I for I-yo

Every morning, while Hubby drives Gine to school, Mummy Barney will sit with her at the rear. In order to keep her occupied through the journey, will revise her Zoo-phonics (which she has learnt last year at GUG). Recently, after she has started her Shichida class, Mummy Barney will also test Regine on her ABCs and Numbers 1 to 20.

Nearly fell off my chair and just couldn't stop smiling to myself after this:

MB: A for?

Regine: Apple

MB: B for?

Regine: Ball

And she goes on with C for Cat, D for Dog, E for eee (still can't pronounce elephant), F for fish, G for Goat, H for Horse and...

MB: I for?

Regine: I-yo

Guess I must have said 'Aiyo' so many times at home that Regine is being conditioned that way...Sigh...

Chingay at the Heartlands 2008

It was the first time that the Chingay Parade was brought to the HDB Heartlands this year and there was much publicity about this, starting from the end of last year. Thought Dad would have been much excited about this if he was still around...

Luckily, we managed to catch the Parade even though we have travelled all the way east to Pasir Ris Park in the evening. While on our way back, decided to detour and drove to in-laws' place and there they were, the float procession just started on the opposite side of the road!!!

Hubby then decided to drive via Woodlands Dr 12 and we managed to catch the parade again, this time right along Admiralty Drive (the estate where we are staying).

Both of us decided to quickly park our car and rushed our way, carrying Regine to the other side of our estate to catch a glimpse of the float the second time (Guess we must be crazy!!). Phew! Managed to arrive way before the floats and residents have already lined the 2 sides of the road, waiting patiently.

This time round, we got close enough to the floats and waved to the MPs (as if they were S'pore Idols lo!!). Ironically, just as the last float drove past us, saw an ambulance following closely behind and trying to get past its way through the slow- moving floats. Hmm...perhaps it was real emergency but everyone got so engrossed in the procession that the urgency of the ambulance was clearly ignored!! Time to be more sensitive to the real-time circumstances, everyone!!

Time for a Diet

Eversince Mum passed away last June, have been missing her excellent cooking and delicious food such as Curry Chicken, Ngor Hiang, Steam Fish, Sayur Lodeh (mum knew it's my favourite and could finish half a pot during my pregnancy) and the list goes on...

Should have lost more weight after Mum was gone, since I am no longer able to eat these delicious food and dinner is never a sumptuous affair at in-laws' place every weekday night. Ironically, seem to have put on more weight since late last year and have finally found out the real reason behind my weight gain!!!

Fantastic, marvellous, delicious, yummy cooking of mine during the weekends. This was what I have cooked for lunch during the weekend - Unagi, Crabmeat and Ham Noodles!!!

And came up with this dish while I was bathing, right after I settled Regine in her afternoon nap. Managed to spice up the soup with sherry wine vinegar and completed cooking this in just 20 minutes! Simply proud of myself!!!

New Technology, New Lifestyle - My New iPod Touch

Quarelled with hubby last week over some trivial matters (maybe it's not trivial afterall). Anyway, guess he must have felt guilty and gave me a surprise that night. Asked Regine to pass me a box wrapped with a piece of paper which Gine had doodled on and commented that it was my long overdue birthday present! (Yes, even though it has been more than a month). Hubby must have bought the iPod Touch as a pressie for our wedding anniversary and Valentine's Day as well (how economical!!).

When I finally opened up the pressie, was overwhelmed with excitement (but of course had to show some composure). At least, it was something useful and what I have secretly wished for...Well, would say that iPod has finally gave me the opportunity to catch up on some entertainment!!

Hubby was nice enough to help me download movies and songs (though I tried to but gave up after it took quite a while and decided not to sacrifice my beauty sleep). Or perhaps he was feeling guilty (again??) that he managed to catch a movie in the cinema, without me??

Anyway, I simply applause the advancement of technology and definitely am grateful to those who invented iPod Touch. I was able to finish watching the movie 'Atonement' in a night, in the comfort of my four-poster bed, with the air-conditioner switched on and with my 'sticky' daughter sleeping soundly, right beside me. One feature that is commendable is that I do not have to restart watching the movie again, should there be any interruptions and I have to stop in the midst (unlike VCD or DVD).

Guess I look forward to more movie nights and of course, iPod has many other functions that definitely help you to unwind amidst your stressful lifestyle nowadays...

Chinese New Year - A New Experience?

Have not been celebrating Chinese New Year for the past 2 years, since Mum and Dad passed away, one after the other over these 2 years. Guess CNY will never ever be the same for me again since their demise, no more yummy Or Ni (Yam paste), delicious home made ngor hiang (wu xiang) and of course no more jerami (poker cards) with Mum and Dad.

This year, just happened to be surfing the web, trying to find out the places of interest that will stay open during this festive season. Anyway, came across Fullerton Hotel's promotional package and decided to organise a 'family retreat'. No nice home cooked food nor noisy relatives gathering (asking when you are getting married or planning for your 2nd child etc etc).

Peaceful and relaxing New Year, with extremely close view of the fireworks display just below our hotel room (along Esplanade Drive).

Hubby with Regine

Bro-in-law with Greg

Sis with Gareth

I guess all 3 of us had a common thought in our mind, how we wish our parents were with us at that point of time, welcoming the new year with a broad happy smile on their faces...