More sock monkeys! :o)

And here I thought I was all done with them sock monkeys but nope. I am still intrigued by them and am figuring out new things about making them different...like doing the eyes differently, using trimmings to accessorise them. And now am experimenting with baby socks and am trying to see how small I can go...nano sock monkey maybe? *laughs*

But till then, made two new ones recently and yes, they are very very pink. This one is smaller as I used socks meant for toddlers.



And the second sock monkey is suppose to be a glam chick (or monkey in this case) and I used socks meant for them older kiddos. Like the design and didn't want to add too many things to this her.

Staff Getaway 2006

Today was a long day but a fun one so am not going to complain about it. Part of the year end staff gathering, we usually spend a day or two together to bond and just do anything but work. This year, we spent the morning at East Coast Park (near the Food Village) and ended the day at Pondok Gurame for lunch.

So what did we do at East Coast Park? We got a sandcastle expert to teach us the basics of sandcastle building. But it's not all playing in the sand of course. Lots of learning points but done in a fun way.

We had certain specs to meet and our theme for the morning was Harry Potter castle. It was dizzling but since Alvin (the sandcastle expert) wasn't going to let us off, we got our hands dirty as we played with the sand. Was funny seeing how some of my colleague managed to hold an umbrella in one hand and the other hand digging into the sand. Amazing.

We started building the foundation and this picture has the foundation that the team I was in (SEAHORSE) built. But as we were building the tower and outer wall, we were told to move to another team's sandcastle. We left reluctantly especially after we just built the highest tower and were so proud of that!


Of course we complained and was in total denial. Complained about the new sandcastle we were stuck with. Look at the next picture and see the slanted tower? Well we complained about that *laughs* but after a few minutes, we jumped to the acceptance stage and got busy building the other things we needed. The last team did a nice stadium and we built the magical forest (we plucked some leaves and used that as 'the forest area') and all the other things needed in the forest.


This picture shows the complete castle with two towers. The one that we added to the previous group is the tower further behind (yes, the one that is upright) *grins*

If you are wondering if we did everything by hand, answer is no. Alvin came up with really cool plastic molds and tools for us to use and it's really easy to use. These molds help us come up with all the different things one would need to build a castle...tower, stairs etc. I bought one of the set (S$28) that Alvin came up with. There are 11 different pieces and they look like this:

We invited him to talk to us before this sandcastle building event. And he told us how he gave up a job to pursue a dream he had. He loved building sandcastle and used to spend time with his family on weekends. He tried looking for molds and tools to help but couldn't find any in the markets, here and abroad. So he and his family members spent weekends coming up with prototype of differet molds. The sad bit was that nobody in Singapore believed him and wanted to make those molds. He didn't give up and went to the States with his ideas and dreams. And after a long time, a company finally took up his idea and made these lovely molds for us to use. Though meant for Ages 3 - 10, I am many many (yes many more) years older but loved it and it's really easy to use.

So MBA, we have to try out my Beackworks Set. It's brand new and waiting for us to use it! If you want to purchase it, I am not sure where you can get it in Singapore...maybe Toys R' Us? It's really loads of fun and good for family members and friends to bond.

:o) Real or fake? Make a guess....

Always enjoy reading Fiona's blog cuz there will always be something interesting to read or do and this time I loved the 'spot the fake smile' that she shared on her blog. Had a go at it and I got 17 out of 20 and so did she. Not bad for MBAs huh? *grins* So go check out her site and the fake smile site and see how well u spot a fakey!

Work retreat at Changi Village

Part of work required me and some of my colleagues to join other others at a work retreat at Changi Village. Stayed at the Changi Village Hotel which has a lovely infrastructure (newly renovated and all) but super crappy service. One of the waitress didn't know what was 'salt' when a colleague asked for it over dinner. When asked for extra serving of rice we were told that it was in the process of being cooked. When asked for our desert (mango pudding according to the printed menu), we were told that the chef didn't make enough and had served it to another group and we got cut fruits instead (the other group had the pudding, fruits and cakes). They had insufficient cutlery for all of us. They really need to work on their service if they want to last!

Part of the R&R included a boatride to nowhere. The last time I went to Pulau Ubin some years back, it was still the old jetty made from planks and was a balancing act trying to get from the jetty and into the boat. Was shocked when I saw the new terminal .... very impressive. No fear of falling into the sea while aiming to get on the boat. Was very very impressed.

