9 weeks - Pretty the Same

A slight bulge has emerged - is it the baby (seems unlikely cos baby is still less than 2cm big), part of the uterus expansion, or just pure bloatedness? Gas is a pregnant woman's foe - sighz, with the bloatedness and the burpz, its difficult to feel pretty.

Not much has changed from the 8th week. I still can't pass the day without yawning several times and wishing I am resting in bed at home instead of me working away on my office laptop. And the bad news - it seems my work is piling up - boss has already requested that we go back next Sat to work! Arghh....it really ain't easy managing pregnancy and work. Yet work is inevitable if I want to ensure that I can provide the best for the little one growing in me right?

I have resumed my gym sessions, but only cycling, walking and stretching - the low-impact type of activities. Goodbye to gym classes, sit-ups and running on the treadmill! Despite my lethargy, I find that exercising really does help to perk one's spirits! I feel healthier, more assured that I won't be gaining the wrong kind of weight, and optimistic that my body will be fit and strong to handle the stresses of pregnancy.

And oh, my hubby and I have kinda decided on the Christian names for our baby. Boy will be J--, Girl will be called K--. Still subject to changes because I want to make sure that these names not only sound nice, but are meaningful. To me, a name represents the hope that parents have for their child and who they want their child to be. The name must also be chosen with sensitivity so that child will not be subject to brutal teasing from friends in future. The names seem perfect for now, but let's see...

To my little J/K: My biggest wish and prayer for you is that you will be well-nourished, that you will develop healthily, and by God's grace, you will be a healthy and happy baby who is entirely free from health issues and birth defects.

8 weeks

Feeling more nauseous than usual, and the lethargy continues. No weight gain so far, and tummy is just a slight bulge.

Have finally recovered from the cold, and am still continuing with large (compared to the past) servings of fruits to strengthen my immunity. My refrigerator has never been so well-stocked up with fruits =P I am also hoping to resume some exercise because I feel so unhealthy without exercise.

Good news is this is the week from which my baby is officially a fetus!
http://www.babycenter.com.sg/stages/0108

A visit to the gynae on Sat confirmed it - I can see the head of my baby! Baby has grown to 1.66cm now:

Baby at 6 weeks

Baby at 8 weeks

Changes - 7th week

Caught a cold and sore throat over the weekend. My usual remedy would be to pop a clarinase, take my 'xiang4 sang1 ju1' and lotsa green tea, topped up with starfruit. But I suddenly realised these are no-nos when one is pregnant!

Pregnant ladies are supposed to avoid consuming medication and cooling stuff, right? So I have been loading on lotsa honey-lemon and fruits instead. For the first time in my life, I am relying on natural remedies to fight my ills.

It has been 4 days - my sore throat is kinda gone, but the cold is still lingering. Still praying for divine healing and I will feed on more antioxidant fruits later. Hopefully I will feel well enough for work tomorrow. Sighz, it doesn't help that office is freezing.

The other big changes are that I no longer slap on huge amounts of body moisturiser and I that have turned more product-organic. A friend of mine has advised that products containing paraben and phthalates are harmful. Found a website with similar information.
http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/pregnancy/chemicals_in_pregnancy.asp

It is awful that many cosmetics products contain harmful ingredients, and while the less harmful ones may be seemingly better for health, they hurt the pocket with their exorbitant prices. I used to be an Olay fan and Total Effects cost me just over S$20. I've now switched to Dr Hauschka Rose Day Light Cream which cost me S$60. My daily facial regular regime (excluding the serums and masks) cost me at least S$150, whereas in the past I paid less than S$50.

For the sake of the little one in me, I am now using organic body wash, body oil, facial cleanser, toner, moisturiser, body deodorant. Unfortunately, I haven't found a good organic sunscreen, although I have switched to Clarins which apparently doesn't contain the 2 abovementioned chemicals. My eye cream, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, lip balm remain un-organic...and I am trying not to care. As for my daily handcream, I'm still in transition stage i.e. trying to finish up my current unorganic one since the tube is finishing up anyway.

