Benefits of Being a Single Mother

Oh what benefits does a single mother gets? I come across a single mother post on this topic, that got me muse for a long while. Given a new chapter to embark on in all the sudden mode I guess everyone faced the same challenge - struggle to begin with. Being a single mother was dreadful at the begining. However god created an intelligent us to be able to adapt into new environment over the time. So here I'm, a happy single mother.

As I mentiond in my last post, there isn't a perfect situation in life, grass is always greener on the other side. When you're married you tend to wish to be single, or vice versa, when you got no children you wish to have one. To me, life is dynamic and mysterous, you don't know what's ahead of you, who knows one day you might met a prince. Well, so accept whatever come in your way. I'm not saying I strieve to be a single mother, but when it happen I try to look from the bright side. I enjoy being a Single Mother because:

1. Yes, some says raising a child single handedly is lot more easier than with both parents present. I guess it's true to certain extent, as many a times it can be the cause of divorce. So you make the call on how the child being raise and discipline and no will stay side.

2. You get to be a Single Woman yet enjoy provisioning motherhood at the same time? Today, many woman opted to raise a child without marriage, I guess they will agreed with me on this.

3. A motivation of life. Something you look forward to each day.

4. It's a success symbolic? I love the feeling of seeing your own child grown to your expectation. It's a challenge but rewarding.

5. Less complicated, your focus is on the child and child alone. A family required more attention, not to mentioned extended family.

6. Oh, most of all you get 200% loves from your child, that's most rewarding.

I love feeling the strong bond developed within, when they feel the same way, they will revert the same affetions if not more.

So that's my answer if you'd ask me.

Doubting Children

It's her birthday again, time she wonder the most, hopefully her dad will remember this day. What she didn't know was her daddy always remember this day, and Only this. Daddy, although he didn't carry himself as one, but to her, daddy is daddy no matter what had happened. She is big hearted.

When she was small she always wonder why both parents aren't stay together. She was place in parents' on alternate basis.

 

"Sometime I don't know where I'm when I wake up from bed", she said. I felt bit heartache to see what she went through. I was helpless. Really.

"Why both of you aren't staying together". Her wonder mind begun. She felt heartache to have beloved parents not be with her, altogether.

"We had many differences and we fought a lot, so it's best to separate". I answered with full of empathy.

"Can't both you just stay together, I want to see both of you together?". She rolled her eyes and beg. It does triggered the thought to jump back to the family.

"We feel that it's best to stay apart so you could live in peaceful environment". I tried to put her in the perspective that we still love her. " Plus you can still see your dad every weekend isn't it?". I try to fill her blank.

1 year later.

"See, there are many other kids in single family". We were watching movie, kids from single family lived healthily apart from missing one parent. I tried to lead her to see that she's not alone.

Soon, she realize she isn't the odd one.   

"My friend also doesn't has mother". She said when her school teacher ask about family background.

However, she still yearning to have both parents when she saw parents are around for their kids when we were out in the mall or restaurant.

"It's stressful for you to live in a chaos conditions". She keep asking me the same set of questions and I always try to reiterate what we did was the best for her.

"Not every family is happy with parents around", "In fact, when both daddy and mommy had unreconcile differences, things went bad, it going to hurt you even more. In the long run it affect you." I said. Many kids rebel as a form of protest, elude from home, stray on the street etc so I feel good that we don't keep the rotten apple.

"You're a good girl and you're always our treasure". I reassured her that we love her. 

She is fine over time, happy, cheerful, appreative.

"This statement might give bad repercussion over her undertaking of marriage". Said a friend of mine.

"Well, I told her the pros and cons, I just don't want to paint her a fairy tale story. Life is full of surprises and not ALL family will turn out bad". I said it with affirmative.

When things happen and kids have to stay apart from a parent, subject to their age, try to

1. keep the complicated adults matters from them

2. keep them emotional stable in whatever circumtances with whatever measures best

3. make them feel secure with your present, be with them all of your time as much as you can

4. Reassure them they are NOT the cause of these arguements

5. Above-all nourish them with lot of loves

Think from positive facet, separation is not the bad solution afterall. When things turn out bad, it's best to stay apart to think about the next course of action. Most importantly they are your first priority in all your undertaking.

