tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90957752046585291532023-11-16T23:14:44.011+08:00The good, the bad & everything elseI try to write here once in a while - about my kid and little bits of my lacklustre lifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-12561596748247039972013-06-09T17:44:00.000+08:002013-06-09T17:48:59.319+08:00U.S.A Day 8 - 11<u><br /></u>
<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>San Francisco</u></b></span><br />
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If you're going to San Francisco,Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair. If you're going to San Francisco, You're gonna meet some gentle people there....."<br />
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So there was a song that goes like this. And indeed SFO was such a scenic and serene place, a vast difference from the rowdy and loud Las Vegas.<br />
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We transported like 6 hours from Vegas to San Frans to get to National Yosemite Park. Perhaps it was the long journey that raised our expectations of this scenic place. It tured out to be your every day Yogi bear park - we weren't very impressed.<br />
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Of course, having been to SFO, we had to do all the touristy visits - we went to Stanford University which was regarded with highest accolades in California, saw the majestic Golden Gate bridge which was really just a highway bridge, went to Fisherman Wharf and sailed passed the Alcatraz also known as "The Rock" aka the unescapable prison, took photos with the 7 famous Victorian houses, visited a Danish village and ate a "ahem" danish pie.</div>
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And we were done with San Francisco!!! All that in a span of 3 days and it's back to LA!</div>
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I apologise for the extremely delayed post. I am suffering from what is called post travel syndrome.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-24899066820550942732013-02-24T11:05:00.000+08:002013-02-24T11:05:13.791+08:00U.S.A. Day 5-7<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Las Vegas</u></strong></span><br />
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The advantage of not following a package tour is that we get to choose what we eat. I had enough of hard and cold bread in budget hotels.<br />
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We tried their McDonald's version of Egg Mcmuffin. Only difference is their bread is replaced by biscuit and it was yummylicious!!!<br />
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<img height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5V_eVM_aDML1W1ttS8OUmiGRg33rQ8E9U2FjUPYmHdI9Di6IQxNNScTeOI7GJQRb_q9L3EWgHpgh_J5aLLn3bl-Pvq0ehVobpMOej0pFzd32MKPgUw88Wr1DhKmEANRwC74nn7lpZP3m/s800/las01.jpg" width="500" />
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It was a long journey from LA to Las Vegas. Bless the numerous Factory Outlets around to satisfy our shopping craves. I think the hub did a better job than I. We finally arrived at Las Vegas around 4-ish. We were looking forward to meet up with Liv's mom to bring us around but little did we know that this is only the start of our 'misfortunes'.<br />
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Of all the 365 days at this particularly small strip, they decided to hold a marathon and closed the roads! The only way to commute was by foot! It took us 3 hours to walk from our hotel to the Venetian! -_-"<br />
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Imagine 6 hours in total of walking! I think our dinner with pizza and fries are justified. We went back to the hotel and slept like a baby that night.<br />
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Woke up at 4am to head to Grand Canyon - one of the 7 wonders of the world. Of course, after 6 hours of walking and less than 6 hours of sleep = very cranky people. The breath-taking sunrise, the captivating view from above, made every deprived hours worth it!<br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxntxHHKuFzMG1XGuDfGaViSDibPYSSqUXeOjBNmGsyI9bXCRhsw3Fck8byHnplZM3D1OrDjnlUdvTnnYs981U6o80b_9GWtUzsgbMyGXt6hoC7MTYocXAscTxtrXPvKDd4CQNCN4h-qh/s800/las07.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAutZs8_hceEWhyphenhyphenQgBO3zKjFfiC4sFFqUYkwgqSEeqmNQrEAUzwvIYIbSX7rbtv-oso2xXpFk3pdnkpEb9AFbmtrL0XdmpiLpGRuO587CXTrvW7OprUReCfjVavjq_mEaoS5G4-EfXYQar/s800/las08.jpg" width="500" />
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Las Vegas is like your aveage town in the day and the streets are pretty much empty. The entire city comes alive only at night. We saw the fire fountain at Mirage, witnessed the captivating water fountain show at the Bellagio, people wearing all sorts of costumes on the streets and the amazing architecture of the various 6 star hotels along the strip.
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Next stop, San Francisco!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-74738654755072880572013-02-03T12:08:00.002+08:002013-02-03T12:09:34.308+08:00U.S.A Day 1 - 4<br />
A friend of mine recently asked "Do you still blog?" And I answered her sheepishly "Nowadays very busy ah. Also don't know what I'm busy with."<br />
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Indeed. I have lost the momentum to blog. My kid doesn't need a timeline for me to track his development anymore. I can't put a funny hat on him and make a joke out of it. And so today, I mustered every living energy cell and decided, this is it. I MUST at least blog about USA right?<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>HAWAII, HONOLULU</u></strong></span><br />
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Months and months of research finally paid off. I would say this is the best budgetted trip I've planned. We even have enough to do a pit-stop at Hawaii before heading to California.<br />
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We arrived in Hawaii around 7am. The weather was heavenly! It was too early to check-in but having been on a flight for the past 22 hours, we really needed to freshen up abit. Thankfully, there was the shower room.<br />
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No time was wasted. I quickly ushered Dylan onto their bus trolley and headed off to one of their biggest shopping mall. It took us awhile to get used to their money - they had dimes, pennies, quarters, dollar. Why can't it be more simple?!<br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn8UgyC48LuX94ePcJ9kAgJNUV_xbmxUg8IU8LTyGQGEBqPfAAMXqPRpSM-PL71lqVynw0zd8jCPPC-mI1igyTnfsXX1kTxFkuy1PtdcMAJ8abBUw6OOGm_T0OPn2X4LHRNiSWPFP-hHK/s800/usa03.jpg" width="500" />
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And this is me very randomly taking a shot of the renowed Victoria's Secret. Their changing room were so pretty! Everything was pink, fluff, ribbons and lace. Of course must buy something to remember right?<br />
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I won't go into details of the shopping. Taxes were relatively lower in Hawaii and hence we unleashed our shopping bugs but at the same time have to practice self constraint as it's only Day 1! How miserable. :(<br />
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So after all the shopping, one must also do some sight-seeing right?<br />
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First stop - The Polynesian Cultural Centre. This is where we learnt about the various Hawaiian tribes and do the Hawaii dance!<br />
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Day 3 - How can one forget about Pearl Harbor especially with all the gruelling we had in our History lessons?!?<br />
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It was a very solemn experience. We watched videos, interviews with the survivors and even went on-board on one of the sunken ships. If you asked me, Mr Yamamoto was a very brilliant man, despite being labelled as the cruel man who caused the war. Who would have thought of such a well executed attack plan? He had to do what he was instructed to do and he did it well.<br />
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Enough of sight-seeing. We need to explore the food of Hawaii. We discovered The Cheesecake Factory and of course have to try their Hard Rock as well.<br />
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One of my MUST DO list was to go diving in Hawaii. It has been 7 years since I took my last dive. After having heard of the raves of Waikiki, I told the hub that I HAVE to do it ONCE. I can only say, I have no regrets. 2 dives - One to a ship wreck 30m down and another was a leisure one. I didn't get to see any phenomenal underwater creatures but it was good to re-live the underwater experience again.<br />
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And that sums up Hawaii! :D<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-86984884276238012422012-12-23T15:04:00.002+08:002012-12-23T15:04:35.188+08:00The road trip - Part 2<br />
<a href="http://mybabyyip.blogspot.sg/2010/11/kuantan-4-6-nov.html">Kuantan</a> was 2 years ago. How time flies. The kids have grown and so did the adults - horizontally.
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We almost could not make it as the hub crashed the car for the 2nd time this year. I fear the day I receive the insurance letter premium renewal next year.*shudder*<br />
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With a timely stroke of luck and blessings from my parents, we took their car and head off to Malacca with the usual suspects - The Lims and this time, the Tans joined as well.<br />
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We stopped over at JB for the famous bak kut teh for breakkie before the long drive.<br />
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Arrived around 1-ish and we were famished! Nancy's Kitchen was highly recommended by one of my colleague who frequently visited Malacca.<br />
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<img height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHMPO_j5ZdY-Gi4FTDdAA1LqIEWAlbxZnrWcuRJjXWies-7A1cTRt4M1Yt8r9yIsqCC-7XqjDtrbwdCRxuDbEx6XTXIGx8WPE1cqihEWQbcsAL1mPjdZSVPcZmLz5N07Grw2PQuh5SKZh/s800/mal05.jpg" width="500" />
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The kids of course enjoyed each other's company. Jayden is a water kid, he needs to at least have a dip in the pool, despite the rainy season.<br />
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I can so understand why we can complete Malacca in 3D2N. There weren't much tourist attractions to begin with. But the beauty of travelling with a group is that we get to explore the places together, unravelling hidden food gems - every meal is a fiesta! <br />
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Thanks for the awesome company Lims and Tans! Let's do Part 3, 4 & 5 soon! ;)<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-9984082052070917022012-11-24T22:31:00.000+08:002012-11-24T22:31:40.358+08:00In less than 100 hoursWhen I was young, the ideal beach vacation as distorted by the media was Hawaii. The land of "Aloha" and super chio dancing ladies in straw skirts. Of course now, we all know that there are other ideal beachs around the world.<br />
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However, it is still one's dream to visit the beautiful island - at least one of your top 100 places to visit before you die. <span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: SimSun; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">不是吗?</span><br />
