Sunday, December 31, 2006
Allergy Attack!!!
I am of the Patrick Holford camp - and skeptical about new-world vaccines. This is what happened on our 2nd visit to the @#$@#$ pediatrician! The last visit ended with a nightmare too (some blasted kid coughed in our faces)
New 'Improved' 'Muffies'
Chocolate Oatmeal Raisin Muffies OK, so these are still not quite muffins. But they are getting better after heeding the advice here.
Friday, December 15, 2006
"I'm not the Maid!"
It can be mortifying when you realise what social and moral impacts having domestic help can have on your loved ones.
With due respect to the families who really need domestic help for one reason or another, here's a true-life horror story.
7-year-old Gremlin didn't learn how to poop on his own in a public toilet till recently. (I saw him in the female washroom and that was the reason given). His ability to shower is in doubt (all his caregivers say so). He's rude to the maids too, ordering them about and threatening to send them back if they 'misbehave'.
At the slumber party in Pixieville - a list of his 'firsts' in his life
- Wash his own dish after eating a biscuit
- Order his own food at the hawker centre
- Ask for the price and pay up
On the sunny 10-minute walk to the market - he went 'Help! Can we not walk? The sun is too hot! I'm melting! I need an umbrella!'
G: Canton Pixie, why is your house so dirty?
CP: I'm tired, no time to clean everything
G: Get a maid then
CP: Shudder
His caregivers asked him to help fold laundry. "Why should I? I'm not the maid what!"
The Gahmen has every reason to be worried about the nation's future. (National Service? Too hot! We need umbrellas!)
With due respect to the families who really need domestic help for one reason or another, here's a true-life horror story.
7-year-old Gremlin didn't learn how to poop on his own in a public toilet till recently. (I saw him in the female washroom and that was the reason given). His ability to shower is in doubt (all his caregivers say so). He's rude to the maids too, ordering them about and threatening to send them back if they 'misbehave'.
At the slumber party in Pixieville - a list of his 'firsts' in his life
- Wash his own dish after eating a biscuit
- Order his own food at the hawker centre
- Ask for the price and pay up
On the sunny 10-minute walk to the market - he went 'Help! Can we not walk? The sun is too hot! I'm melting! I need an umbrella!'
G: Canton Pixie, why is your house so dirty?
CP: I'm tired, no time to clean everything
G: Get a maid then
CP: Shudder
His caregivers asked him to help fold laundry. "Why should I? I'm not the maid what!"
The Gahmen has every reason to be worried about the nation's future. (National Service? Too hot! We need umbrellas!)
Why can't I ever get my muffins right?
I don't know if it's the Super Baby Foods recipes I follow, or those websites for health nuts - but my muffins always turn out bland, HARD and ... just plain unappetising!! AAAARRRRGH!!!!One more try with the advice here and if it STILL doesn't work out, I'm swearing off muffins!!!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Reliving Lake District
Quaint little old-English breakfast place - complete with WWII-era aluminium tea and coffeepots. The Pixie Family had the Pixie Big Breakfast wonderfully reminiscient of their Lake District days...
We got the Rota virus!!!
Saturday - Little Pixie woke up in vomit at 10pm
Sunday - Perfectly fine and we had a great time.
Monday - Canton Pixie wakes at 5am with severe diarrhoea, and starts vomitting once charcoal pills are ingested. Tin Hang Zai becomes primary caregiver as the Canton Pixie is totally bedridden.
Tuesday - Tin Hang Zai continues to hold the fort. Canton Pixie has lost 3 kg.
Wednesday (today) - Canton Pixie is functioning, Little Pixie has become Ethiopian-sized, and Tin Hang Zai starts vomiting and diarrhoea.
The nightmare continues.....
Sunday - Perfectly fine and we had a great time.
Monday - Canton Pixie wakes at 5am with severe diarrhoea, and starts vomitting once charcoal pills are ingested. Tin Hang Zai becomes primary caregiver as the Canton Pixie is totally bedridden.
Tuesday - Tin Hang Zai continues to hold the fort. Canton Pixie has lost 3 kg.
Wednesday (today) - Canton Pixie is functioning, Little Pixie has become Ethiopian-sized, and Tin Hang Zai starts vomiting and diarrhoea.
The nightmare continues.....
Friday, December 01, 2006
My type of humour
Every company in this country that has the word 'public' in its mission or name seems to think that the citizens are mindless minions. Forum replies never fail to have these "we-think-you-are-really-morons" style of roundabout English, and convoluted logic in the hopes that the supposedly mindless minions don't catch the real reason behind those 'transparent' policies.
Nov 30, 2006
The poor will benefit most from transport fare cap
I refer to Jason Chiam Chiah Sern's letter "Much to learn from HK public transport system" (ST, Nov 28) and SMRT's reply "Fare cap will benefit only few passengers" (ST, Sep 30).
The latter states that "less than one per cent of passengers pays a fare of $1.90 or more. Therefore, having a fare cap would benefit only a small proportion of passengers, while transferring the cost to others."
SMRT's reason for not having a fare cap like in other countries is somewhat illogical because the fact that less than one per cent pays more than $ 1.90 means that a fare cap would have very little impact on the other 99-plus per cent who may have to share "transferring the cost to others".
