Happy Chap Goh Mei & Chinese Valentine's Day

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> Hi folks,
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> Hope u hav a good weekend today!
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> If u missed spending Valentine's day with ur special one 2 weeks
> ago, today is another day to make it an extra special day for ur
> lived ones....cos today marks the lunar chinese date for couples.
> Ppl used to throw oranges to lake to find their special ones...
>
> Here's my morning outings with my " other" special guy in my life....
>
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Freebies and Free Bucks

 Hi folks!

Do you know there are some freebies and free bucks (sort of) out there which you can enjoy in Malaysia?

Here are some of them:

Freebies

1) Free Movie Register yourself as member for free at GSC cinema, at the month of your birthday; you get to watch a movie (asterisk list) for free

2) Free samples

a. Sample2you.com

3) Free job hunting site

a. Jobstreet

b. JobsDB

Free Bucks

1) Survey Companies

If you are one who loves to give your comments and like to contribute to better product service and development, then you might want to check out these survey sites. You can earn points and exchange for vouchers. I have exchanged several Giant and Petronas vouchers myself and also participate in one of their more formal face to face survey whereby I got paid MYR150. Not bad for some extra cash while contributing your honest views and improvement of products design and etc.

a. MySurvey Malaysia

b. AIP Online Survey

c. Planet Pulse

2) Nuffnang

If you are a blogger or own a blog, why not sign up with Nuffnang(a cool and budding Blog Advertising company) and put up their ad on your blog to generate some side income. Check them out!

Free Fun Places to go

1) Open Playground /Parks

2) Libraries/ Bookstores which holds Story telling sessions like MPH

3) Waterfalls (check out the list of waterfalls in Malaysia here)

4) Culture and Education like:

a. The Japan Foundation – is has cultural activities and movies FOC at at nominal fee from time to time.

b. British Council – it has a lot of talks and activities

c. Events in Malaysia – ranges from Pasar Malam to exhibition. Check out their list on their site!

I am sure there are more of these freebies fun that you parents/readers knew out there!

Let us share the fun here!

Please leave your comments and input! Thanks in advance!

Cheers!

This post is also published in Mombloggersplanet.com as part of my monthly contribution to their column :)

Do pay them a visit folks, if you are a passionate mommy blogger/reader too!

Happy reading and sharing!

Cheers!

KY antics

Beaming

Cheeky

Mr. Bean-like expression(she is a Mr.Bean fan!)

Roaring like TIGER (it's Tiger year mah... :D)

Just some pictures of KY showing her antics. Love her cheekiness like

DH.... Especially precious when kids ar cheeky n having fun..

It's definitely much better than being sick & quiet....so let's enjoy our kids' playful

nature :) 

Cheers!

Breastfeeding Campaign- Session with Wardina @ Ampang

Wow..Folks..

 

Check this out if you are interested to meet Wardina in person and at the same time learn more about breastfeeding!

 

Cheers!

----------------------------------------

Breastfeeding campaign on this Saturday, details as below:

Date: 27 Feb, Saturday
Time: 8am to 3pm
Venue: Anjung Bestari AU3, No.1, Jalan 13/56, Ampang Hulu Kelang

There will be a few talks/demos and dialog sessions with Wardina Safiyyah and Mirwana.

Fabulous Mom and a few others will be setting up a booth there too.  All items will be at 15% off. :-)

For more details, visit their Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabulous-Mom/242981388123

Yummy treat @ Loving Hut

Hi folks,

Couple-hood time munching away @ Vegan rest-Loving Hut
DH order his fav. Nasi Lemak & pumpkin soup. I had Terriyaki
rice...yummy..

Steps in Overcoming Fear

Hi folks,

How do you overcome your Fear in life? Here are some of the ways I learnt and done. Hope to hear from all folks who have triumphed over their fear! Thanks!

1.       Acknowledge the fear

2.       Strategize how to overcome it depending on the type of fear

a.       Just do it

b.      Start from small chunks

c.       Get your allies

3.       Replay the scene where you have successfully triumph your fear. Reply the feeling of Victory and Joy. Tell yourself "You Can Do It"

4.       Analyze the worse it can turn out to be…answer the What-If questions, if no big deal…then ask yourself…"Why not?"

