It turns out that yesterday was a pretty lucky day after all. We had patches of blue skies in the morning and the smelly haze seemed to have only been working at 30% for the whole day. I was really grateful for the break and had a happy day.
Actually, living in Palembang for the past two and a half years has taught me to become much simpler in my wants. Just take a look at the 13 things I'm looking forward to in Brisbane ...
1. Obviously first and foremost, I want a breath of fresh air.
2. Using water from the tap to brush teeth. We're now using bottled water.
3. Using water from the tap to cook. Once again, bottled water.
4. Drinking water out of the tap. Yup, bottled water. Obviously we buy the HUGE 19L bottles.
5. Opening my mouth and eyes in the shower without being too worried.
6. Being able to walk outside in the evenings and not get attacked by a zillion mosquitoes.
7. Being able to drive myself out and about in sane traffic.
8. Being within walking distance of shops, the river and the city.
9. Going for storytime at the libraries.
10. Going for picnics and enjoying the parks.
11. Watching Aaron play in the backyard where there is grass.
12. Sleeping with the windows opened instead of the A/C on.
13. Laughing loudly with my family.
After several hours without electricity, I'm adding another one...
14. No Power Outages!!
Showing posts with label Thursday Thirteen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thursday Thirteen. Show all posts
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday Thirteen - Air Asia To And From Palembang
Today, we'll be heading to KL for another short trip. As usual, we're flying on Air Asia. I agree that since 2001, the airline has lived up to its tag line "Now Everyone Can Fly". At least everyone in Malaysia seems to be flying!
We have used it every time to travel between Kuala Lumpur and Palembang. Its cheap and direct. So, I can't complain about that. I am thankful that the flights exist and has become like hopping on a bus to go home for me. But thats about all the good I can say about it.
I know that there is a difference in your flight experience depending on your destination (especially if you're going somewhere like the Gold Coast or London) so my gripes here are specifically regarding the Kuala Lumpur - Palembang flights.
13 Reasons Why I Don't Like Air Asia's Palembang-Kuala Lumpur Flights
1) Flight attendants are rude and unhelpful.
2) Seats are always sticky.
3) Headrests always appear oily.
4) The tray tables and back of seats in front of you are always spattered with whatever the last passenger had to drink.
5) They are always out of the food you are willing to buy.
6) They also never have the duty free items you are willing to buy.
7) There are no dedicated check-in lines for Indonesian destinations at the Kuala Lumpur Terminal. They are all lumped under "Indonesia" and is crazier than the local market.
8) We have experienced two trips where the airlines sent out an SMS informing of a flight delay when there wasn't any. One of the times, Richard ended up missing the plane because he showed up at the time the text message said to.
9) The Indonesian number for Air Asia rarely works. Its not that you're put on hold, it just doesn't connect!
10) No matter which language the announcements are made in, nobody understands them because they are always mispronounced and recited at the speed of light.
11) Same goes for announcements made by the pilot. Its not right to judge their skills from the way they speak but I can't help wondering if we're safe. They always sound like they're leaning back with their feet up and a coffee in hand.
12) Everything about the airline (except its bottom line) seems so unprofessional. What about their maintenance??
13) Oh no....I don't have a thirteenth and I'm running out of time.
Have a good weekend everyone. Next post on Monday.
We have used it every time to travel between Kuala Lumpur and Palembang. Its cheap and direct. So, I can't complain about that. I am thankful that the flights exist and has become like hopping on a bus to go home for me. But thats about all the good I can say about it.
I know that there is a difference in your flight experience depending on your destination (especially if you're going somewhere like the Gold Coast or London) so my gripes here are specifically regarding the Kuala Lumpur - Palembang flights.
13 Reasons Why I Don't Like Air Asia's Palembang-Kuala Lumpur Flights
1) Flight attendants are rude and unhelpful.
2) Seats are always sticky.
3) Headrests always appear oily.
4) The tray tables and back of seats in front of you are always spattered with whatever the last passenger had to drink.
5) They are always out of the food you are willing to buy.
6) They also never have the duty free items you are willing to buy.
7) There are no dedicated check-in lines for Indonesian destinations at the Kuala Lumpur Terminal. They are all lumped under "Indonesia" and is crazier than the local market.
8) We have experienced two trips where the airlines sent out an SMS informing of a flight delay when there wasn't any. One of the times, Richard ended up missing the plane because he showed up at the time the text message said to.
9) The Indonesian number for Air Asia rarely works. Its not that you're put on hold, it just doesn't connect!
10) No matter which language the announcements are made in, nobody understands them because they are always mispronounced and recited at the speed of light.
11) Same goes for announcements made by the pilot. Its not right to judge their skills from the way they speak but I can't help wondering if we're safe. They always sound like they're leaning back with their feet up and a coffee in hand.
12) Everything about the airline (except its bottom line) seems so unprofessional. What about their maintenance??
13) Oh no....I don't have a thirteenth and I'm running out of time.
Have a good weekend everyone. Next post on Monday.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thursday Thirteen - World Breastfeeding Week
Did you know that August 1-7 was World Breastfeeding Week? Well, I knew there was such a week but I didn't realize it was this week. I am proud that Aaron and I continued for 2 years and 7 months and I sincerely hope that new mothers out there will seek out support for starting and maintaining a breastfeeding relationship. Its not always easy. I can go on and on about nursing to anyone who will listen, but, I won't.
Instead, here are 13 Simple Reasons To Nurse For As Long As Possible
1. Breastmilk naturally changes composition as the baby grows and nutritional needs change. You don't need to do anything, except feed, to ensure the best for your baby.
2. It saves money. No need to be running to the store for formula.
3. It saves time. No need for sterilizing bottles, preparing the formula and then cleaning up afterwards.
4. It saves more money. No need for gym or personal trainer fees because the nursing will help shed the pregnancy weight. For some women at least.
5. It saves more time. No need to make sure that you make up a bottle for baby before going out. No need to wake up in the middle of the night to prepare a feed. Mom is a walking milk bar.
6. It cuts down on one possible factor for constipation in young babies. In fact, it might save you time again since a breastfed baby can go days without taking a poop. Think of the time NOT spent cleaning up that mess.
7. Breastmilk can be used to clear stuffy noses and sticky eyes in babies.
8. Nursing fixes all hurts and soothes instantly. It really was a big help for the tantrums too.
9. Nursing may give a new mother a better night's rest if they co-sleep and feed in bed. Just doze and feed at the same time.
10. Breastmilk boosts a baby's immunity.
11. Some studies have shown that breastmilk contributes to higher IQ scores in the child.
12. Nursing minimizes the risk of childhood obesity.
13. OK. Here is my favourite. For those that lose weight with the nursing, you can now eat whatever you want. Guilt free! Imagine eating anything and everything without worrying about when you'll need to work off those calories.
Instead, here are 13 Simple Reasons To Nurse For As Long As Possible
1. Breastmilk naturally changes composition as the baby grows and nutritional needs change. You don't need to do anything, except feed, to ensure the best for your baby.
2. It saves money. No need to be running to the store for formula.
3. It saves time. No need for sterilizing bottles, preparing the formula and then cleaning up afterwards.
4. It saves more money. No need for gym or personal trainer fees because the nursing will help shed the pregnancy weight. For some women at least.
5. It saves more time. No need to make sure that you make up a bottle for baby before going out. No need to wake up in the middle of the night to prepare a feed. Mom is a walking milk bar.
6. It cuts down on one possible factor for constipation in young babies. In fact, it might save you time again since a breastfed baby can go days without taking a poop. Think of the time NOT spent cleaning up that mess.
7. Breastmilk can be used to clear stuffy noses and sticky eyes in babies.
8. Nursing fixes all hurts and soothes instantly. It really was a big help for the tantrums too.
9. Nursing may give a new mother a better night's rest if they co-sleep and feed in bed. Just doze and feed at the same time.
10. Breastmilk boosts a baby's immunity.
11. Some studies have shown that breastmilk contributes to higher IQ scores in the child.
12. Nursing minimizes the risk of childhood obesity.
13. OK. Here is my favourite. For those that lose weight with the nursing, you can now eat whatever you want. Guilt free! Imagine eating anything and everything without worrying about when you'll need to work off those calories.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday Thirteen - Things I Learned
Its been awhile since I did a Thursday Thirteen so, why not? Anyway, here are the 13 things that I learned with Aaron. At least they won't surprise me in this second round.
