The hunt for a Mouse begins.

I am on a search for a new Mouse. No, not the four-legged furry kind but one that fits snug in your right hand hand and goes *click* when you apply pressure with your index or middle finger.

I'm not a fan of using the trackpad unless i really have to. For instance, when space is an issue or if there is no decent/dry surface. For cruising online it's fine i guess but if i'm going to work on visuals or layouts, i try to avoid the trackpad as it tends to give me cramps and my fingers tend to lock in place.

At my old office, the Management decided to upgrade some of the computers. Designers with Seniority/had been employed the longest and/or was the favorite was given the latest and fastest computers to work on. Whilst others, got their hand-me downs. Which was perfectly fine as long as it didn't freeze. And when they brought in Apple's Mighty Mouse i thought it looked cute in its' white glory, so i thought i'd have a go.




I didn't like it one bit.

It was like a nipple had grown out of its' surface. This nipple served as a scrolling device but it made my finger feel funny. And not in a good way might i add. So whilst everyone o0o-ed and aaa-d, i had no interest in fondling "The Nipple" and leaving sweat marks all over its' white exterior. I'd much prefer using a basic USB Mouse any day.

Which brings me to [NOW].

I'm not sure whether it's the weather or that it's just getting to that past-the-expiry date but my current Logitech Optical Mouse has been acting up. My right-click doesn't work, scrolling is far from being quiet and the precision is not as good as i remember it to be. I checked the manufacture date and i've prolonged it's life since March 2006.

*Whispers* So i think it's time for me to bury him.

Tomorrow i'm off to purchase a new one. Yes, i am cutting the umbilical chord and finally going wireless. If it means one less wire running along my desk, it must be good. I'm getting a new USB hub too as i need some kind of order around here.

I've already got a few that i've been eyeing; Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 for Mac/Windows. Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) and Logitech V450 Nano Cordless Mouse- Black.

My hands are mini, so we'll see what i can get. But more importantly, it needs to be compatible with Macs. I guess at the end of the day, it all comes down to how it fits with the user, both price wise and aesthetics.

ooOoooer, i can't wait.

Fresh Air & an Apology.

I decided to venture out today.

I've been cooped up indoors for the past week purely because i'm too lazy to put on one too many layers and go outdoors. It's still rather nippy outside. And i think i've developed some kind of calf strain from the lack of movement. But i can now only hobble along, so until i get that sorted, my walking will be kept to a minimum. But i guess i shouldn't complain since there are some people stuck on the other side of the world having to deal with heat waves and overused air-conditioners.

I guess if i had to choose, i'd much prefer being in the cold. That way, at least i'm not sweaty.

Anyway, my short adventure outdoors led me to the corner store to buy tobacco. The only contact i seem to have with human kind, apart from J, is the Chinese old man that works there. Funny how i travel so far away and still, i'm served by an Asian. For a second there i could swear i was back in Asia, the only difference is we speak in German. I wonder what his name is?

I wanted to take a stroll around the block and take advantage of being outside but it was already 5:30pm and the sun was making its' way down rather quickly. I could feel the cold biting my hands. So my adventure was cut short and i dragged my feet back home.

I got home in time to do the dishes and clean up whatever mess i had made earlier. Then i heard a knock on the door. Slightly paranoid that some stranger would be knocking on our door, i paused for a moment and contemplated whether i should open it. Who knows what kind of weirdos are out there!

"Uhhh... hallo?"

It was J. He was standing in the dark, holding a bunch of flowers and 2 boxes covered in silver foil.

"OMG you scared me. What are you doing standing in the dark?"

He apologised for his outburst and felt bad. He came in peace and brought with him some yummy Pizza [all of which i slathered with Tobassco sauce and finished in record time. Oh and not forgetting 2 of his slices]. 2 rented movies [both of which i've already seen but it's all good, it's the thought that counts]. A bottle of white wine [most of which he finished] and 3 roses [that look like they're on steroids but smell oh so beautiful].

*sigh*

...

Note to oneself: Don't forget to set the alarms for 6:30, 6:45 and 7:00.

A shitty start to the day.

