Actually I knew this result on Thursday before my blood test on Friday... becos my menses came :(
In fact this time it is heavier than normal. My mood was immediately affected. I was deeply upset. I know I had expected failure but I was having good feeling that it should succeed after everything had went smoothly prior. Egg stimulation was ok, 13 eggs retrieved and managed to have 8 matured. Ovulation stimulation was ok as well. Fertilisation of the embryo was fine too. Managed to fertilise 5 and while 2 were inseminated into me, the grade of both embryo were quite good. One being grade 5 (best possible) and another grade 3. Stimulate lining to support the embryo was also ok, the blood test result came out just fine. So why when it comes to the last juncture that the embryos supposed to latch on, it fails. Such disappointment.
Anyway I was being told to still go for my blood test as there is a possibility that while one embryo is unsuccessful, the other one might be ok. But I know, it's not possible afterall the menses is here.
But the beta-HCG result came out weird. Reading of less than 1.5 will render a negative result while reading of more than 250 will be positive. Mine is 18. I'd reminded the nurse again that I'd already having my menses. The nurse explained that the embryo might be outside the uterus! Anyway I have being told to go for another blood test next Monday morning.
Does this mean there is still a chance? But what's the point if it is outside the uterus, it will be ectopic pregnancy which I understand can be dangerous and it usually means that there will be higher risk of ectopic pregnancy for future pregnancies. So for this case, perhaps a negative result will be preferred?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Food!!! - Hong Kong & Macau - Aug 2011
Hong Kong is supposedly known for their food. Though we did not really try alot but here's a few:
鸡蛋糕
They smell so nice but taste wise, so-so only. Or could it be the one that I buy from, hmm, but I doubt so.
Nathan Hotel Buffet Breakfast
Please do not bother to try this. Or rather for hubby and myself, this is easily the worst meal we had for this vacation. The spread is lousy and they are not efficient to top up the food that is running low or rather finished.
Euro Go Go - Ngong Ping Village
Baked Pasta with Tuna and Baked Pasta with Chicken
Food served in aluminium container, looks like instant food. However not fussy eater, the food are not too bad.
Macau Restaurant - Tsim Sha Tsui near iTower Shopping Centre
Macaroni, Pork Chop Bun and Portugese Egg Tart
Portion abit small but taste waste still not too bad. Though probably not the best we have in Hong Kong.
Australian Diary Company - MTR Jordan, Exit C2, walk down one block and turn left
After some online research, I found that there have being quite alot of mentions for this place and since this is near our hotel, it will be silly not to try. Sadly I was disappointed, the food is too salty. If you want to dine in comfort, it is almost impossible. Sharing seats seemed to be almost a must.
Their set comes with macaroni, bread and egg, and drink.
I realised their hot milk tea does not come with sugar, you need to add as to your preference. Cold one though already come sweetened. But I dun fancy Hong Kong's milk tea, perhaps as hubby put it, the milk taste overwhelmed the tea.
Hulu Cafe - 2 streets from Nathan Hotel
Prawn Pasta with Spicy Tomato and Seafood Baked Rice
Portion is big! Both hubby and myself enjoyed this meal. Not crowded at all and hence you can eat in peace and comfortable to sit around.
Their Steak set meal seemed quite a good deal too, about S$30 plus.
Tsui Wah 翠华
A popular chain of Cha Cang Ting (茶藏厅) which can be easily found! There's one near both hotels, Nathan Hotel and Butterfly on Wellington.
We first tried Tsui Wah near Nathan Hotel. Check out the breakfast set. We prefer this to the one ADC.
We checked out late dinner at the Tsui Wah near Butterfly on Wellington. Macaroni with Egg and Fishball Soup.
Altira Hotel - Room Service and Breakfast set
Carbonara, BBQ Platter, Custard Bun and Hasma Dessert... Yummilious
Breakfast is alot!!! Nonetheless good!
Da Ka Lok 大家乐
Another Cha Cang Ting branch commonly seen in Hong Kong. Though seemed less popular as compared to Tsui Wah, the meal here is not too bad for a fast meal. Of course, do not expect to be blown away by our Baked Spaghetti and BBQ Platter.
Lian Xiang Lou 莲香楼
A taste for some dim sum in a traditional setting? You can still see aunties pushing out carts of dim sum for your selection. A card will be given and after you select your dishes, a stamp will be stamped thereafter you will make payment basis this card.