It goes against the basic principle of public transport, which is the sharing of costs, so that a minority will not be penalised, since public transport is a necessity for those who cannot afford private transportation.
The main reason why there is normally a fare cap in other countries is to protect the small number of needy, who may be affected most if there is no fare cap.
If we ask the other 99-plus per cent of Singaporeans, I believe they would not mind sharing the cost for the benefit of the needy among the "less than one per cent". Why not conduct a poll of Singaporeans?
In the "Report of the Committee on the Fare Review Mechanism" last year, it noted that average fares in Singapore were lower than in New York, London, and Hong Kong.
However, all these cities have fare caps and monthly passes, which Singapore does not have. The monthly pass recently introduced by SBS Transit is only for travel on SBS buses, and the price is high relative to other cities of the developed countries. Monthly passes in other cities are typically multi-modal or multi-operator, if there is more than one operator.
The reports also cited the Household Expenditure Survey (HES) 2003 data that the lowest 20 per cent and second quintile group of household income had average monthly household income of $1,279 and $2,651 respectively. However, the Department of Statistics (DOS) puts the two statistics at $795 and $2,059.
Why does the report's statistics differ from the DOS's?
How has this discrepancy impacted on the computations on the affordability of transport fares ?
Leong Sze Hian
Nov 30, 2006
The poor will benefit most from transport fare cap
I refer to Jason Chiam Chiah Sern's letter "Much to learn from HK public transport system" (ST, Nov 28) and SMRT's reply "Fare cap will benefit only few passengers" (ST, Sep 30).
The latter states that "less than one per cent of passengers pays a fare of $1.90 or more. Therefore, having a fare cap would benefit only a small proportion of passengers, while transferring the cost to others."
SMRT's reason for not having a fare cap like in other countries is somewhat illogical because the fact that less than one per cent pays more than $ 1.90 means that a fare cap would have very little impact on the other 99-plus per cent who may have to share "transferring the cost to others".
It goes against the basic principle of public transport, which is the sharing of costs, so that a minority will not be penalised, since public transport is a necessity for those who cannot afford private transportation.
The main reason why there is normally a fare cap in other countries is to protect the small number of needy, who may be affected most if there is no fare cap.
If we ask the other 99-plus per cent of Singaporeans, I believe they would not mind sharing the cost for the benefit of the needy among the "less than one per cent". Why not conduct a poll of Singaporeans?
In the "Report of the Committee on the Fare Review Mechanism" last year, it noted that average fares in Singapore were lower than in New York, London, and Hong Kong.
However, all these cities have fare caps and monthly passes, which Singapore does not have. The monthly pass recently introduced by SBS Transit is only for travel on SBS buses, and the price is high relative to other cities of the developed countries. Monthly passes in other cities are typically multi-modal or multi-operator, if there is more than one operator.
The reports also cited the Household Expenditure Survey (HES) 2003 data that the lowest 20 per cent and second quintile group of household income had average monthly household income of $1,279 and $2,651 respectively. However, the Department of Statistics (DOS) puts the two statistics at $795 and $2,059.
Why does the report's statistics differ from the DOS's?
How has this discrepancy impacted on the computations on the affordability of transport fares ?
Leong Sze Hian
I like these Forum writers
The Canton Pixie is definitely one cynic who LOVES such posts. A result of having worked for the gahment for so long and meeting too many bozos with too much BS.
Read this!
And this! (emphasis mine)
Nov 30, 2006
Why Hong Kong does better than S'pore? Real market forces are at work
Of late, we have read many letters from readers praising and glamourising Hong Kong. They are correct but some of the comparisons may be exaggerated.
No doubt, Hong Kong's hospitality and retail service are better. Their streets (eg. compare their Nathan Road with our Orchard Road) are cleaner. Their public transport system is undeniably more user-friendly and efficient. They are naturally humane in treating their elderly and disabled.
This is a far cry from the days when the typical remark from a Hong Kong shopowner is, 'If you don't buy, don't touch'.
Why the rapid change? Did the Hong Kong government constantly exhort people to behave? Do they have more expensive campaigns? Is it because they impose heavier fines on wrong-doers?
None of the above, I think. The reason why this has happened is the Hong Kong people's strong desire to survive. And I am not talking about individuals but the big establishments that provide services, essential or otherwise. Competition and market forces weed out the uncertain, unceremonious and uncompromising.
The people are the ultimate judge, not some regulators or governing authorities. The people speak up openly and unreservedly when they think they are being taken advantage of.
Service providers have to fend for themselves and they must constantly be on their toes if they want to survive. It is wonderful to see real market forces at work.
Here in Singapore, almost everything is decided for us. Statements like, 'For your convenience, we have to remove this bus service' or 'In order to serve you better, we have to increase the fee' have become so common that we are already numbed as far as the reaction is concerned.
Can we blame the population at large for their apathetic and languid attitude towards other people, current affairs and life?
Daniel Chan Wai Piew
Read this!
And this! (emphasis mine)
Nov 30, 2006
Why Hong Kong does better than S'pore? Real market forces are at work
Of late, we have read many letters from readers praising and glamourising Hong Kong. They are correct but some of the comparisons may be exaggerated.
No doubt, Hong Kong's hospitality and retail service are better. Their streets (eg. compare their Nathan Road with our Orchard Road) are cleaner. Their public transport system is undeniably more user-friendly and efficient. They are naturally humane in treating their elderly and disabled.
