In the past, my menstrual period is irregular. What I mean is it will be few days/ weeks later or earlier from the previous occurence.

However, my period occurance is predictable for the last 7 months. Because it will be exactly the same date (or 1 day earlier/ later) as last month.

I am very very very worried because I will be having period on my actual wedding day. (Morning will be the traditional chinese wedding ceremoney and at night is the wedding dinner.) Even if it is 2 days earlier or later than my predicted date, it's bingo too. I will be having heavy period. What should I do? My wedding is just 1 month away.

During my period, I prone to have acne breakout. I also tend to get tired very easily on the first and second day of my period. But my biggest fear is that beautiful white wedding gown. It will be a humiliation if the redness was found on the white gown. Also, I was shy  if other people saw it during when I change into second evening gown in the restaurant dressing room.

If I want to avoid the period on that day, I prefer not to take this pill because I heard that it is bad for health. But what other methods are available?

If I cannot avoid it, I should learn how to manage it. Should I wear another shorts inside? (Because I tends to spills some red on my shorts sometimes).

If accidentally there are really redness on the white gown, how to clean it? Because the bridal house deduct from my deposit if there are stains.

THE PINEAPPLE

Pineapple in Hokkien sounds like " Ong Lye " or "Ong" prosperity. Thus rolling in of a pineapple or "Ong" (Prosperity) sounds like rolling in LUCK into the home! Depending on one's dialect group, there are various other "Jumping in" or "throwing in" process. As mentioned above, all these have to do with the idea of throwing in "luck" into one's home.

Just remember that the idea, here is to "roll" not "fly-in" the pineapple. It would be considered very inauspicious if one throws it too hard; where the pineapple simply rolls to the balcony and flys off the home. Here, one's wealth just fly-out of the window. Hows this for bad luck? Therefore, if possible, try to roll it into the home gently. It would be great if it rolls to the "centre" area of the home. Here, wealth will spread to all other rooms.

RICE
Since the stable food of the Chinese is rice, than it is natural to go into the home and sprinkle (scatter) rice all around the various rooms of the home. (REMEMBER AGAIN: Don't spill it out of the window).

GREEN BEANS
Green symbolise the East or rising sun. And again scattering green beans in the home is symbolic of seeding the home (with children). Just imagine - the hope is that green beans sprout in the home .. and this symbolic gesture has to do with this. Erh.. Don't purposely, water them to germinate them.

SALT
Especially if the house is a second-hand one, often, salt is sprinkled around the home to supposely cleanse away bad qi or old qi. And also sprinkled in the toilet.

"Huat Quay" or Rising Cake
As the Hokkien term "Huat" suggests, it means "prosper". And bringing in this item is symbolic of rise or raise. Most often, this is brought in during the selection of the move-in date. But, some Chinese prefer to do it during the "getting the key" or first day. While others do it during the actual move-in date.

Most policy holder who bought the common 36 critical illnesses coverage (also known as 36 dread diseases), will have the definition clearly stated in their life insurance policy. Here is the definition taken from Great Eastern Life insurance policy. Other life insurance company also uses the same definition although some wordings might vary. Anyway, the general definition should be the same. Here is the list:

1. Heart Attack

The death of a portion of the heart muscle (myocardium) as a result of inadequate blood supply and being evidenced by:-
(a) A history of typical prolonged chest pain; and
(b) New electrocardiographic changes resulting from this occurrence; and
(c) Elevation of the cardiac enzyme (CPK-MB) above the generally accepted laboratory levels of normal.
Diagnosis based on the elevation of Troponin T test alone shall not be considered diagnostic of a heart attack.
Angina is specifically excluded.

2. Stroke

Defined as a cerebrovascular accident or incident producing neurological sequelae of a permanent nature, having lasted not less than six months. Infarction of brain tissue, hemorrhage and embolisation from an extra-cranial source are included. The diagnosis must be based on changes seen in a CT scan or MRI and certified by a Consultant Neurologist.
Specifically excluded are cerebral symptoms due to transient ischaemic attacks, any reversible ischaemic neurological deficit, vertebrobasilar ischaemia, cerebral symptoms due to migraine, cerebral injury resulting from trauma or hypoxia and vascular disease affecting the eye or optic nerve or vestibular functions.

3. Coronary Artery Disease Requiring Surgery

Refers to the actual undergoing of coronary artery by-pass surgery by way of thoracotomy to correct or treat coronary artery disease but not including angioplasty, other intra-arterial, keyhole or laser procedures.

4. Cancer

Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth and spread of malignant cells and the invasion and destruction of normal tissue for which major interventionist treatment or surgery (excluding endoscopic procedures alone) is considered necessary. The cancer must be confirmed by histological evidence of malignancy.
The following conditions are excluded:-
(a) Carcinoma in situ including of the cervix
(b) Ductal Carcinoma in situ of the breast
(c) Papillary Carcinoma of the bladder and Stage 1 Prostate Cancer
(d) All skin cancers except malignant melanoma
(e) Stage I Hodgkin’s disease
(f) Tumors manifesting as complications of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

5. Kidney Failure

End stage kidney failure presenting as chronic irreversible failure of both kidneys to function, as a result of which regular renal dialysis is initiated or renal transplantation carried out.

6. Fulminant Viral Hepatitis

This is defined as a sub massive to massive necrosis of the liver caused by any virus leading precipitously to liver failure.
The diagnostic criteria to be met are:
(a) A rapidly decreasing liver size as confirmed by abdominal ultrasound; and
(b) Necrosis involving entire lobules, leaving only a collapsed reticular framework; and
(c) Rapidly deteriorating liver functions tests; and
(d) Deepening jaundice.
Hepatitis B infection or carrier status alone does not meet the diagnostic criteria.