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And so, we decided to go on this escapade to end 2012 on a sweet note. I want to be like the lady below, soaking in clear blue water, sipping what it looks like pineapple juice. To top off the cherry, if I can have her body as well. Just kidding.<br />
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Can't wait!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-55320604900364072582012-11-24T22:14:00.001+08:002012-11-24T22:17:00.954+08:00That time of the year<br />
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><u>Jayden's 5th Birthday</u></span></strong><br />
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For the past 4 years, I will block my office calender and make time for the kid, on this day - rain or shine.<br />
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This year proved to challenge my limits as I was told to go on a work trip 16 - 19 Oct. 为何啊?!<br />
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Anyhow, the kid will still get his celebration, his goodie bags for his friends, his cake, his presents. And he was pleased to receive them earlier too!<br />
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Jayden was excited and helped out to pack the goodie bags. He even made suggestions who he thinks will like what. It is very endearing to witness the child being such an observer with his friends.<br />
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<img height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jVNfYNAXwiXEClWTunxSGbD0QQ-T7S7S037N9rAEKBj06J_D29fwiMQBC1xfAjxg7DF-exqn8jugdLcwaMFab7Gg8XJZLgnJZyybeEqu2vng1PwXpW9P8nj3tRe8tQptuTzt_riszcBN/s800/bday01.JPG" width="510" /><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><em>What's in the bag - pencil case + color pencils + snacks</em></span></strong><br />
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<img height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs75MHkgxoXgtZz5A2i94xXYhf-wQNfmExcJtzYOf-sSSlxyM5eVSjS53dhXFRgs8ZAvg4_OcQkysQKvQ7TsJfT51Ze1H7QKAoAUMEYaMWI7f7c1d2qytrnEsOlxmzRIT1UhCZOZoseU6/s800/bday02.JPG" width="610" />
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><em>Jake and the Neverland pirates cupcakes</em></span></strong></div>
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_l3svubFMe2sXGARC-oEM5dUAiSLg3XR8I2KEU0nujB2y4wEI8tnR82uJZhSapnB2FCJ_9UleagmZlesghIfJaSULv1nF-MwaomwzkzLdB55S91x7utOTy708kllTX4Smn_VQECfP5Iq/s800/bday03.jpg" width="500" />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJM12WBdilDVJxSHV44F1YrBVdj_9-hvF9nB53jG-DvvIRmn_MVVdkaWB6ej_oyIy4he9vz2ym35suJzNAjGClbGw_SOb4DkVDFap1aWluhnHjQbcprSYyYBIXoE4Zrai7s4srxj-2_Ch/s800/bday04.jpg" width="500" /></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><strong><em>The Son very blessed with presents from everyone. Thank you all!</em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em>Happy 5th Birthday my dearest boy!</em></strong> <br />
You have grown to be such a vocal and sensitive child. Teachers in school mentioned that you enjoy interaction and plays a big brother role to your pre-nursery sleeping buddy. Something we don't get to witness at home! <br />
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You always show a keen interest in school performances and we truely enjoy watching how you shine on stage. You love the sand, sun and sea - that's why we put you in swimming classes, hoping that this skill will bring you further. <br />
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Your inquisitive mind never stops you from asking, sometime incessantly but curiousity for a young mind is good! Never stop learning my child!<br />
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We're so proud to have you as our son and hope you continue to nurture to be a fine young man. Stay healthy and happy always! <br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">XOXO Mom + Dad</span></strong>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><u><strong>Big Uncle's wedding on 20-Oct</strong></u></span><br />
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At the age of 5, Jayden had to wear many hats for his 1st Uncle wedding. Imagine being the page boy cum 'bed jumper' cum ring bearer all in a day! And the kid did not once whine or suffered a meltdown.<br />
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I am truely proud that he performed all the tasks dutifully and delivered the ring pillow with no glitch!<br />
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Of course, the day is also important to me as my younger brother upgraded himself to a married man and we welcome another family member. Coincidentally, the wife shares the same surname as Dylan. We sniggered at the thought that the Tans and Yips are fated together. Here's wishing Mel and Von everlasting marital bliss!<br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez4ME_2ynS9Z4Tz1lP4jlFuOz-HxkcyvrydhjbPVki990eDJzcRlKvr6GAUAroIzUD3yq4v8YjtpLDJoPi0_MqX5SCo_QEcoqFyEqlWU_RyvhX8Kiqn2Ij8PZypLNkKLMRpeeBrmQAwju/s800/wedding01.jpg" width="500" /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-32480372195700760822012-11-17T14:10:00.000+08:002012-11-17T14:12:55.826+08:00Guilty as charged<br />
I have the iPad to blame. Every since I bought the unconniving device to catch up on my K-dramas, I have abandoned the laptop. Blogging has taken the back seat, correction, it is out of the window.<br />
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I am almost appalled to discover the amount of "undownloaded" photos in the SD card.<br />
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So once again, what has been going around?<br />
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There has been a few "First" for us. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><u>Formula One</u></span></strong><br />
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We watched F1 after it's 4th consecutive run thinking that it will be the last - until the government decided that noise pollution wasn't enough yet.<br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsADO75a8JhuoLHkvYxqMfhjYxkzJOWOVzqkhzn9SM6ZRwoL0L67om8Eony4B2OPnvRgvDjw7OyQAsJckPJ87zC1IzlveDT-qwBz1QOxoHHvscS3HUQ7DNhi-IG0ntcWoYbfY3B5HwmTq/s800/update01.jpg" width="500" />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Singapore Flyer</u></strong></span><br />
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It was a "First" alone with the Son - complimentary of Auntie Leng. I don't think the kid remembered taking the Flyer when he was only 2. So it was a good refresher for us.<br />
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1) He discovered that he could see the world from the Flyer.<br />
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2) He discovered there's a water fountain at the bottom of the Flyer.<br />
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3) I also discovered that Belgian choc ice-cream has liquor when the Son commented that it was so delicious. -_-""<br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Vps9ZuMCicXC9Y-Zl0Fv8EXOWYPuBDFeieAlzwfadhJVpv7tU9hBxa3Z6Ph5s4lTBospbzSKMwGe2ZrAauW-C1Yph04fhNULdJqoF5xMGGWoUqNYVJVylPM9XjSqs_yLpzr9nRdxwyVt/s800/update02.jpg" width="500" />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrSwJhu32MpGcwwSfzqcKewjLv6_l9hPNTwnclFt4rJG8-rtc50NTisYiNJT059dWJjy43clGgYU4-95Lte0vNbJon_ecf2jPYiOq6b2mDpggDT-K9tVQKIlobH1agKvqzZO3Ed4xoVZC/s800/update03.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><u>Hobby + Collection</u></span></strong></div>
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Knowing that Jayden has never inherited my 'artistic' interest, I bought some 'peel and paste' artwork for him to try.<br />
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Verdict: Kept him busy for a while before he decides that his "Cars" collection are more interesting that deciding what color a peacock should look like.<br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5KcvL6ByJEWVGLHbe3kjDfhZ8hsAVPZJuAHX30cu-t9AkfQhT6TsXH-CCWgfk-jSlEOtmqy-Q9B532HZvQ48RTpCgv_bNwfqtNijSEi5YEnINratziY40o0xSq7dxKzu3S8U4a9M1XDx/s800/update04.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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<img height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiu5dPsvKgkU-HUPCT3nqDZHMT6ntTrN8FCcJf-me22_RTUR8q_9uIo5cfmLt2FqkJS-IIovxopl4MxhUUJSUu6jyD_7Lpx0ynj8Trxh8MbZmf04DtG-FWFlWY07yKawdr7dtBDjPnRYI/s800/update05.JPG" width="559" /><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><u>His 1st Sports Day</u></span></strong><br />
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Being an athletic person myself, I was excited about the Son's 1st sports day. Especially I was told that he would be part of the cheerleading group! Who says cheerleading are for gu niang only?<br />
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So proud of the little one when he performed in front of the entire stadium! Definitely another first for us too. I really have to give credit to the Japanese coach who can make my restless boy remember ever move and cheer.<br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk01rge8wolF6C1wHv4lur19zoqfn3J3fzI2lSmn_YhEmFNY9GjkLk3Kt5e3O8_O35wPWqBBj3IjFNdZE3GDS8zBBpEhQRKWM-RKdzQ3geXDRM5xgqugnfPn3SgIsrF_HlmujfMh01OLR/s800/update07.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><strong><u>1st encounter with Lego</u></strong></span></div>
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I know he's slower than some. Only recently, he took an interest in Lego. But it has to be Cars Disney related or vehicles. Will show some of his small model fix-up another time.</div>
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Now back to my iPad.</div>
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<img height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ksUwgTQWeN3Ss-S6G9GTCOd7QSqkwBn6KgyLK-w5UsDesoqT1-xhMdaPsgU_SepLpktTF17oq_EEdn3BNJ502huFpz-UMgQH_syXhkWd5UzraLH67X4FrVpLi0f4ZNrFNhgTaplV5Ank/s800/update06.JPG" width="542" />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-13312688842494519812012-09-15T17:58:00.000+08:002012-09-15T18:02:59.925+08:00The reason for my hiatus<br />
And so what seemed like it happened just a while ago has already past for 2 months.<br />
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Why have I stopped blogging? Where are the photos?<br />
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3 rounds of celebrations<br />
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2 back to back buffets (yes one lunch, one dinner)<br />
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2 large and very yummy cakes to finish<br />
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2 brunches and a lunch later... ....<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>怎么可能不肥呢?!?!</strong></span><br />
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While I was editing the photos, I looked at myself in horror. The evil hub has secretly converted me to look like him. Like they say, if you cannot lose weight, then make your partner look like you. Ok I don't know who said that but I'm sure that must have been the plot.<br />
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It started with a very innocent off-day with C at the spa.<br />
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<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmMINzlalnihODJTnAEZ-sjz-FRKGGtbYISE85HeEcvArzIu0GqkYm_Nnpfciq63cC7FcrtI3j_cmPxrukv2Hq4tSoBhiTbnKRmP5l6P3kFqqzyuHcjYuizD7cs2B4BX3ulp62fh4Evh8/s400/IMG_2281.JPG" width="400" /></center>
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Spa was fantastic and we were even lamenting why it only lasted for an hour. And then C suggested we have a good brunch for my birthday treat. I suspect it meant to 'compensate' our short-lived luxurious day. We had brunch at Antoniette Mandarin Gallery and a very good time gossiping.
