I recently started reading "Marley & Me" by John Grogan. If you haven't read it, and haven't watched the movie, its about a young couple who get themselves a puppy.
I'm only halfway through the book and so far it has described a young creature that has a never ending supply of energy, creates a mess inside and outside the house, asks you to play with it all day long, needs toilet training, is very sensitive, can show great empathy when required and loves you unconditionally no matter what disciplinary actions you take against it.
The book so far has been about AARON!
Aaron was born in the year of the Dog and I have been calling him my little puppy from the start. Initially it was because he chewed on everything he got his hands on but after reading this book, I see plenty of other reasons!
Even going out for a walk is like walking a dog. Instead of "Heel!" I'm trying to say "Hold my hand" in a commanding tone while chasing after him. At least Marley (the dog in the book) finally learns to obey that command.
The ups and downs we have in each and every day are incredible. One minute we're having a good time laughing at ants and the next we're locked in a battle of wills over the fact that its not time to watch a Thomas episode yet.
I know he's just exploring his world, his boundaries and my limits but it is stretching me! Everything these days seems to be about how vigilant I am at anticipating potential conflict so that I can avoid it. The constant battles are tiring! And, the fear that I will not teach him correctly in these early years is forever looming over me. (A recurring nightmare: I'm going to have an uncontrollable brat that even the Supernanny can't fix! EEK!)
The funny thing is that after Aaron is asleep each night, I often find myself wishing he was awake so that I can watch his funny antics or cuddle him. I completely forget about how infuriated I got when trying to get him to brush his teeth. He too seems to quickly forget how hurt he was when I wouldn't agree with him that he was a good boy and sent him for a time out instead.
Its been a bit of a battle day, hence this post but let me end it by saying that he is getting sweeter by the same amount as he is getting cheekier. There really are moments when he looks and behaves like a little angel.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Lazy afternoon watching a wedding DVD
We're finally getting to watch the DVD of my cousin's wedding in July 2008. Its a good keepsake for the couple (even though we had to fast forward through bits of it) and I wish we had a better one of our own wedding.
Back in 2000, we thought it was a waste of money to pay for the professional studio photos and a professional videographer. We put the money into the honeymoon instead. I did end up with some good photos thanks to a friend. And, we have some sort of VCD too but its very very amateur and the sound isn't good at all. Do I regret it? Not really because in the nearly 9 years we've been married, it was only last week that I took out our wedding photos to look at and it was only because we needed to use them for something.
Look what I found...
Anyway, after watching my cousin's DVD, I feel like attending another wedding. Family one of course because we always have so much fun. Nobody leaves disappointed after attending one of our weddings. My cousin and his wife are actually having a 2nd ceremony this year in Beijing for her family (yes, a whole year later) but I'm not sure if we'll be attending. Richard just doesn't have so many days off.
Back in 2000, we thought it was a waste of money to pay for the professional studio photos and a professional videographer. We put the money into the honeymoon instead. I did end up with some good photos thanks to a friend. And, we have some sort of VCD too but its very very amateur and the sound isn't good at all. Do I regret it? Not really because in the nearly 9 years we've been married, it was only last week that I took out our wedding photos to look at and it was only because we needed to use them for something.
Look what I found...
Anyway, after watching my cousin's DVD, I feel like attending another wedding. Family one of course because we always have so much fun. Nobody leaves disappointed after attending one of our weddings. My cousin and his wife are actually having a 2nd ceremony this year in Beijing for her family (yes, a whole year later) but I'm not sure if we'll be attending. Richard just doesn't have so many days off.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Photostory Friday - Food I Didn't Eat
Chinese New Year didn't turn out exactly as I envisioned it. The day after my last post, I got the most horrible stomach bug that ruined the next few days. Eating is a big part of the festivities but I hardly got to eat anything. I just sat around most of the time, being envious of every one else.
This Photostory is all about the eating I didn't do.
