Our Family Story

What to do When Your iPad2 Touch Screen Gets Stuck or Frozen

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:41:00 +0000

I got a horror of my life yesterday when, after I downloaded a new app game for my iPad2, the touch screen just froze. I couldn't swipe it at all. Since I was still at work, I couldn't do anything to find out how to fix it.

Last night, when I had the time, I started googling on how to fix a frozen iPad2 touchscreen. The first thing I saw was: you couldn't doanything about it coz it has some faulty or maybe a loose connection internally. Send it back to the Apple Store.

That scared me. I didn't wanna go thru the hassle of going back to the store. I searched for another tip on how to fix your iPad2 when the touch screen gets frozen.

Then I read that you need to press the power button and the menu button at the same time until you see the apple logo, the apple... then release and wait until it restarts.

And that's it. I straight away deleted the newly installed app I just downloaded, just to make sure the touch screen doesn't get frozen again.

Hope this tip helps those who get their iPad2 touch screen frozen.

Carpenter's Daughter Artisan and Bakery - Tea Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:59:00 +0000

Today, I went with Samantha for her Ballet and Drama lessons. The hubs was going for a meeting so I had to accompany her.

It's my first time to do this year. Since the start of the year, I have just been staying at home on Saturdays when Samantha and her father would go for her extra lessons.

There's one hour free time in between her lessons so I took her for tea at Carpenter's Daughter Artisan and Bakery. I think it's a new coffee shop. Samantha said she wanted to drink tea. The shop was pretty impressive. I was especially fascinated with the cupcake, I ordered one! It was great-tasting, too. I had cappuccino while Samantha had English tea. Well, by now she should know how to make herself English tea. ;)

Loved the ambiance of the place. They do serve other stuff, too. I need to go back there to explore more dishes.

Carpenter's Daughter Artisan and Bakery, by the way, is in Taipan, USJ 10.

All About Leather

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:57:00 +0000

I am not much of a leather user but I do have a few leather-made items. I got myself a leather bag from Carlo Rino about four years ago, it was on 25% sale. It's the only leather goods I have that I can think of right now. Perhaps like me, you're not a fan of leather, but I'm sure that you own at least an item that is made of leather. Leather shoes, bag, purse, Bible, iPad cover, sofa, car seat, belt, and the list goes on.

They might be your one of your prized possession, so if anything damaging were to happen to it, your heart feels the pain as well. Right? Especially if it is limited edition good or a precious inheritance. Cuts, rips, tears, holes, burns, or any unforeseen and unwanted accidents.......

There is hope! Just so you know, leather restoration exist. Whether you want to repair or recolor the leather, protect or even change an old outdated color, it does it all. Wonderful, isn't it. Now you don't need to freak out when you spot a cut on your car seat.

Family Time at Giggles Boardgames Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 05 May 2012 01:48:00 +0000

I had a rough day at school yesterday. So I took a half day off just to go home, slept it off first, got up, process everything and talked to friends.

Some friends invited me for a board game in Taipan, at Giggles Boardgame Cafe. I decided to go because I thought it would be a good breather for me.

When they all left and my husband and son came to pick me and Samantha up, we decided to go back to Giggles Boardgame Cafe.

I am so glad we did.

We had a blast!

This was not my first time to go to Giggles Cafe but first time with my family. I think it's really good for interacting more with friends, bonding with family, and teaching kids the art of sportsmanship (winning and losing is not the rule of the game -- having fun is).

So yes, we'll definitely go back to:

Giggles Boardgame Cafe,
No. 1-1, Jalan USJ 10/1D,
UEP, 47620 Subang Jaya.

Ebay Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:01:00 +0000

I am one of those people who so love to look into items from ebay. Whoever invented the internet and online shopping should be thanked for for these great conveniences that we enjoy at this time and age. If you’d ask me what items I like to shop, it’s anything from books, shoes and bags.

It’s just sad, though that most of the items that I really like offers free delivery to US and Canada residents only. I have to get free shipping coupon code to make the most of my shopping and to get the items that I really like.

Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:14:00 +0000

I miss home, really.

Currently reading: Violin by Anne Rice.

I ordered ABC Special. It has been too hot and I have feeling thirsty for something cold. My order came with durian-flavored vanilla ice cream on top of ABC. I guess that's why they call it special. It has ice cream on top. It's not quite like the one I always ordered. Maybe the durian flavor in the ice cream changed the taste of it. My palette has been so looking forward to the taste of Melaka sugar that's always in Pappa Rich's ABC Special. But it's alright. It, being cold and sweet is nice. I am not a sweet tooth but when I crave for something sweet, I go for it.