This is a far cry from the days when the typical remark from a Hong Kong shopowner is, 'If you don't buy, don't touch'.
Why the rapid change? Did the Hong Kong government constantly exhort people to behave? Do they have more expensive campaigns? Is it because they impose heavier fines on wrong-doers?
None of the above, I think. The reason why this has happened is the Hong Kong people's strong desire to survive. And I am not talking about individuals but the big establishments that provide services, essential or otherwise. Competition and market forces weed out the uncertain, unceremonious and uncompromising.
The people are the ultimate judge, not some regulators or governing authorities. The people speak up openly and unreservedly when they think they are being taken advantage of.
Service providers have to fend for themselves and they must constantly be on their toes if they want to survive. It is wonderful to see real market forces at work.
Here in Singapore, almost everything is decided for us. Statements like, 'For your convenience, we have to remove this bus service' or 'In order to serve you better, we have to increase the fee' have become so common that we are already numbed as far as the reaction is concerned.
Can we blame the population at large for their apathetic and languid attitude towards other people, current affairs and life?
Daniel Chan Wai Piew
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Little Pixie Vomitted!!
The poor girl suddenly went silent in her playpen - which had just turned into a sty! She looked like she had never seen so much vomit before, and didn't know what she was supposed to do. She got immobilised!
Urban Insects
I loved ladybirds when I was a kid. Now they don't seem to fly around anymore - so here's my urban version.
What a relic!!!
Can you believe that my ex-job still uses such things!?!?!? (In case you don't realise, this is 'liquid paper'.
Pixie Hotcakes
This turned out very nice! It's egg-free and milk-free. Lesson Learnt: It was dense because I flipped more than once.
This is my favourite section
I'm a civil service cynic, as all my friends know. This is just one more example!
Nov 21, 2006
Mobile food vendors: Five lessons to learn about entrepreneurship
I refer to the articles "Wanted in public service: Guts, gumption and risk-taking" (ST, Nov 17), "End of the road in sight for food vans" (ST, Nov 1), and Kelvin Hong Kian Boon's letter "How public service can further help businesses" (ST, Nov 17).
As food vans were one of the most highly profiled entrepreneurial ideas in the media, we need to analyse why they have failed so that we can learn from the experience in our drive to encourage Singaporeans to be entrepreneurs.
If I may be allowed to analyse from a layman's perspective:-
Lesson No.1: The key to entrepreneurial success, however brilliant the idea may be, is the freedom to operate with minimal intervention from the authorities. In this case, the Urban Renewal Authority decided where and when they could operate.
Lesson No.2:- Market forces are the best way for an enterprise to flourish. In this case, the URA said it would review the situation before the lease runs out, which means the total absence of market forces of demand and supply.
Lesson No.3: What works in other countries may not work in Singapore because of the unique factor in Singapore, that a government agency makes arbitrary decisions on geographical restrictions like "only at selected car parks in central Singapore", without saying why and how it arrived at this decision. Why only allow them to operate in central Singapore?
Lesson No.4: There must be someone continually driving, encouraging and helping the entrepreneurship initiative. Why is it that we no longer have a Minister for Entrepreneurship?
Lesson No.5: Entrepreneurship is about trying, failing, adapting, and keep trying, so that some will succeed, while some may fail. It should not be for the URA to decide that "there are no plans to open up more of its car parks to food vans".
Since the URA had not called for more entrepreneurial Singaporeans in the last three years, it seems the first 33 vendors were given one chance to succeed or fail. Without the entrance of new players, no entrepreneurial activity is likely to grow because there are no new ideas, talent, developments, etc.
With the lowering of the age limit to eighteen years to own a business and promote entrepreneurship, I suggest that the lessons learned be a guide to government agencies on what not to do when trying to foster entrepreneurship in Singapore.
Leong Sze Hian
Nov 21, 2006
Mobile food vendors: Five lessons to learn about entrepreneurship
I refer to the articles "Wanted in public service: Guts, gumption and risk-taking" (ST, Nov 17), "End of the road in sight for food vans" (ST, Nov 1), and Kelvin Hong Kian Boon's letter "How public service can further help businesses" (ST, Nov 17).
As food vans were one of the most highly profiled entrepreneurial ideas in the media, we need to analyse why they have failed so that we can learn from the experience in our drive to encourage Singaporeans to be entrepreneurs.
If I may be allowed to analyse from a layman's perspective:-
Lesson No.1: The key to entrepreneurial success, however brilliant the idea may be, is the freedom to operate with minimal intervention from the authorities. In this case, the Urban Renewal Authority decided where and when they could operate.
Lesson No.2:- Market forces are the best way for an enterprise to flourish. In this case, the URA said it would review the situation before the lease runs out, which means the total absence of market forces of demand and supply.
Lesson No.3: What works in other countries may not work in Singapore because of the unique factor in Singapore, that a government agency makes arbitrary decisions on geographical restrictions like "only at selected car parks in central Singapore", without saying why and how it arrived at this decision. Why only allow them to operate in central Singapore?
Lesson No.4: There must be someone continually driving, encouraging and helping the entrepreneurship initiative. Why is it that we no longer have a Minister for Entrepreneurship?