Remember, there isn't a perfect solution but to keep the damage low.

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2012

It was my first half Marathon and I appreciate Standard Chartered KL Marathon brought me with good memory.

First and foremost, there were sufficient notifications from payment, confirmation till collection of goodies bag. Cost of this run 58 dollars come with a dry fit New Balance singlet and guide book. The guide book consist of sponsors, event orgarnizer, the route disciplines, parking, starts and finishing timeline. There were also baggage handling service, titan pacers, routes map, timing device etc. It's a comprehensive guide for runners, it was really informative.

I woke up at 5am unwillingly as I finished my drama till 4am =P. Many roads were blocked to facilitate the running track, I was bit panic as I was 15 minutes to the scheduled run time. It was drizzling. Few other cars stucked at first roadblock but I was lucky to talk through the duty policeman to break the roadblock and enter to City Parking. I drove in swiftly, it was quiet and dark. After alighted from my car, I run my way to reach the first volunteer not too far away from the parking spot as I didn't want to risk my life in this circumrances being kidnap etc. I felt a bit relieve the moment I reached the first volunteer, get the direction, I spent 5 minutes running to reach the waiting point - Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square).  Thousands of runners aggregated at the starting points eagerly to begin their GO. They were getting excited. The spirit is high and the morale are great.

I spent my time to do a little warm up at the nearby fountain whilst waiting for my friend, she were late. 6am sharp, I heard the gun shot, run has began, everyone wiggle through the pack of crowd to make their space and pace. I'm still waiting patiently. 6.15am, she finally came.

We reached water station at first 4km, plenty of drinking water and isotonic drinks. The next water station filled with banana as an energy supplementary and wet sponges. These definitely a plan from an experienced orgarnizer. Runner drink and thrown the paper cup everywhere, some literally make an effort to dump it at the prepared dustbin (Impressive!), as a matter of courtesy I think everyone should do the same.

There isn't anything special whilst running, it can be kind of plain except you see funny messages on the shirts of runners. Some "Run for Carina", "Run for Diabetes", some wore funny costume with angel wings (This is awesome!). I especially mark color shirt as my pace, I move on to another once I over take them (smart huh!). It was quite fun actually when you reach a certain "target". The run comfort by a "cool zone" with mist diffused from a synthetic tunner, cool facility indeed!

There were distance board at almost every other 1.5km for half and full marathon runner. I love to see these boards as it reminds me that I'm 1 mile ahead, each mile passes like an energy booster to push me run at my greatest strength. I never run out of breath nor too tired as I did at my own pace and enjoy myself. My recovering time was max three days,  and I'm glad that I did 2 months training relentlessly.  

The most remarkable scene of my entire run was there were many cheering volunteers station at 1km before the finishing line. Some interesting cheers like "Run faster my hand is tired", "Tired legs are Sexy" and many more.

"What's on my head the moment I reached the finishing line?" I told myself no more running for the next 6 months LOL.

Nevertheless, I felt so proud to have joint the 28,000 participants Marathon.

What's my ranking?

"Your ranking is 778 from a total of 1290 participants in the Honda Half Marathon Women Open category"

"Thank you" 

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2012 ^^

Healthy Lifestyle

I noticed a change in my body figure one day and I thought it was my second puberty ==". I didn't take much notes until my weight gain gradually, my complexion getting worse and skin feeling drier....it's health alerting. So if you noticed put on weight lately or have been putting on weight past few years. It's a sign of aging, in another word, your metabolism strength has gone down or weak. Is this a natural process? Yes and No. It's natural process but can be overcome^^. Essentially this post isn't proposing new remedy but merely a Reminder.

Let me bring you back when you were 8, puberty begins. Your parents fed you with meals on time, plenty of nutritious food supply, ensure sufficient sleeps, imparted healthy and positive mindset, keep you regular outdoor activities. Your lifestyle is practically HEALTHY.