Right now, the sunset reflects on my hair, I am sitting, by, the way, with the sun behind me. I can imagine seeing my hair, glistened by the sun, fiery in its fake mild golden brown color. I can only see my shadow across me,on that brown wall bodering PappaRich and stalls selling cheap clothings.

I have been reading the book and been looking at my shadow in between. It reminds me of how my students described me when I sit at the table, marking their papers. I guess there's fascination in seeing their teacher flip her hair. Little do they know I do that subconsciously when I see wrong answers on their papers. I thought about it right after they told me about either touching my hair, my temple, or when I flip my hair. I realized I do that when I see mistakes on their tests.

-Morning Has Broken- That's in the background -- at least just the instruments. A happy song. A song of hope; for someone like me who is at a state of deep night. I hear hope. Morning has broken. When is morning going to be broken? When is my morning going to come?

Why do the rest of the music they're playing sound so depressing? It's as if pulling my soul into a darker, deeper night.

I better move on. I have nothing to do here.

Anne Rice and her Violin can wait.

Then I walk along the main road where structures for light rail transit is being constructed. I have to go up the overpass bridge that connects the road from USJ 19 Mall to my housing area. I have such fear of heights, I guess. Or maybe, it's the fear of having the bridge collapse while I'm on it on the car-packed road below me. The thought just gives me shivers. I hear myself prodding me to run. Why do I fear death, anyway, if my destination after-life is with my Creator?

I think this fear remains the most mysterious of all that plagued almost all of human race. I think it's the fear of the unknown that besots mankind. I guess only people that have faith as small as a mustard seed don't fear death. I may not be one of them. Are you?

I need a reality check then. Where does my faith go after all these years of believing in our Savior?

Forgive me, Lord.

Strengthen my faith.

When it does, maybe, just maybe, my morning would be broken.

PappaRich, USJ 19 Mall

Unique Kind of a Yoyo

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:32:00 +0000

We are just blessed to have imaginative and creative minds. Every day, new ideas spring up and spark an invention. I came across this website about yoyos and I have seen how our minds can really work. The yoyo is called Spintastic spinabolo Pro Diabolo. It is somehow very different from the usual yoyos I have seen and it is a Chinese yoyo evolution. I have also read in that website that when you buy one of their yoyos, you have to read the instructional videos that come with it. So it must not be an ordinary yoyo, and I think you have to have the skills to be able to play this kind of yoyo and learn the different tricks. It did stir up my imagination as to how it is played, it is just one unique yoyo.

Russel Peters

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:12:00 +0000

He is coming to town. Russel Peters is.

Russel Peters is an international stand up comedian from Canada. I first heard/watched him and laughed my head off about his Indian and Filipino story.

Anyways, below is one of his videos.

Russel Peters is coming to Malaysia for his 2012 World Tour. He's going to perform in Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam on the 12th of May.

I am pretty sure the stadium will be packed. After all, people like to be entertained with satire, racist jokes.

Legoland Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:04:00 +0000

Legoland is coming to Malaysia! Wow! The first Legoland I heard was from Florida, USA. I have heard it's a great theme park for families. I have been thinking that if maybe, we could find
cheap flights to orlando for a family of four, we could go and visit Legoland Theme Park.

Imagine being able to go and enjoy this family-oriented theme park. And imagine being able to go because they are coming to Malaysia!

Legoland will be the first international theme park in Malaysia. The only set back is, it's going to be in Johor Baru. That's 5 hour-drive away from Kuala Lumpur. But I guess it's very strategic as Johor Baru is brodering Malaysia and Singapore. So those visiting Singapore could cross over the border in a few minutes and come to Malaysia for Legoland.

Those coming from Kuala Lumpur will just take a bus, or drive down for 5 hours and yes, we could enjoy Legoland without having to fly out of the country.

Legoland Malaysia is open to public at the end of 2012.

Malaysia, are you ready?

Holiday Inn Groupon Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:15:00 +0000

I am a sucker for raw oysters. Okay. That didn't come out right. But really, the thought of eating chilled raw oysters topped with tabasco sauce and squeezed lime juice makes me drool.

When the hubs came back from Thailand, he surprised me to a Japanese eat-all-you-can meal at Shogun Restaurant in Sunway Pyramid. My eyes almost popped out at the sight of raw oysters. Then I realized there's no tabasco sauce. :( That's a really sad part coz raw oysters is nothing without tabasco sauce. But I ate almost 20 pieces anyway. Hehehe.

