An Old Hag's Tale

China students tie pigs up, then kick and beat them with metal poles

2011-07-19T16:05:00.000+08:00

China students tie pigs up, then kick and beat them with metal poles

You know, I love pork. But I also love pigs.

My father used to sell pork before he retired. He was selling pork for more than half a century, starting out as young as 10 or 14 years old. That was his only means of income to support a family of five. So, in a way, I owed my life to these lovely creatures and I have learned to respect them, even though I consume them.

And I feel enraged and deeply depressed looking at these photos of cruelty and torture to a living creature who has no power against humans. I wondered what had prompted these people to do such a heinous thing. I pity them(the humans), for they have no regards and respect to the creatures which could be their food.

I hope they will die of hunger. Just kidding.

"What happened to your eyes? They are swollen!"

Old Flavour

2011-06-03T12:57:00.000+08:00

Am I glad that certain flavours just never change.

The taste of well-fried fish drizzled with light soy sauce, together with white porridge now is exactly the same when I had it about 25 years ago. With the ever-changing world, I tend to seek solace in this kind of oldie food, reminding myself that however the world has changed, I am still myself.

How I wish I can go back to my childhood. Things were so much simpler, even the food tasted simpler then.

Save the World's Saddest Dolphins

2011-05-29T15:26:00.000+08:00

I had forgotten about this blog.

Click HERE. Save the world's saddest dolphins, right now.

Baby In Stealth Mode

2011-04-16T13:32:00.000+08:00

DD is so funny. I forbade her from going near the fan because it is too dangerous.

Then, DD tried to crawl very slowly, like in stealth mode, and made her way toward the fan quietly, thinking that would elude me. I was watching her all the while and thought it was very creative of her to do that. But I just scooped her up once she reached her destination. And it happened again and again and again.

So cute.

What I Saw, I Wrote

2011-03-29T20:54:00.000+08:00

So many times I had seen domestic helpers pushing elderly people on wheelchairs and strolling around the neighbourhood. I saw it every morning and evening. But one thing I don't see were the smiles on these elders' faces. Everyone of them looked glum and dejected. It is so sad to see them this way. They can't communicate with the maids because of language barrier, and some of them simply pushed the elders to some sheltered area and left them gazing at some blank. While some others stopped to talk to their fellow country mates, and "parked" the few wheelchairs of elders at one side.

Whatever the conditions that these elders were in, I was very sure that they had wished the ones pushing them around were their sons, daughters or grandchildren. Certainly not someone who can't even speak their language and definitely not someone who doesn't even know their life stories. If you have a wheelchair-bound elderly person at home, be the one that strolls the neighbourhood or park with him/her.

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-25T14:52:00.000+08:00

I can only do a partial Earth Hour this year. The weather has been erratic, varying between extreme warm and and extreme wet. And DD is in this year so I would have to switch on the fan and night light, at least. I hope she will be asleep by 8pm, so that I can switch off the rest of the lights, if not, it would be on until she is asleep. Ya, that would be my plan.

My Crocheting Journey -- The End.

2011-03-18T15:17:00.000+08:00

Haha.

I have found a perfect pattern for baby cardigan! It's a modification from a baby dress from The Art of Crochet By Teresa. So instead of crocheting the skirt part, I modified it to become a cardi. And the best thing is, you don't really have to count the number of stitches. Just estimate based on your measurements. Ya it's that flexible. The video is in Youtube.

So I had made a shrug for DD. Just continue the sleeves to whatever length you want, add buttons and buttonholes. This is just a sample because I had made it too small. DD scan still wear it but will grow out of it in no time. Yay. I'm happy. And I thought that I would never ever be able to make a cardigan for DD. My perseverance had paid off, hehehe.

Karma?

2011-03-15T23:54:00.000+08:00

I cannot understand why people are using this word to describe a nation when a natural disaster strikes.

During the Sichuan earthquake, people said that the Chinese deserved it because of the tainted milk and other unethical products. Now, the Japan quake and tsunami, people also said the Japanese deserved it because of the atrocities committed during WWII.

I wanted to say, no one deserves to die, as everyone of us will die eventually. If another country is in place of Japan, would you still say that? Japan just happens to be situated there, the seismic area. If Singapore were to be there, do Singaporeans also deserved to die? Likewise, all other countries with natural calamities, do they deserve to die too?

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." If everybody thinks everybody deserves to die, then it will really be the end of mankind. I will end with a quote from Gandalf(LOTR), which I like very much.

"Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends."

Sad...

2011-03-13T21:56:00.002+08:00

I feel sad. Just sad. My heart feels heavy. I can't bear to look at those photos or news anymore.

Earth's Fury

2011-03-12T21:36:00.000+08:00

Mother Earth is angry. Really angry.

There's A Rebel in Everyone

2011-03-11T10:32:00.000+08:00

How many times have you done the exact opposite of what was being ask of you?

