Last day of 2008 @ the Zoo

Decided to bring Gine to the zoo once again since Hubby had to work and Mummy Barney has got so tired of shopping. We spent almost the entire day at the zoo, much longer than our normal trips as we only get to ride on the trams during weekdays (as Friends of the Zoo). Of course, Gine could not forgo her ride at the carousel located at the Rainforest KidzWorld.

Gine posing in front of the monkeys. She even knows "white-faced saki monkeys" now.

Gine was upset after the elephant show as she was being splashed by the elephants during the show.

On her favourite carousel. Mummy Barney also managed to climb onto one and had a ride too!

Ip Man

Finally managed to squeeze out some time to catch a movie though I have been on leave for the past week. Surprisingly, Hubby was also on leave and we decided to "turn-back-the-clock" - to return to our "pak-tor" (courtship) days.

Was not even aware of the synopsis of the movie that Hubby chose to watch -Ip Man. Only knew it was a movie about martial arts and my ex-colleague found it unbelieving that I was going for this type of movie when we met up for lunch @ COVA (another restaurant recommended for their wide variety of sweet disserts).

Storyline was simple - A semi-biographical account of Yip Man, the first martial arts master to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun. He was also the celebrated martial arts master of Bruce Lee.

Was actually touched by his love for his wife & son, his family and friends and of course, his country. However, of course, felt that the portrayal of the Japanese in the movie would lead to some controversies in the now improved Sino-Japanese relations (or perhaps, I was being a little more sensitive).

What really caught me was the advice given by Ip Man to one of the young lads - "Whatever that you do in life, is of your own choice."

A movie worth watching if you have not done so...

Miss "Photogenic"

Not too sure whether it was Mummy Barney's influence or cos Mummy Barney has asked Gine to take so many photos that she has been "seasoned".

Recently, whenever she comes across anything beautiful (i.e. xmas lights, scenery, statues etc), she will go, "Nice. Mummy, take photo."

And she will start posing right in front of me while Mummy Barney scoured for my digital camera immediately...

Posing in front of the xmas tree @ Meritus Marina Mandarin

Gine with her new-found friend at our friend's xmas gathering

At Parkview Square - attraction with nice statues and indoor pub

Gine trying to pose like the statue

Another try at posing like the crane statue

Inside Doraemon ride @ BHG Bugis

"Do I look like a model?" - Gine in front of the xmas decorations @ Bugis Junction

The Panda Trio

Finally able to start clearing my annual leave. Started to make appointments to meet and catch up with friends, ex-colleagues and what I have forgone since being promoted to "Mummy" status. Yup, shopping, movies, afternoon tea and lots more...

Catch the Panda trio for a start at Imperial Treasure @ Ngee Ann City. A good place to catch up and dim sum but do remember to make a reservation, even during the week days.

Short trip to Taiwan

Was separated with Gine for the first time, in 2 separate islands. Had to go on a business trip to Taiwan for an event held there. Had to take the 'red-eye' flight out of Singapore as Hubby just came back from Jakarta on the same night.

Weather was cold in Taipei. Hard work in Taiwan before I finally have some time to walk around Taipei on Saturday night before I caught the first flight back to Singapore the next day:

Yummy Chicken cutlet@ Shilin night market

"Da chang bao xiao chang" - Glutinous rice with sausage

Accommodation @ Far Eastern Shangri-La Hotel

View from hotel room

Morning breakfast @ hotel cafe

X'mas decor @ hotel lobby

Guess what "R" means?

"R" - rooftop (43rd storey) of hotel. Bird's eye view of Taipei (101 tower at the back)

Airport Boy

Hubby has been flying off for overseas meetings and conferences during these few months - Cairns, Bangkok, Manila and now Jakarta (for a week!). Would bring Gine to the airport each time Hubby flies off or at least Mummy Barney would try to welcome Hubby back at the airport, if possible.

Guess Gine has got used to going to the airport so frequently that she even called Daddy - Airport Boy. Asked her why and she could not really explain. Perhaps cos Hubby has been going to the airport so often. Unfortunately, Mummy Barney also has to fly over to Taiwan to work over this coming weekend...and this is the first time that Mummy Barney and Gine are being separated, in different islands...