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The husband and I made our way to PAWS on Sunday to donate  food. Although it’s been a while since we went to a doggie shelter to visit, that doesn’t mean we’ve not been helping out. We still make donations whenever needed.

PAWS is located in Ara Damansara and currently houses 200 dogs – full grown and pups alike. We were surprised to see some good breeds like an Alsation (reminded me of my dear Bobby!), Goldie, Rottweilier and heck even a gorgeous Lab. How do people find it in their hearts to give away their own pets???

What amazed us were how friendly and happy ALL these dogs were. Their wagging little tails and their eagerness to come up to you just so you can pet their fluffy heads was a testament that these dogs were a happy bunch at PAWS. We spoke to Uncle Charles for a bit, a PAWS volunteer who helps run the shelter. He  must be well into his late 70s or early 80s yet his love for dogs and energy level was something to be at awe at.

I”m cute and can pose well, please adopt me!

If you love to walk dogs or heck even like going for walks (but could do with some company), PAWS  has a genius volunteer programme where you can pop by and help take these dogs for a walk, which is a pretty neat idea for the whole family!

Looking at these dogs and then thinking about the cruel fate  and abuse happening in Selayang pound shows a huge difference in how people treat animals and how hearts and human consciouness differ. Please read all about it here: Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better

When I first read it on their blog, I sat there and just cried. The two pictures that really got to me were these pups in the most unimagineable state:

(photos credit to MDDB)

We do not treat our orphans this way, so why should these pups be treated any differently? I absolutely cannot accept cruelty and abuse against those who can’t stand for themselves.  Which is deemed more haram in your eyes? Dogs who are creation of GOD or those who think it’s okay to abuse GOD’s creation?  

I’ve already lodged a report with PETA and as of today, most newspapers have highlighted this issue. But would it lead somewhere? Would the Government and our politicians stand up and do something about it?? Or in true Malaysian style – would this be yet another episode that gets swept under the rug? One can only hope that justice will be served, and that something will be done about this soon. Karma on the other hand must pay a visit to the bastards responsible for this act! 

Till then, I urge you all to lodge reports, to make this known internationally and to help donate to MDDB or to My Animal Care.

Alternatively, if you want to donate food/medicine/rice/dog shampoo/cages but don’t have the time, you can contact me and we’ll work something out.

PAWS Animal Welfare Society
Pilmoor Estate,
Subang Airport Road,
47200 Subang, Selangor,
Malaysia.

Tel: +60 (0)3 7846 1087

The apartment got sold a few months back and we’ve since moved into a rented place. It’s much bigger than our sold unit with 3 rooms and ample space so we can have guests over and it’s…………..wait for it……… just 10 minutes away from my parent’s place !!

When we first got the place, it was pathetically bare! We only had the furniture, tv console, beds, cupboards and kitchen fittings and utensils (which I’ve since put away coz it’s gross to use other people’s utensils). The walls were so naked to the point that it bugged the husband to no end.

So after much running up and down by the husband to get everything sorted (and I admit he did most of it coz he was able to take leave from work ), this is our new home It could be better, but being rented and not our own unit,  I say the hubby has done a great job!

The cozy living room

The dining, two bedrooms and bath on the left (you obviously can’t see it in this photo)

Finally, a big kitchen so I can unleash the chef in me

Our bedroom:

The entrance

Sorry the picture’s a bit dark but yea we have a tv mounted up to the wall – owner’s idea, pretty neat eh?

The mini dresser you see is SO tiny compared to the one I have my parent’s place. They sure don’t make dressers like they used to.

The room is much bigger than pictured and it’s pretty cozy.  Gotta love the bathroom coz it’s got an outdoor-sy feel to it

The husband busy changing lightbulbs so I can get better light to do my makeup

I think the star of the place is actually the balcony. Since we’re on the third floor, our balcony overlooks the swimming pool, which means it can get pretty noisy during weekends or when drunks decide to throw parties by the pool (yes I’m biased against em now, lol) but it’s still a great to hang out and have dinner when it’s not too hot outside.

Check out the  hammock!

It became a fav spot when I had the cousin’s over for the weekend

There’s always plenty of alco and junk food here

The boys continuing their game the next morning….

And of course, peanut’s  daddy with a hang over the next day, tsk tsk :)

And I’ve realized that I have no qualms not being able to drink.  I thought I’d be sulking or feel left out but no, I still had plenty of giggles and so much fun - all sober!  Pleased with myself

This week is Peanut week  ya’all

My baby might be only 2.5 months and still in the womb but she already has an extensive amount of clothes

We went to Mother Care and Parkson and almost had a heart attack when we saw baby clothes going for RM40-70 each which is absolutely insane for something that the baby will outgrow in 1-2 months!! Sure there are local brands that we can consider but the quality was absolutely rubbish that I can’t imagine having my baby wear it.