Stolen from Milchmithonig

Last night i managed to finish the first section of my lil Project. *Huge pat on the back for me* I even managed to stick to my own production schedule and sent it to the client on time. Hesitant at first to press 'SEND' in case i forgot something like attaching the attachment or worse, there was a huge error and the PDFs were corrupted. But luck was on my side and the first part is finally out.

It must have been close to 1am by the time i got into bed. I thought i'd have trouble sleeping since i had digested so much caffeine during the day. I remember i tossed and turned to find a comfortable spot since my right calf muscle felt like a huge paper weight. Next thing i knew i heard the phone ring.

J sat up immediately and the first words to come out of his mouth were...

"Scheiiiiiiiiiisse!"

Uh oh. Not exactly words of encouragement to start off the day. J's never woken up and uttered words in German first thing in the morning. Well not to me that is.

We over slept. Before i could get a grasp of the day, J was on the phone speaking with HER. J volunteered to bring Little L to school this week in order to make HER life easier. I could hear J apologising for oversleeping and just as i was eavesdropping and translating one language into another, he threw the phone on to the bedside table. I saw it in slow motion. It crashed into the water bottle and slid between a cup and the alarm clock as if it were making a home run.

And all i could think was, "uh-oh."

One thing i don't like is when things get thrown out of anger. Yes it releases an ounce of Anger but it also can break shit! J's not an "angry" person. Well not that i know of but somehow if it's related to HER, he gets super worked up and turns into this beast.

I kept my distance. I boiled some water and hovered around in the kitchen. I didn't want to be in the cross-fire. I stood by the doorway and asked if he wanted coffee and before i could finish the sentence he replied with, NoooOooo.

There's something about a person who is stricken with Anger and Fury that makes me want to hide. So i thought it would be best to sit at my desk.

Just wait until the storm settles, i thought. Then he came around the corner and kissed me good-bye, just as he always does. There was no time for breakfast or a morning chit chat. "Hop-hop!!!" Instead i tried to hug his Anger away. I calmly reminded him that, it's O.K. [This is coming from someone who would be Miss Dramatasi and yell on the top of her lungs when stressed. Swear at her AEs for putting the pressure on her and have mental images of throwing her hot coffee against the wall].

"Don't be so Angers. People make mistakes. And yes we forgot to turn on the alarm. And so what if you're a few minutes late to get her to school, at least you're getting there. It's not thaaaat late anyway."

I waved good-bye to him at the top of the stairs as i always do and thought, "well god damn, that was a shitty start to any day." I walked back in and closed the door softly behind me. If only i could see the stress vibes pouring out of the bedroom. I wonder what they would look like?

Great. Wouldn't it be my luck that i have no more tobacco left.

OX

One of the beauties of working from home is it allows me to remain in my PJs all day if i wish and should i need a nap at any given time, i have no person breathing down my neck demanding to see visuals at that very moment.

Over the weekend i thought to myself, my year long siesta has in fact done me good. As a result i *feel* i am eager to do more than household chores. So after browsing various sites for inspiration, i found myself intrigued and the urge to want to mimic their work one day became stronger. I can say i am happy that my love for "good" design still flickers and it inspires me to improve.

I even managed to pull an all-nighter again on Friday and still i did not complain about a sore back. Have i mentioned how wonderful my new chair is? *Strokes Verner in a non-perverted way* And i don't walk around hunched over, holding my lower back for support as if i've entered my tri-semester.

I can't get over how fabulous my chair is and what it means to have full back support.

*sigh*

However, the late nights have mysteriously formed slight shadows under each eye and no, they're not left over smudged mascara. My eyes look more puffy than usual. And somehow... SOMEHOW *raises her fist* i have managed to injure my calves. I've pulled a muscle or a few and i can barely walk. J says, i'm walking around like a stick figure. But all i want to do is get from point A to B and that's usually only a few metres.

I feel crippled. Makes me appreciate/miss my fully functional legs.

*click here to see the animal doodle*
[Stolen from Social Fiction]
Cool, eh?

Anyway, today marks the first day of the chinese new year.

