TinGy's spitting zone (0_o)

Decision woes

2010-01-29T22:57:00.000-08:00

Just when i thought i'm destined to be jobless.. 1,2,3 offers came knocking! Really thank God for the blessings.. but now I need to rack my (lack of)brains on which offer to accept.. If only it is so straightforward to just choose the company that offers the highest salary..BUT *sigh*.. 'ren qings' came into play...

Was just talking to Karen on msn about owing 'ren qings'... this issue is just so complicated.. especially when people put in so much effort just to pull you in... it is like an offer where you just can't reject.. and this is what happened to me and Company A..

Company A

Went to interview for a L&D post.. hiring manager liked me but she is also aware that L&D is not my forte, so she did a very nice thing.. She roped in a senior HR BP to help me source for a suitable HR post within the Co.. which to me, was a very thoughtful gesture.

Turns out that my ex-boss is also in Co A.. and she coincidentally has a vacancy..so she called me up to offer me the role (without any interviews!) immediately.. I was ecstatic because I didn't have a single offer back then.. hence I gave her my verbal approval.

BUT.. as it was against the Co's policy to just hire a person without interviewing, my ex-boss had to ask the L&D hiring manager to write in a recommendation for me (since she & the senior HRBP have already interviewed me earlier) so that I can be selected for the position.. and that was exactly what the hiring manager did...

Apparently..the recommendation that she wrote on me was so good that my ex-boss's boss quickly gave the thumbs up for me to be selected.

AND (as if its not complicated enough)... many HR personnels in Co. A knows me (they were from my ex-co).. so in a way, I was already quite 'well-known' in there..

Dramatic enough? Story doesn't end here... *wait for it*

* * *

Company B

I applied for a position in Co. B eons ago (ok ok.. abt 1 mth ago).. no sound from them at all.. then suddenly.. at 8+pm on a tuesday night, i received a call from the hiring manager, asking me if I would like to go for an interview.

As I had already given my verbal approval to Co. A, i rejected the interview invitation... but the hiring manager was adamant to invite me down..and she gave me alot of reasons on why I should give their Co a try... so..... i said yes eventually. Just for an interview mah.. or so I thought...

The interviews (3 rounds in a single day) proceeded very smoothly.. and they offered me a sweet deal.. a deal where I find it quite hard to refuse.

My guess is, the hiring manager is very keen to hire me.. so she quickly arranged for the final round of interview with the big boss.. and well, the rest is history.

Only deal-breaker is, this is a contract position, convertable to a permanent role. But God knows when will that happen?..

* * *

Complications

1) Co. A, on learning that I have another offer from Co. B, immediately converted the position to a permanent role for me. It was such a sudden move that I am still struggling to believe this. And I owe too many people 'ren qing' in here.

2) Co. C, aka my ex-co, asked me if I want to go back (no fight, because I don't eat hui tou cao)

3) Co. B's reputation is wider and seemingly more prospects.. alot of my friends ask me to consider this Co (before they know this is a contract role hahah) because of its reputation.

* * *

So which one should I take? A or B??

Waiting game

2010-01-20T22:09:00.000-08:00

I really hate the waiting game.. especially when hope seems to be diminishing by the seconds..

Crossing my fingers tight. Again.

Wish me luck!!

Its mid Dec already..

2009-12-14T22:54:00.000-08:00

Time flies~ 1 more week before Jerome turns 2 months old.. He is really a cutie pie.. his smiles really melts my heart~ Oh yes, he is a 'mini Ant'.. looks-wise. Pictures are uploaded in my FB.. lazy to post here again :p

My heart always feels warm when I look at my little baby boy.. the way he sleeps.. the way he cringes when he cries.. the way he squeeze his lil mouth into an 'o' shape as if trying to communicate with us.. the way he smiles..and of course his lovely baby scent.. i just love him so much!

I simply love to carry Jerome close to me, to smell him and to baby-talk him.. I guess all babies have this power to turn adults into a mush.. Its quite funny to witness how babies can transform the usually shy/fierce/quiet person into a baby-talking machine... :)

Motherhood this time round is much easier for me, thanks to my new helper. She is a young girl just fresh out from her pastor's home. May has a mild attitude, is willing to learn and quite shy at first. Oh and she really likes to sing! *she is singing this very minute to coax Jerome to sleep* I have no qualms about her singing, but she tends to sing a tad too loud for my liking.. actually i wonder how can Jerome sleep with that kinda volume?? lol~ Anyway, she is very hardworking too.. we keep asking her to go take a nap whenever she is free, but she just doesn't want to. Aiyo~ We are so worried she will be tired out..

As much as I love to bond with Jerome, I haven't forgotten about Ariel either. Maybe its due to my conscious effort to NOT neglect her, which in turn makes me give in to her whines and naughty behaviour most of the time. Big mistake! Now Ariel is becoming more spoilt! She cries at the slightest provocation and kicks up a big fuss over a minor thing.. and she expects the adults to rush to her side the moment she cries.. *sigh* I know all these are just her antics to seek our attention.. but i feel its getting way out of hand... its time i start to discipline her. I just hope she don't feel we are purposely punishing her and giving all our love to Didi.. its tough being a parent to 2 kids.. I'm a typical Libra, so i always make sure fair treatment and attention are given equally to both kids.. aiyo head big ar~~~

* * *

I have been sending out applications for the past 1 week.. barely anyone replied... i feel so down and gloomy just thinking about this.. the future looks so bleak now.. hai~~ I really hope I will be able to find a good job asap!

Happy Birthday Jerome!

2009-10-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

Baby Jerome has arrived on 21 Oct 2009!

My birth story as follows:

0300: Felt some contractions (definately not Braxton Hicks), slightly painful, but bearable. Woke up and time. Contractions came at 5-6 mins apart.

0400: 1 hour passed, can feel the contractions intensifying but still bearable. I even tell Ant that I want to 'tong' till 9am so that we can go my gynae's office to confirm that ITS time. (per previous experience hehee)

0500: Contractions came at every 4-5 mins. Getting more and more painful.. but STILL want to 'tong' till 9am... Almost cannot lie down/walk straight by now.. every wave of contraction almost knock me out!

0600: CANNOT TONG already! Contractions getting too painful by now. Ant said better admit to Mt A asap! Ariel was promptly forced to wake up.. last minute packings were done.. and i took a long-suffering bath (cos contractions were still coming on strong)..

0745: Reached Mt A finally. The walk from the carpark to the hospital was a torture! Had to stop dead in my tracks whenever a contraction came. I didn't care that I was in the middle of a busy carpark.. i just STOPPED there and winced in pain. :p A kind-hearted man saw that I was in great pain and offered to push us a wheelchair.. thank God for him!!

0750: Being wheeled to delivery ward immediately because I'm really in pain by now.

0755: Reached delivery ward. Midwife ask me to change into the hospital gown and pee into a cup (dunno for what). Took a longgggg time to get change cos I was hit with 2 contractions during this time. In the end, couldn't pee too due to the intense pain.

0805: Midwife did VE.. I was already 6-7cm dilated!!

(Asked for epidural 3 times but midwife keep rejecting me! She said by the time the anaesthetist come, my baby wld have already come out!)

0818: Felt a warm gush of water rushing out. Thought I had unknowingly peed, but turned out that my waterbag had burst on its own.

0820: Felt the urge to push. Started to push even though midwife asked me to wait for Dr Fong. (how to wait?!) Can feel my nether regions tearing when Jerome was crowning... *cringed at that thought*

0828: Arrival of Baby Jerome!

* * *

Dr Fong came shortly after.. and as usual whenever I see him, i just felt very calm.. He just has this 'aura' around him that gives me the calming effect upon seeing him.. I know I can leave myself in his good professional hands.. i love my gynae la!

Dr Fong always like to chat with Ant about his research stuff.. so while the 2 guys were happily chatting away, I was happily getting high on laughing gas when Dr Fong was stitching me up... This time round I can feel the sting when he was stitching me.. cos I got no epidural to fall back on.. really thank God for the laughing gas! Though its not as effective as the epi, but at least it can take abit of pain away.. ouchie~

Dr Fong commented that I have a high threshold of pain. He was very incredulous when we told him that I still want to 'tong' till 9am to go his clinic to see him.. luckily we didnt wait any longer he said.. teehee~

* * *

After resting in the delivery ward for awhile, I was wheeled to the normal ward. I was unbelievably energetic after giving birth (maybe its due to the laughing gas heh heh)! So I spent the next 2 hours chatting over smses!

Lunch was served shortly and not sure why, but my appetite seemed to be very good.. cos i gobbled everything up!

Overall this birth experience was very different from my 1st delivery where I was shivering & vomitting due to the after effects of epidural. I am actually quite glad that I went through this birth au naturale because now I know the real feeling of giving birth. And right now, I just feel very blessed with my 2 beautiful children. :)

* * *

Pictures coming up!

Complicated

2009-10-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

I was just reading barlee's blog.. and i cannot help but think... we must be twins in our previous lives! We may not be always facing the same sticky situations, but it seems that we always run into some problems at the same time!

Anyways.
*bar if you are reading this, just wanna tell you i suddenly miss you alot..dunno why.. *

If you notice, I hardly ever blog about my emotional well-being, but this time, I just feel like saying something. Maybe to let off steam. To make myself being 'heard'. But i know things won't change much. Have you ever heard that leopards never change its spots?

Anyway, I've been feeling like shiat for the past couple of.. months? years? I just feel so trapped.

Have also been flaring up frequently in the recent months.. and it all boils down to me being irritated by someone/something. Its like I have been bottling up all these feelings all these time and finally, I can't take it anymore! My mother once asked me why has my temper changed from being so mild in the past to being so explosive now.. To that, I can only say I am being forced into this. Who would want to morph into a scary monster who is so full of angst all the time? Everything happens for a reason.

I do pity Ariel.. because she has seen the worst side in me. And everytime after i exploded, i need to cover my feelings again and explained to her why Mummy did what she did...... :(

I think i need to change something in my life.. and it will definately be drastic. But me being me, I don't know how or where to start.......

I NEED TO GET OUT OF THE PITS~! But i am trapped.

Unconventional laundry

2009-10-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hmmm~ What is lil Ariel doing?

Doing laundry at such a tender age?

Hanging up her 'unconventional' toys - Spoons and what-nots.. -___-"

Scrutinizing her 'laundry'..

*smile* The creativity of kids...

Hungry after doing laundry.. so snatch my food to eat.. aiyo~

Happily watching TV

Photos Galore!

2009-10-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

Finally a chance to upload photos, so taking this once-a-week opportunity to post everything up at once! *wink @ SIL*

The photos go all the way back to September..

* * *

20 Sept 2009 - Heartwarming pics :)

'Specially for my Ting" Ant says
In order to protect his dignity, I had to mosaic away his spastic smile :p

* * *

28 Sept 2009 - My birthday

For a full recount of my birthday experience, refer to earlier post.. :p Shall just post (the very limited) pics here~

Lets go!

On the way to Vivo

Having fun at the play area

* * *

11 Oct 2009 - Pasting of wall decals in Ariel's & Didi's rooms

Ariel's room

The original wall decal

Close up of the stickers

Added in the word "Ariel" to cartoon-fied the decal - Reused from her 1st birthday! ;)

Didi's room

Original wall decal

Individual stickers of the planes

* * *

10 Oct 2009 - Our Sleeping Beauty

While Daddy & Mummy are posing........

I am happily snoozing...

* * *

16 Oct 2009 - Having fun with Playdoh

* * *

17 Oct 2009 - Random pics of cheeky Ariel

37th week and counting + WhiteDog Cafe

2009-10-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Went for my 37th gynae visit today. I actually went with an apprehensive heart, because I knew this visit would require me to do the Strep B test and possibly, a Vagina Examination (VE). The mentioned tests are mandatory for preggers in the final stage of pregnancy (eg 37th week and beyond), so.. there is really no way I can escape from this..

However, the pain that I thought I would feel didn't come from the Strep B test (i didn't do the VE afterall), but from what Dr Fong showed me through the scan..

My baby boy is back to a breech position! Horrors!! He has been a good boy all along, in a head-down position.. but not sure why, he suddenly turned into a transverse position yesterday! :(

Dr Fong was worried because I am already in my 37th week and already experiencing contractions, so he is not sure if baby will be able to turn in time next week - which is my 38th week aka my expected delivery week.

Ant and me literally became speechless, because we were so sure that I will go for natural delivery again this time. We asked if there are any chances of baby turning head down in a week's time.. Dr Fong didn't dare to promise us anything, instead he asked us to visit him next week to see how things go. If baby is still in a breech position, we will have to schedule for a c-sec........

Actually, in a warped sorta way, I am quite prepared for this. Although I am an advocate of natural delivery, but if it is God's will that I have to be operated to get my baby out, then so be it. As long as Baby J arrives into this world a healthy, normal and strong baby, that is enough for me. :)

Anyway, Baby J is weighing 2.7kg at week 37. Estimated weight at delivery would be ard 2.8-2.9kg. Nice weight!

So... after this would be another antagonizing wait for us.. because the next time when we visit Dr Fong, we will know if I will deliver via natural or c-sec....

Wish me luck!! Jia you Baby J! Turn down soon ok? And come out only when you are in your 38th gestational week.. or later! Be good darling. :)

* * *

We were quite disoriented after our visit to Dr Fong's.. so decided to go for a nice lunch to relax our minds.

At our new haunt - WhiteDog cafe at VivoCity

* * *

Since we were at Alexandra area, we went for some impromptu car 'window-shopping'. We are considering to change our car in view of the impending arrival of Baby J, and possibly a new helper.. so I think our trusty current car will be a tad squeezy if we squeeze in 2 new members, so we may to look for a bigger one.

We were quite impressed with 3 particular models thus far. 2 continental and 1 Japanese make. The Japanese one is stylish and affordable, whereas the other 2 are expensive, reliable, safe and wins at fuel consumption. I think we prefer the conti cars.

Anyway, we shall wait till things get settled 1st before we go for the test-drives.

VW.. i lub u!! But why are you so expensive... sigh~

* * *

I'm still bugged by Baby J's breech position.. Really hope that he will turn down soon. I remember my mother telling me that I myself was in a breech position too.. but I managed to turn down at the very last minute.. so I hope Baby J will follow in my footsteps too. ;)

* * *

Argh! Having aches at my tailbone now.. Can't sit, can't stand.. pain pain~~~ My mother says this is a sign of giving birth soon..

Babblings on a Monday afternoon

2009-10-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Here I am on a Thursday afternoon again.. babbling, as usual. I have so many things to update but because I know the post will be very dry due to lack of pictures (i can't upload them due to some technical problems geez), so i keep procrastinating.. as usual. Heh~

Anyway, this entry will be based on random things that popped into my puny brain that happened for the past few weeks..

*Edit* This post was supposed to go out LAST THURSDAY.. but now its already Monday of a brand new week... ho ho ho.. I ish the QUEEN of procrastinating!

* * *

I have finally gotten my arse down to washing baby "J"'s clothes. Probably because i can feel him arriving soon.. plus the fact that the braxton hicks contractions are getting more and more frequent (thats the reality check man!), so i thought it would be better to wash those clothes asap!

Thanks to Mummy, SIL, MIL for helping with the sorting and washing of baby clothes.. I couldn't have done it alone.

Have also tidied up his wardrobe.. looks pretty bare for now.. only 2 drawers of clothes.. but 4 filled shelves of what-nots! eg: beddings..wet wipes..and miscellaneous stuff! *sheepish grin*

Oh yes! I packed my hospital bag too! Big thanks to my parents for helping me buy stuff like the buttoned-PJs and other essential stuff! They're really the sweetest!

* * *

Bought wall decals for both kids' rooms. Need SIL's artistic & detailed eye to help with the actual pasting!

* * *

Just had lunch with Ivy. Finally got my loot from her too heh~ Had a nice chat on babies.. BM..maids..schools and etc!

But after our chat, i realised there are still alot of things i haven't settled! Argh~! Robinsons 20% discounts, here i come!!

*Edit* Didnt get as many stuff there, quite a disappointed trip.

* * *

My parents bought a lantern for Ariel. Its a Hello Kitty with hideous music.. I cringed whenever Ariel switches her lantern on... eecks... I'm so going to tape up that music source tonight!

*Edit* Ariel enjoyed herself so much on Mid-Autumn festival! There was a lantern festival held under my block and i think the RC members really make it a point to 'brighten' up the whole festive mood! Lanterns were hanginf from trees.. candles were lit up on the stone seats.. and plenty of kids' laughters and screeches from awful lanterns!

Didn't manage to take any photos cos we forgot to bring the camera down! What a waste!

* * *

Will be going for my 35th week gynae visit tomorrow.. Gosh.. all the talks about giving birth, VEs and strep B test are giving me the creeps! Though this is my 2nd pregnancy, but yet everything feels so new and fresh?!

I really hope Dr Fong won't perform any VE for me tomorrow...

Am looking forward to seeing Baby J again! Wonder how much weight has he gained...

*Edit* No VEs and no strep B test were done.. thank God! And baby J is weighing 2.4kg at 35 weeks! :)

* * *

Oh yes!! I had a wonderful birthday celebration on 28 September. Initially I didn't plan to take leave to celebrate, but Ant insisted that he had already taken leave for me and thus 'force' me to take together with him.. so i had to take lor.. at the very last minute! But ok la, i admit that is a really sweet gesture from him.. and we decided not to let Ariel go to school that day so that we can celebrate as a family.

Our lunch was settled at Jack's Place [si bei DUH i tell u.. there's already 1 Jack's place near my place but dunno why Ant decided to drive ALL THE WAY (and got lost in the midst) to West Coast just to have lunch there..]

Anyway..

Didn't manage to take pictures at all because 1st, camera no batt (i didnt' intend to take leave to celebrate remember?).. 2nd, too hungry and 3rd, gotta entertain & discipline Ariel!

Sidetrack abit, Ariel is really getting vocal these days.. and she's becoming a handful! Previously she used to be an angel whenever we were out, but these days, her devilish ways are coming out.. she actually held a conversation with Waitress A and insisted that she wants to sit on a highchair.. then subsequently, she actually stuck out her tongue at Waitress B when the latter wanted to play with her! OMG so embarassing..kill me please..

