RenoTalk: Laminate Floor and L-box with Downlights

It's been a year since my simple kitchen make over.

This year, as I have a new job which is quite demanding, I have NO TIME to plan for our home renovation.  ;-(

Our house is near the CTE so we need soundproof windows in the rooms to be able to sleep.  I asked my dh to source for soundproof windows but the prices were so high.  We opted for normal windows, dh will just put more seals to reduce the noise.  He found this newly opened shop in our neighbourhood.  The shop owner quoted much lower than those direct shops that we used last year for our PVC door.  So windows for 2 TnB, 1 MBR and 1 CBR, all for ~$1000.  Still not cheap!  I find the locks are very lousy plastic material.  I keep complaining to dh that our old windows were still better.

Our next project after the windows was to get L-boxdownlights, cove lights, storage/display cabinet, TV feature wall, last would be to have floor laminates.  I was thinking we should get one contractor to do all these because I have no more time for coordination and there are many bits and pieces.  I can't take the headache.

When dh paid for the windows, the shop owner mentioned to my dh that he also does all kinds of renovation works.  So dh asked him to visit our place and quote for L-box with downlights for living and dining and laminate flooring for 3 BR, Living and Dining.  The contractor informed dh that we also need to replace our room doors since we are just overlaying the laminates on existing tiles.  So additional 4 doors to be changed.  Initial quote was $5,700.  No further details, just the price.  

Dh brought me to the shop so that I could talk to the contractor.  He had samples of laminates and he suggested the best colors. They looked fine to me so we agreed.  I asked for the brand of the laminate. He just said, it’s made in China.  He also warned us not to be fooled by the European/German brands.  Those are surely made in China.  OK at that point I also agreed with him, at this time, all products are probably made in China.  Something that skipped my mind is that, European/German brands should also have higher quality standards.  It does not mean that a product which is made in China is of poor quality.  

He asked us to choose the door designs.  We followed his suggestion. He mentioned, 3 BR doors...I asked, what about or store room door? He and dh looked at each other, so the store room door was not counted.  OK, additional $150, discounted from $180.  It’s the classic door.  Now I had a chance to check prices, I saw promotional price in 2011 is $138.   

When I asked about the downlights, he already indicated 10 points but he could not tell me where the points would be located exactly. He said his electrician will take care of it.  I asked about adding cove lights, he discouraged us as having cove lights will need maintenance. Dust will be collected.  I insisted on adding cove lights (LED to be installed by dh).  So he added $300. 

 

I wanted a full height storage/display cabinet in the dining area.  His quote was $3000, he told me to make it as my next project. Not now.  We also inquired on TV feature wall.  He said he will think of a cheap way of making it for us but not now.  Just do the L-box, laminate and doors first.

Total quote $6,150. 

Not bad? It is within our estimated budget.  The contractor has an amazing story of his recovery from whole body paralysis.  He says he does not cheat his customers. He seemed to be a good man.  He even brought us to Baliester road to buy the LED downlights.  We got our LED downlights for $38 with 2 year warranty.  I don’t remember the selling price but on one shop we checked, the price is all above $60. 

We paid 50% on Saturday.  At this point, I am so uneasy with this renovation.  I am so unsure of so many things as I did not do any study.  Contractor could not even give me a breakdown for the quote.

 

Renovation schedule: Wednesday for electrical, Thursday for L-box, Friday for laminates and doors.

 

Wednesday in the midst of a busy day at the office, the electrician calls me asking me where he will put the living room hanging light that he has removed.  I was shocked.  We did not mention removing the lights.  I asked him to re-install it.  Then he asks me again where to place the switches for the downlights...............waaaaaaaaah...... dh received a lot of scolding from me.  He immediately took half day leave and went home to settle the issue.  I specifically asked him to handle this renovation.  I told him I can't handle it.  He was not looking at me when I came home that night haha, sorry my love! 

 

Our dining area on Thursday morning.  The L-box has been installed.

 

The pink bag contains the thin foam they will install under the laminates.

They have delivered the laminates on Wednesday nights. 

