Hiatus

I am back. So much to be grateful for at the moment.

I am grateful for the savings we have. Mr V is looking for employment at the moment so morale is on the low side in the house. It's almost 4 months now and I am grateful for the savings we have. We are not getting money from anywhere else at the moment so having to rely on our savings is a relief.

I am grateful for this orange cake my dearest mother made 2 weeks ago. It has served me well as breakfast, lunch and dessert. And there's still more of this delicious cake. You can imagine how big the cake is.

I am grateful for this laptop right now. Our home computer is on its way out so I am grateful we still have this laptop to connect to the cyber world.

:) Gee

Change is not easy but not always bad.

I've disappeared a while, as you can probably see. I've ventured into the working world and managing the home and work can be tricky..... Honestly it can be down right exhausting. My house is now extra dusty, laundry pile is 2 feet higher and dinner is an hour later than usual.

Despite having to juggle work and home, its been positive:

1. My girls have been truly supportive of my work and wake up an hour earlier every morning to go to school, with minimal whinging.

2. Mario has stepped up. He does done of the laundry, cooks dinner and does pick ups and Saturday sport with the girls. I'm happy to say that our child care duties is divided equally now : )

3. So grateful for my mother in law for minding my girls 3 days a week. My MIL and I had our rough times but I think we've found our comfortable spot now...I hope.

Man, this has been a tough year bit I'm glad I'm still holding up despite the challenges. When things get tougher I remind myself that I everything happens for a reason.

❤, Jude....xox

Housebound

I was housebound for the last three days. The last time I stepped out of the house was on Saturday. I came home after going for a drive with the family and changed straight into my pyjamas and stayed that way until last night (Tuesday night). Yes, peeps, I stayed in my pyjamas sans shower for 3 whole days. WTH! 

Still, I was grateful to be able to do that. To have 3 full days to fully get myself back together again. I'm not 100% but getting there. 

Also I am grateful for the rain we've been having here in Western Australia. We need it.

And I am grateful that I managed to drop Rohan off to school today. Yay!

Looks like I'm back to blogging now so there will be more posts and more visuals for sure.

Later,

Gee

MIA

Sorry all. The kids and I are down with the flu at the moment so haven't been able to do much these few days. Just staying in bed basically.

It made me realise how much I take my health and my body for granted. We all do, don't we? When we are in good health, we complain about things like cellulite, fat ankles, wobbly arms, etc. Honestly, the way I'm feeling right now I don't mind the wobbly arms and cellulite. 

Today, let's be grateful for how our body feels. No aches and pains. We just feel ....fine. I am looking forward to feeling just fine. Next time I complain about my body, I'll remember what it feels like to be sick and praise the lord that I am feeling just fine.

Gee

When things are good, they are GREAT...for now!

My girls, are not always the easiest to please. Like me, they are creatures of habit and comfort. Today that was shaken a little when our usual schedule changed for my first day at work. It was the beginning of a new (and hopefully, exciting) journey for us. To accommodate my work schedule they had to wake an hour early, start in school care, deal with changes in who's picking them up and possibly be more independent in doing their homework without me hovering above.

Sigh.

I know it's no big deal. So many families deal with this. And there's definitely bigger challenges that other kids face besides this. But for us, this pushes my girls out of their comfort zone and all I can say is what troopers they have been!

Early this year they started in a new school. Despite being nervous, they held themselves together really well. And today, on my first day back at work, they have once again stepped up. Especially Zara. What will I do without her? She has helped me in so many ways. She was so excited to see me after work and told me what an amazing day she had. They both ate their dinner (veg and all) with no complains, and seamlessly completed homework, shower, practised the flute and went to bed. Zara made sure Nyla was cooperative and stayed on track. No complains. No dramas. No whinging.

I know this is just the first day and there possibly will be days where there will be complains, dramas and whinging (from me included). But for today, I'll take the good ride and run with it.

G'night,
Ju'eta...xox

School Days

School has started again. And you would think I'll have more free time on my hands but sadly, I've been super busy. Busy but happy. 

