~ CNY Photos ~

Has been sick all week and hence did not manage to upload the photos taken during Chinese New Year.. Although the year did not start well for me, I still go to visiting and temple to pray for good health and fortune.

Tidied my house and am all set to welcome the New Year!! I like my house clean and neat...but with the kids around, there are so many stuff. Toys, books, clothings, food .... So hard to maintain.... Still, I think I did a rather good job :D

My Brother-in-law's place was also very nicely decorated. Every year, he will spend a lot of time and effort to decorate the whole 14th floor... even the lift lobby area.. and it really lifted the Chinese New Year mood! The family loved flowers and they will spend hundreds buying pots of orchids.

Reunion Dinner

We had steamboat for reunion dinner... I can't smell it.. but I can imagine the food was Great!!! The kids enjoyed 'playing' with the food and I ate a lot! Too bad, Gladys is too young and missed the fun :p


After dinner, we went back home and had a walk at the chinese temple downstair. There was going to be a countdown party at 10pm.. we decided to take a look and at the same time took some pictures of the kids. :)

I was not feeling well and tired.. Hence, I ask Hubby to take Denver down to watch the Lion Dance performance when the party started... Too bad I missed the fireworks at 12 midnight.. I would have gone down if I was feeling better... I heard the loud Booom and Bang from the Fireworks but just cannot make it down to video it and join the crowd.. Hopefully next year, I can bring the kids along to watch. I think they will like it.

First day of Lunar New Year

The children wore new clothings.. I love Gladys' dressing.. she looks like a korean girl. :D So Sweet!! Denver was in his favourite Ben 10 attire from top to toe.. We were all ready to visit our relatives and friends. We went to a lot of places and the kids had drinks, CNY goodies and of course lots of Ang Baos...

2nd Day of Lunar New Year

I was feeling terrible and worried over my illness. Went to visit the doctor at a nearby 24hr clinic to get some assurance and medicine... After that, we headed to the temples for prayers.. It is a usual practice to go temples to pray for Good Luck, Health, Wealth and better year ahead.

Although I am still bothered with my illness, it did not stop me from taking pictures and to stay bright and cheerful... I can't stay grumpy all day.

We went to 3 temples in the morning including the new temple at Loyang. I don't really like the new location.. Still prefer the good old one that used to be near the sea. The air is fresher and more spacious... But Denver likes the fish pond outside.. :)

After praying and wishes for a better year, we had lunch at Hubby's god-parents house and another round of visiting.

The 3rd and 4th days of Lunar new year are the usual visiting again.. mostly at Hubby's friend's house. The problem I got is the medicine I took is always making me drowsy.. Hubby did not get to play mahjong except once this CNY.. Sorry.. :(

Well, it wasn't the best CNY I had.. but I am sure it was not the worst either.. I can only hope for a better year next time... 新年快乐！

~ The day I lost my scent of smell ~

It was Chinese New Year eve... looking forward to the reunion dinner and long holiday weekend.. I am working half day from home and cleared all my work. Log off my computer at noon and start to do my last bit of spring cleaning. Vacuum and mop the floor, dust the cabinets, table and drawers... make prayers and then..... I realise.... I lost my ability to smell.... :(

I thought it was because of my blocked nose due to a heavy cold which I caught.. and it will recover soon... First time in my life I had such experience and I don't know what to do. Well... I told myself I can't dampen my New Year mood because of this.. I had a very smelless new year.. all food and chinese new year goodies are tasteless... No matter how smelly or fragrant the surrounding is... it is senseless to me..

2 days passed and still no improvement.. I went to a 24hr clinic on the 2nd day of Lunar New Year and the doctor said it was just due to a heavy cold.. Took his medicine which makes me super drowsy throughout the New Year... Not seeing any improvement, I consulted another family doctor on Sunday and he adviced it was due to a nose infection which should recover in a week or more as soon as the infection clears out. By now, I had bronchitis and need to be on inhaler... :(

The sad thing is because I am sick, Hubby cannot play mahjong which he used to do during the New Year. I am always so tired and short of breathe and unable to look after the kids. I guess there is nothing much I can do except to rest.

I must say I am kinda worried... from then till now, almost a week has past.. and still I can't smell a thing.. What if I really lost it forever? I just have to get ready for the worse I guess...

