After spending the entire weekend being indoors and sick (with the exception of getting food), I was almost glad to be out of the house today.  Almost.

 

I got to the Mrs. apartment at 9:30a and we started sifting several closets, purging and boxing items she wanted to donate.  We did this for about three hours.  By then, I wasn't feeling all that great (nor was the Mrs. and her daughter).  I was getting hungry (all I had was dry toast for breakfast) and all I could think about was crawling into bed for a nap.  Unfortunately, I had one errand to run before I was able to go home.  By now, snow was slowly sprinkling onto the pavements, so I knew I had to get it done quick.  When I got to my neighborhood, I picked up some take outs for dinner so I could send the nanny home before the storm got any worse.   I should have not left my apartment today, let alone my bed.  Blegh.

 

I've always been a great fan of award shows, mostly the Golden Globes and the Oscars.  I love the whole glam atmosphere, see who's wearing the hottest dresses to exquisite jewelries.  Although I had not seen one single movie that was nominated, I was sad that Martin Scorscese did not win an Oscar, once again shutting him out for the fifth time.  I just hope he wins one before they award him posthumously.  Some other highlights:

 

1.Did Chris Rock know that the Gap and Banana Republic are owned by the same company? 

2.It would have been interesting to see Minnie Driver (the original singer) sing "Song for the Lonely" instead of having Beyonce sing that and two other songs that she had nothing to do with.

3.I liked the fact that Sean Penn came out to defend Jude Law after Chris Rock low-balled him (how he's been in so many movies last year).

4.I can see how they save time by having the nominees on stage.  But to have them walk off like a bunch of losers was so sad.  This is not a pageant!!!  It's the Oscars!

 

Back to Sophia-world.  The potty is not as successful as I had previously posted.  She is extremely afraid of the potty seat.  She wants nothing to do with it.  Infact, she slams the lid and runs off.

 

I'm still training her to sleep on her own on the futon.  It's taken about a half hour now for her to cry it out and for me to go in her room to console and tuck her back in bed.  I start off calmly explaining she is a big girl now, no more crying, hugging, kissing and tucking her back to bed.  By the tenth time she breaks out in a crying fit, I'm pissed as hell.  The scolding monster mommy works better than the calm, soft spoken mommy.  When will the nightmare end?

 

She's still waking up around 6:45a-7a.  I thought maybe the sunlight is what rouses her, so I flipped her blinds the other way to block the light.  No luck.  Now I'm putting her to bed a half hour early to get her back to the early schedule.  Maybe that will work. 

 

Sophia had a playdate with Emily on Saturday (even though my body was giving way).  It took awhile for Sophia to open up- by the time that happened, it was time for Emily to leave.  She even gave her a kiss and a hug when she left!  A Kodak moment, but wasn't caught.  Thanks to the Yau's for the playdate!

Last night I thought I would be slick to take Sudafed Nighttime for colds.  Knocked me out alright- I slept through the night (that hasn't happened for a long time) but managed to wake up at 6:30a with a coughing spell.   I went back to sleep (Phil took over the morning duties) and woke up around 9a.  It's now almost noon and I'm still feeling drowsy.  ZZzzzz.  I'll update later when I'm more alert.

I know I'm starting to get sick when:

 

Today I started my new job as a personal assistant with the Mrs.  We met at her Upper East Side apartment (decorated quite tastefully) and went through the list of what needed to be done in the course of two months.  Luckily for me, the previous person who worked for her, left a binder full of information that will trim the extra work out for me.  So far, it doesn't seem too hectic with the exception of having to schlep out to the Hamptons to retrieve some items from the house that needs to be sold.  I know, poor me.  Hey, if it was summertime, I would be thrilled, but it's the dead of winter, so there's not much to enjoy.  (Besides, I've done the Hamptons before.  Hmpf.)

 

I had the honor of meeting her famous husband who is very much good looking in person as well as on the telly.  It's very surreal shaking hands with him.   I also got to meet their son- he is adorable!  When I left the house, the Mrs. asked her son to say goodbye to "Mrs. Linda."  He was too busy watching Elmo, so he didn't respond.  I chuckled and told her, "It's alright, it happens in my house often."  The Mrs. said to me, "Not in this house" and promptly turning off the television so her son would get her full attention.  She scolded him in her native language and like a well-behaved son, he said goodbye.   Good parenting skills.