Tuesday we met up with a new friend I met on buggybuddys.com.au. She's from Singapore originally, been here for a year. I am so grateful for this website. I've found some awesome new friends because of this website.

Wednesday was spent making and freezing school lunches eg pies and meatballs. My dear friend Ning loaned me her pie maker. It made me realise how dependent we are on gadgets! The juicer, toaster, bread machine. I am so grateful for gadgets that make our life easier!

And lastly, I am so grateful Rohan has been having good days at school so far. He has been trying really hard and I am so thankful.

Hopefully I will be back on track now.

Gee

Last day of school holidays

I am feeling a little irritable and also abit blue as I am typing this. Irritable because the other half has been very angry annoyed at the boys (for little things, in my opinion). I'm feeling slightly blue because it is the last day of school holidays today.

I know lots of parents dread school holidays but I really love it. I love spending time with the boys. They have been fantastic most times this holidays and I am so grateful for that. 

This school holidays has been one of the best. We've been doing lots of interesting things together and enjoying each others company. I am going to miss not having them around 24-7. Can't wait til the next school holidays!

P/S: Rohan did his second lot of bloodtests today and had to do it TWICE! One on each arm. He was really scared but was such a trooper. He sat still for the right hand but the left hand was abit harder. He did it though and I am so proud of him.

Night night,
Gee

Big smiles today : )

I often struggle on what to write every day....which explains why I don't do a post everyday. It doesn't mean that I'm not grateful for something everyday but I tend to be grateful for the same things everyday. And I don't get bored or tired being grateful for it. But some little things pop up and totally brighten my day.

Like this big jar of fresh homemade kimchi Judy and her mum made for me. It's so good. You won't want to buy the store bought kimchi. Thanks Judy for encouraging my kimchi addiction.

And......drum roll please.....I am most grateful today for Mario! My Mr Man who totally rocks my world : ) We celebrate our 11th anniversary today  - which I thank my iphone for reminding me.

Happy anniversary babe! You have been such an amazing support to me and thank you for constantly trying to push me out of my comfort zone. I cannot thank you enough for that. You constantly challenge me to be the best that I can be and to me that's the best gift you will always give me. Thank you for creating a space for me to talk to you comfortably about everything (except my shopping but I'm ok with that ; )) and thank you for not taking my monthly PMS rants and outburst seriously. You are truly awesome!

♥, Ju'eta

The weekend.

It has been a full on weekend for us. Full on but wonderful.

We spent much needed family time this weekend. It was good for all of us. And the kids had a ball of a time.

This weekend I am so grateful for family. What in the world would we do without family. Without my family, I would be lost and extremely lonely. I would not have a shoulder to cry on and someone to share laughs with. I love my family.

I am so grateful for friends new and old. I had a nice chat with a mum from Dylan's class as we were at Dylan's classmate's birthday party. I don't know how this happened but I agreed to join their netball team. What the?!?! Anyway, I told her I have no idea how to play netball so maybe the invitation will not come. We'll see. Also my dear friend Ann came back from Sydney and bestowed us with a huge box of krispy kremes. Much love, Ann. Especially from my sugar high boys. And my ever increasing waistline. ;p

Friends

Friends from way back when

Lastly, I am so grateful for food. It is fasting month at the moment so I have a new found appreciation for food. In countries such as ours we take food for granted. I think fasting makes us realise that food is for nourishment and not to take that for granted. We should eat to live, not live to eat. Thank you, God for our abundance of food.

Enjoy the coming week,

Gee

Reflection

I had a whole different post written for what I was most grateful for yesterday. But I've been thinking about how the events in my life have led to something else that has help me, not only me but us (our family). Some events have been difficult to go through. Most caused endless tears but upon reflection, the "negative" event has led to meeting someone or learning about something new that helped or is helping us. 

For example, Rohan attended the Steiner School in kindy. It was a terrible year. The teacher found him difficult and didn't know what to do with him. They had never met a child like him ever. But through Steiner we met Jean and Gillian who are experts in sensory processing and sound therapy. We have helped us tremendously, not just with therapy sessions but their experience and knowledge. If we had not attended Steiner, we would never have heard of sound therapy and sensory integration. And for that I am so extremely grateful.

