work·a·hol·ic

work·a·hol·ic

noun /ˌwərkəˈhôlik/  /-ˈhälik/ 
workaholics, plural

1. A person who compulsively works hard and long hours

Yup, that's me.

Yesterday I received updates about my new job description at the school, and I get more and more excited just thinking about it.

One of my new responsibilities include updating the school website. So last night I surfed the web to look at schools websites from 10:30pm till 1:30pm. And I won't be back to work until next Monday.

I'm going to need a longer napping time with the kids today.

Movie: Osmosis Jones

Story: A policeman white blood cell, with the help of a cold pill, must stop a deadly virus from destroying the human they live in, Frank. 

Ribbon rose tutorial

The Runaway Bunny

This morning, when I was dumping scrap veggies into the compost bin, I saw the bunny OUTSIDE its cage.

I almost freaked out.

When she saw me, she didn't hop away immediately. Instead of catching her, I inspected the hutch and found several cable fasteners that were used to tie the wire flooring are missing. I think they could have been chewed away by the bunny. Anyway, I tried to catch the bunny but with no success. After running all over the backyard, I still couldn't even grab any bunny fur. So I went to the patio and took the guinea pig cage to trap the bunny. At last it worked!

Right now, the little lady is staying inside the guinea pig until husband comes back to fix her hutch. Until then, I'll pamper her with extra crunchy carrots and yummy veggies.

Book Worms

Yesterday afternoon, husband and I brought the kids to Fort Worth Downtown.

Our original plan was to bring them to the Fort Worth Water Garden, but I forgot to download the directions. So instead of driving around aimlessly, we decided to hang out at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore and Fort Worth Public Library (Central Branch).

At the bookstore, I brought DD1 around and we went to the children's section on the second floor while husband took care of DD2 and DS. I really like the quiet and comfy atmosphere in there. We bought a flowery pencil case and a Ticker Bell pen for DD1 because she did all her homework well last week.

We then headed to the public library as it was only a 3 minutes walk away. It was a coincident that two jazz musicians were performing at the public library. We stayed for about one hour listening to them perform nice songs such as If I had a hammer, Yellow Bird, Killing me softly with his song etc. Since DS's milk was about to run out, we left at about 3pm. DD1 had such a great time that she didn't want to g home. Before we left, we bought the book 'Olivia' at the library resale store. All praise be to Allah SWT, we parked the car right between the bookstore and public library, so it was easy to remember where to look for the car when we were leaving.

After we got home, I decided to bring DD1 to the nearby public library to check out some card making books for myself. DD1 also wanted to check out books for herself. When I told husband about this, he asked, 'You just went to a library, and now you are going to another again?' To that I replied, 'Well, you married a librarian. What do you expect?'

(Here is a secret: I am trying to convince DD1 to be a librarian, so this is part of my plan to get her hooked on books.)

Reading Log

I have been reading with DD1 every night since her homeroom teacher assigned a reading log to her.

Honestly, I am glad that she has one so that I can push myself to read a book with her for at least 15 minutes every day. She loves it when we read together, and always look forward to her bedtime stories. Since Monday, I take a video of her reading easy rhyming books after she practiced reading at least three or four times by herself. Then we would watch the video and she is always excited to see herself reading.

Sometimes after reading a book, we would take turns making up stories with the characters from the story books e.g. Goldilock, Little Bo Beep, Cinderella etc. I hope that this will help to stretch her imagination and get her to think outside the box.

Allah SWT willing, I am going to borrow ideas from the book 'Story s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-r-s: activities to expand children's favorite stories' to plan some book related activities with DD1 on the weekends.

21 Deep Questions

First seen here.

1. What is more difficult for you; looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when they are telling you how they feel?
>Looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel. 'Cos using the right ways to express the emotion is always challenging to me.

2. Think of the last time you were REALLY angry.
>When DD1 kicked DD2. I hate bullying and I have a no-tolerant policy for this type of bad behavior in my household.

3. You are on a flight from Honolulu to Chicago non-stop. There is a fire in the back of the plane. You get enough time to make ONE phone call. Who would you call?
>My mother, to tell her I am grateful to her for raising me.