 

This is the first time I get to know of the brand.  So I quickly checked renotalk for it.  I've only seen a few threads way back 2011.  One forumer said: "why settle for cheap China brand when European and German brands are in the market?".....duh, please do not rub it in.  Last June I got a promotional quote for European laminates, ~$4,300 + $200 to hack current skirting.  I told my husband to have the laminates the last, when we had enough budget. VISTA makes me sad huhuhuhu

Here is what greeted me on Friday night.

 

 

Living Room "Before"

Notice the floor tiles and old doors. 

 



We have achieved a total makeover at a low cost.  I am not sure if we saved.  Cost is low because the materials used are CHEAP!

BUT....
The floor squeaked each time we walked.  According to contractor, the floor needs to "set in".  How long? we don't know.
Laminate floors are easy to clean BUT are susceptible to warping if it gets wet. 
Laminates are NOT scratch proof, don't believe all those lies.
Broom is not even recommended to be used for cleaning???
I can see small footprints of my precious babies on the laminates.
My kids love to drink water, they tend to leave their water bottles on the floor.  Spills and condensation need to be kept at bay.
We have to keep all windows closed in case it rains, uh chance of rain in Singapore is 50%. 
Oh, we can't just move, push, drag our furniture anymore.  We need to lift and carry.

I suddenly miss our floor tiles.  I can use a super wet mop to clean all dirt.  I brush the grouts every six months to keep them white.  Even if the little ones write on the tiles, a simple wipe is good enough.  Stress free =)

The door locks are ALL faulty.  They keep on self-locking.  I'm nagging my husband to complain to the contractor.

I am satisfied with the L-box and the down lights.  Down lights can improve the ambience of a room by providing soft light.  We can turn on all 10 down lights and the whole living and dining room is bright but not glaring.  The box needs to be painted though.  Our contractor provided one electrical point for our LED cove light without extra charge. Dh will be installing the LED lights.  I will ask him to buy the multicolour LED lights so that we can use it as Christmas lights hahaha. 

However, since our flat is 30+ old, the walls are not even.  The down lights highlight the flaws.  Dh will work on them, hopefully.

I don't see any workmanship issue, yet.  Crossing my fingers.

If I had the time and energy, I will not settle for low quality materials.  Our home is our biggest investment, and it's where we build our family.  Go for high quality materials as long as your budget allows you.

Next project: Tall Christmas Tree =)
Next year: storage/display cabinets and feature wall....

Thank You Lord!

Bakit Hindi Ako Favorite ng mga Magulang Ko?

I stumbled upon Kim Chiu's movie na Bakit Hindi ka Crush ng Crush mo on Youtube.  I'm not a fan of Filipino movies but I do watch them pampa-feel good. Bawas homesick.  So ganon, tinapos ko yung movie, sumobra ako sa aking data plan, pero really, the movie was just about Kim and Xian.  Actually I find it disturbing.  Dapat hindi ganun yung mga movies natin.  Pinapakitang OK na ang walang values!!! Nagmeet lang sex na agad? OK ang pekpek shorts? OK maging bading? OK magsabi ng paksheet? haaay sad for the new generation.  Ang sad talaga.

Pinanood ko din ang 4 sisters and a wedding. Kulit ng asawa ko, tanong ng tanong kung maganda.  Ang sagot ko...asa ka naman sa Filipino movie.  Feel-good lang pre! Walang basagan ng trip (I sound like Toni Gonzaga na).  Well actually, there is a hidden story in this movie.  It's when Connie explained why she had favourites amongst her children.  She said "I gave most of my attention to your eldest sister and youngest brother because they were weak, always sick.  But that does not mean I love them more or they are my favourites.  I love you all the same."   Tulo ang iyak ko... tinawanan lang ako ng asawa ko.

In my own family of 5 sisters and 1 brother, we all envy our eldest sister.  She's mama and papa's favourite.  When I left Baguio for a job in Laguna, I was so hurt that my papa did not even accompany me when I moved there.  Nakitulog pa nga ako sa girlfriend ng kaibigan ko sa Manila.  First time ko mameet yung tao.  Lungkot lungkot ko!  Then my sisters informed me later that our papa went to Batangas to search for our cousins and to check how they are.  Ouch! Mas pinapahalagahan pa niya yung mga hindi niya anak.

