That Monday Morning Excitement

I was going to title this post 'Nothing Interesting Happens When You're At Home' when I just remember that I did have a bit of excitement the other day.

Two weeks ago, if I remember correctly. It was quite an adrenaline rush for me and for a moment, I felt ... 15 years younger.

Hah!

Wait, am I revealing my age here?

Anyway, I stepped out of our flat to do the laundry (each floor has a communal room with washing machines belonging to each flat) and I pulled the door to our flat shut.

I wanted to have the door slightly ajar and not wide open, so honestly, I had no intention in pulling it completely shut.

'Oh, shit!' I exclaimed.

I jiggled the door and tried to open it but nope, it was definitely locked.

I had just locked myself out of the flat.

There I was, standing outside my flat, still dressed in my pajama pants and a long sleeve top. (Thank goodness I had my undergarments on!)

My mind whirred into action - what do I do?

I had three options and only one of them was the best, if luck was on my side.

The door to my neighbour's flat next to mine opened and a lady peeked out. She asked me what's wrong. I told her that I locked myself out of my flat and she went, "Ohhh..."

I asked her if she would let me climb from her balcony, and she asked if that was what I really wanted.

OF COURSE!

I told her I had done it before back in college and she said that was then and I ain't young anymore.

Gee, thanks.

It took me 2 tries because during the first try, she was so nervous and jittery that it affected my confidence. I even asked her to hold on to my right arm while I climbed over.

I made it on the second try after positioning myself properly - climb over the balcony first, then move over to the left to my balcony railing, before climbing over it and into my balcony.

It was easy!

But I admit I was a bit worried for a moment. My pajama pants were a bit loose and I was afraid it would slip off and I would accidentally moon the whole world as they passed by. :D

Phew!

My first option was to find the caretaker of the place and see if he could take out the ladder (if any) from the shed (if any) lend me ladder so I could climb into our balcony and I'd be OK. The door to our balcony wasn't locked and I had left the window slightly ajar. (Oh, and I'm on the 1st floor, by the way.)

My second option was to climb through my neighbour's balcony to get to mine, but I knew he was probably at work.

The third option was to knock on the neighbour's door (across from my place) to borrow their phone to let my husband know and well, wait for him to come and save me.

My other option was to ask the neighbour in the flat below mine if I could climb up to my balcony, but that was the last option because heck, I do not have a strong upper body and there was no way I'd have the strength to pull myself up. I can't even do a chin up!

The husband didn't believe me when I told him what happened. It was 9.30am and I had to disrupt his morning with such excitement. Hah!

Anyway, since then, I've made sure that I change out of my pajamas (and put on decent underwear!) and put the house keys in my pockets before I step out of the flat to do the laundry. 

The skies at the Cathedral Range on 27th October 2013.

I haven't shared with you my race recap of Lake Mountain Skyrun 2013 yet, which took place on 20th October 2013. It's just that I end up being enveloped in a cloud of humiliation unaccomplishment dissatisfaction lack of achievement blah when I recall the moment we crossed the finish line. I need to snap out of it!

[You may read the hubby's account first and you will note that the last photo of me is very nice. *ahem* *cough* :)]

As you're well aware, I have been busy wasting my time crocheting owls and other whatnots, including this hairband. It has been given to my friend's 5 year old daughter for her birthday.

Pink is just a girly girl's colour. :)

I've made her a bracelet, too, which I think is pretty neat!

I am currently working on a spring/summer scarf which I honestly don't know why I started it in the first place.

It's too bright and doesn't match any of my clothes!

But I will finish it. I was hoping to finish it tonight but it's already late so ... maybe tomorrow.

Why, why must I waste my precious time doing nothinggggg ... *slaps self*

Anyway, did I tell you that whenever I catch up with my niece on Skype, she makes me want to have my own baby? She's turning 2 in a few weeks' time and sometimes I forget that she's only 2.

I asked her if she had eaten and instead of saying yes, she answered, "Eaten."

Once I asked her, "How are you?" and she answered, "Good girl!" which made me laugh!

Ah, kids. They are cute when they're young. :)

Crochet: Owl Giveaway #3

Ok ok, I know everyone is tired with this Owl Giveaway. Bah!

This is ... Batz. He's as blind as a bat. :P

Bwahaha! I don't know. Please rename him if you must. :)

He is dressed in manly colours of grey, dark red and a hint of lime green.

