I need an avenue to release my air

I broke down today, after another round of long talk with him. Seriously things just change as our lives advances and I guess that is a part of life. But I am also human and a woman, though I look and act strong there are times when I am weak and helpless.

Since the day she left for good, I have lost my one and only best friend and my only avenue where I can complain with no hesitation. She is the only one that can nag at me and I won't feel any anger, the only one that can persuade me and console me with that soft touch. Without her around now I am so lost and helpless.  Mummy, I miss you.

No doubt I should be able to tell him everything but I have to think before I put my words across and there will always be things that are too sensitive to bring up to him.

I am feeling weak already....and I am glad you came to my mind. I need to talk about it, I need a listening ear and I guess that is all I can ask for now. Thank you, life-less platform, for being there for me.

Our New Found Love

How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

How your life's changing:

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

(Source: babycenter.com)

This is REALLY Interesting!!

The New Buzz in Advertising
A publisher has come up with a novel way of advertising their books… by attaching adverts to flies.The bizarre advertising campaign was launched by Eichborn at the recent 2009 Frankfurt Book Fair and involved somehow tying tiny ads to the flies legs.This meant that as the fly took to the air, little banner adverts - which were light enough not to weigh the flies down - appeared to float around the halls.While the final result certainly looks impressive (see video below), we still haven't a clue how they managed to hold down the flies long enough to tie those banners on!

Feeling grumpy 'is good for you'

Believe it or not...

In a bad mood? Don't worry - according to research, it's good for you.

An Australian psychology expert who has been studying emotions has found being grumpy makes us think more clearly.

In contrast to those annoying happy types, miserable people are better at decision-making and less gullible, his experiments showed.

While cheerfulness fosters creativity, gloominess breeds attentiveness and careful thinking, Professor Joe Forgas told Australian Science Magazine.

'Eeyore days'

The University of New South Wales researcher says a grumpy person can cope with more demanding situations than a happy one because of the way the brain "promotes information processing strategies".

He asked volunteers to watch different films and dwell on positive or negative events in their life, designed to put them in either a good or bad mood.

Next he asked them to take part in a series of tasks, including judging the truth of urban myths and providing eyewitness accounts of events.

Those in a bad mood outperformed those who were jolly - they made fewer mistakes and were better communicators.

Professor Forgas said: "Whereas positive mood seems to promote creativity, flexibility, co-operation and reliance on mental shortcuts, negative moods trigger more attentive, careful thinking, paying greater attention to the external world."

The study also found that sad people were better at stating their case through written arguments, which Forgas said showed that a "mildly negative mood may actually promote a more concrete, accommodative and ultimately more successful communication style".

His earlier work shows the weather has a similar impact on us - wet, dreary days sharpened memory, while bright sunny spells make people forgetful.

(Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8339647.stm)

My pregnancy: 34 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

How your life's changing:

By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

My pregnancy: 33 weeks

How your life's changing:

As your baby fills out even more of your belly, lots of things might start to change: Whereas before you were sashaying, you may find yourself waddling. Finding an easy position to sit in — let alone sleep — is becoming more of a challenge. And bumping into chairs and counters is par for the course.

You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" may end up pinched, creating numbness; tingling, shooting or burning pain; or a dull ache. Try wearing a splint to stabilize your wrist or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or on an assembly line, for instance), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks — which should be frequently.

(Source: babycenter)

'Younger wife' for marital bliss

Is it true? Well...that's for you to find out ;)

The secret to a happy marriage for men is choosing a wife who is smarter and at least five years younger than you, say UK experts.

These pairings are more likely to go the distance, particularly if neither has been divorced in the past, according to the Bath University team.

The findings predict a happy future for pop star Beyonce Knowles, 28, and rapper husband Jay-Z, 39.

The work is published in the European Journal of Operational Research.

The researchers studied interviews of more than 1,500 couples who were married or in a serious relationship.

Five years later, they followed up 1,000 of the couples to see which had lasted.

For better or worse

They found that if the wife was five or more years older than her husband, they were more than three times as likely to divorce than if they were the same age.

If the age gap is reversed, and the man is older than the woman, the odds of marital bliss are higher.

Add in a better education for the woman - Beyonce has her high school diploma, unlike husband Jay-Z - and the chances of lasting happiness improve further.

Those who have never divorced fare better too. But couples in which one member has been through a divorce in the past are less stable than those in which both members are divorcees.

Dr Emmanuel Fragniere and colleagues do say that men and women choose partners "on the basis of love, physical attraction, similarity of taste, beliefs and attitudes, and shared values."

But they say that using "objective factors" such as age, education and cultural origin "may help reduce divorce".

(Source: BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8325579.stm)

World's Oldest & Safest Driver? 99 Years Old and still going strong!