Hui Lau Shan 许留山
Famous for mango-related dessert. Trying to be adventurous, we tried the birds' nest hasma with egg custard and can never go wrong mango pudding. I was kindda disappointed with the birds' nest dish. So I ordered mango juice, this, I will strong recommend. It's really good!
Yung Kee Restaurant 庸记
Roast goose is a must try for this restaurant! Though be prepared to pay a price for this price.
Fung Wah 丰华
Just a few units away from Butterfly on Wellington, we decided to give this cafe a shot. Verdict: Please go to Tsui Wah instead.
鸡蛋糕
They smell so nice but taste wise, so-so only. Or could it be the one that I buy from, hmm, but I doubt so.
Nathan Hotel Buffet Breakfast
Please do not bother to try this. Or rather for hubby and myself, this is easily the worst meal we had for this vacation. The spread is lousy and they are not efficient to top up the food that is running low or rather finished.
Euro Go Go - Ngong Ping Village
Baked Pasta with Tuna and Baked Pasta with Chicken
Food served in aluminium container, looks like instant food. However not fussy eater, the food are not too bad.
Macau Restaurant - Tsim Sha Tsui near iTower Shopping Centre
Macaroni, Pork Chop Bun and Portugese Egg Tart
Portion abit small but taste waste still not too bad. Though probably not the best we have in Hong Kong.
Australian Diary Company - MTR Jordan, Exit C2, walk down one block and turn left
After some online research, I found that there have being quite alot of mentions for this place and since this is near our hotel, it will be silly not to try. Sadly I was disappointed, the food is too salty. If you want to dine in comfort, it is almost impossible. Sharing seats seemed to be almost a must.
Their set comes with macaroni, bread and egg, and drink.
I realised their hot milk tea does not come with sugar, you need to add as to your preference. Cold one though already come sweetened. But I dun fancy Hong Kong's milk tea, perhaps as hubby put it, the milk taste overwhelmed the tea.
Hulu Cafe - 2 streets from Nathan Hotel
Prawn Pasta with Spicy Tomato and Seafood Baked Rice
Portion is big! Both hubby and myself enjoyed this meal. Not crowded at all and hence you can eat in peace and comfortable to sit around.
Their Steak set meal seemed quite a good deal too, about S$30 plus.
Tsui Wah 翠华
A popular chain of Cha Cang Ting (茶藏厅) which can be easily found! There's one near both hotels, Nathan Hotel and Butterfly on Wellington.
We first tried Tsui Wah near Nathan Hotel. Check out the breakfast set. We prefer this to the one ADC.
We checked out late dinner at the Tsui Wah near Butterfly on Wellington. Macaroni with Egg and Fishball Soup.
Altira Hotel - Room Service and Breakfast set
Carbonara, BBQ Platter, Custard Bun and Hasma Dessert... Yummilious
Breakfast is alot!!! Nonetheless good!
Da Ka Lok 大家乐
Another Cha Cang Ting branch commonly seen in Hong Kong. Though seemed less popular as compared to Tsui Wah, the meal here is not too bad for a fast meal. Of course, do not expect to be blown away by our Baked Spaghetti and BBQ Platter.
Lian Xiang Lou 莲香楼
A taste for some dim sum in a traditional setting? You can still see aunties pushing out carts of dim sum for your selection. A card will be given and after you select your dishes, a stamp will be stamped thereafter you will make payment basis this card.
Hui Lau Shan 许留山
Famous for mango-related dessert. Trying to be adventurous, we tried the birds' nest hasma with egg custard and can never go wrong mango pudding. I was kindda disappointed with the birds' nest dish. So I ordered mango juice, this, I will strong recommend. It's really good!
Yung Kee Restaurant 庸记
Roast goose is a must try for this restaurant! Though be prepared to pay a price for this price.
Fung Wah 丰华
Just a few units away from Butterfly on Wellington, we decided to give this cafe a shot. Verdict: Please go to Tsui Wah instead.
Hotels Stay - HK & Macau - Aug 2011
During our stay in Hong Kong and Macau, we stayed at:
1) Nathan Hotel along Nathan Road
We had 3 nights stay in this hotel's superior room.
The room is small. Nothing like from what is featured in their website. Nonethless it's comfortable enough for a sleep-in and a quick shower. Cleanliness, perhaps of the carpet and the woody colour, it does not give a clean and bright feel. Though bedsheets and towels are made and changed daily. Complimentary bottled mineral water are provided for on a daily basis. Although no other drinks, there's fridge and water boiler where you can buy your own bottled drinks or boil your own water. However please do not stay in the room near the lift, it's very noisy. Hotel Breakfast can also be passed.