Lesson No.5: Entrepreneurship is about trying, failing, adapting, and keep trying, so that some will succeed, while some may fail. It should not be for the URA to decide that "there are no plans to open up more of its car parks to food vans".
Since the URA had not called for more entrepreneurial Singaporeans in the last three years, it seems the first 33 vendors were given one chance to succeed or fail. Without the entrance of new players, no entrepreneurial activity is likely to grow because there are no new ideas, talent, developments, etc.
With the lowering of the age limit to eighteen years to own a business and promote entrepreneurship, I suggest that the lessons learned be a guide to government agencies on what not to do when trying to foster entrepreneurship in Singapore.
Leong Sze Hian
Thursday, November 16, 2006
I scalded a lizard!
It was there in the shower screen. No use screaming - I was home alone with Little Pixie! I took the shower head, turned on full heat, and blasted away. It didn't die. Went into the drainage.
I started showering, relieved. Moments later - AAAAAAHHHHHH! It was still there!!! I stepped out of the shower screen, showered it full heat, drowned it in cheap shampoo until the tail stopped wriggling, its head halfway down the drainage. The carcass is still there. Waiting for the weekly cleaner....
EEEEWWWW......
I started showering, relieved. Moments later - AAAAAAHHHHHH! It was still there!!! I stepped out of the shower screen, showered it full heat, drowned it in cheap shampoo until the tail stopped wriggling, its head halfway down the drainage. The carcass is still there. Waiting for the weekly cleaner....
EEEEWWWW......
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Vinegar Craze
This is a Gallon-Sized bottle of vinegar next to the Pixie Farm creatures. We use it to denature pesticides in veges and to mop the floor.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Civil Service Club - eeeww...
What a bad experience. I made a reservation for Airport's birthday for Dim Sum. We all turned up ravenous at 11am, having starved for 12 hrs, and they told us they had no Dim Sum that day. The waiters couldn't agree on the reason. One said they were too busy with wedding orders. Another said 'the steamboat is spoilt'.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Food Additives
Look at the ingredients! I'm anti-soy. These are all pseudonyms for soy: Enriched High Protein Flour, Permitted 'emulsifiers'. Urgh!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Homemade Char Siew
This is a cool recipe - it uses no oil - just soy sauce, sugar and salt. I freeze it for quick lunches.
Simplicity through the Senses
Lousy Fleecing SessionCost : Too embarrassed to mention
Home SpaCost : $0.80 leftover inedible cucumber
Cosmo's Trial Lunch
Cosmo's 9-course lunch was really cool! EVERY single item was good! Even the mustard greens tasted good! If you have eaten mustard green or tried raw mustard green juice like I have, you will know what I mean.
Cosmo's Money = Good Food
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
The Greying of the Gnome
From Great to Gaunt
The Gnome used to be great. A giant. Now, he is grey. And gaunt.
He worked so hard all his life. Chasing the 'Dream'. A golden retirement, the time and space to spend all his time on house-improvement projects, enjoy his grandkids. He never indulged, or rested, or took time to be. Like most people, he was working for the 'future'.
The future is now. Now he has the time and space. But not the means. Immobility has shattered the 'Dream'.
It's a wake-up call for me. I was always living for the future. I refused to enjoy the present. I was miserable. I thought that once I got 'there', I would be happy.
My future is now. This is my journey, this is my goal. To live, to love, and to laugh.
The Gnome used to be great. A giant. Now, he is grey. And gaunt.
He worked so hard all his life. Chasing the 'Dream'. A golden retirement, the time and space to spend all his time on house-improvement projects, enjoy his grandkids. He never indulged, or rested, or took time to be. Like most people, he was working for the 'future'.
The future is now. Now he has the time and space. But not the means. Immobility has shattered the 'Dream'.
It's a wake-up call for me. I was always living for the future. I refused to enjoy the present. I was miserable. I thought that once I got 'there', I would be happy.
My future is now. This is my journey, this is my goal. To live, to love, and to laugh.
This is the real McCoy
You know how 'almond-flavoured' drinks, soups, desserts taste? Well, guess what? The taste and smell is all fake! Real almond does NOT taste or smell like that, it's all sugar and funny chemicals made to make you think you are eating almond.
This fancy milk is made from blending 1/2 cup almonds with 2 cups water. This is THE REAL THING because the almonds are
This fancy milk is made from blending 1/2 cup almonds with 2 cups water. This is THE REAL THING because the almonds are- organic
- raw
- soaked overnight to encourage sprouting
- de-skinned because the skin might upset sensitive digestive systems
THIS DOES NOT TASTE LIKE COMMERCIAL ALMOND-FLAVOURED STUFF.
Oven Fried Chicken
This is a really great recipe! Courtesy of Hillbilly HousewifeMix (Please refer to the website for the full, unabridged recipe)
1/3 to 1/2 cup flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (I added chilli powder in addition and Tin Hang Zai said not spicy enough)
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional) (I didn't have this)
1/4 cup margarine (I used butter but Tin Hang Zai said he didn't fancy so much butter)
Coat chicken pieces and arrange in baking tray. Lay a bit of margarine on top of each chicken piece. This is the 'secret'. Each piece of chicken gets it's own bit of margarine on top. Using this method the chicken is always tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. It works really well. (Mine didn't turn out so tender inside)
Now bake the chicken at 400°F for about 45 minutes to an hour. (I did this, but perhaps a 375°F and bake for 30-40 minutes might have resulted in less 'heaty' chicken.)