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One of the perks of being a middle aged woman is that we have the ability to slurge on something we like. We did our nails, went shopping around town - very wrong move to do that when you're in the midst of GSS. C lured me to onPedder and said they had sales. Bought a Stella Mccartney faux python clutch at a steal! <br />
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We were all out to be a full fledged tai tai for a day - except the difference was we were using our own money. *hur hur hur* (Mental note: Must not jio C out for shopping on a weekday again. Very dangerous)
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffHalQa4jWM4Y2efrzTufEtDEyl7mQOexPmuShPyVQl4yhxknphcxvO2QJ-jD3pEcIAoWy9o4HVBQKijvbDsw73eVZk1cOeZMqgermBv2y8Dtk3gTz8T9RsX7Nzl2FLYXyny4q14GZBlw/s800/bday01.jpg" width="500" />
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The following day, I went back to Mandarin Gallery to try Wild Honey. Imagine it had a queue on a Mon 2pm!!! People no need to work one huh!</center>
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4XXDcZ0V3Tfd9UNsObgd_ZNC7J1dWfgWei6PRQnufgc5E8CUWg_Xd0IjeqdyPh1p1EcXf2Vtw815VjOFRNzLX44v4Gr6Sa6s4NvXxAi6bnMmEgHg0hbV5d4zCvGDZYimNQTz_d3wc_RY/s800/bday02.jpg" width="500" />
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And mini celebrations with the peeps in my life. This has got to be most interesting cake. It was so life-like, I thought it was REAL xiao long baos and a candle! Very creative idea Bon.</center>
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieImjIx4bNZ-3XiWodclz0snBKeNcmhg0FR-oYx4xh9kXKC4CO-5lvoXsEC6JqJOKI2dpShu4CwtSIPcQB0zskSmHELmkOVPXIShpvGTWLH_V-krhZMxfnCnSlBSStbbmydd02eJbCKYr/s800/bday03.jpg" width="500" />
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The back to back buffet happened on my actual birthday. Met up with the sis for asian buffet at Hotel Rendezvous where they served a myraid of durian bites. I half suspect Liv picked the place for the godson instead. :P And then come evening, the hub planned a surprise get-together with my family members at Scotts buffet. How to eat 2 buffets in a day!!! <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">怎么可能!</span></strong></center>
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Sharing some photos I took using instagram. :)
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<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-S6UAQ8lQt-n7KdjYI7h83sE8pk6KsBcipFlsADQj1cyxtrBsd6lZ1hSTFim2kHNKpTbHDZNLWN_gh_6dMLxBD8Wgjm_FbyB3w22DYrizsL_P7iUXCHxCV0czPG3FzmbZHuF5svy_Twx/s400/IMG_2319.JPG" width="400" />
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Thank you everyone for your love, your gifts, your well wishes on my birthday. Every single gesture is deeply remembered. And I wish everyone good health and a smooth-sailing life!</center>
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<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXD0CwJmPjw7o0amGJp2qWCuWGuy5bSFqkQ3UeSps_vnj7F5n58igAi4iDjuQchkTvVVB449Nxpvn02OW6ujLiGLTKLy0aMTRDeHtmofVaLecnBbVQ6IxuNgzlfqRQSkpyC6N6ooKVOFoc/s400/IMG_2275.JPG" width="400" />
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Wallet courtesy from the hub. Thanks Dear! :D</center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-23167277029676019722012-07-29T21:37:00.001+08:002012-07-29T21:37:49.913+08:00Eat, play, shopYes, this was basically what we mainly did on our recent trip. Ever since I visited Hong Kong last summer, it has become a yearly ritual to come to this shopping haven and sweep everything off their sales. Of course this time, there was a little tweak in the itinerary. <br />
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The son came along. After having combed 4 Club Meds for the past consecutive years, we decided we should break away from the beach vacation and introduce the boy the other side of the world. Also to see if he can sit through longer flights - Bless the inflight entertainment and iPad!!<br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Off to HONG KONG!!!</em></strong></span><br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2RoVz9cJXHtkHTbxFB_JH-JME67vUZXvL4y_kaZAlmw9-3gFDKgjo0gDq6_wBC9h53hYXy2J4DxkNEcic3kRIlaelQfHyAa2j9Tk_IFK31x0HbpT73gJdmhBu1ez6sAp1iYhHTPPF_y7/s800/hk01.jpg" width="500" /></center>
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbnXQIoooEJfNMYb-LzYcvAq-w1AhVR6OnooUWYvxWaecR3lFc4OGQDMwx4ew3hWZr8unjD5Fc0J6gWS1v752ZaeScbZtKXMnCij22LwHsGPek3QwwKLDTX30mEM64PtvoDpnA2AzTOo8/s800/hk02.jpg" width="500" /></center><br />
And so we arrived at our hotel - Regal Hong Kong at Causeway Bay. For once, we acted like responsible tourists and even bought an Octopus card for Jayden. <br />
Since we arrived in the early afternoon, we decided to visit the Peak on a weekday to avoid the crazy crowd we encountered a year ago.<br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>The Peak</u></strong></span><br />
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<center><img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iXdh6P6QctH_qHbkIcV85MGVkw2h8vk3ikXIXcEvUMc8VzfRez5jtqY-QErdfVNV-uvjgrOg6M-u5zeEwn1lZPb44TFjZErYF22U8ZmTSQs1jcl-cJIghJJzAMSxRwk1Ex3_b8UX35rN/s800/hk03.jpg" width="500" /></center>
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<center><img height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn97wXWes0Xzc7Ghff5dIIrBNJ8oMqXanRz84-QVjBFjXiT6QG5qtbDrBT_Jn09p0b0X_7_dmERVYWF5GnFryEgwYdOOP4yEPXpfJfxOB_A1EJjWJKrrlQ8DxOVBvOWOUaQ4nQdxT-xjks/s800/hk04.JPG" width="500" /></center><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Guess who took this photo for us? :)</span></strong></div>
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<center><img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfQ9slzwnJrllJINa3Pevklv6wL-nGz37Isf0wPHY-0R9v8g2jWTshkszzdtgYvPAOCyesxLIw4c9RcFQUgsJK5ebbvVrDh6ugX-NMHbGB7C413f4smWf4-L4m_6jEisLmq5yK5nHEXPN/s800/hk05.jpg" width="500" />
</center><center> </center><center>
<img height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw1cgYsmi8N0QnWuRMDQwS1D2H7oMfubtI9ICxWxx1ztQcU6snuqJuk8c7frty2WD95qUzzwrGJP-FhhuNMxfuuv0_wZVmhDXy8ABhDOEf3thJCeTlrnjJLIkMr5DZurdNBPye6_rgF_Q/s800/hk06.JPG" width="463" />
</center><br />
We monkeyed around, took photos at breath-taking Hong Kong. Had our dinner at the infamous Bubba Gump (no photos as I edited it and it didn't save somehow) before hitting the sack. We had to perserve energy for the big tour the following day.<br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;"><u><strong>Day 2 - Hong Kong Disneyland</strong></u></span><br />
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It drizzled in the morning and we were lamenting if we should still head to Disneyland. We wanted to avoid the weekend crowd. But it appears, everyday looked like a holiday at Disneyland.<br />
Filling our stomachs with yummylicious dim sum before the long walk.<br />
I ordered every single item that was recommended. People usually go to the one at Mongkok where you usually queue like crazy for an hour before you get a seat. Having an impatient kid with us, we decided to pay a slight premium for our comfort level and went to their IFC branch instead. Turned out not a bad decision, no queue, food was just as good. :)<br />
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<center><img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRylrI9BCoaXdFrSlF1iWbFcafUhwXE74d7zed2liHWAljsfpGtdO8bXUHdk7IEm1KGObe-Z7NpyJ7JpluRLv9IrV163lYyAVkp5YbTPFKdBFtOWPOsfe4CVojNhxd7Whm4ngBkHp82Na/s800/hk07.jpg" width="500" />
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</center><center><img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjzApFCNWnz-VmXAOSln7kK68Ev4fXf71-RK9rRQn8lcT1ABPdn7Ub_7WVgXpZNJks4vdjelfkH-vg_D_JGbLrqFNrVB76ikedvzy314VXAUMGFGlRj3C9PCd8EwjqQfvpVSvtwnb7Zvm/s800/hk08.jpg" width="500" />
</center><center> </center>
<center><img height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElu_M8iGxHj-5YrnWDPsanO8kNZNBSRQsWBWq4E8B7UUf8YXmOztvFFBdNeYjUKg_OU5QYUq1TRqpgyh91QczhZKGJbF5iShnIQRWxjLb8MyZ0bXEr5VR6CHnNkgvSdAmbWIZtrNUfedc/s800/hk09.JPG" width="542" />
</center><center>
</center><center>Our photographer for the day aka the Son asked us to say "Cheese", hug each other and smile. :)</center><center> </center><br />
<center>
<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTYy1m4-JkkVzxVTOBKGQ9F3SEo1U_fQFUC0dAAuFjWKrVA7j3iFCxqpAuMGKZjH_JMwE2sn1bjLbXoCWTR8_Fx9J1Lz9Q2T7TIjVNswCN63z2pQSG2XCSjIlNW6IVtDsermJ4DvZcHL_/s800/hk10.jpg" width="500" />
<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQCKb6SAUr5Nzapwv0YQ5UbZ-wDDrkoHFYDcUemrgBXmE1NJHoJnrvN_z3yBjLqFF1Jm9bhusZEu4RGfuxjVFFqS93ri6PKFZkVHEiKNrMRi0tjqSwCwaOo_z80idO5TywgRk2kT1UWxq/s800/hk11.jpg" width="500" />
</center><center> </center><center>As usual, the hub and the son had no impatience to wait for the Finale, much to my disappointment. And so we went to the City of Lights. </center><center> </center><center>
<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LsG_Ho5uOQZv5atxATBqh7syzymPenkgQUPVl_X9rfuG17kCgqIbdIllk7Fm-SvHemTruG0JMzBVHbOVFBEdP_aml_jk58SOcilvYV5gUwi0uXOGKxIQAu-V3CE4EJ-7tKCTh6XIXS9o/s800/hk13.jpg" width="500" />
</center>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Day 3 & 4 - Shopping Time!</strong></span>
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The next 2 days were saved solely for venturing good food and appease my shopping hunger. I can see that the kiddo is not complaining either as he sets on a quest to hunt for his Cars Disney collection at EVERY Toys R Us outlet. We combed almost all of them and he never left one empty handed. *hears wallet crying*<br />
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<center>
<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ7Xy-HwYOfqUh1ldJbSw9x-9weRDpjWPVmDwClbqT6zA3qfpvd_jqLrnTyF-_7YMfYfTTek_OU_riR6riu2m9hTPDCVRu4pOwPIendJx_gyc4-jz6sMAWcmAFScIiLhodW1oNcVLqGe8/s800/hk14.jpg" width="500" />
</center><center> </center><center>When one comes to Hong Kong, one must eat breakfast the Hong Kong style way. :)</center><center> </center><center>
<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmVrD78bFQy_dua0jJxCw5wVU9j_f2U4CbNwwUY4mpk-XMLK6L7bia1uhsx1Q1osCtTzOTBRCxCVUT2klGhfF7QNkYEgnUnRbjLhO-hYe-rX4l3Bvd_q0MgsxzWmr3PY7nx3XiGdrSdCF/s800/hk12.jpg" width="500" />
</center><center> </center><center> </center><center>
<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlThQpdNOwEIQjSIS8uX6wwnk0JPhYNsasigrdDjqQItgADm-kQ4e2J7Bi3eXFkFE_7kxPCFqhOM7LW-EPFZoDluc794AMo76jDJL2A3IckBDcPQDHXaJ4xhUk9kK74nCuS9Qr1NRgZii/s800/hk15.jpg" width="500" />
</center><br />
As you can see, we left the country satisfied with beautiful memories created, another inch to the waistline and an empty wallet. We almost had no HKD to have lunch at the airport! Hur hur. <br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-67120290801405683582012-06-24T10:23:00.002+08:002012-06-24T10:24:29.177+08:00Jayden @ 4.5We have moved into our temporary home for about a month and a half now. Nothing has changed much except getting used to a new environment and a smaller space. Most of the stuff are still in boxes which we have no intentions of unpacking unless absolutely necessary.<br />
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Sleep had been an issue. Not only because it's a new place but also largely due to the unforgiving weather coupled with no air-condition in the house. (YES. NO AIR-CON) <br />
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And so to get our minds off the hot climate, I decided to cook (after a gazillion years later) on the HCP (Happycall Pan), which was bought half a year ago!<br />
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The son was my guinea pig when Dylan was outstation in KL. Safest choice to cook for a kid - Claypot chicken rice with lots of hot dog. Conclusion: He loves it! :)<br />
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Other than cooking, I got the son to understand the concept of housechores. I let him had a go at stiring the hot syrup to make Jelly! He was very delighted of course and stirred it really carefully without getting too close to the fire. End result: Ice cold jelly on a hot hot day!<br />
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So at 4.5 years old, Jayden has grown to be quite an independant boy. He wears his own clothes, helps to do simple chores in the house and brushes his own teeth. Though sometimes, the kiddo does ask for treats in returnbut we gladly rewarded him.<br />
