fireman. I supposed his age is about 40's. All this while, he wanted to be a striptease. He admired the dancers very much. Especially the way they groove to the music as they remove each garment one at a time.

So he was given 5-days of training before the actual show. What the crew member did was to feature his training process. It was hilarious. I can't stop laughing throughout the show. You can imagine someone who has never dance and who doesn't get the beats. The way he shaked was really BAD!

The training was tough and he only got less than 5 days to get his steps right. So the TV crew got a professional striptease to train him. He has to make it as the show will be cast on the screen. They had arranged him to perform at a club where only female patrons are allowed to enter. That means, he has to perform to a complete strangers and prior to that, the bar management has to do a PR campaign to entice their female customers.

It wasn't easy for him. The result wasn't fantastic but for an amateur like him, I suppose it was encouraging. End of the day, the objective of this program was to fulfil someone's dream.

So for me, I was telling hubby, if this show is gonna fulfil my dream, I'm going to participate without fail. Anyway, no harm as this is only once a lifetime. I'm going to make it.

What Do I Want To Be?

I WANT TO BE A MODEL AT THE RUNWAY IN MILAN!

The 3rd Achievement

The last time when I had my achievement was sometime in August. It was a run with hubby and friends.

This round, the achievement was different. A run with women from all walks of life. My companion for this round, are mainly sisters, neice and friends.

All women gathered at the same place with the same objective. To complete their own run.

My partner is my eldest sister, Sharon. We aim to achieve the same time so we decided to push each other. Whoever is faster, the next should follow. We should try to push ourselves and the next will go on.


Yes, we did it. We complete the race without any rest. We went all the way.


But I would say Sharon was indeed a good runner for her age. She's much senior than I do, but her pace was fantastic. She can compete with those younger women out there.

Da-jie (in Mandarin as Big-sister), you are superb! Keep up the good work! Let's aim for the next one again. See you in the race!

Last but not least, let me thank my supporter, My Hubby Baby for giving me the moral support and waited till my race ended.

The Violinist

Music is a gift from Heaven

Initially, I hesitated for awhile to display my violin at the living room especially when a toddler is at home. All toddlers are born to be curious hence, putting things around could be quite troublesome as we gotta make sure things do not break.

But I'm wrong. My honey darling doesn't touch the things which I told her not to. Things that she's not supposed to take, cupboards that she was not supposed to open. There are times, I would remind her not to dig out things from my bag. Wallet is out for sure!

As for my violin, she can only touch when I'm around. She knows without mummy's permission, she is not allowed to touch.

This time, I'm around with her and sat quietly at the corner of our living room. I placed the violin infront of her. We started playing.

I can recall the first time when I held a violin. This time, it's my turn to teach my honey darling the way to hold. It was marvellous as her innocent child-like display an unique style of musicianship.

Cute Little Shoe

It's all started from this cute little baby shoe from someone.

I was at mum's place and start digging clothings and stuff from the wardrobe, to see what Celestine could wear. And I found this pair of baby shoe. Thought it would be nice on Celestine. So got my mum to help. Mum kept insisting that the shoe is too small for her. But I just want to try. Trying to stuff Celestine's feet into the shoe.

Fail!

However, the interesting part is, Mum instructed myself not to give away. She wants it.

I mean, why does she needs it? I'm really confused!

As you can see the way she lie, it's damn funny.

My mum can't lie. I can see through her eyes.

Well...she didn't really explain but she hinted that I should return to the rightful owner. She needs the baby shoe soon ... the ironic part is, the baby shoes was left untouched since day 1 when Celestine was born. It was only been found on that day & this was the day when I found out. Isn't it amazing ...

Hahaha ... I know it now!

CONGRATULATION!!!

Words of Wisdom

Confidence doesn't come out nowhere.

It's a result of Something ...