5.       If you failed, make sure lessons are learnt and give a pat on the shoulder! At least you have tried! Don't wallop yourself up..then do whatever you are lacking to win the race now that you have ran it before, you have won the half battle!

Cheers to a new Courageous & Fulfilling Year. A Year full of adventures, tears and laughters!

 

Cheers to a fully PRESENT and LIVING year!

 

GAMBATEI!

Spring-cleaning with Kids

Hi folks!

For Chinese, it is a custom for us to do spring-cleaning before CNY.

I only have one day to do it. And my two kids wants to help out. Being
a health-freak mom i am, i made them wear the kid's mask like me :P to
avoid inhaling too much dust.

Replace Old Habits with New

Hi folks,

Something to share for a brand new year...(for Chinese)...as we change new clothes, change new curtains, bedsheets, utensils etc, let us not forget to change the old habits to a brand new and pro-active ones!

Take charge of OUR LIFE!

1.       Things always does not turn out what I originally planned – Believe you can make your life how you want to be, yet allow God to add in spices and miracles in your plan! He knows the Best!

2.       Procrastination – When uncertainties or lack of enthusiasm hits, move away doing something else for awhile (set timer) and return to the task and do it whether u like it or not. You just need to hang on to it, bite and chew and you'll soon discover the thrill of it!

3.       Avoid-ism – Face it. Change it. Win it over. Even though u knew it beforehand, face it and be confident you are turn the event around. Have courage and faith. Life is too short for detours/replay and there's no replay anyway.

4.       Not 100% present – When talking or listening, look people in their eyes. Stop whatever else you are doing. Even your mind, please be present with the present moment and task.

5.       Leave life to chances and fate – Take charge of your life. Do what you really want to be. It takes great effort for GREAT MISSION.

6.       Be Prepared to Go Anytime. Physically, mentally, spiritually, be prepared to breath in the last breathe at any given moments, when that happens, make sure you are able to leave with peace of mind and heart in positivity. It will determine where and how you go.

Cheers!

How does FEAR affect your life?

Hi folks,

I am sure for many of us, there are fear in our lives. The only difference is how major and minor the fear is and how we allow the fear factor affect our lives.

There is certainly no fixed measure of fear. For a 3 years old child, the fear of going down the slide is as REAL and HUGE as the fear of speaking in front of public for an adult.

One thing can be such easy for someone may proves to be a huge fearful task for another person.

The other day when I see my 20month son, Shone showing his fear to sit on the swing which I had sat with him before, it reminded me of an article I read before and instead of belittling his fear or trying to "force" on him convincing him that the "swing" is no big deal, I looked at him and put myself at his level. It is a genuine fearful task for him just as it would be for me to ride on the "Bungee-jump" or etc.

I told myself to acknowledge his fear while offering if he would like to try the swing with my assistance, and Shone did relented and allow me to put him on my lap and swing twice with him and later on..his fear persisted and I respect his fear over it and let him choose his other activities but at the same time, from time to time, I'll try and observe and offer him the swing again. Who knows, at which point of time, he would have overcame his fear for swing.

I think it works the same for adults. I have many fears in life.

Some of these fears have successfully stopped me from doing things would make my life so different and turned out more "spectacular" perhaps. It changed my life forever. The fear….a very powerful tool which when used properly can help us to perform the unbelievable and thus cement that faith, confidence and Can Do attitude in us!

At one point of time, when I am in process of overcoming my fear of bringing my two young kids out on my own, I am seeing my two kids overcoming their fear for some task in the playground. I cannot help but ask myself have I passed on my fear factor to them genetically or emotionally. This is certainly not a blame game but I do see the connection there.

As a parent we are the direct role model and influence (good and bad ones) to our children. Inevitably, all parents would want to pass on something good to their children. To be a good role model.

Therefore, we (I) should take charge and overcome the challenges in life. While doing so, I am passing on the good traits, good example and faith to my kids that yes they can do it too!

So folks, let us march on and face our fear and make them our ally!

I like to share the things I tried doing in facing my fear and eventually triumph over it…perhaps you all can share with me how you did it too? Let us all share and learn together!

 

Thanks and Cheers!

 

Check out Parenthots- Life is a big adventure for 4-year-olds

Hi folks,

I find this article quite good for parents!

Do check it out!

Below are my thoughts and reminders for myself and DH after reading the article.