I haven't tidied up yet and the kitchen proves it. It's been bombarded with dirty dishes and cutlery since the start of the weekend. They say it's bad luck to sweep on the first day of the new year, as it means one may sweep the "luck" away. So does that apply to doing the dishes? Hmmm.

At this very moment i am disliking going into the kitchen. Unless it means i come out of it with a full stomach.

Does it count that the only red i have on is from my nail polish i did on Friday and the only red article i have on is the red hoodie that i wear practically all the time when i'm at home? I guess that'll do for now.

The year of the Ox.

This would be my 3rd Chinese new year that i haven't been back home to devour home cooked food and nibble on specially made nibbles. But the first that i've been so far away from home that i don't even hear a faint banging of symbols from the dozenth Lion Dance... "TONG-TONG-CHENG TONG-TONG-CHENG".

I don't gamble, so i'm not missing out too much on that. As for the visiting... well i guess that too has tapered down. Truth is, i don't actually have any friends on this neck of the woods. So this year there will be no Popiah digesting, sunflower seed cracking, increased alcohol consumption or polite chit chatter.

It's as if it's just like any other day of the year.

I stumbled upon chinesefortunecalendar[dot]com and they seem to have a somewhat detailed summary, as opposed to the unimaginative "yes you will have a good year or no this year is not favorable for you dear [insert zodiac animal]" predictions. So for all you Monkeys out there [IMPORTANT: Those born before February 4th, 1980 - you're actually a Sheep], it's worth a read, it's supposed to be a great year for us, career wise especially.

Let's just hope that they keep to their word *keeps a close eye on her bank account* Anyway, i gotta get back to work, there's no more rest for the wicked.

Oh. But before i forget, to all my silent readers who celebrate Chinese New Year and/or are too busy stuffing their faces, here's wishing you all a better, healthier, wealthier and more happier year ahead.

Health. We all take it for granted at one point.

Eleven months ago from today i stepped off a Qantas flight onto foreign soil with an overweight suitcase and a folio case. Unsure what was ahead of me, i'm pretty sure i didn't think 11 months from then i'd be cross-legged in front of my computer which sits in a flat that my boyfriend and i live in. But more importantly, i am AD meds free!

The snow has melted and the sky is tinted a gloomy grey. My living room echoes with Kate Bush's This Woman's Work and the mood is somewhat relaxed despite knowing that i have an upcoming deadline.

I forgot to mention, J went to see a Specialist on Wednesday.

He had a scheduled operation on February 2nd but thought he ought to seek a second opinion before being sliced opened. His unexpected 2 week stay in hospital in November brought a few changes not only in his eating habits but i think his outlook in Life had somewhat shifted.

Preparations before Wednesday's early morning appointment meant fasting the day before and drinking some form of liquid that helped clear his system. But if it meant possibly not going for the operation, i'm sure he'd go through any form of treatment.

After very close examination the doctor said that they had found the infected area but it wasn't so severe that it needed it to be cut out. If they had found more areas, then yes. But they didn't. Great news for him. We're thinking the doctors/surgeons at the hospital are only far too eager to slice into anyone. Every cut means money and why not suggest it.

But i'm happy J decided on a second opinion.

No seeds! Is all the doctor said and of course drink lots of water and eat vegetables.

I'm thinking the weeks leading to his emergency stay in hospital may have been the result of us overdosing on fresh bread covered in grains and seeds. But who knows? It could have been anything.

He would have had to be in hospital for at least 3 weeks and god knows what kind of pain he'd have to go through. The emotional stress that comes along with any surgery can't be good for either the Patient or loved ones.

I mean i've already found 2 coin-sized bald patches on my head, no thanks to stress. I noticed my very first patch whilst sobbing over CNN's coverage of the Tsunami in 2004. I freaked out. It was at least an inch and a half in diameter. Paranoid, i covered it with my surrounding hair. These bald patches tend to creep up months after i have an emotional stress attack [i blamed my job and a bad break-up]. Then it takes another few months for the hair to grow back. *Keeps fingers crossed that it continues to do so.*

A condition i later found out to be Alopesia Areata. And apparently there is no cure.

