I'm back from a four nights stay in Singapore and it's so good to be back again. I was delighted to spend time with my family and close friends and wished I had a little more time.
As I didn't have wifi or broadband in mom's place, I couldn't go online and it took me a while before I got my microSIM from Singtel. I figured that was the best for me cos it only cost $12 and it lasted for 3 days at unlimited usage. At least with a connection, I can check my emails, do some reading, catch up with friends and even did some online shopping.
This was a real shopping trip for me as I stocked up all my Dr Hauschka skincare for a year and I had a great time picking up some cool stuff from Womb. I can never get enough of these funky and stylish tops and bottoms and I enjoyed the specialized service I received there.
Now that I'm back, it's back to packing and more packing in the next week or so before the movers are here. Time is running out... really.
24 November, 2010
18 November, 2010
What a Crazy and Eventful Day of Repairs
This is a crazy day as I waited for the contractor to start work on the leakage on the bathroom and ceiling. Little did I expect that the leakage can be so serious and my heart sank as I found out that they needed to hack the wall.
We weren't glad that this is happening when we are out of here in less than three weeks' time. But the leakage is so serious that we can't delay the repair works. After a full day of knocking, drilling and hacking, the contractor left me with a mess in the room. Dust was everywhere and I really hated the cleaning job when I'm home alone with an active and playful boy who demands my attention. The cleaning job took me two hours before we could finally head out for dinner. With all the dust collected on my face today, I think I need to dig out my acne products in the drawer.
Now that the boy is asleep and the night is quiet, it's time for me to finish up some stuff, pack my back for our trip home and get some rest. This had been an eventful day.
We weren't glad that this is happening when we are out of here in less than three weeks' time. But the leakage is so serious that we can't delay the repair works. After a full day of knocking, drilling and hacking, the contractor left me with a mess in the room. Dust was everywhere and I really hated the cleaning job when I'm home alone with an active and playful boy who demands my attention. The cleaning job took me two hours before we could finally head out for dinner. With all the dust collected on my face today, I think I need to dig out my acne products in the drawer.
Now that the boy is asleep and the night is quiet, it's time for me to finish up some stuff, pack my back for our trip home and get some rest. This had been an eventful day.
On Weight and Losing Calories
Due to my busy schedule I have stopped my Pilates classes since August and I can't wait to resume when I settle down in Brisbane. I've been very tied up with errands, packing and chores and it's hard to find time to step out for a couple of hours.
Though I'm not oversized and neither do I have to worry about excessive weight gain, I need to constantly tone up my flabby tummy on a regular basis. My metabolic rate has since increased after becoming a parent and I don't put on weight that easily like before. I used to read up information on diets for quick weight loss when I was younger but parenting sure takes up lots of energy and uses up lots of calories.
One of the great ways to lose calories is to go shopping! And this is something my hubby doesn't quite agree! haha. I am actually considering adding a luxury watch to my small collection before the move. Then again, it's not my priority and I'll probably go for the camera upgrade first. The weekends is coming and it's going to be a great one spent in Singapore... I'll never grow tired of this homeland!
Though I'm not oversized and neither do I have to worry about excessive weight gain, I need to constantly tone up my flabby tummy on a regular basis. My metabolic rate has since increased after becoming a parent and I don't put on weight that easily like before. I used to read up information on diets for quick weight loss when I was younger but parenting sure takes up lots of energy and uses up lots of calories.
One of the great ways to lose calories is to go shopping! And this is something my hubby doesn't quite agree! haha. I am actually considering adding a luxury watch to my small collection before the move. Then again, it's not my priority and I'll probably go for the camera upgrade first. The weekends is coming and it's going to be a great one spent in Singapore... I'll never grow tired of this homeland!
Online Shopping - So convenient!
What will I do without online shopping, I sometimes wonder. Not that I shop frequently online but there are some things which can only be bought from the US and online shopping makes it possible to buy them.
In the last few years, I have been shopping for kids' apparel online and one of my favourite stores is Dpam.com. They offer free shopping with 100 euros on the bill and the clothing is a good deal when they are on sale. I have also bought vitamins and supplements online and one year, I bought a bottle of body acne wash for hubby. Online shopping tends to offer attractive discounts and you can save much with careful planning.
