First of all - I’m glad I’m not a Muslim in Malaysia and after you’ve watched the above ridiculous news - you will know why and understand where I’m coming from. To think that in this age and time - there are women who would believed and follow such a ridiculous order - now that is crazy ! how backwards is that? No marriage can survive a polygamy marriage - like PB said - one woman in the household is already a headache - to have more than 1 woman - that’s just asking for trouble.

But to think that one would enter a marriage to be very, very obedient to their husband/spouse? what? you mean you are a dog? or worst - a slave? we don’t even use the word “obedient” for raising our kids - these days - so why would a marriage have the word “obedient” in it? Shouldn’t a marriage be of a equal partnership? a life together ? what a pity - to be completely obedient was what the bride said in the youtube video.

So what does this complete obedience comprised of? to fulfill his every need and desire - so said the buck -teeth woman - to sexually please him better than a first class prostitute? * raised eyebrows* - so now to be a Muslim wife you have to be better than a first class prostitute? what a way to compare yourself to a prostitute? are you sure you want your husband to treat you like one too? since you behave like one? does it also mean that you can service his friends/business associates in bed too - afterall, you are better than a first class prostitute - and also full obedience needed in this case right? Isn’t that why the Obedient wives club is all about? Afterall, you don’t want your husband to stray out of matrimony - but it’s ok for him to have up to 4 other woman in his life - for wives? holy moly !!! all the fluids passed in between wife one - wife number four during the various days he is served by his wives - mannnn!!! that cannot be too healthy can it?

Now what baffled me most was this highly educated Muslim woman who grew up in Western Australia!!!! now that one really, really stunt me - Mariana was her name - she is young and very pretty too - and to think that she would agree to be the 4th wife? What’s up with that right? holy moly! No disrespect, but I never wanted to marry an Asian - having seen what my mom had to go thru’ and how we were brought up - but of course, not all Asians are this way - but I wasn’t going to test it out. Thank you very much.

So someone wrote to me the other day - about sending her kids to Canada to finish their studies - and wants my opinion about it. In which my reply was - that if they do send their kids here - they will fair a lot better than most Canadian kids because foreign kids are much more competitive than our Canadian students. The teachers in Canada loved exchange students and they in turn learned about other cultures and also the different weather - if they come from Malaysia, Singapore of even Indonesia. Here in this town, we see lots of foreign students but sad to say - they are not as exposed as they should be.

So before sending your kids here - make sure you get them to the right school - the right area - a lot of kids do not like to be in small town - and they have no choice - after coming here - because they have nothing to do once school is over. If you are seriously thinking of sending your kids here to finish their high school - check out both Halifax area - as well as Vancouver - I know you have to pay a little more - but I think your kids will be more accustomed to that area instead of places like a small town. If you can - try to make sure that you go and visit the place before sending your kids here with just a brochure - brochures are meant to lie.

As adults boaters, we learn a great deal about safety on the way to earning our boat license. What we often don’t learn, however, is how to share these skills with our children. This can be tricky business because kids tend not to learn well when they’re disinterested and when we overload them. The key then is to seize their attention and to expose them to the information in bite-sized chunks.

Image Source: http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/news/last-call-for-kids-safety-program-72624.aspx

Here are a series of tips that should help:

Tip #1: Teach the kids to swim, and make sure they have ocean experience. Swimming in the ocean is a very different experience, and those with pool-only practice may freeze up in an emergency.

Tip #2: Once the children know how to swim, introduce them to personal flotation devices (PFDs), and explain to them why a PFD is so important. Stress the importance of wearing a PFD at all times, and give them experience wearing the PFD in and out of the water before their first boat trip.

Tip #3: Don’t wait until the first time on the water. Acclimate kids to your boat while you have it on the trailer parked at your house. Make a game out of understanding the terminology, safety locations, danger zones and so forth.

Tip #4: Ensure that they understand the risk of horseplay while on the water, and a great way to avoid this type of behaviour is to give children seated responsibilities while you are driving. If they are having fun and feel as if they are doing something important, they will continue to focus on that activity.

Tip #5: Stress the importance of sitting at all times while the boat is in motion. Standing is only OK when the boat is stopped, and stress that it is never all right to sit or stand on the sides of the boat.

Tip #6: Expose children to all of the equipment on board, and let them learn how to operate it. Begin teaching children how to operate and drive the boat at a very young age. This can prove invaluable in an emergency, and the safest boaters are self-reliant boaters.

