Young money makers

These are becoming more and more common sight in Kuala Lumpur.

The presence of young children "selling" or getting donations for religious booklets.

Their approach is simple.

They basically HAND YOU a very small thin booklet and a person's natural instinct is to take it, cos we are so accustomed to receiving pamphlet, flyers and even free samples.

But once you take it, they will ask you for a 'donation'.

I have witnessed many who are caught in a dilemma.

On one hand they feel obliged to give, but on the other, they know that by giving, they are encouraging this unhealthy practice or even syndicate.

This boy in the photo does not look local.

I've even seen a young girl with color eyeshadow on. Too bad I don't have a photo of her cos it was the first time I witnessed a young child being used to make money this way.

She approached her "victim" as he was about to cross the road. I sensed his hesitation to give the money, so I just stepped in and asked if she have IC or Malaysian identification card.

She ignored me. I asked if she have passport. This time she just shrugged and took back the book from the guy's hand and went off.

This happened in front of Sogo KL entrance but today I saw this boy doing this inside Sogo.

It's really a dilemma on whether to give or not. You might seem "mean" not to give but in my opinion giving is really not an option because if from young they learn this "trade", this trade will not support their livelihood when they grow up.

So what are they going to do then? With no other working skills except begging, chances are they will just "recruit" (read: give birth to) young children who will continue this "trade" for them.

Something should be done fast to stop this social menace from spreading as children should be at school studying, learning.. Not scamming or begging.

No giving = no income, no income then they will have to look for other means for sustenance. And hopefully this other means does not involve begging but real work.

Glucose Test during pregnancy (MGTT)

SUGAR WATER

Glucose or meal glucose intolerence test (MGTT) is usually done once by pregnant woman during their 2nd trimester but for me since:-

1) I'll be 40 years old when I deliver
2) I gained a lot of weight during my first trimester

I have to do 2 times (once in 2nd and another in 3rd trimester).

It's mandatorily done by Malaysian government clinics but not private clinics. Not sure the reason but possibly because Malaysia is trying to control the number of diabetics in the country.

Cos if the mom is diabetic during her pregnancy, chances are high that the fetus will also be diabetic. By doing this screening, if it's true that the mom is diabetic, then the government can immediately step in, either through education on proper diet or medication.

Also diabetic fetus will also be bigger in size thus making it harder for the woman to deliver later.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

WHAT IS THE TEST?
In summary, compare 2 blood samples of before and after drinking a glass of sugar water.

TO BE PRECISED, IT'S:-
Basically the test is done by taking a blood sample first thing in the morning after a 10 hour fast.
Usually the fast begins at 10pm the night before for a test at 8am in the morning.

Then you'll be asked to drink a cup of warm sugar water (very sweet).

You'll be ask to rest / sit for 2 hours. During this 2 hours, try not to move too much and if you feel uncomfortable, you may even lie down.

This is especially a problem for pregnant woman who have morning sickness. That is why the test is usually done in the 2nd trimester.

Important note:-

a) not to vomit during this 2 hours, you'll have to ABORT the test and schedule another day for the test.

b) during these 2 hours, you cannot eat or drink anything.

c) If you can successfully hold in the sugar water, then another blood sample must be taken within the 2 hours. If longer, again the result is not that accurate.

Basically a comparison of glucose level in these 2 blood samples will show if your body can successfully process the glucose or not.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * 

SIDE NOTE - can you drink water during the fast?
I have obtained differing views from the websites.

My nurse say I can have sips but the UK sites states that drinking water is not a problem.

VERDICT on drinking water:-

You can drink all you want before 10pm but by next morning, just have enough to quench your thirst.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

So what happens if the result is NOT NORMAL?

I will be blogging on it, cos I failed my second test :(

So to all pregnant women out there, it's always good to watch the amount of carbohydrate that we eat and the sweet drinks that we drink.. specifically white rice, milo and carbonated drinks.

UPDATE:- since I failed the test, I have to do BSP (blood sugar profile). Click what-happens-if-failed-glucose-test for more info.

Eyeshadow primer - Urban Decay vs Too Faced

I always knew there's makeup base and it helps the foundation to stay longer on the face.

What I didn't know was, just as there are makeup base, there are also eyeshadow base.

And though the function is the same you can't expect the eyeshadow to stay put and not melt or travel down south with just a makeup base.

And so I was introduced to the best selling primers - Urban Decay and Too Faced.

Urban Decay Potion RM75

Urban Decay Anti Aging RM95

Too Faced RM69

They don't come cheap at RM69 - RM95 for about 10ml only but I suspect they can last for a long time.

So instead of buying them for my 'experiment' I got samples from Sephora.

And here's my VERDICT:-

Urban Decay vs Too Faced
Too Faced makes the shadow last longer but it's drier on my eyelid cos I can feel a tinge of tightness on my skin.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Urban Decay Anti Aging vs Urban Decay Potion
I don't see significant difference to justify the higher price. I tried it on my wrinkled under eye and I did not see any marked improvement.

Perhaps it need prolonged use but if you really want anti aging, best to get adequate sleep, limit computer or phone screen exposure n get a good eye cream.

Do note that the Urban Decay anti aging is the only primer which you can apply on the under eye as well.

The other range are specifically for eyelids only.

So for me, personally I'll get the Urban Decay Potion.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Photos taken from my "experiment":-