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| The brother told us of this activation by Haagan Daaz and we both got free ice-cream. Yum! |
Story of our simple lives - of our family, of our beautiful children, Kate & Jake
Monday, March 27, 2017
Free ice cream!
Sunday, March 26, 2017
ilight at Marina Bay
Our previous weekend, the attempt to bring the kids to ilight failed. So given that it's the last weekend before ilight ended, I decided to bring the children for a walk. It did not turn out as I wished - they did not get to jump at Art Zoo, nor did they make it to Uncle Ringo. Also, of the two hours we were there, an hour had no lights because they shut-down to celebrate Earth Hour! Geez.
However, the point is that the family got to spend it together, and while they probably did not have 200% fun, they still had an evening out, plus time with the nainai.
Strolling along the river, I found it very strange I could not see some lights (I had thought that they were already beginning to teardown due to end of event). The merlion was so dark!
Besides catching the merlion, we stopped by the area outside Esplanade where some bands were jamming. I told J that next time, when he's gotten great at drums, he may perform there too! I wonder if such encouragement/statements made to the children will stick and get them to realise this possibility?
We had some drinks and snacks along the way, and I felt bad when the kids kept asking why they couldn't go to Art Zoo. Quite poorly planned, I think. I'll make it up to them another time!
A highlight for me was how we managed to stroll along the river as a family. It's not an everyday/common affair for us to do so and it was nice.
However, the point is that the family got to spend it together, and while they probably did not have 200% fun, they still had an evening out, plus time with the nainai.
Strolling along the river, I found it very strange I could not see some lights (I had thought that they were already beginning to teardown due to end of event). The merlion was so dark!
Besides catching the merlion, we stopped by the area outside Esplanade where some bands were jamming. I told J that next time, when he's gotten great at drums, he may perform there too! I wonder if such encouragement/statements made to the children will stick and get them to realise this possibility?
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| Seahsational icon of our family |
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| Family. And a ninja |
The Uncle Ringo fair was located at the far end of the promenade and after some contemplation, I decided it was too far to walk there to play and walk all the way back. So, we settled for a mini play-time at the Platform area.
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| Laser tag |
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| Grrrrrr |
A highlight for me was how we managed to stroll along the river as a family. It's not an everyday/common affair for us to do so and it was nice.
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| Supporting the MBS 'boat' with his strong fingers! |
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| Spending the time with nainai |
We headed back pretty late that night and the kids had no problems crashing to sleep. Still a nice way to spend Saturday evening.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
My birthday weekend, version 2017
So, I turned 37 last Saturday. Took me a while to get to documenting this as it has been a busy week. Not hectic, just busy. I did have a lovely birthday weekend and I am going to write it down so I can refer to it when I forget details of it next year! #goldfishmemory
Eve of birthday, Friday, 17 March
It starts with drinks with the BFFs on Friday evening.
The twin (BFF who shares the same birthday) discovered a Gin o'clock event at the Conrad and signed us all up. Why not? I had little expectations (I just wanted to eat and drink) and it turned out pretty nice.
I wasted little time in getting my weekend started. I took out my book and waited comfortably for my friends to join me. Over the course of the next 2 hours, everyone in our little 'party' turned up. The husband was the special-est guest who rocked up last - hah!
Before I knew it, it was 530pm! I had originally needed to head home by this time to get ready for my dinner date but oops - thankfully, the husband pushed back the appointment by half an hour; plus the bestie offered us a ride home. Hooray! That made things a lot easier for me (getting a cab would have been impossible because, IT show!) and I really appreciated this simple act of kindness #bestfriendsarebest
When we got home, the girl then presented me with my birthday card. I like how she had thought to do so, and appreciated the level of craft. It's so simple, the words, and I see how she prioritises Mommy, Papa, love and her (uh, need to work on including the lil brother!)
The boy came up to me and said, "Mommy, I did not do a card for you. But it's ok". Hah, the confidence (& cheek) of this boy!
The last part of the evening was dinner. Best part of this dinner, was the effort the husband made. He told me a week before that he'd made plans for us - unprompted. Such little acts of service can mean so much, and I am truly grateful. (I knew of it when I asked the husband if we should plan dinner, so what a pleasant surprise I received to know that he had taken care of it!)
