Have you done the laundry lately?

I do the laundry almost every day now when I get home to give me more time to enjoy the weekend with my family. Husband also usually helps by putting all the washing in the machine before I get home. So, two days ago, we were in Tesco's to do a little bit of shopping....I needed more detergent to do my washing! I was in the laundry/cleaning items isle when two lovely ladies came up to me and asked, 'Excuse me, do you know what's the difference between a 'bio' and a 'non-bio' detergent?' I wanted to help....but I also wondered what the difference was but never bothered to look it up. So I was speechless for a few seconds because (1) nobody has ever asked me for anything in a supermarket (2) people seem to think I do not speak English because of my Asian looks and (3) it is very seldom in Norfolk that I get to encounter a friendly stranger's face. So I was stunned for a few seconds, couldn't believe someone was, in fact, talking to me...After a few seconds that seemed like eternity, I said, 'I also wondered...and thought it could be something to do with the chemicals affecting the environment? Also heard that non-bio is a lot better but to be honest, it is a lot more expensive and I tried it once and saw not much difference in the result so I am sticking to bio.' What a stupid answer! How can you not know this, Len? How? I shrugged and looked at them innocently. The two ladies both politely smiled and thanked me...thanked me for what? I didn't give them any useful answer! I felt useless. No one has ever asked for my help in the supermarket. Now that someone did - I couldn't help???? I felt utterly and totally useless. So I thought now I should look it up. Who knows I might get asked again! Perhaps now that I've lived in Norfolk for almost 4 years, I may be starting to look like I do and can speak English :-) so of course people are friendlier and likely to talk to me. Ok...so now what's next? I looked it up of course. What's the use of the internet? This is what I found on Wikipedia: A biological detergent is a laundry detergent that contains enzymes. The description is commonly used in the United Kingdom, where other washing detergents are described as "non-biological". The terms are sometimes abbreviated to "bio" and "non-bio". The purposes of the enzymes is to break down protein, starches and fat that may be found in dirt and stains upon clothing to be laundered, for example food stains, sweat or mud. Some people may be allergic to the enzymes as the enzymes can be transferred to the skin when wet clothes that have just been cleaned with biological detergents are touched. The enzymes then restart the breakdown reaction on the skin- particularly protease. The selling point of non-biological detergents is that they are gentler, causing less irritation to skin ("kinder on the skin") and less damage to the fabric. Some studies refute the claim that non-biological detergents are gentler. I don't buy this though. I am not going to start using bio detergent, simply because non-bios are unbelievably expensive, I think it is a rip-off! So, if the two beautiful ladies who came up to me two days ago are reading this, forgive me for not being able to give you an answer. I hope the above is sufficient enough. See you again at Tesco's!

I'm finally back!

It was like I was away forever. I was off line for months and months on end. Now I'm back and I'm glad. So glad. Boy oh boy, there's a lot to say but I don't know where to start. I just want to let you all know, my dear friends, that I am now on line again. Hope to catch up with you all soon.

Day Out with Husband

Mood: Relaxed. Enjoying the long weekend with husband and son. Enjoying the sun!

BLICKLING HALL - NORFOLK, ENGLAND.

It's been a long time since I last shared with you what's been happening with me and my family. It's been busy, hectic and challenging, I must say. My son was in the hospital for 7 days in March...and he's okay now, thank God! He is gaining a lot of weight which is good! We will be moving to a house that's suitable for his special needs soon but we still do not have the date. We are getting there. It just takes time.

On Saturday, husband and I were able to get a few hours respite (thanks to Crossroads). We did some shopping and had a nice, relaxing drive home. On our way home, we drove past Blickling Hall and decided to have a look. It was marvelous! Blickling Hall is a stately home in Aylsham in Norfolk, England. This is now in the care of the National Trust. This home was once in the possession of the Boleyn family, and home to Sir Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire and his wife Elizabeth, years 1499 - 1505. To know more, please click here. I have always been mesmerised by the structure and architecture of old English houses and buildings and this one had me in awe once again. It was just very nice to see. I cannot imagine anybody living in such a huge place! You would need an intercom to talk to each other in there! Sadly, husband and I didn't get the chance to see what's inside but next time we probably will.

Top Photo - part of Blickling Hall with the lovely flowers called 'wisteria.' They look really beautiful.

