Friday, August 26, 2022

On This Day - 26th Aug - # Reminders from FB#

26 Aug 2017
Am I suaku or what?
This printer enables me to print double sided in without me lifting a finger. The paper goes back in and prints the other side (trying to figure out how it flips? or are there 2 rollers inside?)
Was Epson able to do this??   

Footnote :  current Canon can't do it. Don't like the idea of it since I got the hang of not doing anything. Risks the papers overfeed themselves thus resulting in pages printed out not in sequence. 

Thursday, August 18, 2022

MT Results Out!



Was told that she’ll probably end school at 2.30pm coz it’s Results Day. She called at 2.19pm ready to leave school. Saw her expression-less face when I was driving up to her and I thought “cham! Don’t tell me she didn’t do well? Do I need to resume 老师’s tuitions? 

Came into the car, and asked her how was it? She got distinction. Not re-taking for sure. One paper less to concentrate. Yes! I’m happy for her and I swear her expression almost gave me a heart attack. Great! I can clear her MT stuffs from the bookshelf already.

This girl is expression-less. On the other hand, che-che smiles beaming from ear to ear. Very happy for a “as long as I can qualify for local U, what for work so hard?” results 🤦🏻‍♀️. 


 

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Massage massage

Lil’ one back pain so I do give her a back massage when I get her to rest in between studying. I thought it’d be nice if we have a massage chair at home, coz I need one too! Somehow that reminded me that I have a massager pillow which ML gave it to me in 2011 for my birthday.

So tempted to get a massage chair coz it’ll be nice for me to have some massage when I’m tired. 

Some pictures of them in 2011 



I took it out 11 years later and she doesn’t seem keen to try it now.oh well, so for now it’s only her mummy’s anyhow punch massage that she wants. 




Saturday, August 13, 2022

Trying to solve her insomnia (The Timeline) - from July (still drafting. post after mid aug?)

Lil' one complained that she couldn't sleep sometime in July. I need to quickly help her with this, her first part of the finals are in September and she was sitting for Prelims in July/August. No time to lose. 

End of July

1. I gave her the flu medication first while I look for solutions. 

2. The next day dropped by Guardian and got her this Blackmore Sleep Sound Formula which has Valerian, lemon balm and magnesium as its ingredients. 

Gave her 2 that night and she slept better but next night tried 1 and was sleepless. All the while I was also diffusing essential oil. I wished I had read up more on valerian root, it wasn't easy holding onto the phone and checking on stuffs, hanging around the shelf so long that maybe staffs think I'm trying to steal something. So back at home I read up more on valerian root and another study says it's not good for children.  

I'd be more comfortable diffusing it when I realise there is Valerian essential oil. This is only available in YL USA.         

This is a good read of the differences between the 2

When one is comfortable, not in the shopping aisle, it's really important to read up loads of information on both sides as reports or clinical results can be quite biased. So another report I read that valerian root for anxiety can be risky. Reading up on the side effects is equally important too so I made sure I read up for all the "pills" I came across. Seems like valerian root has some side effects which might cause her more confusion in her academics instead? Haha! I gave her for 2 days and decided not to give her anymore; she has a small body frame, later she kena jialat jialat how? 


3. I remember melatonin. Ahhhh.... melatonin the small little pills I took in 2002 when I couldn't sleep during our holiday in USA, only to realise I was already 8wks pregnant when we got back to SIN. There are a few bottles of supplements containing melatonin so took pictures and slowly read up on the ingredients back at home.

An article pointed out that there's lack of scientific evidence, and some potentially harmful side effects, melatonin is not recommended for children or teens. 

Sigh.... another potential supplement striked off the list!

4. As I was checking on valerian root, one article mentioned something called ashgawanda. Sounds promising as I know it's ayurvedic. They don't carry that there, only in Taka's outlet. The cashier is an Indian and I asked him if he's heard of it and if it's good. His response is really strange "I've never heard of it." Huh? Can't be my bad pronunciation right?   

