Dummies guide in gift giving

Lesson #1: Choose a suitable gift for the person (It's not about the price, it's about the fit)

Meagan received a Christmas gift from someone in my lil' black book today. From my past encounters with her, I don't expect anything from her although Dear Hubby and I gave her three kids Christmas pressies right on the dot, that is, Christmas. But to give Meagan a pair of socks that's way too small for her feet? I don't know how much experiences she has with babies (considering she has 3 children), can't she differentiate a 0-3 months old socks from a 6-12 months old one? Meagan is almost 8 months now. Obviously, it would only be appropriate to get the bigger ones instead of the 0-3 months old size?

Lesson #2: Unless you live half a globe away, belated is unacceptable.

When it comes to Christmas, it's the spirit of Christmas that's more important. Pressies are a gesture to brighten up the whole occassion, am I not right? So, I don't quite get it when people give pressies almost a month after Christmas? Moreover, it's not like we did not go over to her place to pick up the daughter during that time and it's not like she lives half the globe away from us. And where's the Merry Christmas wish from her in the first place?

Lesson #3: Give from your heart, not for the sake of giving.

My translation: Stop helping in retailer's profit for nothing.

Fairytales

My mom used to tell me, she played a cartoon on tape for me once and I told her that prince charming doesn't exist and fairytales are fake. Cartoons like Cinderella and Snow White are called fairytales because... well, they simply are fairytales. That's when I was six. After that, I never want to watch any 'happily ever after' movies anymore.

I have to admit, I'm a non-believer in fairytales and I'm a realist when it comes to love. I grew up hating big weddings. It's troublesome, expensive and not to mention the heavy wedding gowns and the heavy make-up, and some people take months or even years to plan for one. When my turn came, we had a simple one, as simple as both our parents allowed.

But today something changed me. The Twilight Saga. I was very much attracted by the love between Bella and Edward. Perhaps, a tiny part of fairytale is still alive in me? I wonder if there is any one guy who's like him exist in this world? Twilight after all ..... is a fairytale for adults.

Maids are maids because they're poor. They're not uneducated beings.

I came home from a massage to find my maid with a cook book. While I was happily eating my lunch on the table, she was on the floor flipping the pages while reading it aloud. Then she turned to me and said, "Ibu, mau coba ni sore nanti ngak?" (Would you like to try cooking this dish for dinner later?)

She never fails to amaze me. First, she knows how to read a cook book, all printed out in English. Second, she knows what ingredients we have in the fridge to try out that particular dish in the book. This shows that she understood the book's content.

I am absolutely impressed. By the way, did I mention that she's from a small kampung (village) 2 hours away from Jakarta and also, that her English pronunciation is much better than most of our fellow countrymen?

Twitter: Tweet Tweet

Me: Darl, I mentioned you on twitter just now. Did you see it?

Him: No.

Me: How come? It'll show up on your twitter page.

Him: I didn't even follow you. How would it show up on my page?

Me: Why didn't you follow me??!!

Him: Hellooo...!! We sleep on the same bed, right next to each other every night. I don't have to follow you on twitter to know what's happening in your life.

+_+

For the first time since we got married, Dear Hubby was talking sense! Amen to that. LOL.

Good bye 2010

Q: What is your greatest achievement in 2010?
To have my daughter.

Q: What life lesson did you learnt this year?
You can't turn back time. Appreciate what you have and go with the flow.

Q: What is the toughest thing being a mother?
To change my bad habits and all the negative things about me so that my daughter doesn't mirror all that in future.

Q: Are you still a trypanophobic now (even after you went through cesarean)?
Yes, I still am. However, the fear is not as great as before.

Q: What is the one thing you regret most?
I wish I'd spent more time with Brownie.

Q: What is the one thing that you miss most?
Personal time. You don't get that a lot once you've a baby.

Q: What is the one thing that you want to see change moving forward?
My foul temper. Counting backwards doesn't work for me.

Q: What do you wish for in 2011?
More family time and vacations without second thoughts.

Q: What is your New Year's resolution?
To be a better daughter, sister, wife and mother. And no more Dunhill Menthol Lights?

Q: Your husband wants you to join Christianity. Are you one now?
My religion is simple. It's called kindness.

Q: Are you planning for a second child? And when?
Yes and soon.

Q: Are you planning to work?
Yes, after my child(ren) reaches age 3 or 4.

Q: What is your wish for your daughter?
Grow up well, my lil' precious one. We love you!

Q: Do you have anything to say to your husband?
Let's grow old together. Let's grow old gracefully (and stop living in denial about your age... lol!)

Have a Happy New Year, everyone!

Happy 6th month, my baby girl!

If a child lives with criticism,
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.

~ Author Unknown

x

Grow up well, my lil' baby girl.

With lots of love,

7 days of Bali

Somewhere this time of the month last year, Dear Hubby and I was in Padang Bai and Kuta. He attended a palm oil conference and me, tagged along to enjoy the all paid for hotel by the company. I still remembered that I was vomiting away in the chartered van that took us from Padang Bai to Kuta town in Bali. Well, the whole vacation turned out alright although I was experiencing severe morning sickness at that time.

Yesterday, we flew in from Jakarta, this time along with baby. And since there's a public holiday that falls on the 7th, we will be extending our stay till 7th for his dive trips. He need to get in touch with the nemos at least once a year.

Did I hear a yay? No, I'm not excited. A 7 days of stay does need some serious packing when I have a baby with me. To begin with, I do not even like Bali. I prefer Phuket. What's the difference, you asked? Perhaps it's the people, or maybe I simply just don't like Bali. I don't know. But one thing for sure, Dear Hubby is working hard to change that perception of mine. Anyway, he'll be speaking at the conference, attending endless cocktail parties and dinners. I will be roaming the island with baby strapped on to my front like a lil' baby kangaroo and be seen with my new postpartum body clad in a bikini, holding an overly excited screaming baby in the pool. Still a yay?