2015年12月11日星期五

Feed The Mommy——整个番茄饭配牛油虾

最近比较烦。

烦什么呢?烦煮饭。儿子开始吃大人食物,而且越来越喜欢吃。从开始吃固体食物,他就对粥恨之入骨。刚开始是每喂一次就闹一次。我以为是口味不合适,煮了很多不同的口味,但没有一样行得通。所以,都是米糊、面包为主。后来还改吃意大利面。

后来,发现他会吃饭了,就偶尔给饭。白饭,淋汤,一点胡萝卜、一点豆腐、一点鱼、一点肉碎⋯⋯反正就看当天我煮的是什么。

听起来好像没有什么问题。

问题就在,以前他还在天天吃米糊的时候,我一周可能也只煮一两次的白饭。偶尔吃萨拉,偶尔吃三文治,偶尔吃面线,偶尔吃面,偶尔吃意大利面,偶尔吃麦片⋯⋯可以多懒就多懒。

现在,要想破头脑,什么比较容易煮(又好吃的),有没有鸡蛋的(孩子对蛋白敏感)⋯⋯逼的我最近煮饭比以前多,出门也吃中餐/日本餐。真的是,越来越麻烦!

想想,不如让他试试整个番茄饭,再另煲一锅汤就可以了。可是,我单单吃番茄很淡吧,不如试试弄点虾。

就这样,锵锵锵,我们的一餐就搞定了。

整个番茄饭,牛油虾,蒸椰花菜




材料(一人两餐份/两人一餐份):

  1. 一个番茄,切丁
  2. 蒜头,剁碎
  3. 牛油,少许
  4. 盐,少许
  5. 虾(你爱吃几只就几只嘛),剝壳去头,用一点点的盐腌制

做法:
  1. 用牛油把蒜头和番茄爆香,然后加入饭锅和白饭一起煮
  2. 用牛油把虾在平底锅稍微煎一下,切记不可煎得太久,煎老了不好吃。一边两分钟左右即可。
  3. 白饭煮好了,用筷子把白饭、蒜头和番茄搅合。
  4. 请慢用。


简单快捷的一餐

后来,我发现我忘了很重要的东西,炸蒜头!我妈妈给我一盒炸蒜头,我很爱用,太好用了,不管加进哪道菜都马上变香。


后来才加上的炸蒜头!

美中不足的是,要为虾剝壳,就是准备那里稍微多花点时间。

2015年11月26日星期四

Feed The Mommy——Aglio Olio

Where did all the time go? One moment I am the struggling new mother who was trying to balance everything, and try to stop worrying; another moment now, I realized it's the end of November, and I have not blogged a single entry for more than a month!

A month, is exactly how long I have been with my mom. Two weeks for having her here in Singapore with us, so that I can help out The Man at the clinic when he needed help. Another two weeks for the baby to go back to hometown. It's not easy to set up a new clinic, but I'm glad he finally did what he always wanted.

The work to be done before the clinic opens was tremendous. I know nothing in dentistry, all I could help is to build a simple website for his clinic, and also a business page in Facebook. It didn't sound much, but for someone who knows nothing about coding and website, it almost killed me. I worked pass midnight for days in a row just to get one small item done. I watched tonnes and tonnes of Youtube tutorial (All Hail Youtube!), I got help from my Bestie and her husband! Thank goodness, I wouldn't have completed the page without them!

Now that things got settled a little more, it's time for me to start cooking, taking photos, trying to learn art all over again.

 photo aglio olio2_zpswc3seq80.jpg
Butter garlic chicken aglio olio


 photo aglio olio1_zps0bilajzr.jpg
Simple and delicious

I cook aglio olio a lot because it's simple and delicious, suits the lazy me. I like my food to be simple most of the time. So I always only add one ingredient for my aglio olio, chicken, mushrooms, bacon are the most common ingredients I add. (No more bacon for me after the terrible news for bacon lover!) Most importantly, A LOT OF HERBS AND SEASONING! Never get stingy with that!

With the new packet of deep fried garlic that my mom got me, and the truffle oil from Antwerp, my aglio olio got even better, at least to me.