I confronted him after about a year because my heart was so heavy.  He explained to me, "You are strong.  You can make your own decisions.  I know you can make it on your own so I did not make the effort." 

Papa was right in his statements.  I am on my own now.  At yung mga pinsan ko, nandun asa parin sa papa namin.  At si eldest Sister, favourite parin =)

Now that I have two kids, I consciously make efforts to ensure that I do not have favourites.  But I guess, my daughter envies the time I spend with her younger brother.  I had to explain once to her that her brother needs more attention as he is just a baby.   

I am thankful that I have my Heavenly Father who does not have any favourites. 

Update on IPL Burns

When I got burned, I quickly searched on the internet if my case was hopeless.
There were so many cases and theirs were more severe than mine.
Most of the responses for those who were crying for help were to see a certified dermatologist.  That did not help at all I guess, not for me.
None of those who had the burns updated their cases.  So I feel that I need to provide update on my case so I could be of help to anyone who needs this information.

My burning session was on July 13, Saturday.  Since the clinic was closed on Sundays, I was only able to make my complaint on Monday.  Ms. Eve, the "manager" assessed my burns and arranged for treatment.  They would give me free scar lightening treatment until my scars totally fade (verbal agreement).  Treatment will be once a week.

Immediately, they treated my scars.  I keep on asking what treatment they are going to do but no one is giving me a clear answer.  They just say it is same as Acne scar treatment (then they should've just given me Retin A, it faded all my acne scars).  The treatment starts with exfoliation.  STOP! for fresh burns, you should not exfoliate duh! Oh, good thing I did my research.  Next step is to apply AHA to remove dead skin cells - that's according to their 20-ish old therapists.  You should feel some tingling sensation re: ACID.  I did not feel anything.   Next they apply oil to the scars.  They only explain that the oil would help in healing.  On top of the oil, they apply Vitamin C mask to lighten the scars.  I needed to ask repeatedly before they tell me what they are doing.  To me, it is a sign of lack of knowledge.  I do not blame the therapists, it is the lack of training given by the clinic.

On my second treatment, I still had the blood clots.  I was feeling desperate.  So I again asked to see Ms. Eve, they gave me lame excuse that she is busy with a client.  I grumbled and they gave me a bottle of Rose Hip oil with a little bit of oil inside.  So this is the healing oil they were using.  I googled it and some attest to it's scar lightening effect....but may take a loooooong time. 

Third week, majority of the blood clots have scaled off.  Some scars are dark while some are light.  I finished off the oil so I was given (after I persistently asked) a small amount of healing cream. 

This week is my 7th treatment.  They have actually advised me to reduce the treatment to once per month. No way! And I asked why Ms. Eve was not checking on my treatment progress...another lame reason. She was supposed to be busy setting up another branch.  Where? I asked.  Uhm, not yet final.  So unprofessional!

I had another session of IPL last week, I had to upgrade to the cold IPL.  No promotion price for me??? I rest my case.  As long as I did not hurt anyone, I am fine with it.  I hope they are fine too.

My scars have lightened, one would need to stare at my legs for a long time to recognize them.

Other things I used in order to speed up my recovery include Aloe Vera Gel and Lightening moisturizers with UV protection.  I also restricted myself to using pants for one whole month.

***

God’s Amazing Faithfulness

This is my testimony on God’s faithfulness!

