Simply Me

My dear friends:

Sadly, I have to announce the closing of this blog. Thank you very much for your faithfulness in following my blog.

I now introduce another blog to you, http://passion-of-baking.blogspot.com
here i will be posting yummy baking. No more bitching about weather, my work....

Please continue to follow my unprofessional food blog.

with loves and hugs
Al

Finally.... my passion-of-baking blog is up and running.
I promised many of my fb friends to post recipes on the blog,  I manage to post two macarons recipes on it
http://passion-of-baking.blogspot.com/
I'd been sick for the last two weeks and still not fully recover yet.
Now I know why most stay-home-moms have nice food blog. Maintaining an up-to-date decent blog requires loads of effort and time.
Anyway, I tell myself I can do better. I know I'm so far behind, I have a few more recipes order on my list... gotta work harder. I can do it!! Yes, I can!!!

I promised a few friends to post the requested recipes on my blog but I haven't got a chance to sit down infront of my computer to work on my newly created blog. I hope they're not mad at me just yet.

**sorry**

This weekend, I have a long to-do list. Too many things to do, too little time:
4 recipes to try.
3 jobs opening to apply.
2 loads of laundry.
1 pile of cloth to iron.

I hope you all will hang on and bear with me, as I will get things sorted out!

Those who lives up north waking up with snow on the ground this morning. Weird eh? Winter not arriving until end of December… yesterday, I offered a ride to the new girl in our office. We were talking about how we ended up in one of the coldest place in this planet. I told her I love this country accept for winter, well, actually I do love winter just not the cold.
I find that living in this country, you gotta master some surviving skills.
Surviving rule #1: know the weather before head out the door. You don't want to find yourself overdress or underdress. During summer months, sitting at the patio, sipping ice cold drink while people watching, you will find interesting stuff: there are people in half naked outfit, there are people in sweatpant and Ugg. I know, it is to that extreme. Yet, in cold day, you see people in flip-flop and short, or in down jacket.

What am I doing here at 4pm, sitting in front of Apple Store and drink Timothy's？**sighs**
Answer: I'm mobility-less.

My car is at the basement having a 45 bucks spa **ouch**. I never been to any spa myself **sob**.
Well, he desperately needs a thorough clean, inside and out. Last week, I killed 2 spider in my car!!!!!!!!!! A total of 3 in the past two weeks! This morning, when I open the door, I saw spider web inside the car. This mean the unwelcome guest still inside my car. I stood outside the car looking around trying to track him down. Ryan called out, mommy, I'm cold. It's only 5 degree this morning, I can't let Ryan catch the cold. Buckle him up, I walk to my driver side, tap the ceiling, not that I want the little creature to fall down, I just don't want him to fall on me while I was driving on the highway. As I was driving, I dare not look around, I don't want to spot the black little creature. On the way to office, my legs felt numb at time. My office is not 5km or 6km away, it's 65km away, plus, I need to drop off Ryan. I spent a good one and half hours in the car before I get out of the car.

My deal with Mr. Spider is, as long as he and his gang stay out of sight while I was in there, I don't care if he want to have party. He broke the rule, he left something behind.

I told Tony, Halloween is approaching, that's why spiders gone wild!!!

Another summer gone.

It's Friday. Unlike any Friday, our office on long weekend Friday is unusually quiet. This weekend is the last long weekend before summer ends and before kids go back to school. So, people are taking full advantage of it.

I have to go back to office, cos I don't have any vacation days left. I'd used up all my vacation days travelling to China, HK, Sg and M'sia. At the office, only a few of us, very quiet. I have lunch on my desk, and play the 'jewel' games on iPad.

Time crawling slowly, I was falling asleep, so I went to cafeteria. No one there, some newspaper lying on the table, I pick up one to read. Someone came in, I didn't lift up my head. Then, something smell good, it was Tom, he is heating up the Perogies. Even he says the office is as quiet as the library.

I can't wait to go home at 3.30 p.m. We are going to Rama later.

Summer has come and almost gone, kids going back to school soon. Before summer ends, I want to have another family outing. So, I planned a “Pick Your Own” at Whittemore Farm on Sunday.

On Sunday, after Lord’s Table meeting, we did some grocery shopping and head home. At home, I got too comfortable andlazy to go out, cos it's like 7 hundred degree outside, but Tony reminded me not to break our promise. I drag my feet and pack all necessities, camera, hat, umbrella, water, etc. I’m not a fan of heat, I like to think I’m a piece of ice, under the sun, I’ll melt.

Everytime people asks him how old? He will put up 4 fingers and look at them, make sure it's 4, then show them. He already telling people he is 4, right after he turned 3. We tried to remind him, he is actually 3, he refused.

This year he grows up a lot physically, especially his height. He is constantly hungry, he will never shy to ask for more foods, even in school. And he is very chatty, he likes to talk, whether or not it makes sense.

Boys are tend to be more active and naughty. This little guy, on his quiet side, he likes to help out - whether I'm doing laundry or baking - he wants to be part of it. I really adore him, at very young age, he has very good manner. For example, at the age of 2, he will thank you for changing his diaper in the night, he will apologize for his misbehaviour. "Thank you, mommy." "I'm sorry, mommy, I mess up the floor."