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This year on Mother's and Father's Day, we both received a personalized card from the son. Although I cannot compliment on his abstract drawing, the thought of it just fuzzes my heart even though he made our faces green. Tee-hee. And in return my son, we're bringing you to Hong Kong Disneyland in July! It's your first trip to a non-beachy country. We hope to create more beautiful memories with you. We love you too - Daddy & Mummy<br />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMYUeTaObPK2iZcUivy7_g13oL4mrH7-iqpH6fMZCaEiC14DTlFhJAMJpo5DBe2Fa1tl0sMwIT5f7Mz10fJvM_1RYapgwCDs8KqwkXhLOB1ZTrz_4aV7ckUtiYebMtx5XO-Gmsw163Sm6/s800/jay01.jpg" width="500" />
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<img height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDu9SccA0fKAhAczezDgMoYQnH02zcwN7qRy0TQfioINWW_U-T2AAgMlRRVttnVS5wvK6fj3JwDN6dp3EfjFGZCM15gycxPJmvotxUSWznz2nMS4_LRI50u3i-cpjcr5sNpzyonLMXx-Q/s800/jay02.jpg" width="500" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-83289698727483826762012-05-14T16:11:00.000+08:002012-05-14T16:11:29.123+08:00His first Singlish lesson<br />
This is one incident that made me realized that my boy has grown again. He has started to rationalize conversation and query when in doubt.<br />
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Grandma: "Cannot suka suka do this"<br />
Jayden: "Por por, what is suka suka?"<br />
Grandma: *gives a very bewildered look*<br />
Mommy stepped in to the rescue.<br />
Mommy: *in deep thoughts to choose the correct words* It means "anyhow"<br />
Jayden: *very enlightened* Ok. I will not suka suka get upset next time.<br />
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I wonder if it's even a good thing to even expose him to Singlish. -_-<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-7218313526157272532012-04-28T20:27:00.004+08:002012-05-14T16:03:42.030+08:00Goodbye to our nest<br />
They say a house is a true reflection of oneself. How true indeed.<br />
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Other than revealing the style we've incoporated into our house, I am also ashamed to admit the amount of clutter we have accumulated over the years. Before marriage, it was just a roomful of things and a suitcase packed to my new home. I have lost count of the number of boxes I have packed, half of which are things that I have no inkling clue of the last time I saw or touched it.<br />
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I am only glad I've managed to sell off some furnitures and appliances to make space for the temporary smaller place we'll be holding up at for the next 2.5 years before our EC is ready. Some asked why did we not consider buying a readily available development - well, with the current ever-rising prices, it takes alot of courage to sign your name under that large mortgage loan. We were actually thinking longer longer term. Hopefully, we can use this 'mortgage-free' period to accumulate our CPF savings and invest in a 2nd property in future. :) Hopefully.<br />
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Ok back to the our house. Dylan has been urging me to pack since the day we sold our house. So kan cheong spider. I hesitated for quite a while. Not because I was lazy to pack, but I was overwhelmed with emotions. After all, this is the first home I've owned, built, decorated and have had lots of memories in it. Saying goodbye was not that easy.<br />
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I started to re-collect the times where we went around house-hunting - covering places from the North to the East almost every weekend. 35 houses, we viewed 34 houses before we were satisfied with the 35th one. And the ironic thing was we wanted to find a house which was very much in its raw state from HDB. Alot of places were nicely decorated but it wasn't our style. We wanted to over-haul the entire place. So, we thought finding such a place was almost impossible, cause who wouldn't renovate their house right?<br />
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Well, no. 35 house proved us wrong. The place was as raw as it can get. Almost zero renovation done except for the kitchen cabinets. PERFECT. We even managed to seal the deal 30k below valuation. Where to get such deals these day right?!?<br />
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My last words to my beloved home (I know very cliche) - You've provided us good shelter and ample space throughout these years. You have also kept our friends comfortable and made every gathering enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for bringing us warmth and I hope you'll be happy with your new owner. I'm sure they will continue to keep you clean and tidy. Farewell my humble abode.<br />
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<img height="500px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN6tastA-vZGMGO22_Hv5LHHUurF7E7dFQrHIPpsOvPGtppKyLJiSvvb_x9MvQuH4Pe5Iagc_G2fd_ZTEFkKNS05ym5LRa126obQOWZpFc8y_xJQoBVE_LguwprNwVVANB2nMgLOOSsA5/s800/house01.jpg" width="500px" /> </div>
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<img height="500px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hhyphenhyphen-KBKCWgX7eakDqIDeqxbAI3g570vb7wdWvPybuwFVmtJfuJ1buj-nXgv85LEET9FciY-Q4qvocJTGEEPLhaMlpUKzSa43fdDsjlUapI88CkDjBrmW51343UdJQcKbOQlx5eU0uiEI/s800/house02.jpg" width="500px" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-25056465009902153902012-03-31T19:14:00.005+08:002012-04-05T21:51:53.847+08:00Luck ran dryWe had 2 piece of good news at the start of the year.<br /><br />#1: We've sold our flat for a decent price! Offer came in when we were travelling in Bangkok in early Feb. Although I must say, we never expected a middle age lady to appreciate our house reno. But still, we're glad that we're going to handover our nest to a nice lady. I felt a momentary loss when I accepted the cheque. After all, we have stayed in this home for the past 5 years. I didn't know we can experience seperation anxiety at this age too. Hahaha.<br /><br />#2: We've bought our new place when I was travelling in Taipei!!! All happened in a span of less than a month. We spent a few months of deliberating on where our next place should be - priority was the Son's future school. But after reading all the possibilities and non-possibilities of trying to secure a school purely using distance, we decided to play safe and just put Jayden at either one of our school. No need to lose hair anymore. Heh.<br />So choosing a home become no boundaries. We wanted somewhere near in-laws but anywhere near Bishan is very very expensive. :( My only bottom line is I do not wish to stretch the dollar and stress ourselves over mortgage. So we shelved finding a private condo and decided to go for EC. After all, it is our last chance to get a subsidized house from HDB.<br /><br />So we went around to look at a few current launches. The only EC that caught our eyes was Twin Waterfalls from Frasers. We love their layout and location was very near future Watertown - the next Centerpoint in a suburb. So we took our chances and went for the balloting. And bless our souls, we got it! :D Very high floor, the layout we wanted - everything penned out nicely!<br /><br />So everything went well and smooth in Feb and early Mar. But our luck suddenly ran out in mid-Mar.<br /><br />Dylan got into a minor car accident - thankfully unharmed but the car is disfigured. :(<br />A series of unlucky things happend on me too.<br /><br />I am hoping it is just a temporary 'suayness'. After all, the biggest contentment is that we've found our new place but only ready in 2015!!! We'll take this 3 years to save up and hopefully can invest in another small unit for future investment. :)<br /><br />As for now, we'll be busy busy busy in moving to a temporary shelter.<br /><br />Let's hope April will be a good month for us!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-12659830227747421802012-03-31T17:44:00.006+08:002012-04-05T21:56:25.083+08:00Foodie trip 2 - TaipeiWARNING: The following entry will be mainly on food and shopping. If you have a weak stomach or compulsive buying disorder, please note that I will not be liable for any impulsive decision to fly to Taipei. Although I will be very delighted to share with you the locations =)<br /><br />So after what seemed like 2 years from my 30th birthday wish, I finally got onto a girly trip with Liv and 2x Irene. The only agenda on the trip was - FUN. We couldn't even care if we came back a few kilos heavier or maxed out a credit card. Ok I lied. I was VERY VERY concerned I gained a good 2kg!!! =(<br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo6iiudgVHn200zWe3gE09mozPwupOk2h9wDPFfB1HMZ68grV45UMBB8wfDlGp0BFHrp-OTEO9sEYrmmbSj7K_OGMapJRQY0mORkgw4vQtfIE6VJq4hMdsTOpGF_iHVELJHfrXNBjvuCY/s800/tw01.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p><br />When I meant girly trip. It was a lie too. Girls are young and poor. We matured ladies have the power to spend. So of course even airline must be the best. :p We came to Taipei prepared - biggest luggage, enough warm clothes and a mind set to just spend, spend, spend! :D<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><strong><u>Day 1</u></strong></span><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SbfcvwMSFY7Yr-buZTdAPIrMxZhkgttVF5-tZvpJHih9doIm66BpFb7UEt7mzXHMYx-90NSSY3IyW06NmITHBCo6GsxrJ_vnOn7H_P_53hFZar-C3zkyvCPiFSWd9syRkjKR6ElK4UUc/s800/tw02.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Arrived at Howard Hotel with a very angry stomach. So Irene brought us to her favourite "yi-mian" store near the hotel. The food was YUM-MEH and super super cheap!!! Of course, always end the meal washed down with a cup of bubble tea.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrQ4lGFIwmqVKwh7PLxSCuWta9eZRBg_sCaKXrUUrXNYC5xN9P4_HA9Hl3uaYOcnb5YHjIrTBOjfu_BBMgj46aVdHJFdmHXoxLUa8e7Is8__R5OMq4oQvzB2gCdTAir0r1A7zkPvIFTAv/s800/tw03.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Come nightfall, we went to Tonghua night market for some street food and shopping. Was that just our dinner??! Nah. We went for supper at a nearby teahouse. I am guilty to acknowledge that I have broken my "no meals after 8pm" rule on my 1st night in Taipei.<br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">Day 2</span></u></strong><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVofhTwlfdr4XPJsBmuOP32SRi1Xpet7jSPaCk1Ri3kVewlwpqfyQbp5Dvl3N71fITF8DEn9pM49Ts7amSkYbsqi-p1UvjhivuF57oWg351fEWE1YpD13V_Arf9Wa0D5VfvdJOk9EXhevG/s800/tw05.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Irene wanted to bring us to try BBQ. Unfortunately, the one we wanted to try was closed so we settled for a random restaurant. Turned out the choice wasn't so bad. BBQ on a cool day never tasted so good!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5edTVJ-sgx0jLQOSYSskKx5P4rIT9aBeyU2CrfcsACoxi9ZskwJdrrIaJM6ZjkYW7uhcAelE3-TJx3JNM_Oy6ubomWx67Zq6cMK1OGxt2LA8ro8yLApdnlCCHoH2rJcxxlRCR-GlwCRC/s800/tw06.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p><span style="color:#000000;">Another must try dessert. You pick your main - either grass jelly or bean curd and then add 3 more ingredients. I picked yam balls, pumpkin balls and barley. Ultimate shiokness!</span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey5rYMM1XnzhNr5txgYfFqcRUhMiF5CQE2FaCDOwCczo8l0vd6lqnFGqUDQHPKg695pv5SKQEdMM85tn9aG7XZ-8z72M5aq2FKNbBwfIPiiPttLFpEzggJSKGsIKh5NZEwzAYE_-HIl6U/s800/tw04-001.JPG" width="344" height="510" /></p><br />Very random shot of me posing with my pumps. Shoes are madness cheap in Taiwan!! Everytime I hesistated to buy a pair of shoes, the evil voices from the girls rang in my head "It's just $20 nia....." Gone case. I succumb to the voices eventually... ...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><u><span style="color:#3333ff;">Day 3</span></u></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCshJiTu3lg0i2OjR6ZlV6vImHTkLAtDb9pwFgqYEZYvH1prT9KFhs68syMekFDZzIKvDEa4FVXB7kzvFSVqv9iDLuQ41x2LlcJ7X5xrzDmBpuDL2LgALn7yWTsa3MMM8wm01Nsqvh-uz/s800/tw07.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Ok. Come to Taipei must do some touristy thing. Like patronize their Toilet Theme restaurant. Everything is toilet related! From the bowls, cups, table, seat - yes we were literally sitting on a toilet bowl while eating! Food wasn't so bad either.