A quick search shows it helps in reducing stress and anxiety, stimulates brain power, improves mood and lifts depression amongst others. Somehow this name sounds a little familiar after some time. 
I have Ashgawanda at home! I bought her Goli gummies together with hubby's ACV in Oct'21 or Nov'21, intending to give her for her memory works then. She only took 2 and didn't like it so I kept it aside. However I wished I had checked more on pros and cons before, I read that it's not suitable for below 18. Oh my! And there's another conflicting article :- 
 
So I'm confused can kids take ashgawanda? Or is this company just marketing it (unethically) without due consideration. I'm giving this to my child so I must be extra careful not to harm her.

A clinical results I read, if you might want to know. 

   

I decided to give to Teacher Cheryl instead, otherwise I'd have to throw it away. Fortunately still not past its expiry date, still good for many more months

5. Came across Goli's Dreamy Sleep Gummies, which is not available in Singapore so I have to order from USA. 

6. When one is desperate, one will find all means at the same time. So which works in the end? Abit difficult to tell right? But I was so desperate coz time is running out. Need to help her before her sleeplessness cause her more harm and worst performance.  *dread* 

On 12th Aug while I was still waiting for the delivery of the Goli's Sleep  - I thought since there's ashwaganha, definitely there must be a chinese way of slow healing right? Dropped by the medical hall at Parkway and asked boss. Immediately he introduced Pearl powder. I thought pearl powder is only for the face. Then he mentioned about ya jing - reduce shock and I remember that once I was recommended by the Tai Aun Medical Hall lady for something also for the girls when they were baby. Athena used to take it often. Unfortunately there's nothing that I can brew for her to drink. when I asked him what's the difference between ashgawandha and this, he mentioned that pearl powder is natural and ashgawandhe is ??? I'm clueless whats the chinese word he used. I asked him what that word means and he couldn't explain it. Haha! typical chicken and duck talking. 

A box of 30 pills which can last for a week (4 tablets in a day) sets me back by $50. No harm trying. I started giving her immediately. 
                                       





extracted from : www.healthline.com/health/pearl-powder
Pearl powder was used as an anti-inflammatory, detoxifying agent, and relaxant in Chinese medicine. This could be in part because of the magnesium it contains. Magnesium has an ability to elevate gamma aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) levels, which can help alleviate depression, anxiety, and certain sleep disorders.

extracted from :https://pearl-powder.net/stress-relief juice.htm#:~:text=They%20discovered%20that%20pearl%20can%20increase%20positive%20%22elevated,relieves%20dizziness%2C%20headaches%20and%20irritability%2C%20and%20improves%20sleep.

Pearl Powder contains taurine. Taurine has an effect on the central nervous system. Studies show that pearl can promote a calming effect on the nervous system and ease pain. They discovered that pearl can increase positive "elevated mood" neurotransmitters, thus reduce stress levels, and promote peaceful, positive Internal energy. Similar studies have been reported that when pearl powder is taken internally, relieves dizziness, headaches and irritability, and improves sleep.

7. Now that we’re on the cheena route. That got me thinking - will tuina help? Afterall she used to enjoy child tuina in 育国中医诊疗所 ?But that would means I’m taking time off to do tuina which will eat into her revision time, then she starts panicking. 


AFTER RESEARCH IS DONE ON CONSUMPTION, IT’S TIME TO EXPLORE OLFACTION

Essential oils

First approach are the expensive small bottles I have at home - my essential oils. 

I've done a blend of lavender, cedarwood and vetiver before, so I will diffuse again for now. 


So what is/are alternative/s to Vetiver, since YL’s Vetiver only comes in 5ml bottles. I'd like to finish off some oils at home too. Found out that oils that smell similar to Vetiver are Myrrh, Palo Santo and Sandalwood. 

Looked for more sleep sleep oil blends if the LCV blend doesn't work and found these.   


Will these 2 other essential oil blends help her? Peace and Calming and Highest Potential? If the anxiety is causing her insomnia then perhaps these two might help?    



I remember when they were both taking their major exams in 2014 (P6 and Sec 4), I used the AromaDome and make them lie inside with Valor diffused for 15mins. Perhaps I can do this again? My small bottles of Valor were used up really quickly, but if it will help her this time it might be worth trying. All I need to do is to note down my expenses and charge her next time when she starts working. Haha! 

Links : 

I hope I’ll remember to blog on what finally worked for her and IF it worked on her. 