Size: 5.5cm in height, 4cm in width.

Material: crocheted with 100% acrylic yarn, stuffed with strips of flannel.

Now, to have a chance to win Batz, please answer the questions below:

1. My least favourite colour is:

A. Grey

B. Orange

C. Blue

(I really don't like orange *bleurgh* and if given a choice, I wouldn't wear an orange running vest! Except during the Bukit Damansara Fun Run.)

2. I made a total of 11 owls. What is the name of the last one?

A. Biscuit

B. Avocado

C. Cookie

(Cookies' pic is on Facebook page.)

3. Besides exploring the outdoors, running, baking, cooking and crocheting, I may be found:

A. Spring cleaning the house.

B. Reading a book or magazine.

C. Giving hubby a massage.
(I'm so glad no one said A or C. I would have laughed my head off!)

Terms and conditions:

1. Only one entry per person. You may delete your comment to insert another one if you change your mind with your answers before the closing date/time.

2. Answers to the question must be provided only in the comment section of this post.

3. The person with the most correct answers will be declared the winner.

4. If there are more than one correct entries, I will write your names on pieces of paper and have YB draw the winner out from the bowl/hat/box. You may try to bribe him haha! :D

5. The winner will be notified on my Facebook page and in this post. I will contact you thereafter by Facebook or email. :)

6. If there are no winners, I will provide another question. :D

7. Owl Giveaway #3 is closed at 3.00am Malaysian/Perth Time / 6.00am Melbourne/Sydney Time on Friday, 1st November  2013. Comments added after the time may not be considered. (See how lah.)

Good luck!
I think the questions are SO easy. :)

Update as at 1st November 2013:
Congrats to Kew CW for getting all 3 questions right!

OK, we're done with the owls. Now what shall I make for Christmas? :)


Related posts:
Owl Giveaway #1 - winner is Nick!
*Owl Giveaway #2 - winner is Amy!

*I have 4 caps where 2 are Nike and 2 are New Balance. I don't have a blue one - I borrowed it from YB.

Crochet: Owl Giveaway #2

I made 11 owls. 

I was just practising my crochet skills and had fun mixing the colours. I was REALLY hoping I could give them all away but out of the 11, only a few passed my critical quality control test. :P

This is ... Mike. 

(I really shouldn't name them, but it just came to me as I uploaded the picture!)

He is an insomniac hence the wide opened eyes.

Actual colours!

Measurements: 5.5cm in height, 4cm in width.

Made with 100% acrylic yarn, plastic beads for eyes, and stuffed with flannel.

He's a bit smaller than the other owl.

QUESTION 1: I PREFER TO WEAR A BANDANNA (ON MY HEAD) TO KEEP THE SWEAT AWAY FROM MY EYES. HOW MANY CAPS DO I OWN/WEAR?

ANSWER: 

A. 3

B. 4

C. 5 

D. None of the above.

QUESTION 2: NAME THE BRAND OF MY RUNNING DRESS.
A: Nuu Muu

Terms and conditions:

1. Only one entry per person. 

2. Answers to the question must be provided only in the comment section of this post.

3. If there are more than one correct entries, I will write your names on pieces of paper and have YB draw the winner out from the bowl/hat/box. You may try to bribe him haha! :D

4. The winner will be notified on my Facebook page and in this post. I will contact you thereafter by Facebook or email. :)

5. If there are no winners, I will provide another question. :D

6. Owl Giveaway #2 is closed at 12.00am Malaysian/Perth Time / 3.00am Melbourne/Sydney Time on Thursday, 31st October 2013. Comments added after the time may not be considered.

Update as 31st October 2013:
No one managed to get both answers correct. As Amy, Lina, Tristupe and Andrew got the 2nd question correct, their names were considered for a draw this morning and YB has drawn ...

Congrats, Amy!

Related post:

Crochet: Owl Giveaway #1 - the winner is Nick!
Crochet: Owl Giveaway #3 - the winner is Kew!

Crochet: Owl Giveaway #1

I've never had a giveaway contest before because I usually have nothing to give away. Haha!

A few weeks ago, I started on an owl crocheting spree and now I simply can't keep all of them. I am providing 3 of them for this 'contest' and omg, I hope some of you will try this for fun, anyway (to make me happy)!

This is ... Dave. 

(Well, if you win him, you can always change his name!)

He's 5.5cm tall and 4.5cm wide. He's mostly blue and enjoys sleeping.