Hours & Days & Weeks & Years of constant Work and Dedication

Roger Staubach

Day Without A Wallet

Oh dear! I'd forgot my wallet. I left it in another bag. Just came to realise when I reached the office tower.

That means, I went without my daily cuppa!

And guess what, I'm waiting for 911 now, at the office.

I'm starving & worst, I got a meeting at 2pm.

Sigh!

Life without a wallet is tough especially this poor soul is super hungry.

I can't think! I can't think like a normal soul.

Development Skill

Honey Celestine enjoy scooping macaroni from one bowl to another. This is part of her daily games. She will never fail to carry the bowl back & forth. From our room to the living room and vice versa. Somehow, I gather this should be part of her development skill. I thought it's wasn't an easy task to ensure the macaroni doesn't spill from the bowl while walking.

I quite encourage Honey to play, I mean real stuff. This is to encourage her to feel the real thing. Learning through sight and feeling makes learning so easy.

One of her lesson is to bring her to the supermarket. Teach her all the real stuff. Fruits like oranges, apples, pears, bananas, grapes, lemon & etc.

Vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus (1 of her favourite veggie), spinach, tomato & etc.

Next, is to encourage her to help me remove all the groceries from the bag & put them in place at the kitchen.

This can be fun.

As you know, children will never listen. They seem to get carry away especially the funny crinkly sound from the plastic bag. Eventually, she will stuff all the groceries back to the plastic bag. Poor me, gotta undo everything again!

Diapers

I'd participated in a focus group this morning and the group consisted about 8 mummy.

For people who do not know what's a focus group is all about:

Basically, a company usually from a FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumable Goods) who hire a market research company to run a survey in a group (usually from the same category) as to gather as much information about their products and also the competitors.

For instance, the main topic was about diaper. Hence, what the market research team did is to get a group of mothers who have children that are currently using diapers. This common group of mother will share their views. There is no right or wrong answer to the questions.

Basically, to share more and behind the scene, the FMCG co is standing behind a hidden glass mirror and to tabulate the answers.

1. Is there any changes to the diaper from the earlier days to now?

Fiona: Cloth Nappy to Diaper

2. What's the difference between a pull-up pants and a tape-on diaper?

Fiona: Pull-up pants (More costly est. $0.80/pc) wheras tape-on diaper is $0.29/pc

3. Why do you prefer a pull-up than a tape-on?

Fiona: Pull-up pant is more convenient.

4. Do you see yourself converting to a pull-up?

Fiona: I'm using both.

5. If the price is not an issue, so why aren't you using a pull-up then?

Fiona: I am using. Probably more so for people who doesn't.

6. What's the brand you are currently using?

Fiona: Drypers

7. Are you loyal to the brand that you are currently using?
Fiona: Nope. Depends on the material of the diapers, how my girl react to it. Some brands caused rashes on my gal. Not only that,if the price is reasonable & affordable & will stock up.

8. Do you find yourself a practical mummy?

Fiona: That depends. I may be savvy on one end but not on the others.

9. Simply, you want the best for your child?

Fiona: Yes, of cuz. Who wouldn't want to provide the best to her child. Importantly, within our mean.

10. List the brands that you often see in a supermarket?

Fiona: Oh...there are simply too many and it's really confusing. To list a few ... Pampers is synonymous with diaper. Dryers, Drypantz, Huggies, Mommy Poko, Pet Pet, Fitti & lots more

The questions continue ... & the session actually ended for almost 2 hrs and 30mins.

Sunday School

21 September 2008

This was a special Sunday for both Honey & myself.

My heavenly, Celestine attended her first Sunday School @ Trinity Church in Paya Leba.

I didn't expect to send her for the nursery playgroup. Actually, just intend to bring her for the service with me.

Just out of curiosity and then we went to explore the nursery group. We were called to proceed to Nursery 2 since Celestine has passed the 1-year old age. That was why, we went on to the room of Nursery 2.

Mummy Fiona: Honey, would you like to join in the fun? Do you want to play with the little children?

