tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82357660071295106612024-03-05T15:49:53.992+08:00Summer Gloves and Satin Sandalsadlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-33504309017101325392013-03-02T23:10:00.000+08:002013-03-02T23:10:55.209+08:00Yoga, a visit and dim sum<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. After an hour of stretches and assorted asanas, the cool scented towel and cup of minty rooibos tea are much appreciated. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. A friend plies me with Chinese New Year goodies, fruit and tea when I visit her home. We spend the next 3 hours catching up with each other. Our conversation topics range from the state of the country to her daughter's after-school activities to her plans to switch careers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. I pry myself away from her home to spend the afternoon with a group of old friends. We gorge ourselves on dim sum and engage in much raucous laughter. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-168088741386104492013-03-01T22:10:00.000+08:002013-03-01T22:10:17.318+08:00Sleep, happiness and tea<span style="font-size: large;">1. I take a much needed day off work, only to wake up at my usual early hour. I check my email, look through the papers and then decide I deserve another hour or two of sleep. So back to bed I go.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I wake up up in time to catch a late morning screening of Lincoln. I conclude that happiness, for me, is sitting in a darkened cinema hall surrounded by empty seats with a drink in hand. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. The supermarket has a wide selection of teas. I pick a prettily packaged artisanal tea - it's to be a gift for a friend I'm planning to visit tomorrow. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-7324959649989151522013-02-27T22:22:00.001+08:002013-02-27T22:22:29.123+08:00A parcel, colleagues and cake<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. I check the mail box and find that my parcel of goodies has arrived. It sits there big and square, squashing all the letters and junk mail with its weight. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. The ride home is a little less tedious today, thanks to two colleagues who regale me with hilarious anecdotes of their workday. Their sense of humour is much appreciated. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. A small chunk of my birthday cake remains. It looks lonely, so I grab a fork and plate. Eight minutes later, all that is left are a few crumbs. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-49913807033942485962013-02-26T13:43:00.000+08:002013-02-26T13:43:22.317+08:00Normal sevice is resumed: beads, a present and friends<span style="font-size: large;">I have completely neglected this blog for the past several months. I have no excuse except to say that I seem to have misplaced my mojo. It was a struggle all last year to keep sight of all that was going right in my life, instead of what (I thought) was going wrong. I don't know if I've turned the corner yet but I'm going to resume paying attention to all the little things for which I should be thankful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. I come in to work to find eight little bags of beads I bought from a colleague. I spend the next 10 minutes ooh-ing and aah-ing over them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. My sister calls me into her room to look at a selection of yoga mats on the PC. It seems I'll be getting one for a birthday present. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I have a date with a friend later this evening to watch Jack the Giant Slayer. She's also bringing with her several packs of loose leaf tea she bought on her most recent holiday, just for me. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-20369468846912607462012-07-18T16:17:00.000+08:002012-07-18T16:17:19.063+08:00A movie, work and a bag<span style="font-size: large;">1. I get to watch The Dark Knight Rises for free tonight. A day before it opens for general screening. Plus it's at the IMAX theatre. I'm a lucky duck. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I make a little progress with a fairly new client, which is encouraging. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. My new bag is too pretty to be saved for a special occasion. I take it out from the cupboard, transfer my wallet et all into it and cart it with me to work. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-32318656271159821502012-07-02T17:19:00.000+08:002012-07-02T17:19:34.919+08:00A concert, reunion and cornbread<span style="font-size: large;">1. Fresh air. Greenery. Jason Mraz singing 'live'. For 2 hours and 20 minutes. I must be one of the lucky ones. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I get dressed up and meet with 49 fabulous women from my secondary school. It's been more than 20 years since most of us last saw each other, but it's like nothing's changed. The faces and voices are the same, and we spend the evening laughing and grooving to 80s music. It feels like the good old days once more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. A cornbread mix bought on a whim turns out to be well worth the money spent. A delicious substitute for my usual bread, it does an excellent job mopping up the gravy on my plate. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-57141936524019578732012-06-05T15:13:00.000+08:002012-06-05T15:13:55.390+08:00New story, chocolate and music<span style="font-size: large;">1. I have many guilty pleasures, and reading fanfiction is one of them. Today, I wake early and check in to a favourite site to find a new story. I'm pleasantly surprised that both grammar and spelling are sound. The plot isn't too cliched either. I think I'm going to enjoy reading this story. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. There's a spare mini-pack of M&Ms left over from an event. Needing something sweet after lunch, I grab the pack and inhale the tiny morsels in 5 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. The office is quiet today. People are either on vacation leave, off sick or somewhere else working. Which means I have the room to myself and therefore the license to play whatever music I desire at whatever volume that suits me. Right now, my iPod is blasting N*Sync tunes. Did I mention that boybands are another of my guilty pleasures? </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-38920333065870256272012-05-28T13:35:00.000+08:002012-05-28T13:35:32.418+08:00Holiday, an award and swimming<span style="font-size: large;">1. I get confirmation from my friend that he'll be home in Paris in September. So I immediately set about finding and confirming a flight to Paris for 1 September. I'm also planning to hop across to the UK after visiting with my friend. My holiday can't come soon enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. A certificate thanking me for providing excellent service to my clients sits atop my desk. I've never received an award for my work before (you can't count book prizes in school). It's gratifying to know that what I do is appreciated. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I wake early and go for a swim. The water's cold, but I enjoy my 40 minutes of slowly swimming laps. I'd forgotten how calming and therapeutic swimming can be. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-22190134618693290672012-05-19T20:25:00.000+08:002012-05-19T20:25:20.624+08:00Results, a laugh and lunch<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1) A visit to the doctor reveals that my test results are normal. Or more accurately, there are no signs of significant abnormality. I walk out of the office a little lighter and with a smile of relief on my face. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2) I have a good laugh (or 20) at the crass jokes and ridiculous plot of 21 Jump Street. I'm old enough to remember the TV series and am glad to see some of the old cast members in the movie. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3) Lunch with a good friend wraps up a day out that's made me happier than I've been in months. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-92085102695437853392012-05-07T10:10:00.000+08:002012-05-07T10:10:28.801+08:00A reprieve, an award and getting to work<span style="font-size: large;">1. My football (soccer) team earns a reprieve when the teams chasing them in the league draw and lose their respective matches. Huge sighs of relief all around. But no more screw-ups please! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I get an email letting me know that I've received a service award. It's a little unexpected - I knew I'd been nominated but didn't think top management would approve - but very welcome. I've been feeling unappreciated lately and this is a wonderful boost. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. It's raining when I step out of the house to get to work, but wonder of wonders I manage to flag down a cab within 5 mins. It doesn't matter that he's unfamiliar with the route - he gets me to work on time. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-6708847847042343892012-04-16T09:47:00.000+08:002012-04-16T09:47:30.086+08:00Relief, a sale and old friends<span style="font-size: large;">It's been terribly silent here lately. But I'll try to rectify that as best I can. Several things have happened lately for which I'm thankful, so in no particular here's my 3BT - for the past month.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. My MRI results came back clear. To say I'm relieved is an understatement. I'm trying hard to manage my migraines better. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I had my very first online sale on Etsy - which is an online marketplace for handmade/handcrafted goods - which totally made my day. Week. Month. Really. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Re-connecting with an old friend who's back here after being in the US for years has been wonderful. There's nothing like reminiscing over the good ol' days with someone who's known you for over 20 years. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-38020422612918333792012-03-11T16:52:00.000+08:002012-03-11T16:52:22.839+08:00Saturday, new books and a follower<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Saturday is spent having lunch with a good friend and catching up on all the news. There's even time to pop into the book store and also go grocery shopping.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Thanks to some good discounts, three new books sit on my shelf waiting to be read. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. I get on the computer and find that this 3BT blog of mine has gained its very first follower. I'm surprised, touched and ecstatic all at once. Thank you Cathie! </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-34017204803104584822012-02-27T11:45:00.000+08:002012-02-27T11:45:13.757+08:00Fitflops, tea and a foot massage<span style="font-size: large;">1. I finally succumb and get myself a pair of Fitflops. They're uber comfortable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. A lazy afternoon is spent having tea at a friend's newly-renovated home. No scones or cake but there's dim sum instead. And fruit salad and raspberry sorbet. And of course, tea.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. There's time for a foot reflexology massage. After the pain comes immense relief. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-5084442426110827492012-01-26T10:10:00.000+08:002012-01-26T10:10:58.496+08:00An email, a free afternoon and a Feb meeting<span style="font-size: large;">1. I receive an email informing me that I've fulfilled all the requirements of the certification course I enrolled in back in late 2010. To say I'm relieved and thankful would be an understatement. There's a smidgen of pride too that I've managed to complete the course. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I take the afternoon off from work. There's time to visit my homeopathic practitioner, go grocery shopping and make a pot of vegetable soup for dinner. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. A friend calls and offers to arrange for a gathering in mid-Feb. It'll be nice to meet and catch up with everyone. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-76304324965205205152012-01-06T09:32:00.000+08:002012-01-06T09:32:09.652+08:00Surprises, good news and a gathering<span style="font-size: large;">1. I get a pleasant surprise when I check the mail. Two surprises actually. A friend many miles away has sent a card wishing me a Happy 2012. Another friend has sent a book written by a former mutual schoolmate. Love. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. A letter from the hospital delivers some good news. I haven't said much but I have been going out of my mind with worry this past month. I'm not entirely out of the woods yet - there are a couple more health appointments to go - but I can feel a fair bit of the anxiety and worry unravelling and fading away. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I get an invitation on Facebook to attend a gathering of old schoolfriends in a few weeks. I've mentioned it before - it's nice to be remembered by others. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-9249728901412529672012-01-02T21:26:00.000+08:002012-01-02T21:26:27.757+08:00Experimenting, Glee and a phone call<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. There's time this afternoon to make some jewellery. I experiment with some resin I've had on hand for a long while. Two rings and three pendants now sit under a cover waiting for the resin to cure. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. I catch up on episodes of Glee and spend two hours singing along to the songs. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. The phone rings and it's a dear friend calling all the way from Paris. We share a happy hour catching up with each other. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">P.S. Happy New Year everyone! I'd like to wish us all peace, joy and health in 2012. </span></div>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-53207097688482422712011-12-29T10:21:00.000+08:002011-12-29T10:21:34.530+08:00Sleep, books and an appointment<span style="font-size: large;">1. I enjoy the first restful sleep in weeks, and wake with little neck pain. All thanks to a new, extra-firm pillow. It's amazing how it's often the little things that matter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. After weeks of not reading and feeling restless and antsy as a result, I place a reservation at the library for several books. The long weekend shall be spent immersed in other worlds.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I get an email confirming a health appointment in a few weeks. A little bit of anxiety rolls off my shoulders. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-62502770983427170012011-12-27T17:04:00.000+08:002011-12-27T17:04:57.907+08:00Recovering, some cash and peppermint tea<span style="font-size: large;">1. I wake up a little breathless, but by the time I head into the office, I'm feeling quite a bit better than I have in the past few days. This flu bug is a tough one but I think I'm finally getting the better of it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. First day back at work after the long Christmas weekend, and I'm running late. There's no choice but to take a taxi...thank goodness I happen to have some cash in my purse. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. A nice cup of hot peppermint tea soothes and calms me as I start the work day.</span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-6823214384555123432011-12-21T16:31:00.000+08:002011-12-21T16:31:03.753+08:00Ill, gifts and Christmas packages<span style="font-size: large;">1. In a month where I've been ill almost every week - and scared and anxious because of it - I'm thankful for the feeling that I'm recovering and that things might actually be OK.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Holiday gifts await me on my desk as I step into the office this morning. I spend a happy half hour opening them and thanking colleagues. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I get news that the package I ordered for a friend has shipped and is on its way. She'll get it in time for Christmas. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-83816513740397468662011-12-10T09:10:00.002+08:002011-12-12T12:43:47.947+08:00Sunday tea, migraines and weekends<span style="font-size: large;">1. After many months of silence, I text a dear friend to see how she is. We end up arranging to meet for tea on Sunday. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. My migraines seem to have gone away. For now at least. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. It's the weekend so there's time for afternoon naps, reading and catching up on all the TV I've missed this past week. Criminal Minds, here I come!</span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-77371628000540508922011-11-22T11:35:00.001+08:002011-11-23T09:56:51.472+08:00The weather, chocolate and a movie<span style="font-size: large;">My page is looking a little dull, so here are pics of what I'm grateful for today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Sunny weather is very welcome after all the rain.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1FQe607FSyJYvUUysOwyIVBC2skPFuZxGlSi_T6r6vYD4fyT1LyHBEChuR25QpwYPj9v4MXle8hX5GepcAcFTomxYnUbi9pXaN5Ms8x7NllFmZIb2SfLzkCX3i3S7wPSoyhDw03xBtY/s1600/sunny+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1FQe607FSyJYvUUysOwyIVBC2skPFuZxGlSi_T6r6vYD4fyT1LyHBEChuR25QpwYPj9v4MXle8hX5GepcAcFTomxYnUbi9pXaN5Ms8x7NllFmZIb2SfLzkCX3i3S7wPSoyhDw03xBtY/s320/sunny+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I gave in to this, after trying to battle my chocolate craving.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SHJ3_7_MAREgH6tlem_b6nW1UWVI-F8ZW7yAQQ1iGOvvAUDCC-7h6mXAgBLcMUGzhYwoHcansa8tokkcc5XNARCkMcq6T2vh7988PbTRMzBoR9_T7O4DcgcgBOsUG93x_5QJho2xql8/s1600/chocolate-tricolor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SHJ3_7_MAREgH6tlem_b6nW1UWVI-F8ZW7yAQQ1iGOvvAUDCC-7h6mXAgBLcMUGzhYwoHcansa8tokkcc5XNARCkMcq6T2vh7988PbTRMzBoR9_T7O4DcgcgBOsUG93x_5QJho2xql8/s320/chocolate-tricolor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I may have found Stephanie Meyer's writing to be 'dire' as my friend E put it, but I'm still looking forward to catching BD Part 1 this evening. It must be the 'Rosemary Baby's' scene that's fueling my excitement.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEo4KE7DJQr4-_WmJByNF5zYNjQ73lMm4bVuweJYl-VtIhaPZvCZWdUcJQ7jyD1r6pvR3XM94hV4mKrl7vNytvBeaKCQkUY8PbLjvn9YEScyEwipLm56DDwEjAV3zranb812-TGnN1pY/s1600/breaking-dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEo4KE7DJQr4-_WmJByNF5zYNjQ73lMm4bVuweJYl-VtIhaPZvCZWdUcJQ7jyD1r6pvR3XM94hV4mKrl7vNytvBeaKCQkUY8PbLjvn9YEScyEwipLm56DDwEjAV3zranb812-TGnN1pY/s320/breaking-dawn.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-56916001423260993062011-11-08T10:57:00.000+08:002011-11-08T10:57:28.419+08:00Peace, breakfast and shoes<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful for these today:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Quiet in the office. I'm always amazed at how much I can get done when I'm alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. A green tea brioche for breakfast. Soft, and full of green tea flavoured cream.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Comfortable new shoes that kept my feet (relatively) dry from the rain. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-43395311438439598192011-11-01T11:43:00.000+08:002011-11-01T11:43:47.455+08:00Thai food, a trip and friends<span style="font-size: large;">1. A lovely, spicy Thai meal. All paid for by a colleague in thanks for help rendered.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. A 3-day trip to Kuala Lumpur lurks just around the corner. Food and shopping, here I come!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I'm asked by a friend heading to Paris for a holiday if there's something I'd like. It's nice when your friends think of you. </span>adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-64061047761806331692011-10-09T21:01:00.001+08:002011-10-12T13:06:43.461+08:00New books, organising and TV1. Two books sit on my side table waiting to be read. I think I'll start on Camilla Lackberg's The Hidden Child first.<br />
2. New storage containers mean I spend a happy hour (or two) organising and arranging my bead stash. I spend more time admiring the beads than I do organising them.<br />
3. I while away a lazy, rainy Sunday buying, downloading and watching several new TV shows. Among my faves - Ringer, the new series starring Buffy Summers herself, and the always yummy Ioan Gruffudd.adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235766007129510661.post-8086274011029430702011-08-09T17:43:00.000+08:002011-08-09T17:43:13.022+08:001BTI find myself crying at regular intervals while reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sisterhood-Everlasting-Novel-Traveling-Pants/dp/0385521227">this</a>. By the end, I was sobbing like a baby. Yes, I'm sentimental and often have fits of melancholy. But the extent and intensity of the crying took me by surprise. If you haven't read this book by Ann Brashares, you might want to try it. But be sure to have some tissue nearby, just in case.adlinahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16426416680181755255noreply@blogger.com0