Material used: 100% acrylic yarn. Stuffed with scraps of flannel.

Workmanship: Er, I'm still a beginner, sorry!

Wash Care: Hand wash.

QUESTION: WHICH EVENT WAS MY FIRST MARATHON AND HOW LONG DID I TAKE TO COMPLETE IT.

Terms and conditions:

1. Only one entry per person. 

2. Answer to the question must be provided only in the comment section of this post.

3. If there are more than one correct answer, I will write your names on pieces of paper and have YB draw the winner out from the bowl/hat/box. :D

4. The winner will be notified on my Facebook page and in the comment section below. I will contact you thereafter by Facebook or email. :)

5. If there are no winners, I will provide another question. :D

6. Owl Giveaway #1 is closed at 3.00am Malaysian/Perth Time / 6.00am Melbourne/Sydney Time on 30th October 2013.

Update as at 30th October 2013.
And the winner is ... Nick!

 Are you planning on giving it to the wife? :D

Related posts:
Crochet: Owl Giveaway #2 - the winner is Amy!
Crochet: Owl Giveaway #3 - the winner is Kew!

I Miss Crochet

I miss the colours!

[the photo above belongs to Genuine Mudpie]

Isn't that cute? *gush*

I came across her blog and the minute I saw that itty bitty slice of cake, my mind immediately said,"I WANNA MAKE ONE, TOO!!"

Before that, I came across a pair of colourful stripey gloves which I really, REALLY want to make, too!

I've been wanting a pair of gloves for a loooooong time as I really cannot tolerate the air-conditioning in the office - it's just ridiculously chilly!


Instead, as we all know, I have been spending too much time baking. I normally bake only once a week but sometimes I can go crazy and bake as much as three times in a day.

Hmmm, that has happened about twice so far.


I have 2 unfinished projects which I started between mid-August and early September and I'm honestly sure when will I come back to them again.

Soon, I hope.
Soon, I say, because baking is too fattening for the body, although I think I'm just getting the hang of making muffins. ;)

I started on this in September. If you must know, it is a camera lens beanie.

With popcorn stitches.

I started on this lens beanie in August but never got around to completing it. I use it, anyway!

If I had continued with it, I could probably make a striped snake for ...

a pillow?

And the reason why I'm making a new beanie (with popcorn stitches) is because the one I've used to envelope my lens is a wee bit tight. I got my calculations wrong as I didn't realise my lens was so fat!

Thought I'd show you something else with colourful stripes. ;)

Geoff kindly brought this from Kuching for us and the colours pretty much terrified YB. He said it felt really weird eating something with so much colouring.

More for me, then!

A Splash Of Sunshine

Things are much better now. We just have to focus on recovery and make sure the diet is under control.

I am back to the grindstone but I hope that with the Raya holidays, I will finally get some rest.

The weather in KK was extremely hot and as of yesterday, it was very humid and hazy. Thank goodness my flight back was not turbulent, unlike my flight to KK where I hung on to my seat very dearly.

The little girl who comes with her mum every morning spends her time playing with her toys at the back of ourhouse. Each time she saw me, she would ask where YB was. I'm sure she was just trying to make conversation to engage me. =) I don't think she really wanted to see YB, because as my sister and mum explained it, she just wanted to use the word "Mana" ("Where is") in her sentence/question.

This trip back, I didn't have enough time to sit and play with her.

Many people have expressed surprise or intrigue that I can crochet. You can imagine them raising their eyebrow in their minds when they coo,"Oh, you're so clever! You can knit!"

Many a times I had to correct them that I was not knitting. ;)

Like knitting (I presume), crochet is something I find therapeutic. My hands can move in rhythm and automatically in rows while my mind is free to wander until I reach the end of each row. Then it starts all over again.

Generally, I have never been a fan of bright red or orange colours but this time, I found myself in secret delight to see the splashes of colours in my work. Don't you just adore the colours? (Yes, I know I'm sounding like an aunty, but I can't help it!)

I'll need to buy more of these coloured yarns as I'm running low on the brightly coloured ones!

Drawstring Handy Bag

YB requested for something to keep his bits and bobs of mini cables and things so I made a simple pouch, flattered that he would ask me to make one for him to use.

I mean, surely his friends and colleagues would tease him for using such a girly looking pouch? =P

It took me 3 days or so to complete the pouch with double crochet stitches. I'm not too pleased with the drawstring as it doesn't tighten up properly.