On the drive out, he asked if I knew where we were going. Truth be told, I had not thought about the venue, because I was so taken by the fact that he had made the effort to begin with. On the spot though, I could articulate my thought process of what we could be eating quite clearly, and I got it right! We were going to try Cut for the first time.
The husband and I love to eat and experience new places together, so I could not have asked for a better gift - for him to plan the dinner and to enjoy this new experience with him.
We had starters, salad, meat and some potatoes. I thought the wine tasted pretty nice as accompaniment, enjoyed the meat and favourite part was the dessert!
Eve of birthday, Friday, 17 March
It starts with drinks with the BFFs on Friday evening.
The twin (BFF who shares the same birthday) discovered a Gin o'clock event at the Conrad and signed us all up. Why not? I had little expectations (I just wanted to eat and drink) and it turned out pretty nice.
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| Gin for 1, please! |
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| The original trio |
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| A party is a party when we have cake and candles! |
That night, I tried different cocktails of gin which was pretty interesting, chit-chatted with the girls, appreciate the time that everyone took out to attend the little sesh - especially as the husband told me he was dog-tired and was this close to not turning up (gasp) - he did, which was what mattered. It's also always nice to have this close group of friends gather and make merry.
Besides tasting different types of gin among the crew, the boys created some self-entertainment called "how quickly can you drink a pint of beer?" That livened spirits up aplenty and provided positive responses between the drinkers and audience!
The night ended after we were all stuffed - with gin, bar snacks, beer, jelly cake and love.
Actual birthday, Saturday, 18 March
The day's regular routine goes on. So that morning, we had breakfast and the boy had class. I enjoyed some leisure time with the bestie and the daughter... we then had plans to bring the kids out to play. Bonus moment was lunch guest my mother who came out to town to join us for the meal. After a simple lunch, our original plan of heading to Art Zoo was foiled because, too hot! The mother was smart to have made her exit before we headed out to the sun.
We then foraged head-in to the IT fair unknowingly (oops) but it all kinda worked out when we managed to find a place for the kids to have fun, while the adults managed to sit so hoorah. It was 2-hours of play in this indoor playground called Cool de Sac at Suntec City.
Besides tasting different types of gin among the crew, the boys created some self-entertainment called "how quickly can you drink a pint of beer?" That livened spirits up aplenty and provided positive responses between the drinkers and audience!
The night ended after we were all stuffed - with gin, bar snacks, beer, jelly cake and love.
Actual birthday, Saturday, 18 March
The day's regular routine goes on. So that morning, we had breakfast and the boy had class. I enjoyed some leisure time with the bestie and the daughter... we then had plans to bring the kids out to play. Bonus moment was lunch guest my mother who came out to town to join us for the meal. After a simple lunch, our original plan of heading to Art Zoo was foiled because, too hot! The mother was smart to have made her exit before we headed out to the sun.
We then foraged head-in to the IT fair unknowingly (oops) but it all kinda worked out when we managed to find a place for the kids to have fun, while the adults managed to sit so hoorah. It was 2-hours of play in this indoor playground called Cool de Sac at Suntec City.
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| Queuing up to get painted |
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| Dressing area |
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| Cowabunga! |
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| Rainbow face |
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| Playing dress-up |
Besides the usual indoor playground type of activities available, there were also different zones (dress-up, as seen above), and an electronic zone (wii type of games), and artistic expression (painting).
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| Boyband - first time seeing the boy dance! |
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| This sweetheart dedicated a message too me :) |
When we got home, the girl then presented me with my birthday card. I like how she had thought to do so, and appreciated the level of craft. It's so simple, the words, and I see how she prioritises Mommy, Papa, love and her (uh, need to work on including the lil brother!)
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| Crafted card from my 6+yo firstborn |
The last part of the evening was dinner. Best part of this dinner, was the effort the husband made. He told me a week before that he'd made plans for us - unprompted. Such little acts of service can mean so much, and I am truly grateful. (I knew of it when I asked the husband if we should plan dinner, so what a pleasant surprise I received to know that he had taken care of it!)
On the drive out, he asked if I knew where we were going. Truth be told, I had not thought about the venue, because I was so taken by the fact that he had made the effort to begin with. On the spot though, I could articulate my thought process of what we could be eating quite clearly, and I got it right! We were going to try Cut for the first time.