So.. back to the topic. After our lunch, I asked Ant what had he planned for me since he's the one who insisted that I took leave.. then he said: "Go Sentosa".. I was like: "Are you crazy?! Weather so hot! I don't want!"

So... we went to Vivocity to enjoy their air-conditioning... [si bei DUH right!!] muahahahhahaha..

Ariel fell asleep enroute to Vivo.. and she slept all the way till 4+pm.. So Ant and I had all the time in the world to shop and stroll leisurely in Vivo.

I really enjoyed the '2-people-world' time with Ant.. cos this is so hard to come by! Especially when we are all so caught up with work, Ariel, the impending arrival of Baby J and what-nots. And people who know me also knows that Ant lovessss to irritate me non-stop, so to have that 'special time' for us alone only (where Ant morph into a 'normal husband'), is REALLY REALLY rare.. So.. Thanks LG for making the effort to spend time with me and Ariel on my birthday! *muacks*

*Edit* I have some photos.. but due to above-mentioned technical problem, no way to upload.. arghhhhh!

* * *

Oh yes! I was introduced to this 4-leaf clover thingy from my colleague. And apparently, 4 leaf clovers are known to bring luck to people! Since most of us need luck in our lives right now, we decided to go down to Cuppage plaza to take a look at the infamous Julie Roberts shop which sells these clovers.

Initially I wanted to just buy 1 for Ant..but in the end I decided to get 1 for myself too. So Ant suggested that I pay for his and he pay for mine... abit DUH but i appreciate his thoughtful gesture.. :P SIL got 1 for herself too.

After making our purchases, we saw this Singapore Pools stall selling toto & 4D.. so we thought to ourselves.. since we are supposedly 'blessed' with luck from our newly-bought clovers, why not just try our luck with toto & 4D? LOL.. so we just went with the flow and bought a few cheap tickets.. heh heh!

HUAT AR!!

*Edit* No luck with tot & 4D..... chey~ But nvm, we need more luck with other aspects in our lives!

* * *

Have been plagued with groin and pelvic pains since Sunday.. its really painful.. and its affecting my ability to walk and sleep properly.. :(

Everytime I toss/turn in my sleep, i will wake up with a yelp because of the pain.. coupled with the fact that I need to pee very frequently in the night now.. sigh~ Every movement will just make me wanna bang my head and faint so that i can forget about moving an inch!

Maybe these are signs that I will be giving birth soon.. :S

Baby J: Please stay in Mummy's tummy till at least week 38th ok.. by then you will be a strong and healthy baby and you can come out anytime you want.. be a good boy yah~

* * *

Just realised 1 Nov MTB has given birth!! OMG!!! Reality check for me again!!

Babbling on a Thursday afternoon

2009-09-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Lunchtime now.. ran out of blogs to read, so decided to write on my own space instead.. the sian-ness of a Thursday has taken a toil on me obviously~

* * *

I've never been a graceful swan my whole life. However that said, I'm not exactly too clumsy either la.. I just.. fumble over things occassionally. :p So anyway, now that I am pregnant, my clumsiness level naturally goes up another notch!

I trip over things easily (but thank God i didn't fall flat on my face/tummy), I seemed to have butter fingers all the time and hence things always drop from my hands effortlessly..*roll eyes*.. and...best of all.. i don't know what the hell I do/did to make my pants go bursting at the seams all the time!

Like seriously! I burst at least 3 pants already?! Don't tell me my bum has grown bigger cos it hasn't! Although I would very much love to have a fuller butt..

Anyway. Lets just hope my remaining bottoms won't tear anymore..cos I've got nothing to wear already!!

* * *

Have been thinking about the birth recently. Many people have commented that since this is my 2nd pregnancy, chances are I will give birth earlier. EVEN earlier then my #1 they said..

Since Ariel came out 2 weeks before the estimated due date, does that mean Didi will come out 3 weeks earlier? 1 month?!? OMG i don't wanttttttttttt!!

I really pray and hope that Didi will stay in my tummy as long as possible so that he can absorb more nutrients (albeit some unhealthy ones due to my diet) and have all his organs grown strongly & properly before he sees the world..

Be good my boy.. listen to Mummy ok? We are all waiting anxiously for your arrival, but don't be in a hurry to see us.. guai guai stay inside till the time is ripe.. :)

* * *

In my 3rd trimester now.. time has flown by so fast.. and reality is setting in that we will have an addition to our family very soon.

BUT there's still procrastinations on getting ready for our prince's arrival.. eg.. we haven't start washing his new clothes.. separating the hand-me-downs from Ariel (the pinks and the neutrals).. packing his new wardrobe.. etc.

This is really a very contradicting period for us. On one hand we are preparing for his arrival, on the other, we are just not prepared..?! ... Oh well u get the drift..

Whatever it is, we are all feeling happy, grateful and blessed that Didi is bestowed upon us! Now we just need to get our butts moving to REALLY start preparing for his arrival!

* * *

My boss's boss (aka my big boss) is coming to Singapore next week.. at last.. a chance to finally meet her. Having some mixed feelings though.. aiyah don't know how to describe also.

My boss asked me to BOLDLY tell my big boss that I still want my job back after I give birth.. i wish i can do that, but my skin not so thick leh! I hope my boss will help me put in some good words infront of the big boss..

Honestly speaking, timing issues really suck. Just like when my boss and I finally can communicate better and work well together, and I finally can start to keng-gai with my colleagues, its time for me to go... *sigh* what to do.. timing..

* * *

I really really really miss wearing my heels. *oh my beautiful heels..*

* * *

Why is it that my husband like to tease me all the time??

I remember this little conversation we had:

Me to him: "You cannot live without me right?"
Him to me: "Ya lor... without WLT, I cannot bully anyone anymore.. i loveeee to bully WLT"
Me to him: "*!@^#*(!@&%#(*!@%"

Grow up please!

* * *

Ok time to work. Byebye

Ariel's room

2009-08-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Showcasing.. *drum roll* .. Ariel's revamped room!

Basically, we just want to let her have a room that is dust-free and fuss-free! Which explains why everything is kept to a minimum. I just hope her room will remain in this zen condition as long as possible! Ha!

I would love to put up some girlish wall decals though.. and maybe add some shelves.. hmmm..

The Trofast Collection from Ikea *painstakingly put together by my lovely lad and SIL!*

Ariel loves her new room. :)

Next up.. Didi's room.. wah that one will be a headache man..

Negative week

2009-08-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

It has not been a good week.. Ariel fell sick on tuesday evening and work-wise, I received not very positive news..

My heart always dropped whenever Ariel lets out a small cough, sniffed out some mucous or develop a fever. Because knowing her, all these little symptoms may blow up to be something more severe. And this time round, she had a fever and a persistent wheezing cough - which was later diagnosed to be a lung infection. And because H1N1 is very prominent now, Dr Tan was unsure if the lung infection may lead to H1N1.. so he prescribed us with Tamiflu..

Based on a mother's instinct, I did not feed her with the Tamiflu. Frankly, I'm worried that Ariel might develop side effects after taking it(eg. having constant nightmares and stomach upset).. and something just tells me that her condition will not escalate to H1N1...

Lets just pray my instincts are spot on.

* * *

Work-wise.. sigh~

Previously, my boss did ask me if I wanted to go back to work with her after my 'maternity leave'.. So i take this as positive news that I will still have a job after giving birth.. But just yesterday, she said something that overturned my hopes immediately.. :( timing issues, she said.. *sigh*

Now I only hope they will still want me back after I give birth..

People around me are not having positive news on their work issues as well... it really seemed to be all doom and gloom now...

* * *

I really hope things will turn for the better again.......

Will the 4-leaf clover help? I really don't mind paying abit more for it if it works!

28th week visit

2009-08-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 28th week of baby #2, and off we went to our monthly visit to Dr Fong's clinic.

Didi is weighing 1260g at week 28, and he is significantly heavier then Ariel when she was at her gestational 28th week in my tummy. She was weighing 1.1kg then. Well, i guess boys will be heavier and 'meatier'? heh~

For the past 1 week, I've been waking up religiously at 2am just to vomit.. *sigh* If u recall reading my previous post, I only woke up at weird timings to burp up the gas, but now.. the burping has been 'upgraded' to vomitting... PURE TORTURE!!

I complained the above to Dr Fong, and he said there might be a chance that i could be suffering from some viral infection and thus causing all these vomit sagas.. I was asked to monitor my condition for a few more days.. if this continues, I will need to go back to him for more tests... damn sian~~~

Anyway I also asked him if i could eat oyster omelette.. 'sea-hum'.. peanuts.. etc and surprisingly, he gives the go-ahead! As long as the raw stuff are fully cooked, he emphasized. No issues on eating peanuts (cos i heard peanuts are allergens which may cause allergies in the baby in future).. guess i will resume eating my peanut butter then! Aiyah! Forgot to ask him if I can eat the soft-boiled eggs in Ya-kun... gotta wait 4 weeks before I can ask him that.. which means, 4 more weeks before we can see Didi again.. *miss seeing him la*

Oh yah.. while doing the routine scan today, Dr Fong commented that Didi seems to have Ant's nose.. wah piangs SIAN ALL lor! People who have seen Ant's nose will know why I have that reaction.. :p

Thats all for now.. meanwhile I'll go back to lie down on my back to feel Didi's tidal-waves movements.. :)

Randoms

2009-08-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Every morning before Ant drops me off at the MRT station, I will bid my usual farewells to Ariel.. and sometimes she will reply me with "Bye Mummy.. be a good girl ok?" -Yes my little girl is asking ME to be a good girl.. what an irony ;) .. but this morning, she gave me a nice surprise by saying this - "Bye Mummy..be careful ok. Walk slowly because there are many cars here.." And my little girl said it with such sincerity that I can't help but be touched..

She's such a sweetie pie ain't she?

* * *

For the past weekend, we've got plenty of new clothes for didi! And they are mostly sponsored by family and friends.. THANK YOU ALL!

My parents got an obscenely-expensive (to me la!) romper for his 'grand entrance' to the world.. my MIL got him a cute set of moo-moo-top-and-duckie-bottom apparel and Ant's friend got us many sets of GAP clothes from the US!

And not forgetting my recent sprees and hand-me-downs from Ariel (the non-pink ones!) i reckon we've got more than enough clothes for didi now.. ho ho ho~

Things to stock up next would be.. baby changing mat.. pump-neh-neh-machine...breastpads.. maternity pads.. and what else?!??

*blank*

* * *

You know.. I've always prided myself in being polite to service providers. Be it waitresses, bus drivers, cleaning aunties..taxi drivers etc. Because to me, they are just doing their jobs and these are just basic manners to be courteous to everyone.

BUT.. I've met the ultimate IRRITATING taxi driver yesterday. At first I was still being nice and did my best to entertain him.. but after awhile, I just wished he would shut the hell up.

Our conversation:-

Irritating Taxi Driver: "So which way do you want to go?"
Me: "Go by Dr. 73.. you can do a U-turn infront"
I.T.D: "Like that ar.. "U-turn faster meh or you want to go by that route - blah blah?"
Me: "U-turn faster"
I.T.D: "U-turn here is it?"
Me: *thinking to myself* AH BO THEN..! don't U-turn here then U-turn where?!
I.T.D: "You want to go by Dr.73 ar? U stay which condo? There alot of condos one right?"
Me: "No, I stay in HDB. There are a few condos OPPOSITE my estate"
I.T.D: "Turn here is it?"
Me: "NO!!! Turn in at Dr 73!"
I.T.D: "Oh sorry i thought turn here.."
Me: *starting to get irritated*

After turning in to the HDB estates..

I.T.D: "Eh? I thot u say here alot of condos?"
Me: "Since when? I said the condos are OPPOSITE my estate"
I.T.D: "No la.. u said just now.."
Me: "U heard wrongly is it.. i said opposite"
I.T.D: "I'm sure u said here"
Me: "AIYAH WHATEVER LA!"

Reached my block..

I.T.D: "$4.20 xie xie... no extra charge on *mumble something which i cannot be bothered to listen already"
Me: *mutters under my breath "Siao!"

* * *

If all things go smoothly tomorrow, we are going to IKEA get the remaining cupboard for Ariel's room. And her room furnitures will be complete..

But that means, i need to siam again when they are fixing the cupboard.. wonder where shall I got to pass time..

* * *

Yea! National Day is on Sunday and I can't wait to see the parade! Though I will be watching it on TV, but I'm sure my hairs will still stand whenever the whole nation sings the national day songs!

I would love to bring Ariel to view the majestic fireworks.. but knowing lazy Ant, I know its impossible... I remember there was once we brought her to see the fireworks at Raffles City..and she was so awe-struck by the colorful display that she didn't flinch one bit when the firework sounds exploded in our ears...

Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!! (In advance heh heh)

I really feel proud to be staying on this little red dot and proclaim myself as a Singaporean. :)

I hate it

2009-07-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

History is repeating itself again..

My daily torment of breathless-mornings-cum-evening-heartburns..

When I was expecting Ariel, the above plagued me when I was in my 3rd trimester all the way till i gave birth. But for baby #2, it decided to torture me earlier by visiting me in my 2nd trimester.. which means I will need to bear the above for 6 whole months!

It is really a sucky feeling.. people who live with me can vouch for it.. I can be standing there for 1 minute, and the next i need to squat/lie down immediately.. because the blood just can't seemed to pump to my head fast enough..and thus causing me to see stars.

And guess what? It all comes in a buy-1-get-1-free package.. because along with "stars-gazing", comes breathlessness. I tell you.. this one really no joke.. you know the feeling of an asthma attack? It feels exactly like that. And not forgetting all this while, you are on the verge of blacking out, you also start to heave due to shortness of breath AND getting clammy palms.. all at once.

Boo hoo... 4 more months to go... Can i ask for a discount?

Anyway that will be my morning routine. Evenings (or should I say night times).. my dear heartburns will come knocking on my door.

I have already cut down on my dinner intake and trying to avoid spicy and carbo stuff.. but the heartburns simply love me too much to leave me alone! I will wake up religiously to burp out the excess gas at 12am, 3am and 4+am.. and after that, i'll take such a long time to get back to sleep that before i knew it, its time to burp out the gas again... *deep sigh*

I remember i was trying to fight to burp out the gas one night, and that resulted in me merlioning straight after... bad mistake.

Anyway, aint heartburns supposed to be burning your heart? Why is it in my case, it seemed to chill my heart instead??

I'm looking like a crossbreed between a panda and a monkey now... :(

* **

p.s. Baby is doing some stunts in my tummy right this moment I am typing this.. he is really an active and playful boy.. :) I really love seeing and feeling him move.. baby movements are simply the highlights in all pregnancies!

My moments with Ariel

2009-07-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

These days i really love to engage in small talks with Ariel.. she has interesting ways of expressing her views and the innocence that comes with it is just priceless. =)

Just want to share an incident that happened a few weeks ago. I had a heated arguement with Ant, (i've always dun like to quarrel infront of Ariel.. but NO CHOICE sometimes) and my tears unwillingly flowed. I dont want this to be witnesssed by Ariel.. so i told her my tummy was in pain, and thus Mummy cried. And you know what my sweet little girl did? She came to sit by my side, and sayang my tummy.. and asked: "Are you sure its not Daddy (who make you cry)?" Oh my gosh, that moment I nearly crumbled. She is so young and yet she knows what happened that made her mummy cried.. I hugged her tight and let my tears flow somemore..

Anyway, I've always like to bond with Ariel..to be able to come into close proximity with her warms my heart. Especially now when I know baby #2 is coming, I may not have that much time and concentration to spend quality time with my darling girl.. Somehow, the thought of this makes me sad.. I really dont wish to lose that special connection I have with Ariel..and yes I know I have to be extra mindful not to neglect my firstborn..

The best bonding time I have with Ariel now is during her bedtime. We will lay in bed together and engage in small talks. Previously when she was younger, she will only relate to things that she can recall.. and not really to the question I post to her.. for eg: "What did you do in school today?" She will reply :Eat, sleep, drink milk, watch tv..(and repeats herself)" but now not only does she tells me she had a fun day in school playing catching, she is also getting very well-versed in her descriptions....

"Today Liren is a tiger..then he chase me and I run run run.. then i scream AHHHHHHHHHHH.. then i climb up the steps (leading to the slide) and slide down.. whooosh!"

Cute right? :)

Really love Ariel to bits. Sometimes i just want to hold her in my arms and wish for time to stand still.. so that she will be my little girl forever.. :)

Just had the kingS of fruits.. satisfied!

2009-07-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

These days, my FB is more updated then this blog..heh~ But just so that I can keep a record of Ariel's growing up years, I'm going to upload repetitive photos here so that I can remind myself how she looked like and behaved when she's xx years old..

* * *

~ Ariel @ 38 months - A Fun Day out with Daddy, Mummy & Gugu~

My personal fav picture of my beautiful cheeky lil monkey :)

Very nice wall mural

Posing with Gugu~

Wondering what are they saying to each other?

Got caught for acting cute! Ha!

* * *

Recent highlight for the past week was room-revamping for Ariel. Now with #2 coming, we need to do some minor changes to the rooms.

Firstly, Ariel's cot will need to go to didi, so we have to buy a new bed for her. Along with the new bed, Ariel also need new cupboards to store her (many) clothes. So with this concept in mind, we went furniture-shopping at Ikea.

Frankly speaking, i was never an ardent fan of Ikea's furnitures.. i only like to go to the megastore because of their $1 hotdog bread and free aircon.. because previous furnitures we'd bought from them proved to be non-lasting.

So why Ikea? Because we need to get ideas.. cannot deny the fact that their 'showrooms' are always so tastefully done!

BUT thankfully, our latest trip to Ikea proves to be very fruitful! Just as we are heading home, at the very last part of the children's section, my eye caught their Trofast collection. I love the collection because of their flexibility to transform as well as the durability (made from pinewood). I've always love pine.. because its sturdy and smell so deliciously woody.. teehee~

In the end, we've impromptu-ly decided to get some cupboards and a baby changing tabletop! And its a decision I have never regret..

Must say a BIG THANK YOU to Ant and my SIL for fixing the things up... it was tough work. I was 'forbidden' to be in the house due to traditional beliefs that preggers cannot be home if there are 'repairs' to be done in the house.. so i was spared of all the hardwork. :)

Will post the pictures once Ariel's and didi's rooms are done up. Can't wait!!