Note: This will NOT taste like KFC.
The Pixie Chicken Buddy Meal
$4.50 (450g chicken)
$0.20 (Bee Hoon for 2 persons)
$0.65 (Choy Sum)
Total Cost - $5.35
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Ivory Towers?
I think sometimes these elitist people really live in ivory towers and do stupid things and make dumber remarks. Last week, there was this net furore over Wee Shu Min's (Lasik unfortunately has the same initials) sick and dumb elitist blog remarks in response to some poor-now-bewildered guy airing his own blog views.
Thankfully Airport is not like that.
It contrasted with another poor man's suicide in the same week. The odd-job labourer's wife was not well and could only secure of $500/mth job. They had 2 teenager kids and he had not found work for 4 months and was down to his last $16. He chose the MRT route. Was apparently ripped into 3 parts!
Really makes me reflect on what's truly important in this life. It's definitely not about all the corporate sh*t I've been exposed to in the civil service. Have we run the good race, and shown compassion?
Thankfully Airport is not like that.
It contrasted with another poor man's suicide in the same week. The odd-job labourer's wife was not well and could only secure of $500/mth job. They had 2 teenager kids and he had not found work for 4 months and was down to his last $16. He chose the MRT route. Was apparently ripped into 3 parts!
Really makes me reflect on what's truly important in this life. It's definitely not about all the corporate sh*t I've been exposed to in the civil service. Have we run the good race, and shown compassion?
Pixiemobile
The old has gone, the new has come....
The good old Nissan is already 16 years old and looks like it can't go further. There is an ominous whirring of the engine whenever it runs, much like the way my old bikes used to sound.
One of my bikes had its 'belt' (the device connecting the engine to the wheels) just snap along the highway. Suddenly, the bike was free-wheeling in the middle of the highway, the engine no longer powering those wheels. There was just enough momentum to bring the bike to the road shoulder and get a tow truck.
Hello New Car, Goodbye Wonky Car
Hello Frugal Finances, Goodbye Wonky Whims
Sunday, October 29, 2006
What's really important to you?
I read this article in the ST last week (no point linking the page cuz now they don't keep the archives for long) about loan sharks. There was this very sad case where a 65 year old cabby was brought to court over having borrowed $$ from loan sharks. He was unable to repay them, so he had to open a bank account under his name for them to launder $$$.
What is so sad is that the poor cabby (65 years old!!!) was working very hard to support his elderly sick brother and aged mom. And it makes me think that sometimes we live in ivory towers and worry about job satisfaction when others are living from hand to mouth. At least I know I'm guilty of that. And I'm still learning about what's really important in this life.
What is so sad is that the poor cabby (65 years old!!!) was working very hard to support his elderly sick brother and aged mom. And it makes me think that sometimes we live in ivory towers and worry about job satisfaction when others are living from hand to mouth. At least I know I'm guilty of that. And I'm still learning about what's really important in this life.
Friday, October 20, 2006
The higher calling...
Last week, she learnt to use a drinking straw. And often choked because she couldn't quite vary her suction yet. And then, she discovered that she could blow bubbles with a straw. All within a few days.
The bubbles in her cup fascinate her so much. And now we can't get her to drink any water cuz all she does when she gets a straw and a cup of water is to blow and blow with all her might. And chuckle non-stop.
It was so difficult for me to let go of the job and do this. And now, with every milestone, I'm reminded that she grows up so fast - and fame, glory, recognition and all the money in the world cannot buy this. Had she been outsourced, I probably (no, make that DEFINITELY) would have missed so many special moments and 'milestones'. I would not have been there to video everything. And I would not have realised that after learning how to suck, you still need to learn how to vary your suction.
A child's smile is one of the most beautiful things I can ever behold.
The bubbles in her cup fascinate her so much. And now we can't get her to drink any water cuz all she does when she gets a straw and a cup of water is to blow and blow with all her might. And chuckle non-stop.
It was so difficult for me to let go of the job and do this. And now, with every milestone, I'm reminded that she grows up so fast - and fame, glory, recognition and all the money in the world cannot buy this. Had she been outsourced, I probably (no, make that DEFINITELY) would have missed so many special moments and 'milestones'. I would not have been there to video everything. And I would not have realised that after learning how to suck, you still need to learn how to vary your suction.
A child's smile is one of the most beautiful things I can ever behold.
Inspiration Hits
To Stuff your Stomach, Stock your house with Staples
Almond CustardThe Pixie had had enough of burning her brown rice despite following ALL recipe instructions. Time to try the Slow-Cooker. After 2 hrs, a nice batch of unburnt brown rice appeared - but she hadn't intended to cook.
The Pixie Thought Process
Since the rice is hot - take out blender and make brown rice milk (recipe calls for hot rice)
Since blender is out - and since there is extra rice - puree and make brown rice porridge
Since the brown rice milk required some almond powder and the tin has been opened - make some almond drink
Since there is no one drinking it - and since there is extra gelatine - turn the almond drink into almond custard
Voila!