Ingredients:

  1. Garlic (as much as you like! The more the better!)
  2. Chicken or mushrooms or shrimps (If you're cooking with chicken, marinate them with salt, pepper and herbs)
  3. Pasta of your choice, I personally prefer spaghetti or angel hair
  4. Salt
  5. Pepper
  6. Mixed herbs
  7. Red peppercorn
  8. Dried chili
  9. Deep fried garlic
  10. Truffle oil
  11. Parmesan Cheese
Method:
  1. Cook the pasta to al Dante 
  2. While the pasta is cooking, pan fry the ingredients of your choice (with butter, no other than that if you want your aglio olio to taste good)
  3. Toss in the chopped garlic when the meat/seafood/mushrooms are almost cooked
  4. Add items 4-8 and toss them around
  5. Add the cooked pasta, give them a good stir
  6. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and deep fried garlic, mix them
  7. Plate your pasta, sprinkle a teaspoon or two of truffle oil
  8. Serve
It's so simple, it's ready in 15-20 minutes.

Now, time to go wash up before baby wakes up :)

2015年10月14日星期三

Feed the Mommy——Creamy Tomyam Spaghetti

Both The Man and I had creamy tomyam spaghetti in different restaurants before, and we both kinda like it. Then one day, we were dining out at a food court, The Man ordered one and that very last one wasn't good at all.

So, I decided to try. But seriously, I've never cooked one before. I gathered what I needed to buy and went to the market, to the familiar stalls. I asked the uncle if he has tomyam ingredients, he pointed to me. And asked me how much I needed. Damn, I was totally clueless! I told him, I do not know. Uncle almost fainted. But he's being nice, he asked me how many people are eating and roughly gauge the amount for me. So nice of him!

Then, I went home. And called my mom! Lol!

My mom said she had never cooked a tomyam spaghetti before, so she has no idea. She never eaten any too. But she gave me instructions to tomyam. So I just add coconut milk as I like to make it creamy.

Creamy chicken tomyam spaghetti

Ingredients:
  • 2-3 kaffir lime leaves 
  • 3-5 slices of galangal
  • 3-5 stalks of lemongrass stalks
  • 3 shallots
  • 1 tomato
  • Mushrooms, quantity of your liking
  • 10 Prawns for the two of us or chicken fillet (the next day when I made the second attempt, I used chicken fillet instead of prawns)
  • 5 tbsp of coconut milk for one serving (add one at a time, to gauge what's the creamy level that you like for your pasta)
  • Store bought tomyam paste
  • Chilli if you like extra hot
  • Lime if you like it sour (as coconut milk will make it less sour)

Method:
  1. Prepare kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lemongrass, shallots and tomato to boil in water for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Then, add in the tomyam paste (amount based on instructions of the tomyam paste you buy), for me I added 3 tbsp. 
  3. Add mushrooms and boil the soup for a good 10-15 minutes.
  4. (I cooked the tomyam way ahead before I cooked the pasta so I actually stopped here before I continue. But in case you do these all at once, you can cook your spaghetti at the same time to al Dante.)
  5. Scoop the tomyam to separate pan. Boil the tomyam, add prawns to cook for a few minutes. 
  6. Add coconut milk one tbsp at a time to reach the correct creamy level that you like. Add chili if you like.
  7. Stir in the spaghetti.
  8. Dress with coriander.
  9. Serve.
  10. Cut a lime to serve alongside if you'd like it sour.
The first attempt was good but it's not creamy enough. We didn't even take photos, the whole dinner happened in a rush. It was good but not great.

I made more tomyam than I needed so I have one serving left for my lunch. I reattempt the dish and walaaaa~ It's finally creamy enough. But sadly, I forgot the coriander yet again. But it's good :)

Anyway, do not cook the tomyam with just the tomyam paste, it won't be fragrant enough.

I have lots of ingredients left in the fridge, my mom instructed me to keep them in freezer, they'll last. I vomitted last weekend, so, I guess no tomyam for this week. Stomach needs to rest.