1) It is not a waste of money to buy maternity clothes. At least you'll be comfortable and don't need to look too frumpy. I made a few of my tops but had no clue with the pants and ended up buying at about 7 months.
2) Don't worry about the fat you put on. Its required, and breastfeeding should help take care of it. I hope it works again this time.
3) You don't forget all about labor pains once its over. Memories. VERY VIVID. Not looking forward to next January.
4) Breastfeeding does not come naturally. Many painful lessons taken by both parties. I have also heard that just because we eventually worked it out the first time doesn't mean that breastfeeding baby #2 will be easier.
5) A breastfed baby's poop is NOT sweet smelling.
6) You don't need to worry if your breastfed baby does not do a No. 2 for 10 days. It will come when its ready, YOU just need to be ready for it.
7) There is no point trying to schedule breastfed feeds. Instead, adopt open 24 hrs, on demand, free drinks mentality.
8) The easiest way to put a baby to sleep is to feed it to sleep. Forget about all that sleep training and controlled crying. I was really hung up on this one and felt like a total failure when I couldn't get Aaron to sleep. Then I just gave in and life was restful.
9) Buying a baby all white things may look angelic before the baby actually arrives but it gets really boring. This time round, I'm going to find out the sex and do my shopping here in Indonesia where baby clothes are quite affordable.
10) Cloth nappies are great for the environment. BUT, when you're short of sleep, specifically, long stretches of sleep, the disposable kind may be the answer. After the first month, we did this during nights.
11) Nail scissors are much easier to use than nail clippers.
12) Don't be shocked to find your 3 month old balding and dropping hair all over his little mattress.
13) Finally, a mother not only needs time to rest but time to get online! It keeps her sane :)
I promised myself that I wouldn't let this blog become a pregnancy blog. I do try to keep things balanced here (baby, life in palembang, life in general etc) but I've been dying to announce this for weeks and now that I have, there are all these queued posts in me. Don't worry, I'll space them out. Different topic coming up tomorrow.
1) It is not a waste of money to buy maternity clothes. At least you'll be comfortable and don't need to look too frumpy. I made a few of my tops but had no clue with the pants and ended up buying at about 7 months.
2) Don't worry about the fat you put on. Its required, and breastfeeding should help take care of it. I hope it works again this time.
3) You don't forget all about labor pains once its over. Memories. VERY VIVID. Not looking forward to next January.
4) Breastfeeding does not come naturally. Many painful lessons taken by both parties. I have also heard that just because we eventually worked it out the first time doesn't mean that breastfeeding baby #2 will be easier.
5) A breastfed baby's poop is NOT sweet smelling.
6) You don't need to worry if your breastfed baby does not do a No. 2 for 10 days. It will come when its ready, YOU just need to be ready for it.
7) There is no point trying to schedule breastfed feeds. Instead, adopt open 24 hrs, on demand, free drinks mentality.
8) The easiest way to put a baby to sleep is to feed it to sleep. Forget about all that sleep training and controlled crying. I was really hung up on this one and felt like a total failure when I couldn't get Aaron to sleep. Then I just gave in and life was restful.
9) Buying a baby all white things may look angelic before the baby actually arrives but it gets really boring. This time round, I'm going to find out the sex and do my shopping here in Indonesia where baby clothes are quite affordable.
10) Cloth nappies are great for the environment. BUT, when you're short of sleep, specifically, long stretches of sleep, the disposable kind may be the answer. After the first month, we did this during nights.
11) Nail scissors are much easier to use than nail clippers.
12) Don't be shocked to find your 3 month old balding and dropping hair all over his little mattress.
13) Finally, a mother not only needs time to rest but time to get online! It keeps her sane :)
I promised myself that I wouldn't let this blog become a pregnancy blog. I do try to keep things balanced here (baby, life in palembang, life in general etc) but I've been dying to announce this for weeks and now that I have, there are all these queued posts in me. Don't worry, I'll space them out. Different topic coming up tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday Thirteen - Stop Thief!
I'm usually full of respect for this country. There is plenty here that annoys the heck out of me but I ignore it all. 99% of the time, I like it here and I accept their way of life. I accept their religion, their straightforwardness (bordering on rudeness sometimes) and even their chauvinism. I try to keep an open mind and not judge. But something happened today that just ticked me off tremendously.
Someone stole my papaya! Again! I have very little space within the gates so I have a tree that I plant outside. Its actually no more than 4 meters from the house itself as we have a very short front garden. Four months ago, I watched and waited anxiously for the first fruit to ripen. It of course did and I decided to wait until afternoon to pick it. By then, somebody else already took it.
So when a second fruit looked like it would ripen soon, I covered it up with an old shirt. I was told that this is what you do so that people won't know when it is ripe. After I did that, the fruit seemed to stop maturing. It stayed green for 3 months. It started to look a little yellower last week. This morning, I woke up and it was GONE!
What gives other people the right to go check on my fruit and take it? I don't buy that they were poor and hungry. If it was the kids that play in the neighborhood, then their parents haven't taught them anything about respect. And if this was done by an adult, well, you can imagine the type of children they will bring up.
You may think I'm over reacting. Afterall, its just a simple papaya. Maybe the thieves just caught me on a bad day. That papaya was something that I was waiting to eat. I waited three long months for it!
So even though its Tuesday, I'm doing a Thirteen list. Things I don't like about Palembang!
1) Elevators. People crowd the doors from both sides. The people trying to get in can't wait to be the first in. So much so that the people can't get out to let them in. And the people getting out, well, they all want to be the first out.
2) People talking about other people, in front of them.
3) People pushing past when I open a door to guide Aaron through.
4) People pushing through from the opposite direction when I still have that door open, hoping to get Aaron and me through.
5) Spitting. Through the mouth and also through the nose. Out their car windows. From their motorbikes. As they walk. While they sit. In the middle of their workouts.
6) Smoking anywhere and everywhere. And sometimes blowing the smoke right in your face.
7) Using the car horn when they anticipate the red light turning green.
8) Throwing rubbish everywhere. Once again, out their car windows. From their motorbikes. As they walk. While they sit. Used tissues, plastic wrappers, papers, whatever!
9) Picking their noses in public. Sometimes with one particular finger where they have grown the nail extra long. Its gross!
10) Thinking that its the woman's fault if men have affairs. Wives who are not at the beck and call of their husbands, who do not maintain their beauty or who do not immediately get pregnant are inviting them to seek out other women.
11) People who pick off my four angle beans when they walk past. Its growing on my fence. Can't they see its MINE!
12) People who think I won't mind them taking my guava because I have a number of ripe ones. Just ask!
13) Finally, people who probably feel the ultimate satisfaction when they steal my papaya from under its covering! Maybe that person is now thinking "WOW! The papaya's rightful owner went through some lengths to protect it but I got it anyway!"
Someone stole my papaya! Again! I have very little space within the gates so I have a tree that I plant outside. Its actually no more than 4 meters from the house itself as we have a very short front garden. Four months ago, I watched and waited anxiously for the first fruit to ripen. It of course did and I decided to wait until afternoon to pick it. By then, somebody else already took it.
So when a second fruit looked like it would ripen soon, I covered it up with an old shirt. I was told that this is what you do so that people won't know when it is ripe. After I did that, the fruit seemed to stop maturing. It stayed green for 3 months. It started to look a little yellower last week. This morning, I woke up and it was GONE!
What gives other people the right to go check on my fruit and take it? I don't buy that they were poor and hungry. If it was the kids that play in the neighborhood, then their parents haven't taught them anything about respect. And if this was done by an adult, well, you can imagine the type of children they will bring up.
You may think I'm over reacting. Afterall, its just a simple papaya. Maybe the thieves just caught me on a bad day. That papaya was something that I was waiting to eat. I waited three long months for it!
So even though its Tuesday, I'm doing a Thirteen list. Things I don't like about Palembang!
1) Elevators. People crowd the doors from both sides. The people trying to get in can't wait to be the first in. So much so that the people can't get out to let them in. And the people getting out, well, they all want to be the first out.
2) People talking about other people, in front of them.
3) People pushing past when I open a door to guide Aaron through.
4) People pushing through from the opposite direction when I still have that door open, hoping to get Aaron and me through.
5) Spitting. Through the mouth and also through the nose. Out their car windows. From their motorbikes. As they walk. While they sit. In the middle of their workouts.
6) Smoking anywhere and everywhere. And sometimes blowing the smoke right in your face.
7) Using the car horn when they anticipate the red light turning green.