7. Major Organ Transplant

The actual undergoing of a transplant as a recipient of one of the following human organs:
(a) Kidney
(b) Lung(s)
(c) Liver
(d) Heart
(e) Bone marrow

8. Paralysis / Paraplegia

The complete and permanent loss of use of both arms or both legs, or one arm and one leg, through paralysis caused by illness or injury persisting for at least six (6) months from the date of trauma or illness.

9. Multiple Sclerosis

Unequivocal diagnosis by a Consultant Neurologist confirming the following combination, which has persisted for at least a continuous period of six (6) months:
(a) Symptoms referable to tracts (white matter) involving the optic nerves, brain stem and spinal cord, producing well-defined neurological deficits; and
(b) A multiplicity or discrete lesions; and
(c) A well-documented history of exacerbation and remissions of said symptoms / neurological deficits.

10. Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Means primary pulmonary hypertension with substantial right ventricular enlargement established by investigations including cardiac catheterization, resulting in permanent irreversible physical impairment to the degree of at least Class 3 of the New York Heart Association Classification of cardiac impairment, and resulting in the Life Assured being unable to perform his/her usual occupation.

11. Blindness

The total, permanent and irrecoverable loss of the sight of both eyes. Certification by an ophthalmologist is necessary.

12. Heart Valve Replacement

The actual undergoing of open-chest surgery to replace or repair cardiac valves as a consequence of heart valve defects or abnormalities that have occurred after the date of issue or date of reinstatement of this contract.
Repair, via valvotomy, intra-arterial procedure, key-hole surgery or similar techniques are specifically excluded.

13. Loss Of Hearing / Deafness

Total, permanent and irreversible loss of hearing in both ears as a result of disease or accident. Medical evidence in the form of an audiometry and sound-threshold test must be provided.

14. Surgery To Aorta

The actual undergoing of surgery via a thoracotomy or laprotomy to repair or correct an aortic aneurysm, an obstruction of the aorta or a coarctation of the aorta. For the purpose of this definition, aorta shall mean the thoracic and abdominal aorta but not its branches.

15. Loss of Speech

Total and irrecoverable loss of the ability to speak for a continuous period of 12 months. Medical evidence to confirm injury or illness to the vocal cords to support this disability must be supplied by an appropriate (Ear, Nose, Throat) specialist.
All psychiatric related causes are excluded.

16. Alzheimer’s Disease / Irreversible Organic Degenerative Brain Disorders

Deterioration or loss of intellectual capacity or abnormal behavior as evidenced by the clinical state and accepted standardized questionnaires or tests arising from Alzheimer’s Disease or irreversible organic degenerative brain disorders excluding neurosis, psychiatric illness, and any drug or alcohol related organic disorder, resulting in significant reduction in mental and social functioning requiring the continuous supervision of the Life Assured. The diagnosis must be clinically confirmed by an appropriate consultant.

17. Major Burns

Third degree burns covering at least twenty percent (20%) of the Life Assured’s body surface area as measured by “The Rule of 9” of the Lund & Browder Body Surface Chart.

18. Coma

A state of unconsciousness with no reaction or response to external stimuli or internal needs, persisting continuously for at least 96 hours, requiring the use of life support systems and resulting in a neurological deficit, lasting more than 30 days. Confirmation by a Consultant Neurologist must be present.
Coma resulting directly from self-inflicted injury, alcohol or drug misuse is excluded.

19. Terminal Illness

The Life Assured must be suffering from a condition, which in the opinion of an appropriate Medical Practitioner is highly likely to lead to death within 12 months. The Life Assured must no longer be receiving active treatment other than that for pain relief.

20. Motor Neurone Disease”

Motor neurone disease of unknown aetiology is characterized by progressive degeneration of corticospinal tracts and anterior horn cells or bulbar efferent neurons. These include spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and primary lateral sclerosis.
Diagnosis must be confirmed by a Consultant Neurologist.

21. AIDS Due To Blood Transfusion

The Life Assured being infected by HIV virus or AIDS provided that:
(a) the infection is due to blood transfusion received in Malaysia or Singapore after the commencement of the Policy; and
(b) the Life Assured is not a haemophiliac; and
(c) the Life Assured is not a member of any high risk groups such as but not limited to homosexuals, intravenous drug users or sex workers.
Notification and proof of incident will be required via a statement from a statutory Health Authority that the infection is medically acquired.

22. Parkinson’s Disease

Unequivocal diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease by a Consultant Neurologist where the condition:
(a) Cannot be controlled with medication; and
(b) Shows signs of progressive impairment; and
(c) Activities of Daily Living assessment confirm the inability of the Life Assured to perform without assistance three (3) or more of the Activities of Daily Living.
Only idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease is covered. Drug-induced or toxic causes of Parkinsonism are excluded.

23. Chronic Liver Disease

End stage liver failure evidenced by permanent jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy and portal hypertension.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy and liver failure secondary to alcohol or drug misuse is excluded.

24. Chronic Lung Disease

End stage respiratory failure including chronic interstitial lung disease.
The following criteria must be met:
(a) Requiring permanent oxygen therapy as a result of a consistent FEV1 test value of less than one liter.
(Forced Expiratory Volume during the first second of a forced exhalation); and
(b) Arterial Blood Gas analysis with partial oxygen pressures of 55mmHg or less; and
(c) Dyspnoea at rest.