The husband and I love to eat and experience new places together, so I could not have asked for a better gift - for him to plan the dinner and to enjoy this new experience with him.
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| Starters of seafood-cocktail + marrow & mushroom |
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| Happy birthday to me! |
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| Close-up of our desserts - Anniversary ice-cream (caramel vanilla + passionfruit. So yum) + chocolate soufflé that oooooooozed. MMmmmmm |
The experience was pretty decent, and the ambience was fine. It was one of those dark-oaky type of feel with men dressed up to serve. It reminded me somewhat of our dining experience at this steakhouse at New York, New York hotel in Las Vegas, where I had one of the most amazing experience eating a cow (both in terms of the type of meat, and the amount of steak I ate. No kidding)
The novelty was great and interesting, made sweeter with the customised birthday and anniversary (1 week early) wishes... all made perfect with the company of my loving partner.
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| Spoilt is me. |
That evening, we witnessed a proposal of a couple at the table behind us, and it made me smile knowing how much they had ahead of them; and thankful at how far the husband and I have made it. He's kept to his promise of giving me a birthday cake every year since 2005... thank you for spoiling me, my love.
We did not manage to finish all the food because we were so stuffed, and we finished off the late night with a stroll along the bay area watching lights and people strolling by, buskers and amusing youths taking pictures (did you know, it takes 5 to snap a pic?) and also a silent disco (everyone wore headphones and bounced to their own music led by 3 different types of deejays. ?!?)
We came home to sleeping children, and I felt that though I did not have a birthday song and cake with my children, I balanced the day well with the family members, friends and my mother. I am so blessed!
The day after, Sunday, 19 March
The traditional #foofubs meal was on this day due to busy commmitments; and regardless of when we met, it's important that we did so hooray! Venue was Kith, a restaurant I had heard of but never tried. They served decent, tasty breakfast meals... I may go try their super salad next time. The meal was typical where we all chit-chatted, with the children yelling over everyone... and the Dad expressing himself after his recent health scare. I remember sitting in my seat, looking at each and every person present at that table and feeling so thankful for each of them. People come into your lives for reasons and I know that the 10 of us are #perfectten because of how we all contribute ourselves in one way or other, because family.
Year on year, I become increasingly aware and mindful of how time is flying by, how the parents are ageing, how the siblings are no longer younglings but well-established young adults leading their respective lives... and for each of us to want to come together because we love one another means the world to me. I do not wish to take anything for granted, and it is so lovely to have everyone present, dedicating their time to the family (heh, and me).
That night, the husband and I finished the evening with some drinks at home and I felt so loved from the amazing, fun-filled weekend of birthday celebrations.
Happy 37 to me!
We did not manage to finish all the food because we were so stuffed, and we finished off the late night with a stroll along the bay area watching lights and people strolling by, buskers and amusing youths taking pictures (did you know, it takes 5 to snap a pic?) and also a silent disco (everyone wore headphones and bounced to their own music led by 3 different types of deejays. ?!?)
We came home to sleeping children, and I felt that though I did not have a birthday song and cake with my children, I balanced the day well with the family members, friends and my mother. I am so blessed!
The day after, Sunday, 19 March
The traditional #foofubs meal was on this day due to busy commmitments; and regardless of when we met, it's important that we did so hooray! Venue was Kith, a restaurant I had heard of but never tried. They served decent, tasty breakfast meals... I may go try their super salad next time. The meal was typical where we all chit-chatted, with the children yelling over everyone... and the Dad expressing himself after his recent health scare. I remember sitting in my seat, looking at each and every person present at that table and feeling so thankful for each of them. People come into your lives for reasons and I know that the 10 of us are #perfectten because of how we all contribute ourselves in one way or other, because family.
Year on year, I become increasingly aware and mindful of how time is flying by, how the parents are ageing, how the siblings are no longer younglings but well-established young adults leading their respective lives... and for each of us to want to come together because we love one another means the world to me. I do not wish to take anything for granted, and it is so lovely to have everyone present, dedicating their time to the family (heh, and me).
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| Seah-mily |
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| #PERFECT10 |
Happy 37 to me!
Friday, March 24, 2017
We turn 9!