Tip #7: However, stress that it is never OK to use that equipment without adult supervision unless there is an emergency. It also important to be strict about your rules, so if the child breaks them, they should lose boating privileges.

Tip #8: While on the boat, always set a good example. Don’t let kids be around adults who don’t take the experience seriously. Keep your eyes on them at all times, and consider using a safety harness for particularly young children who may stray on larger boats.

My ex-boss was from Greece but migrated to Spain because he fell in love with a lovely woman from Spain - and I do keep in touch with him - because he treated me really well - during the 3 yrs I worked with him. He was always fair to me - and never treated me like an employee and I had the same benefits as the engineers in our company. From traveling to expenditures - I was able to claim just about anything the engineers claimed. His birthday is round the corner and I know he like cigars for he always gets a box when he flies from one place to another for work - I’ve never seen someone who knows so much about cigars like him. My ex-boss - dear Mr Hernandez is turning 70 this year and I am going to get him some middleton black and mild cigars this year for his birthday, I hope he likes it and why try to stop the man at this age from enjoying something he liked so much right? And I do like the smell of cigar as compared to regular cigarettes. Happy birthday! Mr Hernandez.

I’ve been asked many a times - how do one get thru’ custom and get your 6 months chop on your passport without any trouble. So when i received an email this morning from a fellow Singaporean - i decided to write it out here instead. First of all, don’t go to the embassy and tell them you are staying for 6 months - as soon as you do that - they might send in the information to Canadian custom to look out for you ( i think they are required by law to do so). Canadian custom frown upon people who are planning to stay this long. But having said that Canadian custom are not evil - they are just doing their job and don’t want over stayers and people who intend to stay in Canada illegally or work here illegally.

So here is what you do - if you want to enter into Canada without any problems and be granted a 6 months visit legally. You have to have enough cash with you - you have to tell them you have family and friends and a job waiting for you back home. You have to have a return ticket - showing when you are going home - but note - that you should not have your air ticket printing it 6 months from your date of arrival. Always buy a ticket that allows you to change your date of flight - that way - you can book for 2 months from date of arrival and then change it when you arrive and have gotten your 6 months visa.

If possible - bring a business card with you if you are working - if you are still in school - make sure you have school papers showing when you are supposed to be back for school. The whole idea is to show them that you have no intention of staying longer than you should - and that you are just here for a visit and sightseeing around Canada. And by the way - if you are coming to Canada in February - it is the coldest month here - make sure you are dressed warmly. Do not spend a lot of money buying winter clothes in Singapore - safe your money and buy one when you arrive - in the meantime - just buy something as warm as you can in Singapore. I hope the above helps - and like I said before - i never had any trouble with immigration Canada - and you shouldn’t too - because Immigration Canada is not out to get you - they are only out to get those who have ill intentions.

We have been hearing a lot about road accidents of late - and how Texas truck accident lawyer helped some of victims get compensated for their damages. Any accidents is hard on victims - who incidentally may lose their ability to work again - or lose their property or car - so yes - a good accident lawyer is important. I, too think that money cannot compensate everything - but one most definitely need to make the responsible party accountable. It would be sad to see someone get away for hurting another - even if it was not by choice. So yes! if you have a road accident - make sure you get the right lawyers to help and nope not all lawyers are equal.

So the year 2009 has come to an end.. and 2010 is here finally. Should i say finally? well, kinda! although we did pretty good overall for the store, especially the last few months, after we put everything into perspective - I have to say personally - we were a bit stretched. But in 2010, we looked into email archiving services for my food blog because I have way too many fans/friends there.

Well, in 2009 - chloe started with a new preschool - right up to the summer holiday. She then went to summer camp both at the Y and the Youth Center but both didn’t work out well, because she wanted to bring her sitter a long - which defeats the purpose of helping her to be more independent. We did go for a short break last year to the city but it was way too short. Then Chloe started school in her new school - and we had to let her sitter go (we didn’t have enough hours for her). Follow by the kid bothering my Chloe and then she came down with a bladder infection - and the many meetings with the school to try and settle chloe in nicely.

During Chloe’s winter break we managed fabulously and even went for different events with family and friends. We also managed to get all our Christmas shopping done for Chloe’s friends and for our customers. Plus we are darn proud that we made a huge contribution to Chloe’s school. For this year, I’m hoping to take more care of our health and spend more time with Chloe. My new year’s resolution ? Bo Chup!