Basically if i'm stressed, the patch shows up on some other part of my skull. My only solution is to avoid stressful situations [if that's even possible]. It's a bit of a bitch since one can't predict these things and i think i've lowered my stress levels at least 3-fold by quitting my job and even moving countries. I guess there's no way of avoiding it but to try and stay positive.

So here we are, still happy and learning more about each other each day. Learning to live in each others' spaces and adapting to Change.

But we continue to eat more healthier, which isn't so bad since i don't mind cooking. I try not to get too worked up over situations since i'm not too keen on going bald anytime soon. And i guess taking more time out to appreciate the finer things in Life such as ones' Health. I guess it's just as important as soldiering on.

Brought to you by the Letter C.

I had a dream i made cookies yesterday.

Or maybe that was just my subconscious telling me to wake up so i could feed myself. I had taken a nap during the afternoon and woke up craving cookies. J had bought a little book titled, 1 Teig = 100 Kekse which translates to 1 Dough = 100 Biscuits. The core ingredients were basic and since i had no chocolate chips or Orange Aroma, i replaced it with chocolate sprinkles and drops of Vanilla essence.

By the time i was done mixing the buttery goodness, J woke up from his slumber.

"CoooOOoookies!" He called out.

Yes, the smell of cookies are, oh so yummy.

J's been going on about making homemade biscuits for awhile now but somehow we never got around to making them. I'm not sure at what point he thought i'd appreciate his shadow puppets but he went ahead and made them. So whilst trying to take a photo left handed, he tried to distort his fingers...

Although i'm not too sure what animal he was trying to form across the cookie dough but whatever it was, [Dog/Hornbill] it wasn't really working... ehehe. Sorry. But at least it brought out a giggle.

Preheated the oven at 190˙C and chucked in the tray with 25 chocolate sprinkles cookies. 15 dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The other 10 were slathered with icing glaze made out of icing sugar and lemon then sprinkled with coloured dots.


The high sugar content would be any Diabetic's nightmare but definitely a Sweet Tooths' dream.

Personally i thought they were too sweet. I'm not much of a Sweet Tooth but in small doses i think they'd be great little sugar highs. Match it with some chilled Milk [only if you're not lactose intolerant] and you've got a great little snack. I'm thinking i'll need to do some minor adjustments to the measurements but all in all, not bad.

But there's nothing like the smell of freshly baked goods lingering in the air.

Certified Clutter Bug

I, Chrissie, am a certified Clutter Bug.

I am sure i've mentioned it before. I have receipts dating from way back when and some so old that the ink has already faded. Little chewing gum paper boats tucked in my bag and bits of bobs that don't make any sense but in my head they all have a 2nd purpose in life. I'm not sure why. I mean, one never knows when one needs to compare prices or need to return items. And should i need to set out a little army to protect a harbor, i am sure that my Extra Sugar-free Chewing gum wrappers would do the job just right.

My work space is getting slightly out of control and the surface area is slowly being suffocated by layers of... schtuff!

Oh noOOooo.

So whilst sipping a lukewarm semi-fresh ground coffee and smoking some left over tobacco this morning i found myself on Unclutterer[dot]com. [A link found on a link from a link from another link].

I haven't had a proper read yet since i'm actually in the midst of doing several things; cleaning the dishes, doing the laundry, chatting to a friend online AND doing actual work. But i found the site entertaining and one that i should probably seriously look into.

It states, "...Unclutterer is the website for home and office organization. It’s not just for the helplessly disorganized who would lose their heads if they weren’t attached, and pack rats looking to put their stashes on a diet, but also for obsessive compulsive neat freaks looking to squeeze even more order into their lives..."

My divided attention is the only way i can actually get things done. But before i finally realise i'm doing way too much at one go, i call it Multi-tasking, i end up doing something else! Then forgetting why i was doing that to begin with.

Oh shit. My laundry.

Introducing Verner and Phillip.

On Saturday we took a drive down to IKEA in hope to find a decent working chair. And at last, my mission to find a comfortable chair has finally ended. Eager to get my arse on something a little more padded, i ripped open the box and followed the instructions.