4. You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?
 a) Yes, my husband, my children and my immediately family members.
 b) Spend my remaining days with my children. Make a scrapbook journal and/or video to let them know how to be responsible, humble and hardworking people.
 c) No, 'cos what will be, will be.

5. You can have one of the following two things: trust/love.
>Trust, 'cos that is more tangible to me.

6. You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do?
>Save the dog. If my boss cannot understand the seriousness of a life and death situation, then I don't want to work for/with a heartless and cold-blooded person like him/her.

7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
>Singapore, to see my mother.

8. Think of the last person who you really knew that died. You have the chance to give them 1 hour of life back, but you have to give one year of your life. Do you?
>Yes, 'cos I will be able to know my mother-in-law better. I did not have the chance to meet her before and after I got married and she passed away in 2004.

9. Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend?
Yes and no. Yes, because I can be very loyal and fun to hang out with. No, because I might scare people away with crazy thoughts like go bungee jumping together.

10. Does love = sex?
>Definitely no!

11. Your best friend dies, what would you do?
>I would comfort her immediate family members and be there for them.

12. When and how was the last time you told someone HONESTLY how you felt?
>Today, when I told my sister's friend who is visiting her that I sincerely appreciate her effort to bring stuff that my mother passed to her.

13. What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or that you do not love them back?
 not.
>To tell someone that I do not love them back. Just hate to break a person's heart like that.

14. What do you think would be the hardest thing for you to give up on?
>Coffee... (I have a coffee mug that has the words, 'Instand human, just add coffee.' printed on it.)

15. Excluding romantic love, when was the last time you told someone you loved them?
>This afternoon, when I picked up DD1 from her classroom, I told her homeroom teacher who is also my good friend.

16. If you had to go back in time and change one thing, if you HAD to, even if you had “no regrets” what would it be?
>Not to make my mother cry.

17. Imagine. It is a dark night, you are alone, it is raining outside, you hear someone walking around outside your window. Who do you call?
>My husband, 'cos I know that he will protect me.

18. Would you give a homeless person CPR if they were dying?
>Yes, because then I'll have a chance to save a life.

19. Are you old fashioned?
>Kind of, especially when it comes to family values.

20. Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a heart break or have never loved before?
>True love with a guarantee of a heart break, 'cos this is part of living. It's like eating a hot chili pepper; I know that my tongue will get on fire by eating it, but at least I know that taste of it.

21. If you could do anything OR wish for anything that would come true, what would you wish?
>I would wish for all the people in this world to know and accept the true teachings of Islam.

Low Carb Diet

I am trying to lose weight through the low carb diet plan.

The reason? To lose the baby fat and get rid of 30 pounds by the end of this year, Allah SWT willing. My dear sister is my role model because she has been able to stick to this diet and now she weighs only 53kg. I have to say that the hardest part is to get over the fatigue because of the lack of carbohydrates. Also I have to eat more fruit, vegetables and tofu to fill me up. Since I started this diet on Monday, I am feeling quite miserable as my body craves for the carb.

I hope that I have the determination to stick to this diet.

I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.

Philisophy about Friends

My dear sister's friend in Singapore, whom she has known since 1984, is visiting her while she is in the US on a business trip.

I am glad that my sister has been keeping close contact with her friends since she left, and she gets to get visits from them now and then. Since I came here nine years ago, I have been keeping in touch with only my family and a good girlfriend whom I have known since we were classmates in junior college. All praise be to Allah SWT, I am blessed to have the chance to make friends with really nice people from different countries, namely Malaysia, Morocco, Afghanistan,Tunisia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Egypt, China, Somalia, New Zealand and the United States. My philosophy about friends is that if I were to hang around people with good morals regardless of their ethnicity and religion, I will be influenced to be like them.

Allah SWT willing I hope that my kids will get to know really good people and keep them in their lifes as they grow old. After all, there is a Chinese saying,

'At home, we depend on our parents for support.
In the society, we depend on our friends.'

Husband's favorite Chinese recipe

This afternoon, a parent whose child attends the same school as DD1 stopped me in my track when I went to pick DD1 up.