* * *

Conversations with Ariel nowadays are very interesting. :)

Example 1:

Ariel: The rain is very good
Me: Why?
Ariel: Cos the rain help to clean the car! The car is very dirty you know.. *do the smelly sign*
Me: I see.. so the rain is very helpful right?
Ariel: Yah.. so i will give the rain a chop and a star! (Rewards for being nice)

Example 2:

Me: "I'm hungry Ariel.."
Ariel: "I cook for you ok?"
Me: "Sure.."
Ariel: *after thinking for awhile*.. But i got no real food for you! How??
Me: *startled into silence by the fact that Ariel knows how to link reality to her imaginary world*

Example 3:

Me: "Ariel.. i've got nothing to wear!"
Ariel: "Are you sure?.."
Me: : *pick a singlet* "Ah-ha! I will wear this out.."
Ariel: "Cannot wear this! Cos its very cold outside!"
Me: "But I'm feeling very hot Ariel.."
Ariel: "Ok nevermind.. you can bring a jacket out if you are cold ok"
Me: "Ok.."

Example 4:

Me: "Ariellllll.. go change your pampers! We are going out" *proceed to strip her bottom*
Ariel: "Wait!! Cannot change here!!* (We were standing outside her room)
Me: "Why not?"
Ariel: "We can only change in my room... siu siu..cannot change here ok! (Meaning shy to change outside)
Me: -_-"

I simply love talking to my lil chatterbox. *grin*

* * *

Is that a mannequin??

Close up of the 'mannequin'

Happy 'mannequin' ;)

* * *

Just had a wonderful feast of durian and mangosteens! *slurp*

Thank you Mummy for satisfying my cravings.. heh~

* * *

Have confirmed the chinese name for our #2.. as for the angmoh name.. have shortlisted 2 so far.. J&J.. *wink*

Our #2 is a very active baby.. his wakeful period is usually after lunch (after i have my kopi pok peng) and at night around nine-tish pm.. you can practically see his movements through the outline of my tum-tum.. :)

Be good my darling boy.. :)

My daughter loves to eat me

2009-06-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

Lets see... what were we up to in this span of 1 month?...

* * *

Oh yes, we went to the Times Bookshop fair! Got to know of this bookfair from my SIL & Ant.. and according to reliable sources, the books are going at $5 per book!

Since I am keen to replenish more books on Ariel's near-empty bookshelf, and also to increase her interest in reading, we decided to get some books for her from the fair. Only minus point is, the bookfair is held at quite a deserted place.. specifically speaking, AMK Industrial Park 1...

Anyway, after spending 2 hours there, these are what we got for our darling girl..(inclusive of 1 book for our #2! hahah~)

* * *

Next up, the Dumpling Festival aka Duan Wu Jie.

As usual, my MIL will wrap dumplings for Duan Wu Jie, the only difference is... instead of wrapping the usual pork fillings, she has opted for chicken fillings this year! Know why? Cos scared of the swine flu lor.. -__-"

But nonetheless, still taste delicious.. which is most important. Heh~

And she has thoughtfully wrapped a small dumpling specially for Ariel.

See the difference in the sizes?

Can't wait to unravel the goodness in this one

Doesn't seem to like it very much eh? teehee~

* * *

This month's 'highlight' for us is really more on our frequent house-hunting.. Probably because of the recent dip in property prices (Afternote: it has went up again sigh~), this seemed to be the right time to look at private properties no?

So far, we have been to the showflats of Rosewood Suite, The Waterfront, Lakeshore & The Caspian and the Peak @ TPY.

My personal favourite is still The Caspian. Reason being we really love the furnishings as compared to the others.. and very importantly, it is very near my Primary school.. easy entry for Ariel into Primary 1 in future since I'm an Old Girl.. and should we purchase The Caspian, it will be within 1 km from the school.. no need to go through the hassles of voluntary work..

Ant keeps telling me this will be an investment.. BUT.. to me (call me an investment-idiot) i still feel it is very pricey.. so decided to think it over 1st.. don't want this to be an impulsive buy and regret it thereafter...

Our preferred unit is still open for sale.. so tempting.. but uh uh.. gotta wait first..

* * *

My dear father won some money again.. so... he is in one of his shopping sprees mood AGAIN..

Frankly, I am very worried over my father's habitual spendings.. not that we are super rich or anything, but looking at the way he splurges on luxurious items (at least they are considered luxurious to me), I can't help but feel it is abit overboard..

And because I am his only daughter, I tend to get all the 'good perks'.. which sometimes, strangely speaking, its against my wishes when he buys me things..

AND, because I am preggy again, this pretty much gives him enough reason to buy more things for me and my unborn child..

Not only did he give me cold hard cash, he also bought many things for me, Ariel and our #2..

Amongst which, these are SOME of the things he bought... not that I am ungrateful, but it is really not necessary.. i would rather he save up the money for his retirement fund!

A pendant for me

My father keep asking me what can he buy for Ariel.. so in the end i relented and said "a toy" and i promptly pick this up before he buys other toys for her.. teehee~

An ironing board for Ariel.. and she loves it!

I heard, he bought another recliner chair.. and it cost more than an OSIM massage chair lor.. my mother had a row with him because of that.. but what can I say? Its his money afterall.. sigh~

Now i know where I got my spendthrift nature from.. =X

* * *

Boss is going on 1 week's leave.. its either going to be a breeze for me, or.. hell..... :S

(Afternote: it wasn't that bad afterall.. heh~)

* * *

I really doubt my contract will be extended or converted to a permanent position. It may not be a bad thing for me.. since I am not really that happy working there now.. but just the thought of being income-less sians the hell outta me..

* * *

Went for my detailed scan on 20 June 2009.. and it is confirmed we are having a boy! :)

Throughout the scan, my baby was moving non-stop and the sonographer commented that she knows this baby will be boy even before she scanned the genitals because he is just too active! hahah~

Seemed that my baby likes to play games cos he keeps facing downwards which caused abit of a hassle for the sonographer to get the details that she wants.. so she had to poke my baby and ask him to be 'guai guai' if not she is going to spank his bottom! hahah... Luckily my baby cooperated after that.. :p

We could even see him yawning during the scan! So cute!

We brought Ariel in to 'see' baby too.. but I don't think she understands what's going on.. keke~

* * *

Received a call from Ariel's school on Saturday, informing us that there is a HFMD case and many on-going stomach flu cases going on (18 for now!), hence the teacher advised us to keep Ariel away from school on Monday.. thank God my SIL agreed to help us take care of Ariel on Monday.. thankew sis!

I may also need to take leave on Tuesday though.. better to keep her away from school for this period..

* * *

Ariel has a weird habit now.. she simply lovessss to 'eat' the hair on my arms... As some of you know, I am a very hairy person, and my little girl seems to have an obsession over eating (feels more like tickling) my arm hair! God knows why she likes to 'eat' me.. In fact, she is 'eating' me at this very moment I am typing this.... -__-"

"I am not a food, Ariel!!"

* * *

I really hope Ant will get the job that he wants.. all the best to you my dear!

* * *

Time to sleep now.. Nighty~

Updates lor..what else?

2009-05-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

Few things to update during the span of 2 weeks..

* * *

Ariel's school closed for 1 day on 22 May, and hence I brought her to Anna's place for a playdate with Kaelyn & Xavier. The kids had so much fun swimming, drawing and playing together! If only we stay nearer.. I would have brought Ariel on regular playdates with K & X. I'm sure Ariel enjoyed herself immersely that day. =)

Forgot to bring camera that day, hence all the precious moments are in Anna's camera.. am waiting for her to send me all the pics! Hee~

A few snapshots taken from Anna..

* * *

Went to visit Dr Fong on 23 May 2009, my 17th week, and guess what? We managed to see the gender of our baby! Teehee... Actually I was lying comfortably on the chair letting Dr Fong do the scan so I didn't notice it at 1st, it was Ant who 1st saw it and shrieked - "See see!! A birdie!!" He was like so proud to notice it 1st... But we shall wait for my detailed scan next month before we go and splurge on all things blue.. *wink*

* * *

After having our lunch at Coffee Club, we decided to head to Expo for the Crocs sale. My oh my.. what a huge swamp of people! And I can see why... the crocs shoes, sandals and slippers are going at ridiculously cheap prices! I couldn't resist and got these for Ariel too..

I got all these at 65 bucks.. Usually it will already cost me $50+ for just the mary-janes!

* * *

After that.. all things went downhill... To cut a long story short (very short infact), Ariel started to develop a fever, have persistent coughs and a runny nose on Sunday. Things got worse when her fever can't seemed to subside and her coughs got us really worried. With the recent H1N1 cases recently, we thought it will be good to bring her to see Dr Tan asap.. And sure enough, she was diagnosed with Influenza A..

I myself wasn't feeling well since Sunday too.. but as a mother, I have the responsibility to take care of my sick child. Thank God for my SIL who helped out on Sunday night *thanks sis!* if not I would not catch a single wink at all..

I felt really sick on Wednesday.. the day i had to take emergency leave to take care of Ariel at home.. It was pure torture for both of us. I felt feverish so i took panadols and antibiotics thinking that it would bring my temperature down.. but it didn't work.. Ariel's fever was yoyo-ing too.

Thursday.. my MIL came up to help.. thank God for her too.. as I really cannot make it anymore.. Worried parents and friends called my mobile.. but I couldn't even summon the slightest strength to pick up their calls..

Today (Friday).. Just as I thought Ariel's fever has subsided, I stopped giving her the fever medicine..thinking that its no good to keep feeding her medicine when she's ok... big mistake! Her fever came up again.. :(

Just fed her porridge.. will give her the daily dosage of medications later... really hope this saga will end soon..

* * *

Just as I was feeling grave and moody, my dear friend Anna has kindly send a flower hamper to cheer us up!

Appreciate your thoughts my dear =)

Personal note to Anna - I'm just glad both our girls are fine now. :) Thanks for the flowers, it really brightens up our day!

Random, as usual

2009-05-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone.. I'm here again to litter on this space on the random things that happened in my life recently.. so sit back and enjoy my randomness!

* * *

Ok, I've been talking abt 2 things that happened to me right? I guessed by this time, many of you already know whats those 2 things la.. but for those who are still in the dark.. the 1st thing is..

The little positive sign =)

I am preggy with baby number 2!

At the time when I 1st found out about my pregnancy, i was feeling abit dazed and shaken. Reason being, I had just left my ex-company and was in the midst of looking for a job. And in this economy downturn, finding a job is already very tough, not to mention with my pregnant condition, it will be 10 times tougher! Plus the fact that Ant is also facing some problems at work, somehow i felt that this pregnancy seemed to have come at a wrong time?

But then again, God works wonders [He always does, doesn't He:) ]..and what seemed to be bad timing initially actually turned out to be perfect timing afterall!..

* * *

I found a job shortly after! Despite me being pregnant and all.. Though this is just a contract job, but I feel this couldn't have come at a better time! My position is a newly created position and the management decide to have a trial to see if this position is indeed needed (which I feel it is definately needed in view of the recent merger).. and they can also take this chance to test the incumbent (me) out.. however HR did assure me that there is a possibility that this position may be converted to the permanent establishment.

And in my point of view, I've always like the flexibility of being in a contract job. Whatsmore, in my current condition, a contract seems logical in the Company's interest as well as mine too. I don't dare to think too far at this juncture.. but to take things one step at a time. Of course, I wish they will extend my contract (and hopefully convert me to the permanent establishment) when the time comes.. but for now, I just want to do my job well and prove my worth. :)

* * *

During my 1 mth's hiatus from work, I experienced the worse morning sickness ever! Which was why I said this was the perfect timing to take a break. Imagine if I had already started work at my new Company, how can I work in my condition then?

For this pregnancy, I had severe morning sickness from my 6th week - 10th week. 1 month!! And I diligently hug the toilet bowl for a good 5 minutes after the merlion was done, because I know more would emerge..

I also felt more lethargic compared to the time when I was expecting Ariel. The combination between feeling tired AND the urge to puke concurrently, was really the ultimate. Many times I would just sit on the toilet floor and cry because I just felt so horrible..

BUT! All bad things would come to an end.. and by my 11th week I was starting to feel more like a human again. My appetite slowly returned and I could find the energy to step out of my house. This was the time where I went out and regain my social life (albeit only a few days).. before I start my new job.

* * *

As I had spent a good 1 month holed up at home, I was only left with 1 precious week before I start my new job. And in that 1 week, I had so many activites lined-up (eg: organising Ariel's birthday celebration in school, settling admin stuff for my work commencement, going to Ariel's school for food fest etc etc) I HAVE to spend quality time doing my favourite activities - Meeting up with friends and shopping!!

Amongst the many things that I have shopped for, this is the one item that has some history tagged to it.. *roll eyes*

I bought a TOD's bag! Its goodbye to my 'favourite brand' and hello to TOD's! teehee~

Why did I say there is a history to this bag? Well it all started when I saw Anna taking a TOD's bag and i really like the shape and all, so we (Ivy, Anna and me) decide to go to the boutique to check it out.

I fell in love with this bag the moment I laid eyes on it at the boutique. But alas, this is the last piece in Asia (wah!) and somebody had already reserved it! But the sales assistant knew I was very interested to purchase it and she very kindly make a call to the customer who had reserved it to see if he is still interested to get the bag.

Ok, before I go further, just want to explain why the sales person had made that call despite knowing well that it has been reserved by another customer. This (kns) customer had wanted to surprise his wife by buying this bag for her (though he's kns but gotta admit he's a nice hubby), but apparently the wife is not interested. But he still doesn't want to give up and hence place a reservation on the bag.

SO, knowing that the man may NOT purchase the bag in the end, the sales person decided to help us call this customer to ask if he is still interested. Well well.. upon hearing that someone is interested in this 'near-forgotten' bag, the man immediately say YES, he is still interested! He will get his wife to come down to the boutique tonight to view the bag and make his decision. So I LL lor.. since he reserved it 1st, he has the right to the bag.

Story doesn't end there. Apparently this kns (and knn) man is not happy that the sales person 'betrayed his trust' and want to sell off the bag when he has reserved it in the 1st place. So he kicked up a huge fuss in the boutique, asked for the store manager and scolded the poor sales person who helped me, and 'galantly' reject' the bag (all these told to me by another sales person). WHAT A GENTLEMAN INDEED! And i heard the poor sales person was scolded to tears lor! DAMN THAT STUPID MAN! You yourself ai mai ai mai the bag, then when you know someone wants the bag, you immediately become so interested! Your wife also dun want the bag wat! Then what you want to do with the bag? Use it yourself meh?! Make people cry somemore.. PTUIZ!!!

Anyway, after this fiasco was over, Ivy helped me call the boutique to confirm if that kns man had bought the bag, and the sales person said no, so we decided to go down that following day to get the bag before it is gone again. And guess what?? The store manager was embarassed to make us go up and down (and over the whole situation) so she offered me a 10% discount on the bag!! WAH I QUICKLY GRAB AR!! hahahha.. Ivy wanted to get a bag too, so we asked if the 10% can be extended to her as well.. but sorry la.. cannot.. *Actually I think they should, then they will make another sale mah!*

So anyway, I am very happy with this bag! I really love the color, the exclusitivity (so sick of seeing my 'fav brand' carried around by so many pple) and the interior of this bag. Thank you to Anna and Ivy for accompanying me on this fiasco trip.. LOL.. heart heart you two! Ivy, hope you get your bag soon! Then next time we 3 can carry the same bag and TEH4 someone.. MUAHAHAHHAHA!

* * *

Also did my usual online shopping for my darling girl and myself as well.. now waiting for the loot to arrive! Hehee..

Oh oh, bought this pair of sandals for Ariel too.. so comfy and sweet-looking!

* * *

Ok now, updates about Ariel's development. Now at 36 months, she has been certified to be a chatterbox. Her recent 'kou tou chan' is " i think...blah blah blah, you know?"

She has been "I think" and "you know-ing" me for the longest time! Until the extent that my SIL is influenced and has been using "I think" as well.. muahahahhaha!

However her teacher pointed something out to me which got me quite worried... she said Ariel hardly socialises in school and is abit stubborn. I find that so hard to believe! The socialising part la.. Cos she has been talking so much to us at home, and even say Hi and Bye to the random stranger on the streets! How can she be not socialising enough?? Or could it be she cannot communicate with peers her age? Haiz.. I really hope she can grow out of this soon.. and not develop into something serious... *cross fingers and toes*

* * *

Updates on baby no 2.. Maybe this is my 2nd pregnancy, so I feel my tummy has swelled up pretty fast this time. At my 3rd mth, I am already looking like I'm a 5-mth pregger! With my built, you can imagine how big my tummy is.. even Anna also commented that it looks big for a 3-mth pregger.

Somehow I felt quite nonchalant about this pregnancy.. as in, I don't have the urge to go look for baby stuff, research on pregnancy issues..or even eating right! Its not as if I don't care for this baby (I do!), but probably because, I have a 'been-there-done-that' kinda mentality? So I'm really taking this pregnancy nice and slow, and not being a kancheong spider like the 1st time round..

Whatever it is, I hope and pray for my little baby to grow strongly and healthily inside my womb, till the time comes for him/her to meet this world. :)

* * *

I need to plan alot of household issues.. the room arrangement.. maid's (if there's going to be one) arrangement.. booking of confinement lady.. and the baby issues...

My pea-brain is going to burst soon! :( I need help!!

*sis, may need to tap on you liao hor.. you know your 'younger bro' is the best procrastinator on these issues..*

* * *

Workwise, I have been in my job for the past 3 weeks.. lets just say.. this is the 1st time I feel like I am not stepping on firm and familiar grounds.. I am wary.. of many things. What needs to be complained has been complained.. and what needs to be praise, has been praised.. I just want to do my job well and not bother about other things.

And thanks to all my friends who became my lunch khakis for the past 3 weeks! :) Love ya guys!
* * *

Found out that my dear Jane is preggy too!! So happy for her!! She's only 4 weeks behind me, so we can understand how each other is feeling and bitch about our discomforts together! hahahha~

Take care my dear friend.. anything you know where to find me yah? :)

* * *

Looking forward to our dinner on Thursday... a day for the NUTTY friends ;)

* * *

I am already thinking of what Ant can give to me as my 'labour-day' gift... muahahahah!

