Internet problems

You don't know desperate I was. The internet connection was down since yesterday morning and DH and myself couldn't get much done. He spent 2 hours in the computer shop trying to identify the problem. Did all the testings on the router, found out that the router was faulty, tried to configure new router, called Telekom to settle some connection issues and finally, back home.

Then, to his frustration, it didn't work at home even tho it was working in the computer shop. Spent some more time calling TM Net, talked to few agents, did some troubleshooting and all that took up few more hours.

Finally, a report could be lodged. Just to let you guys know: TM Net would not allow you to lodge a report which means get a technician over unless all efforts were proven futile. Be prepared to waste few hours before they accept your request for a technician.

Internet connection failure

If you spend more than 12 hours on the Net everyday, how will it feel if you can’t access to it at all for a day or two? I must admit that it is a struggle unless I am on a vacation and am mentally prepared not to be connected for a while.

This morning, I woke up to discover that the internet connection is down. Usually this will last only for a short few hours but today, it is taking longer than usual. We called the telephone company and spent hours trying to fix the problem. Finally, we found out that it could be a problem with the port.

Alex and myself have been staring at each other wondering when is this problem going to be fixed. We have been so dependent on the internet that a hiccup like this is affecting our routine and way of life. We ask each other if this is healthy, if we should be getting anxious over an internet connection failure.

This is when we realize that we have become so dependent on technology, so much so that our lives revolve around what is going on in the worldwide web. We can only hope that the line be fixed by tomorrow. We have so much to do before leaving for Singapore on Thursday.

What about you? Is your life also revolved around the WWW?

shoes and more shoes!

Is anyone a fan of Birkenstock? I think I'm becoming one - hehe.

After being told that I can buy them cheaper online, I check out out footshopping.com right away. This is a german online store but surprisingly, the shoes are cheaper than what we get in the retail shops in Singapore and M'sia. My Dorian is only S$102 whereas I paid RM319 in the shop - RM84 difference leh!

Anyways, I really adore the Heidi Klum collection, and you can guess that it's at celebrity pricing too... there are Heidi Klum by Birkenstock and Heidi Klum by Papillio. And yes, Papillio is lovely too... and if you have small feet, shoes can be cheaper :)

Here are some cool looking ones...

these are Wall of Kiss...



this is my crave... Heidi Klum by Papillio...

school starts today!

Clayton has gone back to school - yay! I was worried that he wasn't going to go cos he kept saying 'I don't want'. I walked him to school today our car was still stuck in the workshop. When he arrived the entrance, he graciously shook hands with the greeting teacher on duty and walked up the stairs on his own with his backpack... so sweet.

Once again, I waved good bye and as I watched him walked up the stairs, I couldn't help but tell myself that he has grown up. I remembered he used to make sure he sat down with him for a good 15 mins before I could head home. Now, he is independent and walks confidently to class.

How can I not adore this boy?

no car, no dinner

So nice... Clayton is asleep early and I can finally sit down and do some stuff. Our car is stucked in the workshop for major servicing as dh had missed more than 4 service schedule. I'm still thinking how to get Clayton to school tomorrow, looks like one of us has to walk him. So tonight, there is no dinner on the table since we had a heavy lunch at SOHO with Dexter and Kim, and it's not convenient to grab food outside with the heavy rain.

I had corn and sweet potato, thought I might as well go easy with my diet during this detox period. I'm feeling good and can't wait to get a new set of enema kit tomorrow. Oh dear, probably not since we haven't got a car - arrggrhhh...

returning to education

It is common for working professionals to return to the academic field after working for a few years. I have a few friends who are pursuing their MBAs while holding to their full time jobs. It is tough attending classes in the evening with commitments at their full time work plus family. My girl friend, Liza, have been keen to further their education while still being home to her children.

Since Capella University is a full fledged online University who offers a wide array of courses including business, IT, human resource in graduate and bachelor's degree, I should suggest that she takes a look at their established programs. It is understood that the Uni has more than 17,900 students all across 50 states internationally in 56 countries. With that reputation, I believe she can be rest assured that her academic goals can be realized through the reliable support network the Uni provides.

Uploading your video into youtube in a flash

Vedis asks me to make a point detailing the steps to creating a video. Honestly, Vedis, I'm no expert, in fact, I'm still wondering how to create a better one with better resolution as you may notice that the image on my youtube video is often distorted or not synchronized.

