tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43833927304381964062024-03-13T11:35:06.520+08:00Memoirs of an Ordinary Girlrannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-90215888590169747892017-09-30T13:00:00.000+08:002017-09-30T13:00:19.178+08:00Spring Time at the Auckland DomainMy only gripe with spring is in the words of Mark Twain "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">and of course that makes me sick, and sneezy and eyes watery and... and... but oh what a beauty</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com1Auckland, New Zealand-36.8484597 174.76333150000005-37.2549887 174.11788450000006 -36.4419307 175.40877850000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-66546197705748111822017-09-22T12:00:00.000+08:002017-09-22T12:00:12.108+08:00"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever read or perhaps seen the movie of Alice in
Wonderland? This is the famous dialogue she
shared with the Cheshire cat<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from
here?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said
the Cheshire cat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I don’t much care where – “said Alice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go” replied the cat.<br />
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From my personal experience it is true – in those times when
I planned what I wanted to accomplish, I was most like to achieve what I set
out to do. I guess the important key is to know what you want, and where you
want to go and defining for yourself how to get there.</div>
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Not everybody would take the path you chose, and well you
might get a few raised eyebrows, but at the end of the day, you know that success
is arbitrary and so is failure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Focus on what you really want and what makes you truly
happy. It could be your little boy’s laughter, the husband’s warm smile and
tight embrace. A day out in the ministry
or a walk in the park…or simply as mundane as dark chocolates with a hot
espresso.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, at the same time, you have to strengthen your
strengths. Living the life you want after all really means knowing yourself and
the things that are important to you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I often ask myself, “If I do not have to think about
anything else, and money is not a question what do I want to have, do in my
life?” And I often find myself answering in this line of thought…"I
would like to be embrace in beauty, to look good, to feel good, and to be
happy.” I would then think of ways how I
could manifest that feeling so others could feel that too. It may sound “self-helpy”, but then again, you
can never negate the power of the mind and positive thoughts can really lift a
person’s mood.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am not writing these from a life expert point of view, but
I am articulating these thoughts for the benefit of no other than myself. Because mind you, I can expertly drown in my own
drama and I could really make mountains out of molehills you see…. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess the bottom line is, do not be like Alice. Know what you want. Be like my 4 year
old. Last week he wanted McDonalds for
his weekend treat, and just this morning he told me, he wanted 5-dollar pizza
for this week’s weekend treat. Such a
tiny human being but can politely (“Please mommy, I want 5-dollar pizza, thank you”) and firmly
tell me what he wants. I guess it works
for him, because he seems very happy.
Sans the tantrum moments when he is sleepy or tired, he is always either
laughing or singing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So which way ought you go from here? Well, dream a little, plan a little, decide what you want, shutdown
that laptop and go out there live that life.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a lovely weekend you all! <o:p></o:p></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-35105007693835843422016-10-09T16:59:00.000+08:002016-10-09T16:59:32.974+08:00Well hello there Spring!<br />
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It is a truth universally accepted that (<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%;">channeling my inner Jane</span>) spring
always holds a promise of good things to come.
It’s more than just about hearing birds chirping early in the morning,
or an official start to longer days and shorter nights. While it has a lot to do about the weather,
but I think it’s more than that; it’s nature’s way of telling us all that winter
has finally bid adieu and won’t be back for the next 6 or 7 months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkUK4fGyVRo/V_oEf34Uk2I/AAAAAAAABQE/-wqpk2Uzt6cAGryrIq6dbbJ_nNwg5gnzgCLcB/s1600/DSC02459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkUK4fGyVRo/V_oEf34Uk2I/AAAAAAAABQE/-wqpk2Uzt6cAGryrIq6dbbJ_nNwg5gnzgCLcB/s400/DSC02459.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..if we could all see the world through the eyes of a child<br />
we would see the wonder and beauty of everything...</td></tr>
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There are many things to love about this season. Sunshine
and spring showers always equate to rainbows! Any who doesn’t love
rainbows? The grass is green and the
trees are in bloom and so are the pretty
flowers (cherry blossoms and tulips are just love!). And there’s the anticipation that summer is just around the corner...
and so, you start to plan your holidays! Ah Spring! It makes us feel all young again. It’s a clearing, refreshing and renewing
season and it literally puts a spring in your step (it does to mine)<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, having said all that, spring still is not my
favorite season <span style="font-family: "wingdings";">:)</span>. I am a late summer early autumn kind of gal
when autumn is chasing summer away and the latter is adamant to stay. The
season when farmer’s market and the grocery aisle spoils you with bountiful
produce. I digress!
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well anyways on to spring, despite it being the prettiest
and daintiest season (me thinks!), there are also several reasons why it is booted
out as being my fave. I am not really
keen on the fact that the weather send really mixed messages, so you never
really know when you need a hat or bring an umbrella. And on top of that, bugs, bugs and more bugs!
So you better do your spring clean. And
while pretty flowers brighten your day, the dreaded hay fever surely does
not. It also means that seasonal cyclists are back on
the road. Oh yeah…it’s probably me being a lousy driver and having inhibitions
of sharing the road (oh well…)</div>
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But still you can never ignore the beauty of spring. I know these snippets of photos will never do justice
to the true beauty of spring but anyways soak in the splendor of New Zealand
spring.<o:p></o:p><br />
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"Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?"</div>
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~Neltje Blanchan~</div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-52207486097101044012016-08-25T09:52:00.001+08:002016-08-25T09:52:16.675+08:00My first time to see snow<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank goodness for the first snow, it was a reminder that no
matter how old I have become, there is always something new to experience. Cliché as it may sound but I was transported
momentarily to being my 5-year-old self where everything is a sense of wonder and
discovery and excitement on learning and experiencing new things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7xxvguCT0M/V75N3osOhII/AAAAAAAABOU/ZFnyRlJ2CFIDLTJcDjkK7pl0WOGuzxEyQCLcB/s1600/14054867_10154455379554513_1114682193_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7xxvguCT0M/V75N3osOhII/AAAAAAAABOU/ZFnyRlJ2CFIDLTJcDjkK7pl0WOGuzxEyQCLcB/s640/14054867_10154455379554513_1114682193_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little fellow had his first real snow experience when he is over 3. I had mine at over 30...not much of a difference, just a zero at the end ;)<br /><br /></td></tr>
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I am now ever more excited of forever when I'll have all the
time in the world to experience the
beauty and wonder of our Creator’s creation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-76981244955298393342016-08-11T07:08:00.000+08:002016-08-11T08:23:18.984+08:00It's all about priorities...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2f3846; font-family: "ps savoy" , "vidaloka" , "riccione" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px;">The next time I say I am too busy, know that it's an excuse. If I truly prioritize something, I will make time for it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkmUAdC1X3s/V6uzhsuRrwI/AAAAAAAABOE/qwIqV-ivSd0L9YXvjlcxjQ1jOPxEn2CCwCLcB/s1600/nobody%2Bis%2Btoo%2Bbusy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkmUAdC1X3s/V6uzhsuRrwI/AAAAAAAABOE/qwIqV-ivSd0L9YXvjlcxjQ1jOPxEn2CCwCLcB/s400/nobody%2Bis%2Btoo%2Bbusy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2f3846; font-family: "ps savoy" , "vidaloka" , "riccione" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px;">Because </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2f3846; font-family: "ps savoy" , "vidaloka" , "riccione" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px;">you will always have time for anything if you make time. :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/w6ZcbH3gl-gGwi-Bt9NAZZMcbUj7aZMMQCPcB/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/w6ZcbH3gl-gGwi-Bt9NAZZMcbUj7aZMMQCPcB/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2f3846; font-family: "ps savoy" , "vidaloka" , "riccione" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px;"><br /></span>rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-15050139753167184802016-02-15T08:13:00.001+08:002016-02-15T11:19:24.543+08:00The joys of motherhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JS989D3Ip9k/VsEVyUcBC8I/AAAAAAAABNs/ZydPbyQWgUs/s1600/miggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JS989D3Ip9k/VsEVyUcBC8I/AAAAAAAABNs/ZydPbyQWgUs/s640/miggy.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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Today I was a frazzled mom…no scratch that. Most days I am a frazzled mom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Years ago (yes, it feels like years already) before
motherhood, I thought it was just okay to throw a quick comment or two here and
there about those frazzled moms. You
