Celebrating March

Why? Because today ends this month, because it is the end of the first quarter of the year - already! 

I think my first quarter has been pretty good. I'm thankful for all of it. The husband and I have both turned thirty-gasp-four, our boy turned two and our health have been all good and I will like to pray that we keep healthy and well. Nothing is more painful than being unwell - literally, physically and emotionally. Ask any parent and they will concur. 

I also celebrate this month by being thankful that I have had a few travels - one for work but mostly personal - that only adds to the richness of my life experience (read as: it is legit to do nothing; also known as time to smell the roses). Krabi was a no-brainer favourite to spend time with my favourite man, and I visited Sydney for the first time and it was pretty cool! 

This month, the husband and I also celebrated our sixth year of matrimony - who would have guessed that these two strangers who met - fate, I tell you - at some random school camp would have ended up tying the knot?! 

Hello handsome; yup, you still are attractive to me and I love you "from Singapore to Australia to Japan!" 

And to end off the last day of this month with my last activity, my running. I have stayed consistent to two runs per week and tonight, I did a consistently quick (best ever for me!) run of 9km at below 6mins/km! 

That happy face says it all. I rewarded myself by strolling home after the 9km mark. Maybe when I'm fueled again one day I will push through this pace for 10km. 

Oh yes, I also received good news on the work front two days back so yay! All is good! 

So, to sum up. It's been a ride and I know the next few months will continue to be, enriching, to say the least. 

What goes around, comes around. And wherever happens is meant to be. So I say take it with a bit of sense and a lot of courage! 

Birthday gifts

I can barely believe that it's still the same month. The month seems so long! Yet quick at the same time. It doesn't really make sense, but has it only been a few weeks since I was on my couple holiday with the husband?! Sneaky little thing, time, I tell you!

So anyhow, because it's still my birthday month, I'm totally still thrilled that I get more gifts!

Here's a pretty little clutch/handbag that my siblings got me. Gotta say that the sister got it spot-on with her selection on colours for me! It was the exact right type of bag I love! #sisterknowsbest

And this is such a thrill - I'm a Sephora member and I received this mailer to say that I have a birthday gift and TADA! This is what I got just by rocking up to the counter with my membership card. #ilovepresents

Artsy shots

OK, not really. Haha these were just some shots I found in my phone. Jake had gotten hold of it and gone around the house going "SMARRRRLLLEEEEE" (smile). 

Girly time with my girl

A few weeks ago, my colleagues started rounding people up to go for a girly weekend to Bintan. I decided on a whim that I'll go too and bring Kate along. She's a little girl so she totally qualifies to join!

It's also a nice affair because she - at this mature age of four - berated the husband and I for going on a holiday (Krabi earlier in the month) without her so I appeased her by telling her that I'm bringing her on a holiday and only her.

She was an excited little bug and rather smug about going away. It was too cute. I enjoyed the time with Kate and it was a nice weekend getaway. Totally doable with the family!

Prancing around with no care in the world. Pre-boarding the ferry to Bintan

The whole girly crew

Dinner-time. And that's Kate with Judit creating little coconut monster-heads.

All of us at dinner, with two coconut monsters.

The only pic of us together in Bintan

Give a child some sand toys and she will be a happy little beach bum

Bintan Beach

After splashing about in water, more sandplay, a massage session and lots of indulgent eating, here's one of us on the ferry back home. 

Six years

A whole year has passed since then. 

365 days of love, laughter, anger, peace, squabbles, happiness - and I hope that there's been more good than bad - days; honestly, I cannot remember. But I do know that the husband and I have passed the serious, life-shattering type of fights. Even when we squabble, I tell myself that the bad feelings will pass, and it will be fine again. I never was like this before (this = mature/normal/less-dramatic); and truly the husband has played a big part in my life, in how more grounded I have become. 

Of course, things may not always be this way; and there may come a point where we strongly disagree. But I hope that we'll always communicate openly and resolve it/find a compromise. 

That's what it is all about, isn't it. 