Bottom Photo - The marvelous Blickling Hall.

Being a Mum Again

My boy is finally here with us. We've been busy but I'm not complaining. But we've also been worried and stressed out because he was in the hospital for 7 days for chest infection. He's getting better now, thank God.

People have been really supportive and very kind. The nurses at the hospital were great! The doctors were really good.

This may sound really weird - but it feels really peaceful being right in front of my laptop right now, typing away. It feels really relaxing. I haven't done this in ages...I've missed it. Life seems to have become so busy and fast for the last six weeks. No, don't get me wrong. I am not complaining. Seeing my child very ill and being at the hospital was so worrying and stressful. I want him to enjoy being with us and to be happy, jolly and healthy. But as soon as he got here, he was unwell. It felt really bad. I am only a human being and I get tired and weary...so now I'm 'typing-away' my woes so I hope you bear with me.

I haven't even told you about our trip to the Philippines and how enjoyable it was...and how sad it was to leave all my great friends and family. I will share with you all and of course show you the best photographs. Husband and I spent wonderful days and evenings with very good friends Ninang Ruby, Ninong Zal and their lovely children, Ninang Jill, Ninong Joe and Anton, and our good (I mean great!) old friends at WHO where I used to work. I'm missing them all. I really feel bad about not seeing my other friends whom I haven't seen for many years. We didn't have enough time to see everybody and I know some of them may have felt bad (we call it 'tampo' in the Philippines) and may have thought we did it on purpose but the truth is we didn't. If we were there for a longer period, we would have seen all of them, but we were there only for 2 weeks. But then, there will be a next time. Hopefully next time will be a better time and we will be able to see everyone. We may even get together for a really big posh party, who knows? So for now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

In the meantime, I'd like to enjoy being a Mum again. Having J around is bliss. It's nice. I am looking forward to seeing he has fully recovered and that he is so much better.

Will keep you posted.

I will be a busy Mum again!

I know I haven't written anything for quite awhile. I have been really busy getting things for my boy, J. From diapers to fan heater in his bedroom. Husband and I are now getting very excited. It is getting warmer, a little bit, so I am hoping that the weather will not be too harsh when he arrives in England.

My life will change once again when my boy gets here and I am oh-so looking forward to it.

Of course, I will keep you updated. I hope you bear with me as my life will once again be very very busy being a Mum.

Me? Bake a cake? No way!

Yes, you have just read it right. I baked a cake. A loaf of banana cake. Unbelievable. I have never baked my entire life. I just got challenged that a male colleague was bragging about baking a banana cake and saying that it is so easy, that he just mixes all the ingredients up together and shoves it in the oven, wait for about an hour, and voila! It's all done. So, I was thinking...this bloke knows how to bake??? And I don't??? So, on the way home one Friday evening, I asked hubby to take me to the supermarket and we shopped for all the ingredients, with the list in my hand - and of course, a lot of assistance from husband (how do I know what 'self raising flour' is?) to see if I was getting all the right things from the shelves.

The result? My husband gave me a 10 out of 10! Not bad for someone who has just started baking, huh? Because of that very good rating, I am sharing with you the banana cake recipe that I got from Cook UK, please click here.

I used sultanas, instead of nuts, by the way. It was yummy! Yes, I'm tooting my own horn, ha!

Winter Blues

Mood: Blah.
I have been under the weather for a couple of weeks now. Blocked nose, queasiness. I feel like I'm coming down with a flu. Yesterday I had a temperature and I felt so weak. I feel drained. I don't know what it is really.
I don't know if it's got to do with the weather and the temperature or the lack of sunlight but lately I've been feeling the blues. Even my husband has got it I think because we had a row twice last month. I'm beginning to worry now. Husband never ever had a mood as bad as these last two. Because we are both, as he calls it - 'strong-minded', we both ended up drained. Of course I ended up crying. Why do I always have to be the one who cries? I think I should stop that.
Anyway, I hope things get better. I don't like it. It's not nice. When my husband gets really annoyed and angry and says things he doesn't mean, I can see all love going away. I don't know if you feel that but I do. In the same way that I feel when my Mum gets very angry at me. I feel all love going away. I feel only anger. I feel all the negative energy around me and inside me. And it drains me. Sometimes I feel like going to sleep after crying so hard and after getting very very upset.

