Sundate - a different kinda show

So on this cloudy Sunday, the husband and I got help from the grandparents and after depositing the children with them, we headed off for a brunch of a different kinda show (after our family TGIF movie night).


It's the much-anticipated, debated / talked-about Mayweather vs McGregor fight #thehypeisreal


The husband arranged for a viewing at his friend's and it was a nice hang about and chill out with food and drinks kinda morning. It was a nice coupla hours to spend with each other.

Breakfast, chips, bread, sausages, egg, bread, beer...

I think the husband was disappointed with the way it turned out, but I felt like it was a nice fanfare regardless. There is so much training and hard work that athletes put in and respect is warranted for sure (regardless of how a**holic some of their behavior may be); MMA or boxing or anything violent is not my choice of sport to spectate, but it's admirable the dedication and effort put into each sport/craft. This is especially brought to light in the recent spate of SEA Games 2017, the husband's accomplishment of the Ironman 70.3... all hard work comes to fruition.


My parting words for this, is that all who put in hard work will walk away with their heads high. Though McGregor did not win the fight, he is still in a decent place, the loss not tarnishing his name in any way. This is possible through the hard work and good show he put on. As for Mayweather, it's definitely a feat to remain undefeated for 50 matches!


And finally, finally, 90 million or 300million - seriously, what do you do with that much money?! How obscene! Yes, I am admittedly very very jealous! 

TGIF - movie night

On a whim, the husband arranged for movie night.

Junk food and cartoon - hooray

It was a simple enough affair, we met, ate out, ate more during the movie and caught Cars 3; something that's lighthearted and simple enough for the family. TGIF!

Achievement unlocked - PB for 5km!

In September 2016, I did my last registered race as a last-minute filler for someone who dropped out. It turned out to be a pretty fun and engaging day where both the kids and I got to play in different forms. That day also turned out to be a day I smashed my Personal Best (PB) to run 10km within 60minutes.
Since then, I've still been running on/off as part of my regular fitness journey, and I have actually achieved some interesting statistics successfully, on the treadmill:
2.4km within 13minutes
5km within 30minutes (29+)
10km within 60minutes (59+)
Last Saturday (19 Aug), I turned up for yet another race that I did not sign up for. Seems like I'm becoming a filler! Haha.


What happened was, 2 days before Saturday, a colleague asked if I could help fill a spot for a 5km run. The full race was a half marathon of 21.1km, and it's run ekiden style between 4 runners like a relay. I was a bit uncertain initially because I was lazy, but given that I was free, I just said yes in the end.
I'm glad I did because this bunch of Filipinos were raising funds and awareness for a good cause - special needs for Filipino children. Since I run anyway, it was really easy for me to help them out.


Come Saturday race day, I indulged in carbs and food (ok, also because greedy haha) and after bidding the kids goodbye as they were sent to class, I continued to make my way to the race track. It was so sunny (ugh) but I had to do what I had to do. I actually made it earlier than expected and managed to join in a group picture before official flag-off.

With some of the fellow runners

After not being in an official run for a while, it did feel rather exciting to be in the fanfare. I was gifted the purple UA tee for my participation so I guess that's a mini score. Hah! I was runner 2, and I am glad I made it early enough to identify 2 complete strangers (runner 1) to get the sash from and (runner 3) to pass the sash to. It felt pretty exciting to be part of a race and perhaps it may be more fun if it had been with friends.
I remained focused on completing the race and fulfilling my part... and hoorah! I surpassed my own expectations of setting my personal best record!

5km in 25.3!

I completed the whole race in about 32minutes, including walking after I'd done my sash handover, but from the above which I tracked with my run app, I am pretty chuffed with my timing. I struggled with a stitch for 2 km, from the 2-4km mark (ugh) but I pushed on. My overall average pace for the run was about 5'40".
After cooling down for a bit, I bade farewell to this bunch of people and headed to the office nearby for a shower. I was feeling so pumped that I stopped and requested for a stranger to take a pic for me.

Yay!

Blessed : timely reminders

The organization has a department that organises sessions with children in a community outreach manner. Since I joined, I have made it a point to participate in at least 1 activity a year. It is a personal desire to help and volunteer, to do my little part to spread joy. Each time, it's been a different type of activity and different experience; but always fulfilling.


This year, the event was to spread joy at the children's hospital. Task is simple: we go there to distribute get-well-soon cards along with toys, as a little form of encouragement to brighten up the children's day. To make it even more exciting, we also go as mascots so the children can take pictures and keep as mementoes. While only the children receive gifts, it's fair to say that staff also feel joyous as they get to snap pics with our mascots too! It's heartening to know that the hospital believes that every staff - from cleaners, to nurses, to parents and patients - everyone deserves to take a pic if they wish to.


I had little expectations of the afternoon, but given that I'd never been a mascot before, I thought it's quite a fun opportunity to be one. So I did.

Transforming to a superhero!

My 'head' was so high I couldn't wear it while walking,
as I wasn't able to cross over the door.

Team volunteers

Spreading joy

Being a mascot was not easy, because it was hot. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat, because the joy and excitement as I hear - children and adults alike - "Batman!" - makes it all worthwhile.


I found it heartbreaking too, to witness the children in wards. There were all types, from those who had a fractured arm (temporary stay) to those who had more serious conditions (longer-term stay) - and it was hard seeing them warded.


I am reminded of the times where my children were warded before, and how such little activities could really make their day. I am also reminded that my family is blessed to not have to be in hospital, and I am so thankful for good health.


I truly hope that the short afternoon spent there brought a spark to the children and their parents (plus the staff) and made their day brighter. I cannot express how thankful I am to have the experience, to be privileged to spread joy.


I have so much to be thankful for. Amidst my own muddiness, it's important that I tell myself that I am truly, truly blessed. This is a timely reminder.