25. Major Head Trauma

Physical head injury causing significant permanent functional impairment lasting for a minimum period of three (3) months from the date of the trauma or injury. The resultant permanent functional impairment is to be verified by a Consultant Neurologist and duly concurred by the Company’s Medical Officer and must result in an inability to perform at least three (3) of the Activities of Daily Living either with or without the use of mechanical equipment, special devices or other aids and adaptations in use for disabled persons. For the purpose of this benefit, the word “permanent”, shall mean beyond the hope of recovery with current medical knowledge and technology.

26. Aplastic Anaemia

Chronic persistent bone marrow failure which results in total aplasia of the bone marrow and requires treatment with at least one of the following:
(a) Regular blood product transfusion
(b) Marrow stimulating agents
(c) Immunosuppressive agents
(d) Bone marrow transplantation

27. Muscular Dystrophy

The diagnosis of muscular dystrophy shall require a confirmation by a Consultant Neurologist of the combination of 3 out of 4 of the following conditions:
(a) Family history of other affected individuals
(b) Clinical presentation including absence of sensory disturbance, normal cerebro-spinal fluid and mild tendon reflex reduction
(c) Characteristic electromyogram
(d) Clinical suspicion confirmed by muscle biopsy
No benefit will be payable under this Covered Event before the Life Assured had reached the age of 12 years next birthday.

28. Benign Brain Tumor

A life-threatening, non-cancerous tumor in the brain giving rise to characteristic signs of increased intra-cranial pressure such as papilloedema, mental symptoms, seizures and sensory impairment. The presence of the underlying tumor must be confirmed by imaging studies such as CT Scan or MRI.
Cysts, granulomas, malformations in or of the arteries or veins of the brain, haematomas, tumors in the pituitary gland or spine and tumors of the acoustic nerve are excluded.

29. Encephalitis

Defined as severe inflammation of brain substance, resulting in permanent neurological deficit lasting for a minimum period of 30 days and certified by a Consultant Neurologist. The permanent deficit must result in an inability to perform at least three (3) of the Activities of Daily Living either with or without the use of mechanical equipment, special devices or other aids and adaptations in use for disabled persons. For the purpose of this benefit, the word “permanent”, shall mean beyond the hope of recovery with current medical knowledge and technology.
Encephalitis as a result of HIV infection is excluded.

30. Poliomyelitis

Unequivocal diagnosis by a Consultant Neurologist of infection with the Poliovirus leading to paralytic disease as evidenced by impaired motor function or respiratory weakness. Cases not involving paralysis will not be eligible for this benefit. Other causes of paralysis (such as Guillain-Barre syndrome) are specifically excluded.

31. Brain Surgery

The actual undergoing of surgery to the brain under general anesthesia during which a craniotomy is performed. Bur Hole and brain surgery as a result of an accident is excluded.

32. Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis causing inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord resulting in permanent neurological deficit lasting for a minimum period of 30 days and resulting in a permanent inability to perform at least three (3) of the Activities of Daily Living either with or without the use of mechanical equipment, special devices or other aids and adaptations in use for disabled persons. For the purpose of this benefit, the word “permanent”, shall mean beyond the hope of recovery with current medical knowledge and technology.

33. Other Serious Coronary Artery Disease

The narrowing of the lumen of at least three major arteries i.e. Circumflex, Right Coronary Artery (RCA), Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD), by a minimum of 60 percent or more as proven by coronary arteriography. This benefit is payable regardless of whether or not any form of coronary artery surgery has been performed.

34. Apallic Syndrome

Universal necrosis of the brain cortex, with the brainstem remaining intact. Diagnosis must be confirmed by a Consultant Neurologist and condition must be documented for at least one month.

35. AIDS Cover of Medical Staff

Infection by any Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) only if the Life Assured is a Medical Staff as defined below, and that such infection was considered by the medical authorities involved to be caused by a needlestick/sharp instrument injury or by exposure to blood or bloodstained body fluid which occurred after the commencement of the Policy. The accident must have occurred whilst the Life Assured was following his normal occupational duties and reported in accordance with the established occupational procedures for such accidents. The Life Assured must, within 5 days of the accident have undergone a blood test indicating the absence of HIV or its antibodies but a further blood test performed within 6 months of the accident must indicate the presence of HIV or its antibodies after the commencement of the Policy.
However, the benefit payable will not apply if any medical cure is found for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or the effects of the HIV virus or a medical treatment is developed which results in the prevention of the occurrence of AIDS.
“Medical Staff” is defined as Doctors (General Physicians and Specialists), nurses, laboratory technicians, dentists (surgeons and nurses), ambulance workers who are working in the medical centre or hospital or dental clinics/polyclinics in Malaysia.

36. Full Blown AIDS

The clinical manifestation of AIDS (Acquired Immune-deficiency Syndrome) must be supported by the results of a positive HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) antibody test and a confirmatory Western Blot test. In addition, the Life Assured must have a CD4 cell count of less than two hundred (200) and one or more of the following criteria are met:
(a) Weight loss of more than 10% of body weight over a period of six (6) months or less (wasting syndrome)
(b) Kaposi Sarcoma
(c) Pneumocystic Carinii Pneumonia
(d) Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
(e) Active Tuberculosis
(f) Less than one-thousand (1000) lymphocytes
(g) Malignant Lymphoma

1. Find a suitable auspicious day and time according to Tong Shu/Sheng (The Chinese Almanac); the selection of auspicious date should take into consideration of the birth data of the family members, but priority is given to the house-owner/patriarch.

2. Prior the appointed date, light up the house for 3 consecutive nights (do make sure that all the light bulbs are working).

3. At the appointed auspicious day and time (usually before noon and do move in before noon), before entering the house, say a prayer at the door and proclaim that you are the rightful owner of the house and claim for its ownership and possession and politely ask any 'uninvited guest' to leave (or perform religious ritual/rite according to your religious beliefs).