I have been a Christian since young.  I don’t really remember when exactly I invited Christ to my life. It could be when I was 8 or 10 years old.  I grew up as a member of a Southern Baptist Church.  I was a lost sheep when I left Baguio and worked in Laguna.  When I moved to Singapore, on my first week, God placed me into a cell group from Hope Filipino Church.  My faith was restored, strengthened and used by God.  For three months that I was unemployed, I gave my all to cell group ministry.  I treasure those times very much and if given the chance, I will willingly devote my life to ministry.  What joy it is to be serving the Lord. I even performed for the musical presentation of the church’s anniversary.  It was tough as I already started working and still went to practices.  I would be home at 1 am from daily activities like practice, prayer meeting and cell group.  God was faithful enough, he brought me back to His flock first then gave me a job, brought my family over to Singapore and even granted us Permanent Residency.  Life is tough in Singapore but God was right there guiding me and making me see Him and feel Him.  It took a long time for my husband to secure a job, then recession came, I survived several rounds of retrenchment, still, on our third year in Singapore, we were able to loan a flat from the government. We had our second child.  In fact, both of us are not enjoying high pay.  Everything is just right as God provides.  On my fifth year in my company, I have decided to find another job.  So I prayed to God.  He let me go through 4 interviews where I was not successful.  And then I cried out to Him, that I really wanted a move.  I started reading Pastor Joseph Prince’s daily devotion.  I noticed that the messages were to make your Faith stronger.  There was one message that taught me to NOT PLEAD with God. I should not pray “Please God!” as my God is so powerful, no need to beg.  So I challenged my faith and God one day by saying, some company will give me a call soon.  At that time I was not sending any applications but I told God, all those past applications will be working.  The next week, I got a call for interview.  Oh I was so happy.  Not because I have an interview, but because I know God is really listening to my prayer.  After the first interview, I read as Pastor Prince wrote that you’ll have to really believe that what you ask for will happen.  You can even command God to do things for you because you deserve it as His child.  Hhhmmmm let me try.  Each time I see my phone, I would pray.  God, make this phone ring for my second interview.  I did that for about 3 days.  Surely, the call for my 2^nd interview came.  I was rejoicing! So happy that God is so REAL.  I confirmed to myself that I will get the job after the second interview.  While walking towards the company, I was praying, God, this job is for me, you are bringing me to this new opportunity, you have already answered my prayer.  I prayed with so much conviction.  After the interview, I was informed that there are still other candidates.  My heart sank…I walked home feeling defeated but my heart was at peace, thanking God instead for His revelations to me.  I kept on praying for God’s plan.  He’s been with me through my 6 years in Singapore, so close to me, I felt Him every day.  A month later, I received a call for 3^rd interview.  To prevent any further dismay, I just told God that I will follow His will, His plan.  2 days later, the job offer was sent to me.  God surprised me! The offer is much more than I was asking for.  The offer came on the day my company announced that our Singapore factory will be closed in 9 months time.  Still God gave me a choice, I was asked to stay as the factory is being subcontracted, I would still be the main player to manage.  But I didn’t look back, I wanted something fresh in my career.  The 2^nd week in my new company was difficult. I have read through the training materials there is nothing much to do.  I saw that there is actually not much future for me.  They all welcomed me with negative comments on the company, on the system, they had comments and warnings about the people I was to work with.  I swallowed hard…and cried!  I want to be back where I was accepted, where I was recognized, where I know anything you would ask me about.  Not here, I do not know anything!   It’s been a month and a half and each day I cling on to God alone.  I am scared but He tells me to fear not!  He makes me remember that over the past 6 years, I’ve also feared so many things but He was always there.  Never leaving me behind.  Right now I am also away from the flock, but even I am a lost sheep, I am still important to my Shepherd.  I can hear His guidance.  God is amazing!   

My Pilot Experience

Dahil sa sobrang ka-kuripotan, hindi ako bumili ng kahit anong ballpen para gamitin sa trabaho.  That's true for the past six years! OK na ako sa mga ballpen na nakukuha ko sa mga hotel during my business trips tsaka meron namang supply ang HR namin.  But most of the time, pumapalya ang mga libreng ballpen. Biglang hindi sumusulat, kelangan ikaskas muna bago magising ang tulog na ink.  One time, nagpabili ako ng ballpen sa asawa ko.  He bought me two! I enjoyed using both, hassle-free.

Now that I just started my new job, dala ko parin yung pen na supplied ng HR from my previous company.  Di siya match sa new notebook ko, panay ang palya ng ink.  So I decided to buy new pens.  I bought three at $2 each.  Sabi ng kuripot kong konsensiya, aba ballpen lang $6 na! Sinagot ko nalang na, anyway for the past 6 years, hindi naman ako bumili ng pen eh.

These pilots write smoothly, I love them!  I took a photo with the intent to really blog about my Pilot experience.

After a week, I lost both red and blue pen!!! I now only have the black pen.

Arrrgh...ms. kuripot is so mad at me and keeps me from going to the bookstore to buy another pen!