So this V-day that just passed, the husband and I missed out on eating at this Jap restaurant. We had tried their course dinner before and was interested to go again (it was good). Another opportunity arose for us to treat ourselves, and it was a no-brainer for us to make a reservation - at the right place this time!
It was a work-day, and we both went to work, then met to have our omakase meal. I was so excited! It did not disappoint. We had an array of fresh sashimi, cooked fish, sushi, soup, 'appetiser' type (oyster!)... we were so super stuffed by the end. It was a good deal, we thought and have recommended it to the sister; we may come back again another time!
We did not take any pics at dinner, and while walking to the car, attempted to take one for the night.
I felt that I couldn't let the day go pass without posting a declaration - it was such a happy occasion afterall! And so I did.. I scrolled through my phone and had a pretty tough time picking a nice, couple shot of us. Seems that my phone is pretty much 80% of the children, 10% family pics, 5% work pics, 5% miscellaneous (quotes I wish to remember and schoolwork/admin pics I take to remember things by).
I did find one from 1.5 years ago.. and posted it with the following caption:
Happy 9th anniversary babe! We were so greedy we devoured our omakase dinner with no pics (insert relevant sushi/jap-food-type emojis) At least we managed to recollect most parts of our last 9 years of marriage, and the (GASP-SHOCK-FACE EMOJI) realisation that we have known each other for 22 years. To more travels, good and better times, gluttony, exercising, exploration, adventures and laughter (heart)
It seems such a silly thing, but I have never received this many likes on my post before (I think). The husband lamented that 9 is a rarity, but I think it's cos we're good-looking (hahahahaha) - no, but really, I think that it's probably the sharing that we've known each other for 22 years.
Regardless, I am thankful for this partner I picked up for 9 years. It has not always been smooth-sailing, and we definitely had our fair share of grumpiness, arguments, frustrations and turbulent moments. However, we both always managed to work it out and I hope that we continue to do so. We have such a pair of lovely, adorable, cheeky and amazing children to complete us and I really hope that we will be able to celebrate more happy moments together.
Oh, and I don't even know how we celebrated last year. This was all I got!
I love you baby, happy 9 years.
It was a work-day, and we both went to work, then met to have our omakase meal. I was so excited! It did not disappoint. We had an array of fresh sashimi, cooked fish, sushi, soup, 'appetiser' type (oyster!)... we were so super stuffed by the end. It was a good deal, we thought and have recommended it to the sister; we may come back again another time!
We did not take any pics at dinner, and while walking to the car, attempted to take one for the night.
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| We took only one. This shaky on. Hah! |
I did find one from 1.5 years ago.. and posted it with the following caption:
Happy 9th anniversary babe! We were so greedy we devoured our omakase dinner with no pics (insert relevant sushi/jap-food-type emojis) At least we managed to recollect most parts of our last 9 years of marriage, and the (GASP-SHOCK-FACE EMOJI) realisation that we have known each other for 22 years. To more travels, good and better times, gluttony, exercising, exploration, adventures and laughter (heart)
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| Record-breaking likes! |
Regardless, I am thankful for this partner I picked up for 9 years. It has not always been smooth-sailing, and we definitely had our fair share of grumpiness, arguments, frustrations and turbulent moments. However, we both always managed to work it out and I hope that we continue to do so. We have such a pair of lovely, adorable, cheeky and amazing children to complete us and I really hope that we will be able to celebrate more happy moments together.
Oh, and I don't even know how we celebrated last year. This was all I got!
I love you baby, happy 9 years.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Being 36.. for one last day
I guess it's timely that my birthday falls about the end of the first quarter of the year, and a good time for me to take stock of how the year has been going. Truly, it's been a great start to 2017. I'm loving it!
Work
As much as we say work is 'merely' work, I have allowed it to interfere with my life/state so much before that I was utterly miserable when it wasn't going well. Thankfully, I have emerged from that foggy period stronger, and more confident to tackle new challenges. Work has settled into a busy but manageable pace now, and I am trying to keep a balance on workload/stress and keeping my mind open to feedback, new ideas and learnings.
Emotional state
This painful episode triggered by work has brought to my attention the power of network support from family and friends, as well as signs and symptoms for me to take note of so that I can manage the downward spiral. I am an emotional creature and it is very dangerous to wallow in it. Through the years, I have learnt to better manage my emotions (sometimes) but it's shocking how I felt when I was down. I felt utterly gutted and the intensity of that low shocked me. I'm also learning to take things more easily too.