know who I mean, those moms whose hair is falling out from a messy bun, squirmy
baby clutched in her hips and wailing preschooler following behind both with
runny noses and grimy faces. </div>
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Back on
those days I could easily come up with an answer, “hmmm probably she did not
wake up early enough”, “She did not prepare the night before”, “nah, not enough
discipline”, “really those are monster kids!”</div>
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Well, that frazzled mom was me this morning. As I
dropped the little monkey at kindy, he was pulling my hair and clutching at my
neck as if I am leaving him forever. And
yes complete with all the works – a runny nose because he was crying his lungs
out and yogurt smudge face (probably he thinks that it’s sunblock lotion rather than
something edible)…. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Consumed by the “rawness” and “realness” of mommy guilt, I gave
his teacher a call and she happily reports “Oh minutes after you left, he is all smiles and chirpy.” Who doesn’t get
frazzled with that!?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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But tonight when he sings his songs with invented lyrics and
asks mommy for a kiss, I know I will again happily obliged because he really is a sweet and
happy little boy… and those moments of frustration and total chaos would then
be forgotten.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m composed, I’m in control but I just need to vent.<span style="color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-38064960219502102712015-11-14T04:42:00.002+08:002015-11-14T04:42:15.223+08:00Highlight ReelLike most people on social media sites, if my little boy did something adorable or give me that much prodded smile, I share it. If I am having a good time with good food and great friends, I share it. If the family travels to somewhere cool, I share it. Pretty flower arrangement, share! Freshly baked cupcakes, share!<br />
<br />
But that Friday night when I stayed home feeling overwhelmed because I have to sort the mountain of laundry, well that pretty much was not shared. And I remembered that before I hit the share button for those baked cookies, I have to ask the husband to clear the counter top and move the dirty cookie sheet out of the way.<br />
<br />
And so these photos below made it to my social media feed, because you see these were the wonderful moments I want to cherish. Social media is a great tool for capturing our family's moments. It's my digital scrapbook. While I really want to create those <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=scrapbooking&term_meta%5B%5D=scrapbooking%7Ctyped" target="_blank">DIY scrapbooks posted in Pinterest</a>, I really don't have the time to do it in between dirty laundry, a whiny toddler, rushing for my early morning commute and being that wonderful wife to my husband.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPbJmCArRPc/VkVc5LsyN8I/AAAAAAAABNc/EiSyWehkOn4/s1600/highlights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPbJmCArRPc/VkVc5LsyN8I/AAAAAAAABNc/EiSyWehkOn4/s640/highlights.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My highlight reel are real, but they are not the whole story. That's what I constantly remind myself every time I browse at social media accounts. I see this awesome mother of three boys all under 5 who still managed to look so well put-together all time may have her own struggles too. This homeschooling mama whose living room look like something straight out from a designer magazine may have a pile of dishes left in the kitchen sink waiting to be washed. That hot mama with flat abs have really worked very hard for that.<br />
<br />
And instead of feeling bad that they are all so awesome and I'm not... I remember that they are there to inspire and uplift me to find my awesome too.<br />
<br />
I totally agree with this writer from the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-gauss/facebook-bragging_b_8314552.html" target="_blank">HuffingtonPost</a> when she said "Social media is a great tool for sharing joy and gratitude, but a strong relationship is built on sharing the bad along with the good. We need to share the experiences that don't make the scrapbook and rely on each other when we don't feel like we have much to celebrate. Let your loved ones record and share their happiness on Facebook. <b>If you want the whole story</b>, give them a call." <br />
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I choose to share my, our family's moments in my feed, but if you want the whole story, email me, PM me or better yet, give me a call (hello Viber, Skype, Messenger, etc) so we can catch up on how real our struggles are and celebrate how awesome our lives are too.<br />
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How about you, do you feel down seeing other people's highlights or do you feel inspired?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/X-qwOQdBTqE/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/X-qwOQdBTqE/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-90586214133064778852015-11-07T08:00:00.000+08:002015-11-07T08:00:07.894+08:00Bag Crush Diaries: Lunch and Crushing on MK's Sutton Saffiano bagI seldom go out for lunch on a weekday. I brown bag my lunch #frugalme because aside from saving moolah, I don't like the chilly wind despite the sun being so bright and sunny.<br />
<br />
But since friday was relax at work yesterday and the sun was out shining (yes it's still chilly) I braved the chill and had japanese lunch with my colleague near our work at Bien Izakaya. Ordered some sushi, which just tasted normal (nothing fantastic) but the teriyaki tofu don (fried tofu with teriyaki sauce on rice) was yum. Too yummy that I forgot to take a photo of it and realized only after my bowl was empty. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihWBKpSKlmo/VjwDBxS7KZI/AAAAAAAABME/rXUA3pwsaLc/s1600/20151106_121432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihWBKpSKlmo/VjwDBxS7KZI/AAAAAAAABME/rXUA3pwsaLc/s400/20151106_121432.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Bien Izakaya Newmarket<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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But really the highlight of my lunch out yesterday is meeting my latest bag crush. There is this new store in Newmarket that I passby on my way to work from the train station. I have been wanting to in and have a look; but it was only yesterday that I found the time. And when I stepped in, I was greeted by my latest crushie. It wasn't crush at first sight because there where a lot of other items on display that distracted me. But I guess this little beauty stood out. The picture below does not do any justice...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ykn1FcTctM/VjwK5_rTddI/AAAAAAAABMg/dBpWGrEGjPo/s1600/bagsutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ykn1FcTctM/VjwK5_rTddI/AAAAAAAABMg/dBpWGrEGjPo/s400/bagsutton.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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But maybe this would help you understand why </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alwjl8qJwvY/VjwMHryJKDI/AAAAAAAABM0/HfUtQUYiYIs/s1600/navyblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alwjl8qJwvY/VjwMHryJKDI/AAAAAAAABM0/HfUtQUYiYIs/s320/navyblue.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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And since it comes with a sling, you can carry it as a sling bag or cross-body for a more causal laid-back look...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqNNaBzkFqY/VjwOCU4eMVI/AAAAAAAABNE/uN5T9L1wExk/s1600/Michael-Kors-Medium-Dressy-Sutton-Satchel-in-Black-0-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqNNaBzkFqY/VjwOCU4eMVI/AAAAAAAABNE/uN5T9L1wExk/s320/Michael-Kors-Medium-Dressy-Sutton-Satchel-in-Black-0-3.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gozY4WeKn_A/VjwMHbtV9cI/AAAAAAAABMw/gqWGKablyyg/s1600/dsc_0711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gozY4WeKn_A/VjwMHbtV9cI/AAAAAAAABMw/gqWGKablyyg/s320/dsc_0711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The tote comes in small/medium and large. I am liking the medium one. And my matrona status would probably carrry the bag like this ;)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYDgGOD60EA/VjwOEC7dERI/AAAAAAAABNM/xpnLmMXvHII/s1600/2015%2BWomen%2BMICHAEL%2BMichael%2BKors%2Buk%2BS-138_1_LRG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYDgGOD60EA/VjwOEC7dERI/AAAAAAAABNM/xpnLmMXvHII/s640/2015%2BWomen%2BMICHAEL%2BMichael%2BKors%2Buk%2BS-138_1_LRG.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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You can check out more of the store's display at Newmarket (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebrandwarehouseNZ/?fref=ts" target="_blank">The Brand Warehouse</a>). </div>
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What have you been crushing lately?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0Australasia-45.089035564831022 172.265625-86.613766564831025 89.6484375 -3.5643045648310192 -105.1171875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-23952051813395107572015-11-06T06:28:00.001+08:002015-11-06T06:30:11.015+08:00The Joy of Picking Strawberries<span lang="EN-NZ">Its mid of spring and that means....</span><span lang="EN-NZ">Yes, summer is just around the corner!!! </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-NZ">And n</span>othing feels more like an NZ summer than picking your own fresh strawberries...Or for this little fellow, more like squashing them :)<br />
<span lang="EN-NZ"><span lang="EN-NZ"><br /></span></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uAAXZ6MBVk/VjvXM6KwXsI/AAAAAAAABL0/s4Dx4ouabXU/s1600/strawberry%2Bpicking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uAAXZ6MBVk/VjvXM6KwXsI/AAAAAAAABL0/s4Dx4ouabXU/s640/strawberry%2Bpicking.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry picking at Massey Orchards and Garden summer of 2014</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><span lang="EN-NZ">He definitely have fun crawling in the strawberry field<br />
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</span>Can't wait for summer and tick off our summer bucket list!</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-NZ">What's your summer bucket list?</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><br /></span>rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-9020094945028902062015-05-13T10:10:00.000+08:002015-05-13T10:10:00.592+08:00The ruffled mama duck speaks<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m the world’s lousiest blogger. But since blogging is not something I earn
from, I do not have the pressure of timelines.