4. Enter the house with your sale and purchase agreement (and marriage certificate for newly wed couple).

5. Before moving other things in, locate and position the altar, and perform the necessary sacred ceremony/rites.

6. Open all the door, windows, lights, water pipe, heater, electricity/gas appliance (to make sure and declare everything is functioning). We clean the energies or Qi in the house by opening all the windows to let fresh air flow through the house.

7. Let the water run and gas burn for approximately 3 minutes - this is to signify the flow of energy/qi in the house.

8. Now invite others to come in (and no one should enter empty handed) Bring the 5 necessities for kitchen (cooking oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, rice) and some Chinese customs say bring a: brush and broom, bucket filled with water, pairs of chopstick or fork and spoon. (Some Chinese even bring a charcoal cooker with burned charcoal from the old/parents' house to symbolize the "Passing on" of a generation or some said, representing a "burning success").

9. Cook some things, boil a kettle of water and cook some things sweet and/or a light meal with your family members.

10. If the furniture was placed in previously [see note below] (they should not be placed at the exact location) position them properly at the appropriate location.

11. If the furniture has not been place in, put them in now.

12. Put NEW money/red pocket at where you should normally keep your money - desk drawer/safe, preferably the wealth corner.

13. Put sweets on all tables and desks - stands for good fortune.

14. Pack enough clothing for (at least) a night stay (because of clause 15).

15. Do make sure that you and the family members stay and sleep for the night after moving in.


Note:

1. Don't move house when there is a pregnant woman in the family, or at least the pregnant woman should not be at the scene on the day of moving.

2. At the day of moving, say good things, and avoid any dispute.

3. Some Chinese folks use mixture of salt and rice for house cleansing purposes, but I believe a prayer would do.

4. After moving in, organize a 'house-warming' party for lunch or dinner; the presence of guests would bring favourable 'Yang/Sheng Qi' to the house.

5. There is no need to move 'everything' in at the appointed date, other minor things can be moved in at a later time.

6. It is Chinese custom to assemble the cooker and the bed on another date (according to auspicious date from the Tong Shu) before the moving in date. But then the cooker should be dis-assembled from its connector, and the bed not placed at its exact intended location. The bed-sheet of the bed should only be made at the moving in day.

7. Any charms or talismans at the old house should be properly disposed off.

Have you ever wonder how many things you can keep in your pocket ? Yes, I know it is a silly question.

For girls, we get used to put everything in our handbag. Examples are wallet, handset, car keys, house keys, tissue paper, lipsticks and other cosmetics. Some even put umbrella, book, appointment/ small note book and etc. If I did not bring along my handbag during quick lunch, my slack/ skirt's pockets only have just enough space for wallet, handset and tissue paper and it already looked bulky. 

I went out for lunch with a few of my colleagues today. Because I was wearing a skirt without pocket, I just keep my wallet and handset in my hand. I bring the wallet because my identitiy card (IC) and money is inside. I also cannot leave my handset in the office because it is a very important gadget. After get out of the car, a male colleagues offered to keep wallet and handset of mine and another female colleague because he said it is too dangerous. Both of us are attracting the snatch thief to start their work. Two of us agreed and passed our properties to him. He keep them in two sides of his black slack's pockets. And I am amazed that his two pockets did not looked bulky and can accomodate 3 wallets, 3 handsets, his car keys and house keys (and maybe some other things which I am not aware). Nobody will know he kept so many things in this wallet because it is not obvious.

A friend of mine called complaining about her relationship with her boyfriend of 6 years. They were studying in the same college and still together after graduation. Both of them had worked for about 5 years. She called because she was confused and undecided. She asked me few questions which I find difficult to answer. 

If your boyfriend loved you very much and treats you real good...Will you stay on a relationship if one of these happened.

1) You earn more than him?  

2) He changed job almost every year? 

3) He owned lots of money due to his spending exceeded his income. 

4) He is his mummy's good boy.

I am also not sure how to advise her. I think it depends on what's her priority and limit for boyfriend/ husband material. Is it love, family, financial, career, appearance.....etc

There are three methods that may help you keep track of your fertility.

Basal Body Temperature Method

Basal body temperature is your at-rest temperature as soon as you awake in the morning. This temperature rises slightly with ovulation, so recording this temperature daily for several months will help you predict when you’ll be most fertile.

Usually this temperature rises only slightly during ovulation, anywhere from 0.4 to 0.8 degrees. You can use a basal body thermometer to detect this change. Then plot your daily temperature on a line graph. Reoccurring spikes on the graph usually indicate ovulation.

Calendar Method

The calendar method involves keeping a written record of each menstrual cycle on a calendar. Here’s how it works:

• The first day of your period is day 1. Circle it on the calendar.
• Do this for eight months to one year so you know how many days are usually in your cycle. The length of your cycle may vary from month to month, so write down the total number of days it lasts each time.
• To find out the first day you are most fertile, check your calendar for the cycle with the fewest days. Subtract 18 from that number. Take this new number and, starting on day 1 of that period, count ahead that many days on the calendar. Draw an X through this date. The X marks the first day of your cycle you’re likely to be fertile.
• To find the last day you are most fertile, check your calendar for your longest cycle. Subtract 11 from that number. Take this new number and, starting on day 1 of that period, count backward that many days on the calendar. Draw an X through this date. The X marks the last day of your cycle you’re likely to be fertile.

The calendar method should be used with other tracking methods, especially if your cycles are not always the same length.