Now, to live up with the stature everybody does, you work doubly hard. You offset regular meals, rest/sleeps, excercises for material desires. On top of these, STRESS aggravates the situation. I don't delved into Stress Management here. So let's see what all these unhealthy life style and stresses led to an unhealthy you. Often time you feel fatigue everyday, more rest/sleep is demanded however never satisfy your needs, health begins to deteriot and illness starts kicking in. Let's don' talk about illness, gaining weight is already a signal of your health condition. Don't accept Aging as a natural process, in fact we need to defy the human reproduce process - To Live Younger each day.

So your choice of taking care of your health or wealth. If you chose to manage your health, read on, otherwise, close this window by all means.

1. Check your Internal Organ Age. You could find it with Herbal Live or any other health care centre could provide. The result reveals whether your Organs are healthy.

2. Stress-Free. Take challenges positively and keep things easy. Smile away when your emotions being challenged.

3. Be happy. Treat yourself well and reward good.

4. Balance Diet. I'm sure you remember what you ate when you were ....8.

5. Drink plenty of water min. 2 litres a day on top of any soda and fancy drinks. Water is still the best for your health.

 

Tupperware 2 Litres Tumbler

6. Eat plenty of fruits daily, self made fresh juices is ideal no sugar added and 100% fresh fruits. I opted for self made Citrus Fruits. ^^

7. Take necessary supplements.  

8. Have enough of sleep and rest 6-8 hours a day.

9. Regular exercise.

"Aiyo, too many things-lah" . I can understand if you find it dreadful because I felt the same way. Essentially, healthy lifestyle is very much about Habit, thus adding one element at a time will lead to a healthier you. Simple steps to begin with:

1. Don't embark everything at one go but one at a time.

2. Set your mindset to a "Healthy Me", where there's a will there's a way. It's a bit cliche but works all the time.

3. Take on one element at a time. Once you're comfortable move on to another.

Above all are common elements of heathy lifestyle but do notes Healthy means glowing and radiant. So ladies and gentlmen, Stay Healthy Stay Young and Stay Slim. 

Did I tell you how to stay slim? hmm..essentially, when you stay healthy, you will be able to revert to your figure before. If not, look out for my next post "Stay Slim".

Half Marathon

Standard Chartered KL Marathon, I touched the dot at 3:11 (Oh 'kiasu' a bit I started 13 mins after race was started, so technically my finished time is 2:58). Though it never been as good as those veterans which finished at 1: 39,  but I'm happy with my own result. Based on Marathon guideline, I think I meet the Moderate category. If you are Half Marathon Beginer or doing a long run, I hope my post help.

I've been to few short runs like 10/12km in the past and I always amazed with people could do half or full race. "Xiao" (it's Hokkien dialect means Crazy) Right? Their stamina and cardiology must be damn strong to take their body through such a long distance! Whilst your physical able to cope with the distance, psychologically (you noticed I always consider these both ends when coping with challenges), you need to overcome the plain long journey. So I never thought of I would even consider to participate...until one day (Yes-lah, that one day).

So this was my first half-marathon race, I was lack of confidence however I went ahead. You know again the Faith thing brought me through all hurdles for this race. My preparation involve 3 easy steps Research-Feedback-Do it.

Objective

There are plenty training schedule you could find from internet, get a schedule which is achievable. To prepare for half marathon I thought I must be able to do 10km or so and I was quite upset that I couldn't meet the training criteria (Later I found that those training schedule are meant for those who prepare to score at top ten category). So again, determine your objective. To me, I just want to overcome what I always wanted to do (Shrugs).

Benefits

Do you even know why do we stretch our body strength or even putting a test on our mental limits?  It able to increase strength, stoicsm and confidence are areas that reap by Marathon runner. It also teach your body to make use from fat storage in the event glycogen are depleting (good news to women!!).

Training

If you hardly excercise like me, to start off with regular exercise is fairly tough, at time you tend to lapse. I need to juggle time in between time for TT and training, at time I need to comfort her before I proceed for training in gymnasium at my club house. However once the target is set, I will spent my best endeavour without looking back (Scoff).

