Wow, time flies and today's the last day of February. Went for Sam's bowling league today. She did pretty well, 228-196-181 with an average of 201. Hope she'll get more free games coz she has a 600 game series again.
Couldn't sleep well last night coz trying to fix Sam's laptop coz her WIFI crashed and now, she can't even use any browsers, IE or Firefox. Took the laptop to the bowling alley and asked Marty to help coz I know he works in Oracle so, maybe he knows what's wrong. He was nice and tried to help and we suspect it could be the hard drive that crashed coz during Windows Setup, it wasn't able to partition the hard drive. But Lakshman, who is the dad of Jayanth Kancheria (another bowler in the cheetahs category) said it's more of a software problem. Found out that it's apparently the system administrator (who is Sam) that's causing the problem. So, he created a separate account under his name and asked us to go home and check if the WIFI works.
So, we came home and managed to get the WIFI working under Lakshman's account but the browsers are still O-O-O. I have just managed to download teamviewer for Chong Khing, my bro-in-law to see if he can remotely access Sam's laptop and fix the problem and keeping all my fingers and intestines crossed that he will be able to do it. If I have less hair tomorrow, you'll know why! This is like a love-hate relationship. On 1 hand, I love the computer coz it makes my life a lot easier but I also hate it very much when things don't work the way it's supposed to. Argghhhh.... Now I am going to go lay hands on the computer and pray hard, hahaha!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
27 February 2009
Went for Friday morning ladies practice at CSF. Partnered Emily and played against Sonia and Laila. Won the 1st set 6-2, lost the 2nd 1-6 and won the 3rd 3-1 b4 everyone packs up and go home leaving me and Sonia to chat and stroke a little.
Then, at 10.45am, Sam called me on my mobile and told me that she left me a voicemail to go fetch her from school coz there was a blackout but as usual lah, I didn't check my mobile coz I was so engrossed in my tennis. So, quickly ran out from the courts and drove to her school. But how unlucky I can be coz as I approach the highway 880-S ramp to go on highway 101-S, there was this huge traffic back ups and I knew it must've been an accident on 101-S. Well, I was right coz the policemen cordoned off the 880-S ramp and detoured us away. I finally used route 87-S to go to Valley and fetched Sam. I guess the more we're in a hurry, the worse it'll be.
Came home and cooked kiam chye thng today with fried taugeh but because of change of plans, I totally forgot to go to Lion Market to buy kiam hoo for the taugeh. So, make do with just plain 'ol fried taugeh with soya sauce. Urghhh.... didn't turn out that well....
In the evening, busy planning for our trip to Washington DC in summer 2009. To be precise, Jun 13-22 coz Sam was recently nominated to attend the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC). This is like a chance in a million for Sam so, guess where our summer hols will be at this year? Yup, Washington DC it is.
Then, at 10.45am, Sam called me on my mobile and told me that she left me a voicemail to go fetch her from school coz there was a blackout but as usual lah, I didn't check my mobile coz I was so engrossed in my tennis. So, quickly ran out from the courts and drove to her school. But how unlucky I can be coz as I approach the highway 880-S ramp to go on highway 101-S, there was this huge traffic back ups and I knew it must've been an accident on 101-S. Well, I was right coz the policemen cordoned off the 880-S ramp and detoured us away. I finally used route 87-S to go to Valley and fetched Sam. I guess the more we're in a hurry, the worse it'll be.
Came home and cooked kiam chye thng today with fried taugeh but because of change of plans, I totally forgot to go to Lion Market to buy kiam hoo for the taugeh. So, make do with just plain 'ol fried taugeh with soya sauce. Urghhh.... didn't turn out that well....
In the evening, busy planning for our trip to Washington DC in summer 2009. To be precise, Jun 13-22 coz Sam was recently nominated to attend the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC). This is like a chance in a million for Sam so, guess where our summer hols will be at this year? Yup, Washington DC it is.
26 February 2009
Today was uneventful but restful. Wanted to go play drop-in for tennis in the evening but after sitting in front of the computer for the last 3 hours and replying emails, it totally zapped me of my energy.
At 7pm, went to change bedsheets, washed and dried them (boy! do I have lots of ironing to do this coming weekend and I hate ironing bedsheets coz they are so huge and cumbersome) and then watched 2 episodes of House back-to-back with Sam.
That's it for today. Goodnite...
At 7pm, went to change bedsheets, washed and dried them (boy! do I have lots of ironing to do this coming weekend and I hate ironing bedsheets coz they are so huge and cumbersome) and then watched 2 episodes of House back-to-back with Sam.
That's it for today. Goodnite...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
25 February 2009
Today I had practice session with Richard, my hitting partner. He's a really swell guy and fun to be with and always so encouraging and positive. We played on court 13 from 9.30 till 10.30am and then I left as Richard had a men's doubles play on court 11.
As I left CSF, my stomach felt a little queasy but I brushed it off. As I started on my journey home, the pain became so intense, I broke out in cold sweat and at one point, wanted to take the next exit and go back to CSF for its restroom. But I told myself I can do this and hung in there. I started to pray that the Lord will let me reach home first. And the pain was more tolerable but the uneasiness never left. I finally reached home and rushed into the bathroom and did my stuff (gross!).