Life is a big adventure for 4-year-olds

TURNING four is a happy time for many children. Four-year-olds like telling silly jokes. They are imaginative and can make up many stories with unbelievable plots and incredible feats.

KY will be four this year.


Four-year-olds are well-known for using "colourful" language. They do not use profanity like some adults would, to hurt. They like to laugh out loud when they say words like "stupid" or "bum bum". They are just curious to observe the reactions of people when they say certain taboo words.
KY loves to do this often imitating adults...

Four-year-olds like to try new things and show off what they can do. They can sometimes be "daredevils" when it comes to trying out dangerous tricks or jumping down from a height.
KY loves trying her limits.

They need close supervision during playtime. Parents and caregivers must constantly remind them to be mindful of safety when they are playing.
Did I tell you folks that KY once coloured her toes nails, fingernails and her brother faces with black permanent markers? Gosh, and I couldn't clean it with soap...imagine the alarmed look from her teacher & babysitter the next day!

Why? How could this happened? 'Cos mommy fell asleep before them during their nap time :P

Children this age are keen to participate in daily routines. Let them join in the food preparation and cleaning-up at home. Show them how to wring a cloth or grate a carrot for salads and popiahs.


Four-year-olds take great pride in their small achievements. They want to be useful and helpful. Praise them for their efforts. When they feel encouraged, they will be motivated to do what is right. At this stage of development, they are working on being able to show initiative rather than wait to be told what to do.
KY will be beaming with pride when you hand her some "important" to perform on her own

This is also a good time to introduce multi-cultural activities and gender awareness to your child. Many four-year-olds are interested in knowing the difference between boys and girls.
KY did asked why didi(her brother) has "ku-ku-bird" and why gor-gor(big brother) can go shirt-less but not her....

They also want to know why other people do things differently from them.


Choose books with themes that are free of gender and disability biases. Talk to your child about how other children in the world live, learn and play. Take your child to cultural plays and performances.
Make it a point to get picture books that depict children with disabilities. Your child will enjoy hearing the interesting jobs that men and women do. Children this age love to ask, "Why?" "How?" and "What?"


Nature walks and making observations of nature are probably among the activities that four-year-olds enjoy immensely.


Children don't really need large garden plots to grow vegetables and flowering plants. You can get a small garden box for your child to work on. He will love watering the plants and measuring their growth.
I gotta do more of these...

Adults who join children in pretend play often find themselves in a fix when four-year-olds show little regard for objective truth. I remember observing a four-year-old playing masak-masak (pretend cooking). She put all the plastic babies into the pan and laughingly said: "Look! I'm frying 'babies'."


In pretend play, children usually work out their strong emotions. Adults should just allow them to carry on rather than discipline them by saying: "Oh! You shouldn't say such words." Use positive words when talking to your child. You can steer them towards appropriate behaviour by suggesting: "Let's try doing this and see what happens." Or, "Tell me what I can do to help you in your work."


Four-year-olds can relate to your messages easily. If you want them to act positively, try setting an example for them to follow.
Encourage your child to do more physical exercises. Your energetic child will enjoy playing beanbag games that require balancing, tossing, jumping over, running to and fro, skipping and catching.


Set up a simple obstacle course with chairs, pillows and coffee tables. Your child can crawl under, jump over and slide across.


I once used a bedsheet to make a tent for my children to crawl into. This is great fun for children in their early years. We used to snuggle together with torchlight and do shadow play.
I used to do this with my baby brother when I was babysitting him. I used blankets and two sofas...but I got KY a IKEA tent as a "sister" gift before the arrival of Shone...yet my two kids seems to prefer the blankets ones..haha..bigger space and flexibility while same fun..i guess...talking about practicality and being frugal..

Be sensitive to your four-year-olds' feelings during play. Children this age get frustrated easily and often harbour fears of the unknown. Sometimes they may not want to do the activities that you have spent much effort and time on. Do not force them to comply as this may trigger off a major temper tantrum.


Children learn through repetition. If your child enjoys certain activities, let him do it again. He may need several repeats before he finally does it well and feels satisfied with his efforts.

--
Just wish to highlights some important points to take note of to myself as well as to all my parents friends out there!

Happy Parenting! And thanks to Parenthots and Ruth Liew for featuring such useful tips and articles for parents!

Cheers!