Friday, August 12, 2022

Mooncake goodies

Really must start noting this down. We can’t seem to remember where we got our mooncakes the previous years. So che-che looked forward to this coz last year I brought her to Taka and she chose what she wants. She bought some mini Thai milk tea snowskin then. 

Fast forward a year later, we forgot the shop name. Looked at every stalls but can't find it. Sigh....  


Bakers Well

These mini mooncakes comes in a box of 6 in order to enjoy a special price. Che-che ordered 2 Hazelnut Crunch Truffle and 1 Champagne Truffle, chose another 3 and passed to mom. 



Goodwood Park Hotel 
Blue Pea lotus mooncake with melon seeds from Goodwood Park Hotel 






Monday, August 8, 2022

Anxiety = Insomnia or Insomnia = Anxiety

Just like the chicken and egg which comes first question, does anxiety cause insomnia or insomnia cause anxiety. 

When lil' one expresses her "I cannot sleep" to me, it made me think which is the cause. I had anxiety when I was a student but it didn't cause any insomnia, infact I could sleep like a pig coz I was body and brain tired. I can't help but think and think, I'm no doctor but I somehow there's a link to it? It's a cycle and I need to step in to help her. 

We all know that sleep is important, which is why I've often instilled in the girls to sleep early to function well in school the next day. They often sleep at 10pm, unlike some other students who sleep at 12am, 1am. (and their results are really good!!) Even during the school holidays, they never go to bed later than 11pm. 

To cut the long story short, I'm glad the internet has helped me answer my question. 

Read this article from Healthline    

Saturday, August 6, 2022

Anxiety

I suppose both my girls have anxiety issues when it comes to exams. Che-che also hates it when she has to go for piano exams, clams up and ..... If only there's no examinations they often tell me. But it's really not possible, there's always a form of test everywhere we go, even for job interviews! 

When lil' one brought up to me that she's nervous during examinations and then she forgets what she's learnt I started to panic myself. OMG! Her finals are approaching soon. Though I usually complain that she talks alot, I'm glad that she shared this with me. Che-che doesn't tell me anything coz she likes to keep everything to herself. Silence doesn't mean everything is well with her, I'm sure she must be anxious often too coz when I tried to calm lil' one, she overheard and commented "you think it's so easy to calm down? To not feel anxious?" Honestly, she isn't wrong. Her mother has anxiety issues too! Even up to this date. There is a reason too why I tend to be over anxious when I have too many things on my plate; there's a reason too why I know I cannot multi-task if I need to do serious studying and being a homemaker. There's a reason too when I set too high a standard on myself and I get anxious when I fail or underperformed in my task.     

When I was a student 3 decades ago 
I used to have tension headaches before exams. The doctor will always give me ponstan and antacid coz panadol won't help me anymore. I perform better in school during normal school work but results shows a slight difference. 
30 years ago when ADHD or mental health is unheard of. If a child don't score, the child gets blamed for being stupid. 

Moving with times
Times have definitely changed, there's a plethora of information out there now for us to understand better; for us to help our children. We hope to make things a little better for our children.      

Yes, supporting mental health is important. Afterall, I wouldn't want healthy children to suddenly have a crack and go berserk. The RGS neighbour is a good example, really sad.  

But we can be contradictory at times too
Unfortunately in this society where people still judge salary earned equals to success, sometimes as parents we also wish our kids can do well for themselves. 
In conclusion, I think we should relocate to a non highly competitive country like Canada or Sweden or Finland or perhaps Tibet.   

Some stuffs I found online, hoping to help my children  
A Japanese method to relax in 5 min 
https://youtu.be/m3-O7gPsQK0

After watching this, your brain will not be the same/Lara Boyd
https://youtu.be/LNHBMFCzznE

Simple trick to stop negative thoughts
https://youtu.be/tmRVz7baXG8

The 5 minute MIND EXERCISE that will Change your life
https://youtu.be/oo5caGP5dAE

Brainwash yourself in 21 days for success
https://youtu.be/Z1SdDubmFII

SOUNDS
Brain healing sounds : healed Millions already
https://youtu.be/CfkhbRCNorg

INSTANT RESULTS : 100% pure alpha brain waves for study, meditation, focus, intelligence
https://youtu.be/fyBuKsmKew4

Alpha waves / improve your memory / Super intelligence
https://youtu.be/GEgSBuYlSoA

Classical music for brain power - Mozart effect
https://youtu.be/7JmprpRIsEY

IQ Increase - improve cognitive processing with brainwave entertainment - intelligence booster 
https://youtu.be/p2qlwAwnMo0

Music for effective studying 
https://youtu.be/RX_Mzfj4N5k

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Thermomix

I’ve been deliberating for a really long time. To be a slave to the family and cook or be a lazy mom and not cook? Technically its’s not that I can’t cook over the stove BUT I hate the cleaning after a fry-out in the kitchen. Not only cleaning but to make sure the whole place don’t smell smoky.  