Honey Celestine: Nod her head.

There she was in the Nursery ...while I was peeping from the window. I'm not going to show up as I knew she will cry the moment she sees me.

First, she was seated on jie-jie's lap.

Can tell jie-jie was trying to build rapport with Honey Celestine.

Honey looked kind of sad.

She was searching for Mummy.

Jie-jie was trying to explore the classroom with Honey.

Where's mummy?

I was sad to see my Honey standing there all by herself :(

The class & The Little Children

Celestine's Colouring Picture which was posted on my refrigerator.

I was appeased to leave Honey in the Nursery while I enjoyed my sermon at the same time. I knew all the experience volunteers are able to handle all the little children. Not only that, there are sufficient volunteers to handle them.

According to one of the volunteers, the programs for the little children were:

1. Biblical Story Telling

2. Singing Session

3. Munchy Time (Biscuits for the little children)

4. Colouring Session

What do I need to prepare? Just make sure, Celestine's diapers and water bottle are in the bag. The volunteer will attend to the little childrens' need.

After a long 2-hours in the service, I couldn't wait to fetch Honey from the Nursery. As usual, planted lots of kisses on Honey. Some of the volunteers invited us to come again on next Sunday. They would be happy to see her again.

Vivo City - At The Playground

I just love to watch my Honey.

What Happen?

I seriously having problem logging in to my hotmail at this hour.

I'd tried since 11:30pm and it just seems to be dangling in the air.

What happen? This is really frustrating.

I wanna log on to check my daily news and update from Hubby about the financial crisis.

Sucks ... this is bad! Really sick!

What happen? Should I try again? One more round before I divert to my less important web surfing...

iMITATION

These days Celestine just love to imitate Mummy in whatever she does, whatever she speaks, in every ways ... just put it this way, she loves to imitate and makes me laugh.

A simple test:

1) Whenever I call my mum in Cantonese 'Ma', Celestine will imitate by calling the word 'Ma'. I'm not sure if she's gotta call my mum or her grandmum as 'Ma' in the future.

2) When I squat, she will squat.

3) When I groove to the music, she will start to samba ...

4) When I nod my head, she starts to nod.

I reckon this stage is probably the most delicate period. I have to be more tactful from the way I speak and the action that I bring forward. She is learning. This is going to be interesting for her. Every thing she picks up, is amusing.

People tends to say how your kids were raised depends very much on the parents or just a reflection of the parents' behaviour.

I'm not too sure if I wish to inculcate the same mannerism as I adopt or a combination of both daddy & mummy. Afterall, we both have different values. I'm not going to worry so much. Just allow nature take its course. I'm sure Celestine would have her own set of values as she grew older.

Lantern Festival

What's Lantern Festival is all about besides, The Moon is round & specially bright, the sweet delicacies - mooncakes, oh for your information, I never fancy mooncakes & lastly more lanterns to walk around on the streets ... mind you, WHERE'S ALL THE LANTERNS?

Hubby was just commenting that he could hardly see any children moving around with their lanterns. I suspected either it was too early for lanterns or simply our neighourhood is not popular for such occasion.

Unlike our younger days when we hanged around with the little boys next door. Walking from door to door with our favourite lantern. Along the corridor was lighted with rows of candles. Burning of paper lanterns and ashes on the next day ... It was burning that made all the difference.

As we grew older, these fun were long forgotten.

This year was exceptional.

Our little honey Celestine has her own lantern. Not a paper but a plastic lantern with music playing on the background once lighted. Even the lanterns have gone for some face-lifting. Lanterns with great tempo & glittering lights that can spin & twist. No wonder our life is getting more & more interesting. Even our dear grandfather was playing with the lanterns too ...