Anyway, the easiest is to get a webcam - you can buy an external one or some labtops these days are equipped with built-in webcam. Youtube allows you to do a quick capture via the webcam in your computer and all you need to do is to follow the instructions on the screen.

Alternatively, record your video using digital camera. Upload it via youtube via the 'Upload video' function. It usually takes minutes to see your uploaded video, depending on the size of the file and how long is your video. Once uploaded, just copy the embedded code and paste into your blog post.

That's it, Vedis - no magic lah... told you, I'm no expert :)

Jonathan

Mary anne, my cousin from Orange County was telling me about Jonathan's progress in school in the last one year. He is outspoken, very good in his speech for a 4.5 year old and developing an interest in Science, Art and Math subjects. Mary anne is keen to send him to Score learning center as she has been told that the Math Tutors provides creativity in their teaching methods, thus foster a conducive and cheerful learning environment for all the children. As Math isn't a subject that is easy for some kids, the tutors are trained to encourage and instill the joy and fun of learning the subject using the Score teaching methods. Knowing my intelligent nephew, he will look forward to be enrol in the center and I look forward to hear more good reports of him.

saying NO to travel contribution

After much careful consideration, I have decided not to take up the guest blogging job for the online travel review site. I read the terms in the contract and they were unfavourable and unacceptable. What I cannot agree is that the content will become the works of the company and the blogger (ME) is to transfer and assign the copyrights to the company. Besides, the blogger (ME) must agree to hand over the content of the posts and articles created.

Why should I release my copyrights just because I'm paid a small amount per post? The content in my blog should be MINE even though I am paid cos it is in my blog. I paid for the hosting - hello? I write paid posts and the content is mine :)

Anyways, the contract is far too complicated for a small writing task like this - not worth my time :) I rather spend my time on blogging, paid posts, building my blogs and social networking.

Claire is blessed

My friends, Andrew and Sharon, together with their pretty daughter, Claire just got back from Japan yesterday night. Claire is truly a blessed girl. At the age of four, she has already been to Disney in Paris and Disney in Japan. I believe her parents will take her to Orlando in their next vacation!

How can she not enjoy the four theme parks in Disney World? While she has her share of fun in Disney theme parks, Andrew and Sharon can enjoy the rides in Universal Studios and enjoy some night entertainment. What I should alert them is that they can get discounted Disney tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com and actually, they should just get “Disney Magic Your Way” where they can choose from one to ten days. This is cheaper and more convenient as the pass allows multiple visits during that period. Knowing Andrew, he will go for this good deal. All I can say is Claire is so blessed...

Jesus amazes me

Woke up this morning in time to go to church. Clayton is all excited about Sunday school and I am glad that he will stay in the toddlers' class without having me by his side.

We had a guest speaker, Dr Sam Firina, who preached a simple but enlightening message. Sometimes, I miss simple messages like this one, it can be tiring trying to digest those point 1 -8 principles. So it's the good old gospel that Jesus amazes me - He saves, heals and forgives. He still opens blind eyes and touch lives like He did 2,000 years ago. What a simple message of Jesus still amazes...

medical card scanner

I am due for my medical check-up and honestly, I'm still trying to find time to do it. It's one of those things that I tend to procrastinate - yes, I shouldn't, I know :)

Actually, as I was searching for my medical insurance card, I came to know about a medical card scanner, Medicscan which can capture any medical insurance card (both sides) accurately into the system. After that, it can be saved and placed into the patient's medical profile and be saved into the system. This is great especially when you need to be admitted to a medical centre and couldn't locate your card. And since your medical insurance card is already in the system, it is easy for the nurses to do a quick check.

In fact, this userfriendly software can also be used to scan ID cards and photos. It is compact and most importantly, it scans well with crisp images.

company of good friends

We had a lovely dinner get together last Sunday with a few close couples. As usual, everyone expected DH to pick the dinner venue. He was at a loss of ideas so we ended up in a new restaurant recommended by the local papers.

It was a rainy night but we made it to the place. Just as we were trying to locate the restaurant which we thought was housed in a hotel, we found out that DH had misread the restaurant venue details.



Anyhow, we found our way to the restaurant and finally settled down to order some food. It was supposed to be Sichuan food for that night but somehow, I didn't think the food was cooked that way. The only dish worth mentioning was the Lamb Shank with lemon sauce but other than that, I wouldn't bother another visit.