And I have to admit I am slow. I
am slow in weaving into words the events I have experienced, the places I have visited,
the people I have met and the food that I have savored.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well my slowness is definitely not attributed to early signs
of dyslexia <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
but rather I am more leaned towards a slower beat in this ever increasing
fast-tempo world. I need time to gather
my thoughts and decide whether this is worth telling or not. Or probably some experiences are better left inside
the deep crevices of my being so that its "specialness" does not get lost in the web
of digital information.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Still this is my happy place. Coming here from time to time and sharing my
experiences and thoughts reminds me of my why.
Reading my posts from years gone by ignites within me the determination
to be that woman I want to become; someone who wants to consciously live life
to the fullest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enough with the drama! What I really just want to say is “Hey
blog I miss you!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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With love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://memoirsofanordinarygirl.blogspot.co.nz/2014/11/random-thoughts-of-chaotic-mind-on.html" target="_blank">The ruffled mama duck </a>;)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnJ45Kviicg/VVKxZlhvhDI/AAAAAAAABH8/udr7usz7EU4/s1600/ruffled%2Bduck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnJ45Kviicg/VVKxZlhvhDI/AAAAAAAABH8/udr7usz7EU4/s320/ruffled%2Bduck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-4899558341297257152015-02-13T03:57:00.001+08:002015-11-06T06:38:16.697+08:00Keep Calm, because you are the best mom ever<span style="background: white; color: #353635; font-family: "gotham b" , "serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6q-mYmNJIo/VNz-wRqVg3I/AAAAAAAABHQ/pCQM1bxNzjQ/s1600/sahm-vs-working-mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6q-mYmNJIo/VNz-wRqVg3I/AAAAAAAABHQ/pCQM1bxNzjQ/s400/sahm-vs-working-mom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so who's the better mommy?<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Image from google search</span></td></tr>
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Breast feeding vs. bottle feeding, stay-at-home-moms vs. working moms, co-sleeping vs. sleep training, front-facing vs. rear-facing car seats, strollers vs. baby carriers, etc. etc. etc. and thus coined the term "mommy wars".<br />
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How often do we feel inadequate as a mom when someone gives a “well-meaning” but thoughtless remark on our parenting skill? But really, regardless of the differences in our parenting techniques or the decision to work outside the home vs staying at home, we all know one thing,every mom makes the best choice for her family given their circumstances. This is to say that we are all keenly aware that no one has the "perfect" setup. No mother is absolutely certain she is doing the right thing all the time.<br />
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And so, if we are yet fed again, be it in the media or well-meaning friends of another story of working mothers vs stay-at-home mothers, breast-fed or bottle-fed, self-soothing or attachment parenting (the list goes on and on) and who is doing it better, even the most self-assured mother can feel a little fragile at times.<br />
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But quite frankly, we did not make those decision overnight. We pondered over it, spent sleepless nights and perhaps shed buckets of tears to come up with a plan that would work well for the entire family and giving the bubba the best care we can possibly give.<br />
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So, instead of “criticizing” those who choose what we don’t want to choose, or can’t choose to do, let's resist the urge to criticize and give "advise". Let's have empathy, share our stories, learn from each other without imposing, support each other as women and as parents. </div>
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Moms these days deal with super high standards that who knows who has set (our selves probably?), and because of that innate desire to become that "perfect" mom, be feel the pressure and sometimes lash our frustration on others. Well, let's just stop!</div>
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Because really, there is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.</div>
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This funny (but semi-true) video created by formula brand <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsimilac.com%2Fbaby-formula&ei=BATdVIrcNqfAmAWCvIDYDw&usg=AFQjCNEk4alKi3pGn6Varm_w9IRWbsC8DQ&sig2=F9PLP1N1xKNvin46-NuYew&bvm=bv.85970519,d.dGY" target="_blank">Similac</a> has grown viral showing how ridiculous mommy wars can get. So sharing this video to every parent I know...So here you go:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/lMVISKDDQx8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lMVISKDDQx8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #353635; font-family: "gotham b" , "serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 107%;">PS: The toughest mommy war I am dealing actually is with myself. But then again, that's an entirely different story :) Have a lovely weekend everyone!</span><br />
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-25524530141575956132015-01-20T10:27:00.001+08:002015-01-20T10:28:50.597+08:00Reset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQpPPZuAZsg/VL226CFCR-I/AAAAAAAABGc/V8C010bRxQs/s1600/ctrlaltdelete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQpPPZuAZsg/VL226CFCR-I/AAAAAAAABGc/V8C010bRxQs/s1600/ctrlaltdelete.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">“Is
it really over?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">For
the past couple of days, I have caught myself asking that question after the
alarm in my phone beeps and I realize that today I have to be in front of my
computer sitting in my office by 8:30 AM.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Yes
folks, holidays are over and we are back to regular programming. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">While
over half of the first month of the new year is over, I haven’t have the time
to reflect on the frenzy of activities that my little family has embarked last
year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">When
we packed our bags and left sunny Singapore to <a href="http://memoirsofanordinarygirl.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/what-ive-been-up-to-learning-ropes.html" target="_blank">start anew in New Zealand</a> (pun
not intended), our purpose and aim as a family was to find a place “relatively
safe” which offers great work-life balance to raise a family. To sum it up nicely, “to have an abundance of
the most important things in life”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Fast
forward from March 2014 to today, I guess, we might have slightly lose focused
on the aim. While we strive for
abundance, the important thing was getting blurry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">We
wanted “abundant” time to spend with each other, but it has been replaced by
long commutes to work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">We
wanted “abundant” after-work energy to spend time meditating on our personal
study and family worship, but it has been replaced by abundant energy drainers
that left us tired and sadly undermining the quality of our spirituality as a
family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">While
I don’t believe that it has to be January 1<sup>st</sup> for me to look back
and hope to create a fresh start on an area on my life that needs to be
overhauled, but when the hubby firmly declared that we need a reboot, I am with
him 110%.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">know
I’m probably not the only one who has wished that we could find a reset button
for life. When times get tough and we
feel overwhelmed, there really has to have certain ways we can hit reset,
right?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 18pt;">I guess for us, it going
back to the aim and purpose of our family.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 18pt;">
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 18pt;">And no we are not changing the family mantra.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 18pt;"> Yes the aim is still “to have abundance in