Kids making a mess? Pack it up, no sweat.
Things not on schedule? Take a deep breath and keep going.
My plans are not on track? Be flexible and get on with the flow.
Why am I doing (insert matter)? Understanding/reminding myself of the value of what I am doing puts things into perspective.
Of course, not everything is a bed of roses nor plain-sailing.
Do I still lose it with the kids over petty matters? Yes.
Do I get frustrated and yell? Yes.
Can I do better? Of course.
Knowing that things are not always 100% keeps it real, and knowing that I can keep going and do better always is key.
Giving thanks and appreciation
I have been pretty good/mindful at giving thanks. I am aware that I have plenty of good stuff in my life and I am thankful for them. A new thing I am trying to practise, is being appreciative. Appreciating that it takes effort for something to happen/someone to do something. Appreciating that it is the effort and not entirely the outcome that matters always. Appreciating the lovely skies we see, not taking that for granted. Appreciating the help we receive. The definition of giving thanks is similar to gratitude, but a slight difference in nuance is that we assess the true worth of the matter and in doing so, bring deeper awareness in merely giving 'thanks'.
Another key subject matter of being appreciative and thankful for, is my family. Recent events on the home-front has given an elevated reminder on mortality, relations and how important each and every member is, whether it is big occasions, or random meals; or just serendipity sightings...
I will never wish to take the family for granted; and I am so thankful for each of their love and care.
Partnership
A big part of my life is the husband. He has been pretty busy and I hope I play the role of supporting him as a wife and mother to our children well. I am aware of how precious our relationship is, and how important it is to maintain it through communication.
Sounds simple? Not really. Being together takes work and I know that we are in this together. It's the little things that make up the big stuff and every little bit of action matters. Having a meal together on V-day no matter how it didn't go as planned. Celebrating Lunar New Year as a family unit with friends and loved ones. Getting sick from the children's bugs and working together to take care of them and nurse them to being healthy again. Having him annoy yet crack me up. Sharing common experiences to add on to our memory banks.
We celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary in a few week's time and I am still in love with this man.
Staying fit
Of course, my life is not complete without working out & I am happy to say that I have kept on track with this fitness journey. I lost it slightly the 2nd half of last year with holidays, slothy eating habits and a slight loss in motivation. With the signing up of the gym last December, I was able to insert freshness into my workout regimes; I have renewed my interest in using weights and machines and attend classes at the gym.
I still practise yoga. I still run. I try to keep active and involve the children. I feel as strong and fit as ever!
It's been a good start to the year and I look forward to more goodness. I turn 37 super soon and I know it'd all be fine. To end off (cannot stop being emo/ reminiscent!), here are some lovely, lovely flashbacks of the children thanks to FB memories. I have nearly forgotten how tiny the children once were...
So much to be thankful and happy about. So ready to celebrate my birthday for another year of life ahead. -inserts muscular emoji-
Work
As much as we say work is 'merely' work, I have allowed it to interfere with my life/state so much before that I was utterly miserable when it wasn't going well. Thankfully, I have emerged from that foggy period stronger, and more confident to tackle new challenges. Work has settled into a busy but manageable pace now, and I am trying to keep a balance on workload/stress and keeping my mind open to feedback, new ideas and learnings.
Emotional state
This painful episode triggered by work has brought to my attention the power of network support from family and friends, as well as signs and symptoms for me to take note of so that I can manage the downward spiral. I am an emotional creature and it is very dangerous to wallow in it. Through the years, I have learnt to better manage my emotions (sometimes) but it's shocking how I felt when I was down. I felt utterly gutted and the intensity of that low shocked me. I'm also learning to take things more easily too.
Kids making a mess? Pack it up, no sweat.
Things not on schedule? Take a deep breath and keep going.
My plans are not on track? Be flexible and get on with the flow.
Why am I doing (insert matter)? Understanding/reminding myself of the value of what I am doing puts things into perspective.
Of course, not everything is a bed of roses nor plain-sailing.
Do I still lose it with the kids over petty matters? Yes.
Do I get frustrated and yell? Yes.