$38 for 12 months IPL

gone wrong!!!

I bought this deal voucher to have hair of 2 small parts removed/reduced by IPL.  I was glad to be upgraded to have my lower leg also done for additional $100.

Procedure is done monthly.  No noticeable effect on the first month. 2nd and 3rd sessions, they were again upselling a new machine which uses some cold technology.  Top up $88, nah I did not grab it.  But the result was noticeable. 

4th session, since I did not get the cold technology, I'm back to the heat IPL. 

OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!

Lush has offered to reduce my scars FOC (after I screamed at the "Manager").  I need to go weekly but I doubt that the process they are doing will help at all.  It's just cleansing and moisturizing.

If you do IPL or any laser procedure, if you feel abnormal pain, immediately STOP the technician.

Mga Nakaw na Sandali (Cartoons ito!)

"The grass is always greener... when it's watered!" ~Unknown

Madalas kaming magtalong mag-asawa (meaning: talak ako ng talak).  Dahil parehas kaming pagod sa trabaho, hands on kami sa aming mga anak pag-uwi at gusto niyang maging milyonaryo sa bejeweled at ako naman gusto nang mag level up sa candy crush, we have little time for each other. Text text lang at email. 

So to ensure we have time for each other, sapilitan and monthly date.  Once a month lang yan pero nakakaguilty na iniiwan namin ang mga anak namin at si mama.  Pero importante ito para mapanatiling matatag ang relationship ng mag-asawa.

Dinner at Hoshigaoka

Les Miserables - mugto ang mata ko pero hindi ko alam kung bakit ako naiyak sa ending ng movie

Swensen's Valentine's Date
Salamat sa Lido Theater nakakanood kami ng mga pelikulang namiss namin

Kiseki Lunch

Shokudo (not ever eating there again)
Sinalba ng Olympus ang gabi

Sun with Moon Restaurant - overrated!

Birthday ko with Dong and Tonio

Sana tuloy tuloy lang ang mga nakaw na sandali, nababawasan ang aking pag tatalak!

Thank you Lord for giving me my husband =)

Someone is Surprised

3 white roses in a box from someone. (literal, nakasulat sa box: from someone)
That was the surprise I received on Valentine's Day 2002.

I married that someone 2 years later.

Birthdays and Mother's day, I would receive a bouquet of roses.  A lot of times I would tell that someone I want flowers,  he gets me roses.  I love roses but there are other flowers in the world =)

I'm so blessed to be from Baguio. We have flowers year round, and they are cheap! I would buy long stemmed roses regularly.  I learned to arrange flowers and would usually do for our dining table.

Now in Singapore, flower bouquets are so expensive.  A bouqet of 6 roses would be around S$50.  So I thought that for mother's day, I should just make a flower arrangement for my Mom.

I got her favorite flower in her favorite color. Purple Orchids.  It cost me about $20 only.

For her birthday, I got her yellow orchids. $13.

No need to arrange, they are just so beautiful by themselves, my mom the most beautiful flower of course.

This year on valentine's day, someone had to go to work.  I told someone that I do not want to receive any rose bouquet. (The roses wilt very fast as it's so hot in Singapore!)  Instead I told someone to give me money then I would just buy the flowers I want.

Someone said WOW! $30, I even bought a lot of other flowers for my new vase.

This year for my birthday, I again told someone not to spend on expensive bouquet.  Someone said he'd make an arrangement for me.

WOW! Someone did a good job! 

While I was admiring the flowers, someone exclaimed: That's only $23. 

It was a very good birthday surprise but the truth is, Someone was more surprised than me.  Someone learned that he does not need to spend that much to make me happy!

Suddenly Vain

I've never been vain...
Kahit maitim ako, hanggang likas papaya lang effort para pumuti.  I'm quite blessed na hindi ako pinutakti ng pimples in my younger years.  So I've never used any skin cleanser, toner, moisturizer, whatever on my skin.  Well meron akong an-an sa face when I was young, ampalaya leaves lang ang kinukuskos ng mama ko.  Later when I worked in Laguna, all my an-an are gone but everytime I go home to Baguio, lumalabas, so dahil pala yun sa lamig, hindi pala siya fungi.  Anyway, I am an-an free now.

