Boss Vs Employee

Since I have been an employee (to 3 bosses) and currently a boss myself, let me share with you my experiences of both. Below are my opinions, they differ from individual, depending on other internal and external forces. *wink*

An Employee:
Working hour: Not flexible. It is fixed for you once you sign that appointment letter
Work scope: You have to do all the "good" and "bad" stuff your boss ask you to do, whether it is stated or not in the appointment letter
Friends: Your "true" friends are "stress" and "pressure" from boss
Stress/pressure level: Ranking from low to medium. Depend on the industry you are in, it can be ranking as pretty high!
Remuneration: Fixed unless you are commission earners
Relax: You can have "Happy Hours" after office hour. Or do the things you like with your colleagues aftr work or during the weekend.
Risk: What risk, other than been laid off.


A Boss:
Working hour: I am my own boss, it means the business is hours. I close shop, I do not earn anything and the costs are still running!! Not so flexible; more than 8 hours per day
Work scope: I fixed my employee's work schedule from sweeping, mopping to stocking. I do what I want to do when.
Friends: Customers are my friends. No harm making more friends with your customers
Stress/pressure level: As in my line, the level is ranked medium.
Remuneration: Not fixed. But definitely higher than what I earned when I was employed.
Relax: You can have "Happy Hours" after closing shop. But by then, you are too tired. Once a while, I sneaked out in afternoon to have some "relaxation" time. Weekend is the same like any other days and it is even busier.
Risk: Out of business, sustainability

Anything I missed out? Anyone care to share?

A year passes by

Operating a business is never easy as one-two-three. It is an evolving process through the days, months and so forth. There are always issues that need to be dealed with. So, I could not believe it that it has been a year since I started my business. Time indeed passes by fast.

I never believe I could do it in first place, but I am glad I stand by my decision. If times permit and with God's blessing, I wish to be able to do more things and achieve my other dreams. For time being, life is not too bad.....

Fun @ Sinar Serapi

What we did on Sunday. And what we need on a hot day too. Cooling and splashing in the cool water.


RM4.00 per entry for the children' pool. They have kayaking pool too, other part of the theme part, i.e. cruise and adult pool not yet done.



Me and Baby Jay walking toward my princess in the pool.







After almost an hour in the pool, both kids are hungry and finished up their lunch. :)

Sign of ageing

Gosh! I have grey hair. Yes, I repeat, I have grey hair. Not one but few. *sad*

I used to think I am blessed with lustrous black locks but not any more. Does it mean that age is catching up with me???

No one invent a portion of youth yet, where once we drink it, we will stay young forever. I guess I have to admit that nothing stop in time. Wish I could reserve the time, but alas! I am enjoying my life as I should be at my age. Not many people can live to my age. Some old classmates or friends I know have left this world young. Not living to fullest, some not able to see their kids grow up.

So as I age, I learn to appreciate life more. I take things easily instead of doing many things in a short time. No more rushing, but more planning on what to do and when. Planning my time properly so I would not waste it.

I am kinder to myself and others around me. I used to nag a lot and easily irritated but I am giving it a "comma" and trying to slow things down. I learn to love my family more. I also learn to love myself more. I learn to appreciate others. I learn to Enjoy food more than I do and do things that I want to do. I know somewhere out there, some people are not that lucky or even live to see things that I can see, do things that I can do and live the life that I want to. Some parts of life is just better be forgotten and important life should be cherished and remembered.

So in conclusion, I like being old although I do not like the things (grey hair, fine wrinkles, sagging breast and more) that go with it. Well, just have to accept the fact and make the best out of it. No one can be immortal forever right?*wink* I am happy to count my blessings as the day goes by.


“I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.” ~ Rita Mero

Pick it up again

I am picking up on my reading. Exactly right where I stopped. I bought few books during my trip in KL exactly one year ago. And you would not believe it, they have been in my shelf since then.

I have finished up 2 books in 3 days. I even skipped my lunch, afternoon nap to finish them up. Now down to 1 more. Maybe will read it tomorrow. No mood to read today.

Memories of blogging

Do you have habits of reading your blog archives? I do.

I spent some times reading them when I am bored or with nothing to do. Reading those posts, bring back memories. Sometimes I do not even remember I wrote them. So it is actually quite fun reading through my own writings. Looking at the pictures of my family especially my two kids remember me of how fast they grow. I started this blog when my girl was 1 year old plus. Now she is 5 years old! It reminded me that I am getting older too.

Looking back at the archives, they bring both good and bad memories. Nevertheless they are my treasures and I shall cherish and pass down to my children for them to appreciate one day. *wink*

New York City, Here We Come!

Wednesday morning we are heading to New York City for the annual Surtex Show we have been attending for five years now. It is the show of shows for artists who are looking for manufacturers and retailers to license with or sell art to directly. The show runs from May 15-17 this year, and as always we are driving across the country to exhibit in our booth #357.

Usually Tom and I take the ten day trip alone and Grandma Barbara stays with the kids. But this year we thought it would be fun to take the kids along, show them how the show works, see what NYC is all about, and see Grandpa Clyde and Sue for a few days in the city. Then we are traveling north to a tiny island in Canada, where they live, and spending a few vacation days there.