Then I went to take my bath and washed my hair and then, the pain came back. This time, I recognized the pain. It was none other than my gastritis. But I wasn't surprised coz the last few days, I have been feeling hunger pangs after my tennis sessions even though I did eat breakfast. But I guess all the exercise I had on court burnt up all whatever breakfasts I had eaten that morning. And I thought the pain today was due to food poisoning coz I had a slice of lemon meringue pie from last week and some soy milk. I thot maybe those 2 items don't mix. But it turned out to be gastric pains and occasionally, it felt like the stomach is doing a wrench on me. I cooked chicken stew with potatoes and fried anchovies with peanuts. After eating my lunch, was all prepared to take Sam out for her bowling practice but my body said otherwise coz it started to ache all over and I felt weak at the knees. So, today, Sam skipped practice. Sorry about that but somehow, I gotta start listening to my body b4 it totally breaks down on me. Fetched Sam from school at 3.15pm and then came home and sleep from 4-6pm. Now I wonder if I can sleep some more tonight, hahaha! We'll see.... but after that snooze, body is aching less altho stomach is still making gastric noises every now and then. Will take more medication after dinner tonight. Hope I will get well soon tomorrow....
As I left CSF, my stomach felt a little queasy but I brushed it off. As I started on my journey home, the pain became so intense, I broke out in cold sweat and at one point, wanted to take the next exit and go back to CSF for its restroom. But I told myself I can do this and hung in there. I started to pray that the Lord will let me reach home first. And the pain was more tolerable but the uneasiness never left. I finally reached home and rushed into the bathroom and did my stuff (gross!).
Then I went to take my bath and washed my hair and then, the pain came back. This time, I recognized the pain. It was none other than my gastritis. But I wasn't surprised coz the last few days, I have been feeling hunger pangs after my tennis sessions even though I did eat breakfast. But I guess all the exercise I had on court burnt up all whatever breakfasts I had eaten that morning. And I thought the pain today was due to food poisoning coz I had a slice of lemon meringue pie from last week and some soy milk. I thot maybe those 2 items don't mix. But it turned out to be gastric pains and occasionally, it felt like the stomach is doing a wrench on me. I cooked chicken stew with potatoes and fried anchovies with peanuts. After eating my lunch, was all prepared to take Sam out for her bowling practice but my body said otherwise coz it started to ache all over and I felt weak at the knees. So, today, Sam skipped practice. Sorry about that but somehow, I gotta start listening to my body b4 it totally breaks down on me. Fetched Sam from school at 3.15pm and then came home and sleep from 4-6pm. Now I wonder if I can sleep some more tonight, hahaha! We'll see.... but after that snooze, body is aching less altho stomach is still making gastric noises every now and then. Will take more medication after dinner tonight. Hope I will get well soon tomorrow....
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
24 February 2009
Today, I had the ball machine with Emily at 10am on court 13. We played 2 baskets full and then I stopped at 10.35am to try and book the tennis courts for Friday's morning ladies practice. You see, we can only book the courts 3 days in advance and the earliest we can book is on Tue morning at 10.30am sharp. Cecelia booked 1 court and I could hear her even as I was hitting the balls thrown at me by the ball machine. So, I ran outside to the reception to book the court but was told by Nick that all courts were full already for that day and only 1 court was available from 8.30-9am on court 12. I told him I wanted from 8.30-10am but I was desperate so, what the heck, book 1st.
Then I ran inside and told Cecelia and Emily that there were no courts. Emily then suggested perhaps we can book the outdoor court since it's going to be a partly cloudy day with no rain. So, she took out her iPhone and confirmed the weather and we tried to book the court online and lo and behold, we found out that actually, there were many courts available from 8.30-10am. Don't know what Nick from Reception was trying to pull but there were courts. So, we started mucking around with the reservations and putting in the respective names and got court 12. Hallelujah! By then, the time was up for us to give up the court coz Larry, our tennis coach had a singles lesson with Shawn Mehta.
As I was packing to leave, Shawn came in and said that I was needed on the outside court to play with the 3 guys coz he has to leave for his lessons. So, I went out and played with Wilson against Wo (Wilson's bro) and Kong. It was different playing outdoors with a jack hammer going on at the same time coz it does affect the concentration. We were down 2-3 when Shawn came out and told us there was a court available indoors. So, we quickly pack our stuff and went inside. It was a tough match coz Wo was a 4.0 player and Kong was a 3.0. Wilson was a 3.5 and I am, ahem, technically, a 3.0. That means we are 6.5 playing against 7.0 and Wilson was telling me that we should try to win coz his bro is a good player and that would be challenging for us. I guess by the time the score reached 6-5, I was all nice and warmed up and 1 service game, I had 3 excellent 1st serves that both of them can't take. I was so proud of myself that finally, all the serve practices are paying off now. Also, thanks to Larry for tweaking me now and then. Finally, we reached 6-6 and went into a tiebreak, to finally winning it with a FH down the line return serve on the advantage court which Kong couldn't take, winning 8-6. I was ecstatic, felt like I have won a Grand Slam, hahahaha! After that I told them I have to leave coz it was already 12pm and I will be running late if I don't get my butt moving to go buy groceries, go home and cook lunch and fetch Sam from school b4 going for her bowling practice.
Fetch Sam at 3.15pm and went straight to Homestead Lanes. Upon reaching, I had a terrible headache due to lack of sleep. This morning, I woke up at 3.40am when Ed woke up to get ready to go to the airport at 4.15am. After he left, I tossed and turned and didn't sleep till about 5.15am and woke up at 6am again when the alarm went off. Ed went to LA today to expedite his Canadian visa and once done, he will fly off to Toronto, Canada for his business trip. He'll be back on Fri, 2/27.
So, I told Sam to go practice her bowling on her own while I sleep in the car coz I was just so tired. And sleep I did and she finished about 5.15pm and we went home. She did pretty well at practice today scoring lines of 193, 203 and 208 with an average of 201.