And while checking out my groupon emails - I have been a member since last year - I realized Holiday Inn had a an offer of 45% off their International meal that included raw oysters as one of the appetizers.

I am truly tempted to buy one.

And if ever I buy the voucher and claim it, I make sure I have tabasco sauce in my bag - just in case they don't serve it with tabasco sauce.

I think that would be a great deal.

Brazil Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:54:00 +0000

The husband has been invited for a trip to Brazil. Before you get so excited, hold it off before I finish this. LOL. It is very expensive to go to Brazil. If I want to go with my husband, I need to save for a few months before I can come up with just my return airfare.

And besides, I have nobody to leave the kids with if I go. That, or a promise of a family trip for our next trip. So there's no way I can go with the hubs, financially-wise and kids wise.

Is my husband going tough? That is still yet to see. There are too many things involve if he confirms to go.

Anyways, it would really be nice to go to Brazil, considering it's once in a lifetime opportunity.

And so we'll just settle with a plan for a family trip somewhere nearby. And if we can get one of those cheap egypt holidays, why not, right?

You can tell my feet are itching to travel again. It has been such a long time. Wait. The most recent family trip was in December. Not too long ago. It feels that way though. But I want to keep the promise of taking the kids with us on our next trip.

I hope by the time I am ready to go, we still get the opportunity to go to Brazil, with the kids.

My Easter Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:32:00 +0000

Easter Sunday 2012

From my diary:

Here at an International Church in Kuala Lumpur. Our Chinese neighbor invited us for Easter celebration. It's like being transported to a different Malaysia. More expats. Rich Malaysians.

Looked for our neighbor who invited us. Husband, when spotted him, went over to greet him. I followed. He introduced us to their pastor, who was an American man. Then, he just left us. Had a quick chat with the pastor. He's very friendly. He basically wanted to know what we do. Then we were left alone on our own.

We looked for our neighbors again. Spotted the family having fellowship with their friends at the other table. So this was it. We're invited just to watch them having fellowship among themselves.

Somebody came to greet us Happy Easter. Hope rose. I recognized the accent. It made me smile. No wonder there's such hospitality from this lady.

After breakfast, we went inside the church. Since it was still early, the music team was still practising. Beautiful voices, I said to myself. The song leader spoke. I recognized the accent. Again.

There's something about my people that is so different. So different it makes you smile. And proud.

The service went well. It was contemporary for a traditional church like that. I enjoyed the service though. Hymns were sang. Reminded me so much of my childhood days where I was part of the choir.

One remarkable moment was the communion time. Saxophone and piano in the background. It was so beautiful I almost cried.

Came out of the church and came home without seeing our neghbor who invited us. He's supposed to be introducing the hubs to the convening committee. I felt funny.

I enjoyed the church nonetheless. It was good to be singing songs for the Lord in a straightforward manner. Songs that you don't guess the meaning between the lines. Songs that truly glorify God the Father.

It was beautiful regardless of being neglected by the neighbor who invited us. Will we ever go to that church again if he invites us back? If we see good reasons for leaving us on our own, then probably, yes.

After all, when we go to church, we don't look at people. We don't look at the circumstances. But we do look up to the God who invited us to His Kingdom first. And that's the most important thing.

That was my Easter Sunday.

Groupon Purchased

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:02:00 +0000

Har-har! Finally, I was able to purchase from Groupon Malaysia. I had been wanting to do this but I said I wanna reserve it for something special later. And I think what I purchased is something special, with a 79% discount.

Imagine if I could buy vouchers from Groupon for my house' garage floor coverings, it would be great. But for now, I am not sure if there's any company that would offer discounts so great like for a garage floor coverings.

Anyways, I need to spend a few days to finish this project. Once I am done and the product delivered, I am going to blog about it. Promise.

I am now stoked. :D Grin.

Piano Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:59:00 +0000

Schenker goes for piano lessons once a week. No he doesn't go to a Yamaha school or any music school. He goes to our neighbor to learn how to play piano. Schenker is musically inclined. He's also interested to learn how to play drums and play guitar. It would be good to invest on one of those Richmond by Godin Guitars for him. I am pretty sure he's going to need one when he learns how to play guitar.

But for now, he's focusing on learning how to play piano. We do have an electric piano at home but I guess it would be nice if we can have a real piano. I hope to be able to invest on that, too.

Root Canal Treatment or Tooth Extraction?

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:49:00 +0000

One of my molar teeth has been loose and I just left it like that until recently, I've started feeling the pain in my gum and now it's extending to my ear. And now I am thinking whether to pull it out or go for root canal.