My training was fairly simple. I did 2-5km run each time on every alternate day. Simple right? You never have to train like  10-15km (non-stop). Hehe. Well. If you're a non-atheletes, run at own pace. Having said that 2-5km non-stop is a tough chore for a person who hardly exercise! Throughout 2 months training, below are my findings:

 

1. Never wear too many clothes as it might trap the heat in your body resulted slowing down your pace. I don't wear cap, towel or even wrist bands. I wear only sleeveless top and short pants.

2. Stretch first before and after training. Legs stretching is utmost important, it helps to relax your muscles. Relax muscle improved agility thus avoid cramp. i.e. when you need to increase speed.

3. Push yourself as much but not over limit. Back to your objective, do you want to run for fun or to the top. 1km non-stop was quite good as a starter, I later pushed to 4km and that's the max I could do.



               

               After a strenous work out ..

4. Go on a speed you could afford. I begin speed at 5.6 (treadmill) ends at 8.2 (treadmill). Never start off too fast each of your training

5. Breathing is very important. You start panting your heart rate reaches the maximum limit. It didn't take too long to find out that when you've long exhale and short inhale. A regular breathe in and out help to sustain a longer run. So take a deep breath when you're about to out of breath.

6. Do a bit of swimming help to improve your cardiology

7. Remember to stretch before and after exercise longer possible. Stretch means you  feeling real pull at your muscle.

 8. Get a running buddy, that help you with regular execise and keep up with your momentum. Below is my running buddy - Catherine Chong. She went half Marathon after the first time! Incredible woman, single and available (Grins). I also thank her for "teman" me into this crazy race!!

After many rounds of training and the never give up spirit, we made it!! Bravo!!~~

Preparing before Marathon

1. No training a day before the actual run

2. Eat plenty of carbohydrates as reserve for long run

3. Have light food and liquid before running

4. Avoid too much of water or food to avoid visiting toilet

5. Get some tight fitting or with high support running pants if budget is allowed

During the Marathon

1.  During moderate water and carbonated at each station. Remember you need to replenish what you've lost. But I drink mostly water.

2. Sponge up if need to. That will help to reduce the heat.

3. other than that, make use of what you've learnt from your training!! Breathing technique & speed management!!

 Give yourself some fire "Fighting!"

...............................................................and with that, I managed to get a satisfactory position. End of the day, I recover muscle sores within 3 days.

Travelling with Kids

Single mother travelling can be quite an uphill task, not to mention if this is your first time. I brought her to Universal Studio, Singapore with my family, she was happy and that's my goal. Simple.

The true challenge arise when I decided to go on trip with her alone, for the first time we traveled by only two of us. I was quite skeptical about Cambodia as it's  new and doesn't appeared "safe" to me, so it's a challenge to go without other adults along. However I was kind of fascinated towards the Angkor Wat where "Tomb Raider" took place ( I later found that it actually took place in another temple, can't recall the name). After a few research and feedback from a Globetrotter, it become more appealing to me so I went ahead for booking which cost me about RM1800 for two persons in a 4 star hotel (why do I spell out the cost and the hotel rating? Read more).

So you must be amazed how do I travel with a kid, Alone. Usually, travelling alone perceived as unsafe, needless to say taking a kid with you amidst travelling in such chaotic country? Well, I must say I'm excellent. My travelling preparation was parfait, at least I never felt lacking during my whole trip including my kid, she was 9 back then, our travelling was comfy and no complaints since things needed are intact. I summarise my ground preparation as follow:

Get Ready

Taking care of a child single handedly is already an arduous task, so don't over stress yourself, if you're not ready to travel with child, push it to another year. As for me I begin our travelling plan starting only from her 8th. Three reasons: She able to comprehend things surrounding her, she can appreciate travelling of course she can be independent. Remember travelling can be quite hectic when you need to keep an eye for your luggage, personal belongins on top of supervising them. Children can be super active and careless, so to avoid tragedy e.g gone missing, make sure you're mentally & physically prepared.

Set your Expectation

Expectation is the foundation for you to begin with, so no one will be disappointed at the end.You must determine whether the trip is meant for her or yourself, If this is a trip for her there must be places which interest her because her happiness is your ultimate goal. Nothing comes free, I impose certain conditions before she could go travelling i.e. Score well in her study. It doesn't really work though but will figure out something else.