Here are the expected highlights of the NYC trip as seen through each family member’s eyes~Logan wants to go to the Apple store in the Big Apple. I don’t think he cares about any other sites in the city more than the Apple store. Shelby wants to make sure she comes home with a patch from every site and landmark she sees to add to her national parks patch collection. Tom wants to navigate through the city without any car accidents. And I want to finally find Dr. Pepper in the city. If those things happen, the trip will be a complete success and all of the tourist trappings will be the cherry on top of the Big Apple.

Once we leave the city we are looking forward to being with family on the charming island of Grand Manan. We’ve heard wonderful things about it, and we have the best tour guides for such an occasion, lucky for us, they just happen to be family. Here’s a little peek of the Grand Manan Island and it’s charm, courtesy of Clyde and Sue McCulley (my fam) owners of SeaCliff Cottage Suites.

This trip will supply great family memories and the experiences will be well worth it. But in the end, when the sites have been seen, the long, long trip is over, and we are back in Kansas, I know everyone in this family will agree~there’s no place like home!

Weekend Menu #13 : Duck (again)

I know, I have been ranting about my love for duck recently. I just simply love the meat. Being a true Hakka woman, one of my favourite duck menu must be 5-spices duck meat. I am not boastful but I always think my mum cooks the best 5-spices duck; not too salty and sweet and at the same time, the flavour and aroma of 5 spices in the meat. I can eat a big bowl of rice with just duck meat and its gravy. Lol!

After marinated wth 5 spices and salt, the duck is bathed (simmer) in mixture of water, 5 spices, galangal, soy sauce, salt and sugar for about 1 hours. Turn the duck if your water level do not cover the whole bird. Let it simmer under low/medium heat.

The end product! Let's dig. I always take the breast part first.

Side dish! 5-spices hard boiled egg.


Enough drooling over the food. Got to go, appointment for my facial soon. Time to relax after a tiring and busy weekend.

To all the moms I’ve known before

To all the moms I’ve known before, who traveled in and out my door. I’m glad you came along, I dedicate this song, to all the moms I’ve known before. Okay, so it’s a blog-card, not a song, but you get the idea.

This lists includes but is not limited to—moms, grandmas, sisters, cousins, aunts, friends, coworkers, teachers, neighbors, acquaintances, blogger-buds, and all you women out there who are gracious about the task turned joy of being a mom. It’s the best job any resumé can ever hold. Carry the job description with pride. You’ve done much to deserve it.

Happy mother’s day and much love to all the moms. Also a bit of love goes out to songwriter Albert Hammond, and singers Willie and Julio, from whom I borrowed and adapted the lyrics.

Mother's Day

A mother is a great person.

She cares for the family.
She works, she earns money, she cooks, she washes, she cleans, she tends to everything from A to Z.

She is a multi-tasker.
She is a wonderwoman.
She juggles between works and family, so sometimes it is hard not to spend enough time with the children and husband........
Not to lose her temper.....
Not to fall sick ........
Not to have time to recuperate.......

oh! So let it be a good excuse to be with your family today. I do.

Happy Mother's Day to all moms and moms-to-be!

Some things just go together

When you hear the words peanut butter you can’t help but think of jelly. Well, maybe if you’re hungry or love food, anyway. Okay, here’s another one for the romantic types: Romeo and . . . Juliet. For those of you who like to work with your hands, how about hammer and nails, or needle and thread.

Well, for those of you who connect with needle and thread, I have a great new match for you, and if I’m right, you are going to love it as much as I do. It’s Riley Blake Designs and Sheri Berry Designs. Finally, two things that go together and seem like a perfect fit!

I am so excited to announce my new partnership with the Riley Blake Designs fabric company. We have already developed a collection and it will debut next week at the International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City, just a hop and a skip away from Riley Blake’s home base in South Draper, Utah. The folks who own this family-run business are veterans of the fabric distribution industry–an important part of getting a designer's work to the buyers who want it. But during their relatively short time in fabric manufacturing, they have made a big splash and have become known worldwide. Once you see their beautiful, stylish collections and the other artists they are working with, I think you'll see why Sheri Berry and Riley Blake are a natural go-together.

The first fabric collection that we have done together is one some of you have been anticipating for a year: ModTod. And while it’s geared for toddlers, it has a lot to offer those who like graphic and colorful patterns. You can see this collection in full by going to this page on the Riley Blake website. You can also learn more about Riley Blake Designs and their other artists through their site and blog, which happens to feature an interview with me on the May 3 entry. I encourage you to frequent their site because they will be the first to update you on when and where to find Sheri Berry fabrics. I have also linked to them at the right, on my Besties category.

We are already working on the next few collections, so stay tuned and before long some of your other favorite Sheri Berry baby and holiday collections will be transformed into fabric, ready for your needle and thread. Some things just sew together!

Imelda at home

Who have more shoes than Imelda Marcos?? The former First Lady of Philippines has the most shoes collection than anyone.