Personally, I think it is more important that items which stay on one's body should not contain harmful products.

But I also realised that even specialists may have different views. A friend of mine who is also pregnant mentioned to me that her gynae recommended her to use QV cream for her eczema. My hubby uses the exact same cream, so I checked the ingredients and it contains paraben! I warned her about it, but she is comfortable using it because it is recommended by her gynae. Her gynae told her to avoid lipstick though.

I think the ultimate aim for every pregnant lady is to do their best for their little one(s) to develop healthily and be given the opportunity to start life in the pink of health.

Caring for my little one has started even though my little one is still less than a centimetre long. Other than avoiding medication and using more organic products, I also make sure I eat proper meals, consumer more fruits and sleep earlier. Above all, I pray daily for my little one now - where grace used to be a quick prayer to thank God for the food and for the food to nourish me and myself, I now pray that the food I consume nourish my little one too. I am trying my best (the only thing beyond my control is my long work hours), and thankfully I know God knows.

Well, there is a long National Day weekend coming up, and my hubby is going for a trekking trip which I had to give up because of my current condition. So while I will be sadly home alone, I will also be able to get plenty of rest, and hopefully do some light reading. Am looking forward to the weekend already =)

God's Gift - 6th week

Babies are God's gifts. Some parents may disagree, especially in the midst of their baby wailing away and exhaustion from lack of sleep.

But I believe babies are God's gifts. A human life forming in the mother's womb - God sees to every detail of the baby's development.

I was always afraid of pregnancy - the weight gain and the labour pain, especially. And my sole reason for wanting children was purely for company during my older years.

But in the past year, my perception has changed somewhat. As I see my friends having children, I begin to realise the joy and purpose babies can bring to their parents. And I realised it may be not that easy to even conceive. And when I had the opportunity to hold a baby in my arms, I realised at that moment that I had the capacity to love a baby who was my own. So in my heart, I knew God was preparing me for a different lifestyle that will mean putting another life above my own. And I knew, that in His own perfect timing, God will bestow me with the gift of a little life that I will have to nurture and care for.

So a first pregnancy kit test on 13 Jul 09 showed negative results (actually there was a faint 2nd line, implying a possibly positive result - but I missed that out). But in my heart, I felt that the results were wrong. A visit to the GP on 16 Jul 09 confirmed I had minor gastritis, and the GP said I couldn't be pregnant despite my burping and feelings of nauseousness. I took one dosage of the medicine the GP gave me and stopped - because I was still unconvinced. My instincts were telling me otherwise, so I just wanted to play it safe.

Then on 23 Jul 09, I decided to try another pregnancy kit in order to allay my concerns. As I saw the 2 lines developing (positive results), I was stunned. My instincts had told me I was pregnant, but still I could not believe it. The initial shock lasted for a couple of minutes before a bit of ecstasy took over. There goes my Mt Kinabalu hiking trip during National Day, but hey, a life is forming within me! I then paid a visit to the GP (a different one of course), who confirmed the positive results.

And then today, my first visit to the gynae. I am officially about 6 weeks pregnant, and my little baby is just 0.46cm. And I could see the baby's heartbeat on the ultrasound machine - it was amazing! A little heart thumping away in me. This marks the start of a new journey for me. I don't know how the next 9 months will unfold - but I trust God to take care of my baby and I pray that my baby will grow and develop healthily. I will do my part to the best of my ability (eating well, trying to get lotsa rest where possible, and cutting down my exercises to walks).

I have never said this, but I have learnt that God has given me a gift - the gift of responsibility. It probably sounds a bit odd when the bible quotes about other gifts e.g. healing, prophesy, miracles, etc.. My gift is responsibility. I tend to naturally want to do everything to the best of my ability because I know I have the responsibility to perform every task well. And I am now given the responsibility to keep myself in the pink of health for my baby's sake, and in the future, I will be responsible for nurturing my little boy/girl into someone who fears and loves God.