8) Throwing rubbish everywhere. Once again, out their car windows. From their motorbikes. As they walk. While they sit. Used tissues, plastic wrappers, papers, whatever!
9) Picking their noses in public. Sometimes with one particular finger where they have grown the nail extra long. Its gross!
10) Thinking that its the woman's fault if men have affairs. Wives who are not at the beck and call of their husbands, who do not maintain their beauty or who do not immediately get pregnant are inviting them to seek out other women.
11) People who pick off my four angle beans when they walk past. Its growing on my fence. Can't they see its MINE!
12) People who think I won't mind them taking my guava because I have a number of ripe ones. Just ask!
13) Finally, people who probably feel the ultimate satisfaction when they steal my papaya from under its covering! Maybe that person is now thinking "WOW! The papaya's rightful owner went through some lengths to protect it but I got it anyway!"
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday Thirteen - Blogging
I'll be the first to admit that blogging (reading and writing) takes up more than its allocated time each day. Its just sucks me in. But I love it.
13 Facts About My Blogging
1) I usually work on my blog around 5pm. Thats when I let Aaron have 30 mins or so of The Wiggles.
2) Aaron pulls his chair right up next to me and watches from there.
2) My plan each day is to write the post for that day and the next day, just in case something comes up the next day and I don't have enough time. I only succeed in doing this about once a week.
3) Most days, I'm chatting with my friend in Shanghai as I blog.
4) I read other people's blogs either early in the morning or after Aaron is asleep.
5) When I first started blogging, I was desperate to increase my readership and would skim as many blogs as I could, leaving half hearted comments on each one. Now, I only occasionally search out new blogs. I want to be able to read the blogs that I already follow slowly and leave decent comments (most of the time).
6) I also joined all sorts of blog rings in the beginning but I took all those links out last weekend.
7) My SIL introduced me to the world of blogging by telling me about the money she was earning from PayPerPost. Unfortunately, to get the 'good ads' you needed to have a decent Google PR, hence the blog skimming and blog ring memberships. I soon felt that it was like betraying myself and my readers to blog about things that I have no interest in.
8) I purposely make sure there is diversity in the blogs I visit. I like mom blogs because I identify with so many of the topics. And, its easy to just go from one to another because they are very often funny (and cute), but, I don't want that to be the only topics I read about.
9) In real life, I'd be too embarrassed to share, in person, anything that I've written. I do it almost every day here and then get embarrassed later on when I meet a reader in person and they bring up a past post.
10) Richard has a blog too. I asked him to start it as a way of practicing putting his thoughts down in a logical way.
11) I also told Richard that we should keep our blogs separate and not leave any trails to each others blogs.
12) I'm starting to grow a blogging conscience. There is an incredibly funny sex related topic I have but I just can't bring myself to spell it out. Its too gossipy since its about somebody here.
13) I am incredibly grateful for all the regular readers that I have and the virtual friendships that have come out of blogging.
13 Facts About My Blogging
1) I usually work on my blog around 5pm. Thats when I let Aaron have 30 mins or so of The Wiggles.
2) Aaron pulls his chair right up next to me and watches from there.
2) My plan each day is to write the post for that day and the next day, just in case something comes up the next day and I don't have enough time. I only succeed in doing this about once a week.
3) Most days, I'm chatting with my friend in Shanghai as I blog.
4) I read other people's blogs either early in the morning or after Aaron is asleep.
5) When I first started blogging, I was desperate to increase my readership and would skim as many blogs as I could, leaving half hearted comments on each one. Now, I only occasionally search out new blogs. I want to be able to read the blogs that I already follow slowly and leave decent comments (most of the time).
6) I also joined all sorts of blog rings in the beginning but I took all those links out last weekend.
7) My SIL introduced me to the world of blogging by telling me about the money she was earning from PayPerPost. Unfortunately, to get the 'good ads' you needed to have a decent Google PR, hence the blog skimming and blog ring memberships. I soon felt that it was like betraying myself and my readers to blog about things that I have no interest in.
8) I purposely make sure there is diversity in the blogs I visit. I like mom blogs because I identify with so many of the topics. And, its easy to just go from one to another because they are very often funny (and cute), but, I don't want that to be the only topics I read about.
9) In real life, I'd be too embarrassed to share, in person, anything that I've written. I do it almost every day here and then get embarrassed later on when I meet a reader in person and they bring up a past post.
10) Richard has a blog too. I asked him to start it as a way of practicing putting his thoughts down in a logical way.
11) I also told Richard that we should keep our blogs separate and not leave any trails to each others blogs.
12) I'm starting to grow a blogging conscience. There is an incredibly funny sex related topic I have but I just can't bring myself to spell it out. Its too gossipy since its about somebody here.
13) I am incredibly grateful for all the regular readers that I have and the virtual friendships that have come out of blogging.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday Thirteen - 13 Reasons I Like Thomas & Friends
At the beginning, I couldn't understand the attraction Aaron had to Thomas & Friends. After 2 years of reading multiple Thomas stories daily, I'm finally getting it. In fact, I am grateful for the first book that was gifted to Aaron because Thomas has turned out to be a "really useful engine" indeed. So, here are the 13 reasons why I like Thomas & Friends.
1) They keep Aaron entertained and quiet during Mass on Sundays.
2) They were instrumental in teaching Aaron numbers.
3) I also used the faces on the engines to teach Aaron about the various emotions.
4) Aaron is starting to read the names of the engines.
5) Drawing engines is what taught Aaron how to use a pencil well.
6) It has been great for building Aaron's vocabulary.
7) The videos are usually no more than 6 minutes so its easy to use as short distractions throughout the day.
8) I genuinely like the melodies to a lot of the songs. My favorite is "Patience". Its great as a positive way to ask Aaron to wait.
9) The songs usually only have a single verse and chorus. Very important for when your toddler asks you to sing sing sing.
10) While there are plenty of accidents in the stories and videos, they don't appear as violent and "crazy" as those in some other kids cartoons.
11) The idea of engines that have faces and can speak is far fetched. Yet, the setting and stories are realistic and detailed enough to interest Aaron in real life stations, quarries, docks and of course construction equipment.
12) Some of the books are small enough to fit in my handbag. Whenever Aaron gets antsy, I just whip one out and everything is solved.
13) I love sitting back and watching Aaron make up his own stories with his engines. His imagination is really taking off!
1) They keep Aaron entertained and quiet during Mass on Sundays.
2) They were instrumental in teaching Aaron numbers.
3) I also used the faces on the engines to teach Aaron about the various emotions.
4) Aaron is starting to read the names of the engines.
5) Drawing engines is what taught Aaron how to use a pencil well.
6) It has been great for building Aaron's vocabulary.
7) The videos are usually no more than 6 minutes so its easy to use as short distractions throughout the day.
8) I genuinely like the melodies to a lot of the songs. My favorite is "Patience". Its great as a positive way to ask Aaron to wait.
9) The songs usually only have a single verse and chorus. Very important for when your toddler asks you to sing sing sing.
10) While there are plenty of accidents in the stories and videos, they don't appear as violent and "crazy" as those in some other kids cartoons.
11) The idea of engines that have faces and can speak is far fetched. Yet, the setting and stories are realistic and detailed enough to interest Aaron in real life stations, quarries, docks and of course construction equipment.
12) Some of the books are small enough to fit in my handbag. Whenever Aaron gets antsy, I just whip one out and everything is solved.
13) I love sitting back and watching Aaron make up his own stories with his engines. His imagination is really taking off!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thursday Thirteen - 13 Amusing Things
Sometimes, its easy to forget how to be amused by the small things in life. So here are 13 small-ish things that have amused me recently.
1) Washable Markers - Nothing is more fun to a toddler than something forbidden. He's been trying to get at my permanent markers for awhile and today I replaced them with the washable ones and invited him to try them out. You can't imagine the joy that he had with something so simple.
2) Aaron crooning Blue Moon with his eyes closed.
3) IM-ing, Skype and VoipStunt all keep me endlessly amused by allowing me to stay in touch with friends and family.
4) Reading the responses that Bilbo, John and Mike had to Fiona's meme was A LOT of fun.
5) The mattresses we have are crap and I've been wanted to change them. THEN, I "found" the one in the spare room and last night, I had a FANTASTIC sleep.
6) An easy way to encourage Aaron to eat independently is to serve his food in our adult plates. Now why didn't I think of that earlier?!
7) I remember my mother having "the look". It stopped me from doing whatever it was I was thinking of doing. I seem to have developed "a look" for stopping endless Whys. Its worked for two days so far.