Oh well, I guess I'm still learning. ;)

Can I at least say that I love the colour combination?

Progress of the Bunny Ears

As I mentioned previously during the last LSD in January, Ms Phyllis of PACM did suggest we wear bunny ears for our LSD on February 13th. I decided to make my own after discovering that:

a) the bunny ears sold at Watson's were not worth the price of RM9.90 - the ears are oddly angled; and
b) the bunny ears sold for RM6.90 at Lovely Tales (I think they've changed names!) had smeared glue at the base of the ears so it looked really messy! (before CNY, I swear the price was RM5.90!).

So I decided that I'd make my own.

That was before I realised it was pretty hard work!

I was supposed to start off during the Chinese New Year break, but I ended up starting on another project (I have tons of unfinished projects! apparently they are known as WIP for "Work In Progress") - a lens pouch for my macro lens.

Anyway, the things you would need for this simple *cough* project:

1) paper - to draw the shape of your bunny ears;
2) felt or flannel - pink and white, preferably;
3) thread and needle - to sew them together, d'oh;
4) thin wires - to make sure that the ears are tied "up" to the hair band; and
5) a cheap plastic hair band.

oh, if you're crocheting, you'll need your instruction sheet! =)

PART A:

For FELT-

Draw out the shape of the ears on paper. Cut out. Trace outline of the ears on your pink and white felt, so you should end up with 2 pieces of pink and 2 pieces of white. sew them together along the sides. Ta-daa!

PART A:

For CROCHET-

I am a do-as-you-go person so I started on one ear (on the flight back from KK to KL) and when I finished it, only did I write down the instructions properly. It was a tedious task, but that's how silly I work sometimes!

I counted the rows and printed them out nicely so I could follow it for the 2nd ear.

You see that faint yellow thingy on the unfinished 2nd ear? That was a paper clip with a Post It (note to remind me that I stopped at Row 14.)

I used the ear to draw its shape on paper, then cut it out to trace it on the pink flannel. Trimmed it a bit, just too make sure the pink wasn't too big.

I sewed the crochet piece and pink flannel piece together with white thread. Leave a gap at the bottom of the ears to insert the wires.

I only used what I had so don't tell me that my wires were really too thin.=P

PART B:

Now, bend them gently and insert into your ears, leaving about 2 inches of the ends sticking out.

I looped the end of the wires around the hair band. With some yarn, I sewed the base of the ears tightly to the hair band, going round and round and hiding as much of the wire as I could. Not a pretty sight, but that was the most I could do.

The end product.

Bent ears to give a slightly more authentic look, don't you think?

Don't think I'd be able to sell them for a profit, eh? ;)

I asked a friend whether he would be putting on Shrek's ears during the run. He said to me, "You make, I wear."

I took that as a challenge. I scoured the Internet for crochet patterns and pictures. I stared hard at Shrek's ears and compared them to some of the patterns I could find but in the end I decided to design my own pattern.

This time, I wrote down the instructions as I went along.
Finished them in one day. =)

Found a green hair band at Sinma for RM2.90.

The guy ended up saying that he was JUST joking, and so he didn't wear them for the run. Neither did I, anyway! I only wore the ears after the run.

Yin Yin and I posing with our ears. The ears received a lot of attention, which was rather embarrassing. I sure hope it was good attention and not bad! (Thanks very much for the support, Yin!)

Nevertheless, it was a good feeling to know that I can actually crochet something from scratch. *grins happily* I am, after all, still a beginner at crochet!

~~

On the LSD run, I found it really hard. I had a tough time maintaining my pace, and I think it was due to the lack of sleep the night before. With only 4 hours of sleep (no thanks to coffee at 8pm!), I just couldn't carry on after the 18th km. I even got lost and took the wrong way and boy, was it hilly! We had to re-trace our steps to find our way back to Bukit Aman.

Random Runspiration Tips:

(I think I missed out on a few posts!)

#4 If you think you need to rehydrate along the way and PACM's 2 water stations are not enough, always bring a small bottle of water with you. Have you seen the smalll Spritzer POP fizzy water bottles? That size should be enough for you to bring along. You can also fill it with half portion of water and half of 100plus. Be sure to leave it out of the fridge the night before or you don't want to have problems holding on to a cold bottle during your run!