God has His in own ways, matured and changed me so that I am willing to accept the responsibility and the gift He has bestowed me with. Indeed, He makes all things beautiful in His own time.

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139: 13-16

Weekend of 18 Jul

A pretty busy weekend.

SATURDAY: Attended a delectable and sumptuous wedding champagne lunch buffet at Mezza9. One of the best wedding meals I've ever tasted. Ambience was livened up by a team of 3 musicians who went crooning table by table. Didn't bring a proper camera, so this is the best that my hubby's Nokia E33 could come up with:




After the feast, we treated ourselves to a free spa at Aramsa - won it from the local Woman's Weekly magazine. I loved the natural cum Balinese setting of the spa, but it was a pity that the actual massage was so-so. So I guess I won't be back there again. But I'm not complaining cos the spa was free!

SUNDAY:
Attended one-month birthday celebration for S&G's adorable little J - who is an exact replica of his dad. Btw, this is my first attempt carrying a newborn - I literally just sat there frozen, because I didn't know what else to do!



Holding the little one in my hand just made me think how precious, how dear this little one is. And I can just fathom how much more precious and beautiful he is to God who created him in his mother's womb. My best wishes to little J - may you grow up to be someone as wise and as God-fearing as the biblical character you are named after.

Random Thoughts

I have been too busy to blog. But on account of a dear friend who says she has been perpetually seeing my 80-year old lady blog on the top of my blog page, here is a new entry =)

In the past months of absence from this blog, certain events have happened which caused me to have the following thoughts:

1. Death of Michael Jackson
I deem him to be a music icon, someone who will go down in history and be remembered for his musical establishments as much as Elvis. But he will also not be forgotten for the many dark rumours surrounding his life, be it his unnatural inclination towards children, his numerous plastic surgeries, etc.

The first thought that flashed in my head when I saw the news on TV was: Oh man, he was rich but was he every happy? He did so many things to try to be happy, but was he really ever happy?

Then subsequent thoughts were: Life is short, treasure it. Work may ****, but that's not all of life. In summary, live life to the fullest everyday (if possible)..if not, maybe at least a couple of hours each day.

2. Death of a 5 year old boy
The boy is a colleague's friend's son, so I don't even know the direct kins of the little boy who has passed on.

But it is always saddening to hear of someone's bereavement, especially when he/she is only a young child. The child will definitely be greatly missed by his parents, and many years down the road, they will probably always wonder how their child will be like, what career he will choose if he were still alive. And sadly, this is a pain and loss that no time can heal.

My thoughts? Life is so unpredictable. I don't even know how long I will live. So I should really treasure my loved ones.

3. The Significance A Good Boss Makes To One's Worklife
I am a people person, and good work relationships are important to me. Having a good boss is great because you get to learn from him, be it technically, the way he thinks, and even the way he interacts with people. But if you get a lousy boss, you will start dragging your feet to work everyday.

But the bright side of having a bad boss is that you will dislike his behaviour to the extent that you will have them ingrained in your head such that it becomes unlikely that you will ever exhibit that behaviour because you realise that you do not want to be a pest to your future subordinates. In short, you learn what you should not be.

4. Life is Quite Hard
Pimples can just surface overnight, but they take weeks to disappear.

Frustrating because this is exactly what is happening to me. Age has a part to play too, the pimples are not receding fast enough. I stare in the mirror every morning and evening, and wonder when will I regain my previous pimple-free complexion. I am even contemplating of laying hands on my face and praying about it - but that will be a last resort.

I am still trying to figure out the cause of the sudden outburst of red. Sleeping too late? Too much stress from work? Exercising too much? Age? Using the wrong facial products?

But more than wanting to find out the cause, I am hoping that my body will cease this uncontrollable surge of youth spots. With age, I am supposed to get less pimples, so this random outburst is just a one-time off and it will recede into dormancy forever.