8) I got a HUGE parcel in the mail last week. A friend from Shanghai sent us Christmas presents. The girl was so busy while in Shanghai that she lugged the stuff all the way to San Francisco where she was spent Christmas and mailed it to us from there.
9)
These were in the huge parcel mentioned in #8. They have had me amused for about 5 days now with their salty and sour taste.
10) Found in a flower pot this morning.
11) He's writing his name all by himself now, unprompted.
12) I always get excited when I see my new plants coming up.
13) Anti- corruption banners came up over night and are all over the roads in our area. "Bersih" means clean. I love how they used the picture of the rat!
1) Washable Markers - Nothing is more fun to a toddler than something forbidden. He's been trying to get at my permanent markers for awhile and today I replaced them with the washable ones and invited him to try them out. You can't imagine the joy that he had with something so simple.
2) Aaron crooning Blue Moon with his eyes closed.
3) IM-ing, Skype and VoipStunt all keep me endlessly amused by allowing me to stay in touch with friends and family.
4) Reading the responses that Bilbo, John and Mike had to Fiona's meme was A LOT of fun.
5) The mattresses we have are crap and I've been wanted to change them. THEN, I "found" the one in the spare room and last night, I had a FANTASTIC sleep.
6) An easy way to encourage Aaron to eat independently is to serve his food in our adult plates. Now why didn't I think of that earlier?!
7) I remember my mother having "the look". It stopped me from doing whatever it was I was thinking of doing. I seem to have developed "a look" for stopping endless Whys. Its worked for two days so far.
8) I got a HUGE parcel in the mail last week. A friend from Shanghai sent us Christmas presents. The girl was so busy while in Shanghai that she lugged the stuff all the way to San Francisco where she was spent Christmas and mailed it to us from there.
9)
These were in the huge parcel mentioned in #8. They have had me amused for about 5 days now with their salty and sour taste. 10) Found in a flower pot this morning.
11) He's writing his name all by himself now, unprompted.
12) I always get excited when I see my new plants coming up.
13) Anti- corruption banners came up over night and are all over the roads in our area. "Bersih" means clean. I love how they used the picture of the rat!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday Thirteen - 13 Things That Annoy Me
The day started off all wrong and I found myself easily annoyed. These thirteen are not necessarily from today but just general things that annoy me.
13 Things That Annoy Me
1) People who are habitually late. Its even worse when they don't inform me that they'll be late until the time that they are supposed to meet me.
2) People who try to nudge in at the head of a queue.
3) Whining. Aaron's whining. However, I do have this one under control because I have to face it so frequently.
4) Mistakes that are shoddily covered up. Either cover it up properly so I don't find out or just tell me.
5) Wet toilet seats. Happens often over here because we have one of those wet bathrooms.
6) Wet toilet paper. This usually accompanies the wet toilet seats.
7) People watching me while I try to surf the internet.
8) People who try to finish my sentences for me.
9) People who sing along with the radio/CD a beat to fast. I always get the impression that they are trying to show that they know all the words even before its sung.
10) Kids that greedily run up to me demanding Ang Pows. These are the Red Packets filled with money that married people have to hand out to unmarried people (who are younger than them) during Chinese New Year.
11) Having my books returned to me only to find that they are dog eared and creased all over the place.
12) Noisy Eaters. I'm even more annoyed with this now that I have Aaron around. I don't want him picking that particular habit up.
13) People who answer their cell phones while in the middle of a conversation without excusing themselves first.
13 Things That Annoy Me
1) People who are habitually late. Its even worse when they don't inform me that they'll be late until the time that they are supposed to meet me.
2) People who try to nudge in at the head of a queue.
3) Whining. Aaron's whining. However, I do have this one under control because I have to face it so frequently.
4) Mistakes that are shoddily covered up. Either cover it up properly so I don't find out or just tell me.
5) Wet toilet seats. Happens often over here because we have one of those wet bathrooms.
6) Wet toilet paper. This usually accompanies the wet toilet seats.
7) People watching me while I try to surf the internet.
8) People who try to finish my sentences for me.
9) People who sing along with the radio/CD a beat to fast. I always get the impression that they are trying to show that they know all the words even before its sung.
10) Kids that greedily run up to me demanding Ang Pows. These are the Red Packets filled with money that married people have to hand out to unmarried people (who are younger than them) during Chinese New Year.
11) Having my books returned to me only to find that they are dog eared and creased all over the place.
12) Noisy Eaters. I'm even more annoyed with this now that I have Aaron around. I don't want him picking that particular habit up.
13) People who answer their cell phones while in the middle of a conversation without excusing themselves first.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thursday Thirteen - Questions for Iwan
Our driver (Iwan) will be getting married some time in February. He has always appeared stressed by the various burdens in his life but is having an even harder time now. Anyway, here is a compilation of the questions I have asked him over the past week.
Iwan is 31 years old and his fiance is ten years younger than him. He lives with his mother who has been a widow for roughly 25 years. The fiance works in a beauty parlour.
1) How did you meet your fiance?
She "harassed me" (his words, not mine) until I went out with her. It was two years ago and we were both working at a booth selling phone cards.
2) How often do you go on dates?
Not very often. Maybe once in 2 weeks. Its too expensive to take a girl out because you have to pay for petrol, food and maybe even buy some small trinket that she might get captivated by while strolling the shops.
3) You mentioned that you were going to get married in the middle of last year. Why did the wedding get postponed?
My sister thought she would get married last year. In Indonesia, it is customary to only have one wedding per year so, since she is older than me, she had first choice. In the end, she didn't get married but it was too late in the year for me to arrange anything so .. thats why its going to be in February.
4) How did you pick the date?
Both our families got together last week so that we could formally inform everyone of our intention to get married. Our parents then 'negotiated' on some probable dates. My fiance's family was pushing for January but I needed more time to get things together.
5) And, you took a day off yesterday for some preparations. What exactly did you need to do?
Buy the ring, take the wedding photos, go to the bank to borrow the money required to pay for the whole thing.
6) Are there any other ceremonies between now and the actual wedding day?
Yes, there is the formal proposal and confirmation of the wedding date. This usually takes place within two weeks of the proposed wedding date that is discussed between the families.
7) What happens there?
It is where the guy formally asks for permission to marry the girl. He has to bring along a sum of money, toiletries (things like shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc) and some groceries (basics like rice and oil). The girl's family then assesses if this is sufficient before they give their blessing. (I think the process is to show that he will be able to 'look after' their daughter)
8) How much do you think that will cost?
Roughly 2 Million Ruppiahs (US$ 183).
9) What sort of expenses are involved for the actual wedding day?
Of course there is the catering and renting of the tents and chairs. Then I need to hire the traditional wedding furniture. There are lots of other miscellaneous items that are going to really burn a hole in my pocket. Things like make up artists, cameramen, gifts for the guests and all sorts of other small items that my bride will need. I think the whole process of me getting married is going to cost me 10 Million Ruppiahs (USD $915). (This may sound cheap but it is roughly 10 months wages for Iwan.)
10) Do people in Indonesia give wedding presents or money (like the Chinese Red Packet)?
They usually give a little money. Nothing substantial though. Most people only give about 20 thousand Ruppiah (US$ 1.83)
11) Personal question, have you got the money saved up? I know that you're pretty tight from month to month.
Definitely not. After paying the loan for my bike and giving some money to my mother, I have very little left each month. My mother has helped me to get a loan from the bank for IDR 6 Million. I'm trying to sell anything that I don't need, like my old cell phone, but its not going to amount to much. I'm considering selling my bike but then I'd have to pay for public transport to get to work. Maybe I'll take on a second job on my day off from driving or at night.
12) Where will you live after you get married?
The first month will be at my fiance's house and then afterwards, I hope to be able to rent a place for ourselves. But, with the debt I've gotten myself in just to pay for the wedding, it is likely that we will live at my mother's place.
13) Ah, so you'll have to be able to manage your wife AND your mother?
Yes. But I am fair. Absolutely fair.
He answers the last question really emphatically. Almost as if he's telling himself that things will probably be hard but he is going to be fair. But then, he adds:
"But, if I really really reeeeealy had to choose, I'm going to pick my mother"
Iwan is 31 years old and his fiance is ten years younger than him. He lives with his mother who has been a widow for roughly 25 years. The fiance works in a beauty parlour.
1) How did you meet your fiance?
She "harassed me" (his words, not mine) until I went out with her. It was two years ago and we were both working at a booth selling phone cards.