We have lots of experiences like that in our lives. Amazing how the energy in the world works. We all can look at the same experiences in different ways. There are days when I'm wearing my negative glasses but I'm writing this post to remind me that there are no negatives, there are only learning experiences that lead to a higher place of gratitude and love.

Have a wonderful weekend. I'll leave you with some visuals from wonderful day yesterday.


Gee 

Forgiveness

I am pms-ing, thus I am extremely bitchy and short tempered. 

We went to Fremantle for lunch today and had pizza. Dylan dropped a pizza on the floor at lunch. I was annoyed but didn't scold him. We didn't finish the pizza so took the rest with us. I had to have a toilet break so I asked Dylan to hold the pizza box. While I was in the toilet, he was trying to open the door with one hand and I kept telling him to leave it. Next thing, 2 slices of pizza falls on the floor. I was pissed off. I scolded him and didn't buy them any treat like I promised. I was just fuming. Why didn't he listen? He was upset.

They went off to play in the playground. After a while I calmed down. I went up to him and I apologised for getting so angry. I explained why I was so angry and I apologised because I should have just told him why in the first place instead of going on and on at him. He said "I'm sorry too, Mum for dropping the pizza and not listening" and he gave me the biggest hug.

Thank you, Dylan for your forgiveness. I am so grateful for your ability to forgive easily. Don't grow up so fast. I want to enjoy your innocence and your willingness to forgive when I make a mistake. I love you.

Love,

Mummy

Learning from the small people

How fast did the holidays go by! It's only been the 3rd day of school and we are already feeling the grind. Well, I am at least. The girls are going about their business, while I'm rushing them in the background.

Rushing.

It's my biggest problem.

I often rush myself and the people around me. Sometimes it ends with one or both of my girls in tears and Mario intervening to calm everyone down. Me included. And this morning was a rushing day. The girls had a hard time waking up this morning. My fault, of course. I gave in to their pleas after 30-minutes of begging to watch Adriano Zumbo on Masterchef. I paid for it this morning. But it was a different rushing day. It was different because this time Mario did not try to calm anyone down. It was Zara. She was not trying to calm everyone down. Just me. After the 600th reminder to Nyla (in my non-indoor voice) to put her shoes on, I was about to lose it. Zara was all ready standing by the door and I was going up to my room for the 6th time to grab something I had left the 3rd time. Urgh!

When I shut the door behind me and started our power walk/jog to school, Zara said, "Mummy if rushing stresses you out, why do you rush all the time? Maybe if you stay calm you won't forget things so much and you can stay focussed."

I didn't have a come-back for that because she was right. And this brings me to my gratitude for my children. My gorgeous Zara and Nyla who sometimes have to be the adults in the family and put things into perspective. My Zara and Nyla who are mostly patient with me, even when I am not with them. I'm so blessed.

The husband

Yesterday I met up with my mums group. Great bunch of ladies. They were talking about their husbands. Ok I should say they were complaining about their husbands. It was then that I realized how much I take my husband for granted. He may not be the perfect man but he ticks all the right boxes for me. So thank you, sweetheart, for being you.

Shopping

I've been having the urge to shop lately. Let me just clarify that I am no shopper. I would rather be doing something else than shopping so this is unusual for me. I ended up spending half of what I wanted to, which I am so grateful for.

I've been seeing a lot of homeless teens in the city this time round. They sit on the ground with a sign that says "I am 17 and homeless, please spare some change". It made me think how lucky I've been. I've been short of money but never to the point of homelessness. I thank God for that.

I also thank God for my comfortable life. I take for granted that I have spare change to give away if I wanted to and buy clothes if I want. Sometimes I forget that there are people who have to skip meals or sleep out in the cold. I am so grateful for what I have.

Love,
Gee

P/s: here are some pics of yesterday enjoying bubble tea.

The Mini Grateful Countdown

Seeing that I have not written anything grateful for the last few days, I thought I might do a mini count down of all the things I'm grateful for the last few days.