Also took some shots from my boatride. Am annoyed with my camera cuz there's an irritating spot that I can't seem to get rid of despite attempts to clean everything cleanable! Would appreciate it if anyone can help me figure out how to get rid of that spot. You'll see the spot in some of the pictures I am posting here. Very frustrating.

This is how the bumboats that I sat on for about 1.5hrs ride to nowhere. This is much better than the one I sat on when I was in college cuz the older one, we got wet and it was a choppy ride and was a wee bit scary. But we were younger and restless then (yes and stupid too cuz doubt any of our parents knew we were out at see *thinks*).

We had four boats going out that evening and cost about S$60 for whole boat that could take 13 people. This was the boat that was infront of the one I was on. Upon closer look, boat looks rather fragile but it didn't feel bad at all.

Like this photo. Had to specific reason just liked the different texture of rubber, water, wood and rope and though it would make nice picture.

This is one of the few aquafarms that we saw on the boat ride. Was just thinking how it would be like to live on one of these farms.....wow.


Spot the spot! *laughs* Am trying to 'get over it' but it's hard. Anyways, try and look BEYOND the spot and enjoy the sunset view.

By the time we headed back to Changi and did the board walk, it was pitch dark but enjoyed the time and was very very relaxing.

Must definitely do that again. Or was told to go to Ubin for seafood so that's something maybe I can suggest to the girls for an MBA outing.

Mythical creatures...

When I was bumming around after university and deciding what I was going to do with my life, I spent several months of doing things like relief teaching now and then and also learning to do my own website. My brother was a kind soul who refused to create my pages for me but instead passed me a book on creating cool webpages and some software (hotdog or hot sausage or something...can't remember). And eventually managed to create several pages on my own and it was quite an achivement. Nowadays with dreamweaver and frontpage, it's alot easier to create them websites.

Anyways, I have always been fascinated with Sirens and even devoted a whole webpage where I put together all the information I could gather about Sirens. But that webpage 'disappeared' when I gave up my Singnet account. To cut the story short, sirens and mermaids just intrigue me.

And, decided to try and create a mermaid since I am in the spirit of creating softies! So here you go, presenting Ariel the Mermaid.


Not perfect yet but got to start somewhere. And yes, it's a decent mermaid that wears a matching top *laughs* much to the despair of some people who claim that mermaids should be topless with only their tresses covering the important parts. Not this mermaid cuz if meant for kids, they need to learn to cover up!! :o)

My very first sock pal.

I received a few days back my very first sock pal. He is gorgeous and am amazed what you can so with a sock!!! I got this cutie from a trade I made with Paula who is from Portugal. She makes the cutest sockpal and when I first saw my sockpal, spent a good 15 minutes seated and studying him very careful. Amazing!!! Was trying to visualise how the sock looked like and what was done to create him. A definite wow!

Paula loves cats so I sent her some cats that I got from Singapore plus one that I made for her - yes, Snuggles the Cat.

And here are the other things that Paula sent with the sockpal. Love the fabrics, which is a traditional Portuguese fabric or chitas which I am so looking forward to using. But will have to think carefully what I will use it cuz those materials are expensive I think.

Go Get Your Mammies Grammed

This post is meant for all the lovely ladies out there. Am sharing something that Jas emailed today and it's hilarious! So am sharing it here for everyone else. For those who have gone for a mammogram, you will know that it's not the most pleasant experience and not something that we look forward to but something that we simply just have to do, like it or not. For those of you who are way to young to go for one, well read on and then you can start looking forward to your very first mammogram *evil grin*

Seems like there are alot more women down with breast cancer ... and it could be because we are more knowledgeable about the illness and medical advancement has allowed lumps to be detected early. However, many are still not in the know about this illness or don't know how to do checks (it's not as simple as touch here and press there ya). So do spread the poem around and encourage other women to go for their regular checks.

Usually women above 40 are strongly encouraged to go for a yearly mammogram. But if you have close relatives (e.g. Mum or sister) who have had breast cancer, you should go for a mammogram and ultra sound before 40. I was told by my doctor that it should be about ten years before the onset of the illness for that relative. My Mum got it when she was in her 40s so it's time for me to go for my checks. And my Mum had a relapse this year and that was the 'scare' that I needed to go and see a doctor. So enjoy the poem and thanks Jas for sharing this! :O)

GO GET YOUR MAMMIES GRAMMED


For years and years they told me,
Be careful of your breasts.
Don't ever squeeze or bruise them.
And give them monthly tests.