the most important things in life” and this time is to really making sure of
what is really important. <b>[Phil 1:10]</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> More field service time and a regular bible study perhaps</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">More family time</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6oH7zYfBUA/VL23LEsxx3I/AAAAAAAABGk/YCcWcX-11I8/s1600/nzsummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6oH7zYfBUA/VL23LEsxx3I/AAAAAAAABGk/YCcWcX-11I8/s1600/nzsummer.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">More energy</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">More vibrancy</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8RZsl_W2Eo/VL23z_aqqPI/AAAAAAAABG8/oaXPm2GAxxY/s1600/vibrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8RZsl_W2Eo/VL23z_aqqPI/AAAAAAAABG8/oaXPm2GAxxY/s1600/vibrant.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; text-align: center;">I know the reset button isn't magical. It's not like waving a magic wand and your life changes in a blink of an eye. It's hard work people. And so, we are taking it one step, one day at a time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; text-align: center;">Cheer us on, please :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/X-qwOQdBTqE/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/X-qwOQdBTqE/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-27134222743254580602014-11-27T04:38:00.001+08:002014-11-27T07:56:35.398+08:00Random Thoughts of A chaotic mind on a midweek...<div class="MsoNormal">
With its galloping grace and elegant arched necks, fine
silky mane and tails, horses are an epitome of elegance. (Methinks). A horse suggests
refinement, power, beauty and grace; attributes I wish to emulate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yI7IYyINsvk/VHY3xDqezrI/AAAAAAAABF4/dZCjfHs2mX4/s1600/elegant-horse-pictures_2004_2577372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yI7IYyINsvk/VHY3xDqezrI/AAAAAAAABF4/dZCjfHs2mX4/s1600/elegant-horse-pictures_2004_2577372.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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But since becoming a mama, I am now more drawn to becoming a
duck. Yes from a horse to a duck! Lol! Have
you seen a duck swimming in a pond? Calm and collected. It seems to be swimming without any effort,
but under the water it’s kicking its duck feet very hard. So now, I try to be a duck, trying to look
calm in the surface, but behind the scene I paddle like there’s no tomorrow. I guess any mom can relate, you may be a
working mom or a stay at home mom, being a mama is a serious business that
requires hard work but it is indeed very intangibly rewarding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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So while I try to become that calm and collected duck like
the one above. I have a funny feeling I
look like this ruffled duck below. But this would change (I hope!). I will share with you some tips once I have mastered the calm and collected duck look ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrURGKM9c8c/VHY4ojpHkHI/AAAAAAAABGI/aEECm6xckmM/s1600/ruffled%2Bduck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrURGKM9c8c/VHY4ojpHkHI/AAAAAAAABGI/aEECm6xckmM/s1600/ruffled%2Bduck.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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PS: Hey, I did warn
you these are random thoughts of a chaotic mind ;) Have a good week ahead everyone! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photos from :<span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #7d7d7d; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-decoration: none; text-overflow: ellipsis; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a class="_ZR irc_hol" data-ved="0CAYQjB0" href="https://blackmamba.wordpress.com/2008/03/" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #7d7d7d; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;">blackmamba.wordpress.com</a>,google search,flicker.com</span></span></div>
rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-79303027427995436122014-11-03T11:55:00.000+08:002014-11-04T06:27:19.917+08:00How do you catch time? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAPA79kom88/VFb5Tc4htoI/AAAAAAAABFI/hrteUexauag/s1600/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAPA79kom88/VFb5Tc4htoI/AAAAAAAABFI/hrteUexauag/s1600/time.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">time flies, time zooms...the only way I know how to stop it - take a picture of it</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I guess I can now relate to the irony of this
statement. “The days are long but the
years are short.” It seems like only
last week when we first set foot in this country, but now it’s November, in a
month or so, the year will be over. Whew!
Time flies indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We get caught up with the daily to-dos and the list never
gets cleared, it keeps getting longer. The time and things just pass by in a
blur, and then we wake up a year older.
Now that I’m a mama, I’m becoming more emotional. I want to capture every moment and
experiences I have with my little family.
I want to snap photos of my toddler who is beginning to have his feisty
personality shine. And when I capture an
adorable antic of his, I become that proud mama, ready to share to the whole
world how amazing my little boy is. And
at times, I just want to keep it to myself and freeze that special moment I
share with my toddler. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There is no stopping time.
It flies whether you are having fun or not. The choice is yours. And I want to consciously take an effort to make
the right choice. Time well spent, a
life well-lived. It's never easy amidst the busyness of life, but it's never an impossible feat. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">How about you, how do you catch time?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Snapshots from my weekend with my family.</span></div>
</div>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9QVsOqupvQ/VFb6Spoz1RI/AAAAAAAABFQ/WOE--uQ6_zU/s1600/granny%2Bsquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9QVsOqupvQ/VFb6Spoz1RI/AAAAAAAABFQ/WOE--uQ6_zU/s1600/granny%2Bsquare.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">went for a crochet tutorial session after Saturday field ministry and I made my first granny square, yay!!! <br />hopefully beanies and scarves for the little one soon ;)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8WrGHyoXEo/VFb6pgLsa7I/AAAAAAAABFY/wsvJdUCUxBc/s1600/gutom%2Bmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8WrGHyoXEo/VFb6pgLsa7I/AAAAAAAABFY/wsvJdUCUxBc/s1600/gutom%2Bmon.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">caught the little one rummaging through my bag, he found an apple :)<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2LC-r1qiCQ/VFb69HcB_lI/AAAAAAAABFg/x-ddR0ekzzM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2LC-r1qiCQ/VFb69HcB_lI/AAAAAAAABFg/x-ddR0ekzzM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">barefoot at the park after the meet....<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJK34-j8J70/VFb7IlrV1gI/AAAAAAAABFo/cmhDOUjC7IQ/s1600/mom%2Band%2Bdad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJK34-j8J70/VFb7IlrV1gI/AAAAAAAABFo/cmhDOUjC7IQ/s1600/mom%2Band%2Bdad.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">lovers at Cornwall Park ;) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<br />rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-77073813394303111082014-10-09T06:00:00.000+08:002014-10-09T06:26:13.551+08:00Hopping on the DIY bandwagon<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I may be a career woman, a
working mom that is, but I am a homemaker at heart. And so cute knick
knacks that makes a home homier really draws me. But home-decorating can
be expensive as what we have learned when we moved to our rental unit in the
suburbs. And since we live under the down under, whatever is not made or grown
here are imported and thus quite a bit pricey. Well I think logical
reason dictates that importing goods into the bottom of the world has to have a
hefty price tag attached to it. Anyways, I digress. Now back to the
cute knick knacks for the home. *insert big smile*</span><u1:p></u1:p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Have you heard about Pinterest? Well, if not do check it out. I think it’s an awesome site with an
extensive curation of all things DIY and more.
A lot of businesses advertise there and it has also become a platform
for people to showcase their crafty talents.