With half a year gone and one of the excuse for not cooking will not be valid anymore (can’t cook coz tutor/s outside in dining area). It’s time to think if we should still continue with the tapao-ing full of unhealthy stuffs lifestyle. It’s time to think if I should convince the man to be more cautious with his food now. 

I had the ringing thoughts on it again on 21st July and took out the stuffs I knew I wanted to get rid of to replace the Thermomix. These are the 3 (and then later 4) items I got rid off. 

1) Mayer pressure cooker. MMPC 1650. Brand New ! 


Mom said she’ll ask SIL if she wants it, if not she’ll bring it home she can give it to her friend.

2) Bear Food Processor. QSJ-B02Q1 Used once for otah n my keto Nam Prik Pao blend

I guess I don’t need the food processor anymore since Thermomix has an in-built food processor. Passed this to mom. 

3) Philips Viva fruit juicer HR1832/00. Used but very well-maintained coz I wash it immediately after use all the time, so it looks very new. 


I got rid of this coz the girls hate to drink apple juice now. And nobody except me juice drinks, so since nobody takes them out I’ll just get rid of it. I passed this to mom directly coz she said she wanted this citing that the one at home is spoilt. 

4) This last one ice-cream maker was a last min decision. Although I read that texture from Cuisinart maker would be better than Thermomix, I wonder if I’ll ever use the ice cream maker at all. Afterall I got it for almost 3 years and never got a chance to use it. It will be a white elephant. Packaging is still intact. Put it on sale in Carousell n within 2 days I had an interested buyer. 



Not bad right? My initial target was to get rid of 3 items to get back 1 but I got rid of 4. Which also means….. 😬 I am not exactly a try-to-be minimalist as I thought I was (I do clutter my home 😂). 

I just remembered I have another slimmer blender at home, a Tefal BL142A42 Fruit Sensation. I wasn’t willing to clear this coz this is so compact, and having made so many açai in it, we kindda know how much to add in. I used it to blend my pancake and crepes batter. And since it’s a small amount I make each time I feel it’s easier to use this than the huge Thermomix? But who knows I might clear this another time? If we don’t use it within the next 6mths, maybe it’s time to really clear it. Any small space cleared can be a saving grace. Or perhaps I can pass this to che-che when she goes USA next year?

Technically most people will get rid of their Kitchenaid since the Thermomix is also a mixer but I just bought the pasta roller attachment!! And kitchenaid was something that I’ve always wanted so I shall keep it. Until the day maybe I tau huang siao n decide to get rid of it. For now, I’m happy to keep that. 

*******************************

Within a week after clearing the items, I finally bit the bullet and made a purchase for a Thermomix on 27th July. Delivery was for 3rd Aug but I requested for 4th Aug (Thu) instead. 

On the same day I made orders for a cheaper slide board, clear cup, anti-vibration pad, screen protector, plastic cover way from Shoppee. They all arrived on 30th Aug. 

Cleared this space on the 2nd Aug 


kept the Tefal Rice Cooker in the cabinet. Moved the Nepresso Coffee machine next to the water filter. 



Glad that I still have a workable preparation space on this side of the kitchen. 

Delivery came at 4.15pm on 4th Aug. Yippee! 

Unboxed Thermomix

Did the screen protector. Pasted a small portion before I realise there was a protector sheet over. So why the heck was I cleaning the protector sheet with alcohol wipe? 🤣

Was suppose to do a setup before delivery but I haven’t. 
Was suppose to set up the Thermomix but I didn’t. 
Just coz I was feeling so hot still in dirty gym wear. Covered it with the plastic covering, will try to set it the next day - I hope!