How vain are you?

I took some time off while waiting for a cake to bake in the oven to read a friend's blog. Thought I'll take the vanity test for fun. Been some time since I've taken such quizzes and tests which are abundant in magazines. Well, here's what I scored.

You Are 35% Vain

Okay, so you're slightly vain from time to time, but you're not superficial at all. You are realistic. You know that looks matter. You just try to make them matter less.

How Vain Are You?

It's true. I am vain. More so now that I'm approaching 40, knowing that my body needs all the help it can get. However, not so much that I will consider plastic surgery to stop time. I am happy with the way I look now and I have many examples of women who have aged well. I can't remember who said this, "In your 20's you're born with your looks you have. When in your 50's, you have the looks you deserve". I paraphrase but I think I got my point across.

As I age, I hope my face will reflect laugh lines, a kind and approachable face and my body stays agile enough for me to keep active.

Becoming a skeptic

I needed to get some contact lens solution today. I picked up an economy pack of a known brand which cost RM34+ for 480ml. Then I saw another pack of 320ml packed together with a 180ml pack of an unknown brand selling for RM15+. Both have the same claims - all-purpose, no rub formula and prevents protein build-up. But why is one double the price of the other? Then I find myself doing what an average Malaysian will do. Check where the products were manufactured. The RM34+ one was made in Guangzhou for a popular brand. The cheaper one is an unknown brand, made in Malaysia. My first thought was to go with the known brand, which I've used before. The housewife in me says to get the cheaper pack. The skeptic in me says to go for the tried and tested imported one.

After pondering for some time, I picked the Malaysian-made one. Deep inside me, I want to believe that Malaysian companies and Malaysians do make quality products. We have to stop thinking that imported products are better than locally made products. And Malaysians have to prove that by making quality products. I'm looking forward to using my contact lens solution!

Goodbye 2006...

2006 has been an interesting year for me. On this last day of 2006, whilst busy preparing for a party at home with close friends and family, I'm feeling out of sorts and a little out of control. PMS doesn't help either. Very timely too as it gives me a time to reflect on 2006, my family and about myself. 2006 has overall been fabulous for me. I'm now able to exercise my creative self through cake making. I have two beautiful children and a husband who loves me. Yet, something seems to be lacking. What? I've been asking myself the past few weeks. I am angry about something. Feeling out of sorts about something. But what? Am I getting "all whined out"? Children whining 'coz they're bored. "Mama, ChiChi doesn't want to share with me!" "Mama, I got it first!" Well, kids, deal with it yourself! People around me whining about the state of the country and pointing out what should have happened or should be done. I'm whining to myself 'coz I've had to deal with bills, arranging for this and that, grocery shopping, etc? I'm tired of being the "bad guy" who says "Enough sweets", "Time for bed", "Eat more vegetable". Yes, I think I'm all whined out.

So, in 2007, I'm going to get "whiners" to stop telling me the problems but give me solutions instead. Show me more stuff that are going well and not always point out the negative. What can we do together? Inundate MPAJ with calls and letters to get them to do something about dying trees which are threatening to fall on a car? Highlight to the press? What? Give me solutions! If no solution, let's work something out together.

In 2007, I will like more "me" time alone at home. So I can enjoy my own home in peace and quiet. I love my children and really do appreciate having a helper at home but to bump into someone ALL the time *sigh*

I am looking forward to 2007 as I know it is going to be a year full of success and good tidings. It is going to be a fantabulous year for my family and me. Just less whining please, even from myself!

Self esteem

Recently I met someone I've not seen in quite a few years. We used to go clubbing together in a group when in our early 20's. This person has an uncanny ability to make me feel unsure of myself then and I was surprised to find out she still does. I'm finding it hard to describe. The way she doesn't really look at me when she talks and how what should be a compliment comes out as mocking. We never became buddies, merely acquaintance. Now I understand why.

I remember leaving her after some brief idle chat wondering why I feel the way I do whenever I meet her. Why do I feel so unsure of myself? Is it because she's superior to me? Why do I allow it? Maybe when I was in my early 20's and was less confident of myself, that would have been understandable. I'm in my late 30's, doing what I love and is good at it, I have a beautiful family and having the time of my life. So, nobody has the right to make me feel bad about myself. No reason to unless I allow it. Nope, not allowing that for sure!