With Pinterest, Etsy, Instragram and felt.co.nz (the web is not short of
crafty DIY inspiration), I too was inspired to be able to transform one thing
into something beautiful and useful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">And when the sweet hubby gifted
me this as a wedding anniversary present,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR-41ZTpkeM/VDW56kxPzLI/AAAAAAAABE4/RCsoA3P0uwc/s1600/sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR-41ZTpkeM/VDW56kxPzLI/AAAAAAAABE4/RCsoA3P0uwc/s1600/sew.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">I</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"> squealed with joy! Yes that’s an
exaggeration, but really while some ladies would prefer diamonds and pearls (<i>but I don’t mind receiving these either
*hint* *hint*</i>), I was really happy with this gift because I can now find out
whether I do have the makings of a domestic diva. :)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">And so these two sealed the
deal. I am now hopping on the DIY
bandwagon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So far these have been the
projects made.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS6Fjp-1BHU/VDWb-D0DjiI/AAAAAAAABEQ/nb9vauaBUDE/s1600/pink%2Bthrow%2Bpillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS6Fjp-1BHU/VDWb-D0DjiI/AAAAAAAABEQ/nb9vauaBUDE/s1600/pink%2Bthrow%2Bpillow.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7IoJ86mdM0/VDWb_a9qw6I/AAAAAAAABEY/KKsDVp5ZBhM/s1600/blue%2Bthrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7IoJ86mdM0/VDWb_a9qw6I/AAAAAAAABEY/KKsDVp5ZBhM/s1600/blue%2Bthrow.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Throw pillows for the couch, to
lean on or rest your head while watching the telly (that’s TV for us!). And it’s amazing how these simply pulls
together a lively spring aura for the living room.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">Cute matching curtains for our
tiny toilet window. This pretty curtains can make doing your “business” here
more relaxing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYR9tJ3dNxg/VDWcPzlEeII/AAAAAAAABEg/h2NlLd99ETM/s1600/curtain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYR9tJ3dNxg/VDWcPzlEeII/AAAAAAAABEg/h2NlLd99ETM/s1600/curtain2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">With these small projects, the
homemaker in me is equally pleased. <b>Casa de Martinez</b> just got a little bit
livelier and homier. Just in time for
the spring season!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">I really do hope I can come up
with some more.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">How about you, any DIY projects
lately?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/X-qwOQdBTqE/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/X-qwOQdBTqE/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-51627003258911349802014-09-29T03:30:00.000+08:002014-09-29T03:30:00.559+08:00What I've been up to -- learning the ropes<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been
exactly six months since we first set foot in New Zealand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With two huge bags in tow, the hubby and I
bid farewell to wonderful friendships we have made in Singapore and with a
heavy heart but filled with anticipation and excitement (what irony!) we were
ready to start the next chapter of our adventure.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been 185
days of ups and downs, highs and lows, everything you might expect from a BIG move
from one country to another. House hunting, job hunting, and all the nifty
gritty of setting up bank accounts, taxes, internet connection, mobile phones, insurances, etc. etc.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My how time
flies.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived
at the close of summer and in a matter of weeks, the leaves started to
fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And slowly winter crept in to
replace autumn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting
on our last six months, I can sum it up in one sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What a learning experience!” And the
learning continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they say “You are
never too old to learn new things!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What I have
learned/discovered so far is that you</span><span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> cannot drive anywhere in
New Zealand without passing fields of sheep and cows along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the rumor that there are more sheep than
people in NZ, well I think might be quite true.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8t6AWBfRmE8/VCTtF1EzpOI/AAAAAAAABDs/WI6GZ2AMHcU/s1600/cows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8t6AWBfRmE8/VCTtF1EzpOI/AAAAAAAABDs/WI6GZ2AMHcU/s1600/cows.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxaw1EDBOS8/VCTtHa3eXgI/AAAAAAAABD0/V78bBVoI_nc/s1600/New%2BZealand%2Bsheep%2Bfarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxaw1EDBOS8/VCTtHa3eXgI/AAAAAAAABD0/V78bBVoI_nc/s1600/New%2BZealand%2Bsheep%2Bfarm.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You pay rent weekly and not
monthly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has its pros and cons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess it helps guise the high cost of
living as acceptable, coz when you sit down and do your maths, wow rent is “bloody”
expensive ay.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to have patience in waiting for customer service to attend to you. We waited for over a month before we have our internet connection. And when we moved house in the suburbs another month of waiting for it to get reconnected. Or was this just a bad case of chosing the wrong service provider for our mobile and internet lines? Oh well, benefit of the doubt....</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned that kiwi is not just a
fruit, but it’s a flightless bird as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And Kiwi is also the name of the people of New Zealand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confusing ay?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well you’ll get used in how to use it contextually right.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial;">While Singaporeans like to end their sentences with a "lah", kiwis on the other hand end it with an "ay". I have been replacing my "lahs" with "ays" lately, guess I'm going local now ;). Kiwinism (as how I like to call the kiwi slang) is quite an interesting topic that merits a blog entry of its own.</span><br />
<span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial;">Driving in the left is ok, but wait till you get to the roundabout and then it’s a completely different story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hubby puts it simply, always give way to the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah right! Confusing ay!</span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And as what the hubby and I have learned, you will soon get over the stress of
driving in the motorway (freeway).</span></span></span></div>
<span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A car and a house content insurance is a must! </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting rid of your rubbish is
expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to buy a $2.50 bag that
holds 10kg of rubbish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place your
rubbish inside any other plastic bag and the garbage collector might just leave
that bag in the curbside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While back in
the Philippines, if we want to get rid of extra boxes at home, we can turn it
into cash by selling it at the junkyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While here, instead of making extra money from those old boxes, you have
to pay to get rid of them.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that’s a price you have
to pay for living in one of the most beautiful country in the world. No matter
where you are in NZ, you are approximately 10-15 minutes’ drive away from
something spectacularly beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
scenery is just incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From beaches
to mountains to lakes to glaciers and even volcanoes. And artisan vineyards to
boot.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="fbphotocaptiontext"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;">And for a coffee lover like me, I
just found paradise. :)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial;">As our adventure unfolds, we are learning the ropes one step at time....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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</a>rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0New Zealand-40.900557 174.88597100000004-65.234714 133.57737700000004 -16.566399999999998 -143.805435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-41959500944628436322014-09-24T09:49:00.000+08:002014-09-24T09:49:23.041+08:00Spring has sprung in this side of the world
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSeKy77z0P4/VCIgvkKLq-I/AAAAAAAABCo/qbs6I4YA5MQ/s1600/daffodils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSeKy77z0P4/VCIgvkKLq-I/AAAAAAAABCo/qbs6I4YA5MQ/s1600/daffodils.jpg" height="400" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">pssssttttt bawal yan ;) for your eyes only</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The birds are chirping, the maple trees are budding and the
daffodils are blooming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, indeed,
spring has finally sprung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for the locals and those having lived in this country
for a number of years, most of them have commented that this time round the
start of spring has been a disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well for a newbie like me, it’s quite a welcome change from the cold
gloomy winter I have had experienced a couple of weeks back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep, we have made that <strong>BIG </strong>move from one country to another
and that very well explains my very long hibernation. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> Hopefully with the start of spring
my blogging mojo would be back so I can tell you all about our experiences here in the
land of the long white cloud – Aotearoa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do join me and my family in our adventures in New
Zealand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKia_ora&ei=AR8iVK_xDMrY8gXhpoGACQ&usg=AFQjCNHylG1A8AffQnchcz11KX1vqzOE8Q"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kia
Ora</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and till the next post.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-39207433159890160632013-11-29T18:00:00.000+08:002013-11-29T18:00:11.010+08:00The 21 KM -- Dream<div class="MsoNormal">
Two years ago, I ran my first ever 10KM Marathon making me
able to tick off one item in my bucket list. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwodeYRdF-c/UpgzbZZxMUI/AAAAAAAABBw/Z9yGrRajoDk/s1600/387538_10150448766629513_222107862_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwodeYRdF-c/UpgzbZZxMUI/AAAAAAAABBw/Z9yGrRajoDk/s640/387538_10150448766629513_222107862_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how proud I am of my finisher medal :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I still have two items to tick off in that list in terms of my running career (ha ha ha); a 21KM and hopefully a full marathon someday.</div>
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This Sunday 1<sup>st</sup> December will the day for the
2013 S<a href="http://www.marathonsingapore.com/" target="_blank">tandard Chartered Marathon Singapore</a>.
It is always a big running event of the year here in Singapore where
thousands would participants in the different categories. I have conquered the 10KM in 2011 with my
best running buddy ever, the hubby. I
was hoping we could conquer the 21KM this year.