So I heeded all their warnings,
And protected them by law.
Guarded them very carefully,
And ! I always wore my bra.


After 30 years of astute care,
My gyno, Dr Pruitt,
Said I should get a Mammogram
"OK," I said, "let's do it."


"Stand up here real close" she said,
(She got my boob in line),
"And tell me when it hurts," she said,
"Ah yes! Right there, that's fine."


She stepped upon a pedal,
I could not believe my eyes!
A plastic plate came slamming down,
My hooter's in a vise!


My skin was stretched and mangled,
From underneath my chin.
My poor boob was being squashed,
To Swedish Pancake thin.


Excruciating pain I felt,
Within it's viselike grip.
A prisoner in this vicious thing,
My poor defenseless tit!


"Take a deep breath" she said to me,
Who does she think she's kidding?!?
My chest is mashed in her machine,
And woozy I am getting.


"There, that's good," I heard her say,
(The room was slowly swaying.)
"Now, let'! s have a go at the other one."
Have mercy, I was praying.


It squeezed me from both up and down,
It squeezed me from both sides.
I'll bet SHE'S never had this done,
To HER tender little hide.


Next time that they make me do this,
I will request a blindfold.
I have no wish to see again,
My knockers getting steam rolled.


If I had no problem when I came in,
I surely have one now.
If there had been a cyst in there,
It would have gone "ker-pow!"


This machine was created by a man,
Of this, I have no doubt.
I'd like to stick his balls in there,
And, see how THEY come out!

#6 - Ella the Elephant

Ella the Elephant is the result of (i) being cooped up at home for the last two days, (ii) a distraction needed to not do the reports due tomorrow and (iii) strong need to try a different animal other than cats and bunnies. So the next few softies will be elephants as I definitely need to work on getting some of the raw edges right.

Sneaked out to the post office today and I swear minimal contact with people. And I didn't stare at anyone and did what I needed to do fast and then head home eventhough there was a HUGE pasar malam near Hougang Mall that I desperately wanted to see but nope, hopped into the cab (had windows down of course) and headed home.

Back to Ella the Elephant, I like the fabric that I used for her and I tend to get very obsessed with the materials that I like. So will have to head back to the shop to see if they have anymore of that fabric and will get some for .... dunno what yet but always good to have around no? *grins* Yes, I am a horder.

Another 'nano' softie.

Had guests yesterday who came for Hari Raya visiting and I was pretty much cooped up in my room and after trying to read I gave up and did a little bit of sewing. Made a 'nano' bunny that can be used as a keychain or handphone/ipod dangler. Looks pretty cool and like the blue fabric I used. Here's to many more nano softies coming up soon....

Stuck at home.

Am at home for the next two days and I know I should be jumping for joy but am feeling very restless at home cuz am stuck indoors and have been indoors since Sunday. Need to go to the post office to send off some stuff (yes, am doing a few trades right now. Just hope I don't get it mixed up). Feel like a gremlin each time I screech 'BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT' when I walk into the hall and the sun rays hit my eyes. Now I understand why people use their shades when down with sore eyes and all this while I thought it was cuz of vanity reason (wanting to hide the swollen red eyes). This is such a humbling experience *grins*

Anyways, another interesting website to share from yes, Slawek. I have to check with him what he is doing at work to be stumbling onto such sites. I have no idea what's the purpose of this site but think there's a lesson behind it. If you look at the whole picture it looks chaotic and confusing. But if you simply focus on one blue ball and follow it all the way, it's not so chaotic. Now you need alot of patience and focus power for this. I only made it 1/4 of the way. I have full respect for anyone who is able to follow ONE ball all the way! That's my challenge for you. Have fun! :o)

Bloody sore eyes ...

Yes, I am not as invicible as I thought I was. My Dad was strike by the contagious sore eyes just before Hari Raya and I thought after two weeks and no sign of my eyes swelling and getting all teary and bloodshot red, I was clear of it. And was thinking to my self all the talk of sore eyes spreading within the same household - not in this household!