Cervical Mucus Method

The cervical mucus method involves being aware of the changes in your vaginal discharge throughout the month. The hormones that control the menstrual cycle also change the kind and amount of discharge, or mucus, you have before and during ovulation. Right after your period, there are usually a few “dry” days when no mucus is present. As the egg matures, mucus increases in the vagina and is white or yellow and cloudy and sticky. The greatest amount of mucus appears just before ovulation. During these "wet days" it becomes clear and slippery. This is when you are most fertile. About four days after the wet days begin, the mucus changes again. There will be much less, and it becomes sticky and cloudy. You might have a few more dry days before your period returns. Describe changes in your mucus on a calendar. Label the days “Sticky,” “Dry” or “Wet.” You are most fertile at the first sign of wetness after your period, or a day or two before wetness begins. This method is not reliable for all women, so pair it with another fertility awareness method. Women who are breastfeeding, have vaginitis or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or have had surgery on the cervix should not rely on this method.

Tense? Tired? Tearful? Put down that club-size bag of kettle chips and check your calendar. It’s likely your next period is pushing some emotional buttons and triggering those hefty cravings. For many women, controlling PMS symptoms is a monthly struggle.

Whether it’s anxiety or irritability, mood swings or crying jags, the emotional effects of PMS can often be more disruptive than the physical ones. You can help tame the monthly emotional rollercoaster by going for these nutritional choices.

Go fish (and flax). Albacore tuna, sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring and lake trout are all healthy mood foods because they contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can sharpen your thinking and trigger the production of serotonin, a positive mood-enhancer (and incidentally, the same chemical released by the brain when you bite into dark chocolate). Not a fish lover? Walnuts and flaxseed are also great sources of Omega-3s. Try sprinkling ground flaxseed on your morning yogurt or whole grain cereal.

Go for magnesium-rich foods. Magnesium helps our bodies regulate serotonin activity, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter and natural appetite suppressor. PMS can lower magnesium in blood levels causing emotional stress and cravings. Fight gloominess and gluttony with foods that are high in magnesium such as black beans, pumpkin seeds, artichokes, bananas, spinach, peanuts, cashews, brown rice, and tofu.

Go whole. Buy as many fresh foods as possible and read labels for products that contain whole nutrients. Choose whole grain breads, pasta and cereals. These complex carbs are ideal for fighting the grumpies and raising serotonin levels. They’re also loaded with B vitamins, especially B6 which helps to reduce irritability and depression. Additionally, you’ll be avoiding foods with additives and preservatives that can sometimes increase mood swings by triggering unwanted chemical reactions in the brain.

Go caffeine-free. Caffeine in any form can seriously alter your mood. And when your hormones are in high gear, that’s not necessarily a good thing. To keep your pre-period moodiness to a minimum, enjoy decaf versions of your favorite coffee or soda. Or have a hot cup of relaxing, caffeine-free herbal tea. Try chamomile tea. It reduces tension and eases anxiety.

And Now, a Word About Chocolate. You don’t need anyone to tell you that devouring that giant heart-shaped box of Valentine chocolates in one fell swoop is bad for you. Sugary snacks worsen mood swings, not to mention what processed sugars do to your waistline and wellbeing. Still, it’s hard to deny what that first delectable bite of chocolate decadence does for your mental state (thanks again to serotonin). For those times when you’ve just got to have it, try this quick and healthier chocolate fix: Take unsweetened cocoa powder (it’s chocolate without the fattening cocoa butter), mix it with soymilk, a bit of cornstarch for thickening and just a hint of natural sweetener, such as stevia. Heat in a saucepan, then dip fresh strawberries, bananas, pear slices, or any of your favorite fruits into the chocolatey guilt-free goodness. Voila! A healthy dose of the chocolate you crave!

Go For It! Rejecting junk foods altogether and consistently maintaining a well-balanced diet is the optimum way to alleviate your worst PMS symptoms. When life’s realities don’t make that possible, try stocking your shelves with the above good mood foods long before Mother Nature comes calling. That way, when you reach for the first salty or sweet snack you can get your hands on, you’ll improve the odds that it will be something much, much better for you.

Every woman has worried about being caught off guard by her period. The best way to avoid this is to learn about your cycle. Once your period begins and becomes regular, keep track of the cycle on a calendar. Mark down the day it begins, how heavy the flow is each day, how many days it lasts, and how many days are between the beginning of one period and the beginning of the next. The entire menstrual cycle is, on average, about 28 days long. But some are longer and some are shorter.

Your period is the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Keep track for a few months. Pretty soon, you will know about when your period will start and you will know how to prepare for it. You’ll also get a better idea of what kind of flow (heavy or light) to expect each day of your period.

What Happens Each Month

Most menstrual cycles last about 28 days. But every menstrual cycle has two parts: before ovulation and after. You are most fertile and most likely to get pregnant two to three days before ovulation and 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

• Day 1 is the first day of your period.
• Between days 7 and 11, the lining of the uterus begins to thicken and ready itself to nourish an egg.
• Around day 14, ovulation occurs. Your hormones cause an egg to be released into the fallopian tubes to travel toward the uterus. If a sperm unites with the egg, the egg will attach to the lining of the uterus, and pregnancy occurs.
• If the egg is not fertilized, it will break apart. Between days 25 and 28, hormone levels start to drop and your body prepares to shed the lining of the uterus so that the cycle may begin again.

When you find your body beginning to grow and change, you may have a few questions. Where did those come from? What happens next? What’s normal?

But don’t worry. You’ll probably be surprised to find out just how normal you are. The human body is pretty amazing. It knows exactly what to do and when to do it.