A 80 year old lady

I was at Ya Kun on Sunday afternnon. There was this really old lady - all hunched up and going from table to table trying to sell 4D tickets and tissue paper. Most people ignored her and I am usually part of that group - partly because I bought tissue from a little girl many years back and later found out from the papers that she was a con. I think such ingenuine cases do cause people to hold back from giving, because one can no longer discern the people who are in real need from those who are just out to fool kind-hearted souls.

But as that very old lady walked slowly from table to table, for the first time and despite all my reservations about swindlers, I was moved with sympathy. She was so old and she really looked like a genuine case. So I decided to purchase tissue paper from her and when she sat down for a momentary rest, I saw that she looked so tired and yet she had to continue approaching people because this was probably her only source of livelihood.

During my brief conversation with her, I learnt that she was 80 years old and she asked me if I wanted to purchase 4D tickets as well. I declined and she mentioned that she will have to absorb the costs of the 4D tickets if she was unable to sell them.

The old lady then made her way towards Pepper Lunch and was out pretty soon - no business. She went to try her luck at the neighbouring Long Johns Silver - but it seemed she had no luck as well. I felt really sad for her and bought a $2 4D ticket from her for $3.

I asked myself whether I should give her some money, but decided against it.

That brief encounter with the old lady was a reminder to me on my many blessings in life. It made me realise how lucky I am not having to worry about my daily meals. I pick and choose food and sometimes I grumble about the limited food options around my home..when others are struggling not to go hungry.

And I wonder how I can help them.

Many years ago, I had a dream. There was a box that could make any wish of mine come true. My cousin tried it and it worked. And as I held the box gingerly and fearfully, I was just about to make that most important wish in my life..when I work up. Sounds like a scene from a movie but that happened to me alright.

Other than that one wish, there are many wishes I will make - if only genie lamps exist. I'll love to have a photographic memory, talent in music, wisdom - and I realise how self-centred these wishes are. Very often, it is just about me, I, myself - when I am so blessed despite the hiccups in life.

While God has not made me the talent to be a Mensa member or a professional musician, He has given me a pair of hands which can help others. He did not give me what I wished for - simply because those items are not important. But He knows the amount of cheer willing hearts and willing hands can bring.

When we act according to God's will for us, I know there are good things in store. The more you give, the more you receive. And the more you help others, the more you realise how blessed and lucky you are. You begin to see things from a different perspective and life becomes more meaningful simply because we are not living just to please ourselves, but our lives can bring cheer to others.

God-willing, I hope to be that person He wants me to be.

A book called Time's Arrow

Just finished reading a book - Time's Arrow by Martin Amis, which tells the story, backwards, of the life of a Nazi war criminal.

A pretty thin book with only 173 pages, but an intense one by all accounts. The book is interesting because it is written in backward chronology. One cannot just read and gloss over the details like in any other story book. Because the book is written backwards, my brain keeps having to realign the sequence of events so that it makes sense - my brain having been so used to the natural order of things eg. new to worn out, young to old.

This reverse sequence of writing has some interesting elements, including making the bad seem good, and the good seem bad, and everything just seems to clash again the natural human intuition I'm so used to. Here are some excerpts:

"Eating is unattractive too. First I stack the clean plates in the dishwasher...until some fat bastard shows up in his jumpsuit and traumatizes them with his tools. So far so good: then you select a soiled dish, collect some scraps from the garbage, and settle down for a short wait. Various items get gulped up into my mouth, and after skillful massage with tongue and teeth I transfer them to the plate for additional sculpture with knife and fork and a spoon...Next you face the laborious business of cooling, of reassembly, of storage, before the return of these foodstuffs to the Superette, where, admittedly, I am promptly and generously reimbursed for my pains."

"I can't tell - and I need to know - whether Tod is kind. Or how unkind. he takes toys from children,on the street. He does...The toy..will be offered to him by the smiling child. Tod takes it. And backs away...the child's face turns blank..Both toy and smile are gone: he takes both toy and smile. Then he heads for the store, to cash it in. For what? A couple of bucks. Can you believe this guy? He'll take a candy from a baby, if there's fifty cents in it for him."