* * *

Hope Ariel can go diaper-less soon... and also hope all her rashes and coughs will go away permanently.. heartache when i see her itching and coughing away...

* * *

Ariel: "Mummy, what are you doing"
Me: *Grab Ariel and kiss her* - "Kissing Ariel"
Ariel: "Mummy what are you doing again?"
Me: "Letting Ariel kiss me" - *Force her to kiss me"

MUAHAHAHHAHAHA! I am a bo-liao mummy.

* * *

Hope that Ant will present himself well on Tuesday.. and get what he wants eventually...

* * *

Civic or Stream?

* * *

Thinking of bringing Ariel to the zoo tomorrow.. pray for good weather!!

* **

Ok, end of randomness.

Happy 3rd Birthday to Ariel!

2009-04-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

Updates! Have got positive results from two things! And I'm feeling very contented. =)

* * *

And of course.. Most important thing is... Today is our darling girl's 3rd birthday!!

Ariel has 2 birthday celebrations for her 3rd birthday. This is to make up for the lack of celebration for her 2nd year birthday. The poor girl was down with flu last year and her birthday 'celebration' was minimised to just 2 invitees, Daddy & Mummy. So this year, we decide to celebrate her birthday with a bang! Well, not exactly a huge bang, cos this time round it also only involved family members.. teehee~ And also another party with her school mates!

Tonnes of photos to upload.. *we celebrated her birthday in advance at Costa Sand resort* and more photos to come *school party* later... so.. wait for it folks! =)

Last but not the least...

Happy Birthday To You Ariel! May you stay happy and healthy always darling! We love you! *muacks*

Facebooking dinosaur

2009-03-29T21:13:00.001-07:00

Guess what folks? For a self-proclaimed Facebook idiot like myself, I am actually starting to enjoy Facebooking!

I don't play all the blah applications.. I am more interested in kpo-ing all my friends' photos! Through their photos, I can really 'see' the updates in their lives.. :)

Since I am so actively into Facebooking now, this blog will take a backseat. Hah! Have been uploading my photos in FB instead.. simple and no need to type stories.. teehee~

On other updates in my life.. well.. I am still having flickers of hope and continue to pray for the best. Good luck everybody! JIA YOU!! :)

Flicker flicker..

2009-03-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

When something positive happens in the midst of a gloom.. you begin to have a flicker of hope that maybe.. more good things will be coming your way...

Hope. :)

...

2009-02-21T02:49:00.000-08:00

I've always went into a blog hiatus if things are not going well in my life...

So.. I'm still in a hiatus now.

Till things get better, adious.

Wish me luck people!

p.s. Thanks grandson, I also hope things will turn for the better soon!

p.p.s I really have alot of things to update, but somehow, that blogging energy has not returned yet..

Helpless

2009-02-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

They say.. when it rains, it pours.

It certainly POURED for me lately. So many unforeseen things.. sigh~

I've always known that good things will not last long.. well, at least for me.. and the recent events certainly proved my point.

I've tried to psych myself into thinking that I can do it.. and things will turn for the better.. but I know.. its difficult.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Whatever it is, I hope and pray that things will really get better..

This is as random as it gets..

2008-12-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

Feeling very random today, so shall just use this space to post whatever random thoughts or pictures that I can think of right now.. :p

* * *

For a period of time, Ariel really loveees eating plain rice. She can just eat NOTHING but rice. No gravy no meat no vegetable no nothing. Just plain rice. Was so worried that she's not getting enough nutrients then.. Boy am I glad that this phase is over!

* * *

Ariel has this fetish over birthday cakes. Well, she associates cakes with birthdays and candles because her school always seemed to have birthday parties going on.. so it kinda drilled into her that birthdays, cakes and candles always go together. Hence everytime she sees a cake, she will sing the birthday song. AND, its always HER birthday and nobody else's. -_-"

So. It happened to be Ant's birthday this month. And he's not a very cake person. But knowing very well that the little lady loves to blow candles AND sing the birthday song, we bought a tiny-weeny cake just to satisfy her fetish. Heh~

3 of us: "Happy birthday to you.. Happy birthday to you.. Happy birthday to Daddy.."

Ariel: "Nooo! Not daddy... its Ariel's birthday!"

Ting & Ant: *rolled eyes together* "Happy birthday to Ariellllll.. Happy birthday to you!"

Ariel: *Big smile*

* * *

Ariel accidentally smashed my camera recently. So now all my photos are taken with my handphone and 98% of them are blur! I seriously don't know how to take CLEAR pictures with my C902 lor..sigh~ *What 5 megapixel.. all rubbish!*

* * *

Random pics of Ariel & Mummy.

* * *

People who know me will know I have an undying passion about buying shoes. So on a fine morning, I decided to do some 'stock-take' and *gasp* I realised I have 4 new pairs of unworn shoes! As I was admiring all my new shoes, 1 little girl by the name of Ariel QUIETLY took 1 pair and tried it on!

Ah-ha! Caught 'cha on camera baby! So sneaky hor.. hehee

Think she has my genes. Shoe-lover too. =p

* * *

Recently, I'm very into scarfs and Baby G watches. I just keep buying and buying them! Help!

* * *

What did I say about Ariel inheriting my genes? Just had that double confirmed. She has inherited my hiao-ness too.

* * *

Oh oh! Ariel loves to mop the floor too. I have videos of her fervently mopping the floor.. but too leh-ceh to load it here. Don't ask me why she has this habit.. In fact i'm contemplating getting her a mop as a Christmas gift....

Just kidding!

* * *

Why do you still look so adorably babyish..baby?

Pun intended. Heh~

* * *

I like this pic.

Tell me, do they look alike?

* * *

This year's Christmas seems abit cold. In all aspects of the word - 'cold'. Last few Christmas(s) definately felt better. Probably I'm just too sensitive? *shrugs*

* * *

Time now is 12.17am.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY! =)

Awww..

2008-12-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to record something which I feel its incredibly sweet.

Usually I will lay cushions on the floor next to Ariel's bed so that 1) I can accompany her before she sleeps and 2) to cushion a fall (if necessary).

So today, while I was laying the cushions, Ariel asked me to wait. I thought she just wanted to play with me.. but no..

Ariel: (pointing to her pillow) This is Ariel's one.. Where Mummy pillow?
Me: Its ok.. Mummy don't need a pillow.
Ariel: Mummy wait.. (walked a few steps then turn back)
Ariel: Mummy wait ok?
Me: Ok.. Mummy wait for Ariel..

1 minute later..

Ariel: (walked back into the room chirpily) This is Mummy's one. Now Mummy can sleep!

I felt this little action from her is so heartwarming lor! My dear daughter has noted that I had no pillow to sleep on, and she had kindly brought my (small smelly) pillow all the way from my room to her's just so that I can have a pillow too!

*touched*

Thank you baby.. you've made my day!

Updates

2008-12-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

Realised that its been a longgggg while since i've last posted an entry. And along with this missing-in-action-peiod, many photos have also been way overdue..

So. Shall dedicate this post to showcase some (c'mon la.. its ALOT of photos lor..cannot possibly upload all mah teehee) of these back-dated photos! And with minimal words!

Enjoy. :)

18 Oct 2008

Decided to act healthy and go for a morning walk at one-of-those-parks-near-our-place.. but after driving round and round our area, didn't manage to find a park that will entice me to go for a walk.. so Ant suggested going to Sembawang Park instead. Heck, I didn't even know this place existed!

And as usual, our little lady is all raring to go!

She's so tall now.. can reach the lift button already..

Finally we reached the park.. Was quite surprised to see that there is actually a 'beach' here... (i thought parks only have trees wat!).. so its quite a welcoming sight. Though technically speaking, its not really a beach, but just the sight of sand and water (and coconut trees) makes this place looks more inviting.

Don't you think this looks abit like East Coast Park?

I like this Sembawang Park. With its lush greenery and quiet swishing sounds from the sea.. it does brings out the tranquility of this place.. Furthermore, its tucked away at the far end of Sembawang, so if u are looking for some privacy (minus all the reckless bladers + screaming kids we commonly see in a park), this is the place you can go to.. Though, I know Sembawang itself already sounds very ulu to some people.. heh~

Ariel loves the swing! And we love hearing her chuckles whenever we swing her real high..

* * *

23 Oct 2008

Today is the excursion day for Ariel's school! And the parents of the toddler classes are invited along as well!

We are going to Terminal 3 of the Changi Airport. Reason? The learning theme for October was "Transportation", so the school has kindly organised this trip for the kids to go to the airport to learn more about air transportation!

Getting ready to board the bus..

Ariel's trademark "3-fingered-cheese" sign

The correct "cheese" sign

Gathering the kids

Throughout this field trip, Ariel has been 'stuck' to her classmate, Mattias. This twosome MUST hold hands wherever they go! So cute!

After touring the viewing gallery, the teachers bought the kids to MacDonalds for lunch.

Ariel had a fun time swinging with her friend on the staircase railings! I must say her motor skills have improved alot ever since she started school.

Guess the kids must have felt tired after all the excitement at the airport. The bus trip back was filled with silence as most of them had dozed off as soon as the bus began its journey back to school...

It was a fun trip afterall. :)

* * *

25 Oct 2008

This was the start of the gloomy period when Ariel and myself fell sick together.. These pictures were taken before the full-blown fever+cough+flu+throat infection had set in..

She looked like she had applied lipstick in this pic.. that was how heaty she was

* * *

1 Nov 2008

Ariel suddenly displayed some maternal actions today. It all started when I was trying to coax her to take her afternoon nap.

After almost giving up, I caught sight of her (then) fav toy.. her Lego 'boy boy'. I told her that the 'boy boy' is feeling very tired and wanted to sleep. Initially I thought she will just ignore me, but surprise surprise.. look at what she did..

She started to lay the 'boys' down on the cushion very carefully (because she is scared she will jolt the boys awake) and proceeded to cover them with a 'blanket'..

After that, she even pats 'them' to sleep! The way I'll usually tuck her in at night..

I was quite happy to see this development in her.. at least this shows that she knows how to care for erm.. people. :)

* * *

8 Nov 2008

Ariel's hair is getting very long.. though I've wanted her to look more demure by having long hair, but i know she's getting uncomfortable with hair sticking to the back of her neck. (she doesn't like to tie her hair by the way)

So off to Junior's League we go!

I wanted Ariel to have a bob-cut.. but it turned out.. to be something different instead. Aiyah nevermind la.. just pray her hair will quickly grow out again..

* * *

16 Nov 2008

Christmas is around the corner! So its time to take the dusty tree out again! This year, I've decided to engage the professional help of a little lady named Ariel.

Thank you Ariel.. for helping Mummy decorate the Christmas tree. :)

Xie xie laogong..

2008-11-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

Just want to dedicate this post to my dear LG.

Thank you so much for all you have done for Ariel & me.. The sacrifices you have made and the effort you have put in.

See, you can do it! I'm sure these few days you have bonded very well with Ariel.. Really makes me feel very proud that you can take care of her all by yourself. I'm sure not many fathers can do that! Especially when you have to deal with a fussy sick toddler..plus a sick PMSy wife. :p

These past few days have really make our family grown closer and tighter.. and I just want to say I feel very lucky to be in this family.

Thank you lg.. for everything you have done. Ich Liebe Dich.

* * *

Really hope our dear girl recovers soon! Must build up her immunity already... all these on-off sickness really burns us up..

To tape or Not to tape her mouth?.. Just kidding!

2008-11-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

Just want to update in this little space on our dear Ariel's developments at 30 months old.

She is becoming a chatterbox. Not only is she talking non-stop, she is also singing songs and also beginning to echo whatever the adults say.. *uh oh*

The songs she likes to sing are: the Alphabet song.. Twinkle twinkle little stars.. Baba black sheep.. Happy birthday song...and of course, the Wheels on the Bus. Though her lyrics are jumbled up at times, but I can roughly guess what she's singing la.. very cute when she sings! *beams*

Realised that Ariel is quite stubborn and has a mind of her own. For eg, when she feels she is right, she will 'nag' at us till we say what she wants to hear. And when we don't, she'll throw tantrums.. aiyoyo~

* **

Some random conversations Ariel & I had:

Ariel: I want drink milk
Me: You want hot or cold milk?
Ariel: I want Mummy make hot hot (milk)..

Ariel: Mummy use the blue punch (sponge) wash bottle ok?
Me: No.. Mummy is using the green sponge..
Ariel: NO!! I want Mummy use blue punch! (this girl of mine is very bossy..)
Me: ...

Ariel: I want go kool (school).. I want change unipom (uniform)
Me: Today Ariel no need to go to school.. do you know why?
Ariel: Cos.... (yes she says "cos"!) Ariel cick (sick)..
Me: Very good baby.. you cannot go to school because you are sick..
Ariel: *pause for awhile then proceeded to frown at me* I WANT GO KOOL!
Me: ...

Ariel: I want Gu-gu cut Ariel hair
Me: Are you sure baby? You say you don't want gu-gu to cut your hair.. so later Aunty will cut your hair ok?
Ariel: Gu-gu cannot cut Ariel hair..
Me: Why?
Ariel: Cos... Aunty cut Ariel hair..
Me: So clever.. -_-"

Ariel: Lao-shi angry with Ariel
Me: Why is lao shi angry with Ariel?
Ariel: Cos.. Ariel cry in kool (school)..
Me: Can Ariel cry in school?
Ariel: Ariel cannot cry in kool (school)

* * *

She is beginning to understand and answer to my questions! (though sometimes I don't know whether to laugh or cry at her responses) That is a MAJOR milestone Ariel has achieved! And as always, we are all very proud of this little cheeky monkey.. :D

My silly Papa

2008-10-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

My body is still aching and my forehead still burns BUT I die die must post this entry up today. Because I am truly very touched.

Ever since I fell sick last saturday, my dear father has been calling to check on me everyday as well as sending medicine thru my mother.

Today marks the 1 week 'anniversary' since I fell sick. Yet there is only little improvement. I guess the only reason why it took so long for me to recover is because firstly, I didn't exactly take the prescribed dosage (eg. took 1 tab instead of the prescribed 2) secondly, my enlarged tonsils make it very difficult for me to swallow the pills and thirdly, my brain keep telling me to vomit everything out (including the pills that I have painstakingly swallowed).

Today (Friday evening), I heard an urgent knock on my house door. I thought somebody needed our help urgently.. LG quickly went to open the door... and guess who's standing right there?

My dear father.

He said he's very worried that it took so long for me to recover.. he predicted it must be because I don't dare to swallow the pills (so clever!) so he purposely cut up the paracetamol pills and deliver them up to me! And he wanted me to eat the medicine infront of him. Reminds me of the days when I still stayed in Jurong... thats how my father 'forced' me to take medicine back then.. -_-"

Lovingly prepared - though the mere sight of it makes me want to retch again

How not to be touched by this kinda love you tell me? He even had to miss his favourite korean show just to deliver the pills to his spoilt princess.. And he probably busted $20+ on his cab fare (my father ALWAYS takes cab up to our place.. he says our place is a God-forsaken place...)

Sigh~ I love my family.

Why do we have to be sick together?

2008-10-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

I.had.the.worst.weekend.and.PH.ever.

Usually the above combi (weekend+a PH on Monday) will have me jumping for joy, but THIS one really had me in tears.

* * *

Ariel's school called Ant on Friday afternoon, informing him that Ariel is running a high fever. When I heard the news, my heart fell again. Although I know she is bound to get sick when she enters childcare, but i didn't know it will be this often. Its as if she is falling sick every alternate week!

When I reached home around 7-ish, I found my little girl playing on the sofa. Although she is feverish, but she appeared active to me, so i thought, shouldn't be a big problem right? Fed her with the fever medicine thinking that her fever will subside as per previous fever episodes..

Next morning (Saturday), realised something is not right when she is still running a high fever till the extent that she shivered. And her merlion acts started again. I got very scared. Continued to feed her with fever medicine. By this time, my fever started to rise too. I ignored it, thinking maybe because I'm too tired.

Sunday.. Ariel's fever was still not down. Was panicking already because her fevers don't usually lasted this long. Decided to bring her to see a doc 1st thing in the morning! But not many clinics were opened on a Sunday so we had to settle for 1 in the Sembawang area. The f***ing doctor really turned me off! He was so unprofessional and didn't even bother to check for other symptoms! And by now, my fever is starting to get on my nerves too.. because when I am sick, I become weak and grouchy, and thus cannot function properly.

Monday (PH).. Fever is still there, both Ariel & me. Decided to bring Ariel all the way to Bedok (because we know this clinic opens on PH) for a 2nd opinion. This doc is slightly better, at least she bothers to explain things and also check for other symptoms.

Tuesday.. Found an ulcer on Ariel's tongue. ALARM BELLS rang! Worse thing is I am down too!! The fever and sore throat is strangling me. I was burning.. I was weak yet Ariel still leeched on to me. I was getting impatient and angry... with Ariel and also with myself. Why must I fall sick when my baby is also sick?! I sneaked out to see a doc when Ariel finally fell asleep..

Today.. Brought Ariel to Mt A for a detailed test. Doc confirmed it is not HFM.. THANK GOD!! Knowing that she is fine, I almost cried.. because the past few days were really hell for me. Not knowing if she has some hidden symptoms that will threaten to burst out anytime or when her fever will rise again. Worse thing was, I can't take care of her as well as I wanted to.. and I really hate this feeling. I hate being sick esp when my baby needs me!

Ant sent Ariel home while I detoured back to the GP as my fever stubbornly refused to subside and my throat still hurts. Doc changed my antibiotics and informed me to go back to him tomorrow if this still persists. blardee hell..u stupid germs better get out of my body fast!

* * *

When I am sick, I turn into a monster.

:(

I'm sorry baby.

Mummy should have known better then to act the way I did. You were already in a lot of pain.. I didn't have to add on to it.

And the smile that you flashed to me after, it just breaks my heart even more.

* * *

I want to say thanks to my SIL, GL.. for helping me to sponge Ariel in the middle of the night. Without her, I wouldn't even get a wink of sleep. Thanks sis..

I want to say thanks to my LG.. for taking care of both Ariel & me on Tues.. without you, we will both be dirty and hungry. :) And sorry for blowing my top at you.. I totally lost it... But that said, please go and reflect on your actions and what your sis said.