At the age of 3, he will tell you to pay for his toy that he picked up from the store. Toys R Us is his favourite store. We have to remind him before we entered the store, we are here to check out toy, NO BUYING, and make sure he get it, otherwise, he takes that as green light to buy 'something'. "Can I touch the toys? Can I play the toys?" after he knows he's not allow to buy. Especially now he know his birthday is coming up, he starts to show you what he wants. Buzz Lightyear is one of his favourite right now. He even wants to be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween. Because I prefer cowboy sheriff Woody, I told him Buzz Lightyear is for bigger boy. Then, he says, "I want to be Buzz Lightyear when I grow a little bigger." Oh boy!

Last week, he was on the phone with Uncle Mark, "Uncle Mark, I want Lightning McQueen Car Wash toys for my birthday." Pretty thick face. I don't remember I ever ask somebody for toys when I was young.

3 more weeks till his birthday. He kept saying he wants to send invitation to Ms. Rachel, and some of his buddies in school, however, we are only invite close family friends.

During lunch time, I was blogging about the sad news I heard from radio yesterday morning. Half way through I changed my mind and delete the blog.
Today is Sherene birthday. The family went back to Pillipine, no wonder I didn't see them on Lord's Day. I saw her comments on Facebook, she was in that area when the tragic happen. It wasn't hit me until I dig more news, video clips from the web. After learning more about the tragedy, I was furious and depress. Furious, the phillipine authorities handle the whole situation in such unprofessional way ended up in blood shed. Depress, these people paid for a pleasant trip but ended up pay their life needlessly. It was indeed very sad and heart breaking. How could the local government let this happen? There were 5 Canadian on the bus. They were family, 3 were killed, one in the ICU. Left the mom alone, helpless, devastated, losing 3 loved one... Thi s is just horrible. They are ordinary people like you and me.
My prayer goes out to them....
Oh Lord Jesus! Please comfort that mother who lost her love one. Please keep all your children safe under your mighty hands.

P/S: if anyone of you confused with my last name? Well, Kong is my married name and now my legal last name. I still use Liew, in my office, my email, my business card... why? that has been my last name all my life.

It was a warm and breezy day, perfect for sitting on the patio. After we arrived home, I let Ryan plays outside while I preparing dinner in the kitchen. Nothing much to prepare since we are eating left over from Monday, only rice.

The sky is blue with no clouds. I was sitting on the patio watching him enjoying himself under the sun. I too enjoying myself blogging on my iPad, then some burn smell coming from the kitchen interrupting my train of thought. "Oops, the rice", I jumped up from the patio chair, run inside, but it's too late, I burnt the rice. Making another pot of rice for dinner.

He is pretending gasing up his truck. Kid at this age likes to pretend play.

That's all we got today. Ryan loves to pick them and he loves cherry tomatoes. He little tummy can takes 10 or more cherry tomatoes.

We didn't get very much crop this year. Unlike other year, when our crop was overwhelming that we need to gave away to friends and neighbours. We need to pick it almost every other day, otherwise, the hares would eat them. I think we didn't get enough rains this summer, plus we were away for sometime last month. Those plants were left unattended.

Look at last year crop - someday we picked 2 basket full of tomatoes. This little guy enjoy picking them.

This one was gigantic, we called it "pumato", it looks like pumpkin. These two photos were taken in 2008.

我对自制糕点非常有兴趣。可惜Tony不懂得欣赏，原因是他不爱吃甜点。我也不怎么吃，所以很多时候吃不完，被扔掉。朋友到访时，他们可要真有口福，我又可以大展身首，吃不完，统统给打包回家，一举两得。
这是我第二次做奶酥面包，第四次自制面包。虽然这次比上次好，我觉得还不算成功，还要不断地尝试，直到可以和面包店的比较。
我会继续努力的！加油！！

"It's so fluffy, I gonna die!"
Tonight, for the first time, Ryan going to movie theater. We watched the "Despicable Me" and it's in 3D.

最近lower back pain一直搅扰我。自从宝宝出世后，我的lower back 一直没好过。记得他出世后的头几个星期，痛到连睡觉都不行。睡觉时必须用毛巾垫在腰下才行。
朋友介绍我去看chiropractor, 刚开始很勤劳去做治疗，渐渐地懒了起来。试过半年没去覆诊。
今天请了一天假，早上决定去找Dr. Lee, 没有预约。我不喜欢预约，我喜欢一通电话，马上过来。Dr. Lee 蛮好人，蛮亲切的。他知道我「忙」（懒）。如果不是疼得吃不消，我真的懒得去。临走前，我答应他我会勤劳覆诊。他笑。
两个星期前，同事介绍我去看一位出名的pysiotherapist，的确很有料子。最可恶的是他的assistant, 我最受不了就是那些Hongky 那种不知所谓的attitude.