After 84 years of driving, 99-year-old George Geeson has never had a speeding ticket or caused an accident during nearly one million miles at the wheel, despite never having to sit a formal driving test!

He got his licence at the age of 15 in 1925 driving a Model T Ford and bought his first car, a Wyllis-Overland Whippet, 10 years later for two pounds and ten shillings (£2.50).

Mr Geeson, a grandfather-of-three, has only ever been involved in one accident - when another motorist shunted into the back of him in the pouring rain in 1958.

Mr Geeson nows drives a red Peugeot 106, but says his first love will always be the Ford.

(Photo: MASONS NEWS SERVICE)

(Source: http://goldbreakfastshow.blogspot.com/)

Colour Me Calm - the Psychology of Colour

Heard this on the radio this morning...thought it's quite interesting...

Want to change your mood? Change the colour of your walls or the objects you look at!

Sand, shell, coral, pearl or seaweed colours:
These are neutral colors that create a sense of peace and well-being. This is because these colors are those from nature. Natural tones have historically been capable of creating a mood of serenity in human beings.

Gray, blue, red, burgundy, and cranberry:
These colors create a mood that inspires intellectual thought. These colors also lead the individual to think of travel and education. While many may consider some shades of these colors to be too bold, the color red, for example, is sharp and clean, leading to a mood of intellectual security and freedom.

Bubble gum pink, buttercup, wintergreen, all the berry colours and crayon colours:
These are playful colours that can create a mood of excitement in any room.

(Source: http://goldbreakfastshow.blogspot.com/2009/10/lor-mee-for-me-you.html)

Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy

Been having difficulty digesting my food lately...my dear hubby found this informative article which tells me why...good guide for all Moms-to-be

Guide To Heartburn And Indigestion During Pregnancy

It is quite common to have heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy, especially during second and third trimester. It can be quite painful and uncomfortable, but is usually not a serious problem.

Causes Of Heartburn And Indigestion During Pregnancy

Digested food from the stomach that is pushed up the esophagus causes heartburn. This food contains acid, and causes the burning sensation behind the breastbone, or there is a burning sensation in the stomach, rising up. There may also be sour taste in the mouth along with nausea.

Heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy is caused by physical as well as hormonal changes in the body. Placenta produces the hormone progesterone that relaxes the muscles of womb. As heartburn and indigestion can cause pain and discomfort, try to treat it on time.

Several causes of heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy are greasy or fatty food, medications, consumption of large meal, spicy food, and lying down after food. During pregnancy, muscles of the digestive tract are relaxed by the hormones, and this allows the acids of stomach to seep back up the esophagus easily. During second and third trimester, indigestion and heartburn can be worse due to growing uterus pressure on the stomach, as this pushes the food up into the esophagus.

Dealing With Heartburn And Indigestion During Pregnancy

To prevent heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy during pregnancy, eat smaller meals, avoid foods that trigger the indigestion and heartburn, drink less water while eating, eat slowly, avoid lying down or bending after eating, wear loose and comfortable clothing, try not to gain too much weight, and keep the head elevated when lying down. Use pillows to prop up the head, or raise the head of the bed using bricks or blocks.

Additionally, drink plenty of water, consume more fibre, exercise regularly, drink and chamomile tea to relieve the symptoms of stomach heartburn acid indigestion. Give yourself 2-3 hours for the food to get digested before going to bed. Some women also feel that drinking cold milk prior to going to bed helps in indigestion and heartburn.

If however, the heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy wakes you up during night, there is spitting of blood, black stools, difficulty in swallowing or weight loss, talk immediately to your health care provider, as these can be signs of more serious problem.

Some would-be-moms feel that they can take the antacids whenever they feel the symptoms of indigestion or heartburn. But, most of the antacids contain magnesium, which, if consumed in larger quantities can slow down or stop labour. Hence talk to the healthcare professional for a safer option.

(Source: http://indigestionaid.com/indigestion/guide-to-heartburn-and-indigestion-during-pregnancy/)

Maldives cabinet to go underwater

Interesting piece of news that I've heard over radio today....

Maldives cabinet to go underwater

The government of the Maldives is to hold a cabinet meeting underwater to highlight the threat of global warming.

President Mohamed Nasheed and his cabinet will sign a document during the 17 October dive, calling for global cuts in carbon emissions.

The low-lying island nation says it faces being wiped out if oceans rise.

The adviser, who asked not to be named, said ministers would communicate during the meeting using hand signals and waterproof boards and pens.

"Obviously the hand signals that divers can use are limited, so the amount of work the cabinet are going to get done will be limited," he said.

"But they will call on all nations - rich and poor, developed and developing - to take climate change seriously."

All cabinet members bar one - who has a medical condition that rules out diving - have been in training at a military base on one of the country's many islands.

Mr Nasheed, who is already a qualified diver, will also hold a press conference in the water.