I want to say thanks to my MIL.. for trying to help. Though I have to admit I nearly lost it with her too.. (this is what happens when I get sick.. I LOSE IT)

I want to say thanks to my colleagues... for being understanding and covering me when I am not around. I know this is really bad.. Tu.. if you are reading this, I am sorry for being away so often.. Seems like I have became more of a burden instead of a help eh?..

* * *

Baby.. please recover soon ok. And try not to leech on to Mummy for now..because I don't want to spread the germs to you.. I'm just afraid the whole vicious cycle will start again.. sigh~

I'm so tired.

Cheese!!

2008-10-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

Ariel has finally perfected the skill of showing her 'cheese' aka victory sign. :D

And I simply love Love LOVE this photo alot!!

So cute right!

Sick..again..

2008-10-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

Ariel is down again with the 'usuals'.. runny nose, coughing and running a fever., :(

Ever since she started school, she has been falling sick easily. And yet, there is nothing we can do to prevent this from happening. Its really a frustrating feeling..

Decided to bring her to a different PD this time since our current PD is the bochup type and doesn't bother to give me an assured feeling. Though he is very experienced, but I just don't like the way he is so 'airy fairy' over 'small health issues'.. To me small issues can escalate into big ones if the symptoms persists and nothing is done to stop it!

We brought her to Dr Terence Tan's clinic at Mount Alvernia.. though it was a longgggg wait, but I feel its worth it! He is so detailed in his explainings and can communicate well with both the parents and the child. Most importantly, he makes me feel that Ariel is safe in his hands.

Dr Tan diagnosed that Ariel's infection has not cleared up properly from the last round and gave her another round of antibiotics to clear her infection completely. He told us to buzz him immediately if Ariel is still wheezing and have difficulty in breathing. Thank God that didn't happen..

I had to take urgent leave to take care of Ariel.. and I really felt bad. This is only my 3rd week in the Company and I am taking leave so soon.. My colleagues are really nice.. they told me not to worry about work and to concentrate on taking care of Ariel.. but still.. I still don't feel good. Call me paranoid or whatever..

After we reached home from Mt A, Ariel managed to eat some rice.. and I thought everything was well.. she was playing, laughing and eating... but after awhile, her merlion acts happened again! I was so worried that history will repeat itself! She vomited twice today and was totally drained up after the 2nd time..

I sensed that she was tired.. yet she was afraid to sleep.. probably for fear that she will vomit again? My poor baby.. :(

She sat like this for a good 5 minutes, not moving.. Look at how green she had become..

After coaxing her for 10 minutes, she obediently crawled into bed..

When I asked her if she was feeling ok.. my baby gave me the victory sign.. Don't know why, but I suddenly felt like crying when she did that! Its like she's telling me not to worry and that she will be fine.. oh gosh.. I've turned into such an emo freak!

But this is really a kodak moment I must capture.. so with tears brimming in my eyes, I quickly went to take my camera and take these shots..

Please get well soon my dear.. May all the naughty bacteria in your body gets purched out soon!

Locking of all cabinets' doors..

2008-10-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

Our dear little girl is getting very 'touchy feel-ly' these days.

My guess is that this is a growing up phase whereby everything is new and exciting to her. Hence she will want to touch and feel every single thing she laid her little hands on.

Her most recent 'interest' is opening ALL kinds of cupboards/wardrobes/cabinet doors.. followed by emptying out the contents in the cupboards.. and finale is to slam the doors shut with a huge bang!

I'm not so worried about her breaking the crockeries (well to be honest, a little..) I'm more afraid of her hurting her fingers!

So we have decided to get those cupboard/cabinet 'lockers' from Ikea to prevent her from opening the doors again..

* * *

Random pictures taken in Ikea.

Punching Daddy.. muahahhah

Mrt ride

2008-10-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! The much awaited public holiday is finally here!

Initially we've got no plans to go anywhere.. but then leh.. its really a waste to just stay at home and you look at me and I look at you.. So we decided to bring Ariel for a MRT ride!

She had such fun inside the train... running around la.. 'pole-dancing' la.. so nice to just watch her enjoying herself. :)

* * *

Ariel loves climbing stairs now.. and she will make us accompany her up and down the stairs numerous times..

Popo holding her hands while climbing the stairs

It was a fun day out for the ladies... only damperner is Ariel dropped her favourite red slippers on our way home.. luckily she didn't cry for it thereafter.. *phew*

3-fingered-cheese

2008-09-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ariel has been saying 'cheese' whenever she takes picture now.. so thought of recording this moment now with this random post of her saying cheese..

Though this is a 3-fingered-cheese.. but its still cute la!

My birthday

2008-09-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Very soon 1 year has flew past.. and before I knew it, I've turn older by another year.. None the wiser though..

Ant has thoughtfully planned for a 'surprise' birthday outing for me.. though I must say I'm not really that surprised since I have been wanting to go there for quite sometime now.. so I've more or less guessed that we will be going there during my birthday.. Lol~ But nonetheless, its the thought that counts isn't it? So thank you LG.. for your thoughtful planning.. :D

We are going to Qian Hu Fish Farm. Or more specifically, the Qian Hu Fish spa! Have heard good reviews from friends, so we've decided to give it a go as well.

My 1st dip into the unknown..

Feels ticklish at 1st.. and I keep kicking the poor fishes away whenever they so helpfully nibbled away at my dead skin.. but afterawhile, (with the help of soothing music in the background), it kinda felt relaxing.. you know the whole water therapeutic effect?.. It was supposed to be a half an hour 'treatment'.. but i felt so relaxed that I just dipped there for a further 10 minutes.. and it helped that no staff was around to chase me out! Ha!

Ant and I had to take turns to dip our legs since Ariel is around. And the fiesty little lady wanted to have a go at it too! She saw Mummy having such a nice time that she kicked off her slippers and put her legs in the water too! But she chickened out when she saw the fishes swimming towards her... Muahahahha!

Finally.. Ant's turn came. Knowing him, I predicted that he will feel very ticklish and will not last thru the half an hour.. teehee.. let's see..

Suspicious of whats in there..

Gingerly putting his leg in..

"Very ticklish leh! Cannot (take it) la" .. proceeded to laugh hysterically

In the end.. he managed to dip his legs in (then legs up.. dip in.. legs up.. ) and take this photo to show me that he had at least tried.. and not waste the $10..

I can only say.. the fishes had wasted on a 'good meal'.. ;)

After visiting Qian Hu, we went to IMM for lunch. Ant says since its my birthday , whatever I want to eat just order. But then hor... even if its NOT my birthday I also order whatever I want to eat wat! MUAHAHAHAH.. then again.. its his thoughts that counts la.. *wink*

After lunch we nua-ed in IMM since the timing is like neither here nor there (ard 4-ish pm).. and he wanted me to pick my present there.. but found nothing special leh.. so we went back home instead..

Turned out that Ant has asked my mother to help us take care of Ariel in the evening so that we can go out for some '2-pple-world'.. very sweet of him i must say! Though I don't show it, but I appreciate these type of small actions from him.. (and these are VERY RARE moments..)

Went out for a midnight show at Yishun to catch The Mama Mia movie.. nice show!

And that ends my *ahem* 21st birthday celebration.. gotta wait for another year before I become *ahem* 21 years old again.. :)

Afternote: Had another mini celebration at my parents place on Sunday (actual birthday) and the cake my mother bought was good!

Helpless

2008-09-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought Ariel is slowly recovering from her flu & fever, she fell sick again. :( And this time, it was serious.

My poor girl had the runs and she keep vomitting whatever little food she ate. It really pains me alot when I see her suffering like this.. but yet at the same time, there's nothing I can do except to be there for her.

Everytime she vomit, I'm filled with panic that she will be dehydrated because she cannot even drink water. Whatever that goes in to her little tummy, it will get merlioned out later. It was really a dreading period for all 3 of us.

Brought her to a GP and the doctor diagnosed her as having a bad case of viral infection. Inserted some anti-nausea drug into my baby's arse as she couldnt take in any oral medicine at all. :(

But Ariel still has not recovered even after taking the medicine.. and I was getting really worried.

Really.. the timing couldn't be less worse then this.. I was due to embark on something new on Monday.. but because of Ariel's condition, there is NO WAY I can focus on anything, and so I delayed the start date. To be honest I really feel very bad about it.. thank goodness the other side was understanding.. really feel very grateful towards them.

During this dreadful period when Ariel fell sick (and ever since she started her cc), she seemed to have changed into a different girl. She is no longer the happy girl that she used to be.. she cries at the slightest provocation.. always yearning for Mummy.. and totally lost her appetite.. So much so that she has become skin and bones by now.. and this REALLY pains me... :'(

Everytime I look at how skinny she has become, I always think to myself, did I make the right decision in sending her to school? Is it too soon? Should I pull her out? So many dilemmas going through my head and yet I can't seem to find the answer.. This is really getting frustrating.

I just hope Ariel can slowly revert back to her old self soon.. to be that happy, healthy and thriving child she once used to be.. this is all I hope for.. please.. recover quickly my dear girl.. Mummy is waiting for you..

Born artist

2008-09-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ariel drew her first 'face' today! Check it out!

2 eyes, a nose and a mouth.. can you see it??

And she surprised us even further by drawing a koala's face!

Is my kid a genius or what?!

Sick

2008-09-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

My dear girl is sick.. just 2 days after attending school... :(

I think she was already coming down with something over the past weekend.. but I guess the cc also plays a part in being a catalyst.. Well.. it can't really be helped.. I am already prepared that Ariel will be more prone to sickness when she starts school.. just didn't expect it to be this soon..

Ant brought her to PD today.. she will be staying home to recuperate tomorrow too.. Hope she recovers soon!

Ariel's first day in school

2008-09-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today is the long-anticipated day where Ariel starts her full-day childcare in Learning Vision.

Kan-cheong Mummy was so nervous that she was wide awake half the night!

Relieved to see that she's happy

Ready to go to school with her trolley bag (the bag that Waigong bought is too small la)

Pictures of her 1st day in school. :)

In the meal room having their breakfast

Having fun playing in the playground

Story-telling time

In the music room

It was quite a fruitful day today because Ariel did not cry at all. In fact I think she had fun in school! Maybe because I was there to accompany her for the whole day, so she did not feel the separation anxiety. But there are some new kids on the block (heh heh pun intended) whose mummies are also around to accompany them, but they still cried. So I'm very proud of my little girl for being such a brave girl! *big smile*

Through my observations today, I realised that Ariel is really a helpful and sweet girl. She knows how to share her toys with friends.. and even help her teacher to keep the toys after playing with them. There was once a little boy tried to snatch Ariel's toy, my big-hearted girl retaliated at first, but she gave up her toy in the end and gave it to the boy willingly... how nice is that!

Just hope that she will continue to keep up with this good behaviour when I am not around on the 4th day..

Ariel darling, if ever you read this blog entry in future, Mummy just want you to know that I am very proud of you on your first day in school. You are really a gem! :)

Hair cut

2008-08-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ariel's hair is getting long.. hence decided to bring her for a haircut at my usual hair salon.

Initially was abit apprehensive that she will fidget while getting her hair cut, but surprisingly, she sat very still and obediently allow Aunty Elaine to trim her hair! So proud of our little lady!

Keeping still.. thats our girl!

Peeping thru the mirror

Done!

Last lesson at JG

2008-08-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today is the last lesson at JG for Ariel.. we didn't sign her up for the new term because Ariel will be attending full-day childcare beginning from September onwards.. Ant & I really like JG's curriculum..if not for the fact that Ariel is attending full-day cc, we would have let her continue in JG as long as possible..

Anyway, today is also JG's 'graduation'-cum-term party day. Everyone is supposed to contribute food.. and after racking my brains on what food to bring, decided to go ahead with the 'easist food'.. those that doesn't need to bake/cook/fry... We contributed 2 big boxes of Hello Panda biscuits! Hah!

Today's lesson theme is sea creatures.. and all the kids get to have octopuses, fishes or turtles painted on their bodies!

We love the octopus.. so cute!

After everyone has their bodies painted, it was feast time!

Waiting patiently for the food

Outdoor play was cancelled due to the rain, so kids get to play indoors instead.

'Cooking' at the stove

Having fun singing & dancing at the closing..

Ariel's 1st graduation cert!

Hugging teacher Eliza~

I am really thankful that Ariel gets to be part of JG's bilingual playclub. Not only has she learn to be more sociable, she also gets to unravel the creativity within her. Its truly an enriching experience for Ariel in JG! :)

Fetching Daddy from the airport

2008-08-24T01:46:00.000-07:00

Ant is coming back from Bangkok today and we are planning to give him a surprise by fetching him from the airport!

Ariel all prepared to go

As it was a rainy day that day, roads are slippery.. but Ariel simply refused to hold our hands while walking.. so GL had an innovative idea of making Ariel hold the umbrella so that 1) she won't slip and 2) she won't get lost. Good one sis!

Ant's flight touched down earlier then expected.. luckily we managed to catch hold of him before he went home all by himself!

Ariel appeared coy when she 1st saw Daddy.. *action one la~ :p*

Ariel was intrigued by this water feature.. and she had a fun time trying to 'catch' the water whenever it shoots out from the tiny hole.

As it was quite chilling in the airport, we were worried that the little lady may feel cold.. so we wrapped her up in my shawl...

Looks like a nice sari hor?

JG + Island Cafe + Fireworks

2008-08-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ant went overseas over the weekend, so GL and my MIL accompany me to bring Ariel for her JG class on Saturday.. really feel very thankful for their help!

It was a rainy day... so being a kan-cheong spider, I decided to call a cab in order not to risk Ariel being caught in the rain.

In the end, we reached Evans Road super 7-early-8 -early .. -_-"

As I wasn't feeling well that day, GL took over my place and went in to class with Ariel instead. *Thanks sis!! Still owe u an ice-cream hor*

Playing with toys while waiting for the class to start

After class, we decided to head to the Island Cafe at CK Tangs for our dinner. Thanks to sis again, for the treat!

Our little lady pretending to read the menu

The Angel

The mischievious monkey

Trying out my C902 phototaking functions.. so took this pic.. :p

I can feed myself!

"Aiyo.. seems like taking forever to finish this bowl of macoroni.."

"What the heck.. just slurp it down la!"

Yup.. thats what our Ariel likes to do.. just down the whole bowl of soup instead of sipping it daintily on a spoon... What did i say about her being an angel? I take it back.. hah!

After dinner, we went to Raffles City to catch the fireworks festival. It was such a beautiful sight!! Didn't manage to take pictures as we were too awestruck by the fireworks display to even remember taking out our camera! Anyway it was raining.. so no free hands to take picture.. have to carry bags la.. umbrellas la.. and not to mention carrying our little lady whose eyes never once left the fireworks..

Enjoyed ourselves today!

Waigong & Ariel

2008-08-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

My father really dotes on Ariel alot. Probably because he don't get to see her as often as my mother does, so whenever we bring Ariel to Jurong, he will always snatch to carry her and bring her out for walks. :) *And our dear Ariel couldn't be happier!*

And frankly speaking, I really love how the way the grandpa and granddaughter bonds.. its always a heartwarming sight..

A doting Wai Gong assisting Ariel in putting on her slipper.. Somehow I like this picture alot..

"Wai Gong..give you.."

Their smiles are so alike!

Finally! A chance to use my thermal wetsuit

2008-08-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

Its swimming class at JG today! Well.. not exactly swimming la.. but just playing in the water! Nonetheless we anticipate that it will be a fun experience and we are all excited!

Although I have bought this duckie thermal wetsuit for Ariel since she was 4 months old.. I didn't had a chance to put this on for her till today! Hah! Luckily the suit is those velcro types.. so our dear girl still can fit snugly into it! *phew~*

Nice right?

Having fun playing & splashing around in the 'pool'

Ariel is really a very helpful child. After the time is up for the kids to get out of the pool, Ariel stuck around and help the teacher keep the toys! So proud of her! :)

Ariel in a basket

2008-07-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

She looks so cute being 'imprisoned' in the basket that I have to post this up to share with you guys..

She looks so innocent here..*heart melts*

Fits nicely in the basket..

Please let me out..?

Starting school.. soon!

2008-07-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Ariel is starting school soon.. on 2nd September 2008.

The mere thought of this gives me the jitters..because I really have no idea how our little girl will react to this whole going-to-school thingy. All along she's on a 1-to-1 caregiver situation.. so going to school is going to be a brand new experience not only for Ariel, but also for us! Anyway we just hope that she can adapt and enjoy being in school! :)

This whole going-to-school-thingy also forces me to realise that Ariel is growing up fast.. she is going to SCHOOL for goodness sake! Gosh... time flies.. Still remember the time where she was just a gurgling baby...

Anyways.

Going to school means students have to wear uniforms. As usual, playful mummy decides to let Ariel model her uniform! And school bag! - lovingly bought by Waigong. :)

Kiasu Daddy say must buy bigger-sized uniforms so that they can last longer.. *roll eyes*

Coincidentally, the bag Waigong bought and the school uniform are a perfect match!

Oh.. and Gu-gu says I can have another 'school-girl-look'.. and that is to carry my sling bag bought by Aunty Siew Chen during my 1-year birthday..teehee..

So which look is better? Hmmm?

Recordings of our precious

2008-07-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am truly amazed how much my girl has changed (in terms of looks) in a couple of weeks!

Check this out..

Taken on 7 July 2008

12 July 2008

20 July 2008 - Puffy-eyed

Maybe to the readers there is not much change.. but to me, even though I see Ariel everyday, I can still see the change in her looks. Minimal as it is, but still a change.

Anyway realised that my recent entries have all been photos of Ariel.. and not really detailing what she has learned and achieved for the past God-knows-how-many-months.

So I shall dedicate this entry to record Ariel's habits @ 24 - 26 months:

1) At 24 months, our dear little imp has definately start to showcase her characteristics. From my observations, Ariel is someone who has a mind of her own (read: stubborn chick). Once she has made up her mind to do something, God forbids anyone who tries to stop her!

2) Ariel MUST watch her Wheels on the Bus DVDs. Be it weekdays or weekends. And she MUST listen to the WOTB cd before she sleeps. She must listen to this cd in the car too. We listen to this WOTB soooooooooo many times that I know the lyrics and exact sequence of all the songs *roll eyes* .. and our dear Ariel is still NOT sick of it.