2015年10月6日星期二

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Granola Bars on the Go

The Man has been very busy, going to bed by 1am has become a luxury. Mornings are usually in a rush, no time for breakfast. Sometimes, all he had for the mornings is a cup of Milo. That will last him until lunch.

I hate skipping breakfast. I tried to wake up for his breakfast, but I didn't manage recently. Lazy, plus I also go to bed as late as he does. I just couldn't. I always wonder how he manages to sleep only a few hours a day.

I have Pinterest on my mobile. I like Pinterest because I can always find something interesting. Even though I might not try any of them, but I always keep them in folders. Just in case. I've came across this simple granola bars recipe on Pinterest. And hence decided to give it a try so that this granola bars can serve as his breakfast when he's in the rush. Or maybe energy bars in his bag during his busy days.

So last night, after I put baby into bed, I started my midnight baking. It's pretty simple so it didn't take a long time.

First trial on granola bars

Take a close look, they actually look like shit

First trial, I'll give them a 8/10. They look like shit but they taste good. I love the peanuts and peanut butter, so fragrant. Especially right after baking them, my kitchen smells so good!! I felt that I could eat my kitchen!

I think I could make improvement on the moisture of the bars. Probably I should add a little bit more honey next time, to make it more gooey. Besides, I should really make them flatter, nobody had their granola looks as shit as mine! And maybe, I will try baking them shorter than 25 minutes. And also try the non bake method too!

2015年9月23日星期三

Exersaucer

之前提及的,我给儿子租了一个Exersaucer。对于对Exersaucer不熟悉的妈妈们,这就是Exersacuer了!

 photo toy03_zpstaelrvkg.jpg
Baby in the Exersaucer

其实Exersaucer和我们小时候用的walker很相似,但是下面的轮子被一个大盘子取代了。坐在里面的小瓜不能再满屋跑,只能在原地转啊转。当然,就是玩玩身边的玩具。当然,也可以学站,学跳。

 photo toy01_zpspm6gj1ek.jpg
玩啊,玩啊!~很认真的样子。

 photo toy02_zps3gwuvykd.jpg
长劲鹿有这么好吃吗?

网上很多妈妈对这个玩具非常的不满意,且极度反对妈妈们使用。反对的原因主要是对孩子的盘骨不好。我对此也有点赞同,但是我并不是把孩子放在里面后,就不理他,让他在里面久久不出来。多数时候,我都陪他一起玩,每一次只在里面做15-30分钟。从来都不超过半小时。

也多得它,孩子才开始比较能够接受触摸不熟悉的东西。

虽然孩子对他的玩具基本只保持不到一周的新鲜感,但是对Exersacuer却能够保持将近一个月。是这几天才开始厌倦,越来越不想跳了。刚刚好,今天期满,还回去了!

等我们回来,再租别的玩! :)

我是从Rent That Toy租的。这个玩意外面卖要$249,我租一个月$40。虽然也不算很便宜,不过这玩具不会玩很久,而且很碍地方,以后不玩了也很难收。房子不大,想到要收就头痛。所以,这类的玩具我还是选择租。

Exersaucer是我租玩具的初尝试。非常满意,肯定还会租。只要租满$35,就免运费。而且,每一次租玩具都累积分数,积分足够就可以扣租金。不错的。

2015年9月22日星期二

快一岁了!

很快哦,这个小瓜快一岁了!啊,没想到原来我当妈当了这些日子!

快一岁的他,很多进展都比同龄孩慢。说真的,这种慢真有压力。身旁关心的话语很多,但是有时候关心多了,难免让心里有点难受。压力就慢慢的累积起来。

其实我天天看他,虽然进展是慢了一些,不过他是真的有在进步。只是哦,他性格比较胆小,跌过了就怕怕不做了。而且,不熟悉的,他不会碰。也很容易气馁,试过三次,做不到,算了,还是躺着吃手指好。

之前逛街在商场里让他试玩Exersaucer,他很喜欢。但很贵!于是,我租了一个。这一个月以来,他每天都玩。虽然网络上反对声四起,我还是得谢谢那Exersaucer。自从玩了它,他比较喜欢接触东西,对摸摸四处的事物比较不抗拒。(我觉得他可能有洁癖还是什么的,不摸不碰,也不喜欢不熟悉的人摸他。)