Not only is it super comfortable but it was way below the estimated amount that i was willing to pay. And for 69€, i couldn't be happier!

...

I've been going on and on for the last couple of months about how my previous iPod [a birthday present from my ex] had died days within days of me arriving on this side of the world [how ironic]. I grumbled about how much i missed having tunes with me and as a result have been using my in-built radio on my Sony Ericsson to keep me entertained when i'm out and about.

But sometimes, the radio just doesn't cut it.

When i was done being Miss-Fix-It, i was in the kitchen preparing Toasties. J came in with both hands behind his back and said he had bought me one part of my early birthday present. I had no idea what it could be and seeing that i was with him most of the day, i thought he just grabbed a couple of Salt & Pepper packets from the IKEA Cafeteria and wanted to be funnzy.

Boy was i wrong. J got me a Black 8GB iPod Nano 3rd Generation!


Anyway, J told me his friend was selling an iPod he got out of a Barter trade and he sold it for 40€. And considering a new one cost a whopping 180€, he thought why not. The original owner hadn't wiped out his songs or his data, so not only do i have a "new" iPod [new for me that is] but it is set in German.

But what better way to learn new words in German than to figure out the Menu in a language that isn't my mother tongue. I don't want to restore the factory settings just yet, in case i lose all the tracks.

Yippee... i have an extra 1GB worth of tunes! It comes with an interesting mix of genres [mostly Techno and House most of which are somewhat decent].

Mama Mia! I think i even see ABBA in the list.

But i've also had a peek at the games section and they even have Solitaire installed. Solitaire? Yes Solitaire! An old-skool card solo player game that keeps me occupied when stuck on the train or whenever. The version on my hand phone is SO SMALL, i always end up getting finger/thumb cramps and then going slightly cross-eyed.

...

On another note, just a little over 2 hours to go till the Inauguration of the 44th US President, Barack Obama. A day in history that is about to unfold; the first African-American US President.

Food. Glorious food.

1,59 € = RM7.55

I took a stroll down the supermarket aisle the other day and came across this canned product. I found it hilarious that the products' maker would be 'Kung-Fu'. I didn't end up buying it but finding the only Nasi Goreng-in-a-can AND in the 'Soup' section still cracks me up.

Then it dawned on me how much i actually miss the food back in Malaysia.

The thought that one is able to go to a mamak at any odd hour in the morning and pay as little as 0,40€ for a full meal still amazes me. Whether it is freshly fried/steamed/boiled, the flavor is consistent and the variety seems endless; i blame the MSG.

Unfortunately, my craving for Roti Canai and Dhal still lingers. And the Vegetarian Banana Leaf rice at Sri Nirwana [all this while i've been calling it 'NirVana' but nevermind, majority of the people know what i'm talking about] on Jalan Telawi 3 in Bangsar is still my favorite.

OMFG YUM!

And with Chinese New Year coming up, my taste buds are calling out for Pineapple Tarts made by my aunt. I reckon i'm a bit of a nazi when it comes to Pineapple Tarts. I've tried dozens and each one is pale in comparison to hers. *drools* Maybe there's some secret ingredient i'm not aware of. I think the extra dollop of butter in the mix makes all the difference.

Oh. And since i'm not married [yet], does that mean i'm still legible to receive an Ang Pow? ehehe... *not shy*

Feeling all Pretzel-like.

I've spent the last couple of days hunched behind my laptop all thanks to my bad posture and a tight schedule. My undisciplined ways has not only caused my shoulders to scream for attention but has now caused my lower back to ache.

When J and i moved to our new flat, we inherited my sister's 2-seater kitchen bench. Of which she got it from her ex in-laws, so that would make it 3rd hand then? Anyway that's not the point, there was no dire need for an office chair since i figured sitting on the candy cane striped bench would be sufficient when cruising online. But imagine sitting on a slightly cushioned wooden chair for 12 hours straight and doing work.

"Aua!"

