Thursday was my first driving lesson with hubby as my coach. We set off to a training area which is near our place. On the way there, the car skidded because it was so slippery. I started to get nervous and thought maybe this was not such a good idea. Maybe we should start lesson after snow has melted or even when spring arrives.
When we arrived, the area was dark. There wasn't any lighting and we were the only one there. Hubby stopped the car, jumped out and said,"Ok, this is it baby!" hm... don't people usually start the first lesson with introduction to the various parts of the car??? Anyway, we switched places and hubby asked me to look for the various pedals. Brake, clutch, accelerator, all checked. "Ok, drive." said hubby. "Huh? How?" "Well, like how you did it in Singapore." My goodness! The last time I took my driving lesson in Singapore was like donkey years ago! I tried to remember as best as I could and the car finally started rolling forward. I started breaking into a cold sweat...
The next hour was just a big confusion (at least that was how it was in my head!). "Position your car." "Which side should you be driving?" "Change to second gear." "Turn left." "Turn right." "You're driving into the ditch baby." "Should you be turning at second gear?" The whole time hubby peppered with "Good baby." "That's was very good." "You're doing good baby." to keep my confidence up.
There was a few times when the car skidded or the car wasn't moving forward because it was so slippery! Hubby took over the driver's seat at one point to show me how to do it properly, I relaxed immediately when I was in the passenger's seat. The next minute, hubby parked the car on a slope (not so steep but the car WILL roll backwards once the brake is off), got out and said,"Now you drive." So I had to start the car at a slope which makes me sweat more despite the fact that it was minus 4 degrees outside... Hubby taught me how to start the car on a slope using the handbrake. So I pulled up the handbrake, moved into first gear and started to release the clutch. "The car is not moving! It's too slippery!" I panicked. Hubby replied in his usual cool manner,"It probably will start to move forward if you release the handbrake." "Oh ok, that sounds like a good idea." I replied feeling like a complete idiot!!!
After several times of saying,"Maybe we should go home now? It's late." We ended our first lesson. Hubby gave me a hug when we were exchanging seats. Hubby smiled, "That was very good for being the first lesson baby, and you smell a little."
That was my first driving lesson.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
人日快乐!
It's the seventh day of Chinese New Year today, which is the "Birthday" of human. It is from the legend of 女娲 when she created heaven and earth, mountains and valley, streams and seas and then started to create animals and she created humans on the seventh day. That's how it comes about, at least from what I remembered! ^.^
Our Chinese New Year this year started with Ivan falling sick. He was coughing and running fever. According to the Swedish medical system here (which sucks!), we called the medical hotline (24hrs) to ask for advice. We were told that the flu is going around now and very common especially in small kids because their immune systems are not as strong. We were told that we have nothing to panic about, just give him water and keep him warm. And that we are free to call again if there are new development or we have other concerns. The problem is that it is torturing to see him so uncomfortable and tired! If we're back in S'pore, he would have been to the doctor and got medication and if fever continues for 3 days, our baby doctor will order a blood test! Here, they just want the small baby to fight the virus themselves so that they will get stronger. This sounds like a good idea but it is heartbreaking for all parents to see the slow process of recovery...
Before Ivan gets better, Lars fell sick. He got the same symptoms as Ivan, except that he was coughing much harder and it sounded deeper. He was coughing so hard that he cracked his rib bone! So on top of all the discomfort he was already suffering from, he was in a lot of pain. There wasn't much one can do to a crack in rib bone. The only thing to do was to take pain killers and wait for the crack to heal, which takes a looooonnnngggg time...
And with Ivan and Lars coughing away and suffering, Jovan fell sick too! He got the same symptoms and he was wheezing a little. Luckily I have the asthma medication which I gave him according to dosage.
Just when Angel was commenting that it seemed like she and I were the only healthy ones around, I started running slight fever and had bad headache... However, I got better within 2 days.
So our New Year was not entirely fun. We did decorated our apartment a little to be in the New Year mood, so that did help in lifting our mood. Thanks to my friends who are really sweet and thoughtful as always, to send me CNY decos every year. I miss you gals!
New curtain for the kitchen window.
2 small oranges for my alter.
Decos from my dear friends...
New curtains for the living rooms.