Before my wedding though, I prepped up my face naman.  I used nivea sparkling white facial cleanser, okay na. Noticeable naman ang effect.  From then, I have been using facial cleansers.  I stayed long with Olay but during my part time stint in Subway, dahil sa puyat at pawis, medyo nagpimples ako sa forehead.  Each time I had a pimple, hinuhukay ko with my fingernails...adik lang.  Then it is gone.  It's been like that for the past few years.  Last year, nadiscover ko ang St. Ives Apricot scrub.  I've grown up using this scrub but probably use it once a month lang.  Galing kasing Dubai ang supply namin, ang sabi sabi noon, imported goods are harmful to your skin.  I really like the way my skin feels after ko mag scrub.  It says use 3-4 times per week for better results. Once a week lang, then ginawa kong twice a week.  I noticed having sebum sa pores ng nose ko, ang lalaki, puwedeng i-harvest.  So I increased my scrubbing to 3~4 times a week.  Paisa-isang pimple na ang lumalabas, pero nasa eyebrows ko, hindi siya obvious.  Medyo nagproblema na ako.  I bought Evening Primrose Oil, primarily to help daw in my irregular monthly thingy, from reading, maraming nagsasabing it helps din daw sa pimples.  Walang effect even after 4 months. 2 capsules lang iniinom ko, recommended is 4. Asa pa ako.  Pero nandun yung pseudo effect pag tingin sa mirror sa umaga...ang ganda mo girl! Pampalubag loob lang.

Every week na, may 2 malalaking breakouts...acne na ito!  Even my sisters who visited last December noticed my acne. Some friends also offered advise paano daw gamutin.  Nagpuyat ako ng todo sa pagiging masterchef, APAT na sing laki ng megamall ang lumabas the next week.  Kahit nga boss ko sa work tinanong ano nangyari sa noo ko. Huhuhu dyahe! At ang sakit grabe. Ngayon ko lang narasanasan to!!! PANIC and DEPRESSION...dasal ako ng dasal.

I went to have facial, kainis, talagang ididiin nilang napakapangit ng acne ko. Dinale ko nga sa Englishan yung therapist, pinaulit ulit kong ipaexplain yung nirerecommend niyang treatment kung anong magagawa niya sa acne ko.  Sabay decline saying: you did not do a good job in explaining the treatment, I won't have it.  Sa totoo lang, hello, I'm not going to spend $88 para sa aking mga acne.  Mawawala din yan. 

I found a deal for 3X microdermabrasion for only $48. Research agad ako, okay daw sa acne. Bili agad, tawag agad to book.  First appointment, tumataginting na malaking kambal na acne sa aking noon.  Hindi daw puwede, okay proceed except on forehead.  Ayan na naman, during treatment, extraction lang daw solution sa aking acne.  Ansakit ng pag explain niya sa akin.  Natakot ako, lalo na nang sabihin niyang $85 minimum.  Hindi daw maeextract in one go. 

Right after my treatment, I went to the dermatologist. Gamot nalang. At least walang hukayang mangyayari.  Eeeew daming pus ng acne mo sabi ni Doc. Kaya nga po ako nadedepress! Okay bigyan kitang antibiotic saka cream. Thank you. Ganon lang.  Pag kuha ko ng meds, $85 ang bill! Ang saklap naman! So I am so purita na this month.

I have completed 10 of the 20 capsules. There are still 2 breakouts per week but I'm still hopeful mawawala siya when I complete the meds.  Pero dami kong nabasa na babalik parin siya.  Huwaaaa...

I bought Dalacin-C and Eskinol dahil ito ang tested Pinay beauty regimen, fully recommended ng bes ko.  I've prepared it, will use it after I finish the meds...maintenance.

I have stopped using apricot scrub.  I'm guessing this was the root cause.  The seeds are quite big and sharp that they can tear the skin and let bacteria seep in. 

I'm so suddenly vain!

(haba ng post, sobrang depression ba ito?)

