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...

Idle Saturday at Toa Payoh

Enrolled Regine in Shichida class since last year and only managed to get a place for her at Toa Payoh HDB Hub after much hassle (arguing and fighting for the best day and time slot). Finally started her class on 5 January and can feel the stress as parents tend to compare their kids with others, especially since her classmates are more or less, of the same age as her (born in Jan - Mar 06).

Unfortunately, still getting used to the new class schedule (as she attended Sat morning class at GUG previously) and had been late for her Shichida classes for the past 2 weeks. Guess Mummy Barney has to put in more effort and Regine got so upset when I told her that Daddy will accompany her to class today (Started crying as she was walking to her class).

In the end, I have to sit in with her (guess Mummy B bonds better with her) through the hour-long class, blurred when the teacher flashed the cards at such fast speed. Hopefully, Gine will not feel the stress from me...

Decided to bring her for some fun after her class. Remembered those motorised cars for children where they can ride round the small 'park'. Mum and Dad used to bring Edwin (my eldest nephew) when he was a toddler. Haha, and with new technology, now they have remote-controlled cars. Hubby and Gine were so exhilarated since he can play with remote control car while Gine can ride in it. And Mummy Barney, hee hee, sat there, enjoying her Coffee Bean Ice Blended Ultimate...Slurp! Slurp!

Memories of Dad and Mum again. How I wish they can see how Regine has grown! How I wish they can play with Regine again. How I wish I can see Dad's and Mum's smile again...

Many wishes...none of which can come true though...

B-Day

Time and tide really waits for no man, nor woman...I guess...Almost reaching mid-thirties (Glad to be still under 35...)

Forgot all about my lunar birthday. Only recalled on my birthday itself. Well, guess there wasn't anyone, nor will there be anyone in the future, who will call me on my mobile to remind me of my lunar birthday and to go home for my longevity noodles and egg (in sweet syrup). Sorta missed mum and her regular calls...Sob! Sob!

Anyway, no mood to celebrate my birthday. Just glad that people around me remembered this special day...

My siblings, who sent their well wishes to me early in the morning...Even received an e-card from my nephew, Edwin (guess he must have spent much time deciding on the cutest card for me) when I logged into my email...

My uni classmate whom I have not contacted for quite some time. So touched...Well, true friends are hard to come by...

My JC friend who sent her well-wishes at 12:04am, still touched though she has missed my b-day by 4 minutes...

The intern in my previous job whom I have spent special moments with...May not have kept in touch with him for the past years but he will always send me an e-card every year...

Well, guess my biggest surprise was when I discovered what have happened when I reached my office...See for yourself what my GOOD colleagues have done!!

December

Though December has 31 days, it always seem to be a short month. Partly because of the public holidays, the atmosphere in office (with so many people clearing their leave) and year-end party mood...

Just a summary of what I have done in this month...

Managed to take a photo with Greg's Mummy before she gave birth...

Brought Gine to watch Elmo Show on its very last day (almost forgot all about it)...


Hubby did not want to join us for the show and stood afar. Shocked when he came rushing in during the photo taking session with Elmo and gang...

Attended Cousin Pegan's wedding at Grand Copthorne Waterfront with Gine and Hubby. Gine's 1st wedding dinner since her birth. Still quite well-behaved and Mum's relatives were fascinated with Gine and her dress (which hubby bought during his US trip in early part of the year)...

Gine had her last lessons at GUG which ended with a Christmas party for all kids...

Look at how well-mannered Gine was. Waited for all Gor-gor and Jie-Jie to finish their painting before she asked Teacher Ereen to do it on her face (as what Teacher Herly did during National Day celebrations)...

Then it was food, and more food for the kids in her class...chocolate cake from Bakerzin, nuggets from Mac and the list goes on...Yummy!

Photo-taking time. Managed to get Gine to take photo with her GUG Teachers...

Teacher Ereen

Teacher Russell

Towards the end of the month, more parties at friends' house and met up with the next generation...

Gine with Sock Har's sons and Cicai's daughter (Raeanne) @ Aunty Wai Mun's house

Gine with Raeanne and SiQi (Wenjia's daughter) @ Uncle Qinghui's Castle (Castle Green)

Happy New Year and Welcome 2008!!!