5. Greek yoghurt and honey. My guilt-free dessert that I always turn to when I crave something sweet and creamy. I'm addicted. And so is Nyla.

4. We had an adults' night out on Friday. What a luxury! Cocktails at Bloodwood, followed by thigh-slapping laughing with Wayne Brady and supper at Mamak. Finished the evening with ice-kacang. I was so loaded with dopamine that I didn't even mind when Nyla cried to be picked up from a sleepover at 2am.

3. How amazing has the weather been in Sydney? It makes house hunting so much easier and gives me no excuse to not get out of bed early and go for a run. Ok, I don't know if I'm grateful for that since exercising is not one of my favourites things. Nevertheless, I'm loving the gorgeous weather.

2. I'm totally grateful for the word "NEVERTHELESS". It's an awesome word. It allows me to divert from a topic and move back to it as though I never left in the first place. In the last 24 hours, I have used that word 6 times. I should tattoo it on my back.

1. The people closest to us know that this year has been financially tough for us. Some weeks feels like we are in a vicious cycle of long, hard work days and followed by pain debt/bill paying sessions. So a few days ago we received a nice surprise in the mail.

Mario won $500 in The Australian Hot 50 Restaurant comp! Big reason to smile : )

See, there's always a reason to smile and say, it's not that bad.

♥, Jude...xox

Back to nature

On Sunday 15th July 2012, I started the day with a run/jog at Lake Joondalup. It was a WA Marathon Club race. I must say I wasn't feeling good running that day. Must be the Lor Mai Kai I ate at 6.30am that made me feel sick. Also the fact that I haven't been training at all. But I ended up running/jogging the whole way and finished the race in 33 minutes (not a personal best AT ALL!) which I was grateful for.

Then we went to the Bullsbrook Farmers Market which was located at a winery in Lower Chittering. The markets itself was expensive and a disappointment but the views were just amazing. I didn't even know it was so beautiful and picturesque in Bullsbrook/Chittering. Thanks, Kerry for telling me about the markets. I wouldn't have been able to experience the beauty of Bullsbrook if she didn't tell me about the markets.

The boys running through the vineyard

I am so grateful for discovering new places and things. While jogging yesterday, I discovered a new park on Scenic Drive in the south end of Wanneroo. Awesome. At the markets, I discovered pesto bread. I love pesto and bread but never thought of blending the two together. It's awesome. And I also realised how much I love the greenery of nature. It makes me feel so thankful how beautiful Earth is and how many more places I need to discover, not just the world but in Perth itself.  That's why I've decided to start a Perth bucket list. Things I want to do/see in Perth. 

See ya,

Gee

Rainy days and Mondays....

Yesterday was a rainy Perth day. Started off in the morning and on and off until the evening. That didn't stop us from going out though. Us meaning the boys and me.

The boys went to Kumon in the morning. They have been so independent the last few weeks. I know it's no big deal to some but for me, it is a BIG deal. They walked up to the second floor to Kumon by themselves and came down to meet me in the library when they finished. Rohan said Indrani (Kumon lady) kissed him because he did his work so well. :) And he said Indrani's daughter (who is 30!) is GORGEOUS! Haha I must tell her that next week. I am so grateful they enjoy kumon and Rohan is so excited when he gets harder additions to do. He has come such a long way.

Chillin at the Joondalup library while the boys are at Kumon

We didn't know what to do after that so we ended up in the city. Then the WA Museum. The kids and I LOVE the WA Museum. It is free for all to enter which the whole state should be thankful for. But yesterday Rohan and I played a Dinosaur Board game at the museum. It was just me and him. Dylan was doing something else somewhere. It was like a Snakes and Ladders game but you slide down dinosaurs instead. We had 3 games and it was just a beautiful feeling to play this game with him. I don't know how to describe it but we both enjoyed it so much. It felt like it was our time and we both connected. That is the one thing I am most grateful for out of everything. Thank you God.

Bottles through the century

WA Museum

After that we went to Hillarys. It was the last dinner we'll have together before Vic comes home. It's been so nice spending time with the boys. I am so blessed.