Even sitting on 2 pillows doesn't help. I try to keep both feet planted on the ground but before i know it, i'm cross-legged and in a weird angle. Seriously, i can feel my arse flatten by the hour! So i am on a mission to hunt for a super comfortable office chair with excellent back support and of course one that won't cost an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?

...

But i could barely sleep last night. Unlike Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale, The Princess & The Pea, i am no princess and i didn't need a pea to be hidden under my mattress to prove anything. Put simply, the main pain ranges from the bottom of my neck/shoulders down to my lower back. Unfortunately, it has been my ultimate bitch since way back in the days.

We went to the Pharmacy and they recommended ThermaCare Heat Wraps for neck, shoulders and wrists. They say one should only have it on for 8 hours. I should also bump up my Magnesium intake to at least 3 times and remember to take regular brisk walks outside to get the muscles moving. I've run out of tobacco so i guess that's one way of forcing me to get dressed and go outside.

Hmmmpf.


The heating wraps remind me of an over-sized sanitary pad but just the wings part. However there is no absorption strip, only strategically placed knobs. Yes knobs! Little nodules that seem to heat up when contacted with air. I left it on overnight and it seemed like the tension in the area reduced. Each box contains only 2 of these wing-like knob miracles and for 6€ a box, it can get quite expensive *does the calculations*.

But that was a few days ago and the pain has returned! I wish i had my very own masseuse available 24/7.

Not only has it traveled to my lower back but it's pinching every pressure point. I can feel my muscles knotting up even as i type. My back is transforming itself into one massive pretzel!

I moaned about my pains this morning and J insisted i try out the soothing bath sea salts he bought for me; Lavender for Relaxation and the other to relax muscles. I wonder if they're better than that Pee-coloured soak i had some time back? I guess there's only one way to find out...

Piz•ze•ri•a

In the past 11 months or so, i've tried numerous Margarita pizzas both store bought and ones that are freshly made. Those bought in the supermarket are relatively cheaper but somehow the taste is just not there. And if it is, it's usually finished before i've even able to take a proper breath. Sadly, there is no Domino's in this country and my taste buds are craving their Vegetarian minus the onions thin crust pizzas.

So over the weekend we decided to make our own!

Well technically it wasn't from scratch since all i had to do was add water. But in this day in age when Time is of essence, quick steps are warmly welcomed. There was no need to wait for the dough to rise. But after calculating all the ingredients it came up to be about the same as 2 freshly made ones plus or minus a few cents depending on toppings.


The only preparations needed was dicing the tomatoes, making a basic tomato sauce base with peper, salt, herbs and garlic then ripping open the packet of cheese. We don't own a rolling pin and the one at the supermarket cost a little over 6€ [which is a tad pricey for an instrument that is only going to be used once and awhile]. So i put my smart cells together and thought, why not use an old wine bottle?


It worked out perfectly! Even Little L got in on the action. It brought a huge smile and a few giggles into the mix. I remember as a child i would assist my mother in the kitchen and i found it to be useful now that i am all grown up. Yes i like to cook.


Little L wanted to make a mini pizza all on her own, so with the left over dough that didn't fit in the baking tray, she rolled the dough to her hearts' content. I think the hands-on experience made it even more fun and it distracted her from sitting in front of the TV. Even though part of the topping went into her mouth instead of the pizza, i think she found the experience to be fruitful.


Our fabulous new IKEA oven we bought over Christmas has been like a gift from heaven. An investment worthwhile. We threw on the herbs later [apparently that's what the Pizza expert guy on the Cooking show said we should do].

And the finished product was better than we imagined!

One half was a basic Margarita and the other Tuna. And with a drizzle of garlic oil on the top, it gave each slice a slight kick. Little L was so impressed with the pizza that she asked if we could make Pizzas again. Her favorite word in English is 'De•li•cious' and hearing her say it with a heavy German accent over and over, accompanied with 2 little thumbs up, shows i must be doing something right.

... dot com

We're on a super tight budget and bills/expenses are closely examined, no thanks to Christmas! More reasons to straddle the Design horse and work my creative juices i say.