Anyway.. the good thing that happens to me was I lost weight... about 3kg.. Main reason is because I did not eat a lot. All food does not smell tasty... I can only sense the sweet, bitter, salty and not the scent of it. My mum made my favourite "Wu Xiang" on Sunday and asked me to go home for lunch. Not knowing my condition, I have to act that it is super delicious.. Sad...

Well.. I have to be brave and look on the bright side. Who knows... maybe I will wake up one morning and start smelling again..

~ Brother's Wedding Day! ~

2nd Feb 2008... My eldest brother's wedding day! Denver has been tasked to open the car door for his dear 大舅. We have been reminding him of what to do in case he mess it up. Woke up @ 7am this morning to dress up and we reached my mum's place before 9am. Gladys could not make it as she is having a fever and Hubby could not be present for the ceremony because today crashes with his sign... I hope Brother don't mind their absence. :(

Around 950am.. Owen called and we are ready to go down to await for the Bridal car.. First time I am doing this.. kinda interesting.. I rehersed with Denver on what to do again... First, open the car door. Second, give the oranges to uncle and lastly get ang bao.. Simple :D

The Bridal car drove in and the car horns starts to beeeeep baaaaaahhh to welcome the Bride and Groom :).. Denver did as told and everything went just fine... There were quite a lot of people and of course Brother and Sister-in-law looks GREAT!

Brother sure looks busy but happy.. It is such an important day for him. The usual photo takings and tea ceremony went on... that includes offering to the ancenstor.. I heard from my mum that the roasted pig taste GOOOOD... It definitely looks Yummy and Big to me :p

My Brother and Sister in law.. They are very photogenic.. :D Their smile are so bright and happy... I don't look good on camera when I smile showing my teeth.. It is proven when I took my wedding photos.. The camera man took 2 poses of me when I smile with and without my mouth open.. and obviously the 1st one looks so much better.

After the morning event, we went back home to rest and get ready for the evening banquet at Furama Riverfront Hotel. We all dress up and went to pick my inlaws at 620pm... It was drizzling and there was road accident on our way to the hotel... but we manage to reach there at 7pm.... Denver is most happy to see my second brother.. Owen.. :D He is also on good terms with his girlfriend :) We were seated at Table 19 (next to the red tables). First time I am sitting so near to the stage... The stage looks pretty and I suggested to take some photos.. :)

Helped my brother to take this photo.. Don't they look good too!! :) I wonder when is the wedding bells ringing for them... Then it will also be another Happy Event :D . Mum will also have one load off her mind too... :p Brother also helped us to take a family photo.. One glance at it.. we all look so round.. :D Hhahahaa... But still looks good.. hehe

Guests were coming in slowly... 830pm and still the banquet has not started... getting kinda late. I think it finally started around 845 or 850pm.. The Bride and Groom march in, receiving the blessing from the guests, cut the cake... and this marks the start of the Banquet! I am a hungry mummy.. :p

I like the food... every dish tasted good... especially the Fish and Rice!! Probably the only thing that I don't enjoy is the short beans... abit hard...

The wedding ended smoothly... I bet Brother and Sister in law is tired.. May they have a very good rest.

~ Hair Cut ~

I finally got my hair cut at Rivervale Mall (Hair Inn).. Spent $18... and I must say it is the Fastest hair cut I ever got.. I think it only took her around 10 minutes to finish the job.. She did not go for the details at all...snap snap snap and done... Oh well... At least my hair looks neater and hubby don't need to wait too long for me as he is looking after 2 kids.

Tomorrow is Brother's wedding day! So Exciting!! We went to Bro's house in Toa Payoh to let Denver jump on his bed...First time visiting his new home.. it is a resale 4 room flat, but very nicely decorated. The only pity is that the Ah Longs are still pouring paint on the main door even though there is a Police notice stated that the previous owner has already left the unit.. :( I hope they will get some peace soon..

Oh! I need to prepare Denver's clothings and that reminds me... I need to do some ironing... Will update more photos tomorrow!!

~ Home alone ~

Having a bad sorethroat, cough and a slight flu.. the pills are making me drowsy... I think I am falling asleep soon.. yawnz.