 

Ever since we returned from vacation, Sophia has not been sleeping well.  Ehh, it happens all the time...nothing one can do about it.  You just have to re-train the child to sleep.  I know it sounds mean and cruel, but it's true.  It might even take up to a month to get her back down to her old routine.  I'm also training her to sleep on her own now.  She's so used to me lying down on the futon with her while she falls asleep.  Mind you, it takes almost an hour for her to fall asleep.  By then, either I've fallen asleep or I'm really pissed off for wasting an hour of doing nothing.   When she takes her afternoon naps, she falls asleep pretty quickly.  I decided I had enough of this sleeping pattern- she needs to learn how to sleep on her own.   She needs to learn how to be more independent.  I'm on day two now- so far, it's taken her almost an hour and lots of crying, but she's managed to fall asleep on her own with her bedroom door wide open.  One day at a time...she can do it!  And mommy could afford to be half awake the next morning....wah.

It snowed on Sunday into Monday and was supposed to start working with the Mrs., but she decided to cancel due to inclement weather.  So I am starting tomorrow afternoon, which works perfectly with me. 

 

Right now, I'm baking a chocolate nut pudding- a recipe I found a few weeks ago in the Daily News Sunday food section.  So far, it's a fairly simple recipe although I messed it up by not using a clean bowl to whip up egg whites (I had to re-whip new egg whites).  That's EIGHT egg yolks I will be stuck with!  I'll have to freeze the yolks to make broccoli quiche another day (yum).  I'll let you know how it comes out.

 

A friend of mine who is getting married in May, asked if Sophia would be the flower girl in his wedding party.   As much as I would love to see her dressed in white with pretty flowers on her head, I couldn't say yes.  She's not old enough to follow instructions, especially from strangers.  She'll be too cranky to take photos all day with the wedding party.  And, she will not stay with the wedding party if Phil or I am not part of it.    If there are any invitations for her to participate in two years, I'm sure I'd say yes! 

 

www.gizoogle.com

I went out to dinner tonight with my two girlfriends, Julie and Karen.  We went to a ribs joint (Bone Lick Park) in the West Village and the food was dry and a bit off (mind you, I now have indigestion from the dinner- ugh).  Afterwards, we went to have tea and dessert at Tea & Sympathy.  It was indeed a nice change to have no kids (Karen has two children) or husbands around and have a "real" conversation without interruptions.  We vowed we would do this more often.

 

(Bear in mind as previously mentioned in my last blog, I cannot divulge the name of my new boss on the 'net.)

 

I obviously got the job- I am quite overqualified for this kind of work, though this job will get me out of the house, motivated and excited again (Yes, I really miss working in the music industry).  Once I fall into a routine, it's kind of hard for me to break it (I'm really going to miss going to the gym at 10:30a).  Essentially, the Mrs. was looking for someone who is organized, self-sufficient, detailed, multi-tasker and takes the initiative.  That pretty much sums me up.  Easy peasy. 

 

She had arranged for us to meet at the hotel's restaurant on Park Avenue.  When I first walked into the hotel, I felt extremely uncomfortable.  Although I was dressed for the part, I couldn't help but feel out of place.   It could be because she is someone famous and the restaurant was a bit froo-froo.  I started to get butterflies in my stomach.  Ugh.   Nevertheless, the interview went very well.

 

My hours will vary.  I will be doing a lot of researching, making calls, helping with their transition to the new home and possibly some correspondence (I had to admit to her that this is probably not my strongest point even though I worked for an executive- he did it himself).  The pay isn't bad either.  I'm actually looking forward to starting on Monday. 

 

I'm gonna miss my baby girl.  :(

I swear Sophia is on a sugar high when Phil gets home from work.  The minute he is at the door, she turns into a psycho baby from hell.  Climbing on him, whining, crying, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy; forcing him to retreat into our bedroom to rest a bit after a long day's work.  I call it the guilty complex- he's not home most of the time and she's vying for his attention.  And of course, he caves in and gives everything she wants.  That causes problems for me because she'll get used to getting what she wants and will demand it when he's not around (ie, watching Teletubbies or The Wiggles).  Ugh.  Headache.