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMGHDLlADWUxTqN5ZpauCTAjO1g4Om_3H33rQF5_5cymZi61DXLVWY5d3pbF8Z9zhwHk5fpV-ClHs7G0a3B0sQ_4TgNYZHIusNptFIDDvIjUPA4l67dFYu5cBSUDqnVDW7oj-Mvn-3-q-/s800/tw08.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SzAXtuN2cm4mhpBEI_PYjE8CCsJOehbBdWuEcoKCQ_lwvgPboIWUBLy5WW1cYuCJZsJr2nXcTUxWv1pR4gRZTyzUL6l0e_yaDsq5SxLTxbycCwhG1KZB5v9e6VLs1iLWmms0IkQjEeGU/s800/tw09.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>After lunch, still got space to finish a bowl of "Ah Zhong mee sua". Recipe for a good bowl of mee sua on a cool day = Lots of garlic, chilli oil!<br /><br />Don't be mistaken, the dumpling fest was during dinner time. After all the feasting, what rewarding way to work out the calories than shopping in the night markets!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf7XepFQoAxsNlRx39MzvNTE86bw2Ccj_ZMc1WCQ50bbP9hHBRT4ck81StJeCyTBLapJWeYMArNlC5M9dqNdScJGjCX-M4yLXE4bt6bG3zRPVh-nfLNL4rhFvPVyDUqFRCJE09F8SWoF1/s800/tw10.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Super love the pumps! It is so comfy and uber uber cheap! Each of us got a pair and a color of our favourite choice!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><strong><u>Day 4</u></strong></span><br /><br />We skipped breakfast just to have this for brunch. It is a Sichuan restaurant opened by a few Taiwanese celebrities. The restaurant was at some random street that you would hardly notice. But the food was fabulous! We even had to make a booking a day prior in case we meet the lunch crowd.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NbwT77wMkeh6Qvw5_yg0fVtsQETc71wWOE0EzGJrU9z-9l6wphjlZgqs-m5q7D3MzXaI-LRbAmVOI7oUMNyYosq11zVrBincjLTmQZNzK-uSitzAJPAlIVLeJ2GUDGhR8PgxdBQbqnc9/s800/tw11.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>And off to Danshui - almost the end of Taipei to get some local goodies!<br />Disclaimer: Notice that most of the photos were just Irene and me? We're the buddy partner for the trip. Liv brought her partner along. So Irene and I, sleep, eat and take pictures together most of the time. The only thing we didn't do is bathe together la.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKpPAkep1uQbCVXBcUH3_IJ3w2UoYDfcTxZXrRXDU_Y4uUI02S69bPfstNx3iqZLBapSfdRXLPezyd45sLz5TpNJBzia5f_1M_KZiZH6FJGC5h3oaHmsdZTX8OM8QGOrM7ZQr9mUsW8P8/s800/tw12.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Come nightfall, we went to the famous Shilin Market. I must say, even Tonghua and Shida beats Shilin hands-down.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIEfvnCn0FL1hBmCvCjSpLqplbp_Y3iT5tZZXVCDiulIUO9KLSGiVTggZKuQUnd5zqXJUzJbaGd2Q7TjboRKAtG7x_Mm1VwnMx9juZlWW1t5TMnc8S10HWVOe-rzY0Nqw_0UDd8LyUSOe/s800/tw13.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><u><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Day 5</span></strong> </u></span><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX5gAuE3stZh-qfsFtG3Er6OD2tR2t02XQvUTPU_gHQZl4Oh1ypA3yYmbn73mMq5nZRl278D0dn9V94TMP5nvWOVxK2V5gJT_ruNcMnYX9zavS2a8YfTkt9qulk89aG6mZqmG7XKdmUUf/s800/tw14.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>After 4 days of combing night streets, we decided to pamper ourselves with a good meal. When I meant GOOD, it was a 5 course meal with a decent size portion at only $60/pax! Where to find this price in Singa-exhorbitant-pore!!!<br /><br />This is also the day Dylan and I got our 2nd piece of good news for the house! :) More on that later.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A2Kkj1jSZwtiAIOgL8_wa00DIND-JgPh_O4GYauxsVuMCj-kTzlc13JE2Gn-N8TPa2sUKGwWzGKcDGS54YGMRJmz6xiWvqkMTG2XD79Fp23QKi8pV7j5dfA31ZYIDpYLTvnl2b6tro84/s800/tw15.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>For the past 2 consecutive nights, both Irene and Liv had their own plans to do. But both of them took turns to keep me company. To reward ourselves, also at the expense of making Liv salivate while she was at a concert, Irene and I tried shabu shabu! $20 for free flow of 五花肉! Tell me worth it or not!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><u>Day 6</u></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCipHam25jFMcuGwL_LKyhsYaJE5DsSfn_gdgRGAF75msypJ8KZApULDAM0mZFdV4NF4uba8KYC0_iGc4O-GMx1PoU_MsnGMtE63_eX3jVMW9uDcJ7gvdG_HFtiBk9yWVsBsWyZObuLGv/s800/tw16.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br />Finally, our trip came to an end. By the last day, all of us were living by the last dollar in our pocket. We almost had problem having our last meal. Hahahah. It is alarming to know all that we have stashed on the ground is a 4 figure sum!<br /><br />We went back Singapore with everything expanded - expanded luggage, expanded waistline and an expanded credit card statement.<br /><br />Suddenly, holiday trips with the husband seem so lacklustre. :pUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-37915780118436156522012-03-14T22:02:00.007+08:002012-03-14T22:35:22.698+08:00Feb is all about foodie trips<p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9yMN0wNcCsw/T2Ckh9J9qtI/AAAAAAAAFoE/swdW2kWubfo/s800/thai01.JPG" width="500" height="375" /></p>So this is where we went at the start of Feb for a quick getaway. The last time we went to Bangkok, it was in 2006. <span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>6 YEARS AGO...</strong></span> *gasp*<br /><br />So to "re-live" the moment, we decided to go back to Siam Novotel, where we stayed then. But this time, we took the premier club room. What is the difference?<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QaTnNjka8AI/T2CkjpjcPpI/AAAAAAAAFoc/jqN99ugbbCs/s800/thai02.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p>You get a kinky see-through bathroom!!! A touch of a switch, you can see the room from inside the toilet!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FzJjd2t2pgU/T2CkiuPbfLI/AAAAAAAAFoM/Y-CPhSGymBc/s800/thai05.JPG" width="510" height="344" /></p>It's pure raw honey!!! You cut the honeycomb with your knife and you get pure awesomeness honey for your waffles/pancakes!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i_7bww6KSIE/T2CkjMt8n6I/AAAAAAAAFoU/0qKFf3mFqjU/s800/thai06.JPG" width="328" height="444" /></p>Very random photo of myself. Just want to show the sharpness of my normal digital camera. Hehehehe....<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">And the eating fest begins!!!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_co4WWGSodE/T2CkksXJ6HI/AAAAAAAAFok/Z8pTX1AkNOU/s800/thai03.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W-cE87xHIow/T2CklnLAa-I/AAAAAAAAFos/HQKEif1Bago/s800/thai04.jpg" width="516" height="516" /></p>This is a very random shot but I assure you it was no easy task. Especially with a 慢三排 hubby, we failed to take a decent photo with the water fountain until like xxxxx-th time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qfroqn2Z2_g/T2Ckmnv-rnI/AAAAAAAAFo0/xVy6H5oJ2JU/s800/thai07.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qhy-VGP6ZZk/T2CkngznfdI/AAAAAAAAFo8/Qw9VVDVDoA0/s800/thai08.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lpkgry_3Qg/T2Cko48L0bI/AAAAAAAAFpE/MAa0lja-Ifk/s800/thai09.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LAefYOK6g2g/T2Ckp7fqGtI/AAAAAAAAFpM/X7LkJjEoZx8/s800/thai10.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>Tom yum goong - Checked</strong></span></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>Pad Thai - Checked</strong></span></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>Mango Sticky Rice - Checked</strong></span></p><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;">EQUALS VERY SATISFIED ME!!! :D</span></strong></p><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p>I am ashamed to witness that 50% of the time and photos, my mouth is open.... Heh. Not a very nice sight but who can resists good drool-worthy food at drop-pants price!!! Of course, other than eating, eating and more eating, we also did what every tourists would do - massages, combing The Platinum Mall, Chatuchak, making tailor shirts, joining the Naraya frenzy.<br /><br />There were also 2 significant things that happened twice when we were overseas. While we were in Bangkok, we had an offer to our house, the buyer was so eager, they came to our house the moment we touched down!!! Count our blessings, we sold our place with a reasonably good offer. :)<br /><br />Perhaps that explains the severe shopping damage below... </p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Mw2a-WzY_so/T2Ckqry_vYI/AAAAAAAAFpU/BZ3G0Rhcw5w/s800/thai11.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-70182737453962744532012-02-12T21:26:00.004+08:002012-02-12T21:41:28.014+08:00All that happened in JanuaryIt is disturbing to know that a month of 2012 has passed. The Yips again were kept busy with celebrations after celebrations. Not breaking the tradition, we toasted to another year at Level 33 MBFC with C and her family.<br /><br />The food was nothing to rave about and so we indulge ourselves in the scenary and the company of everyone. And yes, the boys have grown up and don't fight anymore.<br /><br />Both C and I admitted that 2011 has been a fantastic year for us. C's got her new house, we both got our promotion, everyone's well and good. Cheers to another great year for us!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tSTlMKU-X2I/Tze2squFsFI/AAAAAAAAFnY/9Z7ffLRUxw8/s800/level33_01.JPG" width="500" height="334" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qSI-SDZzQJc/Tze2t2mNmKI/AAAAAAAAFnk/jj0-qOWX2k8/s800/level33_02.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>And whoosh whoosh whoosh! We enter into the Dragon year! Everything came in so compact that we didn't even had time to arrange for get-togethers with friends.<br /><br />As usual, we did the routine - reunion dinners, family visitings. We "Lo-Hei" like xxx-th times that I seriously hope we huat this year!<br /><br />I am also devasted to announce that I didn't even had a hand at BJ! The perks about gambling in CNY is not about winning the money (I'm actually lying) but seeing if one has the luck for the new year. Thankfully, I managed to have a few rounds of MJ to sedate my itchy hands. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iiILLnD-Ixw/Tze2u_TvoYI/AAAAAAAAFns/vBoWY46DxkA/s800/cny01.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZGveaoDmSes/Tze2v8r8E6I/AAAAAAAAFn0/ONEur8ul4nE/s800/cny02.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>I think the biggest winner is Jayden. I don't recall receiving THIS much ang baos when I was a kid. The boy was very pleased with the CNY goodies and endless flow of packet drinks.<br /><br />2011 has been a smooth-sailing year for all of us. I hope 2012 will be a MUCH better year for us. (It doesn't hurt to be greedy right?) Stay safe and be well!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yFHaerc6CA8/Tze2weaJUpI/AAAAAAAAFn4/pKMyty-XYno/s800/cny03.JPG" width="511" height="343" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-44765911637960998812012-01-21T21:27:00.003+08:002012-01-21T21:51:34.689+08:00So we went to the zoo for the N-th timeThis has got to be one of the most peculiar child-caring arrangment with the Son. To cut the long story short, we were 'conned' to go to the Zoo - ON OUR OWN - Just the two of us.<br /><br />But seeing how enthusiastic the son was, I managed to convince every skin cell in my body that the sweltering heat will be worth it. (Mental note: Have to double up the skincare dosage when I go back!)<br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fTVaNS0xZ9U/Txq7Ta9CqKI/AAAAAAAAFmw/GhefhdV9Gbw/s800/zoo02.JPG" width="526" height="451" /></p>Jayden is determined to cover every nook and corner of the zoo. He made sure we visited all the animals that he could recognize on the map.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DhKYwPjbXMI/Txq7VduG4bI/AAAAAAAAFnA/WrSGd-3fack/s800/zoo01.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>So being a happy kid that day also meant photo perfect for me. *snap snap snap*<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WGVWCua4DyA/Txq7WdPJFLI/AAAAAAAAFnM/s-lxTgoDKC0/s800/zoo03.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A8ncP3xykEs/Txq7XLkW5jI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/tj78lK_UkEw/s800/zoo04.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>To be honest, this is Jayden's first official time in the waterplay. For those who have been to the Zoo with him before would know that the most he would do is get his knees wet. Nothing/nobody touches the hair.