Our Chinese New Year this year started with Ivan falling sick. He was coughing and running fever. According to the Swedish medical system here (which sucks!), we called the medical hotline (24hrs) to ask for advice. We were told that the flu is going around now and very common especially in small kids because their immune systems are not as strong. We were told that we have nothing to panic about, just give him water and keep him warm. And that we are free to call again if there are new development or we have other concerns. The problem is that it is torturing to see him so uncomfortable and tired! If we're back in S'pore, he would have been to the doctor and got medication and if fever continues for 3 days, our baby doctor will order a blood test! Here, they just want the small baby to fight the virus themselves so that they will get stronger. This sounds like a good idea but it is heartbreaking for all parents to see the slow process of recovery...
Before Ivan gets better, Lars fell sick. He got the same symptoms as Ivan, except that he was coughing much harder and it sounded deeper. He was coughing so hard that he cracked his rib bone! So on top of all the discomfort he was already suffering from, he was in a lot of pain. There wasn't much one can do to a crack in rib bone. The only thing to do was to take pain killers and wait for the crack to heal, which takes a looooonnnngggg time...
And with Ivan and Lars coughing away and suffering, Jovan fell sick too! He got the same symptoms and he was wheezing a little. Luckily I have the asthma medication which I gave him according to dosage.
Just when Angel was commenting that it seemed like she and I were the only healthy ones around, I started running slight fever and had bad headache... However, I got better within 2 days.
So our New Year was not entirely fun. We did decorated our apartment a little to be in the New Year mood, so that did help in lifting our mood. Thanks to my friends who are really sweet and thoughtful as always, to send me CNY decos every year. I miss you gals!
New curtain for the kitchen window.
2 small oranges for my alter.
Decos from my dear friends...
New curtains for the living rooms.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Ivan's Chinese Name
I have been pondering on what Chinese name I should give Ivan. Though he is a Swede, he is still technically half Singaporean, so I think he should have a Chinese name.
I spent months before Jovan and Angel were born, thinking about what Chinese names to give them. I was reading (yes, READING!) the Chinese dictionary, playing around with many nice (and weird) combination before I end up with their names. Jovan is 劭奕 and Angel is 嘉萱.
Now, stranded on the other part of the earth, and my trusty old, battered Chinese dictionary lying in Singapore (well to be more specific, it's in one of the moving boxes in my brother's storeroom!), I am really clueless! I know that I have basically 3 requirements:
1. To reflect his personality. He is a real happy-go-lucky baby! He will dance to whatever kind of music and he doesn't dance to show off and get praises from anybody. Many times we caught him dancing in the room, kitchen, under the table, any space which he can possibly fit in and when the music is done, he continued with whatever he was doing! He's a real 乐天派! ^_^
2. I hope that he will keep the 劭 like in Jovan's name.
3. The combination should sounds good, means well and look good when written.
For months I have been cracking my brain, testing combinations to no avail. I got frustrated and decided to stop thinking about it for awhile since there is no hurry for him to get one.
Armed with the 3 requirements above, I left for the ski trip, hoping to get inspiration from the beautiful scenery and relaxed mind. I'll probably blog about the trip later) The scenery was really beautiful.
I got sick during the trip, possibly due to some amount of stress and anxiety. So I came home and emailed my friends to ask for suggestions and inspiration. One of my super best friend (she's like a sister to me) came back with a suggestion given by her friend. We both loved it! Now we have a Chinese name for Ivan:
劭恺 - 劭 means admirable, excellent. 恺 means joyful, kind.
What a good name!
I spent months before Jovan and Angel were born, thinking about what Chinese names to give them. I was reading (yes, READING!) the Chinese dictionary, playing around with many nice (and weird) combination before I end up with their names. Jovan is 劭奕 and Angel is 嘉萱.
Now, stranded on the other part of the earth, and my trusty old, battered Chinese dictionary lying in Singapore (well to be more specific, it's in one of the moving boxes in my brother's storeroom!), I am really clueless! I know that I have basically 3 requirements:
1. To reflect his personality. He is a real happy-go-lucky baby! He will dance to whatever kind of music and he doesn't dance to show off and get praises from anybody. Many times we caught him dancing in the room, kitchen, under the table, any space which he can possibly fit in and when the music is done, he continued with whatever he was doing! He's a real 乐天派! ^_^
2. I hope that he will keep the 劭 like in Jovan's name.
3. The combination should sounds good, means well and look good when written.
For months I have been cracking my brain, testing combinations to no avail. I got frustrated and decided to stop thinking about it for awhile since there is no hurry for him to get one.