J and i have been toying around with a domain name since i intend to eventually jump on the freelance bandwagon. Yes. I am serious. So i googled where i can check the availability of domains and was directed to Net Names. With just at a click of a button you can check if it's registered.

*Click!* It's that simple!

But i think we have a name. Now we just have to let it sit for awhile and digest it all.

In the meantime we're going to look into more web hosting sites and do more research. I've been told by a happy customer that DreamHost dot com is reliable and efficient. Apparently the Customer Service is spot on and what is included in the package is quite extensive. Most importantly since i'm on this side of the world, i need a host company that deals with customers in English and actually know what they're talking about.

J managed to track down a site called HostSearch dot com, where the public can rate domain sites. Once you get to the homepage, just click on the Reviews tab. We typed in "DreamHost" and after reading the comments we came to the conclusion that the overall ratings were good however there are others that have even better ratings. [Continue here].

The hunt continues.

So, if any of my silent readers know of any respectable and [most importantly] legit company that registers and hosts names at an affordable price, please feel free to post a comment. Much appreciated!

*Puts thinking cap back on*

Thanks Adobe!

I have CS2 installed on my Mac and i'll be honest to say, i don't fully utilise all the features. In fact, i don't really know how to use it to its' full advantage. My year long siesta has come to an end and getting back into "Design" will be very interesting.

Believe it or not, i'm actually a little excited about the project that i'll be working on. Finally it has sparked some interest in me. Interest that left me to drown in my deepest darkness and was rudely trampled on by Haters and Bullies.

So anyway, a few days ago i made an order online for the new Adobe Creative Suite 4 Standard Package. Design software programs so i can get my work done without any legal issues. Sadly i have to say good-bye to the RM20 pirated shit in case i run into trouble down the road. Suddenly i feel all so grown up. I also put in an order for the manuals since i figured it would be a good idea to read up on the product before i start fiddling with it.

Adobe's website for some reason was having issues with approving all credit card purchases so i had to call the Adobe Direct Sales. I was able to make an order over the telephone with no stress added and was even able to throw in some dumb questions. I mean for the amount that i paid, i'm sure as hell going to ask as many retarded questions to soothe my slow brain.

I mean seriously, nobody seems to understand why everything in Europe has to be so expensive. The very same product costs 500 € less in the States and even less in Malaysia! So be thankful YOU're not purchasing legit software in Europe.

OMFG... I can't believe i simply spent over 1,500 €!

I just have to keep reminding myself, it's an investment that i hope WILL bring better things more jobs my way. So what better way to start the new year than to get my fat arse back on the Design horse and see where it takes me.

OK i'm going to peel off the wrapper now and fondle my new goods... *grins*

Sleds, Sledding, Sledded.

MONDAY: I looked out the window and the sky was clearing. You could see the crystal blueness appearing. So the last 2 days we took advantage of the frosty whiteness and went sledding! We borrowed a friends' sleds and took it to one of the slopes in the outskirts about 15 minutes away. It looked like an open field and it was facing the Rhein.

The first day we went with Ekki. We hooked up the sleds to the back of the car and rode them down the side road to the spot. Great fun only when one doesn't get snow in ones' face. It felt like thousands of needles were piercing my face. Not good... LOL! But obviously, it wasn't so fun at the time... ehehe.

We weren't the only ones' with our sleds. There were people of all ages out there. My hands were nearly frozen so i tried putting a spare pair of... gardening gloves over my pair. It didn't really do anything except make me look like i had over sized hands... hmmm. So much for that idea!

But we only had about an hour because the sun was going down really fast and the temperature chased behind it.

Ekki had a bottle of Champers in his boot and so we had a post NY day celebration in the minus degrees temperature. The alcohol was welcomed and it helped warm my insides.

But it quickly went to my bladder and i was busting to go to the loo! We then decided to head to the supermarket, where we came across the Ex and the little ones. I'm pretty sure it was the alcohol because as if we were "friends" i was quick to wish HER happy new year and gave her a hug and kisses on the cheek. I think we were both surprised at the interaction.

J missed it. He was busy saying hello to the very little one.

