Perthetic?? I think not!

Had a short holiday in Perth. A nice city sharing the basic qualities one would enjoy in any other cities in Australia... clean air, clean public toilets, efficient public transportation and generally a society imbued with common civility (all of which is somewhat disappointingly lacking back home). Vegemite rolls, bung fritz and redskins are just the icing on the cake. Honestly, what's there not to like about Australia and in this instance, Perth?

We stayed at the Medina Barrack, ideally located just a minute stroll from Murray St Mall and the CAT stops across the road. Very closeby is Northbridge, home to some highly recommended chinese restaurants. THe MOTH and I didn't even catch a wift of neither italian nor any other non-chinese fare as the Son demanded his staple rice, noodles and char siew pow every meal. As for transport, the blue, red and yellow CATs were good to take us virtually anywhere within the city free of charge although responsible taxpayers might frown as these buses have become ideal sanctuary to the homeless for naptime and shelter from the winter chill.

We visited the WA Musuem, the Perth Zoo, went up the Bell Tower and took a ride on the Wheel of Perth. Thankfully there were more squeals of excitement than dull pathetic looking little faces over the entire 6 days...so, we can conclude that money was well spent! And, never have I spent less hours browsing through the ladies and shoes department at DJ and Myers and never has my credit card been so well rested, a rare achievement indeed which I suppose made the MOTH rather proud :)

Jorja got her toy pet guinea pig named Jenny and Jorge, his fourth Bumblebee. The MOTH picked up a few nice reds and whites. Mom had a good rest and her favourite stewed beef tendon at yumcha while I boldly go in search of my TOD's G-bag Sacca Grande which I passed up in Perth.

I'm back...

...still loathing work, but loving live too much to give up yet. Got a holiday to look forward to and a home loan waiting to be approved. Decided to keep Jorja in private schooling and Jorge is finally potty trained!

How far would you go?

While driving home yesterday, the MOTH was telling me about a YM with his buddy. The boys can hardly let a day go by without chatting with each other, be it online or over the phone. Not that I'm complaining or consumed by jealousy because like I've always felt, if ever I were to lose him, I'd rather lose him to a man because then I'd know for certain, it's not about me!!

Now, back on track...his friend was mentioning about his encounters with a certain female business associate and how he struggles to fight his urges all the time because she poses a serious distraction of the forbidden kind... the kind involving tight shirts, exposed cleavage and imagination running wild.

Well, it was deplorable of the MOTH to encourage him to take it further and give it a go. Never try, never know how far it'd go...nudge, nudge, wink. wink!!! HEY FREEZE!! The guy is married with a kid, unlike my BIL...the dejected divorcee eagerly awaiting his next covetous tryst...no offense to my BIL!

I asked the MOTH how'd he feel if I told him I have chats with my girlfriends about how we would like to get on with some hunk we met in the gym and then just brush it off as mere "girly talk"??!! I'm no conservative prude but I just think it's not right.

So, is it ok to just talk and have thoughts?? So long as we've not commit the act, we're safe??

What's the story morning glory?

It's been a long break. So, what have I been up to between my last post and now....not much actually. But after much persuasion, the MOTH agreed to take the kids up to Cameron Highlands for a weekend and we stayed at the Cameron Highlands Resort. It was a treat for the kids and my mom. I must say, they have excellent turndown service, spoiling you before bedtime with a bowl of huge yummilicious strawberries with chocolate dipping. Absolutely, to die for!

A weekend ago, we tagged along as the MOTH was having a meeting in KL. It's rather pathetic that we only get to go to KL only when the MOTH has a scheduled meeting. For this, I have no complaints over him joining the Bunga Raya Sovereign Chapter and I hope he intends to go for the next meeting in August. I'm planning to stay at the Westin, just next to the Pavilion...shhh, the MOTH knows nothing of this yet! Some place different from Mandarin Oriental and Ascott, and hopefully my mom can finally get to try out Shanghai at JW Marriott which is always too faraway when we stay at Mandarin Oriental or Ascott.

The last two months have been rather packed with client and planning meetings. It always makes good sense to drop by at the client's every now and then to keep up the relationship or to foster one. Never imagined that I could be in this current comfortable position dealing with one of the worst ever clients I have the misfortune to attend to. I suppose it all boils down to contact, the more frequent the contact the better the chances of developing a mutually assuring relationship, that is provided the client is not put off by the mere sight of your face!

I have another subject matter to blog about but I think it would be more appropriate for me to reserve a separate post for it...

Bottle hunting

It has been one of the most tiring days. After reading up as much as we could on BPA-free alternatives, we went around town in search of milk bottles to replace our existing ones. The wallet card I found on Z Recommends comes in rather handy when you're shopping and need reference, it is quite a task remembering all the brands, which is safe and which is not.