这个月以来,开始触摸了,开始向前跌(要爬但是不会,就跌啊!),上周日他爸爸生日的时候,他还自行拿汤匙要吃(虽然里面什么都没有!)。

别人看,或许觉得,怎么他还是什么都不会。

我看呢,他已经进步了。孩子有自己的步伐和性格,急也急不来。

我看他近来对吃比较有兴趣了,今天就让他玩玩吧!下午吃剩的金瓜,我晚餐时,弄热让他玩玩。结果,像每个小瓜一样,一个字——脏!

 photo selfeating01_zpsohqptm7v.jpg
还得意洋洋!~

 photo selfeating02_zpszuzh7qn1.jpg
吃到一半,想到风扇!(所有有风的,他都喜欢,最爱冷气机)

 photo selfeating04_zpsslzn2hoz.jpg
脸上都是金瓜。脸上的算少了,椅背上、背后上、大腿上、地上、头上、耳后……

明天再玩吧!~

洗澡!!!

2015年9月11日星期五

Feed the Mommy——腊肠土豆懒人餐

很久都没有好好分享,甚至都没有打开自己的博客。

今天难得我的儿子睡觉了,而且我也不打算开工(是的,最近有工作哦,不过暂时不告诉你是什么),我们两就坐在客厅,喝酒吃零食,看新加坡大选新闻。

我没有很认真的在看,我就懒懒的赖在我的懒人椅,聊天啊,上网啊,玩游戏的。

八月游澳门,在家赖了两周,还是回来了。几乎每天开火,为的是省钱,也是因为带着孩子很难天天外吃。这里分享我上个月煮的懒人餐。(其实我每天吃的都是懒人餐!)

 photo lazymeal_zpsrpulth2d.jpg
腊肠土豆饭

食材:

  1. 米饭
  2. 腊肠一条
  3. 土豆一个(小土豆)
  4. Green Peas
  5. 蒜头
  6. 酱油
  7. 胡椒
做法:
  1. 爆炒蒜头,然后下腊肠、土豆和gree peas炒一炒。
  2. 加点酱油和胡椒在炒一下,然后把食材都混入米饭里面。
  3. 如同往常一样用电饭煲煮米饭。
  4. 煎个蛋(或是弄个蛋花汤)配饭,就没有那么单调。
真正在厨房忙的时间,不到半小时。就这样有饭吃,不是很好吗?:)

吃饱了又可以继续忙家务,忙宝宝,忙东忙西……

2015年8月18日星期二

金马轮咖啡饼店——最好吃的猪扒包!

说完那个很难吃的大利来猪扒包,就该说说我们最爱的金马轮咖啡饼店猪扒包了!

离开澳门之前,我们真的一定要到金马轮去!幸好金马轮咖啡饼店开得早,早上7点开始营业,好让我们来得及赶上10点多的飞机。在澳门街道还是冷冷清清的时候,金马轮几乎是唯一一家开门做生意的店家。跟下午的澳门简直是天渊之别。


招牌绝对没有欺骗顾客!


店家自做的面包,现叫现炸的猪扒!每份MOP24

快餐早餐,有点太油腻

这家店和六年前给我的印象还是一样,就是港剧里头的茶餐厅,顾客都是熟络的左邻右舍。大家进来打个招呼,寒暄几句。捧着一份报纸,搭下台。安安宁宁的吃一份早餐!

我们一开始,点了两分猪扒包,一份快餐早餐(面包,鸡蛋,火腿,奶茶),两杯奶茶。吃完以后,我觉得意犹未尽。猪扒包真太好吃了,热腾腾肯定是现炸,面包很软,猪扒腌制的味道也够,我忍不住再叫一分。店家外摆得零零总总的面包蛋糕,很想吃,也叫了一分椰丝挞。最终椰丝挞没吃完,太甜了!

我们这样吃,MOP141。满意极点!