 

Friends have asked what did the Man buy me for Vday.  I tell them nothing and they're shocked!  Actually, he called me from work to wish me a Happy Vday, which is more than enough.  I did make him lemon cupcakes (with chocolate frosting and red sprinkles on top), but it wasn't really meant for Vday.  It just so happens that a)it was raining, b)it was cold, a reason to turn the oven on, c)I felt like baking something sweet.   Besides, we think Vday is sooo overrated.

 

So far, our trip isn't happening.  I have one more resource to look into tomorrow.  And if it doesn't pan out, oh well.  Looks like we'll have to wait until the man chooses a week to go on vacation.

 

We've been invited to three weddings this year, one in May, August and September.  I love attending weddings!  The food, the dancing, catching up with old friends and dressing up (an excuse to buy a cute dress and shoes)- all fun.  I can't wait.

 

I'm trying to get all my craft projects done before I get a job.  I love doing crafty things though I tend to lose heart on the project somewhere in the middle.   I'm not terribly good at it, but there is effort in there.  So far, I've glued seashells (shells we picked up from our trip to Fire Island) and ribboned two picture frames of Sophia.  My next project is a scrapbook I've been meaning to finish for the past three years.  I'm quite determined to get this done once and for all. 

 

Alright, gotta haul my ass to the gym and put some mileage on my feet and legs. 

 

As a parent, it's probably the biggest thing next to the kid walking.  Diapers are not cheap- a box of 104 diapers costs $29.99 at Costco.   It takes approximately alittle over two weeks for her to kill the box.  Damn, that's more than what we pay for electricity!!!  We better sit in the dark more often.

 

I always know when she's about to take a crap.  She farts a little here and there, quiet as a mouse and most of the time, she hides in the corner to do her thing.  Today, she let some air out that smelled like poo, so I grabbed the potty toilet and placed her on it.  She sat for five minutes and whined that she wanted off, but I bribed her with cantaloupes to distract her.  A few minutes later, she poo'd in the potty, but was so frightened of it she literally jumped off the seat and ran away!  It was too funny, I couldn't stop laughing.  She clung onto me as if her poo was going to attack her!  I was so proud of her though.  The downside was having to clean the potty- ugh. 

 

It's not easy trying to get her to use the potty seat and potty toilet (I have both).  "They" (pediatricians, other parents, etc.) say it takes time for children to learn how to use the toilet, like everything else such as using a spoon, fork, cup, etc.  On the other hand, my parents constantly brag to friends how I learned how to talk, walk and use the toilet all on my own before I was a year old (my parents and grandparents remember this great feat because my sister Judy who is 11 months younger than me, wasn't born yet).  I keep reminding them not everybody was born gifted like me (HA!).  My parents keep pressuring me to teach her, but how could I when she doesn't want to sit on the bowl?  I might have to use this "chart system" with stickers and stars to encourage her more.  Bribery at an early age already.  Sigh.  One day at a time, like everything else. 

 

I had some credit to use at Toys 'R Us, so we drove out to Coney Island and shopped for some Mega Blocks.  Sophia is into building blocks and loves to knock it down by saying, "Ah-choo!"  Sometimes I don't know where she gets these quirky lines.

 

Afterwards, I suggested we drive to Roll -N- Rooster for lunch, which was about another ten minute drive.  Boy oh boy- it totally hit the spot after yesterday's crappy ass dinner.  We ordered Roll 'n roast beef (yum), Roll 'n grilled chicken, cheese fries and golden corn fritters (soooo darn good).  They gave out free pizzas (mini slices) too!  And the best part, they gave Sophia a balloon.   Worth the drive, but if you don't have a car to schlep out to Coney Island,  there's one near St. Mark's Place as well.

 

Rumour is hubby might be promoted by the end of the month.  I'm scrambling to find another quick trip, but it's not easy searching for a trip less than a week's notice.  I'm quite determined to find something.  This might be the last time I see him!  (gee, is that a blessing for either of us?  haha)

 

I also realized my last severance paycheck is ending the first week of March.  How sad.  Also, my unemployment check is ending in a few weeks as well.  I have to seriously start looking for a job online; temporary or permanent.  (Anyone know anyone at Google.com?)  Better yet, I think I'm going to send a note out to some of the old Elektra-ites and network a bit. 

