How was my 2010?

Normally every year, on New Year Eve...I would write a summary of my year and save it on Microsoft Word. And won't probably read it until the next year 31st.
But this time, I would post it here. Just some reminders of last year.

Franky, I think my life revolves to much around the kids. Difficult not too...as I am with them almost ALL the time. Sometimes I wish I had a maid or in laws nearby where they look after the kids once in a while while hubby and I have some couple time. THAT is luxury that I have not had so far. I guess its only up to us to work around that right?

So what were the peaks and troughs of my year?

• Allyson's first birthday. Memorable. Fun. Special. She looked so cute in her pink polka dot dress.
• Ryan going through a phase where he didn't want to go to school because of a particular teacher who scolded him. It was hard dealing with a crying child every morning. Thank God after 2-3 months it got better.
• Going to Singapore for a weekend holiday and losing our brand new Sony digital camera in the toilet! Heartache!!!
• American Idol is getting worse and worse! Would I still watch it? You betcha!
• Had a burnout of sushi. Been eating at Sakae Sushi a tad too often throughout the year. NO more for the time being!
• Allyson admitted to hospital in June for 3 days. Doc was worried it was H1N1. Did a test and thankfully it was negative. Confirmed as influenza like illness.
• Nasty account with neighbour who abused their maid terribly. Even was going to report to police and embassy. Don't know what has happened to the maid after she was sent to hospital.
• Seeing my boy and girl develop into really interesting characters. Ryan has an avid interest in classical music now and loves facts especially about the world. Allyson...what can I say? She is one fearless little girl!
• The little girl walk at 1 year 3 months...joy to the world!
• Joining my in laws to Langkawi for a family holiday in November. Was excited for the kids. First time for them on plane, boat and cable car.
• My new nephew ( sis 3rd child) arrived on 1st Dec 2010. Handsome little chap.
• I love blogging!!!

2011... a new year. New challenges. New adventures. New obstacles. New memories.

I love my family!

Thank God I found the answer!

Okay...this is gonna be a rather 'gross' post. If you just had a meal...or having any GI upsets ... look away. This post is going to contain content of unpleasant nature!!! haha!

Yesterday, when I past motion... I was shocked to find oil in my stools. There was a layer of oil floating in the 'jamban' and it was orange in colour. I didn't give much thought about it. Just said to myself..."Strange!"

Today...again there was yellow/ orangey liquid when I did my movement. Quite a lot of it. Could it be something that I am consuming that is preventing the absorption of fats from my diet? Hence, it being eliminated in my stools. I only know of this effect if someone is consuming Orlistat (Xenical).

I was shocked that a few hours later... I found more oily excretions. THAT got me worried. Started to feel a bit weak inside. Okay..better google it quick!

So finally, I have time to sit down at the computer...and search around...and AHA...I found the culprit of my oily stools!!!

Apparently, consuming some oil-rich food in your diet may cause this...e.g certain fish or cashew nuts. So...BINGO...when Ryan was admitted to Sunway Hospital 2 days ago, the hospital serves 'butterfish' also known as escolar fish or snake mackerel in their menu. I had consumed a lot of it as they give a hefty portion of it each time. So ...this fish especially can cause people to pass orange like oily droplets in the stools as this fish has very high oil content because it cannot metabolise the wax esters in its diet.

I am so relieved now! I feel like Sherlock Holmes solving a mystery...


(** It pays to be nosey sometimes. I remember one year ago...I asked the canteen staff at the hospital what fish were they using in their menu, and she replied " Butterfish". At that time, I thought...never heard of such fish. Don't know whether she really knows what she is saying. But...now i know!!! :p )

Happy Birthday, Mama!

It is my mum's birthday today.

Although she is not here on earth anymore, I would like to remember her if she was still here.

My mum always enjoyed birthdays...whether it was hers, my dad's or her children. She would be the one to plan and it was always a significant day. I guess that is why I always regarded birthdays as special occasions.

As I remember my mum...
...her uniqueness as a mother. Not the typical mum but we really did have alot in common. She was more like a friend. Perhaps we were too close that we didn't really agree in a lot of things sometimes.
...her love for fine things. From perfume, fine china, food, dining to fashion. I have learnt so much from her and most of my interests today is influenced by my mum.
...she was a young kid at heart. She still enjoyed cute things like Barbie, Hello Kitty and anything pink.
...a good cook who would slave in the kitchen to prepare interesting meals for us. My taste for food is also highly influenced by what she cooked and where we ate together.
...I was her pet. Being the youngest...I would follow her everywhere when I was a young girl up to a teenager.
...she was a pretty adventurous individual who would try anything she fancied.
...an avid scrabble player who would participate in national scrabble competitions.
...a piano teacher and she also taught music at schools her entire working career.
...a very independant woman who didn't really need people all the time. Did most things herself.

Mama, I miss you so much and always wonder how life would be now if you were still around. I miss having you in my life. And how much you would enjoy the kids...now that you have 8 grandchildren!!! The family has certainly grown...

My mum's last birthday celebration at Lemon Garden, Shangri-La

Our last Christmas together (2005)
My mum loved loved loved Christmas...see how she decorated the tree!