2) How often do you go on dates?
Not very often. Maybe once in 2 weeks. Its too expensive to take a girl out because you have to pay for petrol, food and maybe even buy some small trinket that she might get captivated by while strolling the shops.
3) You mentioned that you were going to get married in the middle of last year. Why did the wedding get postponed?
My sister thought she would get married last year. In Indonesia, it is customary to only have one wedding per year so, since she is older than me, she had first choice. In the end, she didn't get married but it was too late in the year for me to arrange anything so .. thats why its going to be in February.
4) How did you pick the date?
Both our families got together last week so that we could formally inform everyone of our intention to get married. Our parents then 'negotiated' on some probable dates. My fiance's family was pushing for January but I needed more time to get things together.
5) And, you took a day off yesterday for some preparations. What exactly did you need to do?
Buy the ring, take the wedding photos, go to the bank to borrow the money required to pay for the whole thing.
6) Are there any other ceremonies between now and the actual wedding day?
Yes, there is the formal proposal and confirmation of the wedding date. This usually takes place within two weeks of the proposed wedding date that is discussed between the families.
7) What happens there?
It is where the guy formally asks for permission to marry the girl. He has to bring along a sum of money, toiletries (things like shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc) and some groceries (basics like rice and oil). The girl's family then assesses if this is sufficient before they give their blessing. (I think the process is to show that he will be able to 'look after' their daughter)
8) How much do you think that will cost?
Roughly 2 Million Ruppiahs (US$ 183).
9) What sort of expenses are involved for the actual wedding day?
Of course there is the catering and renting of the tents and chairs. Then I need to hire the traditional wedding furniture. There are lots of other miscellaneous items that are going to really burn a hole in my pocket. Things like make up artists, cameramen, gifts for the guests and all sorts of other small items that my bride will need. I think the whole process of me getting married is going to cost me 10 Million Ruppiahs (USD $915). (This may sound cheap but it is roughly 10 months wages for Iwan.)
10) Do people in Indonesia give wedding presents or money (like the Chinese Red Packet)?
They usually give a little money. Nothing substantial though. Most people only give about 20 thousand Ruppiah (US$ 1.83)
11) Personal question, have you got the money saved up? I know that you're pretty tight from month to month.
Definitely not. After paying the loan for my bike and giving some money to my mother, I have very little left each month. My mother has helped me to get a loan from the bank for IDR 6 Million. I'm trying to sell anything that I don't need, like my old cell phone, but its not going to amount to much. I'm considering selling my bike but then I'd have to pay for public transport to get to work. Maybe I'll take on a second job on my day off from driving or at night.
12) Where will you live after you get married?
The first month will be at my fiance's house and then afterwards, I hope to be able to rent a place for ourselves. But, with the debt I've gotten myself in just to pay for the wedding, it is likely that we will live at my mother's place.
13) Ah, so you'll have to be able to manage your wife AND your mother?
Yes. But I am fair. Absolutely fair.
He answers the last question really emphatically. Almost as if he's telling himself that things will probably be hard but he is going to be fair. But then, he adds:
"But, if I really really reeeeealy had to choose, I'm going to pick my mother"
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - Things I will miss
I'm down to my last few weeks in Brisbane and am starting to think of all the things that I won't get to enjoy till my next trip here. These are the top 13 in no particular order.
1. Sausage rolls - I kept myself to one a week so far but I think I'll just have them whenever I feel like it now.
2. GRASS - We have none in Palembang and there is no place to go to really enjoy grass.
3. Parks - Separate to the grassy part of parks. We'll definitely be missing the children's play equipment.
4. Libraries - We'll miss the story telling, and all the toys they have in libraries. And we'll definitely miss the abundant books that are on long for as long as a month each time. Here is a photo of Aaron playing dress up at the State Library.
5. My mother's oven - There have been more than a few failed meals but it has been fun.
6. Sewing - THIS has definitely been one of the highlights of my time here. Every night, after blogging, I rush down to spend a good 2-3 hrs sewing. I feel productive and it gives me a real sense of accomplishment.
7. A dry bathroom - *sigh* I think readers in the West may not realize it but many bathrooms in Asia are still the wet kind. And, our bathroom in Palembang falls into that category. There are no partitions, so, after a "shower" the whole floor is wet. Actually, its not really a shower, its more like throwing buckets of water over yourself.
8. Quiet nights - We'll be going back to the sound of the A/C, the water pump, the neighbor's water pump, the beeping of all the neighbor's cars when they lock it, the mosque at 5am etc etc etc.....
9. Special K - I can honestly say that I haven't missed a single morning of my Special K routine here.
10. Playing on the deck - Aaron and I spend a lot of time on the deck. Its a fun area that is outside but still shaded. And there are no mosquitoes to worry about.
11. Free concerts on weekends - We got a brochure that listed free concerts for each month and have been going to many different places, including several wonderful parks.
12. Clogging - I'm going to try doing this by myself but its just not going to be the same. I doubt I'll have the drive to continue alone for long.
13. Gym classes - I'll go back to my old gym routine in Palembang but there are no classes there. The instructor led classes here have been so much more interesting than my jogs alone on a treadmill. The torture that they have put me through seemed to have done a lot of good too. I'll definitely miss being pushed to get fit.
1. Sausage rolls - I kept myself to one a week so far but I think I'll just have them whenever I feel like it now.
2. GRASS - We have none in Palembang and there is no place to go to really enjoy grass.
3. Parks - Separate to the grassy part of parks. We'll definitely be missing the children's play equipment.
4. Libraries - We'll miss the story telling, and all the toys they have in libraries. And we'll definitely miss the abundant books that are on long for as long as a month each time. Here is a photo of Aaron playing dress up at the State Library.
5. My mother's oven - There have been more than a few failed meals but it has been fun.
6. Sewing - THIS has definitely been one of the highlights of my time here. Every night, after blogging, I rush down to spend a good 2-3 hrs sewing. I feel productive and it gives me a real sense of accomplishment.
7. A dry bathroom - *sigh* I think readers in the West may not realize it but many bathrooms in Asia are still the wet kind. And, our bathroom in Palembang falls into that category. There are no partitions, so, after a "shower" the whole floor is wet. Actually, its not really a shower, its more like throwing buckets of water over yourself.
8. Quiet nights - We'll be going back to the sound of the A/C, the water pump, the neighbor's water pump, the beeping of all the neighbor's cars when they lock it, the mosque at 5am etc etc etc.....
9. Special K - I can honestly say that I haven't missed a single morning of my Special K routine here.
10. Playing on the deck - Aaron and I spend a lot of time on the deck. Its a fun area that is outside but still shaded. And there are no mosquitoes to worry about.
11. Free concerts on weekends - We got a brochure that listed free concerts for each month and have been going to many different places, including several wonderful parks.
12. Clogging - I'm going to try doing this by myself but its just not going to be the same. I doubt I'll have the drive to continue alone for long.
13. Gym classes - I'll go back to my old gym routine in Palembang but there are no classes there. The instructor led classes here have been so much more interesting than my jogs alone on a treadmill. The torture that they have put me through seemed to have done a lot of good too. I'll definitely miss being pushed to get fit.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - Food Memories
Here are 13 memories associated with food from my childhood.
1. FISH: Steamed fish with ginger, coriander, Chinese mushrooms and soy sauce was a regular at our dinner table. We must have had it 3 times a week. Definitely not one of my favorites. Thanks to this, I'm not a big fan on fish at all.
2. Lap Cheong: This is a chinese sausage made with pork. I loved it and still do. My mother used to make these at home and hang them in the front garden to dry and harden. I didn't need anything else with my rice if I had this.
3. EGGS, BOVRIL, RICE: When I was 11, my piano lessons were on Wednesday nights and it was always a real rush to get home from school, have dinner and then go out again for the lessons. To make things simple, my mother always fried an egg sunny side up and we had this with Bovril and rice. I liked this.
4. PRAWNS: The only "seafood" I like are these huge prawns from Tanjung Tualang. And actually, they aren't from the sea but from the river instead.
5. CHAR KOAY TEOW: Each Saturday, after evening Mass, we would have Char Koay Teow for dinner at a neighborhood coffee shop. It was at this place that I first saw hail.
6. KFC: I think KFC was the only fast food restaurant Ipoh, Malaysia during my childhood. Back then, nobody in my family spoke about eating healthy and I have a vivid memory of my mother taking my brother and I there for dinner here before going to watch Superman IV in the cinema opposite the restaurant.