After "I" had recommended Mara's Homemade to Jay, hubby and I felt we had to go check it out after reading Jay's rave review.  I have to say, we were extremely disappointed.  Food was mediocre (hubby had crawfish and shrimp creole, jambalaya, red beans and rice; I had artichoke dip and shrimp po' boy, Dave had crawfish and jambalaya), service was extremely slow, decor was very bland and my drink was ridiculously over-priced (G+T $10!).  Boo, two thumbs down!

I love this time of year.  We have dinner at my parent's house on the eve of Chinese New Year, filled with all the food my grandmother carefully prepared all day- noodles (for longevity), lotus seed (male offspring- ???), black moss seaweed and dried bean curd (wealth and happiness), fish (abundance), and the entire chicken (prosperity and togetherness).  She keeps the Chinese culture going.  Double props to grandma for doing what she does every year! 

 

There are many "stupid-stitions" that come with new year.  You're not supposed to wash your hair; for fear of washing your luck away.  You're not supposed to use scissors or knives; you'll cut your fortune off.  No sweeping or cleaning this day- you sweep your luck and fortune out the door.   When you wake up, you have a piece of candy to sweeten your life (kids love this).  And guess what- I actually do follow some of these.  It doesn't hurt to have some luck, right?.

 

And the best part of new year's (from a kid's perspective), little kids get a "lai see" (red envelopes filled with money).  Unmarried friends are supposed to get one too, but I draw the line there.  So don't start begging me for a $1.  I won't be handing it out to you!

 

We're off to have breakfast with my family then watch the lion dance.  Gung Hay Fat Choy!  And a prosperous one to all... 

Sophia sitting on her comfort doll- her dog called woh-woh (it means dog in Chinese).  She thinks her dog is going to ride her off into the sunset.

 

Sophia: (waving at me) Bye Mommy!

 

Mommy:  (waving back) Bye!!!  (looking at the poor dog in pain- I know it's a doll!)

 

Mommy:  Don't sit on woh-woh.  Woh-Woh is tek-tek (hurt/pain). 

 

Sophia:  (She gets off her dog.  She cradles and looks at him.)  You okay?

 

Yesterday I had a brilliant idea.  I suggested we take the ferry and bus to the Staten Island zoo.  I figured it would be fairly easy, quick and economical ($2 for the bus fare).  I was dead wrong.  To make matters worse, on our way back from the zoo, there was a two car collison so it tied up traffic.  The bus driver was not authorized to take a detour so we had to sit until the cars were towed.  It was well past Sophia's naptime so she was increasingly getting cranky and angry with me.  I tried to make her sleep but she was fighting to stay awake, gradually making me lose my patience.  Never again will I suggest mass transportation to Staten Island.  Oh, and the zoo was alright.  Next time, stick to Central Park zoo.

 

Sam, you were right (as usual).  I came across an article about "podcasting" and it seems to be the biggest, hip thing.  If anyone is interested in reading it- http://apnews.excite.com/article/20050206/D88367JO0.html    By the way, where's my expected phone call?  Heather and I are waiting for the news to go out drinking...hint hint.

 

Today, I had an unusual free Sunday.  I met up with Heather L. for dim sum.  We dropped Sophia off at my parent's house (only my father was home since mother was at the temple) so we could have a decent, adult conversation.  As always, Heather was very entertaining (I still can't get over the five year old gossip).  We went back to pick Sophia up only to find her napping.  So I walked Heather back to the train station and headed home for some cleaning (the only time I really get to play non kid-friendly music- Manic Street Preachers was today's choice- thanks Leicester!).  Two hours later, I called my father to let him know I was picking Sophia up and he said he wanted to keep her there until dinner.  Woot- I scored!  Phil came home from work and I suggested we go jogging over the Brooklyn Bridge.  It was a great jog except I kept getting sharp pains by my heart.  Don't know if it was just gas, nor has it been the first time this has happened.  Uh oh.

 

Two more days until Grandma's yummy Chinese New Year cook out.

Sophia loves Johann Strauss' music, especially the Radetzky-Marsch op. 228.   A must play for all little kids!