Puberty

The stage in life when an individual becomes physiologically capable of reproducing is called puberty. This time in your life in which puberty occurs is called adolescence. Somewhere between the ages of 8 and 14, your body starts changing on the outside. But changes on the inside have already been in the works, preparing your body for puberty. The chemicals in the body that produce these changes are called hormones. Your brain releases hormones into the blood, where they travel to different areas of your body and cause growth and development.

Though the changes that take place vary from girl to girl, take comfort in knowing that they all happen to every girl. Here are the changes you can expect to see:

Breasts

Sometime during puberty, you will develop breasts. Like all other changes, this one will happen at various times for different girls. Some start as early as 8 or 9 years of age. Others may not begin to develop breasts until they are 14 or 15. Most girls fall somewhere in the middle, but it’s all normal. There is no “right” or “best” rate of development, and there is no “perfect” size. You may have already begun developing, but here’s what you can expect:

• Before you start puberty, you just have nipples. Otherwise, your breasts are flat.
• Next, you will develop breast buds, which means that your breasts will rise slightly, and the areola (the pinkish area around each nipple) will grow wider and possibly darker.
• As the breasts and the areolas continue to grow, the areolas and nipples may stick out from the rest of the breast. As growth continues, only the nipple continues to stick out. (Note: Sometimes a nipple does not stick out, but goes into the breast and is called an inverted nipple. An inverted nipple may form on one breast or both. In general, this is normal, but if the nipple suddenly becomes inverted, see your doctor, just to be sure.) You might notice that one breast is developing faster than the other. That’s normal, too. They will probably even out in time, but if they don’t, that’s nothing to worry about; many women’s breasts don’t match each other exactly.

Hair

Before puberty your hair is mostly on your head. But as puberty begins, you grow pubic hair. This is the hair that is between your legs and covers your external genitalia. Boys also grow hair in the pubic area as they become men. The first hairs are straight and soft. As you develop, the hair grows in thicker and curlier. As with everything else about puberty, pubic hair growth and pattern vary from girl to girl.

• Pubic hair may grow in varying thicknesses.
• Usually it is in the shape of an upside-down triangle and starts a few inches below your belly button.
• The hair may grow up a little toward your belly button and out onto your inner thighs.
• You will also grow hair under your arms and thicker hair on your legs. You don’t have to remove leg or underarm hair for purposes of hygiene, but some girls and women choose to do so. Get the go-ahead from your parent or guardian before you shave.

Physical Growth Spurts

You’ll start to grow taller about the time your breasts begin to develop. This growth spurt almost brings you up to your full height. During this time, you could grow up to six inches in a year. Other areas of your body will change, too. Your waist and hips will become more defined, and you may gain a little weight.

Skin

Pimples are no fun, and they always seem to show up at the very worst times. But they’re just another part of puberty. Some girls may develop acne, often characterized by multiple pimples that keep coming back. Sometimes acne breakouts are linked to your period. Acne is normal and natural (which doesn’t make it any more fun). Luckily, there are many ways to minimize it. When puberty begins, oil glands in your skin wake up and go into overdrive. No big surprise that these glands are found in the places where we often get pimples: face, chest, back and shoulders. When these glands go to work, they start sending oil to pores on your skin’s surface. When pores get clogged with a combination of oil, dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria, a pimple forms.

Sanitary napkin, sanitary towel, sanitary pad, Maxi pad (U.S.), menstrual pad, or pad is an absorbent item worn by a woman while she is menstruating. There are several different types of disposable menstrual pads:

Panty Liner  
Designed to absorb daily vaginal discharge, light menstrual flow, "spotting", slight urinary incontinence, or as a backup for tampon use.

Ultra-thin
A very compact (thin) pad, which may be as absorbent as a Regular or Maxi/Super pad but with less bulk.

Regular
A middle range absorbency pad.

Maxi / Super
A larger absorbency pad, useful for the start of the menstrual cycle when menstruation is often heaviest.

Nocturnal
A longer pad to allow for more protection while the wearer is lying down, with an absorbency suitable for overnight use.

Maternity
These are usually slightly longer than a maxi/Super pad and are designed to be worn to absorb lochia (bleeding that occurs after childbirth).

The shape, absorbency and lengths may vary depending on manufacturer, but usually range from the short slender panty liner to the larger and longer overnight. Long pads are offered for extra protection or for larger women whose woman's undergarments might not be completely protected by regular length pads, and also for overnight use.

Other options are often offered in a manufacturer's line of pads, such as wings or tabs that wrap around the sides of the woman's underwear to add additional leak protection and help secure the pad in place.

Deodorant is also added to some pads, which is designed to cover menstrual odor with a light fragrance. There are even panty liners specifically designed to be worn with a thong/G-string.

Menstrual pads are usually individually wrapped so they are easier and more discreet to carry in a purse or bag. This wrapper may be used to wrap the soiled pads before disposing of them in appropriate receptacles. Some women prefer to wrap the pads with toilet paper instead of (or as well as) using the wrapper. Menstrual pads (of any type) should not be flushed down the toilet, as they can cause blockages. In developed countries public toilets almost always include a purpose-made receptacle in which to place soiled pads.

In First Aid, they make excellent dressings for heavy bleeding if gauze is unavailable or inadequate due to their high absorbency.

My life is full of excitement last month. Bad incident happened one after another. Just 2 weeks after I get back my car from mechanic after the car accident, something else happened.

One afternoon, the telephone rangs when my father were at home. The caller sounds like my brother crying and telling my father to save him. He was caught and beaten by someone. Then, another person take over the phone and tell my father that my brother was someone's guarantor and that person had defaulted payment and ran away. So, my brother had to pay the amount RM50K. So he threaten my father to prepare RM50K and do not report police if he wanted to see my brother alive.