Dinner date

Sometimes, life throws you random lemons and people get grumpy. I am totally grumpy Queen, but let's just say that we all learn to be adults and move on with it. So on this night, the husband and I randomly found a spot to eat a very hearty meal.

Meat.

Happy that we managed to end the night nicely.

My man, on a beautiful night

Next time, we eat buffet ok?

Growth and change

Nothing beats the reality of how time has passed, than looking at children. Here is a comparison shot of the three Seah-blings.

2013 vs 2017

I remember the top picture very clearly. It was a National Day weekend where we celebrated birthdays in the family and it was our first visit to Pasar Bella, when it was quite newly opened. That explains the red togs and how adorable do they look!


The bottom picture was taken 2 weekends ago, also in August (same birthday month!) and because I'd just been prompted of this FB memory, I suggested the children re-enact the pic and so they did.


Seeing them grow is truly most gratifying, and yet another reminder to self that time passes so quickly and I must treasure the moments with them.


Oh children, Mommy does love you to the moon and back. I really do.

What are my priorities?

I have been pretty reflective lately. Possibly for a while now. Why? I'm not sure. Perhaps it is the 'time of the month' (though having said that, it's been monthsssss); perhaps it's the big changes we're going through which impacts our lifestyle, our finances, our life expectations, our ambitions, our children... everything is inter-related and I guess with things rolling about, I'm getting mildly terrified of it rolling out of control.


That's one perspective.


The other, is that things are extremely exciting and there is so much to look forward to; because change - while unsettling - can also be viewed as terribly amazing!


I guess I toggle between the two, depending on my mood. I still feel this gap within sometimes, wondering what it is that makes me feel so unsettled.  I then turn to emotional eating which, while it's a guilty pleasure, it is not necessary; especially if done excessively.


I wonder, what drives me? What makes me happy? Perhaps, it need not be so tough. Perhaps I should just focus on what my true priorities are (I say true, because it's not 'seemingly' important priorities that garner short-term gratification which can blindside me. But truly important ones that fulfills) - and just focus on those that make me happy.


If I remember right, I had this same resolution (or something along the same lines) for 2 years: Don't sweat the small stuff. I don't think I have been practising that.


Oh, my mind is so full of such random thoughts. I need to simplify and focus on my true priorities.


For starters, I know who really matters.

My everything

That's a good start point, an anchor that cannot go wrong, because family is always the right/best choice.


Guess I'll keep muddling along, and figure it out. One day at a time.

Last Friday, just because I was on leave

It was the eve of the husband going off, and we both took leave to accomplish important adult matters. Because, however, of my late night, the husband stepped in to do school run with the girl, and I managed to wake up in time to drop this boy at school.

Botak 1 and botak 2

After the morning of adulting, the husband and I managed a quick lunch; then it was still early for child pick-up, so we did a supermarket run together. Nothing sexier than supermarketing in broad daylight!

And they say romance is dead. Heh.

The afternoon snooze button really hit and after picking the girl, both she and I dozed off on the drive home where the husband braved snooze to pick the boy up.


After washing up and resting some, we headed out. I had major plans of a picnic, or scootering with the kids... but decided that simple was best.

FRIYAY!

We strolled along the river, while the husband had his dinner nearby. We saw beautiful skies, a colourful bridge, lovely trees, the river... and we decided on our dinner spot because it housed a temporary jumping castle. Ha! Important factors in making critical decisions! While the children jumped the castle, I ordered our dinner. They also explored the area; quite extensively, I say.

Girls can climb trees too!

And boys can sit still to draw too.

The boy did a lovely drawing of this scenery, with his interpretation of the trees, buildings, people on hoverboards, tiny boats... it was adorable. We had a fancy dinner and I wish to say the night ended well, but it did not. I was hit by 'convection current ala- the-worst-tummyache-ever-where-I-broke-out-in-cold-sweat-feel-faint-type-of-pain' - and thankfully, the husband was close enough to pick all of us up safely. There came a point my head was spinning so badly I thought I was going to faint. (On this note, I have actually fainted from this tummy hit before, so my worry was legit.)


Thankfully, the husband rescued us all and while he continued packing into the night for his flight out the next morning; I crashed into bed, nursing my sore tummy.


The end.

He did it again!

The husband is now in the Philippines. For the second year, he has signed up to participate in the Ironman 70.3. No pics, because no one is there with the husband.


But, it has to be recorded that he went, and he conquered.


I was worrying about him because (1) everything seemed so rushed (2) he didn't seem to have trained consistently (3) no one is there with him at all (no fellow friends racing alongside, no cheerleaders).


However, it all worked out very well. Two days before he left, he said to me, "I feel good. I didn't train as much, I know, but I feel strong." Perhaps, it really is all a mind game.


So proud of his amazing efforts, nearly inhuman to be able to keep the body moving non-stop for 7 hours straight; and even prouder that he fared better than last year.

Good job baby, we are so proud of you.


Flashback to Ironman 70.3 in 2016

Sophistication (ok, not really)

When you are stuck with work late into the night but needed to get home to have dinner because 10pm already and was hungry; you make your way home with work.


Then try to find ways to make the night better by giving yourself a treat; but because working so did not want to get your fingers dirty.

This happens.

Ended up sleeping only at 1+am. So tired!

Majulah Singapura

So, after our top-notch seats to catch fireworks, this little boy was obviously inspired.

Spectators on the floating platform, watching the performer (perform) and
throwing confetti (he said 'powder'), with speakers (top right, he said 'radio')
and fireworks.

It shows me the observational ability of the child, how he discovers this form of expression unguided (I actually chased him away so I could do homework with the girl and he came back with this) and seeing his face gleam with pride, makes me so proud.


These moments make me happy!