She is coordinating a fundraising event for the mosque through a cookbook project. She is looking for volunteers to contribute original and never published recipes for this project. I was so excited when she asked if I was interested and I immediately said 'YES!' The recipe that came to my mind at that point was husband's favorite Chinese recipe, Sweet and Sour Chicken with Cashew Nuts. I have prepared this recipe for few friends when we were invited over for dinner, and it has always received raved reviews.

Allah SWT willing I hope that this cookbook project will be a success, and I look forward to trying out different recipes from the cookbook.

I need me time

This morning, the creativity juice in my brain started to flow suddenly. I just felt the urge to make cards in the craft/study room.

Too bad I could not let it unleash completely because DD2 was driving me nuts by taking my things out of my room while I was trying to work on new card designs. I was so distressed by her that I almost gave up, but I persisted by putting her outside the room whenever she got her hands on my things. I kept saying to myself 'Never give up, never surrender.' Finally I made one decent looking card after one hour.

And all my dear sister did on the phone was to instigate my 16-month-old daughter to keep messing around with my stuff. So much for sisterly moral support....

周杰伦2010超时代演唱会 ~ Part 1

Tactile-Kinesthetic Learning Style

Since young I've always know that I am a kinesthetic learner. The information below is abstracted from this web site. It contains information for my type of learners on how to best understand new information.
• The tactile-kinesthetic learner must DO things for them to have the best chance of learning.
• The tactile-kinesthetic learner remembers best the things they experience.
• Kinesthetic learning involves use of the whole body rather than just hands-on.
• Getting information from written materials or by listening is not as easy as aforementioned methods.

Learning Strengths of the TACTILE-KINESTHETIC Learner
• Remembers what they DO, what they experience with their hands or bodies (movement and touch).
• Enjoys using tools or lessons which involve active/practical participation.
• Can remember how to do things after they've done them once (motor memory).
• Have good motor coordination.


Learning Strategies for the Tactile-Kinesthetic Learner
• To memorise, pace or walk around while reciting to yourself or using flashcards or notes.
• When reading a short story or chapter in a book, try a whole-to-part approach. This means you should first scan the pictures, then read headings, then read the first and last paragraphs and try to get a feel for the book. You could also try skim-reading the chapter or short story backwards, paragraph-by-paragraph.
• If you need to fidget, try doing so in a way which will not disturb others or endager yourself or others. Try jiggling your legs or feet, try hand/finger exercises, or handle a koosh ball, tennis ball or something similar.
• You might not study best while at a desk. Try lying on your stomach or back. Try studying while sitting in a comfortable lounge chair or on cushions or a bean bag.
• Studying with music in the background might suit you (baroque music is best - as opposed to heavily rhythm-based music).
• Use coloured contruction paper to cover your desk or even decorate your area. Choose your favourite colour as this will help you focus. This technique is called colour grounding .
• Try reading through coloured transparencies to help focus your attention. Try a variety of colours to see which colours work best.
• While studying, take frequent breaks, but be sure to settle back down to work quickly. A reasonable schedule would be 15-25 minutes of study, 3-5 minutes of break time.
• When trying to memorise information, try closing your eyes and writing the information in the air or on a surface with your finger. Try to picture the words in your head as you are doing this. Try to hear the words in your head, too.

Later, when you try to remember this information, close your eyes and try to see it with your mind's eye and to hear it in your head.

• When learning new information, make task cards, flashcards, electro-boards, card games, floor games, etc. This will help you process the information.


Teaching Strategies for the Tactile-Kinesthetic Learner
• Allow tactile-kinesthetic students to take breaks during lessons and move around.
• Encourage tactile-kinesthetic students to write down their own notes.
• Encourage tactile-kinesthetic students to stand or move while reciting information or learning new material.
• Incorporate multimedia resources (computer, video camera, OHP transparencies, photography camera, etc.) into programmes (teacher presentations and student presentations).
• Provide lots of tactile-kinesthetic activities in the class.