I don't like to be told to do things. I would just procrastinate and then stay put. How many times have my mum ask me to eat my meals and "Oh, wait" was my reply? Many many many times. Even until now. I would still say "wait" even if I was super hungry. So, I guess I can empathize with DD when I asked her not to go near the fan or the rubbish bin, or the edge of the bed, and she still does? Not really. I wondered how many times have I said "NO!"(to DD) in a day, and she still ignored me?

But maybe, we can channel this energy into something positive and motivating. Like, nah, you can't make that cake. Yes I can! Nope, I don't think you can run that far. Yes I can! And so on.

For the rebel in us. Cheers.

Guardian Angel

2011-02-11T13:45:00.000+08:00

DD fell off the bed this morning. I was brushing and I heard a crashing sound, followed by a baby's cries. I threw the toothbrush away, still foaming in my mouth, I ran to the bedroom. And there she was, on the floor, on all fours. I quickly scooped DD up and comforted her, crying and telling her I'm sorry, it was all my fault. Then I check her for injuries. No apparent bumps on her head, her fingers and toes were ok. Thank goodness! I thought. But I still feel a sense of guilt from my negligence. I told my mum and she said maybe "someone" held on to DD while she fell, that would explain why she is unhurt. I stopped and pondered over her remarks. That guardian angel would have to be my grandfather! I looked at my grandfather's tablet and said a prayer of thanks, hoping he will continue to watch over DD.

Urgh!

2011-02-10T12:05:00.000+08:00

What happened to "motherly instinct"? Urgh!!!

Untitled

2011-02-08T18:04:00.000+08:00

I believe that all children were born strong, mind and body. But most parents have the tendency to make their children weak(mind and body) by over-protecting them. Parents just need to love their children unconditionally and they will grow stronger than you can ever imagine.

This is what I believe.

Victory

2011-01-29T20:45:00.000+08:00

I had finally let DD cried herself to sleep. It was a great feat for me. She cried for about 20 to 25 minutes, stopping for a few seconds just to catch her breath. I know this is wicked but as I lied down beside her observing, I thought it was rather amusing. Her cries were different, with varying pitches and loudness, then silence, as if she had called it quits, only to resume with her number. She was all sweaty and her hair was wet. Well, it did go on for almost half an hour. Then, she let out a wail and all was silent again. I stayed lying down, not daring to move an inch. One minute passed and it was still quiet. DD was asleep. I felt triumphant! And a little bit of guilt. But DD has to learn to sleep on her own, without rocking or a pacifier or my breasts. She will get it, after a few more tries. Sorry baby.

Parents', or Rather, Mothers' Expectations for Their Children

2011-01-28T16:24:00.001+08:00

It is amazing to find the sort of questions parents, or rather, mothers asked. You can find them on a certain parenting page on FB. Questions like, what should I apply on BB's head to make his hair grow, or has anyone brought their child to IQ test assessment. Oh come on! Give yourselves and your children a break, mummies! Some BBs are born with a lot of hair but in the end, suffered from balding; some BBs are born with little or no hair but they might be the next hair shampoo model for all you care. And the most ridiculous is the IQ assessment. Unless needed for medical purposes, I don't see a need for an IQ assessment of your child just to know where he/she stands.

Of course, every parent wants the best for their children, no doubt about that. But then, so what if your child looks hideous in someone else's eye? To me, my child is the most beautiful creature in this world. No one can make her look ugly or pretty just because some stranger says so.

Right. I am just as guilty. I like to buy clothes for DD to make her look adorable. In a way, I admit that that satisfies a part of my inner desires, to look good and to spend money.

But I do agree that it is vital to recognize and draw out the potential in your child. So, that being said, DD's legs are extremely powerful, so taekwondo is definitely in the list. And she is also very vocal and "talkative", so speech and drama lessons are next. Oh, DD is only 6 and half months old.

A New And Wondrous Year Ahead, I Hope.

2010-12-31T13:57:00.000+08:00

I'm becoming more auntie-like now.

I can't help but browse through every single advert in the papers, hoping to find that cheap bargain. And I'm not talking about apparel or shoes or bag sales. I found myself looking at pots and pans, groceries, diapers, sewing machines, mixers and whatnot. Sigh.

I think about a lot of things. Like, is it necessary to buy expensive clothes for your babies and/or toddlers? Who is the one looking good, you or your child? I remembered I almost wanted to buy a romper from GAP costing almost 50 SGD when I was still carrying DD in my tummy. There was only one reason for wanting to buy - the romper had many tiny whale prints all over it. Back then, Hubby had allowed me to buy it. I stood in front of the rack, deliberating over which size to get. 0-3mths is too small and impractical because babies can grow very fast. 3-6 mths did not seem big enough, I was afraid DD was going to be a big baby(which she still is) and not fit into it. 6-12mths is too ... It was a struggle. We were standing there for a good 5 minutes before deciding to look around, hoping to find other cute clothes for DD. All were expensive, for a baby. Soon, that tiny percentage of practicality in me said, "Look elsewhere." And we left, never to go back again.