Perhaps I'll be shopping more online when I move down under and I heard that there are many nice local online stores to start with. Hmm... I think I'll better shift my focus to getting settled down instead of looking at the online stores!
In the last few years, I have been shopping for kids' apparel online and one of my favourite stores is Dpam.com. They offer free shopping with 100 euros on the bill and the clothing is a good deal when they are on sale. I have also bought vitamins and supplements online and one year, I bought a bottle of body acne wash for hubby. Online shopping tends to offer attractive discounts and you can save much with careful planning.
Perhaps I'll be shopping more online when I move down under and I heard that there are many nice local online stores to start with. Hmm... I think I'll better shift my focus to getting settled down instead of looking at the online stores!
Busy Schedule Before the Big Move
The clock is ticking and I'm counting down on the days to the big move to Brissy. Our last trip to Club Med was a nice one and it's now back to serious business of packing up and moving on.
I did most of my online shopping and managed to order couple of cardigan sweaters before the move. There are some beauty skincare that I wanna buy from Singapore since I know I won't be able to get them in Brisbane. Melbourne is probably the nearest city to buy them and I don't suppose I may go there in the next three months.
I'm toying with the idea of a new Nikon and the D7000 is enticing! But I would need to sell my D80 to offset the cost of the new camera! There are a few other things I would like to get before the move and it looks like the list of to-dos is never ending. What's worse is that there are some renovation works going on in the house during to a leakage and it's eating into my busy schedule!
It's now back to finishing my assignments before my final trip to Singapore before the move. I can't wait to head home again...
I did most of my online shopping and managed to order couple of cardigan sweaters before the move. There are some beauty skincare that I wanna buy from Singapore since I know I won't be able to get them in Brisbane. Melbourne is probably the nearest city to buy them and I don't suppose I may go there in the next three months.
I'm toying with the idea of a new Nikon and the D7000 is enticing! But I would need to sell my D80 to offset the cost of the new camera! There are a few other things I would like to get before the move and it looks like the list of to-dos is never ending. What's worse is that there are some renovation works going on in the house during to a leakage and it's eating into my busy schedule!
It's now back to finishing my assignments before my final trip to Singapore before the move. I can't wait to head home again...
27 October, 2010
Work at Home Mom Prepares for Brisbane
In a few weeks' time, we'll be heading to a new place and it's going to be a fresh new start for our family. I'll continue to be a work at home mom and hubby is looking forward to grow his mobile marketing business.
Everyone is asking us what we'll be doing business wise and it seems hard for anyone to understand that we can make internet business a real business. After few years of earning money from home via the internet, I know it's possible and it involves hard work too. We have tried many kinds of businesses over the years from MLM to seminar business and we find that the online business is one that will continue its growth.
Just imagine how easy and convenient it is to check information online these days. You can read nutrisystem reviews, find a solution to a health problem or search for friends on the internet! People are reunited and reconnected via Facebook - how amazing!
Many of our friends are looking to visit Brisbane since the Gold Coast is only 40 minutes drive away. Clayton's school books list is out and I'm preparing him for his new placement in COC. For now, I hope that our barang can reach us before his school starts so that we can have a complete home.
Everyone is asking us what we'll be doing business wise and it seems hard for anyone to understand that we can make internet business a real business. After few years of earning money from home via the internet, I know it's possible and it involves hard work too. We have tried many kinds of businesses over the years from MLM to seminar business and we find that the online business is one that will continue its growth.
Just imagine how easy and convenient it is to check information online these days. You can read nutrisystem reviews, find a solution to a health problem or search for friends on the internet! People are reunited and reconnected via Facebook - how amazing!
Many of our friends are looking to visit Brisbane since the Gold Coast is only 40 minutes drive away. Clayton's school books list is out and I'm preparing him for his new placement in COC. For now, I hope that our barang can reach us before his school starts so that we can have a complete home.
A Preference to Be a Work at Home mom
Is working at home considered a luxury? I think it is.I have many stay at home moms but if you ask them truly, they would prefer to work at home than to be a stay at home mom. Sometimes you get too complacent if you stay at home just to parent the kids, do housework and take care of the house, unless you are a mom of few kids.