 Later,
Gee

Pirates and parks

We had an enjoyable day out today. Once again, weather was just perfect. Slightly cold but blue skies and sunny.

We went to watch a pirate play. It started at 11.15. I thought it started at 11.45. But we got to catch the last half an hour of it. And we got some coloring books and pencils at the end. Thank you organizers!

I've been lucky to have good food today. Lor Mai Kai in the morning for breakfast (courtesy of my dearest mother), Nasi lemak for lunch (Cambridge food court), puteri salat for afternoon tea and crispy skin salmon for dinner. God bless the food (and my ever growing waistline)!

Perth has so much greenery and beautiful parks. Stirling Gardens on Cedric St is one of them. We enjoyed a day playing at the playground and getting feet, with shoes on, wet! Then followed by a car boot picnic. Grateful for having the time to do that.

Good night,
Gee

By the way, the photos are coming at the end of this post because I am writing this on Blogger mobile and have no idea how to place the pictures in between paragraphs. When I've mastered that, you'll bet it will make the blog grateful list.

Ladies Night

I went out with the ladies last night. Original plan was dinner at Shilla (korean BBQ in East Perth), then off to Ellington Jazz Club. We ended up at Ellington but didn't get to BBQ at Shilla. Long story, it doesn't matter. Funnily enough, we ended up having Korean at midnight in Northbridge so it was all good in the end.

I am grateful I met the ladies. They are a bunch of Singapore/Malaysian mums who ended up here willingly or reluctantly. Last night I got irritated when one of them started saying how backward and horrible Perth is. It pisses me off when people say that. I love Perth. I didn't love Perth when I first came but I ended up absolutely loving it here. Oh well, I guess that's what makes life so interesting isn't it. Anyway, I digress. The ladies are a fun bunch and I thoroughly enjoy their company.

Thank God for late night Asian eateries. After the Ellington, we had some Korean in Northbridge. It satisfied our Asian cravings a little bit.

I met the new addition to our Mums group yesterday. Her name is L. She was in an unhappy relationship and wants to get out. She was telling she just wants a simple happy life. It made me realise, I take my life for granted. I really do. I have a great life, great husband, great kids (most times) and most importantly, I am happy (except on days when I am pms-ing, then not so happy ;-p).

I have to thank my dearest mother again for looking after the kids. I am so glad she is here in Perth.

AND I scored an animal print skirt from Witchery for $45 original price was $139! Bargain!

Have a good weekend,

Gee

Stay at home kinda day

This post is meant for Thursday.

Thursday we stayed at home until evening. We don't get to do that often. So we're grateful for the opportunity.

And I was grateful that I got to watch trashy tv most of the day. I was watching Beach Patrol, The View, TMZ and a few other ones.

Then we went for dinner and a walk around the shops. Thank god for late night shopping. Here's a pic I took of my shoes while waiting for the kids at the toy aisle of target. Oh and we scored some awesome bargains for winter wear for Rohan next year. A big win I would say!

Exploring the city

Yesterday we left the house at 8.45am and got home at 4.45pm. We spent the whole day in the city.

City of Perth always has school holiday activities for kids. Most of it is free. You can usually check online to see what's on and what's happening in the city.

We watched the Big Top Olympics. Which was a comedic take on the Olympics. It was good fun. We had fantastic seats (we also started lining up 45 minutes before the show started!).

On the cat bus

Then we took free cat buses around the city. Just for fun. The kids hardly take the bus so it's a novelty for them to have a bus ride.

Eating chicken feet

Then we went for yumcha, visited the museum, made dinosaur crafts and ate yummy waffles. So thank you, City of Perth for having kids activites during the school holidays. Thank you, Regal on Roe for seating us straight away for yumcha. Thank you, God for providing good weather on a winter's day. And thank you, boys for somewhat behaving all day (they only started fighting on the way home, thank god!). So lots to be thankful for yesterday.

Later,
Gee

Home sweet home

I am writing this post before the day ends because I have so much to be grateful for today.