I love buying clothes for DD. I think women just like to spend money. Any type of spending is retail therapy for me. And since I no longer want to buy clothes for myself, I buy for DD. And I only get those clothes I like. Not you, not them, but me. So to answer my second question, if your child looks good, the parents look good and to look good, you have to buy expensive clothes, which answers the first one. I figured that is what most parents might have thought. But I can't have myself thinking this way. I can't teach my kid to be brand-conscious. I want to tell her that, while we are not able to give her branded clothings, we are giving her our time and love. I hope she understands that in the future.

Happy New Year.

Boxing Day Lunch

2010-12-26T16:24:00.000+08:00

Mushroom and ham pasta in cream sauce

Celery soup

Cooking is addictive, at least to me. But the celery soup wasn't quite what I expected. I should have strained the soup. That will make it smooth and creamy.

My Christmas Dinner, Not Quite as Planned.

2010-12-25T20:46:00.000+08:00

We all had a scrumptious Christmas dinner. Every dish was healthy and low in sodium. But the pasta, which I was most confident of, turned out too bad. It was dry and the pasta was slightly overcooked. The rest were good with my favourite being the mushroom soup. I think my parents were quite impressed with me, tee hee.

Roast whole chicken with veggies

Mashed potatoes with gravy

Cream of mushroom soup

Simple pasta in tomato sauce

Serves four

Christmas log cake

Ok so I did not prepare the chocolate souffle because Hubby had bought a log cake. Next year, I will be doing one for Christmas. I hope.

Christmas Menu...

2010-12-24T13:32:00.002+08:00

Main Course
Roast Chicken with veggies.

2nd Course
Simple pasta in Tomato sauce.

On the side
Mashed potatoes with gravy.

Soup
Cream of Mushroom.

Dessert
Chocolate Souffle.

I pray that everything will turn out ok, because I am inviting my parents to join us for a little Christmas dinner tomorrow evening.

I guess this is one of my ways to thank them for the help they had rendered(still rendering) during my confinement days. Of course, it's hard for me to tell them that tomorrow's dinner is a "Thank You" dinner. I just ask my mum, "Want to join us for dinner this Saturday? I roast chicken for you?" My parents must've thought that this is one of those rare occasions I'm cooking for them. Will be keeping my dishes healthy and low in sodium. So, crossing my fingers.

Ok, I'm Convinced. No TV for You!

2010-12-22T16:33:00.000+08:00

And I meant my baby daughter.

But many parents still let their children under the age of 2 watch TV programmes. My brother was the first to tell me about the negative aspects of TV-watching for babies. And truth be told, I had thought it was total bullshit. I was thinking to myself, a little TV won't kill. Sure, it won't kill your baby of course. But then, article after article published in the newspapers and online news site had me rethinking. I then told Hubby about it and he is now a hardcore supporter of "no TV for DD". He does not even allow DD to turn her head towards the TV. Also, another reason why I'm convinced is because my mum's neighbour's granddaughter is behaving strangely.

At 2 years of age, she has been watching TV since she was a baby, according to the grandmother. She would be glued to the TV, ignoring everyone else as if in a world of her own. Physically, she couldn't walk until she was closed to 2 years old. And she couldn't talk. No, I think she wouldn't talk. She didn't call her parents until 2 years old, and even now, she seldom speaks. When she wants something she will just mumble. No words. And when her grandmother switches on the TV, she is happy and will sit down in front of the TV, watching away quietly. She doesn't talk when in childcare neither. Basically her social skills now is close to zero.

And when I googled up this issue a while ago, some parents also reported similar behaviours in their relatives' or acquaintances' kids. While I wouldn't say that TV will ruin a kid's life, it is wise however, to err on the safe side. Oh, don't even count on educational programmes. One parent pointed out that, which I concur, these so-called educational programme-makers want to make money out of you, they care naught about the well-being of your child. It's all about marketing. After all, who doesn't want their kids to be geniuses?

Anyway, it's your call, your take. Just wait till your baby is 2, shouldn't be that difficult, right? Now, where's that remote control.

Never Judge a Muffin by the Way It Looks

2010-12-19T18:17:00.000+08:00

Blueberry muffin. They sure look ugly but they taste great~♥　No kidding.

Rooted

2010-12-14T13:41:00.000+08:00

There are some upgrading works around my neighbourhood and I am glad that the trees in the playground area were not uprooted to give way to construction. They have been there for as long as I can remember. To me, they are such old trees now, spreading their branches like spider webs across the sky. It is a beautiful sight, at least to me.

And next time when DD grows up, I can tell her that mummy grew up with these trees.

"Shop" Is Opened!

2010-11-22T22:28:00.000+08:00

I have decided to sell clothes online in order to earn diaper money. Mori girl style of course. Please visit http://simpleforestgirl.blogspot.com. Just take a look. Deliver to Singapore only.

Today's Lunch and Tea

2010-11-21T16:05:00.000+08:00

I'm getting good at this, hee hee.

Spaghetti in mushroom and cream

Chocolate souffle