The weather still isn’t that bad for us here .. right now.. but come January and February.. where we are hit worst during the winter months that’s when everyone in Canada wants to get outta the cold .. for some warmth and sun. Like any smart women, we try to get the best vacation deal for the entire family. And what better deals than the All inclusive family vacations.

Lovely beaches and gourmet food and all kinds of water sports - stress free time for yourself and your entire family. Choose to have candle-light dinners for 2 .. or go with the entire family for bbqs and grills. They have so much to offer.. sometimes, i wished we had more time on the island. Check it out yourself.

I received this message on my expat blog profile, but helen, i’m unable to reply because you have not email address. You can write to me.. on my contact on this blog, else you can leave a comment here. Migrating is a huge thing, I’ve been thru’ it. .and I want to help as much as possible. I’m no expert.. but can only share my experiences with others. For those who are thinking of migrating.. feel free to ask me any questions. So Helen .. contact me.. because you need to.. ! I usually do not post your questions here.. but since you are 3 months pregnant.. it’s important.. that we speak quickly.

Hi, I am a Singaporean, applying for Canada immigration now. Just got the medical exam done. I am currently 3 months pregnant. Can you advise me on whether go Canada and deliver, or deliver in Singapore then go Canada? What are the charges if I deliver in Canada? Thanks.
by Helen on 01/07/2009 at 21:10:42

I received this package last week … but because of the storm and more bad weather.. we didn’t get to the post office till this week. All the way from Malaysia.. from a blogging friend.. that I’ve known since I started blogging. Thank you so much Wang Tai Tai aka Bookworm.. yer the best..!! Thank you for making my Christmas wish come true. Now i can have some more Scallops with sambal. I sent PB to get me some more scallops tonite.. mmmmmmm… !!

My heart warms on this cold snowy day even though we just had a blizzard last nite. But thankfully we didn’t lose power this time. It arrived at the post office before the storm but we were unable to get there in time. It came from Australia, from blogging friend - Charmaine Wan. Yes!!! All the way from Australia, as she had promised. I cannot be more grateful because all I wanted was a package of Sambal Tumis, but she sent so much more. How can I repay you Charmaine??

With a Christmas card as well, and the “ang moh” is called “Chris” kekeke!!

Nicely wrapped in Christmas wrappers.

In two ziplog bags.

And all these goodies inside. Not only Sambal Tumis, but also curry chicken, nasi lemak paste with assam fish and Lee Kum Kee black bean chicken. Thank you so much, Charmaine! First the pictures you sent for my quest to show Chloe the world and now these *hug* you have a heart of gold. I’ve gained so much from blogging and I’m forever grateful for all the kindness shown to me. Thank you Charmaine! God Bless You!

PS: I will update later on other packages that came in this week. Thank you all.

Today, I received a comment on this blog from Cooknengr .. and knowing that he normally doesn’t comment.. i took a quick look at it.. to find out the most awesome news . . he can give me to rejoice and end 2008 with a lot of laughter and joy. You see love can happen online .. but it has to be .. like FF & Cooknengr who came to know each other online .. and work hard on their relationship… and finally tying the knot. I’m truly happy for them and proud of them for overcoming so many obstacles together to get where they are right now. Unlike some that i’ve met/seen online .. or those i know personally in this town. .where folks jump into a relationship without even knowing anything about the other person. Some I know pack and move to another country .. without planning or knowing what they are getting themselves into (Kahwin cowboy type). Unfortunately, i cannot call that love . .and in fact disapprove of it myself.

Love comes in different form. . but love needs a strong foundation. Without that strong foundation and understanding of each other, the cultural differences, you are just aiming for break up… in the future. May not be near. .but it will come. So yes.. you can find love online.. but like i said.. in any kind of relationship.. it’s an uphill task.. what more a marriage.. a relationship so in such close proximity. One needs to know not only the good .. but the bad.. and be able to accept it.. and lived with it. So here’s to FF & Cooknengr..!!! A happy and blissful marriage .. and everlasting love to 2 very adventurous bloggers that I’ve come to know for a long time. Both of you really, really made me so happy for you and boy..!! can you two keep a secret..!!!!!

Here’s the beautiful couple! I stole the picture from the groom’s website.

The groom had kindly sent the official picture last nite.

