Welcoming 2009

Another year, another milestone.
This year, I plumbed the depths of depression, and grudgingly accepted help to get me out of it. SF and the chest physician must have spotted things not right with me. Psychologist Paul J's help was invaluable.
This year, Kayrin turned five. And I have yet to give her a sibling. I alternate between telling myself to give up and to seek medical help before it's too late.
This year, she started kindy full time. Snagged herself her first boyfriend. And caught hand, foot and mouth disease (not from him).
This year, SF and I started our breakfast dates. Friday morning, with wantan mee and tea, we talked without the interference of a 5-year-old who must know everything.
This year, SF fulfilled his pledge to take his kid to Disneyland. We holidayed in Hong Kong, Kijal/Terengganu, Melaka and Penang. I realized then that home is best.
This year, we committed to the biggest debt we've taken on -- a new home.
This year, I marked the second anniversary of Woan's passing, and realized that I could still cry when I think of her.
This year, I resolved to be nicer to my mom. And stayed thankful for all my sisters.
This year, I had a new boss at work, and started thinking about cutting back on working hours. (No fault of the boss!).
This year, I learned to post photos from my mobile phone to blog, and how to touch up pix.
This year, SF and I fought hard. And loved each other to greater depths. Or at least I know I have.
This year, we ate more at home than ever because SF re-discovered the joys of cooking.
This year, we became brave enough to use our pressure cooker for the first time. First time since we bought it in Singapore in March 2005.
This year, I worked out resolutely at the gym and cut my cholesterol level to the lowest in three years. And I ate oat every day. Almost.
This year is coming to an end. In nine hours or less.
Next year, I want to nudge SF a bit harder to get to the gym, be a more-relaxed, lots-more-fun mummy and be happy!
Happy New Year, all.

Carousel

Carousel
Originally uploaded by leechingshen

Kayrin's favourite ride is at the IOI Mall. We hardly allow her to have kiddy rides but at this place, SF indulges her. For 2 ringgit, she gets quite a few rounds on this carousel that seems like something out of the movies.

Another Flat

21/12/08
Originally uploaded by leechingshen

When it rains, it pours. About a month after a big gash on one of the back tyres, I had another puncture. This time, I was at the office. A kind soul left this note on my car windscreen. Had I not seen this, I would have driven out of the office carpark. The tyre on the driver's side was flat as a pancake. Last round it was the other side's. AAM came to the rescue because the last round's tyre-changer was in a meeting. There was quite some heated exchanges between us because I was aghast that I had to find my way home after dropping the car at the workshop past 8 p.m. SF turned up in the end.
And thankfully, too, this time it didn't cost me the 1,031.90 ringgit like the previous incident.
It was a mere 32.55 ringgit, to patch what a screw had damaged. The amount had also included a 15 ringgit car wash, so all in, not too painful on my pocket during these recession-hit times.

No Sweat

Some ladies at the gym head off after their yoga classes without showers. I've always had to have a shower, no matter how late I am in getting back to work. With sweat dripping down at every class, how was I to just "dry-clean" this body and put the office attire on. Today, I broke with routine. I traipsed into a different instructor's class and Cedric isn't the kind to drive you through yoga as if it's a cardio session. He instead tells you to "meld your heart", "lengthen the sides of your chest."
Mind you, it was quite difficult to do that. Got to focus on every bit of your body to know what to do. But it was a sweat-less session for me. So, after washing the hands, applying some deodorant and combing the hair, I was back at work ;)
Certainly not as gratifying as a yoga class that makes me sweat, but still good enough to keep me from nodding off at the desk.