The tulips Hubby bought me last week has long withered... lucky I took some pictures of them :p I also managed to do some flower art before they ended in the dustbin.. Not bad huh.. :p From 1 bouquet becomes 2 small pots.. hahaha

Before

After

Anyway... It is just about 1 week to CNY. Looking forward to it.. Spring cleaning is almost done.. except for the remaining stuff like changing the bedsheets, floor mats, final dusting and of course, hubby has yet to complete washing the windows and toilets...

hmm..I just realised I did not cut my hair for this New Year.. Usually I will do so every year.. arghh.. wonder if I should do something about it.. hmmm.. Well, at least I manage to get new shoes and clothes.. Lutchie is going back to Philippines this weekend to visit her parents.. I am sure she misses home.. I just hope there isn't too many issues during this CNY :) (Crossing my fingers)...

~ Chloe's Birthday + Chinatown ~

Today is a rather tiring day... My throat started to itch yesterday and my nose is running.. seems like I am catching a flu... I felt so tired early in the morning... keep dozing off.. yawnz.. WAKE UP!!! There are so much to do today!

First, we headed off to AMK to attend Johnny's daughter, Chloe's first birthday! We were there rather early and the party was held at the void deck of Blk 333 with Thai buffet spread.

Denver was busy playing with Johnny's older son, Issac. Running around the open space... hehehe.. We did not stayed for too long as we are going to Chinatown later. Did not managed to see the Birthday girl before leaving... so paiseh..

Had a short nap, bath, eat and Hubby drove to pick my inlaws at 4pm. It is hard to have a find a parking lot... but we were lucky to see two parking lots (side by side) near the Maxwell Market open carpark as soon as we arrived. However, an old granny and grandpa were standing at the lot, 'reserving' it for their children's car.... we slowly drove in to park at one of the lot while granny continued to stand waiting for her child's car to make it's way in.. :S If not for them, the cars behind would have took it... watchful eyes were looking at them... well.. I guess most importantly, they got to park.. who cares if everyone were starring at them..

There were a lot of people at Chinatown... This is really the place to go in order to feel the CNY atmosphere... there are deco, food, snacks, clothings, flowers.... and so many more. Lucky we were there early and the crowd was not too bad.. The open market covers quite a large area and we spent quite a bit of time walking through... Denver starts to complain that he is tired and when we could go home.. He must have find it boring cos there are no games or toys to keep him entertained.


As a child, I always love CNY... the cny songs, helping my mum with spring cleaning and accompany her to buy flowers, CNY TV programs, reunion dinner (my mum makes declicious food).. and getting ang pows (although not a lot)... As my parents were always so busy working... they hardly bring us out to shop... My only memories were Dad and Mum bringing us to Chinatown to get new clothes when we were very young...

I hope Denver and Gladys (when she is older) can also appreciate CNY.. it is afterall an important Holiday for us... in many more years to come, I hope we can still go out as a family to visit the 年货市场。It would probably also be a valuable and fond memory that they can hold to like the way I had mine..

~ Happy Anniversary ~

Yesterday was our 6th Anniversary. Time really flies so fast... we have ROM for 6 years.. now with 2 adorable children.. I felt very blessed.. :D

I took leave for 2 purposes. As it was an 'auspicious' date, we were supposed to dust the whole house, clean the altar and put up the new stuff... it is also the 15th day of the month and we prayed to the deities..

As I was busy cleaning up, the door bell rang and there was a delivery man sending a bouquet of tulips.. so sweet of Hubby! Second time he gave me flowers... and it was 9 white tulips! I am very happy.. still wondering how much he spent.. Gave hubby a sweet kiss and I am in the mood for food.. hahahaha. All the 'hard' work is making me hungry....

I decided to have lunch at Kuishinbo at Suntec because I love Japanese food. There has a lot of variety of food and it only cost $19.90++ ! (*lunch within 1 hour :p). I loved the salmon sashimi.. it is my favourite! They are fresh and all the other sushi are so delicious... I like the handrolls, cold noodles, soft shell crab, soup, beef and many many others..... Yummy....

After a heavy lunch, it is time to walk... :p We went shopping around Carrefour... and headed back home.. :) 6 years of marriage... I hope there are many many more years to go... seeing our kids grow and be a happy family forever... Dearest Hubby, Thank you for the flowers... I love them and I love you! Muak!