And so, while the husband and I spent the most unromantic, monotonous, unexciting, nothing-special type of day together yesterday (uh, does going to the market downstairs to tapau dinner together - just us, no kids - count?) - I think it's the bigger things that really matter. The fact that despite him cancelling his class last-minute in hope that we could have a couple dinner together; he still respected my decision to go for a run instead because I needed it. That we watched our wedding baby video together with the kids (and have them point to our baby pics and name themselves haha). That we were all home together, going about the usual daily routine, none of us ill or sick and in fact, very well. Maybe with the chaos that I faced at work yesterday, the pain that people are suffering from real calamities (prayers for those on MH370 & their family & loved ones)... just puts life into context that sometimes, the most precious things are the most basic and simple. No need for drama and elaborate anything-at-all. 

People say that there may not be such a thing as "soul mates"; and maybe it is a matter of compatibility at one point in time, but I think that I'm very fortunate to have the husband - he feels right and if that's what a soul mate is, then I've got it. I never tire of replaying our lives over the past 19 years and how it crossed and uncrossed; and I do think our story was always written and meant to be. 

To the husband, you are what I need today, the last 6 years, and hopefully for many more years. I'm not a great person, not a perfect Mom, and you obviously think I'm very mar fun. But what you see is what you get and I hope that we remain happy and contented and healthy as a family, as a couple - I love you. Happy anniversary, baby.

Muddled memory on mane

This pic was taken October 2009. I had totally forgotten that I cropped it off at the end of my confinement with Kate! So it wasn't 10 years ago, but 5!

Birthday blurps

Received belatedly, some pics of my handsome, personal concierge and my birthday (ice-cream) cake

This is a highlight! It's handmade (says the husband) and really is too pretty

Another surprise I received - a happy arrangement from my friend & her beautiful family. Thanks Cherie!

And the last, sweetest end to the day was this simple pink flower "Mommy, I got  this for you!"

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!

I'm not shy to say that IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

So today has been quite pleasant. It didn't start out excellent - the night was pretty rough with the kids acting up and taking turns to wake us up; and it was pretty awful having the alarm ringing non-stop (snooze style) from the time we needed to wake up to the point we had to wake up (there's no difference. It's really just when we could physically peel ourselves off the bed). I treated myself to a hearty sandwich breakfast of ham & sunny-side-up egg; yummy. Then I made my way to work. 

The day has been bearable and good really, if I can say so. It's not too bad - just another day - but the healthy happy attitude to wanting to make things good, helps (reminder to self: being positive is never a bad thing). 

And then the best thing happened past 6pm - no, I did not knock off and step out from the office, but my prince charming (mine, and only mine) appeared in front of my face, bearing cake, a bouquet and his beautiful face. I was dumbfounded!

I felt teary, but didn't cry (that took place a little later, in private when I read the card) but it felt so awesome. 

My husband brought me cake, flowers, a card, beer and himself. 

Dear husband, thank you so much. You always remind me of how fortunate I am. You can be so sweet when you have time for me. I really love you so much and thank you for spoiling me. 
xx

Birthday lunch at Sentosa Cove

Winning shot of us. A rich brownie that tasted awesome and an additional heart-shaped red velvet cake that the mother specially topped up. #mommyisbest

The rain threw us off the beach plans we had thought of, and my son does not go around topless always. Just sometimes in between changes of a sweaty shirt and a clean shirt. 

We then indulged in very expensive gelato in a very chichi cafe with a foosball machine. Love this shot of the boys getting it on together #likereal

I don't have a group picture of the whole family together, but it was with everyone and I feel thankful that we are all safe and sound and able to eat together in fun and laughter, love, happiness and peace.

Running

It's now mid-March, a quarter into the new year and I'm just reviewing my running stats. I downloaded a new (to me) app - Nike+ Running. I like it! It's more user-friendly than what I was using before (mapmyrun). I didn't bother too much with these apps before, just looking for something to track my run routines. But I'm glad I made the switch!

The new home page of the Nike+ Running app. It gives a clear summary; and it also shows a table where you rank among other friends who you have linked up with on the charts. So in this example, it says that I'm very close in 3rd place to Mark T. I find it quite unnecessary this competitive thing, but besides that (& the many reminders of my many runs), the app's pretty cool. 

My first recorded run with the app was 14 Jan so it's been exactly 3 months. I hv since locked down 137.5km in 21 runs. That's pretty decent! 

Well done to myself. 

Today, I did a 10km which is the furthest ever for the year. I have another 2months+ before my second half-marathon end May. 