PS: Please join me in wishing the Princess from Primrose - a blissful marriage as well.. for she too got married..!!! woohoo..!!! oh you wonderful gals.. deserves the best..!!! I’m happy for you too.. Princess.

I used to work in the hotel industry and as someone who was in charge of the Front Office and the Concierge department plus the Business Center of one of the most reputable hotel in Asia. It is no easy feat, I’ll have to tell you and with 1000s of in house guests and convention ones in the hotel daily, we have many request for concert tickets on ad-hoc basis and some very demanding guests.

My boss said my middle name was “efficient” and I didn’t earned that name for nothing. But what my boss don’t know was I depended on the folks at TicketFeeder for all my event tickets and those that were sold out. They are opened 24/7 and had the largest database for any kind of tickets. Whether you need sport tickets, concert tickets or even theater tickets, if it is anyone you can depend on .. it had to be them. They even help you to locate the best seats for your guests, your customers or even family.

Whether you are a Front Office Manager in a hotel like I was or only owner by association to your spouse’s business or a personal assistant to the CEO, ticketfeeder.com is a site i would bookmark and be known as “Ms Efficient” by your bosses or your spouse. The folks at TicketFeeders are professionals, their event tickets are genuine and there is absolutely no hassle working with them.

Many people are amused and fascinated when they learn that PB and I actually met on the internet some 14 yrs ago. They often ask me whether online relationships work? In which I reply that Yes, they can, but like in any relationship you have to have a very strong foundation. Like any relationship, online relationships are no different from a buddy introducing you to another, and then it’s up to you to work on it and find out if the person is suitable for being a friend, or more. Find local singles on localmatch.com, you can make new friends who share similar interests with you. But like I said, don’t expect to be swept off your feet, have realistic expectations and go into any kind of relationship with not only your heart but your brains too.

I don’t know if it’s a growing older thing or what, but I sometimes cannot help but think of my university friends that I’ve lost contact with. Each time I travel to the United States I’d always take up the phone book and try looking for them but to no avail. For some I still do have their old phone numbers but I can’t seem to locate them in order to keep in touch. By using a phone number lookup which is nationwide and guarantees you more success than any other online site, you will be able to locate a person even if all you have is a cell phone number. Looking for a long lost friend or relative is no longer such a huge task anymore.

I’m gonna leave this post right on top till Christmas.

My Christmas wish for this year from friends from all over the world is to get sent a packet of Tean’s Sambal Tumis. Just one .. not two .. not three.. just ONE..!! No obligations of course.. but I just want to see how many blogging friends and friends from home would do it for me.. hehhehee!!! just experimenting. Plus i do really like it lah.. since Barb from ChumsyAshley sent them to me .. in early May this year. .and i cooked it like last week.. and died and went to heaven.. muahahhaa!!! check out icecubejunkie.com for the Sambal Scallops that i cooked.

PS : Ok.. now you are probably wondering.. where to send to right..?? no.. i didn’t forget. This is my addy : 298 Main Street, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, B5A 1E4

Christmas is just round the corner and if you know me and PB well, you know that we are master procrastinators when it comes to Christmas gift shopping. Not that we hate shopping or Christmas, it’s because we own our own business and like everywhere else in the world Christmas is the busiest time for us. Since we have lots friends in the United States, it is the season of giving and showing love even though we are so far away and unable to be together.

As far as I know no one refuses Christmas chocolate gifts, even those who are allergic to chocolate. After all if they can’t eat it, they can always share it with someone in the family or party/gathering during this holiday season. With such a large selection to choose from one should have no problem picking up a gift online for the extended family or business associates. What I like best about Oh! Nuts is that they are Kosher, and for those who are not sure what it means, it is food that’s fit for consuming by your Muslim friends. I feel absolutely confident shopping for my Muslim friends here. I wish they shipped internationally, but at the moment I can only be content with sending these chocolates, dried fruits and nuts, to my friends in the States.

I can’t imagine relocating with kids tagging along. 8 yrs ago, when i moved here.. it wasn’t even planned.. yet it was already so much things i had to bring with me.. for a few months vacation. Little did i know that it would turn permanent. But my girlfriend, Lara and her husband and two kids, they relocated quite abit and if you are like them, you probably want to talk to mover NYC for a stressless move. But is there such as thing as a stressless move..?? I don’t really think so.. but if planning and help can lessen the load.. why not right..?? delegation is the key word.. according to moving professionals.. like my g/f .. Lara.