Armed with the 3 requirements above, I left for the ski trip, hoping to get inspiration from the beautiful scenery and relaxed mind. I'll probably blog about the trip later) The scenery was really beautiful.
I got sick during the trip, possibly due to some amount of stress and anxiety. So I came home and emailed my friends to ask for suggestions and inspiration. One of my super best friend (she's like a sister to me) came back with a suggestion given by her friend. We both loved it! Now we have a Chinese name for Ivan:
劭恺 - 劭 means admirable, excellent. 恺 means joyful, kind.
What a good name!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Mamma Mia!
I was watching "Mamma Mia" with kiddos the other day. This was the second time kiddos watched it. They watched it first time with grandma and when we suggested to watch a movie that day, they requested to watch "Mamma Mia".
We enjoyed the movie thoroughly, kiddos were even singing along to some of the songs, like "Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia" and "Waterloo"! Even the smallest one is dancing to the music. My hubby can't stand musical. He and I watched "Mamma Mia" and I ended up so harassed by him that I couldn't focus on the movie! He asked the same questions over and over again throughout the movie,"Why are they singing suddenly?" "How do the neighbours know the dance moves?" Aaarrrggghhhh! Now I have decided to watch "Hairspray" on my own!
My hubby and I were talking about the success of ABBA and we both thought that it is very cool that they are still popular after so many generations and that their songs still work. Pop songs tend to turn corny after awhile when the trend is over but not for ABBA.
Kiddos are now asking to play ABBA songs in car rides as well. Looks like we'll be having the ABBA fever for sometime!
We enjoyed the movie thoroughly, kiddos were even singing along to some of the songs, like "Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia" and "Waterloo"! Even the smallest one is dancing to the music. My hubby can't stand musical. He and I watched "Mamma Mia" and I ended up so harassed by him that I couldn't focus on the movie! He asked the same questions over and over again throughout the movie,"Why are they singing suddenly?" "How do the neighbours know the dance moves?" Aaarrrggghhhh! Now I have decided to watch "Hairspray" on my own!
My hubby and I were talking about the success of ABBA and we both thought that it is very cool that they are still popular after so many generations and that their songs still work. Pop songs tend to turn corny after awhile when the trend is over but not for ABBA.
Kiddos are now asking to play ABBA songs in car rides as well. Looks like we'll be having the ABBA fever for sometime!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Presents
We woke up on Christmas Eve morning and it was snowing! Snow has melted several days ago and it has been raining and was really windy for the past few days. Everybody was really disappointed with the weather and we all got a pleasant surprise when we woke up to see everything covered in white.
Having picked up 1 heavy box and 1 package from the Post Office last night, we were all excited to see what was inside. The box was from our family back home and it was loaded with goodies! Instant noodles, 3-in-1 coffee powder, Chinese medicated oils, ang bao packets, my favorite magazines and book, presents for all of us and of course, lots and lots of love!! The package was from a very good friend, who always send me nice stuffs to brighten my days. This year she sent me 2 books by my favorite illustrator, 幾米. My happiness was doubled!
Nothing beats receiving gifts from home. Looking at all my favorite stuffs, my eyes teared up immediately and my heart swelled with gratitude. I suppose it is difficult for Lars and kiddos to understand completely how worked up I was to receive these.
THANK YOU ALL FOR THOSE WONDERFUL GIFTS!!!
One of the presents I received this year is something which I have mentioned to my hubby very long time ago. I was very very surprised that he actually remembered and bought it for me! It is a tablet from Wacom.
This tablet is for professional illustrator/designer and he bought it for ME! I make some designs using Corel Draw as a hobby, I feel that I should not be using something so expensive, feels both guilty and happy at the same time! I tell myself that now I really need to work harder to launch my website to sell my designs so I can justify for the cost of my hubby's investment and hopefully to repay him in future!
I will work hard in 2009!
Having picked up 1 heavy box and 1 package from the Post Office last night, we were all excited to see what was inside. The box was from our family back home and it was loaded with goodies! Instant noodles, 3-in-1 coffee powder, Chinese medicated oils, ang bao packets, my favorite magazines and book, presents for all of us and of course, lots and lots of love!! The package was from a very good friend, who always send me nice stuffs to brighten my days. This year she sent me 2 books by my favorite illustrator, 幾米. My happiness was doubled!