Yes it's retribution for being so bloody arrogant. Am strike down by sore eyes and on MC for two days. Not very good timing cuz heaps of stuff that needs to be done at work this week *sighs*

Armed with two types of eye drops, I am pretty lost as to what I can do. I was to sew some but it hurts. Reading also hurts. Can't stay online for too long cuz the glare from the screen hurts. Can't do any reports (which are like oh so over due) cuz of blurred vision. So what am I suppose to do...what do people do when they are down with sore eyes? Can't go out cuz risk spreading it *sighs*

Anyways, just one last thing before I go off. Went to Sue's (Key Elements) performance 'Jazz @ the Movies' at Victoria Concert Hall last night and it was awesome. Pearly, Melinder, Karen and I enjoyed ourselves plus we threw in a nice dinner at Dharma's kebabs at Boat Quay before the concert. It was a lovely evening and should definitely have more of such evenings! Go check out Key Elements website and check out the talented people in the group! :o)

Lingerie shopping is definitely not a guy thing...

This reinforces the point that guys need help when they go shopping. Not when shopping for cars or gadget, but rather when they shop for lingerie for their girlfriends or wives and finally somebody created this wall to help. Am wondering if the designer is a female who's so frustrated with getting lingerie that's too big or too small or if the designer is a male who decided to end all mankind's misery when going lingerie shopping *grins* I do wonder.

Unfortunately no picture of this. Would be awesome to have a look at that wall actually!

#5 - Snuggles the Cat

Made a cat for a swap that I am doing with a lady who makes the cutest sockpals. This fascination with socks continues as I am discovering more things that can be made from socks. Yes, socks!! I was like 'huh' when I saw the ones she made. She is so into cats so made this cat softie for her with my favourite fabric. It's like the first one I made but with modification to the colour of the face.

Am also experimenting with girlie dolls and will put those up when am done with them :o) Am thinking of getting a simple sewing machine (that is idiot proof) cuz it will be so much faster to sew! But will see how that goes :o)

Go ahead, steal some letters!

Slawek finds the coolest sites and just have to share this here. If you are bored at work and need something to do that requires very little brain power but can be heaps of fun, go steal some alphabet fridge magnets! You might get some real mean person who insist on destroying your creation but guess that's the fun part. There are several fridges that you can choose from. Quickest fingers win!

And if you have an urge to draw, go to the scratchpad and doodle! There are a few that you can choose from too.

Important lesson here is remember to always have fun! :o)

How to pee standing up - for ladies!

Alrighty, this might not be something new to some of you out there but I am a pretty traditional girl and didn't even think it was possible for us to pee standing up without a mess. But today thanks to Slawek who shared a site that had instructions on how us ladies can pee standing up - either using the finger-assist method or using a gadget called the TravelMate.

How how did we get to the topic of girls peeing standing up. Well he showed me a picture of a toilet at Sofitel in Brisbane (sorry, but have problems loading the picture up). Anyways we started talking about ladies and how we pee and I was explaining how we multi-task when we sit and pee. Like it's an excellent time to touch up on make up ya..why waste time *laughs*

Anyways, that was how the topic came up. Now why would we want to pee standing up? Well think about those times when u are forced to use filthy loos in pubs or when travelling. Think about it, when you've mastered the art of peeing standing up, you won't have any problems in such toilets. And you won't have to wipe the seats cuz some fool decided to balance herself on the toilet seat and leave behind her shoeprints on where you're suppose to sit your bum. Bloody rude people but they do exist.

So go ahead and try it out and let me know if it works. Might have to do some modification but loads of ladies out there have done it so why not us! *grins* Happy peeing ladies and don't forget to wash your hands when done!

For those who are too lazy to head to the website, have copied the instructions here for your reading pleasure.

Finger-Assisted Method:

1. Raise the toilet seat.
2. Wash or wipe your hands clean with a moist towellette.
3. Adjust clothing. Pants should be pulled down in front a few inches. Skirts should be lifted. Underwear should be pulled down at the waistband or move the fabric at the crotch to one side.
4. Wipe your labia area clean.
5. Using either hand, make a “V” with your first and second finger and spread the inside of your labia minora. (the INNER lips) Beginners may want to try using the fingers from both hands for better control.
6. Lift to the desired angle, then pee. (If you don’t spread and lift, it could run down your leg.)
7. Wipe your labia if necessary.
8. Return the toilet seat to its original position.
9. Wash your hands and you’re done!

The TravelMate comes with a tapestry or denim carrying case. Like the look of the tapestry one. This is what it says on the site:

A denim or tapestry carrying case, lined on the inside with water-resistant nylon is also available for the TravelMate. Easy access Velcro closure helps keep the device clean. The case is large enough to hold two TravelMates, two tampons, or one of each. A belt loop is included on the denim case for hikers.

How convenient! They have it pretty much covered I guess.