As we where walking through the store, the Moth commented why wouldn't they all just use glass and I said that would be possible in India where glass is cheaper than plastic. Much to our surprise, one of the stores stocked Chicco glass milk bottles. We bought one just to try out. The teat and the bottle shape were very different from the silicone teat and wide-necked Avent bottles Jorge is so used to. Jorja was most excited seeing a new milk bottle that she insisted that she had milk from the bottle too.

It was rather difficult to find the recommended brands as most shops stock only Avent and Dr Brown bottles, and I couldn't seem to find any Medela bottles on its own, they all came with breast-feeding kits. After shopping around abit more, I found MAM UltiVent bottles which happened to be one of the top picks for being BPA-free, made of 100% polypropylene. They came in pretty pastle shades of blue, green and pink. What more could you ask for, pretty and BPA-free!!

By the way, the Canadian government has officially banned the use of BPA in baby bottles. It is a bold step indeed considering the fact that Canada has never in history initiated the ban of controversial substances. Well, it makes sense, especially when there are alternatives.

The MOTH has gone a step further, he has replaced our plastic electric kettle with a Tefal stainless steel one. Better to be safe than sorry!

Baby needs new bottles and it'd better be BPA-free!

The effects of Bispenol-A (BPA) have long been scrutinised and debated with no clear definitive conclusion. If you don't have my grasp of knowledge, you'd have probably have known that BPA is a compound in hard, clear polycarbonate plastics that is easily ingested when leached into our food. This is especially so when bottles and containers are scratched or worn out.

Yesterday, the US National Toxicology Program has finally agreed with the findings on physiological changes that occur in people when they ingest BPA that has leached from plastics into their food. The Canadian government is even considering declaring the chemical toxic. With the way things are progressing, we could very well see BPA being banned in the manufacturing of baby bottles, water bottles, and food containers.

And ignorant me... have always been a loyal supporter of Avent when the company is listed as one of the poorly rated companies that maintains abhorrent unwillingness to acknowledge the legitimacy of consumers' concerns about BPA and offers no BPA-free alternative. My poor babies have grown up on Avent products and they are still on the bottle. Making matters worse, out of ignorance, we have been recommending Avent to friends and relatives...this is awful!

BPA has raised concerns because it appears to mimic the effects of estrogen, interfering with hormone levels and cell signaling systems. Studies have shown that people exposed to high levels of BPA have a greater risk of developing uterine fibroids, breast cancer, decreased sperm counts, and prostate cancer. Babies and children are thought to be at greatest risk from the exposure.

All this while, manufacturers of course defend themselves by issuing statements that the compound in their products is below levels known to cause toxic effects and that they have assurances from the FDA which actively reviews the safety of BPA. But, with the latest findings, the FDA might very soon be taking a different stand. It's sometimes true that if we were to take every assertion by consumer groups as the gospel truth, we might as well be living like the neanderthals.

Well, alarm bells are ringing and I'd not risk it on this one. I'd be heading for the shops to get a set of new BPA-free bottles and shall be throwing out all the Avent bottles. Here's a depository of information on BPA-free products for those who, despite not being as ignorant as myself, are keen to know more!

And all you avid investors out there, it's time to buy-in on companies promoting BPA-free brands. Below is a list of companies that have receive "excellent" rating in providing attractive, functional products in at least two product categories or exceptional design in one category, with all mouth-contact products being exclusively BPA-free, and have indicated or demonstrated a commitment to providing BPA-free products as a matter of course in the development of new products:

Adiri | Born Free | Brita | Combi | KidCo | Klean Kanteen | Green to Grow | Medela | Not Neutral | Obentec | Prince Lionheart | Rivadossi Sandro (Trebimbi) | SIGG | Steadyco | Thermos | thinkbaby

Sadly, along with Avent are the following brands to be avoided:

Ameda | Nalgene | Playskool | Phil & Ted's | Second Nature

I'd be staying away from these brands for sure, you can never be too careful where your kids are concerned!

Tagged again!

Got tagged again by Dette at Dance of Motherhood. Thanks!

I'm a Scorpion, born in month of November and here's what they have to say about me:

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

(Well, mostly true, especially on not being able to control emotions...the MOTH would vouch to that. "Stiff upper lip!" that's what I always get from him. Baby, you just have to accept that I'm not made of those stuff!)

TAGGING RULES:

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving them a comment.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when yours is up!

And now I'm tagging...

real.life.ramblings
What's Your Pleasure?
My All
Just My Lil'Organic Life
Mommy Doodles
A Daisy a Day
Shopping Mum
Visible Woman
Lesalicious Style and Life
Real Life
thehappyplc
Adventures in Motherhood

***

The Twelve Months

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.