Then I ran inside and told Cecelia and Emily that there were no courts. Emily then suggested perhaps we can book the outdoor court since it's going to be a partly cloudy day with no rain. So, she took out her iPhone and confirmed the weather and we tried to book the court online and lo and behold, we found out that actually, there were many courts available from 8.30-10am. Don't know what Nick from Reception was trying to pull but there were courts. So, we started mucking around with the reservations and putting in the respective names and got court 12. Hallelujah! By then, the time was up for us to give up the court coz Larry, our tennis coach had a singles lesson with Shawn Mehta.
As I was packing to leave, Shawn came in and said that I was needed on the outside court to play with the 3 guys coz he has to leave for his lessons. So, I went out and played with Wilson against Wo (Wilson's bro) and Kong. It was different playing outdoors with a jack hammer going on at the same time coz it does affect the concentration. We were down 2-3 when Shawn came out and told us there was a court available indoors. So, we quickly pack our stuff and went inside. It was a tough match coz Wo was a 4.0 player and Kong was a 3.0. Wilson was a 3.5 and I am, ahem, technically, a 3.0. That means we are 6.5 playing against 7.0 and Wilson was telling me that we should try to win coz his bro is a good player and that would be challenging for us. I guess by the time the score reached 6-5, I was all nice and warmed up and 1 service game, I had 3 excellent 1st serves that both of them can't take. I was so proud of myself that finally, all the serve practices are paying off now. Also, thanks to Larry for tweaking me now and then. Finally, we reached 6-6 and went into a tiebreak, to finally winning it with a FH down the line return serve on the advantage court which Kong couldn't take, winning 8-6. I was ecstatic, felt like I have won a Grand Slam, hahahaha! After that I told them I have to leave coz it was already 12pm and I will be running late if I don't get my butt moving to go buy groceries, go home and cook lunch and fetch Sam from school b4 going for her bowling practice.
Fetch Sam at 3.15pm and went straight to Homestead Lanes. Upon reaching, I had a terrible headache due to lack of sleep. This morning, I woke up at 3.40am when Ed woke up to get ready to go to the airport at 4.15am. After he left, I tossed and turned and didn't sleep till about 5.15am and woke up at 6am again when the alarm went off. Ed went to LA today to expedite his Canadian visa and once done, he will fly off to Toronto, Canada for his business trip. He'll be back on Fri, 2/27.
So, I told Sam to go practice her bowling on her own while I sleep in the car coz I was just so tired. And sleep I did and she finished about 5.15pm and we went home. She did pretty well at practice today scoring lines of 193, 203 and 208 with an average of 201.
Monday, February 23, 2009
23 February 2009
The garage door repairman from Bay Area Doors came by as scheduled b4 8am. Then, he sat in his car till it was 8am b4 he started work. Talk about right on the dot. He said the problem with the garage was that the worm gear is worn out and it's a common problem coz my garage door is now 10 years old. Everything just has to stop working when it reaches 10 years of age doesn't it??? How irritating!!!
Anyway, he said he should be able to fix it in less than 1/2 an hour and should be outta here in no time but asked me to prepare him the cheque for $55 as trade call fee. Well, the job didn't look easy but he made it look easy coz he has all the right tools and removing and attaching the screws look like a piece of cake. As he removed the box that holds the motor, I can see all the shavings from the worm gear that's worn out. Once that's done, he said that I may have another problem with the springs which may cause the motor to wear out faster if I don't do anything about it. So, I asked him what can be done and he said he'll fix it for $40 cash for all the 3 garage doors with no invoice whatsoever. So, I told him to go ahead coz replacing the motor will be a major work and major cost too and I am trying to not "go there" if I can help it. And it was also done in a jiffy and my $40 flies out the window.
Here's the pic of the worn out worm gear and the white powdery stuff is the shavings from the gear itself.
And we've got the best news ever today in the mail. Sam has been nominated by her school to attend the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) to be held in Washington DC this summer 2009. It'll be an intense 10 days conference and she's so looking forward to it. We are so proud of her coz this is only meant to scholars who demonstrates outstanding leadership potential and academic achievements and she was nominated by her Global Studies teacher, Mrs Marshall. I hope that she will learn a great deal from this conference and we praise God for this opportunity. Thank you Lord....
Anyway, he said he should be able to fix it in less than 1/2 an hour and should be outta here in no time but asked me to prepare him the cheque for $55 as trade call fee. Well, the job didn't look easy but he made it look easy coz he has all the right tools and removing and attaching the screws look like a piece of cake. As he removed the box that holds the motor, I can see all the shavings from the worm gear that's worn out. Once that's done, he said that I may have another problem with the springs which may cause the motor to wear out faster if I don't do anything about it. So, I asked him what can be done and he said he'll fix it for $40 cash for all the 3 garage doors with no invoice whatsoever. So, I told him to go ahead coz replacing the motor will be a major work and major cost too and I am trying to not "go there" if I can help it. And it was also done in a jiffy and my $40 flies out the window.
Here's the pic of the worn out worm gear and the white powdery stuff is the shavings from the gear itself.
And we've got the best news ever today in the mail. Sam has been nominated by her school to attend the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) to be held in Washington DC this summer 2009. It'll be an intense 10 days conference and she's so looking forward to it. We are so proud of her coz this is only meant to scholars who demonstrates outstanding leadership potential and academic achievements and she was nominated by her Global Studies teacher, Mrs Marshall. I hope that she will learn a great deal from this conference and we praise God for this opportunity. Thank you Lord....