7. McDONALDS: The first one opened in Kuala Lumpur around the time I turned 10. I remember my father returning from a business trip to KL with cheeseburgers for my brother and I.
8. PIZZA HUT: I believe Pizza Hut came after McDonalds. We didn't get to try it out because my brother took one step in the restaurant and ran straight out again. He was nauseated by the smell of the cheese!
9. CHEE CHEONG FUN: This was my favorite breakfast growing up. Its basically a big sheet of rice noodle that is rolled up. The best place to have this was from a really grumpy guy who was a little like the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld.
10. NOODLES: In the first grade, my mom would give me RM0.20 on some days so that I could buy a bowl of noodles during the break.
11. SANDWICHES WITH CRUSTS ON: On other days, I took sandwiches with peanut butter. I was always really envious of my best friend because her mother used to cut the crusts of the bread while mine always had it on.
12. SAUSAGE ROLLS: When we moved to Brisbane, I loved having sausage rolls for morning tea at school.
13. BEETROOTS: Prior to moving to Brisbane, I didn't know about beetroots. At a school camp, I was attracted to the vivid colour and filled my plate with some. Ugh! I regretted it!
1. FISH: Steamed fish with ginger, coriander, Chinese mushrooms and soy sauce was a regular at our dinner table. We must have had it 3 times a week. Definitely not one of my favorites. Thanks to this, I'm not a big fan on fish at all.
2. Lap Cheong: This is a chinese sausage made with pork. I loved it and still do. My mother used to make these at home and hang them in the front garden to dry and harden. I didn't need anything else with my rice if I had this.
3. EGGS, BOVRIL, RICE: When I was 11, my piano lessons were on Wednesday nights and it was always a real rush to get home from school, have dinner and then go out again for the lessons. To make things simple, my mother always fried an egg sunny side up and we had this with Bovril and rice. I liked this.
4. PRAWNS: The only "seafood" I like are these huge prawns from Tanjung Tualang. And actually, they aren't from the sea but from the river instead.
5. CHAR KOAY TEOW: Each Saturday, after evening Mass, we would have Char Koay Teow for dinner at a neighborhood coffee shop. It was at this place that I first saw hail.
6. KFC: I think KFC was the only fast food restaurant Ipoh, Malaysia during my childhood. Back then, nobody in my family spoke about eating healthy and I have a vivid memory of my mother taking my brother and I there for dinner here before going to watch Superman IV in the cinema opposite the restaurant.
7. McDONALDS: The first one opened in Kuala Lumpur around the time I turned 10. I remember my father returning from a business trip to KL with cheeseburgers for my brother and I.
8. PIZZA HUT: I believe Pizza Hut came after McDonalds. We didn't get to try it out because my brother took one step in the restaurant and ran straight out again. He was nauseated by the smell of the cheese!
9. CHEE CHEONG FUN: This was my favorite breakfast growing up. Its basically a big sheet of rice noodle that is rolled up. The best place to have this was from a really grumpy guy who was a little like the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld.
10. NOODLES: In the first grade, my mom would give me RM0.20 on some days so that I could buy a bowl of noodles during the break.
11. SANDWICHES WITH CRUSTS ON: On other days, I took sandwiches with peanut butter. I was always really envious of my best friend because her mother used to cut the crusts of the bread while mine always had it on.
12. SAUSAGE ROLLS: When we moved to Brisbane, I loved having sausage rolls for morning tea at school.
13. BEETROOTS: Prior to moving to Brisbane, I didn't know about beetroots. At a school camp, I was attracted to the vivid colour and filled my plate with some. Ugh! I regretted it!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - Brought to you by the letter "A"
I've always felt that there were a lot of "A's" in my life. Lets see if I can get to 13.
1) Amanda - My name
2) Australia - Place of birth
3) April - Month of birth
4) April - Month that Richard and I were married legally. The ceremony came later in July.
5) Aaron - Son's name
6) August - Aaron's birth month
7) Auchenflower - Suburb where I live here in Brisbane
8) ABRSM - Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Almost all of my music exams were from them.
9) All Hallows' School - My high school
10) Accountant - My dad's profession
Those first 10 was easy and I did it in about 3 minutes. I had to get Richard to help me with the following 3 so I guess I really only have 10 "A's" in my life.
11) Avocados - Since I got here in September, I've had avocados at least 3 or 4 times a week.
12) Astro - This was our satellite TV provider in Palembang. Last month, it ceased operations and now I need to look for a new provider.
13) Amadeus - Mozart's middle name. I remember being told by one of my teachers that my musical style was more suited to Amadeus's music rather than Ludwig's. Whatever that means...
1) Amanda - My name
2) Australia - Place of birth
3) April - Month of birth
4) April - Month that Richard and I were married legally. The ceremony came later in July.
5) Aaron - Son's name
6) August - Aaron's birth month
7) Auchenflower - Suburb where I live here in Brisbane
8) ABRSM - Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Almost all of my music exams were from them.
9) All Hallows' School - My high school
10) Accountant - My dad's profession
Those first 10 was easy and I did it in about 3 minutes. I had to get Richard to help me with the following 3 so I guess I really only have 10 "A's" in my life.
11) Avocados - Since I got here in September, I've had avocados at least 3 or 4 times a week.
12) Astro - This was our satellite TV provider in Palembang. Last month, it ceased operations and now I need to look for a new provider.
13) Amadeus - Mozart's middle name. I remember being told by one of my teachers that my musical style was more suited to Amadeus's music rather than Ludwig's. Whatever that means...
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - Numbers!
Sometimes, I just browse the internet aimlessly for the express purpose of stumbling upon something interesting that I would never have thought of to search. Today, I came upon numbers and followed that train of thought.
Here are 13 Interesting Facts About Numbers & Maths
1) 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321.
2) 1234567.9 x 9 = 11111111
3) Multiply 37,037 by any single number (1-9), then multiply that number by 3. Every digit in the answer will be the same as that first single number.
For example: 37,037 x 5 = 185,185; 185,185 x 3 = 555,555
4) 2 is the only even prime.
5) 18 is the only number that is twice the sum of its digits.
6) 81 is the square of the sum of its digits.
7) 12+3-4+5+67+8+9=100
8) A Googol has 100 zeros.
9) 25 (5 x 5) is the smallest square that can be written as a sum of 2 squares
(3 x 3 + 4 x 4).
10) 40 is the only number whose letters are in alphabetical order.
11) 89 = 8^1 + 9^2 (What I mean is 8 to the power of 1 and 9 to the power of 2.)
12) Pi has been calculated to 2,260,321,363 digits. The billionth digit in Pi is 9.
13) This one is for people like me who can't remember their multiplication tables.
You can use your fingers for 1 x 9 to 9 x 9.
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms facing away. For 1 x 9, bend the little finger on your left hand. You're left with 9 fingers to the right of that little finger. Of course, you probably didn't need to use this method to get the answer to 1 x 9.
For 2 x 9, bend the ring finger on your left hand. Now there is 1 fingers to the left of the ring finger and 8 to the right of it. The answer is 18.
Jumping to 5 x 9. Bend your left thumb. Now you have 4 fingers to the left of your thumb and 5 to the right of it letting you know the answer is 45.
Its so much easier to explain if you could all just see my fingers! Try it out anyway :)
Here are 13 Interesting Facts About Numbers & Maths
1) 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321.
2) 1234567.9 x 9 = 11111111
3) Multiply 37,037 by any single number (1-9), then multiply that number by 3. Every digit in the answer will be the same as that first single number.
For example: 37,037 x 5 = 185,185; 185,185 x 3 = 555,555
4) 2 is the only even prime.
5) 18 is the only number that is twice the sum of its digits.
6) 81 is the square of the sum of its digits.
7) 12+3-4+5+67+8+9=100
8) A Googol has 100 zeros.
9) 25 (5 x 5) is the smallest square that can be written as a sum of 2 squares
(3 x 3 + 4 x 4).
10) 40 is the only number whose letters are in alphabetical order.
11) 89 = 8^1 + 9^2 (What I mean is 8 to the power of 1 and 9 to the power of 2.)
12) Pi has been calculated to 2,260,321,363 digits. The billionth digit in Pi is 9.
13) This one is for people like me who can't remember their multiplication tables.
You can use your fingers for 1 x 9 to 9 x 9.
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms facing away. For 1 x 9, bend the little finger on your left hand. You're left with 9 fingers to the right of that little finger. Of course, you probably didn't need to use this method to get the answer to 1 x 9.