But it's all up to an individual and for some women, they are governed by lots of circumstances and they can't choose to do what they want. My cousin has to be a stay at home mom cos her husband is often attached to an overseas posting. So she spends most of her time parenting her kids and these days, she's into online shopping. She bought from children's clothing to acne treatment cream and she was telling me how addictive that can be.
It won't be long that we'll be setting up a new home office down under and there'll be some adjustments along the way. As the australian currency continues to soar, we'll need to adjust our budget and I'm glad that our new gold business can take care of our daily needs and expenses.
Finally our seminar with Ron is here today and it's the first time I'm still sitting at home when he's on the stage speaking. Well, the fact that we have a new partner means I shouldn't get too involved and somehow, I feel that the time is right to exit the business. Moving forward, a new city with new work challenges is what I am excited about. But for now, the packing continues...
But it's all up to an individual and for some women, they are governed by lots of circumstances and they can't choose to do what they want. My cousin has to be a stay at home mom cos her husband is often attached to an overseas posting. So she spends most of her time parenting her kids and these days, she's into online shopping. She bought from children's clothing to acne treatment cream and she was telling me how addictive that can be.
It won't be long that we'll be setting up a new home office down under and there'll be some adjustments along the way. As the australian currency continues to soar, we'll need to adjust our budget and I'm glad that our new gold business can take care of our daily needs and expenses.
Finally our seminar with Ron is here today and it's the first time I'm still sitting at home when he's on the stage speaking. Well, the fact that we have a new partner means I shouldn't get too involved and somehow, I feel that the time is right to exit the business. Moving forward, a new city with new work challenges is what I am excited about. But for now, the packing continues...
26 October, 2010
Busy October
The month of October is a full one for me. There was so much going on and looking back at the past few weeks, I realized that I had done so much!
The majority of the work is on the clearing, throwing and packing of the house. After living here for almost 11 years, you can imagine how much we have accumulated. Plus the fact that I'm at work at home mom, there's alot of stuff in the home office. it took us a few days to throw things out. And we are so glad that the junk collectors have been ringing on our doorbell. This means we don't even need to call any trash truck to our place - how nice!
Then I had to organize Clayton's 6th birthday party. He had chosen to have it at the Club at Bukit Utama and this time, he invited quite a few of his school mates. We had a lovely time. The children played all afternoon and everyone loved the Bumble Bee Transformer Cake by Tracey. I was so thankful that his fever had subsided on his birthday celebration as he was down with flu, fever and cough for a few days.
This month, I had some emails requesting for diet pill reviews but I simply have no time to work on them. I think my internet business can only resume when I settle down in Brissy. It's just too much to handle at this moment.
I'm glad that I can still steal some time to finish off my facials at Jurlique and my massage sessions. These are the pampering treats I look forward to. And yes, I've booked myself to a complimentary manicure at La Mer next week! That's what life is all about amidst the busy schedule and tiring days of packing!
The majority of the work is on the clearing, throwing and packing of the house. After living here for almost 11 years, you can imagine how much we have accumulated. Plus the fact that I'm at work at home mom, there's alot of stuff in the home office. it took us a few days to throw things out. And we are so glad that the junk collectors have been ringing on our doorbell. This means we don't even need to call any trash truck to our place - how nice!
Then I had to organize Clayton's 6th birthday party. He had chosen to have it at the Club at Bukit Utama and this time, he invited quite a few of his school mates. We had a lovely time. The children played all afternoon and everyone loved the Bumble Bee Transformer Cake by Tracey. I was so thankful that his fever had subsided on his birthday celebration as he was down with flu, fever and cough for a few days.
This month, I had some emails requesting for diet pill reviews but I simply have no time to work on them. I think my internet business can only resume when I settle down in Brissy. It's just too much to handle at this moment.
I'm glad that I can still steal some time to finish off my facials at Jurlique and my massage sessions. These are the pampering treats I look forward to. And yes, I've booked myself to a complimentary manicure at La Mer next week! That's what life is all about amidst the busy schedule and tiring days of packing!
Short Updates On Sabah Trip
Oh dear, it's been a really long time since I last wrote. It's been very busy for me - parenting, packing up the house, throwing out what we don't need and earning money from home. Time seems to pass so fast everyday... it's just crazy!
I just got back from a short trip in Sabah. It was great seeing an old friend whom I knew for more than 25 years - long time. We had a wonderful time chatting, catching up and eating. Her husband and herself were so gracious in hosting us and it was great to see her grown up girls too!