~ 1st Experience ~

Denver has been taking swimming lessons for more than 2 months now. Today is the 2nd time I followed him to the pool.. The other occasions we wanted to bring Gladys along to play with the water but it's either the weather was not good, or she was sick or not feeling well.

Today, she finally got her first chance to dip in the small pool.. Gladys was very excited.. :D We brought along a baby float... but she is not keen to be inside at all.. She just want to splash the water and even walk in the pool! I guess she is not too scared of the water afterall... even though it is kinda cold inside... Brave Girl!

Denver is progressing quite alright with his swimming lessons. Except that he can't really kick well with his legs. He has been practicing in the medium pool with the surf board for awhile... Jason (Denver's swimming instructor) told them that they will not be using the board next week. I did not get a chance to see Denver swim in the deep pool today.. Maybe next time.. At the end of the lesson, the children were awarded a lollipop each :) This make Denver very happy..

Later that day, we meet my brother and drove to Compass Point. It happen that we were just on time for a lion dance performance. It's also Denver's and Gladys' first time watching the show live! Gladys must have been wondering why is it so noisy and what is that creature jumping around? The performance was spectucular and very entertaining. Thumbs up for the performers whom I believe was specially invited from Taiwan.

Chinese New Year is around the corner (less than a month) .... there are soooo much to do and soooo little time left. At the same time, my brother's Big Day is also coming!! Denver has been picked to kick the bridal car's door.. hehehe.. I am sooo looking forward to the Happy Occasion!!

~ Denver refuses to attend school ~

Denver started his K1 classes this Monday. After last year experience, I thought he would settle down in school easily.. Sad to say ... yesterday he gave me a heart attack by crying while waiting for the school bus.. :( and cause a BIG BIG commotion downstair...

My father in law had to bring him back to my brother in law's house.. Make a call to us and I had to call home and 'persuade' him to go to school.. He keep crying on the other end of the phone crying for Mummy... so sad.... I have to be hard hearted and scold him. Warning him that I will not return home if he did not go to school.. Sighz..

After much argument over the phone, he finally agreed... Hubby had to drive all the way back from work back to send him to school... he kept sobbing along the way and arrive late.. :( I was suppose to work from home yesterday... so I guess he must have see that I am not in my usual working clothes and thought that I am home... causing the big hoo haa... We took Denver out to Compass Point last night to play and borrowed some books from the library.. Hopefully this will pacify him and he be good.

I have applied to work from home for 2 days per week (every Thursday and Friday) starting this week. With yesterday's experience, I had to change into my working attire this morning. So far no phone calls.. which means good news... Denver called my mobile around noon time just to tell me that he has been a good boy and did not cry in school.. phew..

Denver is a very sweet boy.. I know he is naughty.. but the way he walk, talk, play, run is so adorable to me... no doubt he may not listen and refused to do his homework, I still love him very much!

~ Happy New Year! ~

There is a New Year countdown party at my area... the RC has set up a temporary stage on the open grass patch between the temples. It really attracted a lot of people... kids, parents, couples, grandparents etc gathering there to listen to the songs and most importantly awaiting for the Firework show when the clock strikes 12am.

Denver and Gladys were sound asleep and I went to join in the fun 5 mins before New Year... Too many people were standing on the roadside and especially near the stage.. I took a center spot slightly behind getting my camera ready to capture the video. Come to think of it, it is my first time watching a firework show Live! I only seen them on TV or video.. and am really excited.. :D

Finally, the countdown started (I am all ready)... 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.... Happy New Year!!! BOOM, BOOM, BOOM... FIREWORKS!! It is really SOoooo pretty!! The colours are so Bright and suddenly the dark, night sky sparkles! OOOOh AHhhhhh WOwwwww ... Although this is a small scale firework show, I am really amazed and happy that I make my trip down... :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sBayznAD3s

Well.. all good things will come to an end.. The crowd started to return to their homes after the last firework bloom in the sky... It's 2008! The long holidays has finally ended and we are going back to work tomorrow... Now, I am looking forward to my brother's wedding and Chinese New Year in Feburary... :)

~ Counting down to 2008 ~

Year 2007 is coming to an end... Last year this time, I remember I was still enjoying my maternity leave awaiting to return work.. Now, I have 2 kids lying by my side (sound asleep).