But as I am still in the running in one of the best races I have ever
joined so far, motherhood, I guess my 21KM dream would have to take the backseat for now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But hopefully in a year or two, when our dynamics of having
to care for a little one will be more firmly establish, then the hubby and I
could perhaps revisit this item in the bucket list and hopefully have it
ticked! <o:p></o:p></div>
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To my colleagues and friends who will be running this Sunday,
all the best and have fun pounding the streets of Singapore.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-44772296355386167592013-11-12T10:02:00.001+08:002013-12-06T16:56:07.591+08:00Yolanda<div class="MsoNormal">
While I am from the
Central Visayas, I am fortunate that though we felt the wrath of Yolanda, but
we have been spared from her lashes. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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When I received news from home that they are all safe after Yolanda has
passed by, I was relieved. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>But
when news, photos, videos start coming in Saturday afternoon of the devastation
that Yolanda has brought to the affected areas…I was shocked. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The devastation is beyond words.<o:p></o:p><br />
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For Singapore based friends, if you would
like to participate in the relief<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>efforts;
the Philippine embassy has disseminated the channels through which monetary
donations could be immediately sent by Filipinos and friends in Singapore. <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/news/2013/11/typhoon-yolanda-relief-assistance/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jdt2AQ5I6A/UoGHjYC8xTI/AAAAAAAABBY/zUM4aZQUOn4/s400/Help+PH.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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Click on image above for details.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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And to those who are
packing relief goods, a copied post from a friend’s FB wall gives the following
suggestion of items to pack.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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To everyone who is actively
participating in packing relief goods to be sent in Tacloban City/Leyte, please
note of the following:<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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1.) <b>DO NOT PACK NOODLES OR ANYTHING THAT NEEDS WATER</b>. There is no water
and electricity so it is impossible to consume this kind of food....<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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2.) <b>PACK MEDICINES</b> - most especially basic medicines (biogesic, bioflu,
robitussin etc). Also if possible, include medicine for surface wounds as many
have been wounded because of the debris and fallen rooftops.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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3.) <b>PACK AT LEAST ONE BOTTLE OF WATER</b>. People are raging for water
(some have even become violent just for water). There is no source of water at
all at any part of Tacloban.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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4.) <b>PACK CANDLES AND MATCHES</b> - there's no electricity for a minimum of
two months so all people will need these.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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5.) <b>ENCOURAGE YOUR RESPECTIVE GROUP/ORGANIZATION TO DONATE BODYBAGS</b>.
Bodies are lying around the roads within the city and some of the places have
already been filled up with bodies.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p><br />
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Why are there so many natural
disasters? <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Click on the
link below to find out what the Bible says about these and the practical steps
on how to cope when faced in this situation. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It also tells of a comforting message
of hope when soon you can finally say “No more disasters!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20111201/why-so-many-natural-disasters/"><b>Natural Disasters, Why so Many?</b></a></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-12533975921156358032013-11-06T08:00:00.000+08:002013-11-06T08:00:13.029+08:00Long Weekend - Cuteness Overload<div class="MsoNormal">
My weekday starts today!
Well actually it officially started yesterday, but Tuesday I work from
home so I still call it a week off albeit working. (Working in your night gown still
feels like a holiday <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>)And
since I did not have to go to work on Monday being Deepavali replacement holiday
that fell on a Saturday, I had a long weekend I spent with the boys. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It was pretty good.
We planned to have it lazy, but it turned out to be busy. Busy in a good way. I was able to plan the week’s menu, gone to
the market and did the grocery. We have
attended the weekend service and participated as a family in the field
ministry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We took the little munchkin to Orchard Road hoping to catch
the glittery lights that they usually put up around this season. The munchkin is now into anything glittery
and shining lately. Unfortunately, the
lights are not up yet, so we spent the time just walking about and of course,
me taking gazillion photos of the munchkin.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mq0rgwDbV-s/UniuIGXUivI/AAAAAAAAA-U/QZbbGarJutw/s1600/cuteness+overload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mq0rgwDbV-s/UniuIGXUivI/AAAAAAAAA-U/QZbbGarJutw/s640/cuteness+overload.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuteness Overload!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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And yes, we also discovered that the munchkin has 2 emerging
teeth. The first time parents were so
excited! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
If only he would be still and cooperate for a minute I would have taken a photo
of his new little teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So along with cuteness overload, I had a some side dish of
cheesiness too. Posted these two
captions in my FB page. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6hQiLbVjRI/UniuU7OWOJI/AAAAAAAAA-c/bh1VblK51jc/s1600/cheesy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6hQiLbVjRI/UniuU7OWOJI/AAAAAAAAA-c/bh1VblK51jc/s640/cheesy3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Ahhh to be in
love and cheesy <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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Hope you all had a good long weekend too! Here’s to a fruitful week everyone!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7K2d5QC11g/TyD8t-TElWI/AAAAAAAAANc/p-hB8mFGyhg/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-73788098259637627992013-11-01T18:00:00.000+08:002013-11-01T18:00:10.528+08:00New month...November, What Will I do to make you the most productive month of 2013?<div class="MsoNormal">
The hubby asked me last night 5 words to describe my
October.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Challenging</li>
<li>Frustrating</li>
<li>Tiring</li>
<li>Stressful</li>
<li>But Still Amazing (I have the little munchkin
to thank….oh well let’s include the big gorilla too ;))</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
It’s the start of a new month, and the stress is already
brewing in everything I do. But this
month of November, I intend to make it different. While the challenges and the stress are inevitable
in any given month (considering the multiple roles we play every day) I intend
to replace “Frustrating” and “Tiring” with “Productive” and “Enjoyable”. So for this Month of November, I have chosen “PRODUCTIVE”
as my guiding word. Sometime back, I applied this concept of
<a href="http://memoirsofanordinarygirl.blogspot.sg/2010/01/my-guiding-word.html" target="_blank">guiding word</a> and that time I have chosen gratitude, and I find it very
effective. Alright, I digress ;) …now
back to Productivity.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCBs8LwJ5Rc/UnNfk2NQSuI/AAAAAAAAA90/Ymy2xsx_mcw/s1600/november-11-the_most_productive_month___27-calendar-530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCBs8LwJ5Rc/UnNfk2NQSuI/AAAAAAAAA90/Ymy2xsx_mcw/s640/november-11-the_most_productive_month___27-calendar-530.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.reneepearson.com/rpblog/2011/11/04/friday%E2%80%99s-freebies-desktop-wallpaper-calendars/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And how do I intend to do that? That’s a good question. I
actually don’t know where to start so I have listed and identified the steps I
have to take and here they are.</div>
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<b>FOCUS.</b> I was happily pinning yesterday when I
stumbled upon an idea. And I think it’s
a great idea, something I can go and enhance for long term benefit. I wanted to rush to the nearest DIY/Craft
store and execute and plunge into my “brilliant” idea. But I realized I still have an unfinished
project that I have started, so I have to complete it before I move on. So I will FOCUS on that first and see
results. Result = Productive. Hopefully, by completing this unfinished project
this month, this would teach me the discipline and focus to kick-off my “brilliant”
idea next month.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And this goes to everything I do be it work or play. Focus on one thing; see it to completion and
on to the next task or activity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Build extra hours
into my day.</b> The days are long but
the hours are few. Huh? Yes, I find that my days can be draggingly
long but I find there is so little time to accomplish much. By having extra hours in my day would spell a
whole lot of productivity. This month, I
am starting my day an hour earlier and ending it an hour later. That’s an extra two hours per day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I intend to <b>take care
of myself and ensure the boys are in the pink of health</b>. Last month, the hubby was down with flu and
the little munchkin caught the bug. Having
someone in the family get sick is quite overwhelming. It puts a dent to our household dynamics. An overwhelmed feeling saps out my
energy. Listless, lifeless are
definitely deterrents to productivity.