Fearing for the safety of my brother, my father went to the bank and withdraw money. In the way to the bank, the caller kept calling my father to check if the money is ready. Due to the bank was closed at 4pm, he can only withdraw money from ATM. But ATM had it's limit and he can only withdraw RM2K from each bank. My father begged the caller to reduce the amount because he don't have much money. But he said he need at least RM5K for he will kept beating my brother. The caller asked my father to drop money at a specified location and informed my father to leave and cannot looked back. My father obeyed his order and then he called to inform that he had collected the money. He also ordered us to get the balance RM45K ready by the next day and he will release my brother.

When my father reached home, I also just got back home from work (i went home early on that day). He told me what happened and I straight away called my brother on his handphone. When my brother answer the phone, he said everything is alright and he is at work.  THAT'S IT. It was a phone scam cheating people money.

My father was relieved that nothing untowards happened to my brother. But, I scolded my father for he should have called my brother to check if the call is true before paying money. My father said the first caller sounds just like my brother begging him for help and the cheater kept calling him every 3-5minutes to check if the money is ready and threaten to hurt my brother. He did not have time to think. He said I should think from his shoes at that moment. I and my brother stop blaming him and just tried to console him.

I bring him to the police station to report. The police officer said it's very normal case nowadays. There are at least 1 case every week. The police officer kept asking why we did not check before pay the money.

But my father cannot forget what happened and unable to sleep for 3 consecutive days for the lost of hard-earned RM5K. He also kept saying there are lots of loopholes in the incident but he cannot think of it at that time. When calm down, he realised that he was such a fool.

WHEN RECEIVED SUCH CALL, PLEASE CHECK IF IT'S A SCAM.

My car was involved in an accident. Yes, my car hit the car in-front. No, I am not the driver. My brother borrow my car to go shopping with his girlfriend on weekends.

It happened on the second land and right after the traffic light. My brother said it was green light and the front car go straight or turn left. The car go straight after the traffic light and all of a sudden, the car slow down and then stop and later on turn right (without switch on the signal light to turn). My brother claimed he was driving about 60km/hour and started to step on the brake right at the traffic light line but did not managed to stop in time and crashed the front car. The sudden heavy break caused the tyre marked on the road. Front part of my proton car was badly damaged. My brother wanted to moved the car to the side (first lane) to avoid blocking the traffic but the engine cannot be started. He had to wait for the car to be towed to the mechanic shop.

The front car is a wira but no damaged to the car except the lights at the back of the car was broken. We suspected the driver did not know/ lost the way in Kuala Lumpur because the car plate number is from Negeri Sembilan. They are a group of teenagers in the car and they wanted to fight my brother when they get out of the car. But my brother told them he admit he's at fault for crashed the bumper of their car and will go report police.

We were told that my brother is at fault for crashing into other's car bumper. Even if the driver suddenly stop his car even though the traffic light is green, he is not at fault. The fault is with the car behind that crashed the front car because it's either you drive too fast/ did not keep a distance.

Luckily the car insurance bought my brother as the rider too. So I can claim insurance for the repair. It cost about RM4K for the repair. But, the car was sent for repair for more than 2 weeks. I am unable to drive to work for that period.

I had just finished my five year car installment 3 months ago.  My only worry is my insurance premium will be higher after this accident. I cannot enjoy the NCD (No Claim Discount) anymore.  ;o(

Sometimes, I feel that I am nobody compared to my friends who are more successful than me. They had the chance to go overseas for work/ training. They had the opportunities to go visit places of interest in that country after training/ working. I kept thinking why people are so successful at work while I am still at the same place. I am very hardworking and dedicated to my job. Even though I had changed job twice hoping for the better, but I somehow felt that I did not go up the corporate ladder much. I only moved 2 steps forward while other people were 10 steps ahead.

Nowadays, a lot of people posted their photos online, in the facebook. I envy those people who went for vacation overseas. They went to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Italy, Australia, New Zealands, Bali, Phuket, Bangkok, Europe, and etc.....They had went to so many places while I only went to Singapore once. How and why they had so many money to spend?

Some of them managed to buy big landed house/ condominium. I on the other hand struggle to buy a 2nd hand apartment. Some of them also drive big cars while I'm still driving the 10-year old wira. I am jealous and will get very down feelings at times.

I know that I should not be jealous because except with those who are borned with silver spoon, most of them worked very hard to get where they are today. They worked from early morning until late at night. They have a full-time and maybe few part time jobs. They might have saved for a very long time for those vacations. 

The headlines for yesterday's STAR newspaper was "Raggers beware: Vice-chancellors warn seniors that bullying won't be tolerated". It caught my attention because it reminds me of my university orientation some few years back.

I was very happy when I know what I get a place in the local public university. It was compulsory to go register and go through the 1 week orientation. I heard lots of good and bad stories from friends and relatives. I was told that it was to introduce us to the new environment and will get to know lots of friends. But the downside was some people had bad experiences where they were tortured by seniors and about the haunted hostels.

On the day that I was supposed to go for registration, I showed up 7.30am but there were already lots of people in queue. When I reached my room, I saw a double-decker bed, a single bed, three cupboards, and three desks. Since I am the early bird, I can choose my bed and re-arrange the feng shui of those furnitures. After cleaning the room and had my lunch, my room-mate still not yet arrived. After my parents left, my two other room-mates came in. We chatted for a while before gathering at 5pm which starts the orientation program.

I was very happy with the orientation programmes because I really get to meet and know a lot of people. The seniors showed us the hostel and the university. They bring us to register our respective courses. and play games. Even though the programmes ends at 12pm and we were tired, but most of us (girls) have to stay up to watch our cloths after the 2nd day. And due to lack of sleep, some of us choose the skip the breakfast. It's all up to us as long as we gathered at 8am to proceed to the big hall to listen to speech. Most of the students falls asleep after all the tediuos day before.