<br /><br />So I'm actually glad that, at the age of 4, he had finally overcome his phobia of water splashing over his head and just be a normal kid and have lots of fun! Next, will be to make him sit on the slide.<br /><br />We started off the day with me cursing under the sun. But by the end of the day, with the son sleeping peacefully in the car after all the fun, it's evident that spending some family time is immeasurable. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">On a rather random note, here's wishing everyone a Happy Dragon year in 2012 in abundance of health, wealth and happiness!</span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-toayZTX7_Fo/Txq7UehEOxI/AAAAAAAAFm4/sUuaXncoqJU/s800/zoo05.JPG" width="363" height="530" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-12987408433944362462012-01-02T16:54:00.004+08:002012-01-02T23:04:28.607+08:00Bye bye 2011So 2011 came and gone. It whizzed by so fast that I didn't have the time to blog about what had happened for the past 2 months. I am also ashamed to look at the number of posts I had done in 2011 as compared to 2010.<br /><br />We had alot of "First time" experiences as well so let's re-cap.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Bop4AwFtrn8/TwFjq-TjnZI/AAAAAAAAFmA/MbRlR8H4i60/s800/dec01.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Thanks to Adrian, we got a night stay at the renowned MBS. Of course, we had to take a dip at the "must-go" Sky pool regardless of how cold the water was at 8am in the morning! Like tourists, we also walked around the mall for the first time. I know, very suaku.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDtjPhlygrY/TwFjr-BSbMI/AAAAAAAAFmE/LoDKCQZTmus/s800/dec02.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>We celebrated Rene's birthday together with a new addition to the group - baby Mabel! Finally Jayden gets a playmate. Welcome to the world baby Mabel!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZqRg1HzV1q8/TwFjs6xynnI/AAAAAAAAFmI/llvXqDtEkRw/s800/dec03.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>And I finally get to go to Universal Studios for the first time! Another suaku moment. All thanks to our company team building event - imagine tonnes of fun at ZERO cost! Sweet.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uI4ElAVQojU/TwFjty7-ZDI/AAAAAAAAFmM/Zu_QtHbY8UQ/s800/dec04.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>And for the first time, I muster enough courage to take up the challenge to sit on ALL THE RIDES. Talk about good team spirit. I have no idea where I managed to find the guts to even convince myself to walk up the stairs to The Cylone. But I did and our team won the "Amazing Race"! Prize is free meal ticket to ANY restaurants in Singapore! :D I am thinking Cut, Les Amis, Kunio! Anything to bring a smile to my stomach!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n6uNeSH3gJs/TwFju9PEAZI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/gEWiXLBNouI/s800/dec05.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>For the past 3 years, it has almost become a ritual to host the X'mas party at our place. This year, we got to make merry at our friends' new houses instead. And for the first time in 5 years at our place, we actually did not bring the X'mas tree out. Dylan is very pleased with the arrangements as it saved up alot of his house-keeping. -_-<br /><br />First stop, the Tan's abode. Lots of yum-meh food painstakingly cooked by chef Rachel, pressies and alot of blues in the house! A very heartwarming event indeed. Hopefully, we keep this tradition going on for years...<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-63NKgWN79hs/TwFjvoumfOI/AAAAAAAAFmU/Km55Dr7P32s/s800/dec06.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p>And my two boys opening up their pressies on X'mas day itself. I have intentionally hidden my self-bought gift(s). Tsk tsk. Note the plural form. All I can say is, I'm very satisfied with the purchases. :)<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6m0lJsmXqIE/TwFjwqlfuJI/AAAAAAAAFmY/AaxqLFX4xlo/s800/dec07.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>2nd round of merry making at Bon and Trav's new place. Another round of feasting and gift exchanges. I am almost certain that dieting should be shelved up in the month of December.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1_U-jwvFfLU/TwFjxtF-aFI/AAAAAAAAFmc/1a2thgojqug/s800/dec08.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>And finally, we wrapped up the year counting down at the 25th floor with an excellent view of the fireworks! How awesome is that! :D Another "First", this is Jayden's first time counting down with us since the boy is old enough to stay up till 12.<br /><br />A walk down memory lane in 2011: - <br /><ul><br /><br /><li>Holiday trips - Went HCM, Europe, Hong Kong and Club Med Bali!</li><br /><br /><li>Baby boom - 5 friends popped - 3 boys and 2 girls!</li><br /><br /><li>Career - Got double promotion with an excellent remuneration (stayed on the current job for > 3 years. Broke my record) and Dylan changed to a better job</li><br /><br /><li>Health - Finally got the clean bill after a year of doubts</li><br /><br /><li>Family - Spent a staycation with my family on Jayden's 4th birthday</li><br /><br /><li>Indulgence - Spent a 5 figure sum in Europe (something which I would never EVER do), made my 2nd timepiece investment in Aug - a whopping $7.4 grand (after severely influenced by Dylan), bought 2 pairs of extravagant shoes at $400+ each (after laughing at Cel that spending that kind of money on shoes is like stepping on your money. Note to oneself: Never laugh at a friend again). I have come to realize that this kind of indulgence (within my limits) is a necessity in "Living life to the fullest" (even if you don't agree to my methodology)</li></ul><br /><br /><p>I am exceptionally glad that 2011 had been fulfilling with so many great things going on. What used to be an uncertainty in my career is finally taking flight, everyone's healthy (minus Dylan's slipped disc) and we visted so many new places in a year.</p><br /><br /><p>I hope in the year 2012,</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Finding a new home - After 5 years in our nest, it is time to move to greener pastures, hopefully a place near Jayden's prospective primary school.</li><br /><li>More holiday trips - Booked BKK in Feb, going on girls trip to Taiwan in Mar, HK Disneyland in July and hopefully States in Dec!</li><br /><li>Career - Hope to move on to new roles to move up the ladder. Stay in the same company for the next 2 years. Likewise for Dylan for a smooth sailing career.</li><br /><li>Health - Everyone to be in the pink</li><br /><li>Family - Hopefully Jayden to stay in the new school for the next 2 years. Be patient and kind to family members.</li><br /><li>Bonding - Despite everyone having their own family now, make a point to stay in contact and never stop our traditional celebrations - birthdays, anniversaries, festivals. </li><br /><li>Indulgence - I am still trying to keep the wallet tight but having bought 10 pieces of clothes for Chinese New Year is not a good sign.</li></ul><br /><p>And certainly, to live life to the fullest!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-82483848105090390272011-12-04T22:52:00.005+08:002011-12-04T23:46:47.863+08:00That once a year family tripI've tried to adhere to my minimum once-a-year trip for the son. And undeniably, Club Med has been our unanimous choice over the years - food and activties all taken care of.<br /><br />This time, we were more excited because Jayden has come to realized the concept of going for a holiday = lots of milkshake, sand, play and basically no school!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S7__-h2ViDFm5BPq4nS3OwCkR0uAr5QW95TUhyphenhyphenm_00mHZZyUd0SrnlElxw7PSwJgsLlltLN62X-jOlRQcAhY9KwYUS88dz0Ro8JBb0GmkbX5pwgr6OFLR3-FyGg6y_6VDlDFilsJSmTk/s800/phu01.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>When you fly budget, there is no such thing as in-flight entertainment, so please bring your own. This trip has made me re-think the idea of getting an iPad - it is more lightweight, has all movies integrated in one source (don't need to bring multiple CDs and worry about being caught for buying pirated), can play games, etc. I think I've just made my point.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbKNd6FTkaaOXtjbHZDKvzbyvt3yAcR1Qbi8pzxkULRwrU36FFRakhwFa2_KUbxWWGT-5Cq_B95DdlR6683XrqdRr4ku_jbiiA_2QH8ez1p55xFQF8CqoEiZFzChEufPAShtvthp72Hfs/s800/phu02.JPG" width="530" height="363" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pyp00yOHmVPmLUquoPQ2BTwXHmkKBrbM-LaVJxuZDt4gIYdmLd0PNnzSjk_qrI3psWYh_GDvoTMZYo1jW3aZeFPdtakOGA5-JV0N1jqQUSqPLvuVUbtO9U-ZNRmpa_PMVY_21PCETf0a/s800/phu03.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>The best thing about Club Med is that, food and drinks are perpetually available from as early as 6am to as late as 2am. I confessed my 1kg weight gain reflected during the medical check-up to this sinful trip.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w3ZX4GJbL02wEX2KX6Fr2xbhebro2xEYc9E8jUzaoxSlcnwQREr0rp0aX82dadRnqQdo74xYUMPlYtZruQatJtnp-R4VRpYOnhg2gbRsHJAZR8oqo71tVNPkvOHU2xKcyTOSL505TRxn/s800/phu04.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#00cccc;">Jayden trying to fake a very excited smile</span></em></strong></div><br />So after all the calorie-infused junk food, it is time to tour around the resort. Another bonus point for the trip was that the son had just turned the minimal age to join the mini club.<br /><br />Finally!!! Dylan and I can have some US time to try out other activities in the resort. Another plus point to be in Thailand - massage palours are EVERYWHERE - every nook and corner. I managed to sneak out near the resort and get my daily dose of muscle kneading. :)<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1naGW9-ZPA1JJHvP7nzRbq97GokSvfjpw620gRqt_4ql58lPRrYd31cJahGWeSlDhqX60aGPmd1HNphPvTY6n-BJGysr6imDJ3XKwj90hLbHyuXHZwcqmW0yeYwzm646ANAF9v0kS5cMp/s800/phu05.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEZ2DI499o85KM5elc2XcEAnUSiIDXj9HsNNykyBNl1NBxUk4jAX_tug_zQ9lPMzit6eQlumCNi1YsYJyx9XbpBO9xtdwEIkZZZQxAdrOWGhxa7oKIzDbkVmbaRffWrRtMJoowbzwc6nA/s800/phu06.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Ahhh...bliss. Let's enjoy the sunset for a while...</span></em></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4obT7D9nhWk9uVJJu4xLpbRR7Cue__shJ-7LttrX4f9dUm5wuPR5srfVGg7t6ppF8W-Q59BmudnT1YQcWtUHHQN_bh6g0YMdCeS9gEdMAp-DOqVB5f8FcScU5qhT6ydi5CnriRstThMAb/s800/phu07.JPG" width="535" height="364" /></p>Well, the following day didn't turn out as what we had planned. Jayden had a fever on the 1st night and so we decided to bring him along while we cabbed down to Patong.<br /><br />And to bring a restless 12.5kg child along is certainly no joke. We never knew exerting eye power to keep watch on the boy can turn out to be so tiring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpkJXHoFVAWRn4e1Siw1egBU5WnxDxBQTlTraDNmCbmgHOB-jxUQu1tk9S0ZJOIdD7lshKK-fliHEMdY4kOlB8pkgeAAo8f5UDso8_z6QA__z5gTC6U2vwWnmUuxba9ftnNAbA03sNMFf/s800/phu08.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">But of course, he knocked out first...</span><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsYUdLSGXGKNxwk5PIOhwP3oF8WM5AFlgFKVUvgfhyphenhyphen4VgeeGJcMnCkOGMPAhwlI4QVGjsVUD8KyP6ZSLOUi5_K8nC7UVbXN-QXEX9w7JgdK9gmigu3FHcnpaTq8CWRhR-QH9yCpTDJLQf/s800/phu09.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p>So while the boy is soundly asleep, we had to reward ourselves with authentic Thai food! I was slightly disappointed that Club Med served only international buffet as their guests were mainly Caucasians. But how can one come to Thailand and not have a taste of their cuisine?!?<br /><br />Where is my Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Green Curry and Mango Sticky Rice!!!!!! Cannot do injustice to my stomach right!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxzpTgwFbRYfBCD6sL-6H3pBfUGfxw98BWO2it_fnY8DgyNglQytThWh6X3-TSfkMi7oPFmWoza5b01lsUlAdoUcdWuVykAtgR2HSDVBQPsXocvQU3X71jlkEGXEUdlvM_owwjIB985n8/s800/phu10.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>It is not long before the terror is up to his tricks again. We stumbled upon Hard Rock and Jayden caught me by surprise this time. "Mummy! Look!"<br /><br />And there, I took a photo of him posing spontaneously like the mannequin.