Life is....

Kedai Runcit Pogunsavat

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 07:22:00 +0000

Finally, my parents open their very own sundry shop which is called Kedai Runcit Pogunsavat! Congrats to them and a BIG thank you to all relatives and friends who support us. May God bless all of you!

Dad got admitted

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Dad is admitted today for his keyhole surgery as his cartilage is torn due to a bad slip he had last 2 weeks.
Mum left for Vietnam this morning (which dad supposed to go).
Hope dad will recover soon.
Hate to see him in pain.
Take care dad.
Love you!

Kid's Bedroom Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Thu, 12 May 2011 02:31:00 +0000

Our kids are growing up and eventually they will need their own room.
I have been searching through the web on bedroom ideas and I like these for my girls:

And my son, these are in my mind:

We'll see how it turns out.

Britney Spears Abs Workout

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:34:00 +0000

Try this and you will be amazed on how your abs transformed!
Mary Chey, this video is for you!

Britney Spears' Ab Workout Revealed

Biggest Loser 30 Days Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 08:30:00 +0000

I blurted out the idea of our very own office to have this challenge.
My colleagues (Mary, Valerie Grace, Eliza and I) and friends (Susan Wong and Valerie Aziz) are participating.
So, we weighed ourselves on April 1st.
I weigh 68.5kg (yes, I added some weight thanks to constant pigging LOL).
The challenge is about who will lose the most weight wins.
The prize is not that much (RM10 X 7 people) but what makes it more challenging is that you do not want to add weight as any additional weight will be penalized RM10 per kg.
So, everyone will shiver on the final weigh in which will be held on the 3 May.
I hope this will be a continuous thing.
Good luck to all!

March School Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:38:00 +0000

The kids are having their first semester break from 12 - 20 March.
We went to Taman Buaya, Tuaran (photos will follow soon).
Just a quick note that an ice cream costs more than a softdrink.
Hubby bought 4 drumstick ice cream and 4 softdrinks which amounting to RM25.00!!!
Seriously causing an arm and a leg.
Daylight robbery!!!

We are currently at Mount Kinabalu Heritage Resort & Spa.
It was an impromptu plan.
We dropped by at Desa Cattle and also Dreamworld Resort.
Nice resort.
Will try to stay there one day.
Now, we are enjoying the cool breeze while sipping a glass of teh tarik by the window of Topion Cafe.

New arrival - Chriscylla Alliandra

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 16:10:00 +0000

Congrats to James & Tina for the new arrival of their daughter.

Windbell Seafood Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:41:00 +0000

Hubby and I love this place.

First, you can have two broths at the same time.

We love the tom yam and chicken.

We have not try the herbal soup..yet.

Secondly, the place is airconditioned and comfortable.

Thirdly, the service is excellent!

Lastly, the price is reasonable.

We are here at least once a week.

Satisfying meal everytime.

Here are some pictures I got from Everyday Food I love. Enjoy!

Fried Ikan Basung

Part of the spread

The famous kaikiok. Little S could finished up a bowl or two.


Make your own chilli for dipping.

Windbell Seafood Restaurant (Steamboat Buffet)
No.20 Jalan Selangor
Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088 222305
Website: www.windbellrestaurant.com

March already?!

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:30:00 +0000

It's the 1st day of March and I could hear myself breathing.
When did January & February pass?
Oh my, what have I accomplished so far?
Will update you in a bit. Maybe longer.

Live Life Enjoy Life

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:27:00 +0000

I pretty much agree with the title "Live Life Enjoy Life".
Time is too short to be angry with anyone.
Time is too short to be jealous of anyone.
Time is too short to be miserable,
Time is too short to be sad.

Since we only live once, I'd say grasp that thought and be merry.
Not forgetting to say a lil' prayer along the way.
We never know when our destiny will end but continue to..

Love our loved ones unconditionally,
Respect our parents/in laws without reservation,
Grow together with our children,
Be happy, have fun and think positively.

Bruce Allan's 3rd Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Brenda called me up to invite us to Bruce's 3rd Birthday on Saturday night.
Happy Birthday Bruce!!

Perdana Park

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Perdana Park opened its gate to curious public (including my kids who kept on asking me when can they try on the new playground) recently.
I managed to see the much talked about musical fountain.
It was nice.
Am looking forward to go there for a jog (am just saying it to push myself).

Valentine Do!

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:49:00 +0000

We celebrated the V day as a family.
Hubby took us out for a dinner at Burger King in the city (as per kids request) and then followed by a movie, The Green Hornet.
It was a nice V outing.
Thanks darling.
You know I love you.

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:39:00 +0000

I wonder how it is like to celebrate Valentine's Day.

My blog becomes public again

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:58:00 +0000

HellooOOooOoOoooOooo!!

Back to work

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 01:51:00 +0000

Its the first day of work today after a longggg CNY holiday.
Since Shayna is unwell, so I only send Selina to kindie today.
Hubby is not well as well.
He has sinusitis which makes him sneeze all the time.
Poor hubby. Will see if I need to bring him to see a doctor.

