Amelia's Nest

Every time I watched The Apprentice I can't help but to looked forward to the boardroom event, wherein Mr. Trump will announce the winner and somebody on the losing side will be fired out. Similar to the corporate world, it's in the board room that everything happens. Discussions, brain-storming and that somebody should be held responsible for the outcome of the task given. I got the hang of it and up until now am looking forward for every season and episode.

This season of The Apprentice, the participants are all celebrity, be it in movie, press or sports. Celebrities such as Trace Adkins, Carol Alt, Stephen Baldwin, Nadia Comaneci, Tiffany Fallon, Jennie Finch, Piers Morgan, Nely Galán, Marilu Henner, Lennox Lewis, Omarosa, Tito Ortiz, Vincent Pastore and Gene Simmons are among the participants. This season was much more different since the prize of the winning project manager will be given to their favourite charity and would compete for the title of Trump's, "Best Business Brain".

Last night, the last episode of the 1st Celebrity Apprentice (season 7 of The Apprentice) was shown here in Asia thou in the US it was aired last year. And it was Piers Morgan who emerge victorious. He won $250,000 with a total of $400,000 raised fund for his charity, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the title "Best Business Brain". And I personally like Piers right from start. He knows how to play the game and the right mind set in the game. True enough that if your in business especially in tough times just like what we have right now, one must be ruthless in order to win the battle. For him, "success means winning, period".

There are success lessons shared by the Trump University for this season's finale and so I quote:

"Remember why you are building your success. It's not for greed or dollars. It's an expression of care for the people you love."

"Ask people for help. And do it with your head held high. They will feel good to help you - and you'll build your success at the same time."

"Fight for causes that are bigger than you are. If you serve others as unswervingly as Piers did this season, you will enjoy personal success too."

And a final thought about this season...

When Mr. Trump created Celebrity Apprentice, he decided that the all the prize money would go to charities. Tito's charity supported children, Stephen's supported breast cancer - and the list goes on and on. It was an entertaining season - but the fact that it helped so many people made it stand head and shoulders higher than most any other program on the airwaves.

My two and half year old son can now express much of his thoughts. He started talking or uttering words like mama, papa, mummy, daddy and what-not before he reached one. And before reaching 30months or 2 1/2 years he can construct phrases or sentence such as "what's wrong mum?", "after this give chocolate mum", "please open milk ", "want to drink water, give Inna also", "daddy work office", "what are you doing here?" and so many more. Hubby and I can't seem to be amazed with how he talked and pronounce words.

As a parent we would love to see how our kids developed and watched the milestones in their lives. Parents can greatly influence the language development of the child. As I can remember I exposed my son as early as 10months to books and other reading materials. I read books to him before he sleeps and frequently talks to him. Which I also did with my daughter. My daughter also can utter words like papa, mimi, daddy and dede, which she uses when she asks for her milk.

I was also advise by my kid's paediatrician not to baby-talk my kids since this will have a great impact on the kids vocabulary. Talk with the kids on the regular words and emphasizing the proper pronunciation. Parents should also give directions one at a time, like "get the ball", , "where is your eyes?", "get your milk in the kitchen" and what not. Words should be clear and simple.

In the stages of language development my kids are doing well and as expected in their age. According to the article, language development chart in children at the age 24 months or 2 years the child:

- Can name a number of objects common to his surroundings
- Is able to use at least two prepositions, usually chosen from the following: in, on, under
- Combines words into a short sentence-largely noun-verb combinations (mean) length of sentences is given as 1.2 words
- Approximately 2/3 of what child says should be intelligible
- Vocabulary of approximately 150-300 words
- Rhythm and fluency often poor
- Volume and pitch of voice not yet well-controlled
- Can use two pronouns correctly: I, me, you, although me and I are often confused
- My and mine are beginning to emerge
- Responds to such commands as "show me your eyes (nose, mouth, hair)"

Click here to read the details of the language development chart.

This award came from Muffled Solitude and I thank her for giving me this:



In which I found her blog as eloquently written and according to her:

This award is bestowed upon a fellow blogger whose blog’s content or design is, in the giver’s opinion is brilliant.

And the rules are:

When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real.
Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends. Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!

Here are ten honest things about me:

* I take a bath with hot water.
* I rather have a good sleep than go eating.
* I still drink milk, yakult and eats yoghurt and cereal.
* My first mobile phone was Nokia 3210.
* I like 90's music.
* When I'm stressed I usually go to the grocery/mall even though I'm not really buying.
* Most of the people I meet thinks that I'm a snob, but I'm not.
* I like cooking than cleaning the house.
* I spend frugally.
* I have more than two pillows in bed.

Now I'm giving this award to:

* Sherrlyn Borkgren
* Wenny
* Bhing
* Myraine
* Mike
* Mr. Wilson
* Believer1984

January 22, 2009, the most awaited day has come, the day to watch the Cinderella and a date with hubby. The date that I previously posted. Thanks to my mother who is with us on that day to stay with the kids and so we can watch the show.