 This is why I’m thankful that half of my baby shopping got done in Manila

 Shopping for myself took a back seat in Manila because in true selfless mommy style, I shopped for my unborn baby and went from one baby department to another! Shopping for baby clothes the Philippines is simply awesome, not only is it MUCH cheaper and value for money than stinky over-priced KL, here you get clothes of quality and they have a HUGE selection guaranteed to drive any mummy nuts!

 I wasn’t too sure if peanut will be a girl or boy so I had to carefully select gender neutral clothing and resist any urge to buy anything loud and pink which wasn’t an easy task given how gorgeous the baby girl clothes were! There’s just something about shopping for little people’s clothes. It gives you a sense of happiness and calm. It’s unexplainable.  My husband absolutely can’t believe how tiny these clothes or the baby will be

 So here’s what this crazy mama bought for her baby.

 It is recommended to get at least 5 bodysuits for a baby.

The blue one says Property of Mom – FOREVER, haha

I couldn’t resist the sweet pink rompers and I just LOVE the garfield bodysuit

Am so in love with this two piece set as well :)

Then there’s some typical infant clothing

I call this the trucker baby outfit for its rugged-ness and breathable material

I only have about 2 full sleeping suits, need to get more next trip

You know, I tried REALLY hard not to get the pink but I couldn’t resist it

Got this sweet little pink dress too, which was going for half price!!It comes with matching shorts and a cute sash tie back, too cute I tell you.

If the baby ends up being a boy, then oh well, too bad, he’s still going to wear it proudly

Another one of my favs - a white hoodie for those cold nights. The most expensive item @ RM30, haha

Of course, bought some booties, mittens, caps and bibs too

Pack of 3 bibs

In daddy mode:

 This is how my hand luggage looked like before coming home.

ALL BABY STUFF. With that amount, one would think I was about to pop out anytime soon or something. All in, we paid nothing more than RM200. The hubby will be going back every month until August so I’m hoping he’ll be able to pick more clothes out, although my only concern is I don’t trust that man’s taste. He kept picking out trucker like clothes for the baby so hmm…..

Also shopping for my baby has made me realize, besides loving to shop for baby clothes,  I have no qualms forgoing things for myself.  I remember picking up a bottle of pricey shampoo and asked myself if I REALLY needed it, did some random calculation and told myself that money would be better off spent on peanut’s necessity.

At that very same time ‘wait till you have your own kids, then you’ll know…..’ line come to mind. A line that my mom was so famous for back when we were growing up because she had the tendency of ogling something in the store and would put it back without buying it. Of course my sis and I would make fun of her and tell her to indulge herself  once in a while.  She would always have the same answer about how that money would be better off spent on her precious monkeys

 YES MA, mothers do gladly make sacrifices for their young ones.

 So yes I put the shampoo back down and have no regrets, lol. Peanut is slowing creeping her way into my no 1 priority list.

But that still didn’t stop me from shopping for some perfumes! Although I would have LOVED to buy some clothes and the usual stuff, I indulgenced in these for myself coz it’s so cheap.

Told ya I LOVE perfumes

Dear Peanut,

This week you’re 10 weeks and 4 days, according to your OBYGYN Dato Dr Siti in SJMC. Mommy went for her second checkup yesterday and found out that she’s put on 2.3 kgs from her first visit thanks to all that craving. Your favorite food at the moment: Nasi Lemak and anything spicy! How Malaysian can my baby be

The doctor did an ultra sound and boy, have you grown beautifully from when I first saw you three weeks ago! You’re about 30mm now although most baby books say you should be 25mm in the length. Don’t worry coz just like your parents, you’re going to be a tall one Your estimated date of arrival now has changed from 15th of September to 19th of September though mommy is secretly hoping you’d be an October baby, just like her
 
Mommy has a few blemishes on her face thanks to you but it’s a small price to pay considering how you don’t make mommy throw up at all! Life at this point of time is the same as it was before finding out I was pregnant with you because you’ve made the journey a smooth enjoyable one. However, I do get tired very easily and it clearly shows in mommy’s face.
 