While underwater, the government will sign a document ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December, calling on all nations to cut down their carbon emissions.


World leaders at the summit are aiming to create a new agreement to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

'Friendly' sharks
The dive is being held to mark the 350 International Day of Climate Change Action on 24 October. The day's organisers say they want to highlight the risks of rising carbon in the atmosphere and encourage world leaders to commit to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million.

That is the amount some scientists say is the safe upper limit to avoid irreparable damage to the environment.

Some 80% of the Maldives archipelago is less than a metre above sea level and is extremely vulnerable to any rise in sea levels as a result of global warming melting the polar ice caps.
Officials say that by the time the Maldives feels the full effect of climate change, it will be too late to save other countries.

Mr Nasheed has warned that the entire nation may have to find a new home if the oceans rise as predicted by the UN.

The president's adviser told the BBC that although the country's government was almost all going to be underwater at the same time, there was no real danger.

Each minister will be accompanied by a diving instructor and a military minder and the local sharks were "friendly", he said.

(Source: BBC News)

no thanks #1 - cafe windsor porridge buffet

rating: total disappointment. i would not go again even if someone pay for it.
price: worth only half the price.
spread: you can get better ones at any "mix rice" stall.
serving: they take ages to top up the dishes.

it was through recommendation by channel 8 variety show that i suggested my friends to dine there, but to my ultimate disgust, the 3 main dishes that they highly recommend were...

#1 - cereal prawn:
prawns there are but just normal (medium size) boiled prawns that are not fresh as for "cereal prawn"...not even one in sight.

#2 - steam promfret:
sure there is, but was chopped up into pieces and not fresh either.

#3 - braised duck:
to be fair i should say the taste and texture is quite nice but maybe that's why they are so stingy with this dish and i should believe this is the "most expensive" dish there. you might be asking, what do i mean by stingy. let me elaborate...the frequency of refill is extremely slow; refill portion is very little (think less than one duck each time or a very small size ducky); and the best part is...they station a staff to distribute the duck which i end up being given portion of duck bones...totally disgusting!

thanks to the fantastic spread by cafe windsor / hotel windsor...i got a earful from my friends and its also thanks to them that we found a nice hidden wine bar...up next vie cafe & wine bar...stay tune...

More than dead...

ok ok...i know my blog is more than dead...its "spiritualess".

now i'm going to revivie it "once again" thou i reckon there are no more readers...haha serves me right.

but rather than blogging endless "nagging" and "complaining" i would blog on the nice hangouts that i uncovered and the hideous places i strongly "dis-recommend".

all for now...stay tune for the first post that is coming up right next...ciao!

complicated feelings

mentioned about complicated feelings in the "first" post...well...it sure is complicated...or should i say contradicting?

getting a new challenge...something i've been working towards...that i've been looking forward...but now that i'm getting it...i'm hoping to rest for a while more...just a week more can? *greedy little pig*

i've always feel that work should come first for him...should be understanding...but now that he got call back for work...can't help feeling left out...feeling upset...but i'm so happy over the new challenge and wish to have a small celebration...is it wrong? *greedy little pig just got greedier*

pls forgive me for my greediness.... :p

commitment, him & her

was debating over a topic the other day...why do women always demand commitment from men? well...a conclusion that i derive....that's bcos men will never face any commitment issue from women (at least from the majority)!

women, whenever they fall in love, they would have consciously or subconsciously devoted themselves and their love whole-heartedly...they are already committed to the relationship (at least for the majority).

that is why men will never have to...has no need to...demand for any commitment from women at all!

its been a long long time

7 long months since i last posted....so long that i nearly couldn't find my blog due to the new interface.

yes, my blog was dead....or should i say she went into a long coma.

what prompted me to bring her back to life? well...the complicated feelings that i have...so stuffy that i need some place to "speak" out...

and yes...she is alive again......

bits of hanoi

for more of them...you've got to visit...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/obll/sets/72157594398820609/ or http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerobll/JustAGlimspeOfIt

the answer is definite

you will say, no he will never agree!
[but how would you know when you have not even ask?]

she might say, don't worry he will never say no!
[you have not ask, how can you be sure?]

he would think, no sweat she will definitely agree!
[are you sure disagreemen is totally out of the picture?]

assume...assume...assume...
why assume when one can just exercise the mouth to ask?
but if one is so sure that the answer is definite, then why even ask?

assumption...the roots of all evil! it just destroy the relationship between question & answer.

what do you have to say about being in love?

its almost a year since i started this relationship...and for that my good friend asked me this question..."what do you have to say about being in love?"

guess what's my answer? a short five sentences.....

sour when you are jealous
sweet nothings with things going fine
bitterness when quarrels and arguments step in
spicy...a taste that you can't take well but still love it
being in love is like tasting the flavours of life......