Almond-flavoured Brown Rice Milk (happy Canton Pixie)
Brown Rice Porridge (Happy Little Pixie)
Cold Almond Custard (Happy Tin Hang Zai)
Little Shop of Horrors
Bedtime
Jr: [gasp!]
CP: What's up?
Jr: Little Pixie doesn't need to be rocked to sleep!
CP: Er...
Jr: Gremlins do!
Entertaining Gremlins
G: Auntie CP, can I turn on the TV? Little Pix will like it.
CP: No, the Pixies don't like TV.
G: But without TV it's so boring you know.
CP: [blank look]
G: I NEED to watch TV now lah. I do it everyday.
G: I followed my mom to the office. It was so terrible you know. I had to stand on the train for 45 min! And when I reached her office, she asked me to do something so boring. Like remove staples from paper.
I need a nap!
CP: I need a nap, I'm going to lie on the sundeck and snooze.
G: OK [sits on sofa and stares at CP while she is trying to snooze]
CP: What are you doing here?
G: Nothing [embarrassed grin]
CP: OK, let me sleep, I'm tired
G: [silence for 5 min] Auntie CP, are you rested now, can you help me cut stickers?
CP: Nope, I'm still very tired, I'm going to sleep
G: [after another 5 min] Auntie CP, have you slept enough yet? Why not you help me cut my stickers?
CP: [roll eyes] I'm very tired.
G: [after 10 mins] Auntie CP, have you finished sleeping yet? Maybe what you need is water.
CP: NO
Children's Books (Almost Verbatim!!)
Crow & Magpie
The Crow was unpopular amongst the animals, he wanted the Magpie to teach him how to sing. The Magpie agreed only after he had thought of a way to kill the crow. The Crow was happy about finally learning how to sing. The Magpie told him to drink only dew for 7 days. He did. After 7 days he died. Moral of story: can't remember
The Stupid Donkey
The donkey was carrying a heavy bag of salt and about to cross a bridge across a river. He fell into the river, the salt dissolved, and the bags were lighter. He was happy. The next day, he was carrying a bag of cotton wool and when he reached the river, he jumped into it instead of crossing the bridge. The cotton wool soaked up all the water, made the bags very heavy and he drowned. Moral of story: can't remember
The Horse & the Donkey
The proud racehorse bred on premium feed was always taunting the donkey for eating plain grass. The donkey kept quiet. One day, the horse was carried past the donkey with all 4 legs tied up. He told the donkey he'd broken a leg, was useless as a racehorse, and was going to slaughtered for me. Asked the donkey to help him. The donkey gave him a blank look. The horse was killed. Moral of story: Pride doesn't pay.
Gremlins' Grammar
I couldn't stop laughing.
Gremlin: Auntie Canton Pixie, have you got the haze?
CantonPixie: Er, what do you mean, Grem?
G: Well, my school, a lot of people got the haze.
CP: Er, what do you mean by 'the haze'?
G: You know the smoke thing outside?
CP: Yah?
G: A lot of people in my school got it! The next class, 12 people got the haze. My class is the only one that didn't get the haze. I don't have the haze.
CP: [suddenly enlightened]. Oh! then I think I've also gotten the haze. I don't feel well now. [cough cough]
Gremlin: Auntie Canton Pixie, have you got the haze?
CantonPixie: Er, what do you mean, Grem?
G: Well, my school, a lot of people got the haze.
CP: Er, what do you mean by 'the haze'?
G: You know the smoke thing outside?
CP: Yah?
G: A lot of people in my school got it! The next class, 12 people got the haze. My class is the only one that didn't get the haze. I don't have the haze.
CP: [suddenly enlightened]. Oh! then I think I've also gotten the haze. I don't feel well now. [cough cough]
Little Pixie Takes a Train!
A meeting was cancelled because of the haze.
Nevertheless, Little Pixie had a 'dry run'. A tottering, scrawny Canton Pixie toting Little Pixie kangaroo-style, with an OVERSIZED screaming-blue Adidas sling bag holding Little Pixie's survival essentials. They tottered up the escalator and got onto the train, inviting a lot of stairs. At the YT foodcourt, sympathetic stall-owners whistled at Little Pixie, thinking she was a bird.
The journey to Gremlin's Place was .... trying. (try carrying a 9kg weight in front, a 7 kg sling bag on your right, and 3kg worth of lunch on your right. They are trying to become tightwads.
Nevertheless, Little Pixie had a 'dry run'. A tottering, scrawny Canton Pixie toting Little Pixie kangaroo-style, with an OVERSIZED screaming-blue Adidas sling bag holding Little Pixie's survival essentials. They tottered up the escalator and got onto the train, inviting a lot of stairs. At the YT foodcourt, sympathetic stall-owners whistled at Little Pixie, thinking she was a bird.
The journey to Gremlin's Place was .... trying. (try carrying a 9kg weight in front, a 7 kg sling bag on your right, and 3kg worth of lunch on your right. They are trying to become tightwads.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Girl Talk
Chinese Almonds & Fig Drink, Simmered OvernightHad a great Saturday evening with Lasik and Ballet. Thanks to Lasik's suggestion about herbs that could strengthen the lungs, I made this since I didn't want to invest in a soymilk maker. Not sure if it works, but what the heck. Just whack lah.
I hope it helps Tin Hang Zai who has been overdosing on deep-fried junk.
Organic Food - Yum or yucks?