Couple time

Just came from GSC watching "The Legend". Kids at their grandparents' place.
Not exactly a great movie but enjoy couple time with DH...

Still, home is still d Best place to be...
Will date DH at comfort of our home in near future!

Time to zzz...

Goodnite folks！

My Personal Mentors in Life

 

Hi folks,

I like to share with you my "batteries" of my life who gave me just that extra strength to carry on with whatever mission/passion/difficulties I faced in life! May I present these wonderful life mentors of mine(in no particular sequence of importance, all equally IMPORTANT to me!!)

1. 
   
   My kids
   I am sure all parents would agreed with me that the kids teach us a lot! When I got busy with my work, and feeling guilty over it(in silent), my girl can sense it and gave me that reassurance I need by saying, "Mommy, I will busy with school work later after you sent brother to babysitter's place and mommy you will go busy with your work too, ok!" Thay are such a darling!
   
   
   
   
2. 
   
   My Husband
   Being a Gemini and being a woman does not helped much in my decision-making. Why do I say so? Because it makes my "already" indecisiveness mode even worst! Having a more clear-headed life partner like my husband helps a lot! Especially when I feel lack of confidence or lack of that extra boldness to go ahead with a dream action to go after my dream/goal, my husband gave me that extra PUSH and SUPPORT needed!
   
   
   
   
3. 
   
   My Siblings
   They have been my best ally ever! In time of uncertainties, sadness and down-trodden time, they stood there for me and makes me laugh and ease me up and feel that things are not that bad after all and it's NOT the end of the world just yet!
   
   
   
   
4. 
   
   My Parents
   I think I have to give credit to both my parents not only for bringing me into this world and giving me the BEST they can afford. My dad being a WAHD, he spent most of his time chauffering us around school, sports activities and trips. My mom the hard-worker provides us with the much needed financial support to survive our studies/degree.
   
   
   
   
5. 
   
   My breastfeeding allies
   My mentor everywhere, From people of all walks of life, a policewoan who managed to breastfeed eventhough it is VERY hard for them to do so; from a police woman being on duty all the time yet managed to breastfeed her child! A mother of twins. A constantly flying mom who carried her breastmilk in dry ice after her company trip. Lactation consultant, counselors and articles online as well as other breastfeeding buddies who faced the same thing makes my every breastfeeding challenges looks minor and common.
   
   
   
   
6. 
   
   My buddies
   My primary school buddy, Sharon, high school buddies(lotsa of them), my ex-colleagues, my ex-bosses, my Godsister(Kim) and lotsa more!
   
   
   
   
7. 
   
   Historical /Public figures
   People with such wisdom in life like Confucius, Mother Teresa, Superman(Christopher Reeves), and many more...
   
   
   
   
8. 
   
   Commoners
   Everyday folks like the tough yet friendly restaurant owner, the tough young kids who supported her family since young, the athletes who brings glory to the country with their pure determination and sportsmanship.
   
   
   
   
9. 
   
   Workshops and Positive Places
   The people I met at Asiawork Basic Training, at centres who stressed on spirituallity, numerous workshops....
   
   
   
   
10. 
    
    Bloggers
    Yep, you heard it right! I have learn and gain a lot just by reading and "witnessing" their own struggles and triumph in life.

That's a huge list all right!

They are all different sources of "batteries" which helps me to charge up when I am low battery!

How about you? Who are your "battery-charger"

I would love hearing from you! Let's share and inspire others!

Cheers!

10 Commandments for Year 2010

Hi folks,

Just thought of sharing with you my action list/guide for year 2010 in whatever goals and action I am taking this year!

1.       Go out, get wet, get dirty and get inspired!

2.       Take Proactive action, ASK, DO, IMPROVE!

3.       Be PRESENT in all your actions, thoughts and words.

4.       Cry if you need to, no matter what it takes….BE ALIVE, BE YOUR TRUE SELF!

5.       Take each day as your last day, each moment as your last breath, GIVE YOUR BEST!

6.       STOP COMPLANING or GIVING EXCUSES! Instead, BE GRATEFUL, FIND WAYS!

7.       Look Good, Be Good, Do Good.

8.       Make sure you hear your heart beating, your thoughts clear, your eyes glowing clear. Do not shut down or act in blur.

9.       Forget the Past hurts, Learn the lessons and Move on..Have FAITH!

10.   Take every chance to SHINE! Be NOTHING BUT SPECTACULAR!

You can DO IT!