Set your Objectives

Set your objectives right whether it's meant for leisure or fun or educational. Although many of my friends objected this trip (Siem Reap) as it's  historical places where doesn't appeal to kid unlike theme park, funfair but I think otherwise. I prefer her to learn something out of the trip. So to trigger her interest I use an angle which she could relate to - "Tomb Raider" online game. I do tell her bit of history and the background of the place we're visiting, I also googled her some pictures and the game she could relate on. Needless to day, those weren't interest her. But at least you did, children may not show a lot of interest there and then, but if you wish to instill her with interest in history perhaps you need to start somewhere. Whatever it's set your objectives right.

Set your Budget

As I was quite sceptical towards a third world country, I booked a package which includes accommodation and tickets. Along with this, I get recommended hotel. I chose a higher rate hotel as I wanted her to stay comfortably and feeling safe. Though I find the package I got from AirAsiaGo Travel was quite good as compared to booking it separately, it was considered EX!! Gosh! With the rate I'm paying I could travel to Japan!! Well. So I learnt, to save money, book 6 months ahead is essential. Travelling to Seam Reap can be as low as RM 750 for 2 persons!! Tricks are book ticket during Air Asia big sales and stay in hostel!

Research around or get in touch with these Globetrotter might save you more money on tour and transportation. I spent USD30 a day as transportation and tour guide fee other than entrance fee. In a nutshell, it's truly cost saving!

Set your Itinerary

Researched the places to visit before embarking to ensure I've optimised my stays filled with places i wanted to go. For this trip, we spent a day to visit Orphanages and Floating Village, it's an educational trip I planned to. She gets to learn about unfortunate one and conditions of living. Trust me, she was amazed with what she had seen and she became more appreciative of what she's getting! We went historical temples in Siem Reap on day two.

Packing

This is most essential element in your entire planning, you'll get dampen when your packing isn't complete with necessary items. To play safe, I use the L size luggage. Good preparations for us include...

1. luggage. Got ready my luggage starting from the weekend so i have buffer for a must item.

2. clothing. (researched from Internet) to ensure comfy travel including in airplane and on site

3. shoes. for a long walk, at least she never complaint:)

4. medicine. to spare in case of discomfort resulted from the weather/food

5. cosmetic. of course to make sure I look good in the photos,

6. toiletries. to make sure my daily washed items are equipped

7. skin care. to make sure I've necessary treatment resulted from exposing under the sun, so i must got ready with water mask and sunblock.

8. Accessories.s like hairband, clip & hair accessories mostly for the little one

9. snacks. for orphanages visiting

10. Phone and camera chargers. to avoid battery turn flat

11. Books. make sure she isn't bored on the plane

12. Food. on the airplane

Anyways, she look forward and excited to go on a trip. She couldn't sleep on the night before and she woke up early for preparation. Surprisingly she was quite independent in airport from check-in to boarding. Below are some pictures taken in airport. Although we lose all the pictures taken in Siem Reap but memories live in our mind even stronger:)

 

3.30am arriving at airport - her mischievous look.....

6.30am in airplane, she was excited

Time Management

Cited my previous post about Time Management, a single mother's time does a contraint to an extend. Whilst I take things positively, there are time negativity took place, I do have my shortcoming.

Juggling between child care and career already taking a toll on my time & energy, not to forget running errands/house related matter. Remember I shared about priotization? I tried to make other things efficient possible include making inquiries to call centre. Here is the story.

Since New policy imposed by JMB members, all pedestrian required to get an access card to walk in/out property compound. To ensure complete the application within a trip, I made a phone call to management office.

" What do I need to provide to apply an access card?"

" Fill up the form, 50 dollar deposit and a passport size photo." He said.

"Is that all?" I need a confirmation. The management office open at 9am, to process a card I need to call late to work which I felt reluctant to if unnecessary. In this case, I would make once.

"Yes" He said.

" Are you sure is that all? " I double confirm again and he said yes.

I happily walk into management office with the require items. Then he asked for my Identification Card (ID), obviously he needs to prove that this application is approved by property Owner, however I left my wallet at home, he suggested to resubmit. I felt bit unhappy as he didn't mention over the phone, nevertheless ID is something I should brought with me at all time, so I told him will fax over even though I didn't have confident that he could handle the fax document, God know if he able to match against which application? well).