Aunty Ana 做完这个月不再帮我们煮饭收拾了。从她说不做的那天开始，我就一直愁烦。
回到家饭菜汤都已经煮好了的日子快结束了。想到要自己动手就累，本来做全职的煮妇已经不容易，更何况我还要从老远的mississauga到markham接Ryan。回到家要先搞他盥洗，不是每次都能顺利。再开始动力煮晚餐。。。打开冰箱，看着僵硬的肉类鱼类，还没清洗的菜疏，囤满lunch boxes、bottles的sink, 乱七八糟的客厅，加上哇哇吵肚子饿的Ryan。。。我已经先垮了！
回到整齐的家，人都舒服，一天的劳累都会消失一半。有没有晚餐还是次要，就重要要舒适的感觉。

宝宝第一天上珠心算。我坐在外面等，听见他一直和老师有沟通。年纪最小是他，声音最大声也是他，一点都不怕陌生。
糟糕，我想我开始朝向kiasu parent的方向前进。才三岁末满四岁，又学游泳，又学钢琴，又学golf, skating...天呀，我的额头快印着KIASU了！
其实他自己对他所学的感兴趣，我没有强逼他，乃是倍养他的兴趣。

以前的我以为男人都是绅士。女人天生八卦、小器、爱讲事非。天呀，原来男人比女人八卦十倍、小器五十倍、爱讲事非一百倍！！
读书时期，身边的女生，给我的感觉很烦。男生直率，不婆妈，和他们在一起很舒服。也是因为这原因我选读土木工程系，男生肯定多过女生，烦人的东西也会少些。
记得有一个理发的叔叔说我性格似男生可惜女儿身。虽然我没有天使般的脸孔，魔鬼般的身材，我都从来不觉得可惜是女儿。
直到在这间公司上班，我对男人有更深的认识。男人真的非常可恶，非常贱。我在的Engineering Department，男人占90%，我的Section是整个部门里最多女生的--我和另外两个女同事。我的office的男人，有一部分是assholes，有一部分是wacko，非常少部分，是正常的 （有吗？）。
好，让我解释一些：大家都认为女生爱打小报告， 我公司的男人在你背后插你一刀让你死得不明不白。女人的小报告，根本不会造成什么伤害。阴险的却是男人，致命的报告。他们不但爱八封，还挺长舌的。脸皮厚，爱占人便宜，cheap得要命。太贱了！还有一些是ass licker, 这班是＂贱精＂！和这种恶心的人一同过35小时／week，日子一点都不好过。
男女平等的讲论全是狗屁！根本没这回事。圣经说男人是女人的头。女人不可以出头。女人是软弱的器皿。这说明男女是永远不会平等的。
坤士哥儿们，你们跑哪去了？
救命呀！

这次到中国旅游，我学到很多＂功课＂。为了我的家人、朋友，我必须和大家分享一下：
买东西一定要讲价，只要给你觉得值得的价。（我建议还是省了，中国太多「翻版」东西，太多假货，连baby的奶粉都可以假。买了又不放心用，何必花你的一毛五分呢？）
如果跟团队，50%的时间是去＂购物＂。你会听到＂我们是什么什么第一家。。。什么什么政府管治价格。。。或者一开口就减60%，还可以一减再减，减到你满意为止。。。＂千万不要＂上当＂。 他们很利害的，他们会搞到你好像不买会错过机会的样子，根本没有时间冷静想到底你需不需要，值不值得。记住他们是冲着你的荷包而来。
不要以为不跟团就会避免这类＂上当＂的事不会发生。我是上网读了关于中国旅游的scam才知道原来中国的骗子无孔不入。总之不要和不认识的人打交道。记得自己做自己的事，不要轻以相信人，你就会没事。
中国旅游光观，的确不错，买东西还是要三思。我个人认为去中国旅游，就好像走入赌场。进赌场出来，如果能够不输钱，你就是大赢家！

离开Kuching 八年了，这次回乡是最开心，最舒服。开心是因为见到亲人和朋友，舒服是因为旅途蛮愉快的，宝宝蛮乖蛮听话的。
这次带着宝宝去中国，香港，新加坡，以及回国，足足玩了一个月。虽然有点辛苦，但很愉快。感谢Grace一家人，在中国对我们母子俩的照顾。还有一些团友，尤其是来自南京的司机大哥非常照顾Ryan，个个都说他很乖，不哭闹。
中国，很多古迹历史，差不多每一寸地土都有它的故事。踏入北京故宫博物院时，很难想像我所身在的地方就是当年的紫禁城。好大，非常大。它的位置就在北京的中心。当我们在里头穿越一栋栋不同的院子，有太和殿，养心殿，皇帝的卧房，御花园。。。
皇帝的后宫佳丽真的有三干这么多？皇帝贵为一国之尊，要得皇帝的宠爱，想而言之是不容易。
游完紫禁城后，原来真正的故宫是在南京，朱元璋的儿子把皇宫给搬去北京，据说儿子的「房子」怎么可以大过老子，所以南京的比北京的还大。后来南京的被人一把火给烧尽了。
我在想当年封建社会被推翻，最后一个皇帝被废掉之后，他的后代去哪了呢？
原来万里长城也不是秦始皇建的。早在秦始皇以前，长城已经有了一部份，是秦始皇下令将它完功。筑长城是为了不让蒙古族侵入。如果你仔细看长城是建在山的spine。想想当年人民如何搬运材料上去。中国没有什么多，就是人多。不论是以前也好，现在也好，做什么都是人力。皇帝下令筑长城，建水路，全都是人力，也不知多少千万的性命给赔上。
中国人有这么一句话，＂不到长城非好汉＂。后来人再加上一句，＂走到长城满身汉＂。
中国的历史太多太多了，看也看不完，讲也讲不完。
这次我走了北京、南京、上海、苏州、杭州和无锡。如果你问我喜欢哪？我会答：南京和杭州。原因是那里比较绿化。我最不喜欢北京了，江南一带真的很美，连皇帝们都爱下江南，难怪当地人有如此一句＂上有天堂，下有苏杭＂。