So many things have happened this year... and it's time to recap...

• Denver started school attending nursery class
• Denver took up swimming lessons
• Gladys celebrated her 1st year birthday
• Gladys learned how to walk in December (15mths)
• Hubby, Denver and me took up inline skating (Dec)
• Big Brother ROM this year
• Second Brother got a girlfriend
• I started blogging in August
• I got my promotion
• Andrea moved out of A&A
• Office move to Tuas

As I am writing this, I could hear the singing, cheering and crowd outside my home... I believe there must be a lot of people waiting to countdown to year 2008! There will be fireworks! But here I am, lying comfortably on my bed... writing my final thoughts before the clock hits 12am...

What will be awaiting for me in 2008? New Year resolutions? hmmmmm

• Stable and happy job
• Healthy and obedient children
• Loving family

10mins to countdown... After tonight, the holidays will be over and school and work will soon starts..

May all have a very Happy New Year 2008!

~ Janet's Farewell Dinner ~

Just after a couple of months after Maggie left, now it's time to say Goodbye to Janet. She will be starting her new job next Wednesday - 2nd Jan. It is a good move with better pay and opportunties.. Just that I will miss her. Sobz.

Andrea, Janet, Joe and I took Norman's car to Jumbo Seafood Restuarant @ Riverwalk (Clark Quay). We were first to reached followed by Catherine, Soo Kiat, Keavlyn, Maggie, Florence, Nicholas, Pailin and Alita. Apparently there are 2 Jumbo restuarants nearby and a couple of them got the address mixed up and went to the wrong meeting place. Alita was late and drop off at the wrong site too... Still, we finally managed to gather for a good meal. We had Chilli crab, Cereal Prawn, Baby Squid, Vegetables, Fish, Toufu etc... plus a free bottle of Red wine for every $150 spent. (Thanks to Janet's voucher). Everyone had fun.. eating, talking, laughing... and Andrea was playing with her food again :p




Finally, it's time to present Janet (aka Honggu) her farewell gift and booklet of well wishes! Personally, I feel the booklet was nicely done as it really took us a couple of days to gather the colleagues to write their thoughts and best wishes for Janet. Many wrote a full page of comments.. this really shows how popular Honggu has been. She dares to speak, act and is a very frank person. Now, without her in the office, it would definitely be a quieter place... Sighz. Nevertheless, Honggu 加油！Till we meet again..

~ Merry Christmas! ~

For consequtive 3 nights I have been indulging in Christmas party food... First was at Chunho's place... Yesterday evening was at Steven's house where they too have cater buffet (from Standford). There were rice, lamb, prawns, small cakes, fruit platter, smoked salmon, beef, cupcakes, wine etc... Hasn't been visiting Steven's place for a year and I must say his house has been renovating every year.. :) Each time I go there will be something different... A new coat of paint each year and this time, they revamp their toilets, dining table lights and bedroom. A very neat and tidy place. I hope my house has lesser stuff.. as long as it is easy to maintain.. I am happy. :)

Just returned from my bro-in-law's house after another round of Christmas dinner. We ordered KFC, Pizza, Honey-baked Ham (2kg) and bought bread, Log-cake and Otah. My inlaws made curry and chicken wings... It is a small family affair and only a few closed ones are invited. We ate a lot while enjoying the cable TV programs.... the kids went to play with their Christmas presents while the adults chit-chat.. Gladys being too young just kept herself busy walking around and 'Mum-Mum'... hehehe... She started walking last week and has been roaming around the house ever since..

Christmas is coming to an end and next week we are going to welcome a New Year... 6 more days before we say bye bye to 2007!

~ Holiday Mood ~

Christmas is around the corner and many people are on vacation. I too have been taking days off and enjoying my long weekends.. another 3 working days and it's going to be a new year! How time flies....