Activity Suggestions for the Tactile-Kinesthetic Learner

Kinesthetic Activities
Surveys
Demonstrations
Dance
Products
Body games
Rocking and reading
Make a video show
Field trips
Dress as characters
Role-play/interviews
Charades
Pantomimes
Plays
Projects
Walking and reading
Puppet shows
Musical performances
Science labs
Cut-and-paste tasks

Tactile Activities
Modelling
Scrapbooks
Colouring books
Artistic creations
Dioramas
Needlework
Posters
Task cards
Electroboards
Blackboard/whiteboard activities
Sandpaper/felt letters
Games
Calculators
Puzzles
Collections
Workbooks
Sculptures/Collages
Mobiles
Displays


Tactile-Kinesthetic Learner Traits
• Remembers what they DO very well.
• Remembers best through getting physically involved in whatever is being learnt.
• Enjoys acting out a situation relevant to the study topic.
• Enjoys making and creating.
• Enjoys the opportunities to build and physically handle learning materials.
• Will take notes to keep busy but will not often use them.
• Enjoys using computers.
• Physically expresses interest and enthusiasm by getting active and excited.
• Has trouble staying still or in one place for a long time.
• Enjoys hands-on activities.
• Tends to want to fiddle with small objects while listening or working.
• Tends to want to eat snacks while studying.

Neil Peart - Drum Solo on David Letterman Show

Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Live)

The drummer's name is Tre Cool. He is rated as one of the best drummers alive on this web site.

Kenny G - Forever In Love

He is my favorite sax player, and he is cute!

BALADA PARA ADELINA - Richard Clayderman

My dear sister and I used to have a classmate in primary school who loved to listen to Richard Clayderman playing the piano. Although I didn't know much about piano at that time, I sure think that he is a hottie!

Getting to know me - 50 questions

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
A girl in an English nursery rhyme.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
A few days ago while watching a documentary about a mother who lost her child.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Only when I write neatly.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Chinese stew beef (nao lam).

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes, two ladies and a gentleman.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes, in a heartbeat 'cos I get to do some crazy stuff with someone!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT?
Occasionally on my dear sister 'cos I know she can take it.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
YES! (Hopefully with my twin sister)

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Coco pops.. Mmmmmmmmm....

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No 'cos too lazy :)

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
I think so...so far by the grace of Allah SWT

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Mint chocolate chip... Mmmmmmm....

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes and handshake.

15. RED OR PINK?
Red 'cos it represents passion to me.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I don't help my husband with the kids as much as I should.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My mother, the smartest and fearless woman I've known in my life.

18. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?
Quilting 'cos I like to make something that is beautiful and useful for family, friends and myself!

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Green, which is my least favorite color but I bought it for $5 in 2008 in New Hampshire. White sneakers.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Bread with peanut butter and nutella.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Mainly Mother Goose by Sharon, Loi and Bram.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Sky Blue 'cos the color makes me feel at peace.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Newborn baby, laksa leave and coffee.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My dear sister in Ohio.

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Beach house 'cos I love the sea!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Figure/ice skating 'oos I think the athletes are so graceful on ice.

27. HAIR COLOR? Black

28. EYE COLOR? Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
I wear glasses.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Hor Fun (Stir fried broad rice noodles with savory gravy) with Chinese pickled chili peppers.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Romantic movies, with happy endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Pregnant in America on Hulu.com

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White with a picture of a pink heart with wings.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter 'cos I love to snuggle under the blanket with my kids.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses on my cheeks (especially by my kids)

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Ice kachang (snow cone) or black sesame seed pudding (Ji Ma Hu)

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Strength, walking

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Telly 'cos I can multi-task with my hands (e.g. fold laundry, make cards, wrap dumplings etc.) while watching

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Kindergarten Success (to better help my daughter)

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have one right now.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Airplane flying over my house 'cos it reminds me of my beloved grandma.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles 'cos I grew up listening to them more often.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
USA 'cos of my husband.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I can bake really yummy brownies.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In a hospital.

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
In a small house with a vegetable garden, 4 chickens, a quail and a rabbit in the backyard.

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE? Light green (picked by the landlord)

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR? Silver 'cos I think it looks timeless and classy

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS? YES, especially the ones that help me understand myself better!

