Spymama @ Mamakshop

Spypapa sent the car to the workshop for a change of tyres and replace his brake pads too. We wanted to be sure that the car is in good working order before the holidays as we were going for a long drive holiday in Malaysia. After coming back, he finally sent the car again to the workshop today for the regular mileage servicing. While waiting at the workshop upon collecting, I had some coffee (yes, they provided free beverage..hehe) and read the newspaper since Spypapa wanted them to check on something. I also saw some magazines that featured Ferrari parts and wondered if I will have the chance to sit in a Ferrari in the near future?

Wishful Thinking?

It’s been a while since I really went shopping. I’ve always been thrifty but I do have a weakness for designer goods. It is hard to go window shopping without buying so I rather not go shopping. With the gloom and doom, many things have actually selling cheaper to clear off old stocks and to bring in the new. I am expecting to see a broader variety of goods at very low prices when the Great Singapore Sale comes in around May. Even now, electrical goods are selling at a lower price compared with a year ago. It’s unbelievable! I am looking for a new handphone to replace mine that died on me two months ago. And perhaps a new cake mixer too. Online shops are also selling many things at a better price too.

I have always been an Apple user for the best years of my life. Then after about 9 years of being a committed MacUser, I had to learn pick up some knowledge in using the PC because we had to test our projects on both platforms - the Mac based computer AND the much feared PC (my phobia).. It was something that I never got used to because at that time I could never understand the reason for windows when we already had GUI in our Apples. It was that “ugh!” attitude towards all non-Mac stuff for me. I would refuse to learn the Word, preferring to work in Pagemaker for Mac and all the other softwares like Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop, etc. I was such an avid Apple fan then. I had as many as 3 Apple desktops and an ibook at home and not even closed to be an IT nerd. We called ourselves Cool Dudes.

After years of being on the Mac, it was very hard to betray myself to get on the PC desktop that belonged to Spypapa. And since I got started on the PC (being the only one connected to the internet), it was (still is) a struggle for me. I never really bothered with any of the softwares, preferring to surf and familiarize only how to blog, edit simple pics in MSPaint and upload/download stuff or chat on the MSN/Yahoo/Facebook/Skype… it’s been about 3 years and not once did I not think about the ease of my other softwares I’ve used in my Macs. Now all my Macs are all unplugged, ibook screen already reach the lifespan and turned purplish and yet, I am not parting with any of my White Elephants. Spypapa is nagging me to sell them to the rag and bone man.. OH Mannnnn… i just can’t sob..

In the past year, I’ve been in and out of PC shows and exhibition and am thinking of getting one of those cool netbooks so small that it can even fit the insides of your handbag. There are so many brands available but I am still waiting. Perhaps there is a sign of my favourite brand coming out with something like that too? Should I wait longer?

Many people do online business and make lots of money. I am still looking for something I can do. Rentals at brick and mortar shop are not declining yet. Everyone wants cheaper rental with a good traffic. Traffic is important. If an online business can get sufficient traffic, the business gets good potential and publicity. There are so many types of online business in the market. From education, retail, travel and even services and insurance online. Those were the days when we seldom shop via internet.. Nowadays many people just find it convenient and has more choices, internationally from home too.

So far, I have bought books and CDs online. Gonna try out other things next.

Does your partner snore in bed? Spypapa does and when he does it, it keeps me up the whole night. I would get stressed up when I sleep late because I know I will have to bear with this snoring machine for the rest of the night…

I tried to wake him to sleep on his side. It worked but by the time he is sound asleep, he would turn on his back then the snoring would start again… He said that sleeping on his back is more comfortable. With so little sleep for me, I also suffer from a bad back.. I need a firm bed but Spypapa likes it less firm.. The only solution to our difference in bed issues is either we get two separate beds or we get one of those beds that they call a sleep number bed. Instead of the traditional metal coiled bed, this type allows setting of the bed firmness according to one’s preference by the use of air chambers on each side. How wonderful. Anyone ever tried those?

My children has grown up so fast. I wonder if they will find good partners later on in life. I know I shouldn’t worry about these now. Everything is so unpredictable. When they were young, I got them some policies for education for the future. Now they are worth lesser than what it is suppose to be. Prices for many things have shot up and investments have gone weary. Should I get some new life insurance quotes now? Perhaps they would be cheaper at this point of life? I think terms life sounds better. At least something to put my mind at ease. Just for my children. Just in case.

It is now March. Time really flies. In the past two months, how did the year of the Ox do? Many said that it will be a slow year. But it will be steady. Like an Ox, we all have to work hard, toil and sweat. And these hardworks are the basis of many fruitful years. I believe so. Windfalls do not come easy, especially on an Ox year. It is time to put in efforts to make it work.

It is not easy to fall but steady growth is better than nothing. Businesses may be slow but if they can persevere through this period, I’m sure they will definitely see rewards when the economy picks up. We all have lessons to learn. Let this be a time to consolidate and reflect on things.

I’m crossing my fingers and hoping things will get better. It is sad to learn about those who are losing jobs. Especially those who have families to feed and bills to pay. For those who have a job, be thankful.

I can’t. I really can’t eat another piece of cake. But, I’ve got to clear them all because I have no more space in my refrigerator.. Yikes! Spymama is not really into cakes, It’s only me. I want to defrost that thick layer of ice in the freezer and I have a tub of ice cream too. Ben & Jerry’s my ultimate favourite. But how can I eat them all by the next day when the cable works fella is gonna switch off the electricity at home for the whole day. That is what happens to upgrading works recenly. Some of my friends are also facing this but they do not have a full fridge to clear, not like mine. Guess I have to start shopping for weight loss pills after gorging on cakes and ice cream this week. Ohh, I feel high from too much sugar already!

Spypapa wanted to try out that Golden Village premium theater screening that comes with plush comfy sofa chairs for couples. Can you believe that since the birth of my kids, we have not had the chance to visit the cinema as a couple?

Of course we hear about the advance technology, high defination screening and that awesome sound effects. So after listening to all that oohs and aahs about those comfy seats, we decided to check out Berkline seats that are used in home theaters of the rich and famous. I wish I had my own home theatre now. I don’t need a row of those lovely chairs but probably about 4 or 5 for our family. I certainly could do with some indulgence here.