It was sweet memories for me. No ragging.

Starting from last year, there is one thing that I will do for at least 5 minutes almost everyday. And that is to logon my FACEBOOK. I just checked what are the updates from all my current and ex friends. They includes my ex-classmates, ex-schoolmates, ex-coursemates, ex-university-mates, ex-colleagues, current colleagues, relatives and family members who stays away from home.

I loved to see their photos and comments. From here, I can know what are the latest news and updates from them. I will be able to chat with them and send them messages. I can also know what they are thinking or happened to them on the day. I can also organized gatherings or events using the multi-function facebook because it can connects me to many people which is out of my imagination.

But I never played the games provided because I am afraid that I will get addicted to them. So I only played once and stay away from it. I also only added people who I am sure or thinks they are people that I knew. I never simply add friends in my account. I do not have thousands of friends like some of my friends does.

However, I noticed that currently there are a lot of people using facebook as a marketing tools. A lot of advertisements in the facebook especially those selling cloths and jewellery. No, I did not banned people using facebook as an marketing tools but not like that. If you have any new arrivals/ things to market, just post it on your wall and we can see it. But sometimes I was annoyed and irritated when lots of people names were tagged on the picture of the model.

Once my training ends at 4.40pm yesterday, I observed that all the trainees packed their things and want to go home faster. It was because the sky is getting darker and seems like going to rain very soon. I think everyone who works in the Klang Valley understands what I meant because once it started to rain in the late afternoon, the traffic is going to be chaos everywhere.

Once I drove out of the building where I parked my car, I started to get worried because it had started to rain. Since it is still few minutes before 5pm, I think I am still consider safe because most people still working. I did not drive too fast because I am not familiar with the area. The traffic is smooth until I turned into Jalan Universiti. From Jalan Universiti to Jalan Klang Lama, I took about 40minutes because traffic was bumper to bumper.

During these period of waiting for the cars to move, it brings back a lot of memories because I used to take this route during my previous job. If I were given a choice again, I wonder whether I will choose :

• a job that provides higher salary but needs long travelling time (means better spending power)

                                                       OR

• a job that provides lower salary but near to my house (means saving more time & petrol cost)

Of course there are other factors to consider as well.  It all falls back to your PRIORITIES. Which factors are more important to you. Is it salary, location, company, security, position offered, family/ friends influence, opportunity for advancement, a stepping stone, learning stage, or just want a change? 

Yesterday, I was sent for training related to my job. After reflected back on the training and my life, I realized that the same mistakes again & again.

1) I like to make "ASSUMPTION"

Like ordinary people, I like to assume. I remember my ex-boss telling by "ASSUME" means "Make an ASS of U and ME".

2) I am unable to think "OUT OF THE BOX"

- If given a problem/ activities, I only thinks within the things/scenario given. I can't think of creative/ "Out of the Box" solutions.

3) I have very "SLOW" response time.

- When something happened, I have a very slow in responding. When I calm down and think over, then I'll say that I should say/ do....... I can't make quick decisions and I envy those who can response very fast. 

4) I am a SELECTIVE listener

I tried hard to listen carefully to every words, but what gets into my head was what I want/ intend to know and I tend to filter out the rest. Am I just a selective listener? Or my bad memory only capture words that I thought was important.

I was wondering whether can anyone really remember the whole sentences that the other person talked?
 

I suddenly remember about this topics that a friend of my mentioned to me few years ago. It is about joint saving accounts for couple. I am not sure if other couples had this habit. 

She told me that after dating with her boyfriend for few years, they are planning to get married in the next few years. To be financially prepared for the wedding, they opened a joint saving account and every month they will deposit a certain amount in the account. There was no fixed amount, you can deposit more if you have extra money and less if you were financially tight. The money will be used for all their wedding preparation and future. Everything was alright and went well as planned.

But about 1-1/2 years (18months) later, the relationship turned sour and they broke up. For some couples, they are still friends and will still say "hi" to each other if they still met But most of the time, it is better not to meet each other again.

For her case, they still need to meet with each other to discuss about how to distribute the money in the joint saving account. Imagine her emotion and hurt that she had to go through with her ex-boyfriend who claimed that he should take 70% (just my own assumption) because he contributed more. Or should they just settled for 50-50? It's very hard to decide because they did not record how much they had deposited in the account when they are deeply in love. In their thoughts, they have a very nice future together but never expected this to happened.

Personally, I think that couples should have savings for their wedding and future. But, it is better to save separately. If anything goes wrong, then you will not have this headache.

All the money that I and my husband saved for our marriage were all spend on buying property, renovation, photo shooting, furnitures and electrical items, and some wedding stuff. However, the money that we had saved were not enough for all these expenses. Our salary are not able to catch up with the inflation of those items. We were left with no cash for our honeymoon. We received different views on this matter. 

Some advice to go on local honeymoon first such as Langkawi Island, Sabah/ Sarawak, Genting Highland and etc because it is very much cheaper. The location is not important because what matter is you spend private time with each other. At the same time, you can save money and can go for honeymoon after few months or a year later.

Others suggest that you must go for your preferred honeymoon location first because if you are going to have baby/ children a year later (maybe by accident), you can't go anywhere and you will regret for your life. Due to my age, I would like to have children 1 year after my marriage. Their advice was to enjoy yourself first and pay using credit cards. If cannot afford expensive places, maybe can go to more affordable countries like Bali, Phuket, ....etc. You can pay by installment later on. 

Should I go for honeymoon first OR Saving First?   (Still thinking)