Maybe it's just my nature to be friendly but on a regular day, i doubt i would have been so affectionate especially since it was HER. It was our 3rd encounter. We continued with our small chat until my bladder was practically talking to me and had to excuse myself from the conversation and bolted to the restroom as fast as i could.

Funny how alcohol makes one do funny things out of the ordinary.
...

We got home and realised we forgot to make a snowman.

Oh nooOOooo!

But it was nearly impossible to gather the powder soft snow. Instead we made snow angels! Even with 7 layers on, i could feel the frozen air fight its' way through my clothes. Never mind. We jumped on a fresh patch and flapped around frantically in the partial darkness.

Our neighbors must have wondered what we were doing. The snow angels ended up looking like those Leatherback turtles! And i'm also hoping there was no frozen poop where we were lying.

...

TUESDAY: The heavy snowfall on Monday has kicked the temperature down even lower. Just when i thought i'd see the lowest on the cars' thermometer it keeps getting colder.

They say that yesterday was coldest recorded Winter in the last 20+ years. In one part of the country it was so cold that the water pipes even burst! Icy water running over your feet in the middle of the street is definitely not a good feeling.


Yesterday J left work early and picked Little L up and we headed back to the slope to take her on her first snow sled ride. I don't think she's ever experienced a temperature that low.

Mainly children were on the slopes, i'm guessing most people were back at work. We only had less than an hour and i was practically freezing my tits off but hell, it was well worth it.

By the time we got into the car the temperature had dropped down to a whopping -10.5˙C; the coldest i've been in so far this Winter. It seems like every time i take a photo of the temperature, i've jinxed it and it keeps getting colder!

*Keeps mouth... and shutter shut*

But I was very happy i chose to wear 8 layers this time and stretched on 2 pairs of tights under my jeans.

Don't Eat Yellow Snow

Yellow Snow

Last night i looked out of our window and noticed a fresh blanket of snow covering the ground. Excited that today J had his day off, we decided we'd go out and make a snow man.

But then at about 8:30am, we got a call.

I briefly eyed the flashing incoming number and it was J's work calling. Damn it, it was his boss calling to tell him he had to come into work because his colleague couldn't make it because all the roads and Autobahn was blocked. I ran to the window to have a look and was amazed how much snow had fallen.


I poked my head out from Little L/Green/Guest room and the green lawn outside was covered!

Time was running out, so i made us some brekkie and quickly threw on several layers so i could help J scrape the snow off the car. I stuffed my camera in my pocket so i could capture the moment.

We brought along some table salt, thinking it would help. It didn't. It just rested on top of the snow and did jack shit. So much for that idea. We needed rock salt for the road to help dissolve the snow.

Overnight

Multi-purpose mop

23

Christmas tree all year round

The playground around the corner from our front door

The view from the bridge down below

The bridge from our balcony

I haven't seen so much snow in ages. Everything was covered and the snow crunched under the weight of my boots. I could see the ducks charging towards me as i approached the bridge. I'm guessing they thought i was there to feed them. WRONG! Sorry, was only being a tourist. The radio DJ said that there was 25 cm of snow that fell during the night and that people should expect more light snow later.

oOo.


I checked the weather forecast and apparently tomorrow is going to be a frosty high of -4˙C and a low of -13˙C. They even include how cold it actually FEELS with the wind factor; a super low of -21˙C!

OMG, can you say, "NIPPLES!"


I was outside in -5 just a few days ago and i sure am not going to be galavanting outdoors tomorrow! But that's ok, it'll keep me from getting distracted [i hope].

Anyway, i've agreed to take on some freelance work. My client is based overseas. It's a huge project that requires my full concentration for the next few months. I'm a little nervous about getting back into the swing of things but i just have to bite my tongue and just DO IT. Hopefully it'll keep me focused when J gets admitted into hospital in February.

And to show how serious this job is, i've even put in an order online for the new Adobe CS4 Standard package... no more piracy shit allowed! It's been quite awhile since i got my creative juices working but the money is good and i can't complain. Well at least i'm doing something productive. Wish me luck.

Yes. The Design whore in me needs to eat.