Egg yolk, peas, kale, oats seasoned with brewer's yeast You can be a healthy kid on an ovo-vegetarian diet.
Special Soul
She is definitely my fav aunt from this side. (My other fav aunt from the other side looks like Moses Lim).
Her life is simple and humble. But it is characterised by faithfulness and virtue. She looks after two ancient citizens, two growing ones and an existing one. I don't know much about them, except that she cooks up BIG meals on a single stove. (I sometimes use all 3 stoves at one time and still take an hour to cook a simple meal).
She took a train all the way from the east to the north, carrying with her 3 big bowls of her fantastic Fu Chok Tong Sui (Bean Thing Sugar Water). Just to visit an ailing relative. Someone who is much more blessed materially than her. And she didn't complain.
Cosmo is coming back!!!
I'm very happy that Cosmo is coming back this week. She can keep Ma occupied. *evil grin*
Also, she can baby-sit Little Pix, and be a guinea pig for some more of my healthy recipes! The big plus for all of us is, she is giving us all a treat at the Oriental this Sunday. Hurray!!
Also, she can baby-sit Little Pix, and be a guinea pig for some more of my healthy recipes! The big plus for all of us is, she is giving us all a treat at the Oriental this Sunday. Hurray!!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Recreating Scruffy Murphy's
The Pixie Big Breakfast
Eggs Scrambled with Bacon Grease
Eggs Scrambled with Non-Stick Spray
Portabello Casserole
- $ 2.70 - 2 Portabello Mushrooms
- $ 0.95 - Gross Luncheon Meat (Tin Hang Zai's childhood fav - nitrites nitemare)
- $ 0.95 - Heinz Baked Beans
- $ 1.00 - 5 Seng Choon Eggs
- $ 2.96 - Back bacon (6 slices)
- $ 1.00 - Leftover garlic bread from Friday's Pastamania dinner
Total: $9.56
Scruffy Murphy's Total: $20 + Petrol + Overpriced Coffee + Sleepless-hence-Grouchy Little Pix
Our only rant: Dishwashing
Eggs Scrambled with Bacon Grease
Eggs Scrambled with Non-Stick Spray
Portabello CasseroleSaturday, October 14, 2006
Airport did something dumb
Airport has been complaining that he can't see the pictures.
Here's what happened:
If you are on my yahoo mailing list - each time the blog publishes, all members of the list get notified via email. The emails are saved separately on the yahoo group page, and the blog posts are also included in the notification emails.
Airport had been visiting the yahoo group page despite being told that this is the blog URL!! LOL
Here's what happened:
If you are on my yahoo mailing list - each time the blog publishes, all members of the list get notified via email. The emails are saved separately on the yahoo group page, and the blog posts are also included in the notification emails.
Airport had been visiting the yahoo group page despite being told that this is the blog URL!! LOL
Cauliflower gives gas!
That's what the Super Baby Food book said, but I didn't know it applied to me too. I didn't have the guts to use msg-laden soup stocks, so I bought Kallo tomato & herb stock to use.
You will be sent to the 'Infection Ward'
Hospitals are really horrid. At TTSH - goodness, there was a SOP for cleaners with a warning saying that if they didn't comply with the washing hands SOPs - they'd be sent to the infection wards (!!!)
The notices outside each ward had 'red dots' against certain beds. Don't know if they were there to indicate troublesome patients or to indicate that someone had died.
He was assigned to a bed where someone died just 5 minutes ago. And some busybody told us!
There was a bed which looked like a 'residence' - teddy bears lining the headboard, cards, etc. And one day the bed was cleared.
The patient opposite him died, and they said it was from TB (!?!?!?) and he wasn't isolated!
Another young guy had been there for ages. He looked vegetated, and we heard he'd had a fall in army - and the ministry refused responsibility. No one dared to testify. The parents are stuck with mounting bills.
Life is so short. And unpredictable.
I just want to treasure all that I have, and live in the present. Sometimes you spend your life saving up for the future, refusing to enjoy the present, because you are busy slogging for your retirement. Your retirement may never come, your future may never materialise. And even if it does - you may not get to enjoy it. You may not get to go for the holidays, the trips, eat the foods you always wanted to.. isn't it a very sombre thought?
I was always waiting for that promotion that never came. And now I think - it doesn't matter in eternity.
The notices outside each ward had 'red dots' against certain beds. Don't know if they were there to indicate troublesome patients or to indicate that someone had died.
He was assigned to a bed where someone died just 5 minutes ago. And some busybody told us!
There was a bed which looked like a 'residence' - teddy bears lining the headboard, cards, etc. And one day the bed was cleared.
The patient opposite him died, and they said it was from TB (!?!?!?) and he wasn't isolated!
Another young guy had been there for ages. He looked vegetated, and we heard he'd had a fall in army - and the ministry refused responsibility. No one dared to testify. The parents are stuck with mounting bills.
Life is so short. And unpredictable.
I just want to treasure all that I have, and live in the present. Sometimes you spend your life saving up for the future, refusing to enjoy the present, because you are busy slogging for your retirement. Your retirement may never come, your future may never materialise. And even if it does - you may not get to enjoy it. You may not get to go for the holidays, the trips, eat the foods you always wanted to.. isn't it a very sombre thought?
I was always waiting for that promotion that never came. And now I think - it doesn't matter in eternity.