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybI7SdGa_CgxdOGkIFZeKqg2eVIQmiIhwNLemSZ4IhwS0Isi3oB-f2BB0CC3x5Oer7v_XQjulJDSBoR-rIcRA7jiha7UnWU5dbtec_Q16Us-ovsepSOaCy2CCVo_VQh-_sgFAbaJ2qKuY/s800/phu11.JPG" width="464" height="658" /></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Not bad huh. Even know how to close his eyes</span> </div><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLyIp25uEMKRmH5w_UArhrwqVKXiSt1SJSgUQEKq9P0fbsGiYZFcIGmgNTJP0UfUF-088YAKbYWEjZQTdsU1PCNlwNbi3TB63867FDvltf8lL9Kf3gSo8AXJ5sY5vAOZi95Y2GVaqx0ED/s800/phu12.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeapHQbBx3ddN3sRvg9_QcUAg7iNkenfhCMaOwoddI-OUxrMjf_hLlpt2avj7rwGj6zWzrkW_CRQ-Wh14tf8cUia1s1VlLTAIH5EdhA_UPlXLUDXOzUX0N9sE73w2saG2V0MtD5I81pEa/s800/phu13.JPG" width="535" height="364" /></p>And when we thought his silly tricks were over, Jayden insisted on taking a photo with the DSLR. As you can see from the photo, I am not smiling. *breaks into a cold sweat*<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOMuGZ1lVNxK12Fu80JR1p2poQqK4zzBa2IIPfDWVrQlMR5uWpPEMmdcxHT9xTvwO5dQ3aXCzzZGkYvDs_cvo8PHh-Z2N46UdSgfFCnfth1ksrgRQ2UCxawdZdTOb8FP1gGDugogouLw8/s800/phu14.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#00cccc;">One of the activities at the Mini Club</span></span></em></strong> </div><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxygS4ZDbMT4N81_viTlt52FfoXlTqI6MYieBXxb_gWzcaZ6tpIJXqovdUtLIF3GynZ1ZEub-X3GPR-LTXy0rho3L1bJW_yvOHuq-3lNAIIEp6nXW3TGf8pjueUOB4PVtZ-Rmj24SaYxje/s800/phu15.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>And the highlight of the trip - SNORKELING! This would not have been possible if Jayden didn't stayed at the Mini Club. We were out at the sea of half a day and I even had time to go for a massage session before picking him up! Ultimate shiokness!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraGHzcd8ryAfNC3YM2orDUd_44seOeCe6O-ICfYHWAbHe8XDxI9H8eLoAf8DauSyvr14aP96tcPy83z4vOfHSkRDDTiiIZLLFk6MQZL6L6qkHp76Qgd5tmYh1qQdfHwlD-uzs6GmCtZl7/s800/phu16.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>And that pretty much sums up our family trip for the year. I have also exhausted almost all of the Club Med options - Bintan, Bali, Phuket.<br /><br />Son, we hoped you have enjoyed yourself with us so far. We have tried to create many happy memories for you and certainly hope you can remember them as your grow up. But even if you forget, fret not, we still have the photos, videos and not forgetting the credit card bill to remind you. Just kidding.<br /><br />Looking forward to your next trip!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-20517836049932217312011-11-08T23:02:00.006+08:002011-11-17T21:25:24.475+08:00And so he is 4Once again, before we head off on our long-awaited family trip, I am compelled to write about the son's 4th birthday. Unbelievable Four.<br /><br />I have been trying to keep a low-key celebration so as not to give the boy the notion that birthdays are lavished with tonnes of balloons, a humongous cake and gazillion of presents. Ok I'm exaggerating but the point is to keep it simple. But simplicity is always an understatement when it comes to the only child of the family.<br /><br />So first, let's draw attention to the food spread before we go into the party details. We had seafood with a full sea view at our table. How nice. My dad aka the grandpa suggested to have a family staycation over at Changi Beach Club. I thought this was really a nice idea to bring Jayden to see my childhood playground - this is the place when I was young, where my family would frequent to on every single-never-missed weekends, where I would look forward to meeting my friends and do all sorts of silly things that you don't even need an iPad/Facebook to pass time and where we practically grew up in.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-00SprPq_Vq0/TdHwjW-w7OI/AAAAAAAAA64/9Py_NPlm9rI/s800/jay08.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">Food galore *nom nom nom*<br /></span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xK7LMwFv3K0/TdHwignobVI/AAAAAAAAA60/fqFr9KlFINA/s800/jay07.JPG" width="530" height="363" /></p>Introducing Uncle Melvin - they are exactly 24 years 3 months and 19 days apart - both also pig la. You can see that Jayden is giving a patronizing smile because Uncle Melvin didn't prepare any present. *gua gua gua*<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SXke8rTeLUk/TdHwgur99OI/AAAAAAAAA6o/VCQQxBdAENs/s800/jay04.JPG" width="530" height="363" /></p>And this is Uncle Dickson. Considering that the bigger 'pig' didn't really get along with this younger brother, I am surprised that Dickson has a knack with Jayden. Of course, bribery with a gift always helps. See, even the dimples are showing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9nL7j7YE0CY/TdHwmaUpU2I/AAAAAAAAA68/qm3oKyQAwfo/s800/jay09.JPG" width="530" height="363" /></p>How to miss out the hosts of this staycation - Ah Gong and Ah Ma. Thank you for making it possible!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cTmPDvuVRJs/TdHwhlWYQzI/AAAAAAAAA6s/TSPFoc4v_mQ/s800/jay05.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g_FjXOxKsks/TdHwne-p1rI/AAAAAAAAA6w/mILFVADqijU/s800/jay06.JPG" width="530" height="363" /></p>As you can see, towards the end, the boy has practically lost all the energy to smile. He just can't wait to open up the presents. Tsk tsk.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-txFGZPJn7RY/TdHwks1nSII/AAAAAAAAA7A/CeI6kACgUjY/s800/jay10.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oBWHj11yxD8/TdHwe7br9_I/AAAAAAAAA6g/EgZdWemX2SQ/s800/jay02.JPG" width="363" height="530" /> </p><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">See what I mean?</span></strong></em><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">And then it's time to cut the cake and get down to the crux of the itinerary... ... SWIMMING.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8pei51RGV3o/TqLYw1Rm33I/AAAAAAAAA7E/Wel_1uAaMho/s800/jay12.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sNk-noxUwuM/TqLYx6PCeGI/AAAAAAAAA7I/td3lTMLVbCE/s800/jay13.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lG6IdXJZieU/TqLY2inZ5JI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Ojd_EMwqATY/s800/jay16.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7bisq1D31Rs/TqLYzJ41O1I/AAAAAAAAA7M/kbTz_ouWvTA/s800/jay14.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v2W30OTT5f0/TqLY0TYoIwI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/jRqvlDVgzLI/s800/jay15.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /></p><br /><br /><div align="left">Again, I'm glad that we had another family bonding time with my side of the family. The birthday boy had his fun but of course the fun never ended there...</div>The following day, we met Godma Liv for... ... *DRUMROLL*<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FLn0d4MLvLU/TqLY3y7YBMI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/qyh1-qExT44/s800/jay17.JPG" width="530" height="363" /></p><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;">*** ICE CREAM ***</span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-41A22n0peDo/TqLY5Hjth9I/AAAAAAAAA7c/GROoeidAbW0/s800/jay18.JPG" width="530" height="363" /></p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>No words can express his contentment.... Except probably this... ...<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-suOVqNiOf5o/TqLY6T1iPwI/AAAAAAAAA7g/LXRUN0eb8V0/s800/jay19.JPG" width="530" height="363" /></p>*beaming* We had no rules that day. Jayden picked his ice cream creation and had it all to himself!<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>** ACTUAL DAY CELEBRATION **</strong></span></div><br />Armed with a bag full of goodies and his 'self-picked' cake, we head off to his school for his celebration finale.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zi2hSxD-Nxw/TqLY7w8shHI/AAAAAAAAA7k/Nf8ITF1q2o0/s800/jay20.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-716PF1DtB5c/TqLY9LmGZ1I/AAAAAAAAA7o/nCc6hlRd-6M/s800/jay21.JPG" width="363" height="530" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y4Edb3I_JRs/TqLY-m80I0I/AAAAAAAAA7s/4TXnYJ90GzQ/s800/jay22.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KMHTBU2X8k4/TqLZAJ3YKbI/AAAAAAAAA7w/sDj2qiwBzxk/s800/jay23.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tBOiMFohok/TqLZBaiXikI/AAAAAAAAA70/8Mgb-EYVtfw/s800/jay24.JPG" width="530" height="363" /><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="left">Dear Son,</p><br /><p align="left">Thank you for staying healthy and happy for the past 4 years and growing. We hope you have enjoyed your journey with us so far. We know you enjoy annoying us with your endless antics but sometimes it's good to mellow down and go slow. Please continue to bring joy to our lives and create beautiful memories. Hope you'll enjoy our family vacation to Club Med Phuket tomorrow! Stay healthy, stay cheerful, stay as my little baby always.</p><br /><p align="left">Love,</p><br /><p align="left">Daddy & Mommy</p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>P.S Jayden says thank you to all Aunties & Uncles for the lovely presents and well wishes! </em></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-51441852793243868842011-10-22T21:01:00.004+08:002011-10-22T21:51:59.848+08:00Journey to the WestWestern Australia that is. But this time is a solo trip. The good thing about travelling alone is that one can go anywhere, anytime they want without wasting time. Food is also not a problem because you decide what you eat.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z-3BA3HjLgo/TqK92zDlloI/AAAAAAAAA6I/VV5D9T2SK1k/s800/perth01.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OsVJeNND72w/TqK937mKbJI/AAAAAAAAA6M/TXLUX9lv3WA/s800/perth02.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p>Hearty breakfast in a cold weather. Must eat my fill to accomplish bigger things - SHOPPING.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qjxaCZ9caVo/TqK944Jo8QI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/gtD12oVQgxU/s800/perth03.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Perth CBD is really.... ...like a CBD. Everything closes right after 530. Sometimes, even finding dinner is a problem. Who eats dinner before 530???!!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6-lPTxgcUOw/TqK96C7yNBI/AAAAAAAAA6U/wcQNx3L7q-w/s800/perth04.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>So all the good food have to eat before the sun goes down. Forget about night life in Perth. So grocery shopping is also a form of night-entertainment.<br /><br />And all of these were done in a day. Yes. All that snacks to bring home!! After all the merry-making, it's back to real work for the next few days... ...<br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bkcApZdQYvE/TqK97tZip-I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/ccQ07zz-xtY/s800/perth05.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-77095478894220789882011-10-11T20:36:00.008+08:002011-10-12T14:59:38.028+08:00Moving on to another schoolDear Son,<br /><br />This post serves as my letter of explanation to you as to why I have decided to put you through another tormentous round of new environment, new friends, new teachers next year.<br /><br />It has seemed like we have been changing school every year. As much as we try to avoid, the previous and the current ones just didn't fit the bill. When you were 2, we wanted to put you in a playgroup so as to build your social skills and understand the concept that your life just didn't evolve around the 4 walls of Bishan Street 13.<br /><br />Even at the mere age of 2, school was already competitive with the atrocious long waiting list. And so you only enjoyed playgroup at Brightstart Montesorri with Teacher May for a couple of months before you moved on to a proper pre-nursery at Thomson Church Kindy.<br /><br />Life was pretty smooth-sailing and you enjoyed your 3 hours session in school with Teacher Patrick and 陈老师。And there, we witnessed our once introvert son performed on stage to the music of "Round the clock" on your pre-nursery graduation day. We cannot be more proud of you, son. But family obligations never quite meet your life expectations and so we were once more made to believe that putting you in a daycare center would be the optimal choice.