Here's to more running! 

Birthday month

I'm big on birthdays. I love them. It's a fun day to celebrate your birth-day, a great and legitimate reason to have fun. To do anything and everything you want to because it's your special day.

I turn 34 this year. 3-4. *insert gasp face (credit: sister. Only because she uses it much); seriously - it bugs me. This whole turning old business. 

True, I'm (extremely) comforted that I hear (kind) things said to me such as "you don't look 34"; but it's a fact and no matter what you say, I am another year older. And once you cross 30, it does become alarmingly quick. Kids, work, commitments, life in general - whizzes by. 

Personally, my alarm bells went off at 30. I ramped up my barely-existent skin care regime, I worried about health/looks/life status/everything. And while I do count my blessings and give thanks, I think it takes some appreciation before I truly (can) embrace ageing. 

Ironically - or perhaps rightfully so - turning 34 has become a true celebration (think of sky diving; exhilarating and scary at once). Every year, I count my blessings and ever since I had kids, it's become somewhat easier. I have moments of pure happiness just watching/being with them; this crazy little thing called offsprings. 

I also work hard to maintain my looks. Call me superficial but looks matter and if you are (I am) an (ageing) woman, you are what you sow. So the last year has been the most disciplined I have ever been and I maintained a regular exercise routine. I still pig out when I want to, I also eat what I want to with some restraint, but along with the older gut and its slower processing (this thing commonly known as digestion) I cannot be as reckless as I was before. The consequences can be painful, unbearable and hard to swallow. It's exactly the same with hangovers. It crosses the border of being near-death experiences where the body is in pain wholly, even the fingernails! So because of these real reasons, I just cannot consume as much despite my most greedy intentions (& trust me. I can be very greedy). 

So anyway, my priorities in life remain pretty much the same where I always wish for happiness and good health for my family and me. I want my kids to be happy and grow up happy because I think happy is such an understated thing. Being happy can make everything else so much better! 

So this year as I turn 34, I remind myself to continue what I said I wanted when I set my new year resolutions. To give my best to my family first then myself. To be happy and not sweat the small stuff. I be a better Mom to my kids. To continue doing what makes my body function at its optimum. To love and be there for my husband, parents and siblings. To remember the true things that matter. Once the rest is sieved out, life becomes much easier. 

Here's to happiness and bring it on, 34!

Birthday cake #2. A joint office celebration with the other March babies. It was a very delicious and happy (!) ice-cream cake and I got to have one whole scoop of rich chocolate to myself. 

Carefree

I just had a pretty one-sided conversation with my kids. They were  distracted, not interested to speak with me (as I am with them).... but it still brings a smile to my face and my day is instantly brightened because I'm reminded of the important things in life. No matter how challenging things may seem at work, I remind myself to not be sucked into the little things that while may matter, will pass.

And I witness Kate spin around and around for no reason at all. Maybe she wanted to get dizzy, maybe she just felt like releasing some energy she has (probably, because she told me she had candy from a classmate's birthday pack) - I spent 10 therapeutic seconds watching her spin around and laughing; and felt great.

I also spent a good couple of minutes talking absolute rubbish with my sister. OK, more like to her than with her (only in this instance) because I felt like it.

Sometimes, little things mean the most.

The weekend is coming - YAY!

My second born

So someone asked "Is Jake any different now that he is two?"

No.

But because he asked, I was reminded of a poignant moment from his birthday.

When I was singing "Happy Birthday" to Jake when it was just him and I, at the intimate cake session; I felt a lump in my throat.

For all the love I feel for this little champion. Indescribable but in that moment, I felt it.

Why you growing up so quickly, little one?

Krabi - day 4

Our last day in Krabi was still spent relatively pleasant. Normally it can get slightly chaotic with packing/ feeling awful at the thought of returning home, but I think we had such a relaxing time that we were pretty ready to go home. 

The husband indulged in room service and beer... for breakfast. 

We had time to hit the gym (me), watch a movie (him), laze by the pool (us) and have lunch then head to the airport. 

Us. On the return flight. 

I feel so happy that we had this opportunity to travel together and have such an enjoyable and relaxing holiday. It's always good to recharge and I really enjoy travelling with the husband. We are so alike (lazy) - it's great.

Thanks for the lovely holiday, babe. Here's to us. And more beer. 