We stayed for couple of nights at The Magellan Sutera Harbour. It was a great family resort with lots of activities if you have little ones. My boy was too busy in the pool and he enjoyed himself thoroughly. We had wanted to stay at the Shangrila but due to the renovations at the pool area and some public compounds, I didn't think it was a good idea. The Magellan was a great choice and the sea view was nice to have.
I didn't do any shopping during the trip cos the mall was rather pathetic. Then again, I didn't go with any intention to buy anything but to catch up with old friends. My close friend who came along with her boyfriend bought some discount jewelry and souvenirs at the markets and I guessed that was about the only shopping she did.
Now that I'm back in the home office, the packing continues and I just need to get used to the mess in and around the house! Then again, it's just another few weeks to go!
I just got back from a short trip in Sabah. It was great seeing an old friend whom I knew for more than 25 years - long time. We had a wonderful time chatting, catching up and eating. Her husband and herself were so gracious in hosting us and it was great to see her grown up girls too!
We stayed for couple of nights at The Magellan Sutera Harbour. It was a great family resort with lots of activities if you have little ones. My boy was too busy in the pool and he enjoyed himself thoroughly. We had wanted to stay at the Shangrila but due to the renovations at the pool area and some public compounds, I didn't think it was a good idea. The Magellan was a great choice and the sea view was nice to have.
I didn't do any shopping during the trip cos the mall was rather pathetic. Then again, I didn't go with any intention to buy anything but to catch up with old friends. My close friend who came along with her boyfriend bought some discount jewelry and souvenirs at the markets and I guessed that was about the only shopping she did.
Now that I'm back in the home office, the packing continues and I just need to get used to the mess in and around the house! Then again, it's just another few weeks to go!
05 October, 2010
Packing and Throwing Out
In the last few days, hubby and myself managed to pack away three boxes of clothing to be given to either the Lifezone or Salvation Army.
Many of the discarded clothing are in very good condition but after sorting out what we should keep and what we shouldn't, we decided that we should only give things that are in good condition. It's no point giving to others what's of no use to them. The thing is, after packing away three boxes, there are still more to give away. I've learned to buy wisely from now on!
My hubby was so efficient in clearing the storeroom yesterday... I was utterly impressed! He did such a good job and now, I'm left with only the little sections to pack and clear. Clayton has been doing a nice job in packing away toys he wants to give away. He is the happiest person in this packing project. This boy is about to celebrate his birthday this Saturday and he's recovering from a fever and cough.
There are a few other errands to take care off before our move. I'd need to list down those important things as DH isn't good in these family affairs. I'll probably leave him to handle some home office start up matters when we settle down in Oz but for now, I won't stress him with details. I'm thankful that the web is providing me lots of useful resource and I can even check out rental properties from where I am. Whether it's NC health insurance or any Australian healthcare info, the web has everything I need at this moment.
I'm glad that things are looking good and the packing continues right until the movers come in to help.
Many of the discarded clothing are in very good condition but after sorting out what we should keep and what we shouldn't, we decided that we should only give things that are in good condition. It's no point giving to others what's of no use to them. The thing is, after packing away three boxes, there are still more to give away. I've learned to buy wisely from now on!
My hubby was so efficient in clearing the storeroom yesterday... I was utterly impressed! He did such a good job and now, I'm left with only the little sections to pack and clear. Clayton has been doing a nice job in packing away toys he wants to give away. He is the happiest person in this packing project. This boy is about to celebrate his birthday this Saturday and he's recovering from a fever and cough.
There are a few other errands to take care off before our move. I'd need to list down those important things as DH isn't good in these family affairs. I'll probably leave him to handle some home office start up matters when we settle down in Oz but for now, I won't stress him with details. I'm thankful that the web is providing me lots of useful resource and I can even check out rental properties from where I am. Whether it's NC health insurance or any Australian healthcare info, the web has everything I need at this moment.
I'm glad that things are looking good and the packing continues right until the movers come in to help.
On the Move to Down Under
In two months' time, we should be handing over the keys and by then, everything else should be in the container. I'll then take a break from a work at home mom till we settle down in brissy. The excitement is certainly buillding.