<br /><br />I do not wish to recall the 26 cold calls I dialled sounding like a fanatic mom with no home for my son. I also do not wish to recall the heart-wrenching moments witnessing your 1st week at school, wondering amidst your tears why does school last from 8am to 6pm. And after all the ordeal, you have moved on being a more confident, conversant and independant boy. Good on you boy!<br /><br />We thought we could finally put our minds at ease and Jayden can nuture his growing years in Agape. Unfortunately, finding a good school is like striking lottery nowadays. In a span of 10 months, the nursery class has changed 6 teachers - yes both English and Mandarin teacher! *covers jaws dropping* Some re-cap of their special characteristics.<br /><br /><div></div><br />Teacher Leela - Started her disappearing acts once Jayden joined school. Would only come to school once or twice in a week.<br /><br />张老师 - The goofy one. She looked like Abigail twin sister. Once, Jayden came home in his inverted underwear - when I meant inverted, one of the thigh area went into waist area. *gua gua gua*. Finally left because she said she missed 娘家。-_-<br /><br /><br />Then Teacher Amy - Hooray! Local teacher! But this high class teacher only work half day because she has 'other commitments' in the afternoon. Fine. We accomodate. Unfortunately, she couldn't tolerate the kids and left. Very high class lor.<br /><br />陈老师 - Sounded like a definite Malaysian but insisted she was from China. During the MTP, she even said kids at these age shouldn't put so much stress on studying so Jayden not being able to lift the pencil is a small issue. Somebody!! Please tell her she should be a nanny not a teacher!<br /><br />Finally with Teacher Elnie and 庞老师。They are still around. I have lost hope trying to interact with them.<br /><br />We have tolerated not switching schools despite the lack of discipline in maintaining the quality of the teachers. From local teachers, it dwindled to hiring only Filipinos and PRCs. I have no adverse feelings against these two nationalities. After all PRCs do speak proper Mandarin. But the last straw came when the entire school became infested with Filipinos who couldn't even convey proper messages to me when my son got hurt in school. I was further appalled to see Jayden doned in another classmate's uniform. Didn't the Filipino teacher notice the names on the name-tag?!? My son is not Rendall Seah! *smacks forehead*<br /><br />Anyway, enough of grieving. My dear son, I hope you understand why Mommy and Daddy is putting you to another school. We're not sure if it will be better because we're not admitting that we're always right and know what's best for you. So we hope you have an enjoyable birthday celebration at Agape before you move on to your new environment at Elfa and make more friends.<br /><br />Remember, Mommy and Daddy will only want the best for you. Keep smiling.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662227319733619602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3GcIUnRel_roYI6LiskNXw7USthL8fMelXINtDFau7G7Vnuw_NEDxez4-igU9mgi4SGH9nCSfLcgESea284OqM3sUpJYNG_K2zXJvbWLpDaw9U664en63Y1qD8ImNGD7zvJl3mMLNIYt/s400/jay01.JPG" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-26921075929437480862011-09-12T21:45:00.002+08:002011-09-12T22:06:46.697+08:00What's going on with the Yips these days?Well, I haven't got much to say.<br /><br />The man in the house is half the time out on weekends working and I cannot bring myself to get out of the house in the sweltering heat. I am almost ashamed to confess that the son and I spent most of the time doing unproductive stuff at home too.<br /><br />On some days, we spent building sandcastles - not in the air but literally. The son has a penchant for getting himself muddy and wet and we reckoned that it's healthier to do some outdoor activity before he becomes a hermit and hides himself behind an iPad.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-opO3t0Yas-o/Tm4MCQFPv1I/AAAAAAAAA5o/9cLnK1BTDUQ/s800/beach01.JPG" width="511" height="343" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QZ8D7WZx8sw/Tm4MIKaug-I/AAAAAAAAA5w/F2MdUAQhWzg/s800/beach02.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>Just the other day, I finally embraced the courage to hand-make some cards together with the son for his teachers day. I was under the impression that he only had 2 teachers to prepare until he list out the rest of them he knew from playgroup to K2 that he insisted to give pressies to. *hears wallet crying*<br /><br />So after holding his hand to write 10 teachers day cards, I am almost certain that next year it would be less labourious that I just print out labels instead. Thank you technology!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VLeOQfQQnkc/Tm4MKXCznoI/AAAAAAAAA54/lpaNHGs3twk/s800/sch03.JPG" width="511" height="343" /></p>And lastly, in return of appreciation, the teachers decided to hold a surprise tea party inviting the parents to watch their precious one perform a surprise act. When I meant surprise, I was supposed to be there with an astounded-jaws drop-overwhelmed look when you watch your kid do his trick.<br /><br />Well, I wasn't because Jayden got too excited and practiced it in front of me every night. Nonetheless, it was nice to see the son being comfortable on stage and enjoying himself. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-asjwTB1m-50/Tm4MEVj2fWI/AAAAAAAAA5s/-Q1Tk5yppP0/s800/sch01.JPG" width="512" height="387" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4yUA-2SHdZk/Tm4MJaTiY6I/AAAAAAAAA50/qmrtoTanIko/s800/sch02.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p>And that pretty much summed up our lackluster lives these days. Don't you think we need a vacation soon?!?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-47139376057512104022011-08-18T21:49:00.003+08:002011-08-18T22:46:21.027+08:0083 days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TAIUlVXhYXJ5WWqX7ZswO5fWo1PKigNeOZzC36SCggDzaWGAABPfIa12DiJoumNcGPIn59Q76ZwNifXhClGlNYydSqZFm14Kle0bPmYfm0dPG7UOxE3LEgNd5RJ9PxuF16hNEPeIeqdj/s1600/beach-holiday2-08.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 335px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642196560920668498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TAIUlVXhYXJ5WWqX7ZswO5fWo1PKigNeOZzC36SCggDzaWGAABPfIa12DiJoumNcGPIn59Q76ZwNifXhClGlNYydSqZFm14Kle0bPmYfm0dPG7UOxE3LEgNd5RJ9PxuF16hNEPeIeqdj/s400/beach-holiday2-08.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div>Is the number of days we have to countdown to our next holiday... ...</div>
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<br /><div>It has become almost like a yearly ritual to celebrate the son's birthday at Club Med. </div>
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<br /><div>The conversation with the son goes like this.</div>
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<br /><div>Me: "We're going to Phuket this year!" *excited*</div>
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<br /><div>J: "Why? I want to stay at home!"</div>
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<br /><div>Me: "Zzzzzzzz"</div>
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<br /><div>J: "Mommy, there got french fries and milk shake?"</div>
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<br /><div>Me: "Yes."</div>
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<br /><div>J: "Ok I go!"</div>
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<br /><div>Me: "!!!!!!"</div>
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<br /><div>I just can't believe it's taking this long to get to that day.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095775204658529153.post-47442188075008358392011-08-04T21:21:00.002+08:002011-08-04T22:38:58.972+08:00In the pinkAnd so another year older has gone for me. I cannot be more than grateful than to have lived another year unscatched, healthier and happier.<br /><br />I did say I wanted a low profile celebration this year. But this group of friends had never failed, rain or shine, to keep this day free just for me. And this year was another surprise again. They arranged to go to a long lost poly friend's restaurant. Four of us used to hang out together, after lectures, skipping lunch to go to one of their houses for a quick nap and long coffee chats at Starbucks after school. Those were the days... ...<br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b_Tg0xDpygc/Tjqb3XkkSII/AAAAAAAAA5U/DW4UgTp7tjU/s800/bday06.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Definitely felt like a superstar that night!</span></em></strong></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iOxcw4W6leM/Tjqb1whU6oI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/dSSPxqCUtHM/s800/bday05.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></p><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Superb Japanese fushion food! I am salivating as we speak!<br /></div></span></strong></em><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yWd5aK-nt5Q/TjqbzsbKwNI/AAAAAAAAA5I/7eAz3D2_Us8/s800/bday07.JPG" width="530" height="405" /></p>Thanks my dear friends for having me in your thoughts as always! Of course, not just the gifts but all the yummy treats as well! I can certainly feel the tightness in my pants now.<br /><br />Ok, after all the appreciation, it's time to show off. Please bear with me. Bleah.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ANkUZhmBm_A/Tjqb0qILOBI/AAAAAAAAA5M/0p42PPg0Bo8/s800/bday01.jpg" width="500" height="250" /></p>Gift no. 1: Goyard St Louis GM<br />Gift no. 2: Classic Chanel logo necklace in Swakorski crystals<br /><br />Got the hub to get the Goyard St Louis when he was in London. Super happy as we didn't had the time to go to the boutique in Paris. :D<br />Yes, another bag. *yawn* But bags of different shapes and sizes, patterns and colors, suits for different occasions. So how will one complain about having an extra accessory right? :D<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2T-zivht66M/TjqbyIM_cEI/AAAAAAAAA5E/npoEJL3oPGE/s800/bday02.JPG" width="500" height="352" /></p>Gift no. 3: Loewe Amazona boston bag in blue slate color<br /><br />Ok. This was never part of the gift plan. But I'm sure people will understand love at first sight. *goes on digressing and indulging* After having a few shoulder bags, I felt the need to get a hand carry boston bag. And this color, according to the SA is a limited edition shade.<br /><br />That was it. She said the magic word - LIMITED EDITION. Just take my credit card!!!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B9QZsJEa0Ec/TjqbwfQIAYI/AAAAAAAAA48/OoU-FeubFBk/s800/bday04.JPG" width="500" height="352" /></p>Gift no. 4: Gucci zip-around wallet<br /><br />This was part of the scheme. But after I got Loewe, it was slightly forgotten until I saw this. Similiar shade with my Loewe !! How to miss right! *sigh*<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ckdAGCdOXVc/TjqbxXn35cI/AAAAAAAAA5A/rwTrSlFL43g/s800/bday03.JPG" width="500" height="352" /></p>Gift no. 5: Tory Burch belt<br /><br />This was an impulse buy. I have never own a belt for more than $30. But but but the material was soft, the design was pretty and it was on sale, blah blah blah.<br /><br />Alright.<br /><br />So after all the impulsive self indulgent and getting the limelight, it is also time to reflect.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">2010 was a rather traumatic year for me.</span></strong><br /><br />I contemplated whether or not to share my life on a public blog. But I thought it served as a good reminder as well and not to take things for granted.<br /><br />I discovered something and went to do the necessary tests. Thankfully, the results came back negative but the doctor could not pin down the cause of it. It was a constant nightmare having to wonder what was wrong and if the diagnosis was really benign.<br /><br />After almost what felt like a year, I took up the courage to seek a 2nd opinion and decided to get rid of it from my system. The process was swift but excrutiating. I really hope that is the last of it.<br /><br />So now, being in the <strong>pink of health</strong> is my life's priority. I cannot be more thankful that I'm still here receiving love from people who cares about me.<br /><br />On another note, work has become extremely up my neck. They say with greater power comes greater responsibilities. I got my promotion and a handsome remuneration package. Now I just need the time to spend it. :pUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0