Krabi - day 3

Wind in our faces - riding out in search of breakfast

Our usual hearty breakfast fare of intercontinental spread. Now. This picture, was taken because I'd asked the husband to "make a heart for me". He gave me an incredulous face, but shrugged then tried to anyway. The froth did not take shape, but I was very touched that he even bothered at all. Sometimes (only seldom), I know I'm very girly/silly and make random requests that mean nothing to him, but may mean something to me. And when he bothers, it makes me happy. And after 10 years of dating and soon-to-be-6 years of being married, these things make me extremely happy. And grateful. So to this man who is so stoic and logical who obviously thinks I'm ridiculous at times yet obliges, indulges me, it matters. 

View at breakfast

Post-breakfast activity: pool-time. The husband, working on Jake's birthday video project. 

My battle scars from lime-stone rock climbing. There are 2 scratches and manyyyy bruises, especially around the kneecaps. 

Our afternoon activity - happiness on the beach

The panaromic view of Ao Nang Beach

For the first time (on our forth visit), we bothered to walk the beach and located the Monkey Trail.  You can see the monkeys in the background of the pic. There were many of them everywhere!

Our last dinner at our favourite restaurant. 

And a very special tribute of my favourite Tom Yum soup. 

Play date - and a surprise

1-2-3-4; missing 1 more kid.

Play date - love this pic with Jake the little super hero. 

And what was a brunch with friends, turned out to be a surprise birthday celebration for me! My birthday is not for another 10+ days but I'll never say No to cake. 

Best outcome from my last job - the people

I was truly surprised and felt so blessed. 

May my wish come true

And here's one of the group. I'm so thankful for lovely friends. 

One big happy family!

Feeling really fortunate and happy! 

Saturday morning run

Same route (MacRitchie, 7km). Same company (the husband). Same person (me). Different hair (OMG!)

Ps: I still get a bit taken aback when I see myself. 

Pps: Pls pardon and allow my indulgence in myself and my hair. The last time it was this short was ten (ten!) years ago! 

Chopped

Before. During. And... After!

And so I did it. 

I had fleeting ideas of it but I wasn't ready to do it yet - or so I thought. Perhaps I really needed the push cos I wasn't a difficult client to convince to try it. 

It's been 10 years since my hair was this short; and so I'll turn 34 soon with my non-existent locks.  

Ps: the stylist offered to place my locks (it was a lot!) into a bag so I could take it home. Uh, thanks but no thanks. Hah! 

Krabi - day 2

Day 2 started early - our alarms were set for 645am. This was because we wanted to have enough time for a leisurely breakfast and be ready by 8am. Despite our intentions to do nothing-at-all, we signed up for a half-day of rock climbing on a whim.

View from our room balcony - spot the husband.

We were punctual and waiting for our ride at 8am. The cost for 2 people to rock-climb (transport and all equipment included) was 2,000baht (about S$80). We took a short ride on the van to a jetty and ferried to Railay Beach.

On our ferry ride

We were brought to the shop to collect our gear (harness, shoes, chalk bag and a bottle of water) and off we went!

The husband in action. 

I am woman, hear me roar!

It was my first experience rock-climbing on a real wall and it is rather different from a man-made wall. The biggest difference is that it doesn't have any "fixed" thing for you to step on/hold. You just have to stick your fingers into any crevice you can find and go for it! It was pretty exhilarating and we both enjoyed ourselves. I picked up a souvenir of a cut (with blood!) on my right knee. I call it my battle scar (with much pride, please).

Post-climb, walking along Railay Beach back to return our gear. 

Our panaromic view while we were resting.

A very happy me WHEEEE

And the husband did his version of an "action shot" #strongwings

After being ferried back to the hotel, we lunged straight for the pool to relax.

Poolside mandates. 

AAHHH, the good life

The rest of the afternoon was spent at the beach. We finally moved our butts and headed to the beach where we had a yummilicious lunch of local noodles and snacks (fried chicky wings!). I was stuffed! It felt glorious to indulge after the whole morning of workout. But because we ate so much, so late, we weren't hungry enough by sunset. We then headed back to the hotel for a swim/gym-time before we headed for dinner - nowhere else but our favourite restaurant!

A beautiful end to the beautiful day.