Cheers!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dear folks!

May you have a great time with your loved ones today being the first day of Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day!

Double happiness for this joyous occasion!

Cheers!
P/s: Happy Birthday also to my long-time buddy, Michelle Yam...may you find your true love very soon!

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!

Hello to All my Blog Readers and Friends!

Happy Chinese New Year to Everyone!

May this year of TIGER brings lotsa courage and bravery to everyone to face on the challenge and bring out the BEST in us!

Cheers!

Prosperity Golden Rock Melon

Hi folks!

Me can't stop admiring this lovely n cute square-shaped golden rock
melon....imprinted with the word "Fu" which means prosperity!

May this bring more "Ong" to my family & I ..hehe..

And to all the people around me!

Have a Great Tiger Year ahead!

Cheers!

Countdown to CNY..yippee!!

Hi folks,

Are you busy packing for "Balik Kampung" (this is a common Malay term which means going back to hometown) this CNY holiday?

I won't be back to hometown this year as my parents are here and I'll be going back this coming March to attend an important event in my family.

I wish everyone Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Valentine's Day!

Drive safely and have a heartwarming moments with your loved ones!

Cheers!

2010 Goal 1- Independence

Dear folks,

All these years, I have been listing out FAR TOO MANY goals that I can ever chase after :P or uphold!

From now on, I like to keep my list to bare minimum and will only move on to another one once something is accomplish on the earlier ;)

My first item on my goal list for year 2010 is INDEPENDENCE.

Yup, you heard me right! Independence for me as a mom and a thirty-year old lady :P

As a mom of two young children (age 20 months and 3 years 6mths), honestly, I have not been really going out with my kids ALONE!

I am always with someone whether with my husband, my parents, my siblings, etc. As I am not confident enough to bring them out on my own. One active toddler and another soon-upcoming active young lad!

Now, as they grow older, I think I can and should start taking them out on my own, starting from the nearer places like nearby playground/park.

I felt that I should take the time and courage to bring them around exploring nature. Should not wait for DH to have such common interest as I do.(Due to his working schedule, he mostly sleep in late during our off day...so well...can't bear to disturb his zzz time...)

And, I also should go out more on my own to explore other stuff in life...yep..on my own. I used to be such "individual" or you might say "lone-ranger" I love going out exploring on my own. Love going jogging on my own when no one keen on such activities..in fact I felt jogging is one of those sports which you can do right now, right away without waiting for partners.

You just need your legs and your shoes..

So two activities marked under this goal...

1. To bring kids out on my own (bookstores, playground, friends/neighbours' places, just to name a few)

2. Continue jogging and perhaps travelling on my own(or if DH are gamed for it...couple-hood time for this :)

How about you folks?

What are your goals for this year?

Let us share and declare..so that higher chances we don't forget and thus keep to it and check them off from our list!

Cheers!

Passion vs. Practicality

Hi folks,

Have you ever face a dilemma whereby you need to choose between your Passion vs. Practicality of life?

Which would you choose?
Passion or Practicality?

If it is Passion, why?

If it is Practicality, why?

Or perhaps you have chosen, and what have you experienced thus far?

Do you still think what you have chosen is a good choice?

Two and a half year ago, I chose practicality over passion and even money.

I must say, it may not be the BEST decision I have made 'cos I suffered a bit due to lack of $ and of course having to start all over again learning something new instead of pursuing and continuing my passion.[I am talking about my career changes and how it has impacted my life thus far].

However, I don't regret over it as I picked up something new and the fact that this job provides me the much needed Work from Home flexibility which helped me to continue working(and of course providing source of income) during my VERY BAD morning sickness during my second pregnancy(this symptom is called "hyperemesis graviduram", nope the usual morning sickness spell that hits most pregnant women, but a minority women who had it and some even needed to do abortion when they simply cannot manage this "sick" spell).

Therefore, I feel that even though I lose out in terms of career progression and financial gain, I gained something else-> Time with my family as well as time to explore other things in life and work.

Now, if you are given another chance to choose, would you still choose practicality over passion?

What if the passion gives you nothing(not totally financially-rewarding) but allowing you a chance to work on your passion. Yet you need to put in more time and money for the job. Would you still choose Passion, in this case?