童真。还没有孩子以前不能完全体会这词真正的意思。当孩子开始会和我沟通的时候，我才真正明白何为＂童真＂。
当孩子惹我生气时，他说："I'll give mommy hugs and kiss kiss." 他不理我是不是还再生气。他走过来抱我的颈，向着我的嘴唇轻下去。然后他问，＂mommy, are you still mad?" "mommy wants more kiss kiss and hug hug?"
就这样，我被他给征服了。这就是我所谓的「童真」。

Today weather forecast is high 20 degree, but it's very windy and feel like 10 degree.
Ryan wakes up at around 8am, get him ready, we went to the lobby for free wifi and let Tony to get a little more rest. I was on my laptop, Ryan on my iPhone. Mark passes by, he is ready for his golf game. Ryan gave him a hug. Then we saw Yvonne outside, we went outside, Ryan gave her a good bye hug. It was very windy and cold. Both of them wearing shorts for the game.
Return to the lobby, Ryan wants to go back to the room. Tony was getting ready, we went to the restaurant for brunch.
Arrived home before 1 o'clock. I took a quick shower and put on a black dress, black stocking and a brown jacket. Tony wearing a navy blue shirt, black dress pant and black sweater jacket. Ryan dressed up too. He kept asking where we going.
We bring the white Teddy bear, a card and the tulip flower...
I didn't know the Little Lamb Memorial Garden is actually opposite Station Creek Golf Club. We're pass by here all the time.
It was a brief ceremony. Chaplain Shield reads some poem and prayer, then the ashes buried in the pre dug hole. When the ceremony starts, my eyes were welled with tears, keep flowing down my cheeks. I wasn't expect I would cried again but I did. Tony too. Ryan cries because he wants the Teddy bear back after he threw it in the hole. He has many tough questions for us. First he thought Riley is his friend in school, he says he will give Riley the Teddy bear.
"Teddy bear is going to get dirty. "
" Why they cover it with dirt?"
"we will go back to get the flower in the summer. "
After the ceremony, we asked Linda the person in charge of the memorial garden to make the gravestone and I want to have this engraved on it...
"In the place of what Thou takest, Thou dost give Thyself to me"
Well, this is the closure of my wound.

Today weather forecast is high 20 degree, but it's very windy and feel like 10 degree.
Ryan wakes up at around 8am, get him ready, we went to the lobby for free wifi and let Tony to get a little more rest. I was on my laptop, Ryan on my iPhone. Mark passes by, he is ready for his golf game. Ryan gave him a hug. Then we saw Yvonne outside, we went outside, Ryan gave her a good bye hug. It was very windy and cold. Both of them wearing shorts for the game.
Return to the lobby, Ryan wants to go back to the room. Tony was getting ready, we went to the restaurant for brunch.
Arrived home before 1 o'clock. I took a quick shower and put on a black dress, black stocking and a brown jacket. Tony wearing a navy blue shirt, black dress pant and black sweater jacket. Ryan dressed up too. He kept asking where we going.
We bring the white Teddy bear, a card and the tulip flower...
I didn't know the Little Lamb Memorial Garden is actually opposite Station Creek Golf Club. We're pass by here all the time.
It was a brief ceremony. Chaplain Shield reads some poem and prayer, then the ashes buried in the pre dug hole. When the ceremony starts, my eyes were welled with tears, keep flowing down my cheeks. I wasn't expect I would cried again but I did. Tony too. Ryan cries because he wants the Teddy bear back after he threw it in the hole. He has many tough questions for us. First he thought Riley is his friend in school, he says he will give Riley the Teddy bear.
"Teddy bear is going to get dirty. "
" Why they cover it with dirt?"
"we will go back to get the flower in the summer. "
Well, this is the closure of my wound.

This morning, before get up from the bed, Ryan asked, "what are we doing today? Are we going to piano lesson?"
I was sitting on the couch watching Andrea teaching her daughter and Ryan. It was fun watching. Suprea is younger than Ryan by a couple of months, but she did a lot better than Ryan. I would assume this is her house, she is more comfortable.