Can I do better? Of course.
Knowing that things are not always 100% keeps it real, and knowing that I can keep going and do better always is key.
Giving thanks and appreciation
I have been pretty good/mindful at giving thanks. I am aware that I have plenty of good stuff in my life and I am thankful for them. A new thing I am trying to practise, is being appreciative. Appreciating that it takes effort for something to happen/someone to do something. Appreciating that it is the effort and not entirely the outcome that matters always. Appreciating the lovely skies we see, not taking that for granted. Appreciating the help we receive. The definition of giving thanks is similar to gratitude, but a slight difference in nuance is that we assess the true worth of the matter and in doing so, bring deeper awareness in merely giving 'thanks'.
Another key subject matter of being appreciative and thankful for, is my family. Recent events on the home-front has given an elevated reminder on mortality, relations and how important each and every member is, whether it is big occasions, or random meals; or just serendipity sightings...
I will never wish to take the family for granted; and I am so thankful for each of their love and care.
Partnership
A big part of my life is the husband. He has been pretty busy and I hope I play the role of supporting him as a wife and mother to our children well. I am aware of how precious our relationship is, and how important it is to maintain it through communication.
Sounds simple? Not really. Being together takes work and I know that we are in this together. It's the little things that make up the big stuff and every little bit of action matters. Having a meal together on V-day no matter how it didn't go as planned. Celebrating Lunar New Year as a family unit with friends and loved ones. Getting sick from the children's bugs and working together to take care of them and nurse them to being healthy again. Having him annoy yet crack me up. Sharing common experiences to add on to our memory banks.
We celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary in a few week's time and I am still in love with this man.
Staying fit
Of course, my life is not complete without working out & I am happy to say that I have kept on track with this fitness journey. I lost it slightly the 2nd half of last year with holidays, slothy eating habits and a slight loss in motivation. With the signing up of the gym last December, I was able to insert freshness into my workout regimes; I have renewed my interest in using weights and machines and attend classes at the gym.
I still practise yoga. I still run. I try to keep active and involve the children. I feel as strong and fit as ever!
It's been a good start to the year and I look forward to more goodness. I turn 37 super soon and I know it'd all be fine. To end off (cannot stop being emo/ reminiscent!), here are some lovely, lovely flashbacks of the children thanks to FB memories. I have nearly forgotten how tiny the children once were...
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| 2012 - dark and fair, grumpy and smiley |
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| Mar 2012 - giggles, this cracks me up |
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| 2010 - my little fishball firstborn! |
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| 2012 - loving moments between these 2,before the squabbles... |
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| 2013 - cheeks. |
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
BFFs in Hanoi - coming home
We had a mid-day flight, so we had little time for much except to have breakfast (hotel breakfasts FTW!) and pack-up.
It's always such a pleasure to come back home to Changi Airport; and I think I made more purchases at duty-free than what I had spent collectively the last few days in Hanoi. Oops.
I hitched a ride home with the bestie and came home to an empty home. The kids had their weekly dinner with the mama and I relaxed by unpacking, showering and just doing nothing much at all.
That evening, it was nice to see the children... and we got into the night routine just like any other day. Sometimes, it's nice to have something standard and normal to look forward to. Nothing feels like home than routine, really (along with loud noises and kids' squabbles...)
I'm grateful for the family support which allowed 3 of us to go on this holiday. Hopefully, we won't need to wait several years before our next trip. Thankful for time alone, a good break, time with the besties and all the lovely food we devoured and experiences we had together - day 1, 2 and 3.
Hooray!
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| Enroute to airport |
Upon arrival at the airport, we had enough time to just stroll around the compound, It's not big, but it wasn't small either. We didn't have much of an agenda, nor did we have the stomach for food. Time passed leisurely with little/no agenda at all. The bestie made an attempt to purchase something from duty free, but besides some standard coffee sachets, no one else was tempted by anything. We were ready to go home.
The flight home was comfortable. I caught a Chinese movie and some part of a TV show; had a meal with some wine... and we'd arrived!
The flight home was comfortable. I caught a Chinese movie and some part of a TV show; had a meal with some wine... and we'd arrived!
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| Finale |
I hitched a ride home with the bestie and came home to an empty home. The kids had their weekly dinner with the mama and I relaxed by unpacking, showering and just doing nothing much at all.