大利来记猪扒包

据姐姐到澳门前做的功课,大利来记是澳门数一数二在网路上非常有名的猪扒包。六年前,我们到澳门吃的是金马轮咖啡饼店的猪扒包,至今念念不忘。难得再来澳门,我们发誓一定还要吃金马轮的猪扒包。

不过,一抵达的当儿,刚刚从营地街街市走出来,在议事厅前地看见大利来的广告招牌,就决定试试!

靠近议事厅前地的大利来

一进到里面,很开心因为当时天气实在太热,有冷气,再加上很有欧洲风味的装潢。我们仨上下游走,选了一个心水位(其实没有什么选择,里面根本就是人满满的)坐了下来。

我们点了一个菠萝猪扒包,一个芝士包,两杯冻檸蜜,一杯冻菊蜜。

干巴巴的菠萝猪扒包

芝士包

先说那个猪扒包,菠萝包干干的,不好吃。猪扒也不是现炸的,上桌时,是冷冷干干的!而且,骨头还蛮多的。这么一个没有优点的菠萝猪扒包,竞卖MOP38!那不是坑人吗?!

再说那个芝士包,一个不知道是不是买回来的面包,再加上超市卖的一片便宜的芝士,竟卖MOP20!佢唔好去抢?!

我们这样一吃MOP116,整付身家被吃掉百分之十(说来好笑,我们当时只有MOP1000),而且水准如此不达标,真是越吃越不爽!

因此,回去金马轮咖啡饼店吃猪扒包的信念就更强了!

如果你像我们一样,因为他的名气而想试试,我劝你千万不要浪费你的钱和你的肚子的空位!

如果你有一位你很讨厌的敌人,即将到访澳门,那你不妨介绍他。哈哈!

2015年8月15日星期六

强记瓦煲咖啡

在我去澳门之前,无意间读到蔡澜和林金城都有为瓦煲咖啡作介绍。我很爱喝咖啡,这么特别的咖啡当然不能错过!

还未到澳门之前,姐姐催我赶快把地点找好。一找,咦?原来和她想吃的咖喱面和牛杂一样,在营地街市里!那就好办很多。

一抵达澳门,我们就往街市冲去!

我在网上看到的,其实是胜记瓦煲咖啡,不过到了街市发现胜记没开!好失望!还好,街市里还有一档强记瓦煲咖啡!

看似平平无奇的一档咖啡,跟我们在马来西亚巴刹里喝的咖啡档一样,简陋。

究竟,是什么这样“巴闭”?


正煮着的咖啡

一探头望,就看到正煮着的咖啡!跃跃欲试,跟老板点了两杯咖啡,一杯奶茶。

我的瓦煲咖啡

看似平凡,不过这杯咖啡喝下去,我和姐姐都爱极了!咖啡很香,而且更重要的是,很顺滑!奶味很重,应该是用鲜奶吧。我也不敢问老板,澳门虽比香港好,不过普遍上他们还是挺凶的。

一杯咖啡MOP12。澳门的东西真的很贵。如果在马来西亚巴刹里,一杯RM6(SGD2.4)的咖啡,你喝吗?不是老板卖贵,澳门的价格一般如此。十块钱澳门币真的什么都买不了。

这杯咖啡究竟有多好喝?我们在24小时里,光顾了两次。

如果我还去澳门,我肯定再喝 :)

三姐弟24小时澳门长肉记

话说有一天,我和姐姐一块儿坐在家里,正百般聊赖,被她发现亚航有促销。随手搜索,最终被她找到吉隆坡澳门来回机票,其中一趟免费!

她问我要去吗?好啊!免费的,有何不可!但是挨着她的假日已经不够用,我当时也还未决定是否回到工作岗位,弟弟也应该没有假期,结果我们预订周六抵达澳门,周日返家!早上十点多抵达,隔天早上十点多离开,真真正正的24小时!

澳门我们都去过,这一次真的纯粹为了吃!(吃吃吃,嫌自己的spare tyre不够大 T.T)


没想到,都当妈了,我还是逃不过在机场“睡街”的命运。原本想订酒店的我们,想到我们只有得睡三到四个小时,还是免了,钱还是省下来。在麦当劳过夜算了。

是功力退了,还是当妈了真的可以不用睡觉,我当晚睡不着。跟睡不着的弟弟一起在机场游荡,然后等候麦当劳四点钟的早餐。









抵达澳门:
为了节省时间,我们一过关,为了节省时间,马上打的到营地街街市。
两杯瓦煲咖啡和冰奶茶 MOP38
泰皇咖喱面 MOP35
梓记牛杂 MOP48

我熟悉的澳门。大热天啊!人人撑伞!