Sunny and breezy Monday morning, instead of sitting in the stuffy cubicle, I have a site meeting with the Gemorphologist. When I enter into my office I saw my phone's light was on, it must be my supervisor. As I unload my stuff (jacket, purse, lunch bag, snacks), I played the voicemail and checked my email. I got an email from him as well sent before 8 this morning. And I saw a missed call on my cellphone (holy smoke, three way attacks). The message was to ask me if I'm comfortable to meet JP on my own? Let him knows if I'm comfortable to meet JP by myself.
For crying out loud, can I say NO???? Can I say, "I'm not comfortable to meet this guy alone" and won't get my PMP affected?!?!?!
I know if it's BC, I can tell him right on his face, 'NOPE, I WILL NOT SEE THIS GUY ON MY OWN, BECAUSE I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE.' Unfortunately, my supervisor is no longer BC, it's someone who will stab you from behind anytime. He is a wimp and ASS-kisser/licker.
Honestly, I really don't feel comfortable of meeting this guy alone. Plus i think this meeting is so unnecessary in the first place, it was him who said we should join in and now he dump me. This consultant guy gave me a very weird impression when we were out there last week. But we need his expertise opinion on the creek issue.
The meeting was scheduled for 9.30am at the creek. I was waited and waited, he didn't show up. In my heart, I was like, oh, please don't show up. 15 minutes past, still didn't see JP. So I called my supervisor, as I still talking to him, JP walking down the pathway (shoot!).
I pointed out all the problematic areas, and he gave his professional recommendation. Despite his weirdness, this meeting actually turned out to be an educational experience.

I was standing here by the creek, like a greeter, saying 'hi' and 'good morning' to the old folks, mom with stroller, jogger who take morning walk.

饭后的中午坐在cubicle 里，对着电脑，享受着chip 和French Vanilla，里头有种莫名的伤感。有种想哭却又哭不出来的感觉。已经四月将近尾声了，为什么还没收到通知信？
都已经七个多月了，我以为泪干了。我告诉Valeriya这种莫名的难过。她说，这可能是一种灵感，不要错过五月份的ceremony。说着我的泪水在眼眶里打转。
打电话给Caplain Don, 留言却没有覆。
上个月Judith给我织了一套蓝色的layette。她帮医院织给那些未足月出世的孩子。我向她要求一套，是因为我不想要忘记Riley这孩子。除了那几张黑白ultrasound的照片，Riley没有留下什么给我，我也没有给他什么的。我打算ceremony那天带一个teddy bear去。我是不是很执著？

I need to pick up grocery after work. It doesn't sound like a big deal as I do grocery at least twice a week or more. Unlike any grocery trip, this time I gotta go out of my way to this particular Sobey's in Thornhill, for only one reason -Kosher.
Okay, let me explain a little bit what is Kosher before getting into why I'm buying Kosher food. Kosher food are food that meet Jewish dietary law. Yes, Jewish. Apparently, Jewish people have to prepare their foods in a proper way so that it adheres the law. Only foods that are prepared in the way according to the law can be called Kosher.
Sobey at this location is the biggest carrier of Kosher foods in GTA, it's located at the heart of the Jewish community. Thornhill has the largest Jewish and Korean population. Whereas Markham has the largest community of Chinese. It's like a little HongKong/China, you don't feel like you're in foreign country. Well, we moved here because of the neighbourhood not because of the Chinese community. It's more diverse in our area. In fact, I prefer less Chinese area, especially those Cantonese speaking Chinese, they are LOUD and RUDE!!!
A sister told me to buy Kosher meat because of Ryan allergy problem. The Kosher way of killing animal is different from the modern electric kill. Well, I just want to buy the more healthier and cleaner foods for my family. And Kosher answers it all, dead meat cannot be called Kosher, electric killed cannot be called Kosher, etc. they have their own rules. Though there were concerns raised about this cruel and inhumane way of letting animal suffer (referring to the way they handle the animal). Jewish people are very concern about the tool they used and the person who slaughter the animal, as well as the living condition of the animals before they were 'killed'.
While I was shopping there, I felt a little weird, I felt like an alien down from different planet. People are speaking foreign languages, men were wearing Yamaha (kippah), some as two long uncut dangling sideburns. I was then found out only first born (or very first pregnancy) boy has this side curled hair.
So, every Wednesday, I will stop by at this Sobey on my way to pick up Ryan. I'm sure shopping at this location will bring me a step closer of knowing Jewish customs.

When Ryan wakes up from his nap, he was so angry and start stractch his itchy skin so fiercely. I can't do anything to stop, tears welled up my eyes. He has never been this bad, the blister are big and watery.
I got Tony up from his nap to take our son to the ER. Despite the crying and begging, I have no other option, it's Sunday, I can't think of any better way to help my poor boy.
As soon as he enter the ER door, he is calm and quiet, this place is kinda familiar to us cuz we frequent ER quite a bit last September when I lost my unborn baby. The nurse saw him and feel bad for him. He was very good during the initial check, no crying or whatsoever. We were sent to a special waiting area due to the chicken-pop-like rashes may be contagious.
It's almost 4pm, I am now in this room with Ryan. The nurse gave him Benadryl to ease his itchiness. He is now playing with the Lego while waiting for on duty doctor to see him.
The doctor finally came at 6.30pm. After checking Ryan, he suggest to call the on duty pediatrcian to have an evaluation. We were told that if the pediatriacian not around they have to summon him to come in. So, that mean we are here waiting until someone show up, nothing we could do.
Finally, a female pwdiatrician came at 8pm. She examined Ryan. Unlike Ryan's pediatrician, I like her, she is very thorough, patient, and understandable. Above all, she listen, she gives you a chance to talk. Whereas Dr. Wong never listen and never give me a chance to talk! Pissed me off!
It's 8.50pm, I'm now sitting here waiting for the pharmacist to dispense Ryan's medicine. I'm tired and not feeling well all day, migraine and lost appetite. I guess restless nights have caused my immune system goes down. I will stay strong to help my baby get through this rough time.
May the Lord gain me strength and grace!