Sunday, February 22, 2009
22 February 2009
Church was good today as pastor preached about Sex Sense - Celebrating manliness and feminity. I found it amusing that midway through his message he showed this picture of a male with just 1 button and the female with so many buttons. Just shows that the womenfolks are hard to please, grin!!!
After church, we went home to fetch Sam for her youth service at 11am and then off we went to look for my new tennis shoes at Sports Authority. My old shoe's soles are wearing off but unfortunately, Sports Authority doesn't have the model I wanted, which is the Nike Max Breathe Free II which was sold at Golfsmith for $110 but sorrylah, no size 5.5. Sports Authority doesn't have anything near that model I wanted at all, what a drag :-((
Then, went to Western Appliance to look for a dishwasher but no salesperson came to our aid so, we just browsed around and open and peek around and then walked out. What poor salesmanship. Not buying from there for sure even if we need one. What happened was, our current dishwasher was leaking and we called the insurance guy to come and take a look and he said he couldn't repair it due to liability issue as the previous owner screwed a wrong kind of screw into the dishwasher and punctured holes in there, thus, the leak. Then, he filed a report and then I had to fork out $55 as trade call fee even tho he didn't do anything. But b4 he left, he told me that I could repair it myself by buying a waterproof glue and plug up the holes and buy the correct size screw and voila, everything should be back to normal. And so, to the hardware store we went and came home and fixed it but guess what? I tried it 3 days ago and it still leaks. So, we're now going to unscrew it again and let the machine run and see if it leaks and guess what? It didn't? Looks like the dishwasher is playing games with us. Will try it one more time tomorrow nite with a full load of dishes. If not, gotta fork out more money to buy a new one. What a drag (again?)....
Fetch Sam from church at 12.30pm and we went to Sato Sushi for lunch and then send Ed home b4 Sam and me head off for shopping at Westfield Valley Fair. Sam was suffering from "cabin fever" coz the whole winter break from 2/14-2/22, she was stucked at home coz she was down with the flu to start with and all she could do everyday was entertain herself with Aleks, which is her math homework online. So, today, 2/22, being the last day of winter break, she says she wants to go out and not stay home anymore.
Our 1st shop was Illuminations where we bought 3 scented candles coz we know Ed loves the smell when it is lighted up. The shop is closing down and everything was 40% off. Then to GAP we went where Sam bought a nice plain grey colored dress and a turqoise colored top. Then I went on to MAC cosmetics to replenish those items that's running out. All in all, a pretty fruitful shopping trip coz everyone had something, yipee!
But the highlight of the trip was I could return a shoe I bought at Nordstrom on Nov 7, 2008 and just wore it once to church and the shoe almost killed my feet coz it was so tight. When I tried it on at the shop then and walked around a bit, doesn't feel tight at all but I wore it to church and walked with it and it almost killed me. That's what I called customer service. I am definitely a fan of Nordstrom.
At night, we had Indian food for dinner but the mutton briyani doesn't match that of Kapitan's in Penang. But beggars can't be choosers so, chinchailah, anything also can, for the time being, hahaha!
Goodnite...
After church, we went home to fetch Sam for her youth service at 11am and then off we went to look for my new tennis shoes at Sports Authority. My old shoe's soles are wearing off but unfortunately, Sports Authority doesn't have the model I wanted, which is the Nike Max Breathe Free II which was sold at Golfsmith for $110 but sorrylah, no size 5.5. Sports Authority doesn't have anything near that model I wanted at all, what a drag :-((
Then, went to Western Appliance to look for a dishwasher but no salesperson came to our aid so, we just browsed around and open and peek around and then walked out. What poor salesmanship. Not buying from there for sure even if we need one. What happened was, our current dishwasher was leaking and we called the insurance guy to come and take a look and he said he couldn't repair it due to liability issue as the previous owner screwed a wrong kind of screw into the dishwasher and punctured holes in there, thus, the leak. Then, he filed a report and then I had to fork out $55 as trade call fee even tho he didn't do anything. But b4 he left, he told me that I could repair it myself by buying a waterproof glue and plug up the holes and buy the correct size screw and voila, everything should be back to normal. And so, to the hardware store we went and came home and fixed it but guess what? I tried it 3 days ago and it still leaks. So, we're now going to unscrew it again and let the machine run and see if it leaks and guess what? It didn't? Looks like the dishwasher is playing games with us. Will try it one more time tomorrow nite with a full load of dishes. If not, gotta fork out more money to buy a new one. What a drag (again?)....
Fetch Sam from church at 12.30pm and we went to Sato Sushi for lunch and then send Ed home b4 Sam and me head off for shopping at Westfield Valley Fair. Sam was suffering from "cabin fever" coz the whole winter break from 2/14-2/22, she was stucked at home coz she was down with the flu to start with and all she could do everyday was entertain herself with Aleks, which is her math homework online. So, today, 2/22, being the last day of winter break, she says she wants to go out and not stay home anymore.
Our 1st shop was Illuminations where we bought 3 scented candles coz we know Ed loves the smell when it is lighted up. The shop is closing down and everything was 40% off. Then to GAP we went where Sam bought a nice plain grey colored dress and a turqoise colored top. Then I went on to MAC cosmetics to replenish those items that's running out. All in all, a pretty fruitful shopping trip coz everyone had something, yipee!
But the highlight of the trip was I could return a shoe I bought at Nordstrom on Nov 7, 2008 and just wore it once to church and the shoe almost killed my feet coz it was so tight. When I tried it on at the shop then and walked around a bit, doesn't feel tight at all but I wore it to church and walked with it and it almost killed me. That's what I called customer service. I am definitely a fan of Nordstrom.