12点左右:
大利来猪扒包
猪扒菠萝包 MOP38
芝士包 MOP20
热檸蜜,冻檸蜜,冻菊花蜜 MOP58

五点左右:
得胜西湾安记
猪扒焗饭
蟹子包
两杯杯奶茶一杯檸蜜
共MOP89

香喷喷的蟹子饭

猪扒焗饭


六点左右:
议事厅前地黄枝记
虾子捞面
酥炸云吞
三杯鸳鸯
共 MOP164

虾子捞饭

酥炸云吞


八点左右:
威尼斯人Lord Stow葡式蛋挞四个 MOP40
打包两打 MOP240 (超过200可用信用卡)




走回酒店途中,我们还买了凉茶、鬼佬凉茶、两个杯面,边看电视边吃。

隔天一早七点左右
没想到澳门早上真的没什么,还好我们最爱的猪扒包早上七点开始营业。金马轮咖啡饼店,来了两次,仍然是我们的最爱。
三个猪扒包
一个早餐快餐(含奶茶)
两杯奶茶
一个椰挞
共MOP141

还是金马轮最好!

我流口水了!


由于对瓦煲咖啡念念不忘,看看时间还早,我们再度回到营地街街市喝三杯咖啡(MOP36)。

吃的撑死人,这才打的到机场去。

回家,看到摆在一角的电子秤,躲得远远的。

2015年7月21日星期二

Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer

I've recently received my first Lego Star Wars set, in fact my first ever Lego set in my life. It's one of my farewell gift from my thoughtful colleagues. It was great, I love my Imperial Star Destroyer!

 photo ISD01_zpsxo7yoo2a.jpg
Dum dum dum dum da dum dum da dum!

Clear Instructions
According to the Brickpedia, this particular set has 1,359 pieces. I thought it will take me forever to complete this 16x53cm spaceship, but I was wrong, turned out, it wasn't that difficult actually. Thanks to the detailed instructions! Even instructions idiot like me get to do it at ease.

The bricks were divided into 10 packets. Each packet numbered, 1-10, so that the users could start building from packet no.1. This makes the whole experience really pleasant because imagine they're going to give you 1,359 pieces of grey bricks! It's just nightmare to be!

Besides, the instructions are as clear as it can be. Each and every step is clearly shown in pictures. Even the spaceship is in a perfect symmetry, they do not go by "Please repeat these steps in mirror image". With the number of bricks involved, mirror image can be confusing. Therefore, there are total 3 instruction manuals for one spaceship.

Good QC
If you ever work in manufacturing, you'll learn to appreciate Lego even more. Every brick is precisely made so that they can fit into each other. If the QC wasn't tight enough, you can imagine having bricks too loose that can't hold on together; or bricks too tight that can't fit in at all! It'll just ruin everything.

Besides, do take a close look of your Lego if you have. Colours of your bricks are even, no patches. Aesthetically, perfect! How great is that!

Great Details for the Geeks
All the very cool details are taken care of. The top of the spaceship can be removed and opened to reveal the internal of the spaceship.

 photo ISD02_zpsbka3ketr.jpg
Synchronised cannons and spring loaded shooter (hazard)

 photo ISD11_zpsd8pdclf2.jpg
Control panels

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Rotating Emperor Palpatine halogram

 photo ISD10_zps50kdjt9a.jpg
Cool screen

 photo ISD04_zpshqaei0a4.jpg
Rear view of the spaceship

 photo ISD05_zpsaotky5fj.jpg
Extra "bullets" can be stored at the rear of the ship

 photo ISD06_zps4w9cjvr9.jpg
Darth Vader on his rotating chair

 photo ISD07_zpsy9jdr7rq.jpg
Imperial Officer on his rotating chair

 photo ISD09_zps3tgq7r5s.jpg
Imperial Navy Trooper with Stormtrooper

 photo ISD12_zpsfgzvoek0.jpg
Imperial Crew with Stormtrooper

 photo ISD13_zpsyykddgsj.jpg
I find your lack of faith disturbing *Throat Choking*

 photo ISD15_zpsfn88xxch.jpg
All the mini figurines in the set

Now that I've completed it, and really loving it, I need to find a place for it. Somewhere not reachable by my son when he's mobile. Now I love Lego Star Wars so much, I feel like buying myself my favourite Millennium Falcon :)