Anyways, I didn't make it to faxing over as I would rather ensure he stapple my copy of ID into my application (see I'm such a paranoid). I drop by the management office again at 9.15am, the office was closed, obviously staff were late. Look I really feel reluctant to come to office late for unnecessary errand, in this case I compromised the second time.

The follow days, I dropped by office during a day off, only to find out the ID he requested was meant to be the applicant's not the owner (one unit eligible for 3 access cards).

He starts getting on my nerves.

I questioned him that he was obviously asking my ID when I submitted the application form for my sister and I did tell him I left my ID at home which he didn't say a thing.  But he denied. Two big mistakes he did was " Denied" and "No Apology", I got so upset and thrown tandrum at the young officer.

For so many years, I always able to keep my cool towards ignorant, inexperience, dilatory process or indolent service I encounter. What's the point of getting frustrations which good for nothing? So I always kept cool and smile away when come to things are out of my way. But ever since I embark on a single mother journey, my patient threshold has gone thinner that I can't condone those who incurred time unecessarily.

Perhaps this is single mother time constraints syndrome, juggling too many things: Child+Career+Condo+Car+Cash Single Handedly. Thus, I don't welcome unnecessary chores.

Time off. I would rather call late to take care of my child

Reminders. It's an add-on burden to have Follow UP on things which is undone

A junior once told me this:

"These people are usually fresh graduate and they can't be well verse with every processes and products offers within their finger tips". This is something everyone aware of, but how many of us could apply when you're in the situation?

Yes, I shouldn't even expect them to be resourceful, God know they can't handle critical situation acutely, they may even intimidated to seek help from senior. They are fresh graduate afterall. On another hand, think again, if they are capable/resourceful they won't be sitting in office answering inquiries.

Generally, my inquiries was to help in my next course of action which usually has to be processed during business hour, as such making such inquiries amidst the busy working day is stressful. Needless to say when they unable to provide the right answer i.e. "walk into bank to apply credit card" (does it make sense to you? when there are so many communication tools namely F.A.X or E.M.A.I.L?)

Well, when they start off with something is obviously a wrong answer, then you're doomed. Your requested to seek assistance from someone senior or a team leader are usually went to engage mode and the call back might not happened, when it happened it might be at your inconveniences! Imagine if this credit card application is important where you need to pay off something online urgently, dealing with call centre like this is truly a disaster.

I can always call again, but not to forget, many a time, the waiting line can be too long to hold on. So calling to call centre is something I always try to avoid. On the other hand, I develop following counter measures:

a. Never embark on things last minutes. Always buffer time in necessary errands/chores.

b. Give the benefit of doubt. Junior remains junior, they can't be tactful as we 're

c. Have a Kit Kat. I think that might help :) 

Disclaimer: This post is created based on personal experience and perception. It doesn't imply specifically  to anyone who provide services over counter/call centre. It's at your discreation to construe the content and the author should carry no responsibility in next endeavour. However it would be great if you drop a message here for positive lights you've learnt or resulted from this entry. lol

Unconditional Love

We went for a simulation of a jogging route after dinner around the neck of the woods. I told her I'm going for a training tomorrow morning.

"Why do you have to go running in the morning?" She doesn't like the idea of me running on the road.

"I'm participating marathon, darling". I said, trying to paint her a picture that I've an objective by doing this.

"So how far is this run will be?"

"hmm..About 4km".

"4km? So if you run back and forth, it will be 8km!!". "Yes", I said. She did enlighten me to buffer my stamina to run back! She's more deliberate than her mother. Dumb mommy==.

"You'll be thirsty!!". "I will bring my water bottle, darling"

" But you will be too tired to run back home!!" She seriously don't like the idea of me going for an outdoor run! haha.

After a while, she knew there is no way of stopping me from going for this jog, She use another tactic.

"I don't want, you'll lose weight", She said anxiously. "I want the 'fat fat' you", she said, again. She definitely worries about my safety than my weight. So cute ><

"I won't lose weight, you see my fats are still here."