For 2 x 9, bend the ring finger on your left hand. Now there is 1 fingers to the left of the ring finger and 8 to the right of it. The answer is 18.
Jumping to 5 x 9. Bend your left thumb. Now you have 4 fingers to the left of your thumb and 5 to the right of it letting you know the answer is 45.
Its so much easier to explain if you could all just see my fingers! Try it out anyway :)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - TV Show Characters
13 TV Show Characters I Like
1. Barney Rubble from The Flintstones
2. Hawkeye from M*A*S*H
3. Fran Fine from The Nanny
4. Q from Star Trek : The Next Generation
5. Quark from Star Trek : Deep Space Nine
6. Alan Shore from Boston Legal
7. Ling from Ally McBeal
8. Lynette from The Desperate Housewives
9. Agent 13 from Get Smart. (I think thats his number. He's the one thats always hiding in weird places)
10. MacGyver from MacGyver
11. Punky Brewster from Punky Brewster. (I still want a bed like hers!)
12. Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer
13. Ren from Ren and Stimpy
What about you? Which characters have been memorable for you?
1. Barney Rubble from The Flintstones
2. Hawkeye from M*A*S*H
3. Fran Fine from The Nanny
4. Q from Star Trek : The Next Generation
5. Quark from Star Trek : Deep Space Nine
6. Alan Shore from Boston Legal
7. Ling from Ally McBeal
8. Lynette from The Desperate Housewives
9. Agent 13 from Get Smart. (I think thats his number. He's the one thats always hiding in weird places)
10. MacGyver from MacGyver
11. Punky Brewster from Punky Brewster. (I still want a bed like hers!)
12. Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer
13. Ren from Ren and Stimpy
What about you? Which characters have been memorable for you?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - 13 Hours
If I could have 13 straight hours to myself, say from 7am-8pm, this is what I'd like to do.
7:00-7:30 am: Wake up, stay in bed to read.
7:30-8:00 am: Have a leisurely breakfast
8:00-8:30 am: One session of Bikram Yoga (at the hot studio of course)
8:30-9:00 am: Snack and more reading
9:00-11:00 am: Sewing (I want to make a bag)
11:00-11:30 am: Lazing / Napping
11:30-1:30 pm: Meet a friend for lunch
1:30-2:30 pm: Peaceful shopping
2:30-3:30 pm: Play the piano
3:30-5:30 pm: Long, uninterrupted, reading time
5:30-6:30 pm: Cook an elaborate dinner.
6:30-7:00 pm: Eat that dinner slowly.
7:00-8:00 pm: Long, hot shower. Wash my hair. Blow dry it. Spend the remaining time reflecting on the day and probably missing Aaron.
7:00-7:30 am: Wake up, stay in bed to read.
7:30-8:00 am: Have a leisurely breakfast
8:00-8:30 am: One session of Bikram Yoga (at the hot studio of course)
8:30-9:00 am: Snack and more reading
9:00-11:00 am: Sewing (I want to make a bag)
11:00-11:30 am: Lazing / Napping
11:30-1:30 pm: Meet a friend for lunch
1:30-2:30 pm: Peaceful shopping
2:30-3:30 pm: Play the piano
3:30-5:30 pm: Long, uninterrupted, reading time
5:30-6:30 pm: Cook an elaborate dinner.
6:30-7:00 pm: Eat that dinner slowly.
7:00-8:00 pm: Long, hot shower. Wash my hair. Blow dry it. Spend the remaining time reflecting on the day and probably missing Aaron.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - Australian Children
13 Points on Australian Children
I like finding out statistics about various topics. And, recently I've watched a couple of interesting documentaries on Australian children and their health/well being. It started me Googling for some statistics so here are 13 courtesy of the Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Its not pretty!
1) 20% of Australia's population is under 15. (For some perspective: US 20%, Malaysia 33%, Indonesia 28%, China 20%, India 33%)
2) 17% of boys and girls were classified as overweight; 6% were obese; and 5% were found to be underweight.
3) 61% of 4–8 year olds consumed adequate fruit (excluding juice), compared to only 1% of 14–16 year old boys and girls.
4) 22% of 4–8 year old children and 5% of 14–16 year olds met the dietary guidelines for vegetable intake
5) Saturated fat intake contributed approximately 13–14% of the children’s energy intake. Recommended guidelines are for 10% or less of total energy intake.
6) Sugar contributed to 23–24% of total energy intake. Recommended guidelines are for no more than 20%.
7) 69% of children aged 9–16 surveyed accumulated at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most of the days surveyed.
8) 309,000 reports of suspected child abuse recorded during 2006-07. These figures have increased by over 50% in the last five years. Of the initial reports, 58000 were substantiated.
9) 13.2% of children live in households where they are at risk of exposure to binge drinking by at least one adult.
10) 25% of children aged 14-19 years drank alcohol on a daily or weekly basis in the last 12 months. (I can't remember actual figure but one documentary mentioned something like 50% of under aged drinkers being supplied the alcohol by their parents.)
11) 14% of children and adolescents aged 4-17 years have mental health problems.
12) 10 % of children family to meet minimum literary standards while 5% fail to meet minimum standards in maths.
13) ~25% of 13 yr olds are reading at the level of the brightest 20% of 7 yr olds. Not surprisingly, these students were usually from indigenous or low-income families. The story of the indigenous children in Australia is a sad one. I'll save it for another blogging day.
I like finding out statistics about various topics. And, recently I've watched a couple of interesting documentaries on Australian children and their health/well being. It started me Googling for some statistics so here are 13 courtesy of the Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Its not pretty!
1) 20% of Australia's population is under 15. (For some perspective: US 20%, Malaysia 33%, Indonesia 28%, China 20%, India 33%)
2) 17% of boys and girls were classified as overweight; 6% were obese; and 5% were found to be underweight.
3) 61% of 4–8 year olds consumed adequate fruit (excluding juice), compared to only 1% of 14–16 year old boys and girls.
4) 22% of 4–8 year old children and 5% of 14–16 year olds met the dietary guidelines for vegetable intake
5) Saturated fat intake contributed approximately 13–14% of the children’s energy intake. Recommended guidelines are for 10% or less of total energy intake.
6) Sugar contributed to 23–24% of total energy intake. Recommended guidelines are for no more than 20%.
7) 69% of children aged 9–16 surveyed accumulated at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most of the days surveyed.
8) 309,000 reports of suspected child abuse recorded during 2006-07. These figures have increased by over 50% in the last five years. Of the initial reports, 58000 were substantiated.
9) 13.2% of children live in households where they are at risk of exposure to binge drinking by at least one adult.
10) 25% of children aged 14-19 years drank alcohol on a daily or weekly basis in the last 12 months. (I can't remember actual figure but one documentary mentioned something like 50% of under aged drinkers being supplied the alcohol by their parents.)
11) 14% of children and adolescents aged 4-17 years have mental health problems.
12) 10 % of children family to meet minimum literary standards while 5% fail to meet minimum standards in maths.
13) ~25% of 13 yr olds are reading at the level of the brightest 20% of 7 yr olds. Not surprisingly, these students were usually from indigenous or low-income families. The story of the indigenous children in Australia is a sad one. I'll save it for another blogging day.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
13 Points of Randomness
1) I've finally worked out what Aaron means by having rocks in his nose.
2) Aaron's favourite music for car trips now is Jive Bunny. Anyone who is not driving has to play an instrument the whole way. Its actually quite fun.
3) I've fallen into a habit of not having a "real" lunch. Aaron's naps have moved to lunch time, 12-2pm, so we usually have a light snack before this and another one when he wakes up.
4) I've started following my parents to their Thursday clogging class. And, I like it!
5) Aaron is very manageable in one-on-one situations but as soon as a third person is around, he starts acting up. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.
6) Aaron is a little "roasted" from going to all the park's here. I put sunscreen on him and he has his cap on but I think we need to avoid the parks between 9.30am and 4pm.
7) I've been doing a lot of cooking here and am enjoying it. I mostly cook on the non-rice nights but even for those, I've introduced my parents to a couple of my favorite Indonesian dishes.
8) I don't like the way my hair is behaving here. It seems to get tangled very easily and then when I brush it out, its all frizzed out.
9) I enjoy driving here. Its orderly and stress-less. I especially like driving Aaron around when there is only the two of us in the car.