 

Oh, for those of you who are tone deaf on classical music- Johann Strauss is a famous waltz composer, known for "The Blue Danube" (you'll know the tune once you hear it- it reminds me of a Bugs Bunny episode with Daffy Duck swimming in the lake). 

 

I can't wait to have her take violin, piano, waltz lessons....ack.  I'm turning into my mother!!!!!!!

I had an appointment with my dentist this morning and he, his assistant and I started talking about our family relationships- do we hug and kiss our parents, siblings and child(ren)? 

 

I have always been the hug and kiss type.  I love to be hugged.  I love hugging Sophia even though she wriggles her way out of my arms.  When Phil and I dated, I was always the more affectionate partner.  The weird thing is, I don't hug or kiss my parents or sisters.  We were never touchy/feely with each other.  My sister Judy on the other hand, kisses my parents when she sees them and when she says her goodbye's.   Is it because I live close to my parents and see them often that I'm not affectionate towards them like Judy is?  Maybe I need to move away and test out my theory.  Nah, having nearby babysitters is always a plus.   They would think I was high on drugs if I showed an ounce of love.

 

On other news, Leicester, I saw three little girls with their mothers posing across the street from "The American Girl" store.  Yes, they were posing along with their American Girl doll too.   They're also building "Build-A-Bear" store a few blocks away (what used to be HMV).  I pray Sophia does NOT drag me into these stores when she gets older.  

Most of you know how dedicated I am about yoga.  I was, up until my yoga instructor decided to quit NYSC (NY Sports Club) and pursue other things.  That was November.  Today, I decided to get back into yoga and find a new instructor that will give me serenity I once had, for at least an hour.  Instead, my arms are screaming in pain.  She had us doing so many arm tucks into our chest (part of the sun salutation) I thought I was going to faint.  I can barely lift my glass of water to my mouth!  Maybe I should just keep to my basic 2.5 mile run and arm lifts.  Or find a vinyasa yoga class. 

 

I took Sophia out to pick up chicken legs and some "fun see" (thin rice noodles) for the nanny to cook us dinner.   We were playing hide and seek behind the building pillars when she tripped and fell and tore her "beak" (my father calls her upper lip a beak).  She cried for less than a minute and was fine after that, with the exception of her constantly licking her swollen lip.  This girl can take pain.  Doctor gives her a shot, she cries for thirty seconds and she's over with it.  She trips and falls (without breaking skin) and gets right back up as if nothing happened.  I prefer her crying out the pain than holding it in.  She should have been a boy. 

The rare times my grandfather (great-grandfather to Sophia) comes to visit, he loves to go through my stash of sweets.  Luckily today I baked some brownies (out of a box bought from Target).  It's no wonder my Aunt Susan and I has a sweet tooth (except for the six months I was pregnant). 

 

Food seems to be the common ground between us.  I have fond memories of my grandfather feeding me lunch while I was a kindergartener.  I remember him pouring a little bit of milk into my mash potatoes and mixing it up.   As a child, he and my grandmother would cook dinner meals for our family.  Years ago, my grandfather and I both worked at my uncle's restaurant- he the chef, me the cashier.  I barked the food orders, he dished it out.  Pre-Sophia days, we would meet for dim sum every Sunday, most of the time, it was just he and I.  Even though our conversations were somewhat limited due to language barrier, it was the food that always bonded us.

 

I hope Sophia will get a chance to experience that with my father, and appreciates it as much as I have.

Has anyone experienced a bruised banana after purchasing five minutes ago?  Well then, the banana bunker is here to save the day!  It looks as though it can serve as other purposes, but we'll just let the rest of you decide.

 

It's a lot harder looking for a new job after being out of the market for nearly ten years.  All morning I debated whether or not to submit my resumes to several companies but eventually succumbed due to pure panic.  My unemployment check is about run out.  My package check is about to end in the beginning of March.  I have money saved in the bank, but the thought of it depleting makes me sick to my stomach. 

 

I can't dip into hubby's pockets.  He's got his own bills and problems.  Plus I'd feel extra weird about ASKING him for money.  Then I'll just end up stealing it from him like I used to steal from my mother's drawer.  Ahh, adolescence.  Good ol' days.