Gong Gong + Lantern

The Moon on that special night

Celestine 1st Lantern


The Pomelo

On the actual night, Celestine was out at the neighbourhood with her new lantern aeroplane. This time, there were more actions going on. Children were playing with fire. Lighting candles and burning papers. It was fun to see these "little devils" on action. Reminds me of my younger days ... Lion dance was there. The hitting of drums did enticed Honey ...

"The Litle Devils"
The Lion Dance

The Moon on that night

Words of Wisdom To Share

We teach some by what we say

We teach some more by what we do

But we teach most by what we are

People will forget what you said...

People will forget what you did...

But people will never forget how you made them feel....

Remember: You don't get to choose how you are going to die, or when, but, you can decide how you are going to live, here and now.....

PASS

This particular paper was over. Got it done once & for all despite my several attempts. Some might say this paper is easy but sad to say people like me who is not inclined to such topics may not be able to get through.

I'm not trying to prove the statement I made earlier was true but you can imagine this was my 4th attempt before I made it to "PASS". So what do you think? I don't care what you think but I swear, this is not by chance or anything. It's really the effort I put in.

I'm not going to look back, at least 1 paper is cleared and the next is coming before I realise again. The book was already left on my bookshelf and I don't think I'm going to browse through again at least not for the next few weeks or months.

WISH ME LUCK FOR MY NEXT COMING PAPER ...

Next Achievement

Yes, I made it this time for my marathon.

21km all the way.

This year, the route was very different. We ran across the Shereas Bridge as usual but covered the Marina Barrage. The path was uneven and I would say it made running a bit tougher. Every pace seemed lighter especially hubby was behind me throughout the journey. I knew he will give me his morale support and because of him, I can complete the run. I got my strength & power from him.

Still Thinking Hard

Time: 1:35am

Yet to sleep. Honey Celestine is right besides me. Hubby is watching The Olympic Games again. Almost every night without fail. What do I know? Men like him are always passionate about sports.

At this wee hour, I'm still trying to plan an outing for Honey but where should we go?

Happy Birthday Ariyen

10-08-08, Sunday

About to post this bloggie and realised that I did not have any picture taken with our little birthday gal, Ariyen.

The only one was:

Hubby, Celestine, Zien & Ariyen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ARIYEN

Vaccination

07-08-08, Thursday

Celestine had 2 vaccinations on the same day. MMR-Primary Dose (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) and the other was Chickenpox which was an option but I chose to give her a vaccine since Mummy hasn't gotten any.

She was brave, at least she did not burst out crying when the needle poke into her thigh.

From what I understand, the injection may cause a fever in the next 5 days. Thank God, she is perfectly strong. This is important. Day & nite, we were all trying to measure her temperature. Panadol standby.

Her weight was 10.6kg. According to the paediatrician, our Honey Celestine is perfectly fine. Nothing to worry about.

See this is how my Honey Darling Celestine looks.

@ Coffee Club, Takashimaya

Design or $$$

Was loitering around the shoe department with Elna & Celestine and this pair of cheena heels caught my eyes.

1st, I like the embroidery and the length of the heels. For all I know, this heels will look dainty on me.

2nd, after a glimpse on the price tag, I can't believe what I just saw.

Yeah, that's right! The price is $39.90. USUAL PRICE was $259.90!!!

This is crazy!

This was too tempting. I will feel sorry if I don't buy.

Guess what, I got it.

Was wondering if I got it out of purely the design or just the value? Rather both?

Well, it doesn't matter anyway cuz I got the cheena heels. But to be frank, if the usual price was $259.90, trust me, I wouldn't have bought it. Was it the brand or the design that the shoes gotta price it so steep?

Fail Again

Failed Again! Just came back from my exam! Needless to say, the header speak for itself.

CLICK! The result appear as FAILED!

The invigilator handed my result slip & off I go! Folded the slip and stuff it in my bag.

Who can I blame but myself?

The 1st person I was seeking refuge was my dear hubby. Was controlling my tears.

Fiona: Can I go for a walk?

Hubby: Can you come home 1st?