Masterchef Mommy

leche flan - Thursday polvoron - Thursday

pichi - friday morning
puto - friday afternoon
maja blanca - friday morning
soak suman rice

FRIDAY MARKET
-coconut milk for maja
-carrots, beans, chicken thigh for pancit
-beef and nestle cream for spaghetti
-rice for suman

SAT MARKET
-coconut for pichi pichi
-coconut for suman
-banana leaf for suman
-sesame seeds for muah chee

big sized suman - saturday
muar chee - saturday
spaghetti - saturday
pancit-saturday

This was my schedule in preparing the party food for my daughter's 8th birthday party.  I just dropped one item from the list - the muar chee.  Felt really bad about it though because it was the single food request of my daughter.  Good thing she was very happy during the party that she forgot all about it. 

I single handedly cooked everything! Well except for the pancit that is the specialty of Mama.  Hubby helped wrap the suman.

Wow, I now proudly call myself Masterchef Mommy.
Not only were the food tedious to prepare, the resulting taste was a hit! The guests all raved at the food as these are food they've probably eaten donkey years ago.

To YOU my AMAZING LORD, thank you for the strength you've given me to prepare the above.  Most specially, thank you for giving me Audrey Rose, my precious daughter.  Clearly, being a mother is my mission in life.  Guide me well oh Lord.

Life Insurance

Our Pastor does not believe in taking up Life Insurance.  He says the Jesus is our insurance, there is no need for anything else.  True, I am also convinced. Specially if you are in the Family of God.  Our Pastor's wife died from Brain Tumor last year.  Without insurance, the bills were hard to pay for.  But because of outpouring of love from the church members and other believers, everything was paid for.  Even the daily and redious care that she needed was lovingly provided by members.  God was really working.

In the past month, news of friends and acquantances being hit by terminal/critical illnesses have rocked me.  Our American support Engineer who was in Singapore suffered a stroke and half of his body was numb.  He had to be hospitalized for therapy and medication for 1 month.  The father of my daughter's classmate was diagnosed with Cancer, doctor gave him 1 year.  Praise God he is still surviving but the wife told me that she had to quit her job to take care of him.  Good news I hears is that he was baptized last December =)  2 friends of my dear hubby just shared that they have diabetes.

Looking at our savings, it won't be enough to pay for hospital bill just in case I also suffer a stroke. (Our Engineer's bill was S$57,000)

I got a call from a Filipina offering insurance.  So I agreed to meet her.  Unfortunately, she offered those investment linked insurance.  Good thing, I had done previous researches.  It is not adviced to get investment linked insurances, the best is to get term insurance.  I called my trusted agent to advise me and then signed up with them.

The meeting with the insurance agent has brought so much light into me and hubby's (poor) planning.  Hubby is much older than me, so his insurance premiums are now so high.  It's not too late for me but would have been better if I started earlier.  We took insurance for Death, Terminal Illness and Terminal Disability till we reach 65 yo.  Why not whole life? At age 65 and above, our kids will be independent and hopefully love us and will look after us.  If I get cancer after 65, I won't burden my kids to spend on expensive treatments...I'll just enjoy the last moments I have with them and gladly meet my creator.  But I'd love to be able to care for my grandchildren too...

A friend once told me that as we are earning our wage on earth, we should be good stewards.  God has entrusted us with financial blessing, I see that taking up insurance can be measured as stewardship.  As the agent also stressed, getting insurance is one way of loving your family.  If in case someone's life is terminanted prematurely, those left behind will not be so burdened.

If I do not die early, if I do not get terminal illness, if I do not become disabled...the premiums paid for my next 31 years is not that much.  In fact, the monthly premium is just one restaurant bill.  Kakain nalang ako ng nilagang kangkong, magiging healthy pa ako.

Some things I learned, get insurance as early as you can, the premiums will be lower.  Pre-existing conditions will not be covered by insurance.  So do not go for medical screenings (as long as it can be delayed) if you don't have insurance.  Insurance companies will surely find those medical records and in the end will not pay you.  I have records all over the place about issues on my ovaries... on my entry to SG, I honestly declared that I've had surgeries before, it took time to get it cleared and for me to get basic insurance.  These records plus the findings during my pregnancy check ups surely takes out my chance for insurance over reproductive related illnesses.  Well, I'm still covered for stroke and diabetes =)

I don't want to get sick, I don't want to get the sum assured.  I just want to have peace of mind.