By the way, I used one of my farewell gift (50mm 1.8G Nikkor lens) to take all the detailed pictures of my Imperial Star Destroyer.

I just love it! It makes waiting for Star Wars Episode VII even better!

Progress 
Progress pictures taken with iPhone in my study room

2015年7月13日星期一

40 Weeks and 3 Days

Pregnant for 40 weeks and 3 days vs. Baby age 40 weeks and 3 days

I've been waiting to take this photo for a long time, finally it's 40 weeks and 3 days on 10th July 2015.

I was wearing the exact same top and bottom, it's scary to see how huge I became when I was pregnant! 40 weeks and 3 days was 2 days before baby was born, it's one day before I was admitted to hospital to induce for labour. What a horror...

Anyway, it's all over now, the super heavy tummy grow up to be a heavy baby :)

2015年7月11日星期六

And I Left

The Team, not all of them though :)

It was my belated farewell lunch with my colleagues in HP yesterday. It was like any other lunches we had, laughters, rubbish talks, teasing each other. But something different though, my son became the highlight of the lunch nowadays, stealing everybody's attention and got carried around the table, that makes him very happy. Can't sleep when he got home.

It's been quite a journey. I joined HP Failure Analysis team on 11th June 2007. My official last day was 2nd of June 2015. On the paper, I clocked 8 years working in the same environment, (sounded so sad but it's not, really). But technically, I've only clocked 7.5 years because I took 6 months off to take care of baby. And then, I took a step further, I left.

7.5 years is a long time.

They've seen me long curly hair, short curly hair, long straight hair, short straight hair, and long straight hair again.

They've seen me without braces, with braces, and took off the braces with nice tidy teeth.

They've seen me happily single (but not available) traveling around the world with sister every year, happily married and still traveling around the world, and got pregnant and still traveling!!!, and finally, the "balloon" popped, and I am still traveling!

7.5 years, we've seen people come and go. Some joined us as short as a few months. Some for a year and longer. But there were a few of us who stayed together long enough (we've got no choice but to stick together) to become very closed friends. These are the people I can't let go off. These are the people who make me think twice before I started writing my resignation letter. These are the people, I swear I want to keep in touch with. These are the people, I call them friends rather than just colleagues.

I felt so loved all these years with them. My bestie and I have difficulties eating crabs and prawns (actually she has difficulties because of her allergy, I am just plainly lazy. I've been pampered at home, and I'm also pampered at work!), our "English teacher" would peel for us. The "English teacher" also peels oranges for me. Some other guys would carry watermelons back from the supermarket nearby to office, and cut for us for tea breaks.

My lab friends would keep some cup noodles for me in their drawers so that I got something to eat when I'm hungry. Because everybody knows, I am ALWAYS HUNGRY! They would keep any unattended items in their drawers for me, because I'm the No.1 forgetful in the team, and whatever left behind, they always assume they belong to me. Hahaha... Well, 80% of the time, it's true.

And my boss, she'd seen the worst of me. Couldn't handle my emotion properly and opposing her on things that she asked me to do etc. Bad engineer... But as I grow, I started to understand her position, and I realized she's such an understanding boss, especially when it comes to work-life balance, and health of her team. I started to see nobody is perfect, I am a lousy engineer so why should I expect so much from everybody else. I should do my part first. I appreciate her more, and we became closer and we could even pull prank on her! Such fun :)

If I were to write everything about them, I'll needs days to do so. So I'm not gonna do that. I'm sure to whom it may concern, they know how I feel :)

To all of you, I miss you already :)