10) In Palembang, I have rolled oats for breakfast every single day. I really don't like it at all but its whats good for you. Over here, its Special K every single day. Not that good for you but its my absolute favorite breakfast.
11) I chat with Richard each day and occasionally, when the timing is right, Aaron and him have a video call. We don't really miss him because there are two of us and our days are packed but I think Richard does miss us.
12) I miss the Indomie from Indonesia. The unhealthy instant noodles that I sometimes allow myself over there.
13) My latest favorite vegetable is curly kale. The first time I saw it was at the organic market a couple of weeks ago. Prior to that, I've never had any sort of kale. I cook it in an Indonesian style broth with tumeric, ginger, garlic and onions.
1) I've finally worked out what Aaron means by having rocks in his nose.
2) Aaron's favourite music for car trips now is Jive Bunny. Anyone who is not driving has to play an instrument the whole way. Its actually quite fun.
3) I've fallen into a habit of not having a "real" lunch. Aaron's naps have moved to lunch time, 12-2pm, so we usually have a light snack before this and another one when he wakes up.
4) I've started following my parents to their Thursday clogging class. And, I like it!
5) Aaron is very manageable in one-on-one situations but as soon as a third person is around, he starts acting up. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.
6) Aaron is a little "roasted" from going to all the park's here. I put sunscreen on him and he has his cap on but I think we need to avoid the parks between 9.30am and 4pm.
7) I've been doing a lot of cooking here and am enjoying it. I mostly cook on the non-rice nights but even for those, I've introduced my parents to a couple of my favorite Indonesian dishes.
8) I don't like the way my hair is behaving here. It seems to get tangled very easily and then when I brush it out, its all frizzed out.
9) I enjoy driving here. Its orderly and stress-less. I especially like driving Aaron around when there is only the two of us in the car.
10) In Palembang, I have rolled oats for breakfast every single day. I really don't like it at all but its whats good for you. Over here, its Special K every single day. Not that good for you but its my absolute favorite breakfast.
11) I chat with Richard each day and occasionally, when the timing is right, Aaron and him have a video call. We don't really miss him because there are two of us and our days are packed but I think Richard does miss us.
12) I miss the Indomie from Indonesia. The unhealthy instant noodles that I sometimes allow myself over there.
13) My latest favorite vegetable is curly kale. The first time I saw it was at the organic market a couple of weeks ago. Prior to that, I've never had any sort of kale. I cook it in an Indonesian style broth with tumeric, ginger, garlic and onions.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - Brisbane
13 Facts About Brisbane
1) Brisbane is pronounced "Briz-ban"...rhyming with "urban". BTW, if you didn't know, Keith Urban grew up in Caboolture, a place about an hour from Brisbane.
2) England stopped sending convicts to Brisbane in 1842 and that is when the free settlers starting settling in Brisbane.
3) It is the capital city of the state of Queensland.
4) It is Australia's 3rd largest city with a population of 1.8Million.
5) Two nicknames for Brisbane that come to mind are Brissie and Bris Vegas.
6) There is a casino in the city but I don't know if that it the reason for "Bris Vegas"
7) The timezone here is GMT +10.
8) In my opinion, public transport here is efficient and easily accesible. There are trains, buses, the CityCats (catamarans up and down the Brisbane river) and ferries.
9) There are fantastic cycle paths around Brisbane.
10) Average summer temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and average day time temperature in winter is around 15-17 degrees Celsius.
11) As of June 2008, Brisbane's median house price is AUD 495,000.
12) There are still many beautiful Queenslanders around. I'm not referring to the residents of Queensland. This is a type of house has been common in Queensland up to the 1960s. Many of the older suburbs in Brisbane still have many of them and in some areas, it is prohibited to demolish them. These are the types of houses I'm aiming for. Completely out of my budget at the moment but I can dream.
13) Brisbane is a very hilly place. There are some residential streets around here that are literally like a roller coaster ride.
1) Brisbane is pronounced "Briz-ban"...rhyming with "urban". BTW, if you didn't know, Keith Urban grew up in Caboolture, a place about an hour from Brisbane.
2) England stopped sending convicts to Brisbane in 1842 and that is when the free settlers starting settling in Brisbane.
3) It is the capital city of the state of Queensland.
4) It is Australia's 3rd largest city with a population of 1.8Million.
5) Two nicknames for Brisbane that come to mind are Brissie and Bris Vegas.
6) There is a casino in the city but I don't know if that it the reason for "Bris Vegas"
7) The timezone here is GMT +10.
8) In my opinion, public transport here is efficient and easily accesible. There are trains, buses, the CityCats (catamarans up and down the Brisbane river) and ferries.
9) There are fantastic cycle paths around Brisbane.
10) Average summer temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and average day time temperature in winter is around 15-17 degrees Celsius.
11) As of June 2008, Brisbane's median house price is AUD 495,000.
12) There are still many beautiful Queenslanders around. I'm not referring to the residents of Queensland. This is a type of house has been common in Queensland up to the 1960s. Many of the older suburbs in Brisbane still have many of them and in some areas, it is prohibited to demolish them. These are the types of houses I'm aiming for. Completely out of my budget at the moment but I can dream.
13) Brisbane is a very hilly place. There are some residential streets around here that are literally like a roller coaster ride.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - 13 Things I Don't Like About Brisbane
It would be easy to make a list of everything I like about Brisbane. So, I won't do that. Let me try to make a list of 13 things that I don't like so much about this place.
1. Eating out is expensive. I think dinner averages out to be about AUD$20-25 per person. Wouldn't be so bad if I earned Australian dollars but thats a lot if I have to do a conversion.
2. Summer here sometimes gets hotter than Indonesia or Malaysia. It sometimes
reaches close to 40 degrees Celsius.
... this is a hard list to come up with....
3. Aha! TV here is really lousy. They are good for current affair programs but not for movies and other 'light entertainment'. They take a long time to show the newer movies.
4. My parents are here but the rest of my family is in Malaysia. This means that family reunions will be expensive.
5. There is a drought going on right now and there are severe water restrictions at the moment.
6. The weather here is very drying on the skin. Makes people get old and wrinkly much faster.
7. I can't get my weekly foot reflexology here.
8. Parking tickets are issued WAY too fast here. We got one on the 2nd day we were back. Guess it takes some getting used to after the park-as-you-please mentality we have in Palembang.
9. There is way too much junk food around here. Its taking a lot of self control for me to stick to my 1 indulgence a week resolution.
...c'mon, just three more...
10. At the moment, it only gets bright after 6am which makes it hard for me to drag myself out of bed when Aaron insists on waking up at 5.30am.
11. I can't take my time to get dressed after a shower because its cold! Everything has to be pulled on in a hurry.
12. The water seems different here and I find that I need to moisturize my hands after each time I wash them. Bit of a hassle....
13. I worry about talking to or helping other little kids in the park. There is always so much concern here about talking to strangers and all sorts of child abuse allegations that I wouldn't want the parents to misinterpret whatever I was doing with their child.
1. Eating out is expensive. I think dinner averages out to be about AUD$20-25 per person. Wouldn't be so bad if I earned Australian dollars but thats a lot if I have to do a conversion.
2. Summer here sometimes gets hotter than Indonesia or Malaysia. It sometimes
reaches close to 40 degrees Celsius.
... this is a hard list to come up with....
3. Aha! TV here is really lousy. They are good for current affair programs but not for movies and other 'light entertainment'. They take a long time to show the newer movies.
4. My parents are here but the rest of my family is in Malaysia. This means that family reunions will be expensive.
5. There is a drought going on right now and there are severe water restrictions at the moment.
6. The weather here is very drying on the skin. Makes people get old and wrinkly much faster.
7. I can't get my weekly foot reflexology here.
8. Parking tickets are issued WAY too fast here. We got one on the 2nd day we were back. Guess it takes some getting used to after the park-as-you-please mentality we have in Palembang.
9. There is way too much junk food around here. Its taking a lot of self control for me to stick to my 1 indulgence a week resolution.
...c'mon, just three more...
10. At the moment, it only gets bright after 6am which makes it hard for me to drag myself out of bed when Aaron insists on waking up at 5.30am.
11. I can't take my time to get dressed after a shower because its cold! Everything has to be pulled on in a hurry.
12. The water seems different here and I find that I need to moisturize my hands after each time I wash them. Bit of a hassle....
13. I worry about talking to or helping other little kids in the park. There is always so much concern here about talking to strangers and all sorts of child abuse allegations that I wouldn't want the parents to misinterpret whatever I was doing with their child.
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