Nothing beats receiving gifts from home. Looking at all my favorite stuffs, my eyes teared up immediately and my heart swelled with gratitude. I suppose it is difficult for Lars and kiddos to understand completely how worked up I was to receive these.
THANK YOU ALL FOR THOSE WONDERFUL GIFTS!!!
One of the presents I received this year is something which I have mentioned to my hubby very long time ago. I was very very surprised that he actually remembered and bought it for me! It is a tablet from Wacom.
This tablet is for professional illustrator/designer and he bought it for ME! I make some designs using Corel Draw as a hobby, I feel that I should not be using something so expensive, feels both guilty and happy at the same time! I tell myself that now I really need to work harder to launch my website to sell my designs so I can justify for the cost of my hubby's investment and hopefully to repay him in future!
I will work hard in 2009!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Baking our first gingerbread house!
We decided to bake our first gingerbread house last Sunday. A project which proved to be very challanging as we went along. Kiddos started by tracing the drawing onto baking paper so we could put on our dough later. Then we cut the dough and put the parts into the oven and then.... we kinda forgot about them. So the parts turned out to be a little on the dark side! ^_^ Then my sweet hubby volunteered to put them together because the melted sugar was very very hot and dangerous.
we thought he did a good job.
After all parts were put together (well....most of them were), all of us crowded around to do the fun part - decorating! we managed to do the roofs and a little on the sides and then Julkalender (a kids' program which is shown every year from 1st Dec to 24th Dec, with different stories every year, all related to Christmas)started, so all of us "migrated" to the living room. Leaving this mess...
When Julkalendar was over, Harry Potter started so nobody was interested in decorating the gingerbread house further, so we declared it done!
There was one special feature in our gingerbread house though.... It was missing in one wall!
Lars and I were laughing so hard when he was trying to put all parts together! Jovan tried to make the situation better by saying,"Our pepperkakshus (gingerbread house) has a open garage."
We think that we did a good job for beginners and we feel that we're ready for a more challanging design next year! hahahahaha!
we thought he did a good job.
After all parts were put together (well....most of them were), all of us crowded around to do the fun part - decorating! we managed to do the roofs and a little on the sides and then Julkalender (a kids' program which is shown every year from 1st Dec to 24th Dec, with different stories every year, all related to Christmas)started, so all of us "migrated" to the living room. Leaving this mess...
When Julkalendar was over, Harry Potter started so nobody was interested in decorating the gingerbread house further, so we declared it done!
There was one special feature in our gingerbread house though.... It was missing in one wall!
Lars and I were laughing so hard when he was trying to put all parts together! Jovan tried to make the situation better by saying,"Our pepperkakshus (gingerbread house) has a open garage."
We think that we did a good job for beginners and we feel that we're ready for a more challanging design next year! hahahahaha!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Recipe for Rocky Road Chocolate
Here goes the recipe for all you chocolate fans!
200g dark chocolate
200g milk chocolate (I used dark chocolate instead coz I like dark chocolate!)
25g butter
397g sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons of vanilla powder
Your choice of:
minimarshmallows (or cut regular ones into smaller pieces)/peanuts/hazelnuts/raisins
How to:
1. Cover a small rectangular container with aluminium foil (I used those kind of small disposable aluminium tray, around 20x25cm)
2. Melt chocolate and butter. Stir in condensed milk.
3. Stir till mixture is smooth. Let it cool a little and stir in vanilla powder.
4. Mix in your choice of marshmallows/peanuts/hazelnuts/raisins. Do not stir too much if you're adding marshmallows coz they will melt. Leave in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
5. Cut into bits. Store cool.
There you go, yummy Rocky Road Chocolate, enjoy!
200g dark chocolate
200g milk chocolate (I used dark chocolate instead coz I like dark chocolate!)
25g butter
397g sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons of vanilla powder
Your choice of:
minimarshmallows (or cut regular ones into smaller pieces)/peanuts/hazelnuts/raisins
How to:
1. Cover a small rectangular container with aluminium foil (I used those kind of small disposable aluminium tray, around 20x25cm)
2. Melt chocolate and butter. Stir in condensed milk.
3. Stir till mixture is smooth. Let it cool a little and stir in vanilla powder.
4. Mix in your choice of marshmallows/peanuts/hazelnuts/raisins. Do not stir too much if you're adding marshmallows coz they will melt. Leave in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
5. Cut into bits. Store cool.
There you go, yummy Rocky Road Chocolate, enjoy!
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