A good plus for this hotel is that it is about 5 minutes (or less) walk to Jordan MTR station which to me is important. We travelled around Hong Kong mainly be train. Hence accessibility to a train station is a good plus. Food and shopping around the hotel is also not a problem.
Complimentary WIFI is provided for. However does not seem to work with my iPhone, it does work perfect with my netbook. Cool!
This place cost us:
08/06/2011 = HKD 1,450
08/07/2011 = HKD 1,100
08/08/2011 = HKD 1,100
Breakfast = HKD 140 (for 2 pax for 1 day)
10% Tax = HKD 379
Total = HKD 4,169
2) Altira Macau
I love this room! Though not the location.. It's off the main district, across another island. But it is indeed fantastic for a good relaxation which is hubby's main purpose.
Room is really spacious and service is superb! I still remember receiving an email from them at Changi Airport before we flew for Hong Kong. They basically required some details to enable a quick check-in as well as arrange for a complimentary ferry transfer for us. Thumbs up! No worries if the ferry timing is still not fixed, they require a day notice hence once you confirmed your ferry timing, just dropped them an email to inform them, they will arrange the rest.
Since this place is hardly accessible and with such fantastic room, we basically glued ourselves in the room.
Again, free complimentary WIFI, Yippeee!!!
This room is costly, but as compared to Singapore's equivalent Capella (or could even be better than Capella which cost more than $600 per night):
08/09/2011 = HKD 1,800
10% Service Charge + 5% Govt Tax = HKD 270
Total = HKD 2,070
(given the exchange rate we had at that time: approx SGD 1=HKD 6; this is a mere SGD 345 as compared to Capella SGD 600+ !!)
3) Butterfly on Wellington
Not surprising, the room is small. In fact I think smaller than Nathan Hotel but it has a cleaner feel. Of course the price is also more expensive, wonder is it because of the location. It is even more expensive than Altira!
Boutique Hotel with China decoration. Also located at a convenient location, though a slighter further walk to the Central MTR station. Of course, party animals will be happy since it is relatively near to Lam Kwong Fang. But those who yearn abit of peace, fret not, the noise and crowd does not spill over to this street. Apparently they have more famous food near here. Yung Kee, famous for the roasted goose is indeed a must try.
Complimentary WIFI too! Hahahaa! I am a happy gal!
Most expensive stay:
08/10/2011 = HKD 2,520
10% Tax = HKD 252
Total = HKD 2,772
1) Nathan Hotel along Nathan Road
We had 3 nights stay in this hotel's superior room.
The room is small. Nothing like from what is featured in their website. Nonethless it's comfortable enough for a sleep-in and a quick shower. Cleanliness, perhaps of the carpet and the woody colour, it does not give a clean and bright feel. Though bedsheets and towels are made and changed daily. Complimentary bottled mineral water are provided for on a daily basis. Although no other drinks, there's fridge and water boiler where you can buy your own bottled drinks or boil your own water. However please do not stay in the room near the lift, it's very noisy. Hotel Breakfast can also be passed.
A good plus for this hotel is that it is about 5 minutes (or less) walk to Jordan MTR station which to me is important. We travelled around Hong Kong mainly be train. Hence accessibility to a train station is a good plus. Food and shopping around the hotel is also not a problem.
Complimentary WIFI is provided for. However does not seem to work with my iPhone, it does work perfect with my netbook. Cool!
This place cost us:
08/06/2011 = HKD 1,450
08/07/2011 = HKD 1,100
08/08/2011 = HKD 1,100
Breakfast = HKD 140 (for 2 pax for 1 day)
10% Tax = HKD 379
Total = HKD 4,169
2) Altira Macau
I love this room! Though not the location.. It's off the main district, across another island. But it is indeed fantastic for a good relaxation which is hubby's main purpose.
Room is really spacious and service is superb! I still remember receiving an email from them at Changi Airport before we flew for Hong Kong. They basically required some details to enable a quick check-in as well as arrange for a complimentary ferry transfer for us. Thumbs up! No worries if the ferry timing is still not fixed, they require a day notice hence once you confirmed your ferry timing, just dropped them an email to inform them, they will arrange the rest.
Since this place is hardly accessible and with such fantastic room, we basically glued ourselves in the room.