"Signs say No Littering - but who to? We wouldn't dream of it. Government does that, at night, with trucks; or uniformed men come sadly at morning with their trolleys, dispensing our rubbish, and shit for the dogs."

"'Uncle Pepi' has surpassed himself with his new laboratory...in this new lab of his he can knock together a human being out of the unlikeliest odds and ends. On his desk he had a box full of eyes. It was not uncommon to see him slipping out of his darkroom carrying a head partly wrapped in old newspaper...The next thing you knew...a fifteen-year-old Pole sliding off the table and rubbing his eyes and sauntering back to work..."

By far one of the most interesting books I have read. But doesn't score too high on entertainment value for me as the writing style is pretty serious, and the storyline is generally all grim and grey. I much prefer books with hope and optimism - and naturally, a happy ending.

Quiet Time - How Wide and Long and High and Deep

I don't usually write about what I read in QT, but last night, I read one of the most beautiful poems:

Could we with ink the ocean fill

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill

And every man a scribe by trade,

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry,

Nor could the scrollc ontain the whole

Though stretched from sky to sky.

The corresponding bible passage was:
"...may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3 : 18-19

Extract from Our Daily Bread:
"Some Bible scholars believe “width” refers to its worldwide embrace (John 3:16); “length,” its existence through all ages (Eph. 3:21); “depth,” its profound wisdom (Rom. 11:33); and “height,” its victory over sin opening the way to heaven (Eph. 4:8).

We are admonished to appreciate this amazing love. Yet as we expand our awareness of God’s love, we soon realize that its full measure is beyond our understanding. Even if the ocean were filled with ink, using it to write about the love of God would drain it dry.

God’s love cannot be explained—it can only be experienced."

===========================================================

Indeed, it is impossible to describe God's love for us. It is so big, so amazing, so intangible, yet so real. Recently, God has been speaking to me through QT.

On Sunday night, the night before I officially start work, He reminded me to be of pH G - Patient, Humble and Gentle (Ephesians 4:2). I questioned why patient and why gentle? Then today it dawned on me why I must be patient...to be patient for circumstances to improve, to be patient for things to happen, effects to take place...to be patient in building my knowledge to become the expert in the area I am interested in. How I wish to just rush into doing what I want to do, what I hope to become - but I think He has a different plan for me, so I must be patient and make the best of my circumstances and to try and value-add in whatever way I can.

As I think about my new job, my keyboard class, my cell group...all the more I must be patient.

And then on Monday night, in addition to pH G, more elements were added to become RFG_LPG - Righteousness, Faith, Godliness, Love, Patience, Gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). Its a tough call, especially Godliness.

For many years, I do QT more as a procedure and a must-do without much expectation. Occasionally, certain passages will jump at me. But this time round, I realised that it is a series of quiet message.

God is quietly telling me and reminding me of things...how do I know? It is difficult to describe..but in short, I just know. You just know He is telling you some things. I have my doubts at times of course, but time will help to verify whether I am hearing things right.

I won the Pioneer Competition!

Just found out that I won the "I've Got My Pioneer!" competition! The results were printed in today's Today newspaper.

The contest required me to submit a photo of my home with any Pioneer product, as well as a short description on how the Pioneer product has changed my life (or something along those lines). The win came as a surprise as I received an email from a Pioneer staff a few days back informing me that my submission had been selected as part of the Top 40 entries, and they would like to come to my place for a short photoshoot and interview, which I assumed was to facilitate the selection of the winning entry.

Here is my original entry:
The first two things we do when my hubby and I are back from work are: switch on the lights, and then the TV. Watching TV programmes has become a daily necessity – of similar priority to brushing our teeth. We decided on the Kuro Plasma TV for our 1st home because of rave reviews we have heard, as well as its aesthetic appeal. My hubby and I were aware that the TV would be our home’s key feature, and we needed it to fit in with the “raw” feel of our home. Our Kuro has done a perfect job – it has a simple and stylish pure black design that complements our home’s white walls and cement floor, it gives us crystal clear pictures, and we have endless hours of fun in front of our Kuro watching movies, playing Wii, browsing through our holiday photos. Our hours after work and on weekends centers around Kuro. Now, we spend more time at home than we ever had – seriously! One can never underestimate the importance of a good TV – it is of essence if you value quality entertainment like us.