I think it has been infected. I am not sure if I want an extraction. I heard it's painful to do root canal treatment because they have to drill under the tooth, fill it with a substance to sterilise the tooth. I am quite nervous with the idea.

The easier alternative is just to extract it. And never feel the pain at all after that, no fear of infection later.

But then again, I will have to leave it toothless coz I don't want to use a fake denture for my molar.

Things like these require one to learn more so we know what we're up to and not regretting of any decision to do things.

We'll see how. I need to ask around on what better to do coz root canal treatment in Malaysia costs a bomb!

Where is God in The Hunger Games?

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:53:00 +0000

I know it's been a hype for a long time now. I saw the trailer when I was about to watch Sherlock Holmes in December last year. I thought it was interesting to watch. The Hunger Games. But I never had a chance to watch it in the cinema when it came out in Malaysia. Then I realized they made the movie out of the book written by Suzanne Collins.

One of my students was reading that book in the class... which of course, I reprimanded coz she's been so engrossed with the book and slowed down her work goals in the process. I told her she could read but only after class.

Funny because she told me, you also must read, teacher. You will be happy if you do. She said she watched the movie after reading the book but it's nothing like reading it first coz they removed a lot of scenes and changed some, too.

And so I said yes and she gave me the book to read.

It took me awhile to start coz I was too busy with work.

Then when I was a bit more free, I started flipping the pages. It's so beautiful I never asked for spoilers when reading a book before. But I did ask my students who have watched the movie and who have read the book. They never told me what happened to Peeta.

And so while enjoying my read, I started finding God in The Hunger Games. I am not too sure if I personalized things so much these days... but I did just that.

The book opened with Katniss and Gale into it. I wanted so much to write the summary of the Hunger Games book but I guess you can read it everywhere in the internet. So I will just talk about how I feel while reading it.

Panem, the country they were at, used to be North America - you should really read the book so you know what happened and why they have to do the Hunger Games.

Katniss apparently volunteered when her sister Prim was chosen to participate in the Hunger Games. Each district should have 1 boy and 1 girl representatives. The boy that was picked was a baker's son named Peeta.

I tell you, I could relate the boy's sacrifice for Katniss' safety in Jesus. He was willing to lay down his life because of his love for the girl. There's just a lot of things the boy did while in the arena for the Hunger Games to save her life. And remember, he is a baker's son.

Back to the story where they were still young, when Katniss' father died at the coal mine explosion and Katniss stood up to be the breadwinner for her mother and sister coz her mother withdrew from them when her father died, Katniss almost lost hope when this boy, Peeta, threw bread in her direction for her to eat.

I thought it was a symbol of Jesus giving us bread... a hope, a life. Katniss was almost dying with hunger and hopelessness then... but after the bread incident, it gave her much hope and life.

I still dunno the significance of the dandelion everytime Katniss comes in contact with Peeta. It's probably in the second book.

But Peeta truly symbolizes humility, sacrificial and loving unconditionally in the story.

I finished reading the book last night, -no, this morning at 2am- and truly, I am glad I read the book.

What about you? Have you found Jesus in the Hunger Games?

Now I am ready to watch the movie, no matter how they did it.

Catching Fire is on queue now. Will read it on the weekend.

Accurate Information

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:33:00 +0000

Getting accurate information is necessary in all things, from all things. That's especially when it comes to health and getting a health care provider.

We should be able to find and get accurate information of the right doctor for the right treatment.

Imagine having to contact a doctor who is not the right one to cure a disease. It is not only a waste of money, but also, a waste of time, at your health's risk.

At Doximity, you try keying in Stephen Daquino DO and it will give you the right information of a physician that you need.

When our health is a concern, it is definitely an utmost priority to get accurate information.

Outdoor Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 01:22:00 +0000

After having a photo session with one of my students in our house, I realize that I have a good spot for outdoor photography - right in my lawn. It's green, it's garden-ish and it looks a bit English because of the small white fences I put for my plants.

It would be nice to do a photoshoot there again. I wonder if I can get a different angle next time. It's pretty small against using 70-200mm lens... but if the car is not in the garage, I think I would have enough space for a different angle. Hmmmm... it would be even lovelier if we have outdoor gazebo in our lawn... but that's just a wishful thinking. Maybe on our next house move? Who knows.

Shopping Day

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 01:17:00 +0000

My husband and daughter arrived yesterday from his out-of-the-county meeting. He and my daughter were gone for almost a week. That means for almost a week, it's just work and home for me and my son. So today, after church, it's going to be shopping day. Yay!