Here's everyone mixing a sort of Chinese New Year salad. The aim is to toss it all as high as you can without spilling it off the plate and it will bring you luck and prosperity throughout the year.
This was at my father's cousin's house. There were several delicious curries here that I didn't get to try. She's a great at making Nyonya dishes.
And here's breakfast with Richard's family at a Dim Sum restaurant.
These are just the formal meals that I didn't gorge myself on. I didn't have the heart to take photos of all the cookies and cakes that I just stared at.
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
This Photostory is all about the eating I didn't do.
Here's everyone mixing a sort of Chinese New Year salad. The aim is to toss it all as high as you can without spilling it off the plate and it will bring you luck and prosperity throughout the year.
This was at my father's cousin's house. There were several delicious curries here that I didn't get to try. She's a great at making Nyonya dishes.
And here's breakfast with Richard's family at a Dim Sum restaurant.
These are just the formal meals that I didn't gorge myself on. I didn't have the heart to take photos of all the cookies and cakes that I just stared at.
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Photos from Ipoh
We're 5 days into the 10 day break already. Time really flies when you're doing stuff. Since arriving, we've been getting some of documents in order, doing some banking, and starting the Chinese New Year shopping (foodstuff). (Oh, we also woke up at 1am to watch Obama's inauguration speech.)
Richard and I are only back here once every few months so we're greeted by a huge stack of mail each time. We don't forward the mail to Indonesia because we wouldn't be able to do anything about it there anyway so it just piles up here and when we get back, we need to run all these errands.
In between all that, we've been spending time with my grandparents. I'm glad they are all looking good and seem happy.
Aaron has been having his fill of parks with Richard.
Here are some photos from the trip so far:
These shop houses are very common in the center of the city. Its sad that no restorative works are planned as they add character to an otherwise 'common' looking city.
And here is a strange shop that looks to be recently repainted. I haven't been inside so I don't know if their main product are potties from Chennai.
Remember how I mentioned that traffic will be horrendous during this Chinese New Year Period? Take a look at that blue car in the background. A lady and her two daughters, pulled up, got out, locked it and went inside one of the restaurants. She just left it there in the middle of the corner. Oh yes, take a look at where we're eating. It is very common in Malaysia for restaurants to put tables right on the roads.
Finally, here's a photo of what a daughter would look like if I ever had one. Behind 'her' is the pomelo that our family traditionally gives out to friends and relatives during Chinese New Year.
Thats all for now. I'm going to have some of that pomelo :)
Richard and I are only back here once every few months so we're greeted by a huge stack of mail each time. We don't forward the mail to Indonesia because we wouldn't be able to do anything about it there anyway so it just piles up here and when we get back, we need to run all these errands.
In between all that, we've been spending time with my grandparents. I'm glad they are all looking good and seem happy.
Aaron has been having his fill of parks with Richard.
Here are some photos from the trip so far:
These shop houses are very common in the center of the city. Its sad that no restorative works are planned as they add character to an otherwise 'common' looking city.
And here is a strange shop that looks to be recently repainted. I haven't been inside so I don't know if their main product are potties from Chennai.
Remember how I mentioned that traffic will be horrendous during this Chinese New Year Period? Take a look at that blue car in the background. A lady and her two daughters, pulled up, got out, locked it and went inside one of the restaurants. She just left it there in the middle of the corner. Oh yes, take a look at where we're eating. It is very common in Malaysia for restaurants to put tables right on the roads.
Finally, here's a photo of what a daughter would look like if I ever had one. Behind 'her' is the pomelo that our family traditionally gives out to friends and relatives during Chinese New Year.
Thats all for now. I'm going to have some of that pomelo :)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
We're Off Again
We've been back exactly 3 weeks and we're off again tomorrow. To be honest, I really don't need a break from Palembang yet. We were just getting into the swing of the daily routine and Aaron had finally accepted that there are no beaches or parks here.
