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Condo is not ready for Christmas

22 Dec 2011 by

The kids are coming back and sadly the condo is not ready yet. We almost couldn’t get the mattresses as a lot of people are doing their post flood shopping and goods are queued for delivery. Luckily, the mattresses will arrive on the day the kids are coming home! Furniture will be in on Christmas day, so I can forget about setting up the tree this year. Fridge and washing machine will come on the day before we leave to Chiangmai. Wah lao leh…really packed schedule!

Flooring is being done these 2 days, so I haven’t checked the progress. Painting is still on hold and I haven’t see my newly reordered kitchen top yet! I do deserve a nice stay at st lucia resort after everything is over. Super stressed.

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Counting Down to Christmas

16 Dec 2011 by

Kids are still away back home and we miss them! Isabelle who couldn’t wait to fly back home to play with the cousins are now eager to come back. LOL! FIL said they are doing fine and very obedient, or should I say more obedient and good comparing to the time when we are around! So, either we spoil the kids or our kids love to bully the parents loh…. :P

I was hoping to surprise them with a Christmas tree when they are back on Boxing Day, but it seems like we won’t be setting up the tree this year. The other half of the condo is not ready yet. :( I’m still waiting for my kitchen top!!! It’s been delayed for 3 months, and that area is just almost drying up now. Sien…

But I guess as long as I prepare the Christmas gifts, the kids will still be happy about Christmas. It’s easy to shop for Isabelle but it’s getting harder for Justin. I can’t find the toy he wishes to get from Santa! Maybe I shall try my luck again this weekend and see if I can find anything interesting that moves with duracell procell aa batteries?

Or maybe he’s ready for a small compact camera?

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Bringing together a very special Christmas play

13 Dec 2011 by

Guest post written by Erin Hinson

Last year our church Christmas play never really got off the ground because of a whole bunch of different things that happened that I just won’t get into. Well, this year we wanted to make sure that the Christmas play happens without a hitch. Lots of people were really sad last year when it didn’t happen, so I’m determined to deliver the best Christmas play possible.

I’ve been doing a whole lot of research online to see if I can come up with some really cool costume ideas and while I was doing that about a week or two ago, I ran across some information on Miracle Ear. After I looked through it a little bit I decided to go and get fitted with some hearing aids. My kids have been telling me that I need to get some for so long now anyway.

I found one kids Christmas skit that I think we’re going to include in the play. I love adding a little something here and there, but only if it’s going to add to the overall experience.

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Aftermath

29 Nov 2011 by

Kids are getting bored staying in FIL’s condo, doing nothing much but some work sheets and spend the rest of the day watching TV or playing iPads. I’ve brought out some toys for them from the flooded house, so at least they spend some time playing with their toys now.

However, Justin lost some toys which he placed downstairs, and I can’t seem to find them anywhere. Oh boy, all those Ben 10 figurines and some add on for his omnitrix are gone! But he’s cool about it, even if he said that those were from Santa Clause. :P

Since MIL is going back next week, she will bring the kids back to M’sia for 2 weeks. Besides that, their school will only start in January, so they have another month of holiday! It would be great for them to spend some time back home, playing wii game with their cousins and fight with them. :P

That gives me 2 whole weeks of kids free days, which I’ve planned to spend the time on furnishing our condo. We must move in before Christmas!!!

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A month after the flood

18 Nov 2011 by

We went back to see our flooded house for the first time, since water invaded our area a month ago. I managed to snap some photos with my camera, but then kept it away while we rode on a boat. It’s not a good idea to have too many gadgets along, especially if the boat ride was a bumpy one!

Here are some photos taken that afternoon.

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On the way home. This road is not badly flooded anymore, and trucks can go through.

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We must drive on the right side of the road only as the other side has deeper water.

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Grocery store operates as usual.

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Dry spot at the junction has turned into a retailer spot!

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Dry!!!

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Garbage is everywhere.

 

Try not to tought the dirty water if possible unless you don’t mind getting air ambulance service. I saw kids swimming happily in the water where a stupid guy was pissing in the nearby lamp post as if no one could see him. Something about Thai men, they can just pee anywhere.

Nonetheless, water has much receded even if it’s still up to 1m and above on some places around my area.

 

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Save your car!

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Life goes on for most people who chose to stay in flooded area, but not evacuating.

We can’t go in further to see our house, but we managed to reach our mooban along Thanon 345. The main road is still badly flooded, so it might be another month before we can finally go home.

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One of the houses in our mooban.

I guess my house would be flooded almost at the same level as this neighbor’s house. What really sadden me is not only the water, but the pets left behind. We saw cats and a dog, which are all taken care of by the security guards and workers. The dog howled as we left. I can feel its sadness.

One more month to go…. :(

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2011’s top party dresses

08 Nov 2011 by

2011 is drawing to a close and that means it’s time to reflect on this year’s fashions and figure out exactly what dress you should wear on New Year’s Eve. This year has been a feminine one; dresses enhanced rather than covered a woman’s form and lengths ranged from micro-mini to floor-length maxi as well as mid-calf and over the knee. Fabrics have been bold and bright, animal print and metallic. Fashion has looked to the past, with inspiration from the forties, fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties. This last season of 2011, autumn/winter, is just as varied as its predecessors, however, colours are warmer and less harsh, materials are more natural and shapes are even more feminine and girly. So, without further ado, here are 2011’s top New Year’s Eve party dresses, all available from Next.