3) Ariel loves to help around with chores around the house. In order to boost her self-esteem, I will ask her to help me throw the litter in the dustbin.. or let her be a 'despatch-girl' eg: pass clothes/documents/food to whoever. She loves being helpful!

4) She has just started her weekend classes at Julia Gabriel bilingual playclub. At a grand 'ol age of 26 months. Heh~
(nowadays kids start their classes as early as 18 mths..so Ariel is considered abit of a late-joiner here..)

5) Ariel, being a suaku-kid, leeches on to Mummy during classes. She cries and bawls throughout the 1st half of the class. Mummy's face throw until cannot throw already... But I'm glad to say she does enjoy her JG classes..once she stops her crying acts. :)

6) Ariel is going to start her full-day childcare at Learning Vision in September. I am getting jittery just thinking of this.. hope she can adapt well to the new environment..

7) Ariel likes to stick to Mummy. And Mummy in turn likes to grab her for hugs & kisses too. :D

8) Ariel still calls Mummy as "Mar'nee" and Daddy as "Ded'ee"

9) Ariel has a good memory.

10) Ariel knows her 123s (up till 16 for now), ABCs and colors.
(But she chose to be mute when teachers ask her to say "purple" .. -_-)

11) Ariel likes to imitate the adults' speech & actions.
(must curb my swearings from now on.. think i heard her say tmd before...-_-)

12) Ariel protests when Mummy & Daddy argue. She protests by either screaming at us or crying in frustration. Parents should NOT quarrel infront of their kids.

13) Ariel is a very SOP kinda person. Eg: after her bath, she MUST use the cotton buds to clean her ears & nose, put powder on her neck and apply cream on her hands & legs. (Refer to pt 2 also)

* * *

Regardless of how stubborn, bad-tempered or ti-ki Ariel sometimes is, she will still revert to her sweet-self at the end of the day.. and I am truly happy & grateful that she is my daughter..

Woes of a kid..

2008-07-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

You know.. sometimes being a kid ain't fun.. because the adults get to do this to you when they are bored...

They do this to your hair when they are bathing you..

Or they get you to model their adult-sized clothes..

Oh well.. I can only say they are a bunch of fun-loving (although still abit bo-liao) adults.. :D

Idiots!

2008-07-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

I AM SUPER PISSED OFF NOW!

Ariel is supposed to start her 1st day in playgroup today. Well, at least thats what that lady told me over the phone.

"Please bring your child to 6**F on 7 July 2008 at 9am. Please also bring along.. yadda yadda yadda.."

So please tell me.. AM I WRONG TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS to bring Ariel to her school on 7 July 2008?? OR IS THE LADY WRONG IN FORGETTING TO TELL ME THAT 7 JULY 2008 IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR THE TEACHERS?!

I had to take leave today in order to bring Ariel to her playgroup, and this is what I get?? Wasted my leave for nothing!

I called up the lady and scolded her upside down! I THINK SHE TOTALLY DESERVED TO BE SCOLDED!

I am withdrawing Ariel from this playgroup. If they can forget to tell a parent such a trivial info, what else will they forget next?

Anyway just so happens that I saw my babysitter agent today, and he warn me that this particular playgroup is not good. Not only do the kids learn nothing there, they also come home with bruises! What the hell! This scares the shit outta me.. I'm definately not going to subject my precious baby to bruises! I don't care if its due to the teachers' negligence or whatever, this is a big no-no for me!

Luckily I have not paid the fees yet.. so I ain't losing out on anything.. on the contrary, its a huge blessing in disguise for me that the school is not opened today.. If not.. who knows what will happen if Ariel really enrolled in this lousy playgroup..

* * *

Since I'm on leave today, I went to explore 2 other playgroups around my area.. but all of them are closed! Thanks to that public holiday *its Youth Day yesterday..and today the teachers get an off-in-lieu*.. oh God! I am so confused!! Some people tell me that School A is no good.. School B got lousy teachers.. School C is expensive..etc etc.. so which school should I enroll Ariel in?!?

Seems like tomorrow gotta take urgent half day again.. *gulp*

Love my babe!

2008-07-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Random pictures of our (cheeky) darling girl at 26 months old..

May 06 babies birthday bash - 17 May 2008

2008-07-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

Photos just came in for the May06 babies birthday bash.. so posting it here for all to see..

*This is also partly the reason why I didn't plan for a bday party for Ariel's 2nd birthday.. because got THIS party already mah... muahahahhahah~ *

We arrived late at the party, hence missed out on almost all the fun.. and it didn't help that dear Ariel leeched on to Mummy the whole time at the party.. she only manage to relax at the end of the whole thing... Nonetheless, must thank all the organisers for taking the time to put this together! I'm sure the kids had fun!

She loves to wear this mask! As if to hide herself from the crowd..

Group pic of mummies & babies!

Family pic :)

* * *

After the party, we went to Suntec City to settle our very late lunch..

Happy faces

Showercap craze

2008-06-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Little Ariel seems to have a sudden obsession with my showercap..

It all happened when, as per normal, I took my showercap to the bathroom.. and little miss kaypoh wanted to try on my showercap for fun.. Since I have an extra cap, I just passed it to Ariel for her to wear.. and since then, she has declared the pink showercap as HERS..

And now whenever she sees me taking my showercap, she will put on HERS too.. I can only say.. Monkey see, monkey do.. :P

She, being a fashionista, knows that sometimes a showercap just ain't enough.. must accessorize!

Hiao-ness~

Farm visits!

2008-06-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Saturdays are usually Day-Outs for us.. and we normally go to 'concrete jungles' (eg. shopping malls) to unwind.. BUT.. today we shall explore somewhere different! We are going for farm visits!

*Frankly speaking, am abit surprised when Ant suggested for these farm visits.. because knowing Ant.. he is hardly someone who likes to go to such places.. but since he suggested, Ariel & I are game to go!*

Our first farm visit is to the Hays Dairy Farm off Lim Chu Kang Rd!

1st time visiting a goat farm.. excited!

The milking session is only held in the morning and we were pretty lucky to catch it since we arrived at nearly 11am.

At the visitor's platform to view the milking session

Milk milk milk!

You can actually buy the milk straight after they milk it from the goats, but we didn't buy it.. cos I am not a big fan of goat's meat or milk..

I still don't dare to drink

Bought this packet of hay for $2 (to me its expensive) just so that Ariel can have a go at feeding the goats.

The passageway to the feeding area

Ariel is very cheeky la.. she teases the goats by letting them smell the hay..then when they wanted to eat it, she drop the hay! After that she still can laugh at the goats! Aiyoyo!~

Practicing good hygiene! Washing hands after feeding the goats

Next we drive up a little further, but still in Lim Chu Kang, to visit a fish farm.

Cat fish?

Eels

Tiger prawns

You can buy the fish on the spot and ask the man to kill it for you.. Guaranteed freshness!

Next to the fish farm is a Bonsai farm. You get rows & rows of beautiful bonsais lining up next to a big pond and you can choose as many as you want, and at very reasonable prices too!

After visiting the fish farm, we were all getting hot, tired & hungry.. and we just wanted to go to the nearest shopping mall to enjoy aircon and have our lunch.. but our dear Aunty Anthony say must go to a vegetable farm 1st..?? Hahah.. Ant is the one who manages all the groceries at home so he said since we are already here we might as well go to the vegetable farm to buy fresh veggies! Ok la I agree with him.. the veggies here are really cheap & fresh! *Didn't take any pictures of the veggie farm cos very tired already*

After a good 3 hours of farm visits, we finally adjourned to our favourite haunt, IMM, to settle our lunch. Wow.. it really feels good once we stepped into the mall..because the weather outside was scorching hot!

Lunch @ Wan Chai cafe

* * *

Enjoyed today's excursion alot.. Ariel was so happy & excited that she didn't nap the whole day! Hopefully we will visit more of such trips in future! Suggestions anyone? :)

Mac's ice-cream cone is nice!

2008-05-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

Decided to head out for dinner today.. So we went to one of the restaurants in Junction 8 to settle our meal.

Anticipating to go gai-gai

Nowadays with the addition of Ariel at the dinner table, our table is always in a mess..

After dinner, we bought ice-cream cones from MacDonalds for dessert.

Ah mah.. can I have some too?

Ooo..nice! More please!

"Jiak bway hu".. (read: eat hurriedly)

Can I have some curls please?

2008-05-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

Was tidying up Ariel's play area today when I found some hair curlers.. (My mother bought it for me when I still had permed hair previously)

With nothing better to do, GL & me did this to our little model..

Presenting... The HAIR-CURLER PRINCESS!

Curlers are matchy-matchy with her top and bottoms too! Hahah~

Ariel's hair is (thankfully) unlike mine.. She has soft & straight hair.. and even after the curling experience, her hair still remains as such... maybe only a little wavy at the ends.. and the curls only lasted for 1 whole minute....

Didn't manage to take a picture of the 'end product'.. because by the time i go to the cupboard to retrieve my camera, switched it on, and coerce Ariel into striking a pose, her hair became straight again... -_-"

Does your toddler cleans like mine?

2008-05-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ariel really loves to clean.

Give her a cloth and she can help you clean all these.. (And she cleans with much vigour!)

I can only say.. she has my mother and mil's genes.. :D

Happy 2nd Birthday to Ariel! - 22 April 2008

2008-05-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

Phew~ Finally finished updating my Japan entries.. Now i can focused back on my baby's development! :)

Ariel turns two on 22 April 2008. Many people say this is the time where all the terrible twos symptoms will set in.. eg: throwing of tantrums, showing of stubborn streaks, refusing to cooperate etc. I can only say.. Ariel showed all these traits even before she turns two.. -_-

Anyhow.. This blog entry is to record down how we celebrate our princess' 2nd birthday. Quite a 'letdown' compared to her grand 1st.. :p

As Ariel wasn't feeling well 1 week prior to her birthday (and is STILL not feeling well on her actual birthday), we decided not to throw a party for her. It will be just a small family affair this time round. And by small, I mean just the 3 of us.

My sick-but-happy baby (see the mucous?)

Bought her a slice of strawberry shortcake as her birthday cake from Four Leaves bakery (my fav).

A very excited Ariel upon seeing her slice of cake

Posing for the camera

A simple but heart-warming birthday celebration for our darling girl. :)

*Now that I'm writing this entry, I find her 2nd birthday too boring already.. Am going to make it up to her on her 3rd birthday! By then she should also be able to enjoy a birthday party more.. ok set la! *

Pressies time!

Besides all the items that I got from Japan for my darling girl, she also has additional presents from her daddy, siao-gu, ah mah and popo too!

Daddy got her clothes from the US.. *too many..lazy to take pic hehe*..

Siao-gu got her a Lego set. (Very fun leh!)

Excited about her new toy

Besides giving a red packet to Ariel, Ah mah also got her a toy pram from Toys'R Us.

Brought it out to play straight after paying for it

Still playing after she got home

Popo is very practical. Give red packet and bought tins of milk powder and fish for her. Muahahhahaha!~

Here's on behalf of Ariel..

Thank you to all for your wonderful birthday wishes and presents!! :D

Personal message to Ariel:
Happy Birthday darling! Mummy & Daddy wish you to be happy, healthy and to lead a thriving & fulfilling life always! We love you!

Japan Loot!

2008-05-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

The title speaks for itself.. hence there will be no grandmother stories here.. just pictures.. enjoy!

My precious conversion table! Thanks to sis for coming up with this oh-so-convenient table!

Compilation of the pairs of shoes that I've bought~

Special edition of Adidas

VERY comfy pair of Puma slip-ons

My colleague commented that this pair looks expensive.. in actual fact.. dirt cheap! muahahahaha~

Bought this pair of boots because 1stly, it was raining and my shoes are wet. 2nd, because its cute!

Half-cut boots - The leather is so soft!

Love the details on this pair

I love this - Quite expensive but i HAD to get it..

Bought all these for my darling girl.. as her birthday pressies! (We've got matching shoes!)

Yummy snacks!

My Q10s - Rich in collagen

This is not prayer beads.. -_-"

Very sleek & lightweight umbrella!

Amulets

Love these socks.. they've got cushions positioned at the arch of the feet.

Bought a t-shirt for Ah lao too.. but didn't take a picture of it :p

Ok, thats all! :)

Day 8, 9 & 10 - Tokyo (12, 13 & 14 April 2008)

2008-05-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

For this post, I am combining Day 8 & 9 together, which are spent in Tokyo. Alot of our shoppings are done during these 2 days! Happy Days!

* * *

Day 8 (12 April 2008)

We started off our morning with breakfast at MacDonalds. GL wanted to try something different at Japan Mac, so she ordered the McGriddles (it wasn't launched in Singapore then!) and I had the normal sausage mcmuffin with egg.. well.. at least the milk packaging is different.. :p

After our breakfast, we checked out of B Kobe and dragged our heavy lugguages to the Sannomiya subway station where we change train to the Shin-Kobe JR station, and subsequently to the Shin-Osaka JR station. And Maeda-san had kindly accompanied us from our hotel all the way to Shin-Osaka!

Different types of bullet trains - Usually we take the Hikari

The train zooming past..

GL & Maeda-san onboard the Hikari

Did I mention i simply loveeeee to hold Maeda-san's warm hands?? Since this is my last chance of shaking his hands, I must hold it tight! :))

Pretty soon, the train ride comes to a stop.. and its time for us to bade our farewells to Maeda-san.. *sob sob*.. Its really kinda sad to say goodbye to him.. He's like a father to us during our stay in Kansai.. taking such good care of us.. its really sad to say goodbye and not knowing when we will meet again..

Maeda-san's backview.. when he's leaving the train..and us..

Maeda-san waving goodbye to us at the platform..

* * *

Our next destination is the Hamamatsucho JR station, where our final hotel stay is.. the Retreat Hamamatsucho.

The hotel is a 5 minutes walk from the south exit of JR Hamamatsucho Station. It is quite easy to find.. To get there, just need to use the passageway that connects with the Toshiba Building. Very convenient!

We had to walk a very distance through the JR station (pulling our 'tua-leng-gong' lugguages no less) to get to the Toshiba passage way. Found this interesting sign at a corner..

Don't clash into me ar..!

Soon, we reached the Retreat, a service apartment-styled hotel.

Our final hotel stay in Japan

As it wasn't time for us to check in yet, we dumped our barang-barangs at the lobby and went on a shopping indulge!

No doubt we have shopped quite abit for the past few days, BUT we are determined to cheong at the Ameyoko Flea Market in Ueno!

In this flea market,there are 500 over shops that sells everything from basic necessities to high-end imported goods at reasonable prices. So GL & me have been controlling our spendings so that we can have more cash on hand to buy more things at this flea market!

Its abit like shopping in Chatuchat in BKK.. where things are relatively cheaper then shopping malls.. so i really went on a crazy shopping spree... bought shoes, bags, snacks, umbrella and wu-eh-bos here! So shiok! :D

Bought a bag from the 100 Yen shop just to store all my purchases!

Naturally, we need to replenish our energy after all these shoppings. So we settled our late lunch at Yoshinoya! Their menus are so much different from the one we have in our little island. I had the beef teppanyaki set! Too hungry.. no time to take photo of the food.. :p

The authentic Yoshinoya - opened 24 hrs a day!

After cheonging the Ameyoko Market, we went on to explore Shinjuku, a place for up market shopping and entertainment.

Since the place that we went belong more to high-end merchandises, we didn't really enjoyed ourselves there. Just go there to see see look look only.. no money to buy their stuff la~

Finally, we lugged our tired bodies and shopping bags back to Retreat Hamamatsucho to check in.

Just wanna say.. i love love love the room! Everything is so chic and modern and self-contained here!

A sink area for you to boil water and wash whatever you want to wash

Behind the curtains is a balcony! And we can see the Tokyo Tower from our balcony!

Got 2 toilets in the room.. one for shee-shee and another one for pom-pom.

The shee-shee room is very cramp

Nice hor the room! But of course, most hotels in the Tokyo area are expensive. We paid JPY 28,350 (around SGD 390) for 2 nights, inclusive of breakfasts. But I feel its worth it. :)

* * *

Day 9 (13 April 2008)

Today is the day where we do nothing but walk, shop and eat. :p

We visited the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Shibuya & Harajuku.

To be honest, we didn't really visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple.. we just passed by the grand entrance of the temple.. shopped abit at the souvenir shops and headed straight to the Nakamise Shopping Street for more shoppings! HA!

Bags and bags of loot! Happy!

Next up, we visited the Gen-Y streets.. Shibuya & Harajuku!

Wow.. i must admit that the youngsters in Japan really know how to dress up and accessorize themselves very well. I felt so 'aunty' and out of place there in my plain top and jeans.. But nonetheless, it was really an eye-opener for me! Japan is really a place where they are the leaders of trends!

We stopped by the Blue Label headquarters in Harajuku as GL wanted to bio a bag which can't be found in all the franchised shops. OMG.. i nearly went crazy when I saw all their BL ranges..AND I almost wanted to buy ANOTHER bag there! Luckily my senses got the better of me.. hence I didn't get the bag in the end.. (It would have cost me SGD 500+ for that chio bag!) In the end, GL walked out of that shop with a similar bag that I bought earlier, except in a different color.. Now we've got 'sisters bags'! Hahahah~!

Harajuku is like our Far East Plaza in SG. The things that are sold here are hip & trendy (though not necessary very cheap), and you can see all the wannabes flocking here to either people-watch or go on a shopping-high. I didn't buy much here, since i spent quite alot at the Ameyoko Market and the Nakamise street..hence just bought 2 pairs of socks from there.. heh heh~

We settled our dinner at MacDonalds. Ordered their Ebi fillet burger set meal. Very nice leh.. hope they bring this in to SG soon!

Got real prawns inside ok!

* * *

Day 10 (14 April 2008)

Today, we will be visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market.

We woke up bright and early to head to the Tsukiji Fish Market, hoping that we can eat some fresh sashimi for our breakfast.

Digress abit.. I simply loveee how the way the streets are lined with so many beautiful pot of flowers! Everything is so bright and beautiful.. definately perks up the mood esp on a Monday morning! :p

Ok, back to the Tsukiji Market.

The Japanese must have pickles as their appetizers, hence there were many shops selling all kinds of pickles in the market.

Bought 2 packs of pickles from this shop.. darn I should have bought more!

