"Aren't you playing scrabble, Mom?'

I was taken aback by my little boy's question. There I was trying so hard to compose words to write my thesis, and he quietly wondered why mom wasn't playing scrabble. I explained to him that 'game' is strictly for weekend although his persistent further questionings left little hope that he understood the concept.

Oh dear, I must have played thoughtlessly during the moments of addiction last weekend. Too thoughtless that I didn't even realize I have unconsciously planted the belief that "Mom plays scrabble all the time on the computer" in the little one's head. Now I've landed myself a new task of undoing that...thank God he's still young enough to convince.

Moral of the story- don't give wrong impressions to the young minds...

Addiction?

I understand addiction now that I've gone through it myself. It's a state that's induced by innocent curiousity, in my case, on Scrabble@worldwide. I can only say I'm thankful that it happens in the weekend, or otherwise I can't imagine what would happen to my work.

I thought I'd give it a go when a friend of mine posted the link in FB. It looked harmless enough, and being one who has always enjoyed a scrabble game, I gladly responded. One game led to another, and another, and another. I didn't realize that I've sat for hours doing the game with other online players. Taking breaks only to feed the kids and to go to the bathroom, I went on playing until 3am on Sunday morning. Even then I still didn't feel quite sleepy. The brain must have been overactivated.

Back from the family's weekly outing, I quickly did the bakings and guess what? Yes, started on scrabble again. I kept promising myself "just this one game" and ended up playing 5 in about 3 hours. Thank God it's weekend...I can at least feel least guilty about not doing anything 'useful'. And now I have to get this out of my system. I AM ADDICTED...it's not fun to feel this way. And it's only a game...what with others who have worse kind of addictions...I say a little prayer for them, that they will get over whatever those addictions are.

I'm still struggling to 'dis-addict' myself. It's like I can't wait for weekend so that I can have the next rounds of game. Oh no...

Strangers are friends in moments of solidarity

Strangers are to be treated suspiciously. At least that's the practical advise every responsible adult gives to kids. But sometimes moments of solidarity turn strangers into friends. Those might be rare moments, for one can never be too careful these days though.


Had the strange experience of being in solidarity with a stranger just yesterday. I've never met him before even though I've been using the same library to do my work for a few days. We happened to have to use the same working area because all the other desks next to power points were occupied. We exchanged smile. He asked politely if I'd be kind enough to plug his laptop power for him since the point was within my reach. "Sure", I said. Then we went to work companionably in silence. Hours later he asked me if I'd be able to watch his laptop for him while he went to get some lunch. Which I gladly did. When he came back, I left my laptop for him to care for while I went to make an important long-distance call. The weird thing was, I didn't say a word asking him to mind my laptop. He just understood and did it for me. At the end of the day, he asked me again if he could bother me again, unplugging his power point, which of course I gladly did.

Looking back, it felt strange to simply believe in a stranger. But that was exactly what I did....what he did. I guess that's what solidarity is all about.

Kidspot Recipes

I finally found a recipe spot that works for me. It's kidspot.com. It has got various interesting lunchbox recipes that don't cheat. Seriously, they are easy to follow and WYSWYG. The measuring tools are mostly cups and in metric units, so I don't have to waste time trying to work out the conversion.


This week I baked scones, cupcakes, muffins and cookies- all, I realize, turn out to be better and yummier than the pre-mixed packet ingredients I religiously used in the past. Thank God for little blessings, with kidspot recipes I can bake my kiddies' favourites and most importantly I am learning to substitute sugars/sugar-filled ingredients with healthier alternative. Way to go, Mom!

Once a fan...

I must be a most loyal fan of the Harry Potter series that no matter what weaknesses others see in the 6th movie, I just can't feel the same way. Instead, I feel quite nostalgic, to see the characters that a few years ago started out as cute littlies, become all grown now. Having read all the books, I do feel that the movie has done justice to book 6. Of course there are 'discluded' scenes- it was a long book anyway. But most of the important ones are in the movie. My emotions when watching the movie was exactly the same when I read the book two years ago. (one definitely remembers emotions). That could only mean that the actors have done well indeed, that they have managed to portray the emotions intended to be portrayed on screen.

Oh yes...watching Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna and the others was really good. It's like seeing your little brothers/sisters/cousins grow up before your eyes, to discover the journey of life with all its emotional upheavals, sweet joys and lessons. JK Rowling is a gem of a writer. I really look forward to the final movies...

Life is not all about ME

how true...I read somewhere that people are naturally selfish. That 70% of the time each day we think of our selfish needs. Unconsciously, that is. We worry about all the 'what ifs' that concern us, directly and indirectly. What if I failed to do this, what if I got a terminal illness, what if my partner left me for someone else, what if I lost my job...etc.

The phrase 'life is not all about ME' takes on a new meaning after this realization. Much that I have about a thousand things to take care of every day, I really should make time for others. A phone call to someone I haven't spoken to for a long time, an email to a long forgotten friend, a visit to someone who is lonely or sick- the possibility of reaching out is endless. Failing that, because it always feels that the 24-hour day is just too short, I could at least stop complaining of how much time I have to alot to drive the kids to school, to make their meals, and to clean up their mess. After all life is not all about ME...it's about many other things that contribute to the meaning of living.

wishful thinking

yes it would be perfect if:
1. I could spend my waking hours working consistently on my work...without mental blocks, without fatique, without fear or without having to force myself to do it.
2. there's no dirty kitchen and bathrooms to go home to
3. there's no screaming kids trying to kill each other or simply wanting to drive you crazy the moment you step in the door at the end of a long day
4. the house self-cleans so I don't have to worry about cleaning up on top of everything else
5. I can stop worrying about all my worries...

but this of course, is just a wishful thinking. At least I can wish...and to make myself feel better, I should be thankful that I get to work on something I like at all, that I have a kitchen and a bathroom at all because it means that I have a home, that I have kids to love and be loved in return, that I have a home when some have no roofs over their heads, that I have worries because that means I am living and very much alive. Yes I should be thankful.