At night, we had Indian food for dinner but the mutton briyani doesn't match that of Kapitan's in Penang. But beggars can't be choosers so, chinchailah, anything also can, for the time being, hahaha!
Goodnite...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
21 February 2009
Today, we went out for Sam's bowling league in the morning. She didn't do too badly today scoring lines of 184, 166, 194 with an average of 181. At least she hit her targeted average. After bowling, we went home and had spaghetti for lunch. Sam scooped her share and was walking to the dining table when all of her spaghetti fell to the floor with a splat. After that, it was all the 3 of us on the floor trying to clean up the mess. It didn't take too long and I didn't tear my hair out and didn't even scold her. I am so proud of myself that I was patient and not judgmental. After all, accidents do happen and gravity obviously exists, hahaha.
Anyway, I finished my lunch and went out to the club for my 1st mixed 6.0 doubles match at 2pm. I partnered Graham Golder who is a 3.0 player and we won the match 6-1, 6-1. He was good at the net and managed to win many many points. For me, I didn't have to play my optimum best coz I could see that the opponent was quite weak and not very experienced. My 1st serves was 100% and I didn't have to serve my best coz at 50%, the opponents (Kathy & Chris) were already struggling. So, it was a pretty straightforward match and we finished under an hour.
Went to Golfsmith to try and get a new pair of tennis shoes for myself coz they had a sale (buy 2 items, get 15%, buy 3 get 20% and buy 4 get 25%). I was there for 1.5 hours and tried on 5 outfits but sadly, only 1 fit me well and it was a red Reebok dress on sale for $39.97. So, I thot I'll buy a shoe so that I get the extra 15% off but alas, they don't have anymore size 5.5. What a drag coz that was the most comfortable shoe I've ever tried on. In the end, didn't buy anything at all. Would u believe that? I went to the tennis store and came home empty handed. I figured the dress wasn't worth the $43.27 I have to pay after sales tax.
Came home close to 5.30pm and now, gotta go for dinner. My dear husband is cooking us udon noodles, yay!
Anyway, I finished my lunch and went out to the club for my 1st mixed 6.0 doubles match at 2pm. I partnered Graham Golder who is a 3.0 player and we won the match 6-1, 6-1. He was good at the net and managed to win many many points. For me, I didn't have to play my optimum best coz I could see that the opponent was quite weak and not very experienced. My 1st serves was 100% and I didn't have to serve my best coz at 50%, the opponents (Kathy & Chris) were already struggling. So, it was a pretty straightforward match and we finished under an hour.
Went to Golfsmith to try and get a new pair of tennis shoes for myself coz they had a sale (buy 2 items, get 15%, buy 3 get 20% and buy 4 get 25%). I was there for 1.5 hours and tried on 5 outfits but sadly, only 1 fit me well and it was a red Reebok dress on sale for $39.97. So, I thot I'll buy a shoe so that I get the extra 15% off but alas, they don't have anymore size 5.5. What a drag coz that was the most comfortable shoe I've ever tried on. In the end, didn't buy anything at all. Would u believe that? I went to the tennis store and came home empty handed. I figured the dress wasn't worth the $43.27 I have to pay after sales tax.
Came home close to 5.30pm and now, gotta go for dinner. My dear husband is cooking us udon noodles, yay!
Friday, February 20, 2009
20 February 2009
Went to play Friday morning's ladies practice at CSF. Partnered Emily and lost 2-6 to Ritu/Noriko combination and then partnered Ritu and won 6-1 against Emily/Noriko. Didn't play too well today coz still feeling a little ach-ish but just wanted to practice my serves coz I have a match tomorrow at 2pm at CSF.
After tennis, went to buy money order for Ed at the Post Office for his Canadian visa application and then bought Burger King for lunch. Advertisement pays coz we saw this BK ad last nite on TV that's advertising that they have this BK shots which are like miniature BK burgers. So, went in there and asked if the burgers taste like the whopper only to find out it does not. So, plan scrapped and went back to good ol double whopper without cheese for me and dbl with cheese for Sam.
Came home and replied numerous emails and then went to wash my hair b4 heading out at 3pm for Sam's bowling training with Ty. Dropped Sam off at Homestead Lanes, went out to buy fruitcake coz that's what's required of me to bring as dessert for match tomorrow. Went to this bakery shop at Cupertino square but no sign of fruit cake. Went to Ranch 99 which is just next door to the bakery and still, no sign of fruit cake. Finally, called Ed and asked if he knows where I can get some fruitcake only to find out that it doesn't exist except during Christmas season. Oh, what a drag! So, I went in to Ranch 99 again and got some egg tart instead.
Went back to fetch Sam from bowling and head on home for dinner. Good nite for now...
After tennis, went to buy money order for Ed at the Post Office for his Canadian visa application and then bought Burger King for lunch. Advertisement pays coz we saw this BK ad last nite on TV that's advertising that they have this BK shots which are like miniature BK burgers. So, went in there and asked if the burgers taste like the whopper only to find out it does not. So, plan scrapped and went back to good ol double whopper without cheese for me and dbl with cheese for Sam.
Came home and replied numerous emails and then went to wash my hair b4 heading out at 3pm for Sam's bowling training with Ty. Dropped Sam off at Homestead Lanes, went out to buy fruitcake coz that's what's required of me to bring as dessert for match tomorrow. Went to this bakery shop at Cupertino square but no sign of fruit cake. Went to Ranch 99 which is just next door to the bakery and still, no sign of fruit cake. Finally, called Ed and asked if he knows where I can get some fruitcake only to find out that it doesn't exist except during Christmas season. Oh, what a drag! So, I went in to Ranch 99 again and got some egg tart instead.