But before we proceed to the venue, hubby and I had a dinner at a Chinese restaurant. I simply love the food especially the cereal rice at Asian Kitchen.


Then after we ate we head ourselves at the venue, The Esplanade. We arrived 15 minutes before the show time. We were both entertained since it was not the usual Cinderella story. It was satirically presented with witty dialogue with a touched of present ideas and issues. That was the first time I saw Lea Salonga performed and I was enthralled by her voice and it was splendid. The cast was great and they performed fairly well.


After the show hubby bought me a souvenir shirt and post for some photos. Outside the theatre a lot of people post for a photo on the big signboard of Cinderella and hubby saw this three Japanese ladies, two are old but not so old and the other women was a bit young. Hubby asked me if I can asked the two old ladies if they enjoy the show because hubby saw them excited taking pictures with the smile on their face. And so I approached the old lady and asked her and she reply "yes we did enjoy the show" and then both of us are laughing. I did that just for the sake of fun and to calm the curiosity of hubby.


We end the night with a coffee and bread at the favourite coffee shop, Starbucks.


The night was full of mirth, excitement and love together with hubby. Thanks dear! Definitely a night to remember.

I stayed up late just to watch the full coverage of US President Barack Obama from the time people gather in Capitol, coming out of the White House with then President Bush, songs were sung, poems and speeches were read and until the speech of Presidet Obama has been uttered. I was moved by his speech and the spirit in him. I was stunned on how he was able to have that great speech and metaphorically delivered. A surrealism indeed. And sharing some of my my favourites.

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

"As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more."

"We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

January 20, 2009 as the first African American and 44th president of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama will sworn into office few hours from now and the world will be watching it. All eyes is in the USA as they mark history and a political milestone.

As Theodore C. Sorenen, a John F. Kennedy speech writer and alter ego said, “Obama is the most eloquent presidential candidate since JFK, and I would think we would hear the most eloquent speech since JFK’s 48 years ago”

The inauguration will be held in United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. and the speech will point two themes, responsibility and restoring public confidence. A lot of expectation, hopes and fears for this coming president. As the economy of US and the world is in crisis questions started to pop in my mind. Can he resolve the issue confronting racisms of white and black American? Can he stabilise the economy of USA? Can he improve the US-Russia relation? And what about diplomatic ties with Syria and Iran will this be materialise? Or will he be just part of the history?

Will wait and see how he leads his nations, an expectator in me.

Shrimp is one of my favorite food. Luckily it's abundant here in Singapore. I have made a recipe out of the shrimp and tomatoes. Husband love the food, it taste like Italian. Sharing the recipe that I have made. This is just easy to prepare and healthy. Enjoy and have fun cooking!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo of Shrimp, shelled but don't remove the head
5 small red onion, chopped
5 clove garlic, crushed and chopped
4 big fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoon catsup
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 teaspoon pepper mill
2 tablespoon canola oil or cooking oil
1 tablespoon ginisa mix
1 teaspoon chilli powder (optional)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese or quick melt cheese

Method:
1. Heat wok or skillet, add water and tomatoes
2. Simmer for 5 minutes or until tomatoes are cooked
3. Add catsup and mozzarella cheese then simmer for 5minutes in low heat
4. Add ginisa mix, pepper mill, chilli powder(optional) and thyme leaves to taste, then set aside.
5. In a separate pan, heat and add canola oil or cooking oil
6. Fry garlic and onion then placed the shrimp
7. Simmer for 5 minutes until the natural oil of the shrimp comes out
8. Placed the shrimp together with the sauce in a serving tray.
9. Served with hot rice.

Makes 3-4 servings.

Just watched the movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and this is one of the great movies I have ever watched. Starred by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett; directed by David Fincher; screenwritten by Eric Roth; and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Cean Chaffin. It was theatrical released last December 25, 2008 with a box office of $91,092,395. I like manner how it was presented. I love the plot and the dialogues and more so the actors involved in it. Again Brad Pitt had delivered a good movie, he is really a versatile actor and he was stunning. Just bear with it because the movie shows about 2 hours and 45 minutes but you'll be engrossed on the love story and the moments shared by Benjamin and Daisy. Pretty impressive and relaxing, a feel good movie I should say.

The story is based on short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a romantic drama that tells the tale of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) that was born in 1918 in New Orleans under unusual circumstance. You may view this film as closely similar to the movie The Forrest Gump but on a different tone and setting and perspective. The story discusses life's mystery, how people should perceived life, the people that we encounter that has been or will be part of our lives, the journey that we make and that everything is predetermined. It also shows that we should treasure every single bit of our lives as well as the people around us.

I was saddened to know that a certain friend is having a problem with her married life. I asked why “no longer happy”, replied. And I asked again “why not happy?” then a reply was uttered “not happy anymore even before getting married”. She was not happy to the point that she wants to end their relationship. I was shocked, really shocked. She should have been honest with her feelings and call-off the wedding so it would not be too complicated.