I've been looking at realestate.com.au for rental availabilities while keeping track of rental rates. I'm praying that we'll find a good property before the new year so that we can settle down fast and have our container shipped over.
There've been lots of property seminars and talks going on this year and unfortunately these properties are usually not the cheapest in the marketplace. On the investor point of view, they seem attractive but a real investor should be looking for fire sale or better deals such as Duck foreclosures. Hubby thinks this is not a good time to invest and the prices should correct when there's another interest rate hike.
While buying a property may not be our immediate plan, it's still good to monitor the prices and do our research in the first year. By then, I'll be back as a work at home mom in our new home office and hopefully I can have a work desk facing a bushland, park or a good view.
I've been looking at realestate.com.au for rental availabilities while keeping track of rental rates. I'm praying that we'll find a good property before the new year so that we can settle down fast and have our container shipped over.
There've been lots of property seminars and talks going on this year and unfortunately these properties are usually not the cheapest in the marketplace. On the investor point of view, they seem attractive but a real investor should be looking for fire sale or better deals such as Duck foreclosures. Hubby thinks this is not a good time to invest and the prices should correct when there's another interest rate hike.
While buying a property may not be our immediate plan, it's still good to monitor the prices and do our research in the first year. By then, I'll be back as a work at home mom in our new home office and hopefully I can have a work desk facing a bushland, park or a good view.
04 October, 2010
Updates and Updates
The packing has begun and now our house and the home office is showing some mess. For the past couple of weeks, I have been juggling between parenting and work at home plus the major packing for our move.
Somehow, the spring cleaning is enjoyable as I get to throw out some old stuff and rediscover things which I didn't know I have! IT goes to show that there has been much accumulation over the last ten years and it's now time to ditch and start all over. Amidst my very busy schedule, we are spending time with friends over dinners and doing lots of catching up before leaving. It feels like yesterday that I had moved here and in two months, a new journey awaits in down under. I believe that we will enjoy Brissy and the new beginning will be a wonderful one. I am absolutely positive about the change and my heart is all ready to adapt to the new challenges.
Our seminar is leading up in three weeks' time and this is the first time I didn't make any calls to anyone about the program. Over the last six years, I have enjoyed running seminars but somehow, I'm losing the zeal and interest. It's probably because I am ready to pack and leave or it's probably time for a change. For the first time after seven years, I don't liaise with hotels, order any promotional products or talk to any clients. I do enjoy talking to my clients and it's nice to network with different people. But things are different this year!
So much for change and the new journey, I'm praying that Clayton have a speedy recovery and that he's back to his bubbly nature again. It is so tiring when a young child is ill at home....
Somehow, the spring cleaning is enjoyable as I get to throw out some old stuff and rediscover things which I didn't know I have! IT goes to show that there has been much accumulation over the last ten years and it's now time to ditch and start all over. Amidst my very busy schedule, we are spending time with friends over dinners and doing lots of catching up before leaving. It feels like yesterday that I had moved here and in two months, a new journey awaits in down under. I believe that we will enjoy Brissy and the new beginning will be a wonderful one. I am absolutely positive about the change and my heart is all ready to adapt to the new challenges.
Our seminar is leading up in three weeks' time and this is the first time I didn't make any calls to anyone about the program. Over the last six years, I have enjoyed running seminars but somehow, I'm losing the zeal and interest. It's probably because I am ready to pack and leave or it's probably time for a change. For the first time after seven years, I don't liaise with hotels, order any promotional products or talk to any clients. I do enjoy talking to my clients and it's nice to network with different people. But things are different this year!
So much for change and the new journey, I'm praying that Clayton have a speedy recovery and that he's back to his bubbly nature again. It is so tiring when a young child is ill at home....
29 September, 2010
Work at Home and Packing Up
My vacations are over and now, it's back to reality and I need to get back to work at home.In the next two months, I won't have much time for my online business except for clearing some assignments. It's good that I can still make money online and that's the dream of many stay at home mommies.
I detest the postal system here in Malaysia, simply because I can't even buy a padded envelope from the post office!! I mean, shouldn't the post office provide a one-stop shopping experience to today's customers? As such, I prefer to send online gifts to overseas friends instead of mailing a gift. First, I don't need to worry about the expensive shipping costs and next, I don't need to wait in queue to post my parcel. To those who love to shop for gifts online, check out the Sneak peak at RedEnvelope holiday sale. This is a good site if you are at a loss of what to buy for a birthday or anniversary gift. What more, you don't need to head down to the post office!