Selina was great. Gave me hugs and kisses and waved goodbye.
I feel blessed.
I actually don't feel 100% well.
My stomach is rumbling.
Maybe wanting food or wanting to poop.
I hope today will be a good working day.
Have a great Monday to all.

What a long hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 13:40:00 +0000

Yes indeed what a long hiatus.
I wanted to blog but couldn't find the right time to actually sit down.
I wanted to blog about so many happenings but time was not on my side.
But I promise to myself that in 2011 at least I make the effort to jot a few words in.
At least I could reflect back what I have done.
Welcome back Just Plain Sharon.

A Parent's Wish

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:40:00 +0000

A Parent's Wish

To our dear children - Sean, Selina & Shayna,
On the day when you see us old, weak and weary,
Have patience and try to understand us.

If we get dirty when eating,
If we can not dress on our own,
Please bear with us and remember the times
We spent feeding and dressing you up.

If, when we speak to you,
We repeat the same things over and over again,
Do not interrupt us.
Listen to us.

When you were small,
We had to read to you thousand and one times
The same story until you went to sleep.

Then we do not want to have a shower,
Neither shame nor scold us.
Remember when we had to chase you
With your thousand excuses to get you to the shower.

When you see our ignorance on new technologies,
Help us navigate our way through those world wide webs.

We taught you how to do so many things,
To eat the right foods, to dress appropriately,
To fight for your rights.

Then at some moment we lose the memory
Or the thread of our conversation,
Let us have the necessary time to remember.
And if we can not, do not become nervous,

As the most important thing is not our conversation,
But surely to be with you and to have you listening to us.

If ever we do not want to eat, do not force us.
We know well when we need to and when not to.

When our tired legs give way
And do not allow us to walk without a cane,
Lend us your hand.
The same way we did,
you first tried your faltering steps.

And when someday we say to you,
That we do not want to live any more.
That we want to die!
Do not get angry.
Some day you will understand.

Try to understand that our age is not lived but survived.
Some day you will realize that, despite our mistakes,
We always wanted the best thing for you
And we tried to prepare the way for you.

You must not feel sad, angry nor ashamed
For seeing us near you.
Instead, try to understand us and help us
Like we did when you were young.

Help us to walk.
Help us to end our way with love and dignity.

We will pay you by a smile and by the immense love
We have always had for you in our heart.

Mummy & Daddy

Invited readers only

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Mon, 24 May 2010 23:37:00 +0000

Dearest invited readers,

I apologize for restricting this blog for security purpose.
Nowadays, people can just google your name and voila..it leads them to here.
The security purpose is merely to deter those culprits/hackers to gain access to any info.
It has not happened to me yet (God forbids) but as safely precaution, I may just as well give access to my selected readers.
For your information, this blog is meant to bring back memories of what transpired along the journey of my life.
Hopefully, blogspot will not discontinue this great service of theirs.

Thank you for your understanding.

Just plain Sharon

.....

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:27:00 +0000

I apologize for the hiatus.
Been very busy with kids, work, travel, etc.
Will update this blog very soon.
Stay tuned.

One year difference

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:46:00 +0000

I flipped through my pictures when I saw my pictures way back in 2009.
I compared with my current picture.
Can you see the difference?
Hehehe...mokikiazou!

Mission Accomplished!

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

I accomplished my main goal for 2009 - losing weight!

I have been overweight since I was in high school. I tried all sorts of diet and one thing I never disagree on is the power of exercising. I was an athlete back in school days. I was a short distance runner. I took part in 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m, 4x400m. My favourite would be the relay race. I was active back then.

Then, when I was 15 years old, I started to gain weight since I slowed down in sports. I turned to food for comfort. My parents enrolled me to one of the residential schools here in Kota Kinabalu. I was really overweight but I didn't bother to look after my own appearance. So, one day, when we were at the Physics lab, each student was to be weighed. I was nervous as boys in our class were wicked (hehehe). When it was my turn to go on the scale, all the boys (well we had like 23 students in our class) rushed to see the scale. I still remember one of the boys said,"Adada Sharon 72kg!! Punya berat ko!!". I feel humiliated.

So I told myself, I need to lose weight. I cut off my meat intake. I only take fish and chicken. I started to jog. First time it was not easy. No energy, feeling lethargic, tired. But I was determine to reach my goal. I then found a buddy of mine who is also a good friend to accompany me in my daily run. We ran non-stop from our school to the nearby Park and then back. I could remember my T-shirt was drenched in sweat. I feel satisfied.

I did the jog for a year and I managed to shed some weight off my scale. I was 10 kg lighter. I could even wore my mum's blouse. It felt great to lose all the weights. Of course hard work pays off. But my diet was wrong. I was starving myself.

Then after form five, I didn't do any workout. The only thing I did during the "waiting for SPM result" was eating. I think I piled up the weight I have busted my ass to shed.