The metallic panelled bodycon dress from Lipsy ticks so many boxes it’s unbelievable. Firstly, it’s a bodycon dress, which has been the number one party dress all year. It is not for the feint hearted mind you, as you need to have a decent body to start with as this little number won’t hide much, but if you have the figure for it, this is by far the most flattering and fun dress style out there. The metallic panels criss cross the body, emphasising a woman’s curves and the metallic material is right on trend this winter. Its bandeau in style and has an exposed zip at the back which gives a nod to the fetish styling seen on the catwalks of Louis Vuitton. Wear with eye popping platform heels, a few bangles and little else.

Next’s pleated one-shoulder dress is another winner. The dress is comprised of three bold colours, deep purple, navy blue and a fuchsia tie belt; therefore it includes colour blocking. The pleats and one-shoulder shape will also score you ten out of ten and the elegant shape will swing skirt gives it a forties feel.

For a really special, formal occasion, the black lace dress from Next is effortlessly chic. The lace sleeves score you points for the fashion industry’s latest fetish for lace and the knee-length skirt and fitted top are once again in keeping with styling from the 1940s. This dress is simple, yet capable of wowing. To spice things up, add a bold coloured clutch, some statement earrings and a pair of embellished platform sandals.

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Two trends, one season: tips on what to wear this winter

08 Nov 2011 by

Summer last a little longer than expected, but we are now well and truly into winter. Don’t look so disappointed however; this means a brand new season and along with some fresh new fashion trends to play with. As usual, there are several different trends to choose from and plenty of cross over through micro-trends to tie the whole scene together. However, to guide you through the sea of unknown outfits, we have summed up two of the season’s major trends so you don’t have to figure them out all for yourself. Dresses are key this winter; Next have various dresses to choose from so you can tap into each trend with style and ease.

Trend one: ladylike 1940s

The 1940s were symbolised by thriftiness but also very ladylike styling. Think of Keira Knightly in Atonement. Plenty of over-the knee high-waisted pencil skirts, flowing blouses, pussy bows, round-toe court shoes and Mary-Janes, polka dot cardigans and faux-fur stoles. The shape is what is important here. You want to emphasise your waist with skinny belts and fitted skirts and dresses. Necklines were high and sleeves were short and puffed or capped or long and loose.

Two dresses from Next spring to mind; firstly the black and white ‘puppytooth’ dress which looks like a black top and black and white skirt, but is in fact a dress. The skirt is pencil shaped, the sleeves are capped and the neck is soft and rounded; it’s perfect. However, if you really want to feel like Keira in Atonement and make everyone green with envy at your fashion choice, the Geri Strappy Maxi dress in emerald green is spot on.

Trend two: global traveller

This trend is rather exciting. It dictates that you should mix and match colours, materials and patterns. There is no such phrase as ‘that doesn’t match’ with this trend. Natural and traditional materials and patterns from Fairisle to Navajo inject the ‘global traveller’ notion into the trend. Wool, denim, shearling, leather and felt are all key materials. Flat boots, capes, ponchos, scarves and hats finish the look off.

The best dress from Next to tap into this trend is the cable jumper dress. It’s warm, comfy and bang on trend and comes in a range of soft, natural hues.

 

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Don’t Fall Sick

07 Nov 2011 by

A lot of people are falling ill due to the water borne diseases caused by the flood. Imagine living in this ironic situation for more than a month! BTW, my house has been flooded for 3 weeks. What a record.

I do feel that water should be allow to flow though inner Bangkok and let everyone share the burden. But then again, most humans are selfish. :P The government seems to be protecting inner Bangkok more, and rather let the giant industrial areas up north soaking in meters deep of water for more than a month now. As much as these giant foreign investors won’t leave the land of smiles this year, that doesn’t mean that they will stay here forever. :P

I keep telling the kids, don’t fall sick. No play play leh. It’s not a convenient time to be hospitalized as some hospitals won’t take in patients, unless it’s really an emergency and critically ill. I think one of my boy’s friends is being hospitalized now, but I’m not sure what’s the reason. Maybe we should send some personalized get well gifts instead of visiting. It’s not a good time to be visiting at hospitals now. Better be kiasi.

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Pissed

07 Nov 2011 by

As the clock is ticking and the flood hasn’t receded in Pathum Thani, I’m really running out of patience. I need my work permit to renew my visa and driving license, and without a visa, I will have to leave Thailand. :( Super duper frustrated that I couldn’t go to the labor office that day to pick it up because EVERYONE was expecting me to WATCH THE KIDS. Hey, why is it my matter is LESS IMPORTANT than yous? Damn it.

As much as I can leave Thailand and redo every paper all over again, it’s sipeh mah fan you know? Hate it.

I don’t care la, next time, no matter what happens, my priority come first. I don’t care about other peoples’ biz or jobs if they are more important than mine. Can’t always sacrifice my NEEDS now.

Someone suggested that I bribe. Do you think it’s that easy? It takes more than St. Paul flower delivery and $$$ to get things done you know?

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Jobless

31 Oct 2011 by

A lot of people are jobless due to the flood. I am not sure if I will be able to keep one of my staffs who went back to her home town after the flood hit our office, even if I totally understand why she did so. The area was badly flooded and her rented room is out of water and electricity. But the thing is, she didn’t tell me if she will come back to work again, or tried calling me. So, what am I supposed to do? Keeping the position for her?

A couple of malls, factories, banks and etc have closed down for weeks. So just imagine how many Janitor Jobs, skilled workers, professionals are not working now?

We bumped into our kids’ ex teachers from another school just now, and they can’t work due to the flood too. Being a foreign teachers, it all depends on the school if they will extend the contract, I guess.

Anyway, let’s hope that everything will be better after the flood.

Category: Money Matters  2 Comments
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