On the home front, I've started packing though the pace is slow. I need to speed up in the next few weeks so the stress is lessened. It's seems overwhelming to pack all that we have but I guess I just need to take it one step at a time. It's a good progress and I'm filled with much excitement and anticipation.
I detest the postal system here in Malaysia, simply because I can't even buy a padded envelope from the post office!! I mean, shouldn't the post office provide a one-stop shopping experience to today's customers? As such, I prefer to send online gifts to overseas friends instead of mailing a gift. First, I don't need to worry about the expensive shipping costs and next, I don't need to wait in queue to post my parcel. To those who love to shop for gifts online, check out the Sneak peak at RedEnvelope holiday sale. This is a good site if you are at a loss of what to buy for a birthday or anniversary gift. What more, you don't need to head down to the post office!
On the home front, I've started packing though the pace is slow. I need to speed up in the next few weeks so the stress is lessened. It's seems overwhelming to pack all that we have but I guess I just need to take it one step at a time. It's a good progress and I'm filled with much excitement and anticipation.
22 September, 2010
My Body Needs Exercise
I woke up this morning feeling lethargic and know that my body needs some exercise. It's been a while since I go for my Pilates classes and I truly need a good stretch.
Working at home is great as I can multi task and plan my time without worrying about traffic jams unless I need to be out running errands. I have been visiting this chinese therapy centre known as OSSO for a treatment on my neck and lower back. I can't wait to buy my new adjustable table from Archi Kids and an ergonomic chair cos my body needs them badly! A wrong table and chair can affect the posture and it isn't good if you spend so much time in the home office.
The packing has begun and though it seems slow now, it should speed up later. All these packing and chores should act as natural fat burners for me but I should still get more exercise. Staying active is good for the body and mind and it is beneficial to my health.
We are now in the third quarter of the year and it's been fun parenting and working at home though it's been a fairly busy year at home. Moving forward, I'm excited to a new life and new beginning down under.
Working at home is great as I can multi task and plan my time without worrying about traffic jams unless I need to be out running errands. I have been visiting this chinese therapy centre known as OSSO for a treatment on my neck and lower back. I can't wait to buy my new adjustable table from Archi Kids and an ergonomic chair cos my body needs them badly! A wrong table and chair can affect the posture and it isn't good if you spend so much time in the home office.
The packing has begun and though it seems slow now, it should speed up later. All these packing and chores should act as natural fat burners for me but I should still get more exercise. Staying active is good for the body and mind and it is beneficial to my health.
We are now in the third quarter of the year and it's been fun parenting and working at home though it's been a fairly busy year at home. Moving forward, I'm excited to a new life and new beginning down under.
21 September, 2010
Packing Time for the Work at Home Mom
Due to my extensive travels in the last three weeks, I can see that my skin isn't behaving the way it used to be! It looks like I would need to take time off for a good facial! That's a pampering treat for a work at home mom - facial therapies and a good massage!
From now, I will be busy with packing with for the move in December. I'm glad we had ordered our furniture and now, it's time to start the packing. With less than three months left, I should start throwing out the things we don't want and reduce the clutter little by little.
I was looking at my drawer full of skincare products and I would need to pack them in a designated box for the movers. In the drawer was some best acne products sent to me some time back and I should put them to good use. Then there are racks of clothing to clear - some to be given and some to be packed for shipping.
I'm glad that things are moving along well and the flexible schedule wouldn't be possible if I'm not working from home. So it's part time work for me now until I settle down in Oz.
From now, I will be busy with packing with for the move in December. I'm glad we had ordered our furniture and now, it's time to start the packing. With less than three months left, I should start throwing out the things we don't want and reduce the clutter little by little.
I was looking at my drawer full of skincare products and I would need to pack them in a designated box for the movers. In the drawer was some best acne products sent to me some time back and I should put them to good use. Then there are racks of clothing to clear - some to be given and some to be packed for shipping.
I'm glad that things are moving along well and the flexible schedule wouldn't be possible if I'm not working from home. So it's part time work for me now until I settle down in Oz.