Fiona: Can I be alone for awhile?

Hubby: Can you come home please? I can be there for you if you want to. Just come home 1st. Let me see you at the station.

The next person I called was S. She's a wonderful friend. She is willing to coach me despite her busy schedule and dating!

Concurrently, met up with hubby at the station. As sweet as before, hubby planted a kiss on my forehead. This time, we remain silent. Hubby was understanding, he knew I needed space. All I want was companion, someone who walk with me through all journey without uttering a word. My grievous cry and frustration emerged. But still, not a word from hubby.

I need to attune my thoughts.

Somehow, my inner soul has done the right job. These was what she had whispered to my ears.

Fail again! Never mind, try again! Try & Try & Try!

Always remember, each failure will only make you better and knowledgeable.

You will be successful!

Don't lose heart.

Go on ...

You are a survivor.

No one can help you but yourself.

Stand up Fiona.

Don't be despair!

This is not YOU!

Overcome the hurdles.

You are a strong woman.

Prove to yourself & Celestine.

You can make it.

Just go on.

Fiona, you can make it.

Tomorrow is a better day!

Here I am! I'm back again to my Dreamy Bloggie.

Bless myself and Bless everyone who is reading my Dreamy Bloggie.

I'm not dreaming but I know, what my inner soul has spoken will come true, one fine day.

Yes, I'm going to make it right.

Even though, the PASSING of this exam is important but the fundamental is my attitude towards learning and leading a happy life.

Something To Ponder

2 days ago, a friend of mine ~ S had wrote me a sms that triggered my thoughts and reflection.


Before I get started, let me apologise to S as I hope she wouldn't mine me writing my thought through this dreamy bloggie.


This was what she wrote:


S: Fiona, very nice to know you and I'm thankful for that. I see how you really go all the way to care for your hubby and daughter, every thought, every action.

Fiona: Haha... I'm stunned to see what you wrote :) I'm really flattered... honestly, I'm nothing as compred to others. Don't forget, I'm still a woman who pursue love, passion & also buying lotsa nice shoes hee... if got a chance, I will share with you a story from someone who is dearest to me :)

S: Haha... you deserve that compliment :-) not easy for a woman to give up things that shes used to like to do for her family. I Salute to you :-)

End of conversation

A day later, this was what I wrote to S.

Fiona: By the way, was pondering of your words last evening, I felt I'm useless as compared to people like you all. Cuz everyone is working & securing a good job wheras I'm not achieving anything at this age. This is quite shameful! Everyone is working hard but not me :( I'm slacking...

S: Hey gal, you were successful once as a Regional Marketeer in your career. But now you have turned this career success into family success. You are now a successful mum with a cute daughter, supportive and caring hubby, don't have to worry about financial. It's a different type of success. To work doesn't mean success, it only allows you to be financial better. But to have money, doesn't mean you will be happy. Sometimes, money brings more trouble. To be happy is the most important! To define your own success, you are already very successful from having a career to a wife and now to a mother. I know you want to reduce Deon's burden, don't force yourself too hard. All you need is time and opportunity and it's coming :)

After reading, I was really touched by the way she described about me.

To reflect on my life at this stage, I have nothing to complain. It's true that I have a great supportive hubby who is always there for me irregardless financially, career switching, or even to my emotional swings ...

I'm thankful to have my hubby to teach me in all aspects of life. He's my coach and my angel.

He teach me not to be too complacent in life. I may fall!

And I guess, I remember his words and that is when I started to move forward. To pick up all the broken pieces I left in the past and moving forward to a new career. Bear with me for another 2 years & I will show you the results.

I suppose everyone is struggling in some part of their lives. Nothing is easy and we just have to move forward. As for me, I will continue to work hard and strive for the best. Like what S was mentioning, I need time & opportunity. It's coming!

Year 2009, is definitely a good year for those who born in the Year of Snake. Beware, Snake is strong & they will shine!