As it was a cold rainy morning, GL & me decided to patronise this shop for some hot charsiew ramen to heat up our tummies.

Stupid uncle.. I will always remember your face!

Slurp~

Tried some sea urchins too!

Tastes abit bitter in the beginning..then slowly turn to sweetness

After visiting the fish market, we headed back to the hotel to rest and to pack our lugguages before heading to the airport..

Saw this ice-cream vending machine at the train station and had a sudden urge to eat green tea ice-cream.. So shiok to eat ice-cream in a cold weather~~

Dropped by MOS burger to tarbao our lunch back to the hotel to eat.

I think we had spicy chicken burgers..

Checked out of the hotel at 2pm and headed to the train station to take the Narita Express to the airport..

Going home soon!

Had our last meal in Japan at the Narita airport..

* * *

Boarded the plane at 7.00pm local NRT time and safely arrive in Singapore at April 15 at 1:45 AM local SIN time.

And with this, we end our very enjoyable 10-days trip to Japan.. Will definately want to go back there again someday.. maybe to the northern part next time. :)

* * *

Next up, pictures of all my loot from the land of the rising sun! :D

Day 7 - Kyoto - Kiyomizu Temple (11 April 2008)

2008-05-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

Today, we will be visiting the Kiyomizudera aka the "Pure Water Temple" in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was listed as one of the world heritage sites.

Self-explanatory

Kiyomizu is most well-known for its wooden terrace. From the 'balcony', we can get a fantastic view of the city as well as vast lands of greenery.. I'll let the pictures do the talking..

The wooden terrace amidst lush greenery

View from the verranda (I heard when its winter, the view is even more splendid!)

Apparently Kiyomizu got its name from the "holy water of the Otawa-Spring". Click on the picture for more info!

I didn't taste the spring water though.. somehow, i just can't get past my mental barrier of sharing a cup with thousands of people! Although they did use some sort of ultraviolet rays to kill germs... but still!!..

Behind Kiyomizudera's main hall stands Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deity of love.

Jishu Shrine

There is a very interesting legend involving 2 rocks. In front of the shrine, there are two rocks that are positioned several meters apart from each other. You are supposed to walk from one rock to the other with your eyes closed, and if you successfully managed to walk to the other rock, it is said to bring luck in your love life! I saw many ladies trying their luck there! Hahaha~

The Rock .. ;)

Since this is a shrine that is dedicated to Love, there are many shops selling amulets with regards to good relationships. Be it the BGR type of love, friendships, good working relationships with colleagues and etc. Of course other then these, there are also amulets on good health, good career, good exam results and even one that prevents migraine! (??)..

Many different types of amulets

I've got many amulets from here! Got 1 for good marriage.. 1 for Ariel's safety & wellbeing.. 1 for her good exam results (i know i am kiasu!).. 2-3 for good health.. aiyo the rest cannot remember already! :p

* * *

After touring the temples, Maeda-san brought us to a very exquisite restaurant to have our lunch. Price also very 'exquisite'.. we wanted to treat Maeda-san, but he didn't allow us to!

Its like we are eating right in the middle of nature.. pure serenity..

We had a tofu meal at this place. It sounds boring, but oh my God, the food is so delicious! And healthy! I would definately recommend tofu-haters to come to this restaurant. They will surely change their views on tofus after trying the dishes here!

Appetizer - The white thingy is grinded burdock (very common in Japan) and the brown thingy tastes like konniyaku

This is very very delicious! The green paste tastes abit like kaya and it is grilled to perfection with the tofu!

The tofu hotpot! Looks plain, but trust me, it is very tasty~!

* * *

After a very fulfilling lunch, we decided to get a little shopping done, and Mr Maeda brought us to a shopping street in Kyoto!

The busy shopping street

There are so many shops here that we had to skip most of them! Reason being we didn't want to spend our time poking around these shops when we have our minds set on visiting the Burberrys Blue Label shops. Who can miss this when they come to Japan?? This is like D thing to get because this label is only exclusively sold in Japan!

I had my mind set on buying a particular bag in a particular color.. however it seems like this bag is out of stock in almost everywhere in Kyoto! The 1st Blue Label shop that we went (Taka) don't have stock.. So we went on to the 2nd BL shop in Hankyu Departmental store to try our luck.. no luck.. then we tried the 3rd BL shop in Daimaru.. also don't have! When I almost want to give up, the kind shop assistant help me check and announce that THERE IS stock in Isetan! Thank God! So we quickly 'chop' the bag and promptly made our way to that shop....

And all these 'merry-go-rounds' made us walked so much from street to street that.......

The soles of my shoes came off! No kidding!

So... would like to take this opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU to GL & Maeda-san for accompanying me everywhere just to buy that precious bag!! :D

Will post a pic of that bag in my last Japan entry. :p

* * *

After our shoppings were done, we headed back to Maeda-san's house for a quick rest before having our dinner. Mrs Maeda and Okasan are already preparing for our yummylicious dinner even before we reached their house! They are really a bunch of hospitable and warm folks.. :)

Our dinner!

A very BIG fish!

And very BIG strawberries for dessert!

Hee hee.. this trip is all about having good food i tell you..

* * *

Since it was a long and tiring day for us, plus GL & me had to leave Kobe for Tokyo the next day, Maeda-san sent us back to our hotels at 8ish in the evening..

Somehow we felt pretty sad to bade farewell to Mrs Maeda and Okasan.. they are really such nice and sincere people.. And I know it will be a long while before we will all get to meet again.. :'(

Just want to say that we REALLY enjoyed our stay in Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe).. and all these are made possible because of the Maeda family! They had really played hosts very well, and it really left a very deep impression on both GL & myself. Just hope that they can come to our little island someday, so that we can return them the favor too.. :)

And to end off this very lovely-yet-short trip in Kobe, i present you with..the Akashi Bridge.. the longest suspension bridge in Japan..

What a nice way of ending the trip in Kansai.. :)

Day 6 - Osaka/Kobe - Himeiji Castle (10 April 2008)

2008-05-05T23:56:00.000-07:00

Today we will be touring the Himeiji Castle, and after that we will be visiting Mr Maeda's home in Kobe!

* * *

We checked out of Hotel New Hankyu today and check in to the much-anticipated hotel in Kobe. Why much-anticipated? Because according to the hotel's website pictures, the rooms are very chic & chio!!

Our hotel, B Kobe, is a relatively affordable hotel with cheap rates as well as good accessibility to the train station. It is situated near the Sannomiya Subway station in Kobe.

Mr Maeda has very kindly met us at Osaka station so that he can direct us to the hotel in Kobe.

Along the way, he kept wanting to offer his help to carry my very heavy lugguage.. but i refused as I was worried it might affect his back or something..but his nice thoughts were very much appreciated! :)

A very chic lobby~

As it wasn't time for us to check in yet, we left our (darn heavy) lugguages at the hotel reception so that we can start on our journey to the Himeiji Castle empty-handed!

* I started to fall sick from today onwards...sore throat & flu..grrrr... *

Their trains are always on time, so its essential to have clocks in the stations

Subway

Wah.. SOGO! Its been a long time since I've last seen this logo..

We pulled Mr Maeda in for a self-snapped photo :P

* * *

On our way to the Himeiji Castle, we stopped by this restaurant, Oden, to have our lunch. Mr Maeda & his family are frequent customers of this restaurant, and pretty soon I know the reason why..

Yong-tau-foo alike ingredients

Very concentrated on picking out the ingredients.. that's what I love about the Japanese. Very focused in their work

This is REALLY very delicious.. especially the radish (the round thingy in the middle) It literally melts in your mouth and slides down your throat.. OIISHI!!

The soba is very nice too!!

The whole set (I'm drooling at the thought of this meal..)

After our ohmygodly-delicious meal, we continued on our way to the Castle.. and very soon, this pretty sight greeted us from afar...

Himeiji Castle was built in the early 17th century, and it represents the highest achievement in Japanese castle architecture. The Castle was designated as a national treasure in 1931 and it is also listed as one of the World's Heritage building in 1993. The castle is a well-preserved building whose traditional wooden architecture is highly valued in Japan.

Main tower of the Himeiji Castle

As we walked towards the Castle, pretty sights of sakura trees welcomed us.

Heh heh.. tricked Mr Maeda to look at my direction so that I can snap a pic of him :p

And soon.. we approached the majestic Himeiji Castle..

We had to climb around 6-7 stories (cannot remember) before we reached the top of the Castle. And inside the building, there are alot of artifacts showing the restoration and remains of the Castle.

View from the top of the Himeiji

We were wondering how come there are so many holes in the castle..now we know what they are for..

Restoration works

Then we saw this awesome piece of work..

This is the original 'blueprint' of the castle

Interesting!

The Himeiji Castle actually occupies a very huge piece of land.. however as time goes by, they began to shrink the area of the castle to make way for commercial buildings..hence till this date, only the main towers are left standing.

The original plot of land was so big that my camera can't even capture everything in 1 screen

After exploring the main castle, we decided to make our way back to Mr Maeda's house so that we can have a short rest before having dinner at his place. (Mrs Maeda and Okasan are cooking!)

Once again, we were greeted with many different types of sakura flowers as we made our way to the exit..

So beautiful can..

GL snapping the sakura.. teehee~

As we were walking out, 3 elderly aunties who are selling pastry and green tea, approached us. Since we are thirsty and abit hungry, we agreed to their invitation.

Its nice!

* * *

The next highlight of the trip! Visiting the Maedas' house! :)

GL & me are always curious to experience the locals way of life, so when Mr Maeda invited us to his home, we were estactic!

We went to Okasan's house to have our dinner first. Okasan (read: Granny) is Mrs Maeda's mother. As Okasan is living alone, Mr & Mrs Maeda bought a house directly next to hers, so that they can look out for one another.

At the entrance of Okasan's house

Foyer

Corridor

Stairway

Rooms

Love this pic :)

Okasan & Mrs Maeda busy preparing for our dinner. (They didn't allow GL & me to help)

Mrs Maeda used calligraphy to write my name on the chopstick cover!

She wrote a menu on the dishes we are having for dinner too!

Our dinner.. lovingly prepared by Okasan and Mrs Maeda. :)

Bamboo shoot + fried egg rice! Yummy yummy!

We had clam soup + some home-made pickles as well.. but I was so hungry that I forgot to take pictures..again! teehee~

Maeda-san & GL chatting after dinner

After dinner, we proceeded to Maeda-san's house, which is just next door. Mrs Maeda is going to teach GL & me how to write calligraphy!

*by the way, Mrs Maeda's calligraphy skills are ICHIBAN! She teaches calligraphy at home and in schools.. don't play play hor..*

In Mrs Maeda's 'office'

The calligraphy tools

Had a minor 'accident' prior to our calligraphy lesson. You know how japanese houses are built mostly on wood? Well.. I kanna a splinter when i was trying to close the window.. -_-"

So.. Mr Maeda, being very experienced in removing splinters (he kanna alot himself too).. performed an 'op' on me..

I feel so lucky here.. because... i love love LOVE Mr Maeda's warm and big hands! *swoon*

Anyways..

Mrs Maeda teaching us how to create the ink

GL giving it a go

Mrs Maeda writing my name!

After practising a few strokes of calligraphy, I can only say I have no talent in this.

First row - Mrs Maeda
Second row - GL (she's gifted in calligraphy!)
Third row - Yours truly (fail)

* * *

Really had great fun today.. The Himeiji castle and all the sakuras are so beautiful.. received such warm hospitality from the Maedas and even had an enriching calligraphy lesson!

Whats more! Mrs Maeda & Okasan, being the thoughtful women that they are, packed 'fan tuans' for GL & me as breakfasts tomorrow! They also prepared a small bag of gifts for us! So so sweet of them..

Our gifts.. nicely packed in a bag

Nicely wrapped too

The 'fan tuans' are those wrapped in purple and checkered bags.

GL & me like the gifts so much!!

* * *

We left the Maedas' house at 8+pm.. and Mr Maeda drove us back to our hotel, B Kobe.

Turns out that the room is quite small (possibly because we booked the small room..cheap mah!) but the interior still looks modern & clean cut.

This is considered a very good room already.. with the price we paid.. only JPY 18,000 for 2 nights leh! Furthermore its close to the subway.. Recommended!

* * *

Tomorrow, we will be going to the Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto.. plus abit of Blue-Label shopping in town! Hehee..

Day 5 - Osaka - Yoshinoyama (9 April 2008)

2008-05-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today, Maeda-san & his wife are going to bring GL & me to Yoshinoyama, a mountainous area to view the fully-bloomed Sakuras!

As we have to travel quite a fair bit to get to Yoshinoyama, we met at 9am in Osaka JR station to board the train to Abenobashi station, and from there, change train to Yoshino station.

As it was a long journey between Osaka and Yoshino station, Maeda-san specially paid extra for reserved seats tickets as he was worried that we might not get a seat on the train. So thoughtful of him..

GL & Maeda-san

Toshiko-san (aka Mrs Maeda) & me

Snapped some pictures along the journey of the traditional japanese homes.. look at how close they are to one another.. Land is indeed scarce in Japan!

* * *

We arrived at Yoshino at 10+am, and we were all eager to start our ascend up the mountains to see the sakuras!

Entrance fee

We had to take a Ropeway halfway up the mountain, and continue on foot up to the peak. I have to say something here. Mrs Maeda is the champion! She is 50+ years old, yet she can climb the mountain at such a lightning speed without showing signs of tiredness!

When we asked Mr Maeda why did Mrs Maeda climb up the mountain in such a haste, he replied that its because she wanted to 'chop' a place way up high at the peak so that we can have a bird's eye view of the beautiful sakuras.. so nice of her hor!

* * *

One of the World's heritage is the Kimpusenji Temple, located in Yoshinoyama.

Entrance of Kimpusenji

No photography inside the temple, so can only take outside it. Teehee~

After touring the Kimpusenji temple, we continue our ascend up the mountains again..

I almost want to die already.. the slope is so steep!

Just want to comment that Mrs Maeda is a very thoughtful woman. She had specially packed lunches for 4 of us and even brought along a picnic mat so that we can enjoy our lunch while taking in the beautiful view of the sakuras..

And finally.. we reached the peak.

Mrs Maeda went to scout around for the perfect spot to have our picnic, and after she found it, we finally rest our tired legs and fill our starving tummies.. :)

At the peak, having our picnic

And this is what we saw at our bird's eye view angle...

You say beautiful or not!! The climb up the steep mountain is so worth it!

Sakuras..

Under the sakura tree..

Close up of the sakura

I was really in awe.. to be surrounded by so many of these beautiful flowers.. All along I thought a sakura is just a sakura. Nothing special.. but to be standing so near to these beautiful plants, my whole perception just changed... it is really too breathtakingly beautiful for words.. no wonder so many locals flocked to this place just to take in this beautiful sight..

* * *

Oh forgot to mention earlier, though it was a very steep ascend up the peak, luckily there were shops along the way, so you tend to 'forget' about your tiredness and concentrate on the trinklets that the shops sell.. Well at least thats how i feel. :p

The descend down.. see the shops lining both sides of the path?

By the time we reached the bottom of the mountain, the train was already waiting at the station, ready to go. And so, 4 of us had to run like crazy to catch the train! And mind you, we have 2 senior citizens here who can run faster then GL & me! Aiyoyo.. so malu..

* * *

Tomorrow we will be visiting the Himeiji Castle as well as visiting the Maeda's traditional home! Woohoo can't wait!

Day 4 - Osaka (8 April 2008)

2008-05-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

Today we will leave Hakone for Osaka.

We were all sad to leave Lalaca.. because we really had a wonderful stay there. Not only was the place welcoming and homely, the food was also delicious, and most importantly, we were treated like family.

We took a group photo with the 'young lady boss' of Lalaca, but I have yet to receive it from the aunties. Will post it up here once I get it.

Oh oh! To prove my point about how sincere and nice the Lalaca staff are, check this out!

A nice little pastry was prepared for us so that we won't feel hungry on our journey.. *touched*

* * *

Our route from Hakone to Osaka:

Hakone => Odawara (Change to Shinkasen) => Shin-Osaka (Change to JR) => Osaka

My mother and Mai-ji onboard the Shinkasen

GL & me

As we didn't have time to stop for lunch, all of us bought bento set lunches to eat on the Shinkasen.

Everything is so beautifully packed in Japan.. even their bento sets!

It tastes as delicious as it looks!

Map of the Shinkasen, informing you on the location of smoking areas and toilets

We activated our 7-day JR pass at Osaka JR station. From today onwards, all our train rides (the JR lines) will be FREE! (The 7-day JR pass cost SGD 380, but its definately worthwhile to get this rather then to buy train tickets everyday)

* * *

Pretty soon we arrived at our destination.. Osaka! However, we were all surprised to see Maeda-san (GL's ex-colleague-cum-friend) waiting for us at the station! Because firstly, he was supposed to be at work, and secondly the initial plan was we will meet him only after we have checked in to Hotel New Hankyu (our hotel in Osaka).

Maeda-san explained that he was worried that we will lose our way after coming out from Osaka JR station, hence he decided to wait for us at the station and bring us to the hotel directly. He is such a nice man isn't he? :)

Ok a little history here. Maeda-san is GL's ex-colleague and they have been keeping in contact for quite awhile. When Maeda-san knew that we were be going to Japan, he very-nicely offered to be our tour guide in Kansai! Meaning, he will bring us around Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe (his hometown). And he also invite us to his house for a 'taste & feel' of a traditional japanese home and their way of living, which became the next highlight of our trip.

* * *

Anyway back to Hotel New Hankyu. Whilst the rest of us were busy checking in and unpacking our stuff, Maeda-san and GL were deep in discussion on the itinerary for the next few days in Kansai.. (I felt so relaxed during this trip because everything has been pre-planned nicely for us..hehee..thanks to GL & Maeda-san!)

Ok, I have to say that I am VERY HAPPY with the room in Hotel New Hankyu. At first I was very skeptical of the rooms because I spied cobwebs on the chandelier in the lobby. And the chairs at the lobby area ain't very new.. so first impression was no good.

THEN, when i saw the room.. my perception totally changed.

The room is big and very equipped! Equipped with a variety of toiletries! Let me show you..

Spacious toilet

Got a separate area for make-up somemore ok!