I've been reading the book 'Rules of Life' by Richard Templar. Rule No 11 says 'Be the last to raise your voice'...it's got a point, good point but it's too difficult to follow. Sometimes the only way to point something out is to raise your voice or the only way for someone to listen to you is to shout. I know, I know, most of the time it gets nowhere. I think I should just keep my mouth shut if I feel like there's an impending argument. Or some grumpiness is imminent. Count to 10. I've heard this before, I should know better!

So, yes, I am having the blues. I guess husband is also having it. I hope it goes soon. It doesn't help me when I get the blues. It just makes me feel so fed up of everything...of life most of all.

My cold is going. Temperature has gone down. Hubby made me a hot pea and ham soup on Friday morning when I was ill. So I think things are getting better.

I hope the weather also gets better. I like winter but I don't think it likes me the same way?

The Nicest Christmas

I know I should have posted these photos a long time ago....and I know I should have written this entry last month, but it's been a busy four weeks. Going back to work and all...and most of all, coping with my winter blues. So I'm sure you will understand.

Our Christmas was a blast. I wouldn't say I felt complete as being with family and friends in the Philippines is still incomparable. But husband and I tried to enjoy every moment of it. For awhile, it helped to be in the company of Filipinos - and yes, nice Filipinos for a change. This wasn't our first Christmas celebration with them. It was the second and...counting. Our good friends Anne and George invited us once again to come to the Filipino Christmas Party in New Milton where they live. We were welcomed and we felt 'at home.' My husband, as usual, enjoyed being with good old friends, seeing his good old friend George and one of his favourite nieces, Amiel.

Top photo - Almost everybody got very excited whilst we were taking photos

Middle photo - Jim dancing with dear Amiel

Bottom photo - Jim and I dancing - or should I say swaying? We don't know how to dance. No, really.

Did you have a happy new year?

I know this is rather too late to greet you all a happy new year. But just the same, I hope you had a very happy one. For the first time on New Year's Eve, husband and I were together. The past two new years, he had to work so I was left alone at home. I was asleep at midnight. This new year was different. We went to a friends' home for New Year's Eve and on 1st January, we went to see the fireworks at the pier.

Before Christmas, husband and I had a minor road accident. We were shaken and shocked but we were thankful that we were safe and unhurt and the car had only a little bit of damage on the panels. I thought it would ruin our Christmas and New Year but thank God it didn't. It was such a hassle and all having to take the car to the garage, shelling out money even if the car had a fully comprehensive insurance coverage (I still do not understand how it works, honestly!). But I am glad that we are here, alive and kicking, to meet the new year with optimism! I wouldn't give you the details of the mishap as I don't see it important.

So, again, its 2009. I would like to share with you some photos I've taken at the pier on new year's day. Nothing special, really. But just something nice to look at.

Again, happy new year to you all!!!!

Let's get cozy...

I found these dainty cushion covers and warm fleece throws a few weeks ago...just before it started snowing. They look so nice and warm in the living room. They are not luxurious and they didn't cost much but I just love them so I'm sharing them with you. By the way, I got them from Latham's at Potter Heigham, after a chilly but wonderful boat ride with my husband.

PS: Dear friend Wen - I promised to post the photos of these cushion covers so here they are! Hope you like them!

Here comes the Big Freeze!!!

I was only reminiscing winter last week and guess what? This morning, it was snowing!!!! Just when I thought it was only the start of autumn!!! It was a beautiful, beautiful sight! I don't normally open the curtains and if I do, I make sure that I draw the net curtains (I am very private!) but today, I opened all curtains and removed all the net curtains so I could look out the window and see how lovely the snow looks as it slowly falls from the sky.

I had a nice English breakfast with husband whislt we were looking out the windows. It was, indeed, a beautiful, snowy morning!

Come, dine with me!

One freezing evening, after husband had gone to work...I got very hungry. The easiest meal to prepare...pot noodles! When you are hungry, anything will do! So it was yummy! After that, I sat in front of the telly and have butter popcorn. Want some?