Back from Hanoi and Back to Work at Home
After being away on and off for three weeks, I'm glad to settle down back home and resume my work at home mom duties. It's been great being on trips with the family but I'm happy to get on to the serious stuff now!
Our trip to Hanoi was an eye opener and I've finally seen this busy city with my own eyes. I finally understood why my friend took half hour just to cross the busy streets in Old Quarter and it took me a while to cross the roads too - with some anxiety of course.
Personally I didn't enjoy Hanoi on the first day as the city was fairly polluted, very warm and humid. But it got better on the subsequent days. We stayed the Hanoi Elegance 5 and the service was impeccable. There is free wifi access so I could do my work in the night. There were some assignments to complete and with the laptop in the room, I could work without any interruption. I even did some surfing for a friend who was looking for some dieting stuff. (see www.lleucine.org)
Our trip to halong bay was the best in the trip and it was nice cruising in the Violet cruise. The suite was gorgeous and the view was fantastic. If only the weather was cooler, I could sit on the balcony while enjoying the view of the bay. It is no wonder why it had been awarded the UNESCO heritage site title.
With Hanoi ending our Asia escapades, it's time for the work at home mom to get back to the busy planning of the big move and finishing up the assignments for the week.
Our trip to Hanoi was an eye opener and I've finally seen this busy city with my own eyes. I finally understood why my friend took half hour just to cross the busy streets in Old Quarter and it took me a while to cross the roads too - with some anxiety of course.
Personally I didn't enjoy Hanoi on the first day as the city was fairly polluted, very warm and humid. But it got better on the subsequent days. We stayed the Hanoi Elegance 5 and the service was impeccable. There is free wifi access so I could do my work in the night. There were some assignments to complete and with the laptop in the room, I could work without any interruption. I even did some surfing for a friend who was looking for some dieting stuff. (see www.lleucine.org)
Our trip to halong bay was the best in the trip and it was nice cruising in the Violet cruise. The suite was gorgeous and the view was fantastic. If only the weather was cooler, I could sit on the balcony while enjoying the view of the bay. It is no wonder why it had been awarded the UNESCO heritage site title.
With Hanoi ending our Asia escapades, it's time for the work at home mom to get back to the busy planning of the big move and finishing up the assignments for the week.
16 September, 2010
Work at Home on Parenting and Teachers
Just a few days ago, my son told me that he didn't want to attend Gym and Sports class in his ASP and that got me curious. Being a work at home mom I do my best to spend time communicating with him and get him to talk about his problems if any.
He told me that his gym and sports teacher will leave him in the class by himself after dismissal which served as a disciplinary action. While I have no problems with teachers discipling my child, I didn't think it would be right to create that sort of fear, anxiety and phobia in a child. That act had not taught him anything except inducing fear. Sometimes it's hard to explain to a child the good intentions as they may be too young to understand. Yet, many teachers will think that creating fear in children is the way to get them to respect authority. That is the militarian way of teaching.
As parents, we do our best to set examples for our children. It's like, adults should not swear in front of kids and reserve their cigars beind closed doors. Children learn by example and it takes efforts to earn their respect and honor.
I hope that that teacher who did that to my son will rethink his methods and not carry any ill intention or biasness towards him. Now, my boy is still saying he isn't going to attention gym and sports and I need to think of a way to coax him otherwise.
He told me that his gym and sports teacher will leave him in the class by himself after dismissal which served as a disciplinary action. While I have no problems with teachers discipling my child, I didn't think it would be right to create that sort of fear, anxiety and phobia in a child. That act had not taught him anything except inducing fear. Sometimes it's hard to explain to a child the good intentions as they may be too young to understand. Yet, many teachers will think that creating fear in children is the way to get them to respect authority. That is the militarian way of teaching.
As parents, we do our best to set examples for our children. It's like, adults should not swear in front of kids and reserve their cigars beind closed doors. Children learn by example and it takes efforts to earn their respect and honor.
I hope that that teacher who did that to my son will rethink his methods and not carry any ill intention or biasness towards him. Now, my boy is still saying he isn't going to attention gym and sports and I need to think of a way to coax him otherwise.
Looking forward to Hanoi Cooking Class
I was told that the labour costs here in Vietnam is low. Therefore, it explains why things are cheaper and you can find quality clothing and accessories at good prices.