Went back to fetch Sam from bowling and head on home for dinner. Good nite for now...
19 February 2009
Went for tennis lessons with Larry at CSF together with Sharon, Mary, Ed and Shawn. We had a great workout as we talk about moving up to the net after hitting an approach shot, regardless whether the approach was a good or bad shot. After the lessons at 10.30am, we played doubles and I partnered Ed and Wilson (he came in later to slot in for Sharon who had to leave early) partnered Mary and we won the match 6-2. Not too bad....
Came home after tennis, cooked porridge and hey, it worked coz it doesn't go splat anymore. For the 1st time, my porridge was edible and good tasting with anchovies and minced pork. I bought some "bak hoo" and salted eggs and we had a good meal. Ed had 2 bowls of porridge for dinner and I'm so happy he enjoyed it.
At night, we watched Bones and CSI and retire off to bed at 10pm.
Came home after tennis, cooked porridge and hey, it worked coz it doesn't go splat anymore. For the 1st time, my porridge was edible and good tasting with anchovies and minced pork. I bought some "bak hoo" and salted eggs and we had a good meal. Ed had 2 bowls of porridge for dinner and I'm so happy he enjoyed it.
At night, we watched Bones and CSI and retire off to bed at 10pm.
18 February 2009
Today was an easy morning as I cancelled tennis with Richard. Reason being, I was supposed to go bowling with Sam this afternoon and then I have tennis practice with Malini's team in the evening at 7.30pm. But it turned out that Anna and Sam decided to go watch a movie b4 bowling and so, we ate lunch at home, went out at 12pm and watched "So not just into you" at Vallco AMC theatres. Movies here are expensive @ US$8.75 per person and I bought popcorn and soda for the 4 of us (Anna, Sveta, Chris, Sam) and it costs US$16.25. Sveta was kind enough to buy the movie tickets. The movie was meant for teens. Everything in there seemed so cliche but I guess it's because I've been there, done that and am older and t4, can see through it all. But for the teens, it's a totally new discovery of what love means.
After the movie, we went home coz I wasn't feeling well as I had a slight fever and a throbbing headache. Came home, popped 2 paracetamol and went to bed. Woke up at 5.30pm and prepared to go for tennis practice.
Played with my partner, Graham Golder who's a 3.0 player. Not too bad a game. We won the 1st set but I hit Atul, my opponent in the right eye when he encroached over to the deuce court to retrieve a ball. I tried to topspin the ball to avoid him but he lifted his head and the ball hit his eye. I think his eyelid was swollen a little and I felt horrible. Not a good start to getting to know new players is it?
I played till 9pm and then went home, pumped gas and hit the sack at 11.30pm. What a day...
After the movie, we went home coz I wasn't feeling well as I had a slight fever and a throbbing headache. Came home, popped 2 paracetamol and went to bed. Woke up at 5.30pm and prepared to go for tennis practice.
Played with my partner, Graham Golder who's a 3.0 player. Not too bad a game. We won the 1st set but I hit Atul, my opponent in the right eye when he encroached over to the deuce court to retrieve a ball. I tried to topspin the ball to avoid him but he lifted his head and the ball hit his eye. I think his eyelid was swollen a little and I felt horrible. Not a good start to getting to know new players is it?
I played till 9pm and then went home, pumped gas and hit the sack at 11.30pm. What a day...
17 February 2009
This morning, went to play tennis with Celine, Cheryl and Colleen. Hey, didn't notice that all our names starts with C! 1st, partnered with Colleen and we won the match 6-4. Next, I partnered Celine and won in tie break 7-6 (7-2). I am glad we managed to win coz it was a tough game as we had numerous unforced errors. After the game, Cheryl complimented me that I have improved like 150% in my game coz when I 1st started playing at CSF, I was not confident at the net but now, she says, I am so super good there and the serves was also blasting away when initially, I was also struggling. Cheryl hasn't played for 3 months due to a wrist injury and she's only making a comeback now so, she really knows the difference between then and now. So, I was elated coz I wouldn't know all these improvements if she hadn't told me. So, thank you my dear Cheryl for the eye opener. Now, I know all the hardwork is finally paying off.
After tennis, went home to fetch Sam and off we go for lunch at the Thai Restaurant near Homestead Lanes. We arrived at 2pm and lucky for us, they were still serving lunch and they obliged and we ordered tom yum gai with rice and I had a set lunch of beef in oyster sauce. The food was edible, not great. Will I go back? Naw... unless I am desperate.
Then to bowling we went and this is Sam's 1st day back at bowling after her arm/back ache from dodgeball the previous week. Lane conditions was pretty dry that day as she struggled to find her lines.
After tennis, went home to fetch Sam and off we go for lunch at the Thai Restaurant near Homestead Lanes. We arrived at 2pm and lucky for us, they were still serving lunch and they obliged and we ordered tom yum gai with rice and I had a set lunch of beef in oyster sauce. The food was edible, not great. Will I go back? Naw... unless I am desperate.
Then to bowling we went and this is Sam's 1st day back at bowling after her arm/back ache from dodgeball the previous week. Lane conditions was pretty dry that day as she struggled to find her lines.
Monday, February 16, 2009
16 February 2009
Happy President's Day. Today is a public holiday and Ed is off from work while Sam is now on winter break for a week. Unfortunately, Sam is sick again. Thought her cold was getting better but it seemed to have gotten worse this morning. So, am taking her and Ed (he's got the cold and cough) to the doctor's today at 4.45pm. They would probably need antibiotics by now coz it's been more than a week.