And an abbreviated version was printed:
We decided on the Kuro Plasma TV for our 1st home because of rave reviews we have heard, as well as its aesthetic appeal. Our Kuro has done a perfect job – it has a simple and stylish pure black design that complements our home’s white walls and cement floor, it gives us crystal clear pictures, and we have endless hours of fun in front of our Kuro watching movies, playing Wii, browsing through our holiday photos. One can never underestimate the importance of a good TV – it is of essence if you value quality entertainment like us.

It's a pity there are no cash prizes to be won. But nevertheless, still quite happy and I am so proud of my bee-e-u-ti-fuul home =)

Coincidentally, I had also entered into this Women's Weekly Best Beauty Buys Promotions and received a letter earlier this week informing me that I won a Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment Stick. I had to choose a particular product and sms the product number in order to enter into the promotion. Now I wonder why did I even pick this product in the first place.

Looks like it has been a week of wins! Admittedly, the prizes are not very useful. But for the moment, the thrill of winning still beats the practical aspect of wondering what I will do with the prizes... =)

The Unforgettable Act of Nose Picking

It is not uncommon to see people indulging in the disgusting but perhaps self-gratifying act of digging one's nose in public. I see that sometimes..usually from old uncles along the street, doing 'the act' with much oblivion as if it is as natural as blinking one's eyes. I usually look away of course...in disgust at 'the act'. But it becomes more horrifying when one sees a lady picking away at her nose and the feeling of horror cum disgust is immediately multiplied when I am unable to look away. This exact scene prompted today's entry.

I was innocently sitting across her and listening to the instructor when I suddenly noticed that she had her index finger to her nostril, with her face towards me. I took a quick glance at her and then immediatly refocused my eyes at the instructor standing diagonally behind her. But I could tell that she had quietly turned her head away from the rest of the class and was facing the instructor and digging away profusely. She would stop for a moment and rub her index and third finger to probably rid them from any debris she had excavated from her nose..then she continued the act. I tried to look away, but it was hard as she was seated right in front of me and I had to look past her in order to look at the instructor. Suddenly, I realised that I could no longer focus on the class and was just hoping and hoping that she would not stretch her hand out towards my direction. The act continued for at least a torturing 5 min and I had to muster all my acting skills to pretend that nothing was happening. I wondered whether anyone else saw that act.

Then after that, she took a small piece of yellow post-it pad and used it to mildly slide it between her teeth. And then she used her fingers (the same ones engaged in the previous act) and slide them along the paper to clear whatever was on the paper. That act was repeated a few times and I just didn't have the heart to look anymore. I just couldn't look any more and I was thrown back to yesterday when she was seated beside me.

She had this habit of scratching her scalp vigorously and then swinging her head slightly so that her hair (which is almost waist length) sweeps around like the Patene hair ad. But in contrast to the ad, the problem is that her back was usually in my face, so I get the 'brunt' of her frequent hair sweeping habit. Frankly, it disgusted me each time she scratched her scalp as she scratched with such strength that the motion is audible. And then with each swing of her head, I had to lean back a little to avoid the hair hitting me. Her hair slightly brushed my face once, but at least her hair did not stink. In fact, I could smell the remnants of the hair product whenever she swept her hair. Not a bad smell, but nonetheless a smell that I'd rather not be acquainted with.

Although the head scratching and hair sweeping actions are bordering on my tolerance limits, I think it can be forgotten with time. But today's 5 minute's live digging, topped with the creative use of paper in lieu of dental floss is in my honest opinion, totally disgusting and unforgettable. I know the next and everytime I see her, I'll recall the act she committed in class that fateful day. And I have actually decided not to touch any of the pencils in the pencil holder tomorrow as one of the pencils was held in the same pair of hands that committed the act of excavation.