So what have I been busy with lately? Looking after my kids, watching "换换爱"on Youtube, playing with Facebook and packing up the house in the middle of the night. I have been throwing a lot of stuff.. and all these work are to prepare for the CNY which is coming very soon in early Feb (Only about 7 weeks to go!) ... I like to do cleaning work especially when I am home alone and when it is raining.. :p The smell of the rain and breeze from the wind really gives me energy... heheh... Well.. I managed to pack bit by bit here and there.. (although there are some more to go..) ..The only things that I hope hubby can help me with are the Windows, Ceiling Fans and toilets... Not too much to ask for huh.. :p

Anyway, Denver has been attending swimming lessons every Sunday for about 2 months now.. Yesterday, he got a Christmas present from his swimming instructor. We were also told that he may need to change to a different class if he is progressing well. That's nice. Later that evening, Chunho & Ruru invited us to their Christmas party.. Denver was very excited and keep asking if there are presents.. Kids... They are the happiest lot during this time of the year. :D The food was good.. There were buffet served plus Turkey, Beef, Honey-baked ham, Wine, Log cake etc... Really ate a lot! Denver on the other hand was busy playing... he can't wait to open his presents the first thing he got home. He loves all of them and happily put them in his room. :)

~ Nicole's Wedding ~

Managed to take some time off to attend Nicole's wedding on Saturday afternoon at Mandarin Oriental. I arrived early and started to get busy talking and taking photos with my colleagues. Dennis and Youmei were the Emcee and Nicole looks really beautiful!

The lunch banquet started at around 1pm. Andrea, Janet and I took some red wine initially.. but Daniel let us try the white wine and it taste really sweet and good! Before the food was served, we bottoms up the 1st glass of red wine and asked for a glass of white wine each. :D Our MSD colleagues occupied 1 and a half table and we were really a happening lot.. We yum seng for Nicole and Xing and subsequently busy 'playing' bottoms up! I had 3 glasses of wine, 3 cups of tea and 1 glass of green tea... Woww.... Everyone were happy and I really enjoyed myself.

Nicole will be flying off to China and later back to U.S to start her new journey of life. Wishing her a very happy and bliss marriage ...

~ Old Pals ~

It has been some time since I met my old friends from Secondary school. I have been busy with my 2 kids, work and house chores... So it is really good to see them again today :D

Hubby and I went to AMK Hub earlier this afternoon to do some shopping at NTUC Extra before meeting Linna, Meiqin and Aisi at Coffee Bean around 2pm. We all did not really change much except Linna seems to slim down quite a lot. Denver was really shy .. although he did talk, he seems rather uncomfortable. It took him some time before he starts to warm up. hehehe.. Gladys is happy (as usual) and busy looking for food. (mum mum).

There is Thomas and Friends Meet & Greet session and since we got a good viewing spot from Coffee Bean, we seated there waiting for the show to start at 4pm while chit chatting along the way.

After the show, I had to go off early as Gladys need to have her porridge feed. I guess that is the problem with having kids. You don't really have the freedom and time to do the things you wanted. Well, hope things will get better when they are older. :)

~ To be continued ... ~

I'm Back!!!

Ok ok... I know I should update some photos and details on my recent trip to Malaysia. But I am too tired.... Reached home around 10 plus last night and was busy unpacking. Have a quick run through at the emails and slept over 1am. I could not wake up this morning and end up working from home.

My cough is getting worse.. If this goes on, I could jolly lost my voice again... :(

No mood to do any updates today.. Will do so next time round.

~ Hello Tuas ~

It's been a week since I started working in Tuas... Still getting used to the travelling time. Now I am waking up at 545am, and leaving house at 630am. It's almost 2 hours of travelling time to and fro... Instead of reaching my bro-in-law's house at 6pm... I am reaching about half hour later.

I am located on the 3rd storey of the new General Services Building (GSB). Everything is very new.. cubicles, chair, pantry, toilet...... The staff canteen is also located downstair. However, the smell is killing... I had a terrible headache on the very first day. Even my clothes stink.. :( My other colleagues are also complaining about the strong scent.

I had a difficult time adjusting... due to the long journey and also not feeling working as efficient in the new environment. We are very restricted in the time to go work, have lunch and leaving. In the morning, all of us are busy catching the company bus transport at 750am/810am... At noon, we have to go lunch on time if not there may not be many variety of food to choose from... Around 4 plus, you can see people start packing up to catch the 430pm/505pm/515pm bus. It's really a very different feeling and life style working in the city and now in a very remote, distance area.

Ah well.... I am going for a 5 days, 4 nights Malaysia Trip with my family tomorrow. Hope all goes well and everyone had fun. Shall be back on 6 Dec night! More pictures to come... :D