Sam started with a sore throat and then the full blown cold and some coughing. After 3 days of medication, she seemed to have gotten better as the cold is less runny. Then, she had to play dodgeball on Friday, 2/13 and came home feeling very sore on her arms and back. It must've been that those core muscles were not used before and so, she's feeling ache-ish all over. Rubbed some bengay on her right arm and back and put some hot/cold therapy plaster on her and sent her to bed. She couldn't go for her league bowling on Saturday, 2/14 coz the ache was really bad she couldn't even lift her arm, much less a bowling ball. So, we skipped and had a restful Saturday indoors. It was also good coz the weather has been really cold and rainy and is expected to stick around till about Wed next week. It is a welcome change to have rain coz otherwise, we're going to go into water rationing. Praise God for the rain.
Sunday, Sam woke up with red eyes on her left eye. Went to buy some eye drops and today, doesn't look like it's improving too much. Doesn't look like conjunctivitis coz there's no eye discharge. But, we'll see what the doctor says today.
OK, that's it for today. As today is a holiday, I am also taking a break from housekeeping. I only mopped the floor and vacuumed the carpet very lightly. After all, the house isn't very dirty coz I have been vacuuming it everyday. Ta ta for now...
Sam started with a sore throat and then the full blown cold and some coughing. After 3 days of medication, she seemed to have gotten better as the cold is less runny. Then, she had to play dodgeball on Friday, 2/13 and came home feeling very sore on her arms and back. It must've been that those core muscles were not used before and so, she's feeling ache-ish all over. Rubbed some bengay on her right arm and back and put some hot/cold therapy plaster on her and sent her to bed. She couldn't go for her league bowling on Saturday, 2/14 coz the ache was really bad she couldn't even lift her arm, much less a bowling ball. So, we skipped and had a restful Saturday indoors. It was also good coz the weather has been really cold and rainy and is expected to stick around till about Wed next week. It is a welcome change to have rain coz otherwise, we're going to go into water rationing. Praise God for the rain.
Sunday, Sam woke up with red eyes on her left eye. Went to buy some eye drops and today, doesn't look like it's improving too much. Doesn't look like conjunctivitis coz there's no eye discharge. But, we'll see what the doctor says today.
OK, that's it for today. As today is a holiday, I am also taking a break from housekeeping. I only mopped the floor and vacuumed the carpet very lightly. After all, the house isn't very dirty coz I have been vacuuming it everyday. Ta ta for now...
15 February 2009
This morning, I was ecstatic coz I can finally go to church after missing out the last 2 weeks due to Sam's bowling tournament. It was good to be back at FCC and this week, Pastor Bill is starting on a new series "SEX SENSE". It'll be over a length of 5 weeks, should be an interesting topic coz sex can be so perverted sometimes and it'll be good to see God's perspective on it.
After church, went home to change into my tennis gear and off to King's Eggroll for lunch with Ed. Then it was off to Club Sport Fremont where I will play my 1st mixed doubles match with Rudy. Rudy is a 4.0 player and he's the nicest guy I've partnered with. No airs, no stress and it's always fun to partner him and as a result, I play better too.
We were up against Richard Ronten/Terry Chuang (yes, Richard's my hitting partner on every Wednesdays and he's been kinda like my coach/mentor since joining CSF). We won the match 6-2 6-2. Frankly, I played pretty good and all the shots out wide on the deuce court somehow worked, giving me a few winners. I think I was also lucky coz during practices with Al and Richard, out of 10 shots, I'd probably only hit 1 but it all worked out today. All praises to God for the win coz without HIM, I know I probably won't have a chance.
But kudos to my partner Rudy too coz he hit many many winners and thanks Rudy for covering for me when I am scrambling all over the court. Also, my service motion was better altho I did have 2 double faults. But all in all, it worked out well. Praise God!
After church, went home to change into my tennis gear and off to King's Eggroll for lunch with Ed. Then it was off to Club Sport Fremont where I will play my 1st mixed doubles match with Rudy. Rudy is a 4.0 player and he's the nicest guy I've partnered with. No airs, no stress and it's always fun to partner him and as a result, I play better too.
We were up against Richard Ronten/Terry Chuang (yes, Richard's my hitting partner on every Wednesdays and he's been kinda like my coach/mentor since joining CSF). We won the match 6-2 6-2. Frankly, I played pretty good and all the shots out wide on the deuce court somehow worked, giving me a few winners. I think I was also lucky coz during practices with Al and Richard, out of 10 shots, I'd probably only hit 1 but it all worked out today. All praises to God for the win coz without HIM, I know I probably won't have a chance.
But kudos to my partner Rudy too coz he hit many many winners and thanks Rudy for covering for me when I am scrambling all over the court. Also, my service motion was better altho I did have 2 double faults. But all in all, it worked out well. Praise God!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
14 February 2009
HAPPY VALENTINE'S everybody. I am not one who celebrate this day but hey, there's nothing wrong with getting into the spirit. Anyway, my best friend Belinda, gave me a champagne for Valentine's Day together with a pretty pink Valentine's socks, a red valentine's heart and a very thoughtful Valentine's card. She knows that Ed and me don't celebrate but she doesn't want me to miss out on anything. Isn't she thoughtful and kind?
Anyway, Sam couldn't go bowling this morning coz she was aching all over after playing dodgeball at school yesterday. I think she was already aching yesterday after school and in the evening, she went for bowling training and that probably made it worse. This morning, she can't even lift her right arm. I had to put some ointment and gave her a massage and put on some hot/cold therapy plaster on her arm and back. She's now resting in bed, afraid to move anymore muscles, hahaha.