Again, free complimentary WIFI, Yippeee!!!
This room is costly, but as compared to Singapore's equivalent Capella (or could even be better than Capella which cost more than $600 per night):
08/09/2011 = HKD 1,800
10% Service Charge + 5% Govt Tax = HKD 270
Total = HKD 2,070
(given the exchange rate we had at that time: approx SGD 1=HKD 6; this is a mere SGD 345 as compared to Capella SGD 600+ !!)
3) Butterfly on Wellington
Not surprising, the room is small. In fact I think smaller than Nathan Hotel but it has a cleaner feel. Of course the price is also more expensive, wonder is it because of the location. It is even more expensive than Altira!
Boutique Hotel with China decoration. Also located at a convenient location, though a slighter further walk to the Central MTR station. Of course, party animals will be happy since it is relatively near to Lam Kwong Fang. But those who yearn abit of peace, fret not, the noise and crowd does not spill over to this street. Apparently they have more famous food near here. Yung Kee, famous for the roasted goose is indeed a must try.
Complimentary WIFI too! Hahahaa! I am a happy gal!
Most expensive stay:
08/10/2011 = HKD 2,520
10% Tax = HKD 252
Total = HKD 2,772
It's Being A Long While...
Being a long while.. 3 weeks of hospitalisation leave is coming to an end soon. Tomorrow I shall go for my blood test and from there we will know if this IVF/ICSI is a success or not.
Let's talk about what I have being up to past 2-3 weeks, and if I am not too lazy, I will finally touch on the postings for my HK trip (way way long overdue) and perhaps my IVF/ICSI journey.
I'd rented 2 HK drama serials which I'd managed to complete both yesterday. 3 storybooks were borrowed from the library and of which 2 were already completed.
Last week, perhaps too much bed rest and with my bad posture, my neck condition came back with a vengeance. The pain came on Sunday and I was praying that it will not get worse. But sadly, it aggravated till I cannot even get in and out of bed properly. Sleeping was a problem as I was in constant pain. I emailed by gynae if I could go for massage. I was considering going to Feng but I understand most will not approved given my current condition as I could be pregnant by now. Sadly Dr. Loh did not reply to my email despite my second reminder. Guessed he was too busy or he could already be away as I read in the forum he will be on 2 weeks leave.
Nonetheless, I finally went to my GP on Wednesday and asked for her advice. She basically said the same as chiropractic is not a governed body and hence even if I go to a licensed physician, it is still not advisable. She told me to go for physio and take some panadol. Initially I was desperate enough to want to take a chance with Feng but he told me it's a risk he will not want to take as well. Shucks, but thankfully TTSH managed to fit me in for a physio session on Thursday. Finally, I am on the road of recovery! Phew!
So now, I shall enjoy the balance of the leave by watching TV, blogging, reading and shall be back to face the world next week.
Sabbie had finally tendered, she is going to leave the company soon. While i will be sad by her impending departure but I will be happy for her as long as she gets what she wants. When will be my turn? Should I have rejected Totsa previously? Truthfully, there was no regrets for not accepting the offer then. I just went for an interview with a company I had being hoping to work for on Monday. Oh, there was an hiccups to that too! Haaa, the dates were mixed-up but thankfully they managed to resolve the issue and fit me in on Monday. Better Monday than Thursday. I do not like interview though I do not think I did badly for it. But still hoping to get my dream job makes me more nervous. However a few concerns crossed my mind.
1) Job on offer is actually a junior position. I am far from being a junior anymore. With about 8 years of experience in the industry, I am almost considered senior in most company. However if the company is willing to match my current, I do not mind the title. I know I will be able to gain recognition. I heard quite abit of the team lead, I believe I can work well with her. Better her than the one in my current one. In fact, with her entry, combination of both her and my manager makes the place a torturous to work in. I am not eager to go back to work at all. Hubby is agreeable that I should just throw in my letter no matter on the outcome. He knows I will not be happy. Should I? Or please, let me get this dream job. Let them accept me even if I am pregnant.
2) But is it too harsh to both companies. I have this belief that I should not fall pregnant at least during the first year with any new company. It will only be fair to the new colleagues. However, somehow with the dream job of mine, I feel ok. Perhaps cause I know one of the gals and she is aware of my position. In fact she has being encouraging me to give it a try despite me currently going through IVF/ICSI. With the support felt, I guess I have less worries on that. Anyway will I really get it? (I hope so, hee!!)