That evening, it was nice to see the children... and we got into the night routine just like any other day. Sometimes, it's nice to have something standard and normal to look forward to. Nothing feels like home than routine, really (along with loud noises and kids' squabbles...)
I'm grateful for the family support which allowed 3 of us to go on this holiday. Hopefully, we won't need to wait several years before our next trip. Thankful for time alone, a good break, time with the besties and all the lovely food we devoured and experiences we had together - day 1, 2 and 3.
Hooray!
BFFs in Hanoi - day 3 - a whole day on our feet
After a brief exploration on day 1, and a visit wayyy out of Hanoi City, we dedicated today to a exploring the old quarters. After breakfast, we made our way. By now, we were very familiar with the route and was pretty much on auto-pilot.
We had just made the turn, when we passed this amazing food stall that we had eyeballed on several occasions. The smells that came from it is amazing, not to mention the impressive-looking giant wok the chef used to stir-fry the food. YUM. We had literally just finished our breakfast though, so we walked by looking longingly at the stall.
After our tummies were filled (it wasn't empty for long, really), we began our walk. On the way, we joked that it may be 10 hours later that we'd head back and T went "pls, that's exaggerating" (uh, no really it wasn't).
As we neared the river, we discovered that the roads were closed. They do this on the weekends to allow for free walking and play. What a lovely idea. As it was the weekend, there were plenty of crowds and it added to the buzz. Lovely!
We had some bread and beer.. plus rest for our feet. By this time, it made little sense for us to head back to the hotel (we thought we may drop off our bags); instead, we headed to the spa for some relaxation. Ahhhh... bliss. By the time we emerged from the massage, it was dark. We were not hungry yet, so we decided to head back to the river as we had seen some set-up going on. Indeed, there was some music showcase going on and while we deliberated heading to a bar for a drink, we ended up purchasing beers from the mart and sitting by the riverside. Nothing beats immersing ourselves in local fare!
It was 7pm and we decided to walk through the night markets. We added more buys to our arms and after a stroll up and down the entire stretch, we were ready to head back. On the way back, we were not distracted by any food... and we decided to head back to the same lunch spot for dinner. We were delighted that the stall was still open!
By the time we reached back to the hotel, it was truly 9 hours since we left it in the morning. We girls can sure walk! I was suffering from a stuffy/leaky nose and I decided to call it a night by popping some meds and go to nap. The 2 ladies made the most of our last night and headed to the hotel bar for some drinks.
It was a long, lovely, hectic-yet-relaxing day. Super love!
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| Gearing to go |
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| Street eats |
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| Wok! |
Just metres from this store, there was a store that we labelled "H&M" because it looks pretty much like an H&M store. The glass windows, the colour of it.. I cannot remember the name of this brand but it looked pretty decent. We decided to venture in.... 1 hour later... we emerged with bags of clothes! We focussed our buys on the children (who else?!) and it was a fruitful stop. I got 2 windbreakers for the children that I believe will be super handy for wet weather/cold countries.
It was nearly lunch by this time, and we thought that we can actually have our lunch by this amazing store; plus drop our bags as this was really just 2 blocks away from our hotel.. and so we did.
It was nearly lunch by this time, and we thought that we can actually have our lunch by this amazing store; plus drop our bags as this was really just 2 blocks away from our hotel.. and so we did.
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| YUMMMMM |
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| Attention to customer service boss who came forward to help cut up the chicken when he saw us trying to do it on our own. Thumbs up for great service! |
As we neared the river, we discovered that the roads were closed. They do this on the weekends to allow for free walking and play. What a lovely idea. As it was the weekend, there were plenty of crowds and it added to the buzz. Lovely!
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| Toy cars 'driving' on the roads |
It was such a pretty setting, I asked the ladies to join in a happy jump shot. I cannot believe that they have never done it before! It rocked.
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| Whee! |
The lovely weather makes strolling around so easy and enjoyable, and it really showed in our easy stroll, chit-chats and LOLs.
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| Plus, our cheesy smiles! |
Our mission was to make it to the wholesale market which was all the way at the top of the map, and on the way there, we ventured through many, many rows of shops. By the end of two hours, we were loaded up with paintings, chopsticks, teapots, hair accessories, fabric, little bags, caps.... a whole mish-mash of things we bought. It was 3+ hours later that we ventured downwards... in search for rest.