And check out the toiletries! (OMG i feel so sua-ku gushing about toiletries -_-" )

Shiseido hair & body care leh!

Toiletries nicely packed in a wicker basket

I'm not the type to steal toiletries.. but looking at all these.. how to resist you tell me?

I approve of this room! Heh~

* * *

The rest of the evening was spent touring around the areas near the Osaka station. Anyway the station itself is soooo big that there is a shopping mall and plenty of restaurants in the building!

Didn't manage to take any pictures because was too busy touring (and shopping) in the area. :P

Tomorrow, GL & me will meet Maeda-san and his wife, Toshiko-san, to tour Yoshinoyama! Yoshinoyama is a secluded yet famous place for locals to view the beautifully-bloomed sakuras.. Heavenly!

Day 3 - Hakone (7 April 2008)

2008-05-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day we will be in Hakone.. abit sad to leave this place but we will make full use of today to tour this beautiful island!

* * *

There wasn't a specific time for guests to have breakfasts (don't we just love Lalaca's flexibility!) but being early (and greedy) birds, we were all down at the dining area at 8-ish in the morning anticipating for a sumptuous breakfast Lalaca has prepared for us!

Healthy and delicious!

A good start to the day!

GL relaxing at the lobby before continuing our tour

View from outside the lobby.. Lush greenery

'Mountain air' is really different..feels so refreshed!

My mother peeping from our room

Interesting - 1 flower, 2 kind of petals, 2 colors

* * *

Today, our itinerary includes cruising along Lake Ashi (hoping can catch a closer glimpse of Mt Fuji) and shopping to our hearts content at Gotemba Premium Outlets!

* * *

To get to Lake Ashi, we need to take the Hakone Ropeway to Togendai station and from there we need to board the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (All covered by our Hakone Freepass!).

View of Lake Ashi from the Ropeway

Will be boarding the 'pirate ship' (behind me) to cruise along Lake Ashi!

Uncle Khye Hock, Aunty Lily and my mother (Its pretty cold here)

Preparing to set sail

Onboard (its quite cold even inside the ship..)

Fishing in this cold weather?! With half his legs submerged in the waters somemore!

The cruise along Lake Ashi lasted for approximately 40mins.. and half way through our cruise, it started to rain.. *sigh*

As it was a rainy+cloudy day, we didn't manage to 'meet' Mr. Mt Fuji this time.. luckily we caught a glimpse of 'him' on our way to Odawara though! If not, this trip to Hakone would have been futile..

* * *

Next up.. Gotemba Premium Outlets!

Our route from Lake Ashi to Gotemba Premium Outlets:

From Togendai station (take the Hakone Tozan Bus) => Sengoku (change to Sisetsu-Meguri Bus) => Gotemba.

Before proceeding to Gotemba, we stopped by this traditional japanese inn to have our lunch. We were all famished by then! And the cold weather made us even hungrier!

Our saviour to our growling stomachs!

Nice & warm in here

My huge serving of Katsu don

After settling our tummies, we took the Sisetsu-Meguri straight to Gotemba!

Didn't manage to take photos of Gotemba.. yup you guessed right.. cos I was too busy shopping! Ha! There are sooooo many premium shops here! As well as those brands that we see at home!

Check out this website to see the number of brands they have in Gotemba! Unbelievable! It also shows you how to get there. http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/gotemba/

I didn't get many things from here.. probably because some of the shops are too high-end for me.. plus there wasn't enough time for us to actually shop leisurely. Only had 3 hours here? Trust me 3 hours ain't enough for this humongous place.. In the end, only managed to get a pair of Puma slip-ons for myself and a Gap blouse for Ariel.

* * *

After the shoppings were done, we headed back to Lalaca for our dinner! Yum yum..

Seriously, the meals at Lalaca are soooo good that its one of the highlights for this trip!

I shall let the pictures do the talking again..

Pickles.

Roe. A tad salty but still oiishi

Why am I apprehensive against the sashimi back home but love it SO MUCH in Japan?

This is ohmyGod-ly delicious!!

I'm not a fish-lover.. but this 'Catch of the day' had me craving for more!! It literally slides down your throat..

* * *

And with that, we end our short-but-enjoyable stay in Hakone.. *contented sigh*

Next up, meeting up with Maeda-san and his family in Kansai!

Day 2 - Hakone (6 April 2008)

2008-05-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Before I even start this entry, i just want to reiterate that i love Love LOVE Hakone!

Not only is this place breathtakingly beautiful, the people (especially the staff at Lalaca) are also genuinely nice! I will definately come back to Hakone someday.. :)

* * *

GL & I checked out from the Ikebukuro hotel at 8.00am on 6 April. We have arranged to meet my mother, Aunty Lily, Uncle Khye Hock and Mai-ji in Shinjuku station at 9.00am to head to Hakone together.

As there are many interesting places to visit in Hakone (Mt Fuji for example), we have decided to purchase the 3days Hakone Free Pass, which cost JPY 5,500.

This pass is superb! Not only does it allows us to make full use of the 7 types of different transportation in the Hakone area, it comes with unlimited boarding as well! Meaning you can board the Hakone Tozan Line/Tozan Bus/Tozan Cablecar/Hakone Ropeway/Hakone Sightseeing Cruise as many times as you wish in 3 days! Very worth it to get this pass!

You can buy this pass at any Odakyu Line Station. We got ours at the Odakyu Travel Services Sales Office in Shinjuku JR Station.

Our route from Shinjuku to Hakone (Gora) goes like this:
Shinjuku (change train to the Odakyu Line) => Odawara => Hakone-Yumoto => change train to the Hakone Tozan Line => Gora

GL & my mother onboard the Odakyu Line

Uncle Khye Hock (sleeping), Aunty Lily & Mai-ji

A very happy me

Oh! We managed to catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji on our way to Odawara! Spectacular sight!

* * *

We arrived at Gora station at 12.30pm. Weather was chilly there! Think its around 13 degrees celcius? I was totally underclothed!

My innovative mother.. improvised her sweater to become a mask..

*Brrrr...*

Our designated hotel in Hakone is Lalaca. This hotel is recommended by GL's friend, Maeda-san. It is really a beautiful place to stay in! Warm and cosy..simple and relaxed.. just like being home away from home..

And the best part is, they provide free pick-up service from the train station! Complimentary from the hotel. So thoughtful!

But then leh.. aunty lily suggested that we find our way to Lalaca without getting the staff to come pick us up from the station.. *because we didnt know at that point that there are no charges for the pick-up service..* and so.. we began our longgggggggg and tiringgggggg journey up this steep steep slope....... *sigh*

Don't look steep from the picture, but trust me, it is darnnnnn steep..

Oei! No kidding ok! We gotta lug our heavy lugguages up this stupid slope.. by the time we are halfway up this evil slope, our bodies are already aching!

In the end we gave up.

GL ran all the way up to the hotel (without her lugguage of course!) and inform the Lalaca staff to pick us up. Phew!~

Our saviour

As it wasn't time for us to check-in yet, we decided to deposit our bags at the hotel and explore the area for a nice eatery place. We were all famished after climbing the stupid slope!

And being the thoughtful people that the Lalaca staff are, this guy (forgot to take down his name!) had kindly deposited our heavy bags at the hotel and specially detoured back to bring us to have lunch! How very nice right!

He recommended us to this homely restaurant where ramen is their specialty.

Check out the lovely backview!

Helpful staff teaching us how to eat the ramen.. what sauce goes with what..etc

Sorry ar, as usual too hungry.. forgot to take picture of the meal again. :p One word. OIISHI!

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After lunch, all of us are energised again! Since it is still early, we decided to visit the famous Owakudani.

Owakudani, also known as the 'hell valley', was formed by a volcanic explosion around 3000 years ago. Sulphur fumes can be seen emitting from the ground around the crater area up till this day..

To reach Owakudani, we need to take the Hakone Tozan Cablecar from Gora station, then change to the Hakone Ropeway, which will bring us straight to Owakudani.

Hakone Tozan Cablecar - Very different from Singapore context of 'cablecar'

Hakone Ropeway - What we know as cablecars.. -_-

Q-ing up to take the Ropeway

Sisters

Me & GL in the Ropeway

Mai-ji & Mummy

Way up high..

Everything looks tiny from up above

View of the craters from the Ropeway. See the sulphur emitting from the ground?

Finally we reached our destination!

Eating a steaming hot sweet potato in cold weather.. shiok!

A Warning sign before we began our ascend up Owakudani

On the way up.. *many climbings in Hakone*

Eh who is this man?!

Water being heated up naturally by sulphur

Sulphur fumes everywhere. IT STINKS!

Usually tourists will buy eggs and boiled them in the naturally hot waters. And by eating the 'sulphur-boiled' eggs, it is said to prolong one's life by seven years.. I never buy though. Too full after eating my sweet potato.

Amidst the mountains..

It was an eye-opening experience for us.. seeing a volcanic mountain.. how sulphur can penetrate from the ground.. heating up waters.. nature is truly amazing isn't it?

But still, it is a smelly place. Try not to bring your kids up.. not good for their lungs la~

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After exploring Owakudani, we decided to head back to Lalaca to do our check-ins. This time round, we are smart enough to call Lalaca to pick us up from the station. *grin*

Pictures cannot justify how beautiful Lalaca is..

We fell in love with Lalaca on first sight.. it is such a homely yet beautifully decorated place. Strongly recommend you to try out this hotel if you are going to Hakone..

Lobby - Overseeing the mountains

Check this out! Our huge Japanese + Western style room for 4 pax!

R&R area

Our R&R area being transformed into a sleep area!

I love this part of the room! Its a bay window with a small platform for you sit and enjoy the scenic view!

After oohing and ahhing over our room, we began to unpack our stuff, had a short rest before we head to the dining area for our much-anticipated dinner..

* * *

Ok, I gotta admit that I thought the food Lalaca served would be yet-another-japanese-meal.. but OH..MY..GOD... how pleasantly surprised I was when the sight of these food greeted me!

Prepare to drool you people!

Each person gets 4 appetizers, a japanese hotpot, a plate of sashimi, a crab (too delicious till forgot to take pic for the crab!), teppanyaki-styled pork and a strawberry moouse! So much yummylicious food for just 1 person!

I'll let the pictures do the talking!

Overview (crab comes separately)

Appetizer 1 - Pickles

Appetizer 2 - Octopus, prawn and something else..

Appetizer 3 - Baked scallop with cheese and herbs

Appetizer 4 - Squid with Lalaca's special sauce

5 types of Sashimi! (eaten 2 then remember to take picture)

Teppanyanki pork

Ingredients for hotpot - Part 1

Ingredients for hotpot - Part 2

Lastly, dessert

It was a very very good meal for all of us!

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After dinner, all of us went to the recreation room for some R&R time. Some had massages while some played table tennis..

Playing with Uncle Khye Hock

Playing with my mother

After sweating it out, its time for us to dip in Lalaca's in-house onsen! (Onsen means hot spring in japanese)

Dressed in a Yukata before going to the onsen

Didn't take picture of the in-house onsen, but you can check it out at Lalaca's website: http://www.lalaca.com/

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It was such a fun-filled and fulfilling day for us! We played well, ate well and slept well! Can't wait to explore the rest of Hakone tomorrow!

Japan Day 1 - Ikebukuro (5 April 2008)

2008-04-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

The day has finally arrive for our long-awaited trip to Japan!

All our plannings on logistics and itinerary can finally be put to use!

Thanks to SIL who has been the one doing most of the 'homework'. Without her, we will definately be in a fluster when it comes to finalising our hotel bookings and itinerary!

So.. THANK YOU SIS for all your hardwork! :)

* * *

Our flight is scheduled to depart from Singapore at 6.00am, so we have to reach the airport at an unearthly hour at 4 blardee am to check-in..

All the shops in the airport are closed!

Want to shop also cannot..

After a 7-hour flight on Northwest airline, SIL & I touched down safely at Narita Airport at 1.30pm (NRT). The weather was cooling at 15 degrees celcius. :)

SIL (aka GL), being the 'planner', quickly went to reccee on the directions to our 1st destination - Ikebukuro.

After a discussion, we've decided to take the Keisei Limited Express from Narita Airport because 1) it is cheaper then the Narita Express and 2) we will reach our destination faster.

Ticketing counter for the Kensei Limited Express

Our route from Narita to Ikebukuro (taking the Keisei Limited Express) goes like this:

Narita => Nippori Stn (67 mins) => change car to JR Yamanote Line => Ikebukuro

* * *

We reached Ikebukuro station at approximately 3.30pm. And we spent another 30mins trying to get our orientation right. -_-

GL - Just outside the station

As we were really quite lost (nevermind that we had a map to the hotel in our hands), we had to ask the locals, who were sitting around, to pinpoint us to the right direction. But we were slapped back with a curt reply: "Don't understand english".. so unhelpful la the youngsters!

In the end, it was an elderly man who very kindly BROUGHT us to our hotel! At 1st GL & me were abit cynical.. cos you never know if that ahpek is really being kind or scheming wat!

Anyway the ahpek is really very kind! He saw us standing there with an aimless look and knew at once that we are tourists.. so he approached us to ask us where are we heading to. He was abit confused on the directions at first, but he still managed to help us find our way! So nice la the ahpek. :)

We finally reached our hotel - Hotel Star Plaza Ikebukuro at 4+pm.

I was very tired by the time we reached the hotel.. cos gotta lug my big lugguage up and down the stairs as well as pulling it for quite a distance to our hotel.. so I didnt take picture of the 'grand entrance'..

I won't recommend you to stay in this hotel. Yes, the rates are cheap, but thats ALL to it. This hotel gives out a very sleazy vibe.. probably because it stands right in the middle of the redlight district? GL & I were so scared that we will be pulled into one of the clubs unwittedly...

Room is small (but looks clean) but we ain't complaining, because it's just a place for us to sleep in.. for 1 night only.. (thank God!)

Toilet is 小到可怜..

My knees touches the wall when i am peeing.. thats how small it is

Anyway, we wasted no time in exploring the streets of Ikebukuro because we only have less than 1 day there before we set off to Hakone the next day.

We toured around Sunshine City in the evening but left shortly after because we weren't prepared to spend money there..teehee.. (we still got 10 days ahead to spend our precious Japanese Yen leh!)

Pretty soon, our stomachs prompted us to look for a place to settle our dinner.. and we found ourselves heading back to the Ikebukuro JR station because there are many stores there!

Since we don't intend to splurge on food on Day 1, we found this ramen shop that sells cheap food. TEEHEE~

Just need to insert coins into this machine, choose the ramen that you want..

And hey presto! Ticket stubs for your consumption! Haha!

Kidding la.. just need to present the stubs to the cashier and they will whip up a bowl of ramen for you! Simple, fast and delicious.

Cost 350 JPY

A bowl of ramen is not enough to satisfy our itchy mouths.. so we went around hunting for ice-cream... Trust me, it is very nice to eat ice-cream in a cold weather country!

And we found this lovely shop selling heart-shaped ice cream!

Got chocolate, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, green tea, sweet corn and many more flavours! Yummylicious!!

It was so delicious that I just ate the ice-cream without taking pictures.. heh heh~

After filling our stomachs, GL & I prowled the streets for cheap buys! And we managed to get some beauty products from their local pharmacies. Kose and Shiseido is cheap in Japan!

Will post up my victory buys in the last part of the Japan entries.. :P

Maybe because we were restricted by time (shopping malls close at 8pm!), plus we don't know where the interesting places are in Ikebukuro, GL & me went back to hotel pretty early to retire for the night ..

And that ends our short stay in Ikebukuro.

Obviously happy to ditch the sleazy Ikebukuro hotel!

Tomorrow we will be meeting my mother, 2 aunties and an uncle to head to Hakone together! Hakone is truly a beautiful scenic place.. a very nice place to rest & relax in..

(Prelude) Japan - 5th to 15th April 2008

2008-04-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Am back from Japan!

It was such a fun fun FUN trip! Will definately go back someday to explore the rest of Japan.

I have sooooo much stories and pictures to share that I don't know where and how to start.. :S Think we (SIL & me) have taken approximately thousands of pictures! Not kidding here.

I am still sorting and resizing my pictures.. so my Japan trip entry might take awhile before I officially post on blogger.. so wait for it yah! teehee~

Also want to take this opprtunity to give our heartfelt thanks to Maeda-san, Toshiko-san (Maeda san's wife) and Okasan (Maeda-san's MIL) for their warm hospitality and for bringing us around in Kansai. Our trip was really made easier with their help!

Maeda-san is SIL's ex colleague and he has very kindly helped us with all the planning and booking of hotels in Japan.. so THANK YOU MAEDA-SAN!! :) I will miss your big warm hands.. *wink* Hope to see you in Japan/Singapore again someday!

* * *

Ok, with this I will hurriedly end off this entry and go back to the tedious task of resizing my thousands of photos... Hopefully I will still remember my itinerary in Japan by then... :p

Oops..

2008-03-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

My baby's fringe is getting very long.. and i think its pricking her eyes..thus making her very uncomfortable..

So without thinking much, I took a pair of scissors and chop off her fringe.

Oh...my...God... how i regretted the decision.. because...

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I MADE ARIEL LOOK LIKE A BOY!

So sorry baby!! Its Mummy's lack of skills that made you look like this.. BUT!

You are still a happy baby right!

No matter how you look like, you are still my precious darling girl!

Poot poot time

2008-03-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

Ariel poot poot in the toilet bowl for the FIRST TIME today!!

And the best part was, she told me that she wants to "ummn ummn" and point to her pampers!

Only mummies will feel the elation I am feeling now.. its another milestone achieved by my dear Ariel!

Well done baby!

Terminal 3

2008-02-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

Haven't been to the Changi Airport Terminal 3 since it opened this year, so decided to make a trip there today.

This is the 1st time FB has been to the airport.. and she is as busy as a bee when she's there! Busy exploring things and watching the planes. With the vast space to run, she is one happy kid too!

Little Miss KPO helping ah mah to push the pram..

Beautiful elevator

In the nice nappy-changing room

Its always a nice feeling to visit the airport. Though we may not have the intention to go overseas, yet the feeling of being IN the airport actually gives some atmosphere of going abroad!

A gleeful Ariel at the viewing gallery

A & A

With siao gu

* * *

I will be back to the airport soon! Cos am going to Japan in April.. woohoo!! Can't wait!