I hope to hear from all of you who have faced such dilemma or have some wise words/experiences to share on this topic!

Thank you very much in advance!

Cheers!

Updates and Gratitude

Hi folks!

Lately, I have not been replying comments as fast as I used to reason being I am undergoing some changes in life( shall reveal soon :P)

What I wanna say here to all my visitors n blogger frens who dropped by and generous in spending ur precious time giving ur tots in comment box- Thanks so much!

U keep my sharing n blogging endeavour so much more interesting and enriching!
Thanks for all the ideas, sharing and uplifting wishes!

Love u folks!

Cheers and may u receive in abundance for the love and care you showered upon others!

-smile n bow-

Fabulousmom CNY Sale (now until 15 Feb, 2010)

Hi folks!

Fabulousmom is having their CNY sale now until 15 Feb 2010!

Check out items on sale below:

Nursing Bras - 10%
Nursing Clothes - starts from RM15.90 and up to 20% on new arrivals
Maternity Tops - 10%
Children Wear - 20%

AND

Maclaren, Halford, Combi strollers and carseats - up to 20%

Breastpump Packages will be up soon - for now they have Spectra 3 double pumping set at RM398 only or RM418 with free gift worth RM39.90 or RM49.90.  Check it out here:

http://www.fabulousmom.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=82


Happy shopping at their outlets in Bandar Puchong Jaya (10am-8pm) and TTDI (10am-9pm) are open daily (Same goes to their online store-http://www.fabulousmom.com/

Cheers!

ParenThots - MPH contest

Hi folks,

All Book-lovers and Book-lover's parents out there!

I am excited to view this contest and I bet you are too!

Check out this ParenThots - MPH contest with a chance to win some exciting children's books and voucher prizes.

All we have to do is answer 3 objective questions and submit a photo of your whole family reading.
Easy, right?
Winners will be chosen based on correct answers and best photo.
Closing date: Feb 14, 2010

For more details, refer to ParenThots - MPH contest.

Happy Reading and Contesting!
Cheers!

CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIAL from GIN & JACQIE online (Until 6 Feb 2010 ONLY!!)

Hi folks,

 

If you are a bag-lover like me, this promotion from

 

 

 

might just interest you!

 

Check them out!

NEW YEAR SPECIAL BUYS!

LOG ON TO www.ginjacqie.com

CLICK ON TO "PROMOTION" CATEGORY

1. Offer valid in GIN & JACQIE online only.
2. Offer is not valid at GIN & JACQIE stores. Offer does not apply to previous purchases.
3. Offer valid through 2 FEBRUARY TO 6 FEBRUARY, 2010, 11:59pm EST.
4. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. While stocks last!

 Happy Shopping!

 

Cheers! 

iPad vs. Kindle

Hi folks!

An avid reader since young whereby I used to go to bookshops every end/early of the month after I got my salary and spending a lot on getting books.

However, this began to changed when I was introduced to ebooks.

Now, with the launching of the Apple latest gadgets, iPad...it reminds me of the Kindle ebook reader by Amazon which I came across from reading Timothy(Nuffnang co-founder)'s blog.

Picture from Google Image

Anyone out there have tried iPad? How do you find it?

Picture from Google Image

I wonder if our future generation will no longer need to lunge their heavy textbooks around to school in future. Perhaps they will just carry one of these cool ebook reader to school...how nice! Best way to stop making our school-children bringing heavier than their size school bags!

I personally feel that this is a good tool to invest especially for those who love to read and always on the go.

Anyone of you who have tried the products, please do share with me about your experience!

For those who like to check out more about iPad, you may like to read this article in TheStar Online here.

Cheers!

Must-Have Criteria for a WAHM

Having a brief stint working from home, I realised that a WAHM must possess criterias below in order to stay creditable, discipline and able to stay productive both for work and family:


Must-Have Criteria


Discipline
We have to be discipline if we want to be trusted by our bosses/client and our family too. When we are working from home, we have to be able to deliver our work on time as how we would be expected to be doing when we are working from office. We should stick to our deadlines and time-table as much as possible. At the same time, we should also try not to be overworked and neglect our family time.


Commitment
We have to be committed to our deliverables just as we stay committed as a wife and mom. We cannot expect others to pardon our late delivery or any poor quality work in order to succeed in our WAHM career.