Our very own McDonald's Milkshake
Tin Hang Zai was pretty jinxed when McDonald's re-introduced their legendary milkshakes. There's none in BB, he tried JE - machine spoilt, and then went to KAP - they said they don't sell, passed by BP and forgot to get it. Finally when he went to L1, he came so close, but was conned into buying the banana milkshake - and we ended up drinking really fake-tasting banana syrup. Yucks!!!
I found this really fancy recipe that tastes exactly like the real thing! It's thick and just like ice cream! You even need to use a spoon (!!!) And we've even bought paper cups and covers and straws so that Tin Hang Zai can really believe he's having 'the real thing'. I made a batch of 3 to freeze, and now when he feels like it, he takes it out and pretends he just called McDelivery (btw, they don't have milkshake on the McDelivery menu).
You guys must really visit this site.
Forget about those other milkshake recipes that call for you to blend ice-cream and milk. They don't work and you end up getting a smoothie and craving for the McDonald's version which needs a spoon. What's worse, you spend a ton on ice-cream that gets melted into liquid in the blender heat.
Magic Milkshake (please refer to the site for the full recipe and more tips)
1-1/2 to 2 cups ice water*
1-1/2 cups nonfat dry milk powder*
2/3 cup sugar**
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa**
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 to 1-1/2 trays of ice cubes, as much as you can spare
2 tablespoons corn oil plus a 5-second squirt of non-stick spray for emulsification purposes (this is VERY IMPORTANT)
Place all of the ingredients into the blender, including the oil and the non-stick spray. Use less water for thicker milk shakes and more water for shakes that are easy on your blender motor. The blender should be about 3/4 full. Place the lid on. Process for a full 2 minutes. DO NOT STOP the motor to 'mix' it yourself.
As with all the other recipes, I found that this one has to be followed closely if you are going to get the same effect. My only modifications were as follows:
*I had leftover fresh milk which had been frozen into cubes to preserve them - so I roughly replaced the cold water and milk powder with 1-1/2 cups of milk cubes
**I had leftover Hershey's chocolate syrup from following those other rubbish milkshake recipes - so I replaced the sugar and cocoa with roughly 3/4 cups of chocolate syrup.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Brownie Points
This recipe really works. I really like it. Tin Hang Zai actually ate 4 pieces at one go!! We polished off Airport's leftover Haagen Daaz Melon ice cream as there was no more ice cream at home, and brownies HAVE to go with ice cream.
Just one thing though, his PA says that it's a tad hard - and I'm not sure why. The recipe comes from Hershey's and I followed it to the tee.
Brownie Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup Cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts(optional) (did not use this)
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 180°C. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Stir together butter, sugar and vanilla in bowl. Add eggs; beat well with spoon. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares. About 16 brownies.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Peeling Grapes is no fun
Little Pixie doesn't really seem to like peeled grapes! She eat a piece and stuck out her tongue and grinned.
Botak Jones Trip
Finally found out what all the hype is about. I must say I don't think I ever want to go eat American food at some fancy restaurant again. This place is really value for money. Lamb chop actually comes in mint sauce!!!
Friday, October 06, 2006
New Rabbit!
Tin Hang Zai bought me a new rabbit to replace the blue bear which Cosmo dropped into soup the last time she came back.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Looks like the "Real Thing"!
Found a really fancy recipe for croutons and Tin Hang Zai said they "look like the real thing" and taste like it too!
It's from this fancy site called the Hillbilly Housewife. They are also very kind about people putting links onto their website.
Croutons
5 slices of bread
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (I skipped this)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/3 cup oil
Slice your bread. Put everything into a plastic bag and sprinkle all the ingredients except the oil. Shake and mix. Add in the oil, and shake and mix further. Bake at 180 deg C for about 20 minutes or until they are crisp. (I burnt 5 slices of bread just by baking for 5 more minutes). Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the pan. Store the croutons in a plastic bag, or resealable container.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Yum Yum Japanese Food!!
The Pixie Family decided to become tightwads and yet we were not keen to eat anymore tze char to celebrate birthdays. So we settled on IMM's Hoshi Restaurant. (UOB Discount - 15% with min $30, HSBC - 20% with min $100). Thankfully, Airport carries all his cards with him wherever he goes!! We had a huge spread of tempura, teppanyaki and other funny stuff ordered by Pa. Seafood teppanyaki was fresh but the teriyaki chicken and salmon had a tad too much gravy. Other than that, food was fresh and a bill of $110 for a 5-person hearty meal is decent...
Friday, September 29, 2006
Meeting Hobbes at P.S.D
Boringtazz and I met up with Caro and her boss Hobbes at Funan's Ya Kun. I brought Little Pixie along and there were quite a few stares since a geek's haven wasn't exactly the place to bring a baby! She was cool for about an hour and then she started screaming non-stop.
Still, it was a fruitful meeting - Hobbes is totally un-civil servant and open to our ideas. He was even cool about the fact that Boringtazz and I only want to start anything in November!
Hopefully things work out better than what happened with the Guppy this time...
Still, it was a fruitful meeting - Hobbes is totally un-civil servant and open to our ideas. He was even cool about the fact that Boringtazz and I only want to start anything in November!
Hopefully things work out better than what happened with the Guppy this time...
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