This month, we intend to keep ourselves healthy by clean eating, right
amount of rest, and regularly physical activity. A healthy body and mind is a productive
person.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With my goals for this month in place and with the above-mentioned
steps to help me accomplish those goals, well here’s to a productive November!<o:p></o:p></div>
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How about you, how do you keep your day/month/year your most productive ever?</div>
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Share your tips on the comments, would love to hear from you.</div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-85836942429880557612013-10-30T08:00:00.000+08:002013-12-06T16:57:15.097+08:00Eureka! a love for baking<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xk7nyTPkVgI/Um9vIqsWlFI/AAAAAAAAA9c/9vVzTbOaGao/s1600/baking+with+my+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xk7nyTPkVgI/Um9vIqsWlFI/AAAAAAAAA9c/9vVzTbOaGao/s640/baking+with+my+boy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish someday I could capture a similar photo with me and my munchkin.<br />
<a href="http://www.momtog.com/2012/10/momtog-memory-baking-with-my-boy/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Oh how food can be so nostalgic. It takes you to a time and place where your heart is.<br />
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My mom cooks the most delectable dishes and bakes the yummiest goodies. And no; I am not saying it as a patronizing daughter. You should try any of her signature dishes and you will know what I mean.<br />
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Back when I was still a little girl, I remember mama always used to bake those lovely pastries and cakes. I could still smell the aroma of a freshly baked cake fresh out of the oven. And those "buko" pie topped with just the right sweetness meringue was my all time favorite.<br />
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As a little girl when my height was just barely able to reach our kitchen counter top, I would tiptoe so I can see how mama would beat the eggs and shift the flour. I would appoint myself as her assistant. The best part was that while the cake is baking or the cookies are cooling on the cooling rack, I would happily lick the the sweet batter or the icing from the mixing bowl. What an assistant!<br />
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Though I certainly have not reach my mother's level of competence in the baking arena, nor do I have any signature dishes in my belt, I do recently discovered I love to cook and bake. And like all mom's, I hope that some little part of what I do will be remembered affectionately by my <strike>children</strike> son. <br />
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Or perhaps a family tradition would be born out of this new found passion. Baking Sunday or perhaps Saturday brunch cooking with Mom....<br />
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Let me share with you what we have whipped up this weekend. Chewy oatmeal bars...Not quite there yet, but will get there in time :)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jojKD3_Kszc/Um9vtxso_tI/AAAAAAAAA9k/aoAqnTF_hs0/s1600/oatmeal+bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jojKD3_Kszc/Um9vtxso_tI/AAAAAAAAA9k/aoAqnTF_hs0/s400/oatmeal+bars.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oatmeal bars</td></tr>
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Baked Oatmeal Bars (Recipe)<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
3 Cups rolled oats<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup milk<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 cup melted butter<br />
3/4 cup dried cranberries<br />
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<b>Procedure:</b><br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees (175 C degrees)<br />
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Beat eggs, milk and melted butter. Add vanilla extract. Stir in dried cranberries. Spread into 9X13 inch baking dish.<br />
3. Bake in preheated over for 40 min.<br />
4. Cool and sliced into bars.<br />
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This is yummy with black coffee or tea perhaps.<br />
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Happy baking!!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvNvRrYZ7m8/T17W_Qk_nqI/AAAAAAAAAWE/PKZTwTX84eA/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvNvRrYZ7m8/T17W_Qk_nqI/AAAAAAAAAWE/PKZTwTX84eA/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-90889852891833968932013-10-22T09:23:00.001+08:002013-12-06T16:57:32.039+08:00If ever I could own a house...<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been in Pinterest for quite some time now, but I have recently discovered the joys of pinning. Indeed a picture paints a thousand words. And with that I am inspired to be a home-owner :) A girl can dream you know.<br />
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If I could ever own a house<o:p></o:p></div>
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I will strive to make it our home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With big closets…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xP3K6HfsMvI/UmXQwcRvLWI/AAAAAAAAA8k/LcQ7vOiFSYA/s1600/walk-in+closet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xP3K6HfsMvI/UmXQwcRvLWI/AAAAAAAAA8k/LcQ7vOiFSYA/s640/walk-in+closet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a lovely kitchen…<o:p></o:p></div>
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A welcoming foyer with a touch of Country Charm…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6g0VtYTssQ/UmXRK2gUwlI/AAAAAAAAA80/hw0inS1_SdE/s1600/foyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6g0VtYTssQ/UmXRK2gUwlI/AAAAAAAAA80/hw0inS1_SdE/s1600/foyer.jpg" /></a></div>
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And a place for everything and everything in it’s a place….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtOdcDkqvN0/UmXRXJsquRI/AAAAAAAAA88/uv8vv8rqrhs/s1600/organized+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtOdcDkqvN0/UmXRXJsquRI/AAAAAAAAA88/uv8vv8rqrhs/s1600/organized+home.jpg" /></a></div>
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A bath so lovely, taking a bath will always be a spa-like
experience….<o:p></o:p></div>
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A his and her bathroom sink will be an added bonus.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bP_9ZZO1ZI4/UmXRf3JMDBI/AAAAAAAAA9E/tRfK9zcesvI/s1600/charming+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bP_9ZZO1ZI4/UmXRf3JMDBI/AAAAAAAAA9E/tRfK9zcesvI/s1600/charming+bathroom.jpg" /></a></div>
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And white picket fences would be a lovely addition <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BChuA-txWm4/UmXR1eyPq2I/AAAAAAAAA9M/NGYu0YXonz4/s1600/white+picket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BChuA-txWm4/UmXR1eyPq2I/AAAAAAAAA9M/NGYu0YXonz4/s1600/white+picket2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Ahhhh the joys of dreaming.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What about you, how do you picture a beautiful, relaxing
home?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/X-qwOQdBTqE/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW2DwyeS-8s/TyEDWLvPA-I/AAAAAAAAANk/X-qwOQdBTqE/s1600/mrs.martinez.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*All pictures taken from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">www.pinterest.com</a></span></div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-65342804221845868142013-10-03T17:30:00.000+08:002013-10-03T17:30:00.642+08:00How to consciously live life to the fullest?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coWZhCajO9g/Uk0YAYuccSI/AAAAAAAAA8U/j8_lcL07xkI/s1600/DSC08978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coWZhCajO9g/Uk0YAYuccSI/AAAAAAAAA8U/j8_lcL07xkI/s400/DSC08978.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last Tuesday, 1<sup>st</sup> October, I was about to post in my Facebook status “Zombie mode – wake me up when mid-November comes”. But I pulled back. My life mantra is what my blog header says “is on a journey to consciously live life to the fullest.” And the idea of being in zombie mode definitely goes against the ideals I want to resonate in my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Living consciously is about taking control of your life. Sleepwalking through life is definitely not taking control. But most of the time, it is easier for us to set our lives in autopilot mode. Do what we always do because we are used to it. It’s easier that way even if we have difficult chaotic lives. It’s familiar. It is never easy to break out of routines. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes it easy to cruise through life. But conscious living is living in the now. It’s about taking time to smell the roses and be aware of your life and things that you are doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It gives us an understanding on what’s going around us and paving the way for us to get to where we want to go. It allows us to expand our horizons. It gives more passion into our relationships. It makes our world more vibrant and colorful. It creates a life that is more fun. And who would not want that kind of life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Living consciously is not a change you can do overnight. It’s a journey with so many roadblocks and you will definitely have setbacks along the way. I am on that journey and I am having my fair share of roadblocks and setbacks.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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So how does one live a life of consciously living it to the fullest? I have no definite answer. It takes effort, and willful vigilance. As what my cousin would often quote “let’s grab the bull by the horns”. Not an easy feat I should say, but it will definitely be a life well-lived. And this is my work in progress.</div>