昨晚睡不好，早上起身头有点昏。早餐没吃便上超市去买条新鲜的鱼给宝宝煮粥。
昨晚参加＂马来西亚学会＂辨的新春晚会，回家已经快午夜了。放宝宝睡觉，便上网找资料。直到两点才有睡意。上床看着宝宝睡觉的样子，很可爱。心里在叹息，如果他的皮肤可以和其他孩子一样，那就太棒了。曾经有一个人对我说，你生他出来的时候没有送他第一套漂亮的衣服。当时我没听懂，她是指宝宝的皮肤。
因着他的皮肤我们试了很多方法，却不见有很大的改善。看着他一直在捉痒却什么都做不道，我感到很恼怒，很难过。只有跪到主的跟前求主开恩施拯救。我信在人所不能的，在祂凡事都能。三岁的他每天都向主祷告，"Lord, give me a healthy skin. Please make my itchy go away!"
看见他如此情形，我这做母亲的感觉非常内疚与无助。他其实是一个好乖巧，听话，也蛮聪明的孩子。我並不求他做个genius，只要他好像他的名字一样--＂健乐＂--健康快乐！我取了这个名字就希望他健康快乐。

在加拿大要小孩讲中文是一件非常困难的事＞_＜
以前总不明白为什么朋友们都不教他们的孩子讲母语（广东话，普通话，客家话，福建话）？

自从宝宝开始上学，他满口英语。要老是提醒他讲中文。他一开口讲英文，我就会说：「妈妈听不懂，讲中文」。他会顿一顿，用很慢的语气讲，中间参插了一些英语。这里的小朋友就是这样，不论是这里出世或刚从外地来的，只要一上学，就只说英语。

现在我明白了为什么朋友们都不和孩子讲母语。的确不容易，很多时候我会不知不觉也讲英文。要不断提醒自己，要坚持到底！

刚刚在写这个部落格的时候有一个朋友忽然send了一個 message 说要教导Ryan一些中国文化。哎哟，好大的压力耶！Hey, Lawrence，我不敢奢望太大，只希望他能够操一口流利的华语，我就很开心了。当然，礼义廉耻不能不教，尤其是「礼」。
原本中文是我的强项，没想到竟然被嘲笑，嘲笑我的是来自中国北京，难怪啦，北京耶。虽然爷爷籍贯广西，我从小都不讲广东话，认识了tony才有开始讲，也难怪香港的朋友讥笑。唉~ ~ 可悲

我告诉你唷，老外反而称赞我的英语嘞，没有开玩笑的。不像其他那两个听了大家八只耳 (they've very strong accent)。其实我的英语蛮烂的，但我必须给我们这些来自大马的同胞credit，我们的background给我们学习语言的机会比他们来的要多。Malaysia Boleh!

自从爸走了之后，宝宝就开始不对劲。爸走的笫一天早上，宝宝显得比平时cranky。那天下午放学回家，一入门就喊＂公公, jo-san＂(早安）

我remind他公公走了。他说：＂宝宝要公公。＂

连续两天放学一进门就喊公公。有时他还说要公公回来。
其实爸还没走的前几天，他一直对爸说：＂公公不要走。＂ 或是说＂宝宝不要你走。＂

所以老爸回Kuching后，宝宝不开心但他不会表达。最明显的是他老跟着我，好像变得很胆小。常常算人数，因为家里少了两个人嘛。

希望他快点好起来！

‏好失望，好难过。有一种心如刀割的感觉。这种心情就好像被最亲的人出卖。我以为他是个非常简单的人。万万没想到他竟然瞒着我们做出一些让人痛心的事。为什么？尽管心里头有一千个为什么，事实已摆在眼前。这一杀那我发觉他好陌生，我根本不熟悉他，也不知道如何再面对他。我的心有点冷，好怕，不知道事情会演变成怎么样的结果，只有主才知道。

Winter is back again!

Remember in my previous post - Winter yet? This morning temperature outside is MINUS 15, with wind chill, it's BELOW minus 20 degree. It's FREEZING COLD outside. Like I'd said, I don't mind the cold as long as snow storm scheduled on days I don't need to work **retard**

Yesterday, this is what happen on my way to work. Driving in the blowing snow and whiteout is no fun, the visibility reduced significantly, let alone the slippery road.

This photo was captured when my car stopped at the traffic light 100 m away from my office. It's almost 8 o'clock in the morning, look at the sky... yawn~~ I feel like going back to my bed.

Thank God the streamer starts when I was already in Mississauga (5 mins away from work). I took this photo after I parked my car, walking toward my office building. Though it's just a very thin layer of snow on the ground, it is very slippery. Be caution!