However, Chinese New Year is a week away and we're heading back to Ipoh for the annual family reunion. This get-together is extremely important to the older generation. My grandparents will probably understand if I can't make it back but at the same time, I know they will be disappointed. In a way, they rate how much they are loved and respected by how many of their children, grandchildren, extended family and friends show up at their house for the reunion dinner on the eve of the new year. Or maybe, it is the one time in the year that their house is filled with people who are there to pay attention to them. In any case, it is a tradition that I would like to protect.
Ipoh is normally a small city but swells tremendously during Chinese New Year. There aren't too many attractive jobs there so many (if not most) of the younger generation have moved elsewhere, leaving parents and grandparents behind. So guess what?! They'll all be back this coming week and the traffic is going to be horrendous. To give you an idea of the traffic that will be on the roads, last year, when we were leaving Ipoh on the return journey, it took us 5 hrs to get from Ipoh to KL when it normally takes 2.5hrs. There were others that claimed 6 hrs and I believe them!
Its not only the roads that will be crowded. Many of the families today no longer cook their own meals during these festive times. There are too many people to feed and they have grown used to the convenience of eating out. So, ALL the restaurants will be bursting with people. In the past, the restaurants close for their own family get togethers but these days, there is just too much money to be made.
My mom is already starting to cook and freeze food because she's not one to face the crowds. I'll eat her food for lunch and dinner but I'm prepared to brave the crowds for some of my favourite breakfast foods.
I make it sound like a horrible holiday, don't I? Its not really. When I get back, meeting up with family and friends will undoubtedly erase any of the frustrations I may encounter.
OK. Stay tuned for the occasional post from Ipoh, Malaysia.
However, Chinese New Year is a week away and we're heading back to Ipoh for the annual family reunion. This get-together is extremely important to the older generation. My grandparents will probably understand if I can't make it back but at the same time, I know they will be disappointed. In a way, they rate how much they are loved and respected by how many of their children, grandchildren, extended family and friends show up at their house for the reunion dinner on the eve of the new year. Or maybe, it is the one time in the year that their house is filled with people who are there to pay attention to them. In any case, it is a tradition that I would like to protect.
Ipoh is normally a small city but swells tremendously during Chinese New Year. There aren't too many attractive jobs there so many (if not most) of the younger generation have moved elsewhere, leaving parents and grandparents behind. So guess what?! They'll all be back this coming week and the traffic is going to be horrendous. To give you an idea of the traffic that will be on the roads, last year, when we were leaving Ipoh on the return journey, it took us 5 hrs to get from Ipoh to KL when it normally takes 2.5hrs. There were others that claimed 6 hrs and I believe them!
Its not only the roads that will be crowded. Many of the families today no longer cook their own meals during these festive times. There are too many people to feed and they have grown used to the convenience of eating out. So, ALL the restaurants will be bursting with people. In the past, the restaurants close for their own family get togethers but these days, there is just too much money to be made.
My mom is already starting to cook and freeze food because she's not one to face the crowds. I'll eat her food for lunch and dinner but I'm prepared to brave the crowds for some of my favourite breakfast foods.
I make it sound like a horrible holiday, don't I? Its not really. When I get back, meeting up with family and friends will undoubtedly erase any of the frustrations I may encounter.
OK. Stay tuned for the occasional post from Ipoh, Malaysia.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Photostory Friday - The Painter
We're grudgingly signing the contract to rent this house for another two years tonight. There is nothing else in the area worth moving to and the lease has run out so we'll just have to stay put. The weird thing about Palembang is that you pay your rent for the full two years UP FRONT!
I like the space that this house gives us but like all the other houses in the area, it is old and in need of lots of repairs. The landlord wouldn't do any and even tried to increase the rent! Anyway, I have my own handyman now. He's starting work on painting the gate, windows and even the trees!
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
I like the space that this house gives us but like all the other houses in the area, it is old and in need of lots of repairs. The landlord wouldn't do any and even tried to increase the rent! Anyway, I have my own handyman now. He's starting work on painting the gate, windows and even the trees!
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
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.
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