Honestly, after doing a walk in several streets, I find that this doesn't seem to be a good place to shop. I do agree that the silk is of good quality but the design of the clothing seems a little loud or out of fashion. Or maybe it's just not my type. I was looking for something simpler, more trendy or contemporary. But navigating through the streets in the polluted air wasn't so nice for my eyes. I can see that unemployment is a problem here and perhaps many have gotten construction employment in the outskirts.
Hanoi cooking class will be a good break and we'll be spending half a day with the Hanoikids. I read wonderful reviews about Hanoikids tour and am excited to learn more about Hanoi from these team members. Tomorrow will be a good day... let's hope that Clayton is a good partner in the cooking class too!
Honestly, after doing a walk in several streets, I find that this doesn't seem to be a good place to shop. I do agree that the silk is of good quality but the design of the clothing seems a little loud or out of fashion. Or maybe it's just not my type. I was looking for something simpler, more trendy or contemporary. But navigating through the streets in the polluted air wasn't so nice for my eyes. I can see that unemployment is a problem here and perhaps many have gotten construction employment in the outskirts.
Hanoi cooking class will be a good break and we'll be spending half a day with the Hanoikids. I read wonderful reviews about Hanoikids tour and am excited to learn more about Hanoi from these team members. Tomorrow will be a good day... let's hope that Clayton is a good partner in the cooking class too!
First Day in Hanoi
Early this year, we discussed about our family vacations and hubby expressed his desire to visit Bali and Vietnam before our big move. So we have decided to maximize all the public holidays in this country and take few short trips this year.
This is probably our last overseas trip before moving to Oz and the last stop is Hanoi. I mean, we have heard much about this very busy city but never seen it with our own eyes. Well, we did today. We arrived in Hanoi on time and was soon taken to our boutique hotel by a private car. The check in was smooth and the service was impeccable. I couldn't asked for more.
We did an hour of cyclo tour and it provided great insight of what Old Quarter was like. It truly was busy! We won't too used to the busy scooters and cars and the disorder! There are all kinds of shops in the Old Quarter selling all sorts of things, from horse tack to shoes to mats to household accessories. But somehow I find that they were in a big mess and the busy traffic made it hard to shop around.
So that was my impression of Hanoi on our first day. We'll see how it goes tomorrow... I'm sure Hanoi Cooking Class will be fun.
This is probably our last overseas trip before moving to Oz and the last stop is Hanoi. I mean, we have heard much about this very busy city but never seen it with our own eyes. Well, we did today. We arrived in Hanoi on time and was soon taken to our boutique hotel by a private car. The check in was smooth and the service was impeccable. I couldn't asked for more.
We did an hour of cyclo tour and it provided great insight of what Old Quarter was like. It truly was busy! We won't too used to the busy scooters and cars and the disorder! There are all kinds of shops in the Old Quarter selling all sorts of things, from horse tack to shoes to mats to household accessories. But somehow I find that they were in a big mess and the busy traffic made it hard to shop around.
So that was my impression of Hanoi on our first day. We'll see how it goes tomorrow... I'm sure Hanoi Cooking Class will be fun.
15 September, 2010
Work at Home Mom Off to Vietnam
When a work at home mom travels, she thinks practical and that's what I have been doing since traveling with Clayton at 3 months old.
One of the essentials when we traveled with little clayton was to get a good lightweight stroller. It may sound troublesome but the stroller was a great thign to have. We were looking at the old travel photos and I recalled him sleeping on it many occasions. We were thankful that he was such a good traveler too. For those looking for strollers, the web is a good resource. You can read reviews of strollers such as phil and teds explorer and many more.
We will be heading to Vietnam tomorrow and I'll need to do some last minute research of the place before heading off. The work at home mom will be taking a short break and I'm excited to explore this cultural city.
One of the essentials when we traveled with little clayton was to get a good lightweight stroller. It may sound troublesome but the stroller was a great thign to have. We were looking at the old travel photos and I recalled him sleeping on it many occasions. We were thankful that he was such a good traveler too. For those looking for strollers, the web is a good resource. You can read reviews of strollers such as phil and teds explorer and many more.
We will be heading to Vietnam tomorrow and I'll need to do some last minute research of the place before heading off. The work at home mom will be taking a short break and I'm excited to explore this cultural city.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