Look at the blue sky, don't be fooled by it, it is extremely cold outside. City issued extrme cold weather alert. You'll know by looking at this beautiful Russian girl below:
"Alisa, what are you doing, let's go..." Valeriya asked as she jumps up and down.

This weekend we decided to head south of border on a shopping spree. We have been crossing border fairly frequently now. Children clothes are relatively cheap compare to here in Toronto.

Jo Jo is the main reason of this trip. She wanted to shop for her son before going back to Shanghai. Also, this is the last weekend before my dad is going back to Malaysia. We have two person leaving the country soon.

We left our house just before noon to pick Jo Jo up. We're arrived in Niagara Fall at around 1.30pm. The hotel we checked in was packed. We couldn't get two smoking free rooms. One of our room is smoking room, the entire floor is smelly!! We got the housekeeper to refresh the room which does make a little bit better.

Dad couldn't go with us, cos he surrendered his crossing pass two weeks ago during our US trip. And dad doesn't enjoy very much walking from stores to stores, he rather sit on the bench reading his newspaper or taking a nap.

Tony is rare male creatures that actually enjoys shopping. He will wait patiently outside the store while we take our time looking for deals. Does he looks patiently here??? lol

Jo Jo and I have a lot in common - same passionate toward handbags. Before she was introduced to me, I know she's the admirer of the designer's purses. She used to work as a part time teller in Tony's office. She is a BIG-SHOT teller, she wears designer purses and drives BMW to work. I was making fun of Tony - "your staff is well-off than you are". Despite of her filthy rich background, she never act like one, she is actually a very nice girl.

We spent a lot of time talking about fashion trends. Apparently, we both are Hermes Birkin lover. Hermes, the most coveted bag of all time, the most coveted fashion accessories ever! Hermes bags are coveted by girls who love top designer name products.

Last month, me and Crystal went on our annual Bloor Street shopping. In the previous years, we skipped Hermes for obvious reason - we couldn't afford to buy. When we passed by Hermes store, I suggest to browse around the see what's on display. And I spotted my favourite color - orange Birkin, there was only one sale associates on the floor but he was talking to a male customer excitedly, I'm pretty sure he is gay. After the customer left, he didn't come to serve us, I don't blame him, cos we don't look like we are his potential customer. So, I approached him. He diligently open the show case and hand us the orange Birkin. At that moment, every part of me was excited. I took the Birkin (no, not any bag, it's Birkin) in front of the mirror. Ahh, that feel so good!

Here's my favourite!!!

"Would you mind to tell me, how much is this one?" I asked.

The sale person response politely, "Nine....".

I only catched the first digit. I didn't bother to ask again, as my calculative mind already tell me, include tax, it's 5 figures. Yes, 5 figures. Did you notice, I didn't use exclamation mark here, because it wasn't surprise me, I knew Hermes is EXPENSIVE, very expensive. The only surprise was to find out this 30cm Birkin fall in the 5 figures range. Sighsss... when am I going to have enough fund for my fav? Gotta work harder to feed my Hermes fund.

P/S: If you'd watched "Gem of Life, 珠光寶氣", you will notice many of them were carrying Hermes. Just ot mention a few, Louise Lee (mom) carried the Olive green one (love it). Gigi Lai has at least two, BIG one and another 35cm one (Gigi is the chinese version of Victoria Beckham - I mean the number of Hermes bags they have. Victoria Beckham has x number, I dont' know how many exactly, but everytime she was spotted carrying different colors and styles' Hermes). Maggie Siu show off a couple of Hermes too! **ENVY**

Dad is going back to Malaysia next Tuesday. After mom went back last week, he seems very bored and dull.

Dad is retired, he has the time of the world to do whatever he likes when he was in Kuching. While in Canada, he is kinda stuck. For this reason, I feel bad for him especially when mom already left. To kill time, he likes to stay in the basement watching his favourite DVDs about CHINA documentaries and Hong Kong dramas. Basement has been his territory ever since he came.

Dad is enthusiastic over music, he is a very good vocal singer. Our friends were amazed during our KaraOke night when they hear dad sings and they thought I can sing too (well, I wish) but I CAN'T! It proved one thing, the ability to sing is not genetic **sob**. Not only does he good at singing, he also a good composer, YES, composer, no kidding. A couple years ago, he composed a song sung by a group of local choirs in a ceremony. During his free time, he enjoys composing songs.

Honestly, I'm kinda sick of "Fur Elise" now. Fur Elise by fur Ludwig Van Beethoven was the reason I take piano lesson. However, in the past 3 months, Fur Elise was played in our house over and over and over again by an unskilled hands, good things we dwell in a detach and sound proof house, otherwise we'll receive tons of complaint. Ya, ya, I'm a little exaggerate but I'm not criticizing dad, in fact he is doing pretty good for a beginner at his age but I just have enough of it. I'm proud of him, though.

Anothing thing I want to mention is I'm impressed when I see my dad doing house chores i.e. laundry, sweeping floor, mopping floor and help out in the kitchen. I never seen him does all these work before. You know, old fashion man are usually toward male chauvinism. Well, it's doesn't mean he does better work than Tony **chuckle**, it just something new to me **wink** and I guess it's time to shed the thought of the imposing personality image.

