Monday, March 27, 2017

Free ice cream!

The brother told us of this activation by Haagan Daaz and we both got free ice-cream. Yum!


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?



Seahsational icon of our family

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.


Laser tag

Grrrrrr
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.


Supporting the MBS 'boat' with his strong fingers!

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.







Gin for 1, please!
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!




The original trio


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.

Queuing up to get painted

Dressing area

Cowabunga!

Rainbow face

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).

Boyband - first time seeing the boy dance!

This sweetheart dedicated a message too me :)
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!)


Crafted card from my 6+yo firstborn
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.


Starters of seafood-cocktail + marrow & mushroom
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!


Happy birthday to me!

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.


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).


Seah-mily
#PERFECT10
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!

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.
We took only one. This shaky on. Hah!
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)

Record-breaking likes!
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.

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...


2012 - dark and fair, grumpy and smiley

Mar 2012 - giggles, this cracks me up

2010 - my little fishball firstborn!

2012 - loving moments between these 2,before the squabbles...

2013 - cheeks.
So much to be thankful and happy about. So ready to celebrate my birthday for another year of life ahead. -inserts muscular emoji-

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Last Friday night

A crabby feast. Some HH drinks. So thankful for little life moments.

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.


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!

Finale
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!