"Can you get your friend to accompany you instead?", " Again, morning will be quiet", she almost cry already.

"I won't go that early, I'll make sure people starts running at that hour too." I do want her to have peace of mind and agreed upon my goal.

I can see her little mind were processing my words, for a while she didn't ask anything anymore. As we cruise passed the traffic lights.

"Make sure you don't cross the road when the light is green", She rolling her eyes and said.

 

"What time will you be going and coming back?", she asked again.

She does nagged like my mom!haha. She's so sweets.

"I will be back around 9.30?", I tried to answer every queries she had as I always do.

How do you reassure your child when you need to be away, somehow they are afraid of losing you, especially you are their the only dependence.

1. Talked to them just like a friend of yours. Show that you care about them by relating to your activity.

2. Show them you've a plan for this activity. Reassure you've a safety measure.

3. Explicit time they could expect you to come home. Allow them to manage their time.

4. Kept your promise, always. It will easier to manage their expection in the future.

5. Reassure you'll be home. Tell them how much you love them.

As child of single parent, she knew she can only depend on a parent and you can't possbily picture how strong the bonding is, especially girl. I do believe you'll received much as you give. I understand her loves to me is unconditional, too. 

I love you darling, always.

Glove Freak

I'm a glove freak. Not Michael Jackson's Glove, nor winter glove or skii's.

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TADA!!!

WASHING GLOVE!!!!  =[=

So unfashionable right? HA. Well, that's me.

Unless you don't do house chore at all, washing dishes, clothes, floor, wiping etc would required to get your "hand dirty", oh not to mention kitchen, kitchen utensil, kitchen hood & hob are nasty, and these not only get your hand wet but OILY..yerrrrr..I hate lah. Not that you can't wash away with hand soap, but the smell stays, worse still it stay at your finger nails (unless brushing it, but hello, that's too much of work isn't it?), it will went stink after sometime (what will stuck in finger nails? when you slicing onion for example). Too much of detergent sometime will also dry up your hands, I couldn't stand the detergent, there are hell for me indeed.

So I use synthetic gloves. I got gloves at every corner of my house, kitchen, bathrooms, balcony (planting). I use so many gloves therefore the 'Glove Freak'. Cooking is exeptionally mandatory!! haha. As mentioned earlier, dicing the garlic, slicing the ginger, chopping the onion would stink even after soaping. Below are gloves I use to wash bathrooms, and my dishes.

Oh I didn't upload gloves I use for planting, car washing, clothes as it's too worn out hehe. I tends to divid gloves by usage to upkeep the hygiene. The benefits of using glove keeps your cleaning more thorough as the grids help to remove the stubborn stain and the foams better than bare hands ( I don't understand some of friends tell me otherwise).

Other than above-mentioned, meat handling like pork, fish, chicken would leave your hands oily and smell too. So I use plastic type instead, it's better than the 'doctor glove', somehow. Using glove not only cleaner and smell-free, but it's safer when you need to avoid being cut by born edges (Ya, due to thorough cleaning with salt and water). Marinate it with spices would be utmost reason of using glove, you know....stink.

Well,  why am I so particular about smells on hand? First I find it gross to leave my fingers stink (yes, even after soap), it means gems are still laying comfortably, second I find it repulsive to have washing over and over again with detergent, third I don't wish to cuddle my darling nor feeling myself with smelly hands, fourth I've a habit to smell my hand from time to time (damn freakie, yah I know)

So what other occassion I use glove? Snacking. Hands on raisin, prunes, meats, anything which is gummy, oily or will gets dirty (what?!!! You're a fucking Glovie). Hate to wash hand when things came up in the middle of enjoying snacks i.e answering phone, then you continue snacking...oh well, I wonder did you wash hand after answering phone? lol.


I know I'm fucking glove freak, fine, call it out LOUD. wtf. I also use glove to eat plain loaf. hehe.  

Recommendation: Do not buy synthetic gloves from hypermarket as it can be pricked easily, it's thin, it also can be stucked when you place both sides together and breaks easily in the event of too dry. The best glove I used so far was source from hardware shop, it's thicker and durable.