When the weather is good (during Falls) he likes to take a stroll in our neighbourhood or to the near by plaza to pick up chinese newspapers or bet his luck on lotto. One of his favourite place is the pond, he is fascinating with a large flock of Canadian ducks in the half frozen pond. They like to stay closed to each other in the open water. Actually I have no clue as to why they still here during winter time, while other migratory waterfowl usually migrate south.

I have a feeling dad doesn't like Canada for some reasons. I guess the language barrier, constrained mobility and the cruel winter played big role in this country. Well, I do know he enjoys staying with us especially playing with Ryan.

I don't know exactly why most of my posts were on Monday, I guess I just like to blog on Monday for some reasons. It could be Monday is the first day of the work week after two days off, and with rested mind, I'm more chatty or it could be the Monday blues, which I have a lot to bitch about. Making any sense? No? Well, during our school days, we seem to have a lot to catch up with our peers especially on Monday, didn't we? Same thing applied here, although I didn't blog since last Tuesday :P

Honestly, I don't really have any particular topic to talk about today and my mood level is at the mid-range (average) - not too too happy, not too too unhappy (duh!)

Temperature has been above seasonal since last week. This morning, on the way to Ryan's school, he complaints about TOO warm, I quickly roll down the window to let some cool air in. Ryan allergies to a lot of things including heat. Yes, you hear me right, HEAT! My poor child, things that he has to avoid ranging from foods (i.e. peanut, shell fish, MSG) to clothes (i.e. wool, fleece) to environment (i.e. heat). We pray to God to heal his skin problems, keeping our finger cross, hopefully one day, very soon future, he will outgrow all the allergies.

During our childhood, I don't think any of us ever heard of peanut allergy. Peanut allergy is HUGE issue here in North America, one can literally died if you open a bag of peanut on the plane (remember we used to serve with peanuts snack on plane). Now, you get what I mean. Peanut allergy is no kidding matter.

This winter has been GOOD so far. GOOD here means temperature wise. Last weekend, I was wearing fleece sweater and vest in this deep winter month. Compare to this time last year, snow piled up on the side walk about as tall as me... today, look at the ground, you can see yellowed lawn and pavement. I have NO PROBLEM with that. If temperature wanna stay at zero for the rest of the winter, I am absolutely FINE!! If that is it for the snow fall, I'm definitely OK!!

As far as I'm concerned, as long as no snow fall on work days, I'm HAPPY, driving on snowing days is really a pain in the ass. And icy road is driving hazard. In conclude, I don't mind so much about the cold (though I'd still bitch about it every now and then), I do love the white stuff, but PLEASE, just not on the DAY I need to drive long distance.

In this morning news, it was confirmed 3 Canadian were among the death tolls in Haiti. Canadian authorities are already prepared to send aids to Haiti. This earthquake disaster had claimed over hundred of thousand of lives in Haiti and death tolls are on the rise as there is no proper machinery to help survivor out of the rubbles. What a terrible news!!!

This heart shaped smiley face was captured in the webcam outside of the City Library this morning. The building stood on the left top corner of this photo is my office.

When I saw this smiley face from our windows, whoever drawn this smiley face must thought of those who is in Haiti right now. Hope and love are displayed in this smiley face!

**sigh**

Yorkdale is a BIG mall, but I didn't bring Ryan's stroller along and I know for sure he is not going to walk too long before he cries tired. So, I got him this cart.

This freakin' cart cost me 5 bucks (15 ringgit)!!!

Ryan loves it, he was pretending he drives as we push him. He says it's a racing car. He likes everything cars from as small as his pinky to as big as cargo truck.




First stop, Holt Renfrew, of cos, check out the latest designer purses. I like one Prada purse that I saw online, I couldn't find it in any Prada store in Toronto.


LV does not appeal to me anymore. My preference now is toward Prada, Chanel, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta.


Well, Burberry is my all time favourite, but the latest handbag designs are just so-so. I like its apparels especially jacket, but I couldn't afford to buy a 4 figures jacket, or just not quite yet...hehe. As I was browsing in Burberry new store, and saw this cute rubber boot. I wasn't plan to buy shoes... well, since I don't have rain boot. Why not?



I was debating between the purple one and the blue one. The sale associate says she has a pair in purple. I like both color, but I bought the blue, because the purple one was a little big for my feet. I thought of my girlfriend, Valeriya who crazy about purple, I know if she's here, she sure will pick up the purple one. Anyway, I prefer blue over purple.

The regular price was $250 (RM 800). I won't buy if it wasn't on sale and I think they screwed up the price tag though. The girl charged me $164. I walked out the store thinking something wrong with the price. I check the receipt and the tag, they don't match. I went back, she gave me back the different. Honestly, I don't know what was the actual sale price, but I paid $123 (RM 380), it was indeed very good deal!!



Look at dad, he looks good carry Burberry shopping bag, doesn't he? He looks just like typical Torontonian, walk around with coffee on one hand and brand name shopping bag on the other...way to go, dad!!