As for the SAP Open, it is so cool to be there. I watched 4 matches. The 1st was a doubles match between Huss (AUS)/Hutchins (GBR) vs Ginepri/Rettenmaier (USA). The Huss/Hutchins pair won. The 2nd doubles match was between Bryan Brothers vs Bopanna (IND)/Nieminen (FIN). The Bryan Brothers lost. It was a close 2nd set as it went to a super tiebreak of 10 points (they lost the 1st set 4-6). The 3rd was Mardy Fish (USA) vs Juan Martin del Potro (ARG). Fish won in straight sets and the last match I watched was between Sam Querrey (USA) vs James Blake. Blake won.
I attended the Ladies Day Luncheon around 11.30am in the midst of the 1st doubles match. The luncheon was at The Grill restaurant. The food consisted of salad, bread, wine unlimited (white & Pinot Noir, courtesy of Brassfield Estates Winery), main course of chicken with french beans and rice and a generous helping of chocholate cake with raspberry and cream for dessert. But the highlight of the day was when Ginepri, Rettenmaier, Hutchins and Huss came to our luncheon, poured wine for us and took pictures with us. I was ecstatic and couldn't help feeling on top of the world. They were all gigantic in height as can be seen from the photos below:
You can see from the photo that I was not just happy, but ecstatic to be photographed with Robby Ginepri (he's now ranked 66th in the world).
These are the ladies who are from Club Sport Pleasanton. My good friend Belinda is on the far right front row.
This is Ross Hutchins from GBR. He was playing with Stephen Huss of AUS in their doubles match against Ginepri/Rettenmaier and won to book a place in the semi-finals.
This is Stephen Huss from Melbourne, Australia. He has boyish good looks doesn't he?
Ths is Travis Rettenmaier (USA). He was Ginepri's partner in doubles. Too bad they lost.
Anyway, Sam couldn't go bowling this morning coz she was aching all over after playing dodgeball at school yesterday. I think she was already aching yesterday after school and in the evening, she went for bowling training and that probably made it worse. This morning, she can't even lift her right arm. I had to put some ointment and gave her a massage and put on some hot/cold therapy plaster on her arm and back. She's now resting in bed, afraid to move anymore muscles, hahaha.
As for the SAP Open, it is so cool to be there. I watched 4 matches. The 1st was a doubles match between Huss (AUS)/Hutchins (GBR) vs Ginepri/Rettenmaier (USA). The Huss/Hutchins pair won. The 2nd doubles match was between Bryan Brothers vs Bopanna (IND)/Nieminen (FIN). The Bryan Brothers lost. It was a close 2nd set as it went to a super tiebreak of 10 points (they lost the 1st set 4-6). The 3rd was Mardy Fish (USA) vs Juan Martin del Potro (ARG). Fish won in straight sets and the last match I watched was between Sam Querrey (USA) vs James Blake. Blake won.
I attended the Ladies Day Luncheon around 11.30am in the midst of the 1st doubles match. The luncheon was at The Grill restaurant. The food consisted of salad, bread, wine unlimited (white & Pinot Noir, courtesy of Brassfield Estates Winery), main course of chicken with french beans and rice and a generous helping of chocholate cake with raspberry and cream for dessert. But the highlight of the day was when Ginepri, Rettenmaier, Hutchins and Huss came to our luncheon, poured wine for us and took pictures with us. I was ecstatic and couldn't help feeling on top of the world. They were all gigantic in height as can be seen from the photos below:
You can see from the photo that I was not just happy, but ecstatic to be photographed with Robby Ginepri (he's now ranked 66th in the world).
These are the ladies who are from Club Sport Pleasanton. My good friend Belinda is on the far right front row.
This is Ross Hutchins from GBR. He was playing with Stephen Huss of AUS in their doubles match against Ginepri/Rettenmaier and won to book a place in the semi-finals.
This is Stephen Huss from Melbourne, Australia. He has boyish good looks doesn't he?
Ths is Travis Rettenmaier (USA). He was Ginepri's partner in doubles. Too bad they lost.Friday, February 13, 2009
13 Feb 2009
Hi, I am back again. I promised myself yesterday that I will try to update my blog everyday. We'll see how far this is going to take me, hahaha!
Anyway, this morning is the coldest winter of all and we woke up to seeing snow at the mountains behind our home. It is so cool, literally. The temperature now as I write this at 7:19am is 42 deg F (6 deg C).
Will update you guys later on what will happen at the SAP Open. I am so excited coz I will get to sit at the VIP Sideline Box at row 9, savor wine, lunch provided and get a 15% discount on shopping for apparels. Going to go take bath now and make myself pretty. It's going to be cold and windy at the Open though :-(. Better keep warm. Gotta wear my leather jacket and out comes the turtle necks.
Here's the picture of the snow on the mountain top. I know it's kinda not very clear but hey, just to prove a point, hahaha!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
12 February 2009
It's been a while since I've updated my blog. Haven't got time, too lazy and what-have-you's. In other words, I was not inspired coupled with the fact that I don't have enough time to sit and write sweet nothings, hahaha. Anyway, today is special coz I finally met Hewitt and Nieminem in person. They were on Court 9 at Club Sport Fremont (CSF) and I was having lessons on Court 13. Both of them were having a practice session and when I was informed by my coach Larry about their presence, my concentration went out the window. 15 mins b4 lesson time was over, I ran over to court 9 and sat there immersed in their practice slugfest. Hewitt was breaking out in four letter words occasionally but Nieminem was more gentlemanly (no such behavior). Unfortunately for the both of them, they have already lost their singles match at the SAP Open. But I managed to get this picture and autographed balls too. They were both very obliging. I am now their newest fan on the block.
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