I am so grateful for my mother who took the day off work to help me look after the kids. I am still not well. I have the runs and a backache. I didn't get much sleep last night so I thought I better just stay at home. And thank goodness my mum was here to help me.

Technology. What would we do without technology. I couldn't take the boys out today so they had to entertain themselves with toys and technology. The boys have been playing Xbox Kinect for the last hour. My mum even had a game with them!

And last but not least, I am grateful for toilet paper. I have the runs. I'm gonna leave it at that.

Have a good night!

Gee

One of those days....

Excuse me while I have my 5 minutes of whinging.

Yesterday was an absolute non-productive day for me. We drove to Chatswood in search of a book which was not even there. And I had to nurse a really sore lower back. Am I getting old? Or fat? Or is it my bed? Or the way I sit? I have a different theory ever hour. And to top it all, I smashed my phone : (

Not happy.

But, since we are in this journey to re-wire our psyche, brains, spirit, et. al. into positivity and optimism, I spent a few minutes this morning thinking about all the things that I simply enjoyed in the last 24 hours.

Because I have an obsession with food, I didn't really have to think hard about it. The girls and I shared a Choc Banana Cream Crepe at Mother's Crepe for dessert. I only managed 2 bites. It reminded me of secondary school when we used to hang out at there crepe shop in Wisma and devour a crepe each. 

Yummo.

I also love going through old photos. It makes me smile, cringe, cry and laugh at the same time. It also lets me to share stories with Zara without her running away in boredom.

And one thing I'm truly grateful for at this moment is this:

Chinese medicated plaster that's making my back feel so much better. Thanks Mi for sending this to me.

♥, Jude

Driving driving driving

Today was a driving kinda day. We woke up, drove to Kumon. Then to Bullsbrook which is about 45 minutes away. Then to University of WA for Rohan's second lot of tests for a research project. Then back again. A lot of driving today.

But I thank God we were safe the whole time. Long journeys make me nervous sometimes. Especially on long country roads.

Rohan is participating in a research project for a UWA student who is completing a PhD. It's about language difficulties in children. Rohan sat through an hour of tests. He was such a trooper. And to see the improvement he's made since last year is such a joy. I am so proud of him.

I'm starting to feel a little under the weather as I'm typing this. I honestly hope I don't fall sick. I have a whole week of activities planned for the kids. I think the three of us will be so sad if the plans got cancelled. So I am grateful I got through the day feeling fine. It would have been worst if I was sick all day. At least I managed through the first day. I better load up on Vitamin Cs and some panadol if I'm going to try and survive tomorrow.

Good night,

Gee

Lazy Sundays.

Today was 18 degrees and beautifully sunny. We had plans - Bikram followed by Biennale, Rozelle Markets, shopping, etc.

All plans were abandoned by 11 : ) so, we were indoors. And we are happy. I'm grateful for....

.....being able to stay in my PJs all day, looking totally daggy and still feeling so good.

.....eating hot fried donut holes filled with raspberries and smothered with pineapple sugar. Yum. Thanks Zara and Mario.

.....being able to write this post all on my own with no one interrupting me.

Glorious.

♥,
Jude

Cake, love and hot water

Today I am grateful for....

The rainbow cake mummy made that put a big smile on Dylan's face.

Rohan for telling me he loves me (randomly) 3 times today.

Hot running water. Some of my friends have been having problems with their hot water system. I've been taking my hot running water for granted.

I Heart Perth

We didn't have much planned today. It's Sunday and we had to drop Vic to the airport. I say 'we', I mean me and the kids.

I was grateful for the traffic to the airport. Totally smooth sailing, we got there in 40 minutes. Amazing.

I am grateful for my friend Ning, who made us a chicken pie and some banana cake. It was a pleasant surprise.

And rediscovering a part of the city I haven't visited in a LONG time, Point Fraser. It's an aboriginal sacred site in the city. It was sunny but slightly cold. We took a walk around Point Fraser and the boys played in the playground. I looked across the river at south Perth foreshore and I remember why I love Perth. I am so grateful I live in this beautiful city.

Gee