I was once told by a friend that rehydration is VERY important. You need to know your body well enough to endure long runs, so really, don't be shy if you need to bring a small bottle of water with you. =D

#5 Smile or wave or greet runners along the way. There was once, right after reading this article, I decided to be as thick skinned friendly as Raymond and greeted (almost) every runner on the road. I made count as far as I could (but gave up after 25) and only about 1/3 responded positively. Serious runners don't usually bother greeting you!

It did dishearten me for a while, because it made me feel silly for greeting them and not getting a response in return. But I guess THEY should be the ones who should be ashamed of themselves for not being friendly. I think. =D

Hopping about

Oh my goodness it's hard work!

Some of us are doing a LSD this Sunday and previously a PACM member (Phyllis?) mentioned that we should put on bunny ears or lovebug ears, in conjunction of the Year of the Rabbit or Valentine's Day.

I told Yin Yin and we both thought it would be silly in a funny way to don bunny ears. I saw some selling for RM6.90 but didn't really like the quality of it, although the furry ears are sooooo nice to touch. =D

So I decided to make my own, but as I was supposed to start during the CNY break and I procrastinated (I only began on my flight back to KL!) I'm way behind from completing it.

But it looks like it'll be ready in time!

But I may not wear it. Shy leh!!

War of The Piggies

Pirate Pig : Ahoy there! Who goes there? Why are you pink like me? Arrr, show me your weapon! Don't yer be showing yer curly tail on me ship!

that's my colleague's piggy on his CPU, facing me. hmmfh.


in retaliation, this is Sausage the Pig, that used to sit on my monitor giving Pirate Pig the evil eye. doesn't he look like a mouse? =)

~

just thought i'd show you one of my finished crochet projects. he's adorable!

Fab Fri!

woohoo it's friday and for once, i'm just looking forward to the excitement for the coming weekend. *does a jig*

i think it also helps that work has been ok, not so bogged down, so yeah. that helps.

i just signed up for the NB Pacesetters 15k. *excited*

a colleague asked me to be a Pacesetter member, and YB said he's not interested. *stares at YB* so i'm contemplating whether i want to be one or not.

oh, and i'm attending my 1st diving lesson (confined dive) tomorrow bah. hence, the excitement. i'm going to have the instructor ALL TO MYSELF. HAH! what say you? i'm sure i'll be able to overcome my fear (and trauma?) soon and get certified.

i mean, i have been receiving a lot of encouragement from diver friends. i guess it helps that they didn't laugh at me for failing *sniff* but instead, told me to try again and i'll enjoy diving then?

so, YAY ME!

on crochet: ZOMG i really feel like a granny with arthritic hands. arggghhhh ... the pain in my joints are so annoying. it's due to gripping the cloth part mmkay. gahhh i should rub some ointment on them and see if they'll feel better. and zomg i never knew that one project could take up soooooo much time that i really doubt i'll finish up steph and joanne's surprise gifts in time. =(

bugger.

i can't believe it's april.
i shall publish my Wish List for my Birthday soon. *cackles*

crochet - step 1

GAHHHH!!!!!!
self-teaching via youtube is SO NOT EASY! either that, or i'm just blur.

i am determined to get started on something before i go to bed!!

Crochet Help.

Ooh Ooh! <---- *trying to sound excited*

i am SO getting a book and tools for crocheting! i AM going to learn it and be good at it and sell you all the stuff i make, well, if they're really good. i promise they won't be that expensive! hehe.

but i checked on MPH online and GAWD, the books are so expensive! thank goodness for Amazon.co.uk and friends in london ... *grins madly* ... they are SUCH saviours ...

YAY to the long weekend!
initially i was worried that i'd have to do last minute CNY clothes' shopping on Monday but to my great relief, i managed to get something this evening! so that gives me Monday for spring cleaning. *cringe*

ok la, to bed i go.

Crochet.

for some strange reason, i am thinking of learning how to crochet. o.O

wahahahaha~!

*shrug*

am i becoming maternal?

oh well, it'd be nice to know how to do something feminine. i've always wanted to learn how to knit! (more like, when i was 10 years old)

now what lead to this crocheting idea is ... amigurumi!

it's SO CUTE!!!!

i wanna learn how to make them!

but but but ... i don't even know the knitting/crocheting basics, what more amigurumi??

*aCk*

*browsing through a tutorial now*

ok, crocheting doesn't look THAT easy now ...