No one can beat her but I have someone that can be described as 2nd Imelda at home. My sis-in-law!! Her shoes are piling up on the shoe racks. Sometimes my daughter and son would play with her sandals and wear them in the house. Lol! Every week she would buy new shoes, I lost count of her sandals, high heels and platform shoes. So you can say, besides diamonds, shoes is considered women's best friend too!


I seldom buy shoes nowadays. I would wear my shoes till they are worn off and unable to wear anymore! Lol! However, my latest addition is this comfy heel from Heatwave. Actually my 2nd purchase from Heatwave, I bought once long long time ago.



Nice or not??

South of the Border

Okay, so Mexico is south of the border, but that’s because I live right in the middle of the states. I bet for some of you Mexico is north, east, or even west of your swell-dwellings.

I’m a little partial to Mexico, so maybe that’s why I saved Poncho and his collection for the last of the Wee sets. The reason I have a soft spot for the land to my south is because I had the opportunity to live in Mexico for a brief time when I was a little girl. Mind you, it was quite brief and I was very little, but it still lingers in my mind today.

I think what I remember most were the rich colors, whether they were painted on homes, worn by the people, or bursting from the beautiful bugambilias and other native plants.

In the Poncho set I have mingled those strong Latin hues as I remember them from childhood. I’ve even tossed in a texture from the scratchy burlap bag I remember getting in Mexico, and I have pulled from memory a few traditional icons and tile patterns for this collection.

Whatever border you are north, south, east or west of, I hope you’ll take a little trip of your own sometime and experience the colors and cultures of another land. Even this girl from Kansas knows that while there’s no place like home, there’s no better way to experience the home of others than to go there.

Wee could only share the virtual trip around the world, but are glad you took the trip with us. Until next time, adios from Poncho, and his amigos ~ Aloha, Mukluk, Sushi, Tajie, Dutchy, Bongo and Frenchy!

My Quirky Life: Here's To Hoping Something Better Is Just Around The Corner

 (source)

So...I haven't been posting much lately. There's a reason for that. Lately I've been feeling even sicker than usual. Not only sicker but so much more tired. I'm trying to listen to what my body needs and right now that seems to be sleep, and lots of it. I can't seem to keep my head up for very long before I start feeling run down and begin to nod off. My overwhelming need for sleep has cut into my time for just about everything else (even spending time with my boyfriend) and it sucks. Hopefully it's a temporary thing that can be sorted out after I'm finally able to go to the doctor (I still don't know when that will be).

Besides my fatigue issues I've been swelling. My fingers/ hands and toes/ feet seem to be where it's the worse. I'm also having problems with my eyes feeling swollen which is very uncomfortable but not painful like my hands and feet. I can't walk around much or it gets worse. I can't work on a lot of my craft projects because that makes it worse too. It's put me at even more of a standstill (literally).

So for now all I can really so is wait. Hopefully things will start to improve soon. I feel like they have to.

Paradise Found and a Tiki Idol too

If the weather is too cold for you up north, you might like to head south to the beautiful, tropical islands of Hawaii where it really does seem like paradise. This is a place I have only visited in books and photos, and of course through the famous Brady Bunch episode when the entire family, including housekeeper Alice, all venture to the islands for a family vacation.

The Bradys’ version of Hawaii goes something like this~Bobby discovers the good, or maybe bad luck, tiki idol. Greg discovers more girls, this time Hawaiian style. Marsha, Marsha, Marsha, Jan and Cindy discover blondes can also hula. Carol and Alice discover 70’s fashion (and we wish they hadn’t). Mike discovers perms, which interestingly enough he hadn’t when the episode begins:). Peter is left to discover once again that he’s just the brother in the middle, but hey, he got to go to Hawaii and meet the notorious villain, Vincent Price.~side note here, my mom met Vincent Price and what do you know, he was actually the nicest man, not a mean bone in the sweet man’s body. So, let’s just say, the Brady Bunch trip to Hawaii~Priceless!

Well, our trip to Hawaii may be a little different from the Brady version, but wee do have a cuter guide, Aloha the adorable Hawaiian maiden; tiki idols to bring good luck; hula dancers; tropical birds; and beautiful island flowers. So, if you haven’t been to Hawaii yet, get a perm, put on your bell-bottoms and travel back to 1972. Better yet, live vicariously through the Wee are the World, Aloha set, until you can take a trip to the tropical islands and search for the tiki idol that Bobby left behind. By now it is vintage, and worth much, much more. ;)

Until next time~Aloha!

Weekend Menu # 12: Ducky treat

First time been to Imperial Duck Restaurant. My lunch has not yet arrived, but I already salivating over the roasted duck displayed in the open kitchen. Lol!

Ta-da! My lunch treat with hubby:

Roasted Duck Rice (RM6.50)

Stewed duck (RM12.00 per plate). We finished up the whole plate till the last piece. Love the smell and taste of the succulent meat.


Our black chicken soup (RM7.00). I felt dizzy and heaty after taking the soup.


The content of the soup.


Our lunch bill. Overall, a satisfying meal although I expect my cholesterol level to shoot up. Lol.