I think she is probably a nice gal and intelligent as well. But I take the view that personal ettiquette plays a much larger role. I wonder if it could be a nationality issue, but I have friends from the same nation who are perfectly hygienic. And I wonder if it could be a lack of understanding social norms, but she seems to be an intelligent girl. But whatever, the sad thing is that nobody (other than her close friends and family - provided they don't share the values) will tell her that her acts are bordering on being termed disgusting.

Anyway, she has made such an impact on me that I am still blogging at this time of the night. And I actually bothered to google the following.


(Warning: Video has potential to ruin your appetite)

New Beijing Olympic Sporting Event - Nose Picking

http://blog.ratestogo.com/new-beijing-olympic-sporting-event-nose-picking/

September 19, 2007

The eyes of the world will be on Beijing for sixteen days in August of 2008, as the drama of the XXIX Summer Olympics unfolds. But there are two Asian pastimes which have not yet been declared Olympic sports, in spite of the fact that hundreds of millions of Chinese learn them at their parents’ knees and practice them daily throughout their lives. They are the sports of nose picking and “air hanky” tossing, and each is part of the Golden Quintet of Asian Xtreme Hygiene Sports: Nose Cleaning, which really encompasses the two skills of Nose Picking and Air Hanky Tossing; Ear Cleaning; Spitting, and Belching.

The Asian sport of nose picking, which some claim is actually more of an art form, is not limited to any one Asian region. With the exception of Singapore, nose picking is a common occupation in many of Asia’s great cities from Beijing to Tokyo. But it may be, thanks to the upcoming Olympics, a dying art in Beijing.

As China makes a leap forward into the 21st century’s first tier of nations, and in anticipation of the Olympiad, its authorities have taken the unusual step of distributing 4.3 million pamphlets to the citizens of Beijing, instructing them in the art of nasal etiquette and the use of tissue. But in a country where toilet paper is considered such an oddity that tourists are cautioned to carry their own, tissues are as foreign to millions of Chinese as foreigners themselves.

The citizens of Beijing, Hanoi, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Tokyo are not at all bashful about their nasal cleaning habits. Those who do not engage in a bit of exploratory excavation while standing in line for the bus or enjoying a restaurant meal may instead hurl the infamous “air hanky.” The air hanky technique entails pinching one nostril shut so that the nostril with the most promising content is subjected to the full force of the nose-blower’s exhalation, and those promising contents are expelled into the air.

There’s also the backward snort technique, which allows the mucus-afflicted to draw the phlegm from their nasal passages down into their throats, and expectorate it onto the nearest convenient surface. It usually lands on the ground, but there is no guarantee that your shoe won’t be an obstacle to its safe landing.

Given the heavily polluted air of China, it’s understandable that someone would want to clean out his or her respiratory tract at frequent intervals. But even in Tokyo, where the citizenry otherwise are fanatical about cleanliness, the male commuters spend a good part of their daily travel mining their nasal passages.

In Bangkok, it’s the tuk tuk drivers who usually introduce tourists to the practice of nose picking. In Hanoi, it can be anyone from the restaurant waiters to the fruit vendors. On the busses of Hong Kong one can be treated to a visual smorgasbord of nose picking and ear cleaning accompanied by a cacophony of belching and yawning.
The moral of the story?

If you’re hankering for a trip to the 2008 Olympics, you may find Beijing congested with nose pickers. Plan your trip carefully during this time or you’ll be in a sticky situation.

Thots for 2009

(taken at Pulau Ubin on 1 Jan 09)

It has been a good 3 months since I've blogged. It is a luxury to be able to sit in front of my laptop to pen my thoughts. For some reason, I always have 'better' stuff to do than to sit down unhurriedly in front of my laptop. One mantra in my life is 'Time is precious'...I'd prefer to buzz around getting things done than relaxing and doing nothing. But I'm trying to change that.

When I am in front of my laptop, I'm usually checking emails or reading financial news - my brain feels abit empty when it isn't soaked with the latest financial news of the day. Otherwise, I'll be ironing clothes while watching TV. And in the recent past weeks, I've had friends over my place which means lotsa cleaning up and packing and preparing for these gatherings.