I need to shop for a new pair of shoes. Have I told you already? Women can never have enough of shoes? LOL. Anyways, I wanna go to Sunway Pyramid. Not sure whether they use pcamerica for their paying system. But I am sure going to get those pair of shoes from Charles and Keith I saw last month. I hope they're still on the shelf.

Explosion at Lee Garden's Hatyai

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:37:00 +0000

Just read from one of my friends' FB update who's living in Hatyai, Thailand, that there's a bomb explosion at Lee Garden's Plaza Hotel.

My husband and daughter left Hatyai early in the morning via Air Asia. Thank God they have left. However, I am praying for those who are still there or who are living there.

Hopefully, no one's hurt.

Please let us pray...

Update: Apparently, one of the people I know was somewhere nearby and his glasses went off when the bomb exploded. And there's one family we know who are staying at the 33rd floor of Lee Garden's and they're stuck there. The bomb explosion happened at B1 of the building.

Update:

Hatyai Hospital need blood donation (blood types A and B). Please pray more people will donate blood.

First Love (Crazy Little Thing Called Love)

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 07:45:00 +0000

I am still on the lookout for the sequel of the Thai movie First Love (Crazy Little Thing Called Love) starred by the cuties Mario Maurer, Pimchanok Luewisedpaiboon, Tukkie. I watched the movie last year when a blogger friend recommended it.

Funny coz I watched it a few times.
Last night, while the hubs and the daughter were still in Thailand, I was kind of feeling a bit down so I decided to watch the movie again. I just love that movie. I also love the composition of the videography (not sure what the right term is). I was kind of wishing I was watching it with a 5.1 home theater system but oh, well, is it free to dream. So yeah, I am dreaming on. LOL.

Anyways, took the liberty to take screen shots of the movie... my favorite parts:

This was when she was challenged to be a drum major

The squid story:

Girl: (after hearing the squid story) So cute.

Boy: Which one the story or the teller?

Girl: The teller. Awww..errr.. the story.

Breakaway: OMF Bungalow, Cameron Highlands

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:03:00 +0000

It was a last minute decision for the hubs and me. Called OMF Bungalow in-charge person and asked if we could book two rooms for the school holidays. Glad to be able to get two rooms and so the family and a couple friends drove up to Cameron Highlands for a breakaway on Monday.

We have checked out OMF Bungalow before but we never got the chance to stay there. Happy that finally we could experience OMF Bungalow for a family holiday.

Below are some images I took of OMF Bungalow:

Family room

View from the family room's window.

If you haven't gone to OMF Bungalow before, it's quite a challenge to find the place. I searched all over the internet to find the directions but to no avail.

How to get there | Directions to OMF Bungalow:

If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, you may use the North-South Highway. OMF Bungalow is located in between Tanah Rata and Brinchang. From Tanah Rata, you turn left at Kasimanis Farm, turn right towards Strawberry Park Resort. Midway, you will see OMF Bungalow on the right.

Room rates are quite affordable, all three meals including; plus free flow of coffee and/or tea with cookies.

Choosing a Career

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Nursing degree is becoming famous these days because of the tremendous job opportunities outside the country. I remember when I was about to graduate from High School myself, I had difficulty in deciding what course to take and pursuing a nursing degree was quite tempting.

I like the idea, but I just could not imagine myself wearing nurses uniforms and pursue a medical field so I took up another degree. Now more than two decades after, I have no regrets with the career path that I have chosen—and I am just happy about my batch mates and friends who are very successful in their nursing careers.

Getting a Pet?

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Over the years we have been considering if it’s a good idea to have a house pet, but we find that it’s not practical to have one. We lived in a condo in the first few years of our marriage so it was not possible to rear dogs, cats or birds.

With our busy lifestyle and constant traveling, we also think that we could not take good care of pets although we read so many articles about how pets could have positive effect on kids. But we are not closing the door, though. We could always have a dog if we are ready or if the children think that they are responsible enough to take good care of it.

I can imagine how fun it would be to choose a dog at a pet shop! As for dog crates, we could always surf at DogKennels.com dog crate.

Jessica Sanchez

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:37:00 +0000

Just amazed to see another Filipino making it to the top of American Idol. During the AI 2012 for the Top 13, 16-year old Jessica Sanchez did one of the world's hardest song to sing, I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston.

Apparently, Jessica Sanchez was given another standing ovation by the three judges of AI.

She has such an amazing voice.

And yes, she's a Filipino.

Goosebumps galore!