Reminiscing the Last Winter

I know that it's going to be colder very soon. I know that it's going to be freezing just like last year. But I am looking forward to the beautiful winter. These photographs here that I am sharing with you were the ones taken last winter (peak of winter here was February this year). I was like a child outside our house feeling the snow in my hands, walking on the snow on the ground and looking at my footprints. My husband told me the neighbours must be watching and laughing at me. I didn't mind. At least I was giving them some entertainment...whilst I was being entertained myself by the magnificence of nature.

The photograph above shows you just how crazy I went when I saw that it was snowing outside. Hubby took photos as he shook his head watching me dancing in the snow. Ha! It felt good doing that! I know it is crazy but it was good being crazy for a few seconds even just to enjoy myself. After all, it feels like it's been ages since the last time I danced in the rain or laughed my heart out or sang out of tune whilst in the shower. So, that day, I savoured the moment.

This is going to be my third winter in England and I am still excited. I know the roads get slippery, it's damp, it's wet, it's a lot of hassle when it snows but what the heck. It's still beautiful.

So, like my husband, I am looking forward to the next Big Freeze. Aren't you?

Heavenly

Illuminations in Blackpool

BLACKPOOL, Lancs., 28 October 2008.

Illuminations.

On driving...

I have started my driving lessons today. I have got a brilliant instructor. It was scary!!! I am looking forward to the time when I don't have to be scared, that driving will be second nature to me. Most of all, I am looking forward to driving my own car, not depending on anyone to take me anywhere! I am looking forward to my independence! So, what have I learned today so far? I know more than honking the horn now. I have learned how to turn the steering wheel which was a little bit tricky and needs a lot of getting used to. I have learned the use of clutch, brakes and the accelerator. I still panic when the car starts moving and can't get into any type of conversation as I have to focus on what I am doing. I know I've got a long way to go and exams to pass!!!!

But then the good thing is....I'm now learning! Yee-haa!!!

Blackpool and B&B

Blackpool, LANCS. - After taking me to Fleetwood, my husband and I went to Blackpool. We didn't know that the Illuminations had started so we've decided to stay there for the night so husband could show me what the Illuminations were like. We opted to stay in a B&B (Bed and Breakfast). We knew that B&Bs have the homely-feel, if you know what I mean. I like the atmosphere in B&Bs. Sadly, we were both disappointed when we went into our room. It was so small (well, what do we expect? B&B rooms are really small!) but the fact that it was the 'family room' that was given to us due to it being fully booked really shocked us! Although, the good thing about this place is that the hosts were absolutely amazing - friendly and hospitable. People seem to enjoy their company that's why they keep coming. The dining room was filled with thank you cards from all over the country. I bet they come because of the 'true Lancashire hospitality' that you experience in the place. The lady of the house, Linda, introduced us to other guests when we had tea at the bar before we went to bed. In the morning, she made sure we were welcomed and we felt at ease and at home. That's what you don't get when you go to a posh hotel, I guess.

Fish and Chips in Fleetwood

Fleetwood, LANCS. - To be honest, I am not very fond of fish and chips, unless I am starving. But in Fleetwood, you wouldn't want to miss their fish and chips. I don't know exactly how they do it, but the fish doesn't seem to be soaked in fat (cooking oil), it doesn't come dripping...and the chips are just exactly right! So, when hubby and I were in Lancashire and were done with the errand that we were there for, we drove to Fleetwood and had a lovely fish and chips. I wouldn't miss it for the world when in Lancashire! The photo on top was the meal I had whilst in Fleetwood. that was fish, chips, curry sauce and mushy peas! It was so yummy!!!!

Come and have some with me!

Ooops, sorry....couldn't wait!!!

Lancashire Tour in Autumn

The very cozy room at Premier Inn. Hubby and I were more than happy. The very clean, shiny bath, complete with liquid soap. Far more better than B&Bs.

The Wigan County Court

Wigan, LANCS. - Hubby and I were off to Lancashire to get some important documents for his son Jimmy. We were off at 3 p.m. and got to Wigan, after perhaps a hundred drive-arounds to find a place to stay, at 10 p.m. We finally found a place after so many phone calls to B&Bs which were all 'fully-booked' that night. We ended up getting a better place and a better deal with Premier Inn. But since there wasn't any more room available except one room for the disabled, we opted to get it. It was a nice, cozy room. We both had a nice, peaceful rest. In the morning, we were off to the Wigan County Court. I'm sharing with you some photos here.

Wintery Rains!

Rainy days once again in England!