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So instead of sleeping the whole of October and half of November, I'm upping my oomph! Well, hello there October! :)</div>
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383392730438196406.post-43903067850087719242013-09-18T14:00:00.000+08:002013-09-18T14:00:03.164+08:00Staycation @ Marina Bay Sands Hotel<div class="MsoNormal">
September is anniversary month for hubby and I. We wanted to have a quick getaway, but to
save us the hassle of flying or “floating” with a little one in tow, we opted
for a staycation. We’ll after all; we
celebrated our first anniversary with a staycation in Hard Rock hotel which I
have talked about <a href="http://memoirsofanordinarygirl.blogspot.sg/2012/10/hard-rock-hotel-resorts-world-sentosa.html" target="_blank">here</a>. So probably, we
can make this a yearly tradition of staycations during our anniversary
month. Now that’s something we can look
forward too. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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As we have been eyeing Marina Bay Sands for quite sometime now, so this year, we chose to finally give in for an MBS experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXSo2BMe0t4/Ujk2xd8Hl2I/AAAAAAAAA6A/U3YBy4WNQ_o/s1600/pool1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXSo2BMe0t4/Ujk2xd8Hl2I/AAAAAAAAA6A/U3YBy4WNQ_o/s320/pool1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hubby enjoying the infinity pool</td></tr>
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Check in time for MBS is 3 pm, so we made use of the half day to kick off our staycation weekend by bringing the little one to his weekly
baby spa at Yishun North Point. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swimming @ the babyspa</td></tr>
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The little one got tired after his swim. He did not get to have his massage after
because he was so sleepy already.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6xyz237wcI/Ujk3HDSpwpI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/pRySTxr5feQ/s1600/babytired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6xyz237wcI/Ujk3HDSpwpI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/pRySTxr5feQ/s320/babytired.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tired after my swim</td></tr>
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We had a lunch at SWENSENS, before we head off to Marina Bay
Sands. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAIzyS6ciig/Ujk3RLvFf1I/AAAAAAAAA6k/9QBAgqJ9LXo/s1600/swensen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAIzyS6ciig/Ujk3RLvFf1I/AAAAAAAAA6k/9QBAgqJ9LXo/s400/swensen1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish and Chips</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken breast...they look the same :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEEsTJ--KLs/Ujk3Qwp2-dI/AAAAAAAAA6o/6iBFP0z_9L0/s1600/swensen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEEsTJ--KLs/Ujk3Qwp2-dI/AAAAAAAAA6o/6iBFP0z_9L0/s320/swensen3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Rush, my favorite :)</td></tr>
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We arrived at MBS around 3:00 pm and the place was packed
with people especially tourists who were probably just us curious as us to
check out the MBS hotel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYFAz9dbrho/Ujk4damN9jI/AAAAAAAAA60/MyfnZ0mGC1g/s1600/lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYFAz9dbrho/Ujk4damN9jI/AAAAAAAAA60/MyfnZ0mGC1g/s1600/lobby.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waiting for our turn at the check-in counter</td></tr>
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The room was like any other standard hotel room. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXOfs5M0ak8/Ujk4rgyGo4I/AAAAAAAAA68/PVDfYooSoQw/s1600/bed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXOfs5M0ak8/Ujk4rgyGo4I/AAAAAAAAA68/PVDfYooSoQw/s320/bed1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little one getting comfy on the bed</td></tr>
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But we get a good view of the Garden's by the Bay. And the so many boats/ships lining Singapore sea (or do you call it coastline? :) grammar patrol help! ).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TnVXEKgtd0g/Ujk44VpGd7I/AAAAAAAAA7E/Eld63YXP_Mk/s1600/boats1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TnVXEKgtd0g/Ujk44VpGd7I/AAAAAAAAA7E/Eld63YXP_Mk/s320/boats1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the top :)</td></tr>
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What I love most was the bathroom. I always love hotel bathrooms. I often wish that someday I would have a bathroom similar to one of those hotels I have stayed in, but with the more cozy and homely decor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ02JY-tmro/Ujk5DvAVtbI/AAAAAAAAA7M/Ap5K0YR0Fyg/s1600/bathroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ02JY-tmro/Ujk5DvAVtbI/AAAAAAAAA7M/Ap5K0YR0Fyg/s320/bathroom1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bathtub love!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tssKhQHr1NY/Ujk5RGzNnmI/AAAAAAAAA7U/BedZjz6WSYo/s1600/mirror1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tssKhQHr1NY/Ujk5RGzNnmI/AAAAAAAAA7U/BedZjz6WSYo/s320/mirror1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay! to double sinks. His and her...</td></tr>
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And or course the highlight of any MBS hotel stay would be the infinity pool. The water was quite cold, but when you begin to wade and swim, the water's coldness would no longer bother you anymore.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMSq7vxYENo/Ujk5cYaAiMI/AAAAAAAAA7c/dmx4bAzYR-Q/s1600/pool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMSq7vxYENo/Ujk5cYaAiMI/AAAAAAAAA7c/dmx4bAzYR-Q/s320/pool2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">he's just getting warmed up....</td></tr>
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For hotel guest, they give you free access to the sky park. For the general public, you can visit the sky park for a fee for 20 SGD. (That's was two years ago, is it still the same fee?)<br />
<br />
So we took advantage of this additional perk, and was rewarded by celebrity sighting. We saw WWF Bokker T. I don't know him but hubby did and he had their picture taken with him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b35quONYyyM/Ujk5lmx3AhI/AAAAAAAAA7k/hfYtxzaNbsk/s1600/bokker+T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b35quONYyyM/Ujk5lmx3AhI/AAAAAAAAA7k/hfYtxzaNbsk/s320/bokker+T.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">celebrity sightings!!!</td></tr>
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But the real celebrity I think was this little fellow. He was a hit to a few western mothers (I think they are either mothers/grandmothers because they find a little baby adorable:). They even have his picture taken.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vcDFSEYlQKw/Ujk53WG5D8I/AAAAAAAAA7s/2IOBzEGr4ck/s1600/littleboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vcDFSEYlQKw/Ujk53WG5D8I/AAAAAAAAA7s/2IOBzEGr4ck/s320/littleboy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the real celebrity! <br />look mom, tiny matchboxes...can we take them home??? pretty pretty please!</td></tr>
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We did went to the sky park again at night and the view was amazing. I did not post some pictures here, as our camera phone did not do any justice to the view.<br />
<br />
We did some window shopping and picture taking in the Shoppes by the Bay and in the hotel lobby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYUCxlPRj8E/Ujk6LZhamOI/AAAAAAAAA70/b0A8ETvJ-ys/s1600/interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYUCxlPRj8E/Ujk6LZhamOI/AAAAAAAAA70/b0A8ETvJ-ys/s320/interior.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hotel lobby interior</td></tr>
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<br />
We had our dinner at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Bistro. No photo of what we ate as our camera phone's battery died on us.<br />
<br />
After a few more hours window shopping, we called it a day. The next morning we then took the opportunity to have our last MBS infinity pool experience before we had breakfast at ToastBox and headed home.<br />
<br />
However, there are some downside of the hotel's amenities though worth mentioning. I do not like the idea of automatic private bar charges. Ok, its hi-tech, but if they do that, at least they provide another fridge storage. Think breastfeeding moms and little ones who need to make use of fridge storage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh_BtdqmCkM/Ujk6Xdco3OI/AAAAAAAAA78/PTJ47KjDGRM/s1600/bar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh_BtdqmCkM/Ujk6Xdco3OI/AAAAAAAAA78/PTJ47KjDGRM/s320/bar2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at least provide some place I can store my baby's food...<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7H1k-ywKlJ8/Ujk6yMZzY8I/AAAAAAAAA8E/fHmqWUljZfs/s1600/bar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7H1k-ywKlJ8/Ujk6yMZzY8I/AAAAAAAAA8E/fHmqWUljZfs/s320/bar1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just want to read the bottle's label first before I decide if I want to drink it or not...<br />And you are charging me for that???</td></tr>
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And I also wonder why they have to hide their tea/coffee set. At least they should have displayed it nicely to enhance the homely feel of the hotel room. We had to open all drawers to look for the electric kettle for us to boil water.<br />
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But all in all, it was a good one time experience. A bit pricey I should say, but after all we have to pay for good experiences right? <br />
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rannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10138974974920721097noreply@blogger.com0