In the name of religion?

I admit I was disgusted to read the news about some men from a certain religion spying into other people's religious place and pretending to participate in the ritual for whatever reason. First disgusted, now sad. What an invasion of privacy. What a disrespectful act. How low can people stoop to achieve the sense of victory in the name of religion? Isn't it irony that people who are supposed to be religious, who are expected to lead other people in good examples actually do just the opposite?
It matters not what religion you believe in- if you are truly religious, you are supposed to be the light of others, to bring peace and love and hope, to promote justice...

But then again, some people care more about quantity than quality. It is disturbing to think that such people aim to have as many followers as they can, not on teaching these followers how to live better.

I honestly feel that religion is a personal choice, not an imposed one. No one should have the right to force others to believe in their religion. Everyone should have the right to practice their belief in peace. Most of all, everyone should respect other's religions and leave each other to practice their belief in private. I'm sure God, whoever it is or whatever it is, would be much happier to see a peaceful world than a world full of so-called believers that make the non-believers' life miserable...

The Amish

Just finished reading a book called "Wanted" by Shelley Shepard Gray. This is the first novel I read of which the setting is the Amish community. It is truly interesting. From a short novel I managed to learn quite a bit about the Amish, a community that many might consider 'traditional' in comparison to the modern world they are used to. I salute the writer for while not from the community, has portrayed them in a positive light. Simple, peaceful, hardworking, God fearing, while at the same time being open to outsiders. (well I know there's no community without faults but the portrayal of the writer impresses me so). I am most impressed that a community can actually live by choice without the comforts of things such as electricity and cars. I guess their deep commitment to their faith sees them through. One sure can learn a thing or two from them...

Sunday Reflection 2

Heard this song when I was driving to the local grocer this morning. It's so beautiful I have to share it.

Happy Birthday to 'Dad':-) The girls and I had fun presenting Dad with a card that reads: "A Comparison between a car and my Dad...has a spare tire, gives off nasty fumes, has been around the block a few times, sometimes coughs and splutters when running. With age, a great one becomes a clssic, just like you!" :-) :-) :-)

Yes, we do appreciate life while we can...Life is a gift and should be enjoyed to the fullest, while at the same time we use our talents to carry out the responsibility we are given. It's a balance after all, play and work, sorrow and happiness, good health and bad health. We might not have the choice of avoiding what human beings want to avoid sometimes but with faith, somehow we have the strength to carry on. This reminds me of this line I came across somewhere: "...give me the courage to change things I can, and strength to accept things I can't". How very apt.

(p/s- missing the two boys I love so much back home...and all the family members actually)

Loooong weeks ahead

The kids' term 2 ended yesterday- with style of course. Everyone got to 'free dress' and they outdid themselves:-) It's lovely to see all the kids in school dressed colourfully. At least it brightened up the cold, winter day.

The trio aren't really looking forward to the holidays. To them going to school is more fun. Of course...there're friends in school, teachers are 'nicer' than parents, they get to do fun stuffs, the long list goes on. The only consolation they have for school hols are WII games and internet. Extra play time during the holidays. And for the rest of the time it's up to Mom to entertain them. Got to google up activities apart from movies and library. My, my...it's gonna be two long weeks.

Champs Elysees- celebrating women

Ever wonder about fragrance and women? The two blend well, don't they? As there are many types of women out there, so are there many types of perfume to suit the different personalities. Check out the following link for some of the latest, hottest types:

http://Demeter spray scents

My perfume love affair started with Champs Elysees. It is soothing and refreshing. Almost peaceful with a hint of sensuality. Perfect for a woman who appreciates femininity without being overly feminine. I'd vote for this fragrance any time, though I keep an open mind about other scents. Strange that I've never known what's the blend before. Till today. I finally learned that the blend consists of floral rose, blackcurrant, mimosa leaves, hibiscus, and almond wood. But then again, you don't have to be a perfumer to appreciate fragrance.

My encounter with Champs was a pure accident. A friend used to wear it to work. Her office was just next door to mine and whenever she came by to say hello at my door, the whiff of this mysterious fragrance lingered for hours on end. I wasn't normally one to ask boldly about things like that- you know, personal things like name of fragrance etc. But I couldn't help it that day. Glad I did because it introduced me to beautiful Champs. Well, can't say I'm a daily perfume user, but once in love, one hangs on to it while it lasts. I keep my bottle of Champs handy for 'special purposes'. It reminds me to celebrate being a woman, of wonderful buddies and good times :-)

90 million jackpot?

That's it. I'm not doing it again...at least for the next few weeks. *sigh* People say a person stands to win a lotto at least once in their lifetime? I have yet to win mine. Yesterday I tried for the 90 million jackpot, and failed. Not even a few dollars winning. *sigh again*. After spending bucks on a slikpik. You would think that 30 lines of numbers give you a good chance to at least win a small amount, but that just didn't happen for yours truly. Admittedly, I've not been playing 'religiously' like some people. Naively thought a one-off attempt would take me to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Ha ha. Moral of the story- not everyone is LUCKY with lotto. Might as well save the money in the bank- at least something.