For my current company, we had a team of 4. 1 was recently let go, to me, unfairly. Another 1 just tendered. So now we are down to 2, the team lead and me. It will seem very bad to just leave her in the lurch. But I know my manager will be employing and judging by the way she chooses her candidates, I am doubtful on my ability to get along. She is building up an army, her own groupies, which I do not belong and do not want to be belonged. Will I be happy? So better my own happiness than theirs, right?
Anyway think too much will also be useless. I need to know the outcome tomorrow. Will I get pregnant? If so, of course, please pray that he/she/they will be healthy. Will I get selected for my dream job? So let's see.
Ok, I shall end my post here. It's a long one. Let's hope I can have all my answers soon.
Let's talk about what I have being up to past 2-3 weeks, and if I am not too lazy, I will finally touch on the postings for my HK trip (way way long overdue) and perhaps my IVF/ICSI journey.
I'd rented 2 HK drama serials which I'd managed to complete both yesterday. 3 storybooks were borrowed from the library and of which 2 were already completed.
Last week, perhaps too much bed rest and with my bad posture, my neck condition came back with a vengeance. The pain came on Sunday and I was praying that it will not get worse. But sadly, it aggravated till I cannot even get in and out of bed properly. Sleeping was a problem as I was in constant pain. I emailed by gynae if I could go for massage. I was considering going to Feng but I understand most will not approved given my current condition as I could be pregnant by now. Sadly Dr. Loh did not reply to my email despite my second reminder. Guessed he was too busy or he could already be away as I read in the forum he will be on 2 weeks leave.
Nonetheless, I finally went to my GP on Wednesday and asked for her advice. She basically said the same as chiropractic is not a governed body and hence even if I go to a licensed physician, it is still not advisable. She told me to go for physio and take some panadol. Initially I was desperate enough to want to take a chance with Feng but he told me it's a risk he will not want to take as well. Shucks, but thankfully TTSH managed to fit me in for a physio session on Thursday. Finally, I am on the road of recovery! Phew!
So now, I shall enjoy the balance of the leave by watching TV, blogging, reading and shall be back to face the world next week.
Sabbie had finally tendered, she is going to leave the company soon. While i will be sad by her impending departure but I will be happy for her as long as she gets what she wants. When will be my turn? Should I have rejected Totsa previously? Truthfully, there was no regrets for not accepting the offer then. I just went for an interview with a company I had being hoping to work for on Monday. Oh, there was an hiccups to that too! Haaa, the dates were mixed-up but thankfully they managed to resolve the issue and fit me in on Monday. Better Monday than Thursday. I do not like interview though I do not think I did badly for it. But still hoping to get my dream job makes me more nervous. However a few concerns crossed my mind.
1) Job on offer is actually a junior position. I am far from being a junior anymore. With about 8 years of experience in the industry, I am almost considered senior in most company. However if the company is willing to match my current, I do not mind the title. I know I will be able to gain recognition. I heard quite abit of the team lead, I believe I can work well with her. Better her than the one in my current one. In fact, with her entry, combination of both her and my manager makes the place a torturous to work in. I am not eager to go back to work at all. Hubby is agreeable that I should just throw in my letter no matter on the outcome. He knows I will not be happy. Should I? Or please, let me get this dream job. Let them accept me even if I am pregnant.
2) But is it too harsh to both companies. I have this belief that I should not fall pregnant at least during the first year with any new company. It will only be fair to the new colleagues. However, somehow with the dream job of mine, I feel ok. Perhaps cause I know one of the gals and she is aware of my position. In fact she has being encouraging me to give it a try despite me currently going through IVF/ICSI. With the support felt, I guess I have less worries on that. Anyway will I really get it? (I hope so, hee!!)
For my current company, we had a team of 4. 1 was recently let go, to me, unfairly. Another 1 just tendered. So now we are down to 2, the team lead and me. It will seem very bad to just leave her in the lurch. But I know my manager will be employing and judging by the way she chooses her candidates, I am doubtful on my ability to get along. She is building up an army, her own groupies, which I do not belong and do not want to be belonged. Will I be happy? So better my own happiness than theirs, right?
Anyway think too much will also be useless. I need to know the outcome tomorrow. Will I get pregnant? If so, of course, please pray that he/she/they will be healthy. Will I get selected for my dream job? So let's see.
Ok, I shall end my post here. It's a long one. Let's hope I can have all my answers soon.
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