I know some officemates and friends who cancelled their wedding because they are having second thoughts of getting married. The one that I knew has cancelled three (3) wedding proposals to think that she has accomplished a lot when it’s come to her career, had masters degree, travelled abroad, owns a car and living a life that she wants but still she’s having a second thought. And asked her why and she said, she’s not ready to have a lifetime commitment.

I spoke with a counselor and asked questions about family, marriage and kids and told me that one of the hardiest things to maintain in life is the relationship. In any given circumstance be it a husband-wife, boyfriend-girlfriend, parent-child, employee-employer relationship or what have you because it involves two different people. Two people that differs in personality, values, character, and attitude that tries to work smoothly and gives their best to perform the role he/she is expected to.

He also emphasized the relationship of a husband and a wife. That marriage is a union of two souls, two individual trying to create their own world. It’s like a two company that has different set of values and mission that tries to merge. One must learn how to give and when to take.

I’m a no expert in relationship but as I encounter scenarios and issues and then realisation come in. Keep in mind that human being is interdependent and we need to relate in one way or another. Am sharing some points that I have that helps my relationship to my husband, mother, cousins, friends, relatives, and to all the rest; and hope it will serve you better.

1. Learn to Compromise
In every decision the two must agree or at least compromise. They should know how to bargain on certain issues and matters affecting their relationship.

2. Know your Role
Know your role by this you’ll know what is your obligations and responsibilities to other side be it your lifetime partner, a fiancé or a friend. Each and everyone of us has it's role to play and we are expected to play that role. And I quote William Shakepeare

"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,..."

3. Have an Open Communication
Give reasons why you behave that why. Express yourself freely and with no pretensions. If you want to point something talked it out. Who cares if it will take you hours to explain your thought. Also know how to listen with your heart and mind so for whatever you have discussed or agreed upon it will remain in your heart and will solemnly keep the promise you made for each other.

4. Be Honest
In every undertaking be honest on what you feel. It will make a difference if you will say what you truly feel. Do not hesitate to say whatever it is, just be yourself no matter what. If the other end will be hurt by that its fine at least it will be temporary and you have said your piece with respect and all honesty.

5. Respect Each Other
This should be exercise in any relationship, giving a sense of worth to the person. Allow your partner or whoever he/she is to be who he/she is. Don’t restrict him/her to do things that he/she wants but of course both of you should know your limitations.

Let me end this with a quote from Jone Johnson Lewis, a minister and writer, “the human condition is that we are individuals in relationship, and there are tensions between individuality and relatedness. A humanist spirituality is not one of complete dependence, nor of complete independence -- neither condition can be defended as primary. Rather, a humanist spirituality is one of interdependence.”

Last night as I was watching the news I was amazed on how countries perform over past year. The Heritage Foundation, an American conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. and Wall Street Journal has released the result of the world's freest economies for 2009. By the way economic freedom as The Heritage Foundation defines it, the highest form of economic freedom provides an absolute right of property ownership, fully realized freedoms of movement for labor, capital, and goods, and an absolute absence of coercion or constraint of economic liberty beyond the extent necessary for citizens to protect and maintain liberty itself. In other words, individuals are free to work, produce, consume, and invest in any way they please, and that freedom is both protected by the state and unconstrained by the state; and listed below is the top ten.

1. Hong Kong - 90.0
2. Singapore - 87.1
3. Australia - 82.6
4. Ireland - 82.2
5. New Zealand - 82.0
6. United States 80.7
7. Canada - 80.5
8. Denmark - 80.0
9. Switzerland - 79.4
10.United Kingdom - 79.0

Amazingly Hong Kong top for 15th straight year putting the rival Singapore to second and this place me in awe on how they were able to manage to balance their economy and government thinking that the top two is an Asian country and it's something that Asians should be proud of. And sadly the Philippines has ranked 104 out of 183 countries listed. True enough that one country should have a good government that will enable them to function fully. Must have leaders that will put the interest of their nation and people on the top priority. Who will unselfishly serve the countrymen and set aside their self interest.

You may ask how about the basis of their ranking; they have ten (10) specific factors and average them equally into total score and each of this factors where graded from 0 to 100 and 100 as being the highest score. The ten factors are:

- Business Freedom
- Trade Freedom
- Fiscal Freedom
- Government Size
- Monetary Freedom
- Investment Freedom
- Financial Freedom
- Property Rights
- Freedom from Corruption
- Labor Freedom

If your interested more to know about the report and the foundation click here.

For those of you who feel so down and thought that there is no life or for whatever you are in state right now I asked you to watch this video. This shows what selfless love is. The great love of a father to his son. The faith that they have that keeps them going. I agree with Ionne, don't forget to hand a tissue before you watch this. I have played this many times and it touched me deeply.

"I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13