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| Snack-time |
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| Vietnamese bread |
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| Squatting by the river |
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| Night view |
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| Pho pho pho... pho good! |
It was a long, lovely, hectic-yet-relaxing day. Super love!
Monday, March 13, 2017
BFFs in Hanoi - day 2, Halong Bay
Staying in a beautiful 5-star hotel, the facilities are top notch. I set my alarm an hour ahead of the girls' wake-up hour and I was excited to use the gym facilities on this morning.
It was lovely and familiar breaking into sweat. Loving the facilities that support my lifestyle. Sadly (despite my intentions), that was the only time I hit the gym this trip.
After the 45min workout (run + weights/conditioning work), I returned to the room and the girls were lazily awake. We were scheduled for a day tour to Halong Bay today.
The ride to get to the Bay was loooooong. It took us 4 hours, including 1 pitstore to go one-way. ONE! WAY! It was rough. The girls and I chit-chatted the whole way... how awesome was that. Haha #talkativemuch It was nice to just chat about random things and nothing/something/anything at all... going through our past lives... we have known each other since day 1 of high school and this year marks the 24th year of our friendship. Woot. By the 3rd hour, I was getting antsy. I was seriously going to cramp up into a fit. I didn't, and we arrived. Yay!
The whole tour ended with us heading back the way we came, and the ride back to Hanoi City was painful. I managed a 1hour nap (post beer snooze) and became increasingly cranky as dinner time came and passed. It was 8.30pm when we got back to the city and at the first chance we got, we asked to alight at the Old Quarters.
We walked along the streets and chanced into their night markets (ala pasar malam) and the walking did wonders to my cramped legs. We also dove right into street snacks the moment we saw them! We were starving.
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| Short but swift 2.4km run |
It was lovely and familiar breaking into sweat. Loving the facilities that support my lifestyle. Sadly (despite my intentions), that was the only time I hit the gym this trip.
After the 45min workout (run + weights/conditioning work), I returned to the room and the girls were lazily awake. We were scheduled for a day tour to Halong Bay today.
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| Hotel breakfast |
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| Tickets |
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| One on the pier |
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| Heading to our boat |
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| Can you see the boat name? Ha-Tanh 18 |
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| Lunch served on-board |
There's some regulation that no one was allowed to be on the external deck when near the pier (safety reasons, probably) so once we had the opportunity post lunch, the girls and I headed to the upper deck. It was cool, sunny and breezy - perfect!
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| We celebrate the same birthday, on the 18th so it warranted a pic with the number. Ha! |
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| Bay view |
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| Walking up flights of stairs to venture a cave |
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| Bay |
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| Canoeing. (Not us) |
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| Hanging at the local 'cafe' (it was a shack) |
Besides the bat cave trek, we opted out from any form of activity. The canoeing or the bamboo boat ride into the bay caves. Instead, we had beer and mango at the tiny shack that monopolised the business for all stopovers.
A highlight was probably me, not embarrassing myself to death by falling over when I attempted a headstand.
A highlight was probably me, not embarrassing myself to death by falling over when I attempted a headstand.
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| TADAH! |
The whole day tour was quite simple, and it was mostly relaxing. A lot of sitting around and enjoying time pass.
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| I went to Halong Bay. |
We walked along the streets and chanced into their night markets (ala pasar malam) and the walking did wonders to my cramped legs. We also dove right into street snacks the moment we saw them! We were starving.
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| Street eats |
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| Busy Friday evening |
We did a spot of shopping, stopped at a random restaurant and had another round of beers and street snacks, squat-style seated. Considering that we started dinner past 9pm, it was midnight by the time we were done. We strolled the lovely streets back to the hotel... and you'd have thought the streets to be dead quiet. Nope! There were people strolling around the riversides esp since there was road closure (Fri-Sun), and shockingly, a group of youths playing sports. How random.
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| Playing some form of sepak tekraw |
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| Strolling the roads of Hanoi past midnight |
By this time, I had developed a mild sore throat and was all ready to hit the sack. And that's exactly what I did. Snooze.
Read about day 1 here.
Read about day 1 here.
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