There is a slightttt baby bump if you stare properly but right now, I think most people would not be able to say mommy’s pregnant. Maybe only comment that I’ve put on weight or have a big tummy Beewbies aka your future milk bar are getting bigger and it will get much bigger according to a friend who recently gave birth but thankfully most of mommy’s clothes still fits me well

At 10 weeks, most of your joints are formed now – elbow, wrist, knee, shoulder, and ankle as well as the hands, fingers, feet and toes! Your doctor did an ultra sound and mommy and daddy got a shock to see your hands move around! The doctor said we should bug you more so the more she pressed the ultrasound on mommy’s stomach, the more you protested by kicking your little hands and legs in the air. It was astonishing to see such movement because I never knew a baby your age could do so much. I asked around other colleagues with babies and they never saw their littles ones active at that age! It almost felt like you were doing a little dance for us, to put your hands up for detroit song :)) Well at least that song was going through your crazy mother’s head when she saw your little hands and feet dancing around. I might have shed a proud tear or two for your little feat

If your mom was in the same denial state she was the day she found out she was pregnant with you, I’m sure after seeing that I would have changed my mind and fall in love with you immediately because from that scan, mummy has realized you’re so full of life even at this small age!! You’re such a feisty one

Can you spot your little head and hands? At this point, it’s normal for your head to be bigger than your body!

Mommy swears that you have your daddy’s sharp nose but everyone is saying I’m deluded so guess we’ll have to wait and see eh?

The doctor also loaded me up with tons of vitamins to take for your well being and development.

The next appointment is scheduled in 6 weeks time so hope to see you all grown up in the next ultrasound! And we’re hoping the doctor would be able to tell your gender by then too

Till then, this is your crazy mother signing off

9^th February 2010 – 16 February 2010

We stayed at the classy five star (read:  snooty rich uppity infestation) Peninsula Hotel in Makati City. I took some pictures of the room but because my camera does no justice, just check out the room and hotel here.

It’s  close to RM1k a night and a place we’d NEVER EVER stay (or rather can’t afford to!) if it wasn’t on the company tab.  As much as I love 5 star hotels, I do feel out of place esp when you see these rich people walking around all made up and dressed up early morning and I’m in a simple blouse or t-shirt, Aladdin pants or  jeans with slippers, lol. Sometimes even when the hubby asks me to tag along for early b’fast before he goes to work, I am shy to go down (sans makeup and under dressed) coz I fear I might get mistaken for his maid or  village ‘keep’, haha. Yes, I’m weird that way!!

Two words to sum this trip: Lots of SLEEPING & SHOPPING. Three if I count eating too

Every day consisted of waking up around 9a.m to send the hubby to work (note: as in walk him a few steps to the hotel room door to kiss him goodbye, lol), before l attempt to go back to sleep (but not without watching tv for a bit) and having a light breakfast for peanut’s sake! Then it’s off to sleep until 1pm or so before I get ready to go to the mall. Which even then I still contemplate if I really want to go coz I’ve been the laziest during the entire trip! Then it’s a quiet lunch alone at some quaint cafe, shop shop shop for about 2 hours or so, back to the hotel, watch more tv, nap a little and wait for the hubby to come back with some tea and snack (tea time ok!) before we get ready to go out for dinner.

 Shit, this is the life to lead and it’s something I could probably get accustomed to. Or at least this worked for poor me for a week,  hahaha.

Here’s a glimpse of CNY in Manila

And some of the restaurants we went to:

Casa Armas @ Greenbelt

Spanish food, yums!

MAX BRENNER!!

And that goes right to your hips boy!

 My favourite Figaro Café  *hearts* and yes it’s lunch for one Or should I say one and a half, two?

Cibos which I also heart so much

Polu Kai Hawaiian Restaurant @ The Fort

I”ll have that one and peanut will have that….

Just ignore the attention seeker

OK RANDOM!

Thai Restaurant! You can’t take the 25% Thai out of me

A satisfied face

Dessert at Bizu!

And Zunni’s, an Italian Restaurant that should have been the place for V-day, but whatever.

Also got to do a little bit of clubbing coz hey just because you’re knocked up it doesn’t mean you can’t go to a club

Hard Rock Café

Bed

*points at Vodka Mudshake* – don’t tell anyone, I took a sip and it was mad awesome! 7 more months to go….

They were having some pre-Valentine’s Day celebration with Durex as the sponsor, hah.

Yea we got some free condoms and I reckon I would have been a great poster girl for that coz…..

WELL ITS TOO LATE FOR THAT NOW ISNT IT!

 Bastards, try to ridicule me.

I got bored

What else, oh I am SO done shopping for my baby’s clothes already I know, I never once denied being a nut case but more on that in a different post.

1 more day before the hubby gets back!