Today is one of those days on which I have finally decided to reward myself with a bit of blogging. Arghh, there's still ironing to do and an evening jog later, but well let me pen down some thoughts first.

Thoughts for 2009:

1) Thankfully in the midst of the mega financial crisis, I have found a job. There're still classes everyday, so I do not really feel like I'm doing actual work. But come March when training ends and I'll be an official working professional. I am still unsure of the actual work hours I'll be clocking, but I'll definitely try to work hard. I pray and hope that it'll be a conducive work environment. God had led me to this job - given that this function was not what I initially applied for and I wasn't sure I would clear the numerous rounds. But it happened and I'm hoping that I will be able to contribute & value-add in many ways to this organisation.

2) I have changed. There is a practical streak flowing in me now.
From the girl who loved screamingly loud colours like shocking pink and cheery orange, I've evolved to become a black-and-white person. I think I have been partly influenced by the basic colours in my home - there is only room for grey, black, white and a bit of red items. All other colours are strictly no-no. Recent updates to my wardrobe were generally black and white items - partly because they are easier to match, and also because these colours are more invisible to perspiration stains. And oh, skirts/pants should be black or dark coloured because light coloured bottoms get dirty easily. The shopperholic in me has been restraining from purchasing more footwear for work. I used to have at least 8 pairs of work shoes and these have dwindled to half the number. And all of them are covered-toes for that professional image.

3) I now prefer to simple things in life and I think it has to do with age. Regular visits to expensive restaurants are now reserved only for blue moon events. Nothing to do with tightening the purse strings though...its just that I have discovered my inner love for local food and the best local food are served at hawker centres and coffeeshops (just look for the longest queues), not posh nosh restaurants. But I will never tire of the Wagyu Beef at Shiro, the only beef steak that I enjoy from Mortons and the great dining experience at Ember. These will be the restaurants I pop into for the occasional indulgence.

4) I am postponing my dream purchase of a Mini-Cooper and staying loyal to my almost 4-year old Colt. COE prices are at a low, and there is a temptation to switch to my dream car. No other car will do. But the depreciation rates are disgustingly high and it makes no sense to purchase a new car when I am better off saving the money for investments.

5) I have started attending cell group - something I have postponed for years. I hope attending cell will help me grow closer to the Lord. I am still adjusting to the new church, but I know in time I will. I know that just as Lord had led me to my current job, He had also led me to this church.

6) Getting rid of the old pessimistic self and learning to realise that there is no point getting upset over events out of my control. I am consciously trying to be positive and making the best of my situation, especially when I'm treading on unfamiliar grounds. With a new workplace & a new church, I feel tired at times. But I know in time, all will work out well.

7) I have found a love for baking. And I can officially claim that I am a better baker & cook than my hubby =)

8) I still love shopping, watching movies, and continue to have an insatiable appetite for chocolate. But I am hoping to find time to do a bit of regular reading.

9) I am starting to experience the decrease in metabolism with age increases. Its not difficult to figure out the solution to the following equation:
Older Age + Lower Metabolism + Same Intake of Calories + Perennial Love for Anything Chocolate + Constant Inner Debate on How to Make Exercise More Enjoyable
This is why I have to go for that evening run later...not to mention the chocolate truffle cake I had yesterday and the yummilicious peannut butter cupcake the day before.

10) I hope to continue my interest in keyboard. With zero music background and more workload coming my way, I hope to continue attending keyboard classes and improving my keyboard skills. I play once in a while now..I'm not great, but at least I can sing and play simple rhythms.

Now that my thoughts have reached a perfect 10, I think it is an appropriate to end my first blog for 2009. I hope I will accomplish much and all that I wish for. Will definitely update in my first blog for 2010.

New Year's Day @ Pulau Ubin
Chinese New Year - Ladies Galore!

Learning the Secret Recipe from AhMa

Family Dinner @ Xiyan