But the comfort from a gathering like that was the wonderful company we had. We had great conversations on the table and I believed everyone enjoyed the evening. I was glad that the company of good friends brought more delight than satisfying the tummy.

broadway musicals

Anyone into broadway musicals? I used to work with a company who organized broadway shows like Grease, Annie, Sound of Music... etc. So this granted me the privilege of getting free tickets for the show, which was a delight as tickets to these shows weren't cheap, especially if you liked to be near the stage.

Watching broadway shows LIVE is an awesome experience - being near the music, the cast, the props... it is something everyone should experience. The thing is getting hold of tickets to popular musicals such as Grease Broadway Tickets or The Lion King Tickets can be challenging as they tend to be sold out way in advance. So another way would be to buy tickets from a ticket broker. Though it comes with a price, it is convenient and ensure a guarantee to your favourite musical.

clayton will love summer programs

I finally realized the importance of a good summer program after 2 weeks school holiday break with Clayton. He was bored and I could see that he was deprived of interaction and activities. This is when I will consider Score's Summer Program when he turns four! I know he will enjoy the active participation, stimulation, creative learning, social activities conducted during the program. At that age, his skills will improve with practice and his social interaction can be developed by a cheerful and fun environment of experienced tutors. Most importantly, it develops within him the love to learn.

men talk different stuff

Men tend to like a conversation on topics related to investment, finance, business, sports, property, digital stuff, automobiles and women!

DH likes to view display homes and new developments, he will read on all things related to real estate, which is normally not my interest. So when I came across some information on ellijay real estate this morning, he started reading and got interested in it. Since his brother lives in the bay area, they are thinking about investing in an overseas property together. It sounds like a good idea then we may have a place to stay when we travel to the US which will save us quite a fair bit on accommodations. Considering the exchange rate, the savings mean more shopping purchases for me :)

Growing teens like independence

Everytime when I get a chance to speak to parents with teenage children, they will be ranting about their teen's growing pains, challenges, peer pressure and living habits. Actually, it is even tougher to control the spending habits of teens especially if they are given access to their own savings. So it is important for parents to teach children how to be manage their finances or be wise about their spending habits starting from young. So the idea of a prepaid teen card by Payjr is a good idea as the card enables parents to transfer money to their children, track their spending habits and teach them financial management. Parents can reward their children for good grades, completed chores or special occasions by making a direct transfer to the Visa Buxx card electronically and their children will be informed via sms or email. Similarly, parents can be informed of children's spending activities that way. In a way, the card provides independence to the teens, who appreciate that respect at that age, yet they know that they are watched.

It's weekend!

A few home improvement shops have opened up in a local mall lately. This is what I like to do when I have time to kill in the mall, but sadly, I don't have that luxury these days. I love browsing through trendy knick knacks for the house or just simply adoring the minimalist furniture. I have this weakness for nice pots, vases, porcelain cutlery and anything decorative. Actually, I am rather impressed that nowadays the silk flowers and silk trees look so real. In fact, I have to touch it to tell if they are real, ever done that? Since it's weekend today, I may pop into one of the bed and bath shops to get some new tea towels for the house.

It's weekend... how are you spending it?

drug detox from home

After all that is said about natural drug detox methods in a rehab centre, I come to realize that not everyone struggling to overcome drug addiction especially those suffering from opiate addiction are willing to check in to a residential rehab centre for 30 days. Some are more private and prefer to be near family members who can lend their support while they make efforts to take charge of their lives. With that in mind, Methadone Detox is preferred by this group of patients who can fight addiction by just one doctor's visit. This detox method helps to counter the addiction of certain safe drugs such as Methadone, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Lortab, Hydrocodone, Percocet, and all Painkillers. Based on recorded case studies, this method has brought positive results and thus many sufferers to get back on their lives and be back at work again.

detox begins... totally weaned!

Today is the second day of my detox. This is the first time I'm trying this detox, quite different from the other program I did few years ago. I heard good reviews from a friend so I thought I should try.

This delayed detox was put away due to my prolonged nursing and finally, FINALLY, I can officialy declare that Clayton is weaned. So glad we both did it for that long... I almost thought i couldn't last 1 month in the beginning. The persistence had taken us far and we had developed a strong bonding during this time.

The detox seems doing me good, at least the cough in the day is reducing though the healing reaction is showing up in the night before I sleep and in the morning when I wake up. I'll talk about this detox program in more details later. *yawn*