My weight has its ups and downs. Mostly ups by the way. I tried taking one meal a day. I did lose some weight but it crept back on when I was tired constraining myself not to eat. I didn't fancy exercise at that point as I was busy with work.

When I got married, I let myself go. Eating was a new hobby. I love to shop for t-shirts and baggy pants to hide my flabs. After 3 kids, I hated the way I looked. I envied those who could don beautiful dresses. I was 84kg in February - chubby, flabs everywhere and to sum it up I was fat. I was worried..dead worried about my health state. I have 3 very active young children and I have to keep up with their stamina. Furthermore, I can't fit into my favourite jeans. I shared my affliction with BFF, Val. She said "Let's sign up for gym". And yes I did (Val didn't sign up - yet. I guess it's easier for her to maintain her slim figure) . The few days were the hardest. I was so tired. But after 3 days of working out, I was full of energy. I woke up 5am every morning and feeling refreshed. Then people started to notice. That's my real motivation.

March 2009 December 2009

To date, I weigh 66kg.
I have another kilo to kill.
It feels great to receive nothing but praises.
I have not been working out for 3 months now.
I just focus on what I eat.
Watching Biggest Loser is part of the motivation as well.
The best part about losing weight is that I could shop for clothes!
For those who wants to lose weight, IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU!!!!!!!!

Looking back - 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:34:00 +0000

My reflections of 2009.

January - The Norsaters came to visit. Martin & Carolyn were in town with their son, Ryan. It was good to see them. Also, the month of January is also the month of many birthday babies. Stanley Peter, Andrew Liew, Roy Nadzrie, Osmand Danny to name a few. Andrew invited us to their birthday dinner at Dowish Restaurant. It was great to see everyone there.

February - My BFF, Tinaka's baby girl, Izara Hanne was born on the 8 February. This month also seeing my friend, Saharom Salim got engaged to my colleague, Efarina @ Pam on the 14rh of February. Enrolled my big fat ass into a gym at month end.

March - My birthday coincides with World Women's Day. I also share my birthday with Vera Biusing, Nicholas Spiji, the late uncle Johnny Bosuin and the latest I know, Sharma D. Pillai. Cool! In this month, I lost a colleague in a tragic road accident. May your soul rest in peace Stanley Kuansin. And I got inked! I was in KL for MATTA Fair.

April - Hubby's birthday.

May - We celebrated JFF (Jaua Family Foundation) Mother's Day at my parents' house. I was in charge of the goodie bags. Had so much fun looking for the perfect combo to be put in the bags. Also, its the month of Kaamatan. This year, my parents in law hosted the Lajangan's Family Kaamatan Gathering. It was a blast.

June - My mum's birthday. I did the planning with my siblings as mum turns 55. It was supposed to be a dinner (since bro Ian couldn't come back due to work) and Girl has to go back to the hostel. But dad insisted having it at home. Ordered cake and cuppies from Anies. Perfecto! Also, hubby and I went for our much needed vacation in Bali, Indonesia! We want to go back! So much fun. We spent one night in KL before returning home.

July - After coming back from Bali, I went to Penang for work purpose. Enjoyed the food very much. Not doing any good to the weighing scale though. Tina & James got engaged. JFF Father's Day hosted by uncle Pius Jaua. As usual my task is to look for goodie bags for the gentlemen. Attended the Sabah Environmental Night.

August - SIL, Tina and James got married. Family retreat at Nexus Karambunai. It has been our family's annual do. Nexus is great for family vacation. Kids love the place.

September - My cousin's Sheila got engaged. We stayed the night at Keningau and returned to KK the next day. I also attended the SBG night at Imperial International. Hopefully, next year will be better. Our first visit to MV Doulos! Also, I started my baking.

October - My only sister's birthday and my youngest brother's convocation. Also, hubby and I went to Thailand! Selina's 4th Birthday.

November - Sean turns 5 years old. Went to Brunei for work purpose. Blog on hiatus mode (again!)

December - I'd say it was the busiest month of the year. Stayed at Grand Borneo for a night just to enjoy the Christmas shopping but having kids with you the shopping part has to be scraped off and focused on the kids demands. The arrival of Christian Alliano James Paran. Christmas gathering at Kepayan, JFF and Spiji's. Wedding of Ben & Emelda at Tambunan. Our 8th year wedding anniversary on the 28th Dec. Shayna's birthday party on the 30th Dec. I told you I was busy.

I hope 2010 brings better wealth and health with God's willing.

A brand new year

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Happy New Year to all of you!
May this year offers better wealth and good health.
May God bless all of you!

New Arrival - Christian Alliano James Paran

noreply@blogger.com (Just plain Sharon) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:33:00 +0000

Introducing our new nephew, Christian Alliano.
First cousin of Sean, Selina & Shayna.
The proud parents are Charlene Christina Tahing & James Paran.
Born on the 16 December 2009 at Hospital Likas.
Congrats to Tina & James.