Time Management
We have to learn to juggle our balls(work, family, personal) well to succeed. Being WAHM, some people might think we have all the time in the world and start asking us to run errands for them, etc. We have to learn to say No, if our time does not allow that. Otherwise, it might turned out to be a snowball effect and such requests will be never-ending! We have to let others know that we are also working just like them, the only difference is that we work from home but we too, have our deliverables to meet as well!


Integrity and Accountability
We have to be accountable for our work. Same applies for our family household chores like cooking, preparing the kids for school etc. Sometimes we might need to get some external sources for help like a temporary sit-in babysitter or even packed meal in order to meet our target or deadline. But make this as fun and as less frequent if possible! I am sure not only you benefited from this arrangement, your family might actually love having this special occasion of packed meal once in a while. Make it like a picnic or restaurant-like meal with a movie at home, a picnic mat, etc. My DH simply love the once-in-a-while pizza delivery when I am too tired to cook :) So no guilt or whatsoever!


Accessibility
We have to make known our accessible time or hour so that people know when they can discuss things over with us. For example, make it known to others(colleagues, team member, clients) what time you'll be online for online support or online meetings. And make it known to your kids(if they are old enough to understand) that from this time to this time, mommy would be working so if there is no urgent matters, they should learn not to disturb your working hour. And an answering machine would certainly be a helpful tool if you really need to be away for errands yet phone calls need to be attended! Technology does makes our life easier! So make full use of it!


Understanding and Respect
To be a successful WAHM, it is BEST if we can have the blessings and support of our life partner(a.k.a. husband/wife). Even though we might not get the support from our parents or parents-in-law as for them, they might think that it is simply a waste time and money spent on higher education which we have gone thru' or maybe they felt that you are just wasting your time and talent being "at home", but at least you have one and most important ally that is your "LIFE PARTNER"!!! That matters a lot!


And respect counts a lot too! First respect yourself, of your choice to be a WAHM. Respect your Work from Home Biz/task. Perform it with your BEST effort!


Working condition and environment
If possible, set a corner or room dedicated for your WAHM task. If you bake cookies as your biz, then kitchen would be your "working" space. If you are doing online support, then make the workstation corner/study room as your workplace. Place a "Do not Disturb" sign or make it known to your family members that once mommy is in there, mommy is on "working" mode. So anything that does not require urgent attention, no one should disturb mommy at that specified time. Make it a comfy and special place for you! So once you are in there, you are on your "productive" mode!


Clear Priorities
At times, a WAHM starters might be overwhelmed by the load of work-from-home job and work as mom and housewife 24/7 with a long list of never-ending tasks. As more often than not, both work and family commitment might clashed and it might made us lost our priorities. And if the reason we set out to be a WAHM is to create a work-life-balance, yet we neglected our family and worked even harder, spent even more time "at work" and less time with our family, then we should really looked back, rearrange our work and reschedule our priorities!


These are some of the must-have criterias I felt a WAHM/D should possess or nurture? Do you have any to add on my list? Please feel free!


Let us share our tips, experience, secrets on how to become a better and more successful WAHM!


Cheers!

This post is also published in Mombloggersplanet.com as part of my monthly contribution to their column :)

Do pay them a visit folks, if you are a passionate mommy blogger/reader too!

Happy reading and sharing!

Cheers!

Shone @ 19 months

Learning how to wear his own pants!

What are the things that will make you go just one more shot?

 Hi folks,

I believe each of us have our share of ups and downs....and how do you guys managed to pull yourself up and continue to strive on your life and goals?

For me, these are the following people, events, ways which have managed to cheers me on:

1. My personal mentors, whether they are my buddies, families, historical figures or even brief encounters of a stranger or even my own kids.
   
2. A words of encouragement, a quote or even a simple yet touching story.
   
3. A past events which I faced difficulties and triumphed.
   
4. A regretable action/event which makes me said "No, I will not repeat the same mistakes again ever!"
   
5. The pure determination build up over tiny struggles and effort made along the life journey which enable me to carry on. So every little effort counts! Without the first bun, you won't feel full after the 10^th bun!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

What about you?

What are the things, people or events which has enable you to have that strength and courage to carry on your quest?

Please do SHARE! I shall share about each of these "batteries" I listed above in another post after hearing from all of you too!

Let us all BE INSPIRED and be as REMARKABLE as you!

Cheers to All!