Source: http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/team_messageboard_thread.asp?board=-1x19998x17377619

Eighteen25

eighteen25 - Cool blog with lots of ideas for crafts

'Don't promise when you are happy.
Do not reply when you are angry and
do not decide when you are sad.'

'You are somebody's reason to smile.'

Who wants a hug? ME!

These days when I pick up DD1 from school, I would get hugs from at least one of the students who were in 4th grade last school year.

I'm always pleasantly surprised, in fact a little bit dazzled, that kids would acknowledge me cheerfully and they are always eager to give me big nice hugs. I really miss them, and I am disappointed that I would be able to see all of them as often as I like.

Two more weeks to go and I'll be back to work, Allah SWT willing. I'm so looking forward to hanging out with the teachers and students.

'Not Nice'

Since most of us, except husband, had the cold, I was unable to blog for the last few days. All praise be to Allah SWT, husband took good care of the kids while I rested. I guess the fact that he has been wearing the face mask has helped to shield him from the germs.

Nowadays, DD2's favorite words are 'Not nice.' Whenever she purposely drops a cup or toy on the floor, she would immediately say these words. I can't get upset with her since she looks so cute when she says these two words. Sigh...

Since DD1 started school last week, I have spent about 30 minutes every day to prepare her lunch box. Good thing her homeroom teacher mandates all students to bring a water bottle to school, so I don't pack juice box for her.

So far lunch menu for DD1's lunch box include pasta with ground beef and sweet peas in tomato sauce, and peanut butter with jelly sandwich. Side dishes include grape tomatoes, raw carrots and cucumber cut into flower shapes with Japanese cutters. Snacks consist of a variety of cookies and organic fruit twist. I am glad that she usually finishes her lunch in school. I think I might pack more pasta and rice dishes for DD1 when I go back to work, Allah SWT willing.

I have been putting a handmade card in DD1's lunchbox, and she always look forward to seeing them. I pick up this tip from my dear sister's friend who lives in Massachusetts. Now DD1 tells me that when she misses me, she can look at the card and feel better. Awwwwww......

Grow, Baby, Grow!

Husband brought DS to the pediatrician this afternoon, and he has gained 3lbs in just two weeks! All praise be to Allah SWT, the test results for newborn screening came back negative! We are so relieved and thankful for the results.

Meanwhile, I caught a cold last night and it is not fun. I threw up this evening, and had chills and fever. After sleeping for two hours, I feel so much better. Poor husband has to feed the two girls dinner and give DS his milk at the same time during dinner while I rest.

Wish my mom is here with me, but I guess I'll have to pull my socks and be strong for my kids.

First Day of School

Husband dropped off DD1 and her school supplies this morning at the school.

I almost cried when they left. Almost.

I don't know whether I'm too tired from nursing, or being distracted by DD2, that stopped the tears. While I would love to be there to see my firstborn sitting in her classroom in her new uniform, I just don't have the energy. I thought I would be able to fully appreciate the pride and joy to see my girl in school, but I guess not.

I arrived in school one hour earlier before school dismissal so that I can chat with the teachers. They were glad to see DS and DD2, and gave their congrats for the birth of DS. I am so happy to see the fourth grade teacher, Sr. Nuzhat. Her daughter just had a newborn girl and I am glad to hear that they are both doing well.

As I approach DD1's classroom, I wondered if she would run to me when she sees me or gives me a big hug. Well, she just said 'Mama' like she has never left home. On the way home, she could not stop telling me 'today is the best school day ever', and she likes her classroom, and she prayed with her teacher and classmates, and she finished her lunch, and on and on...

I'm glad that this chatty girl is ready for school.

食在有健康 - 麻油雞麵線

Thanks to my dear sister for recommending this show to me.

Bento Lunches

Are what I plan to make for DD1 when she goes to school next week.

I don't think I'll have time to make complicated ones, but the easy ones found on several web sites seem to be fun to make. Allah SWT willing, when I go back to work I'll make me some cute bento lunches too!

An American in Bento - Good ideas for American menu lunchbox.

Bento Lunches - A livejournal community where ideas and images can be posted.

Bento for Kidlet - Lots of fun ideas to make Doctor Who lunchbox!