$20 actually. Winning numbers 7, 24, 33, 35.
Related Posts:
Broke the drought
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Yet Another Maddening EXperience
This prestigious credit card company held a dining promotion between 15 Apr and 15 Jun 2011 that required all shoppers to charge to their registered card their dining expenses at selected restaurants. Charge to the card 3 times at different participating restaurants and you'll get $30 Taka voucher.
DC and I both had 5 cards altogether. We registered all of them and managed to charge to all of the cards within the deadline.
What we didn't expect is that the $150 vouchers we were expecting took forever to arrive. Only 2 vouchers of $30 came, the rest no news.
DC spent a lot of effort making calls to the respective credit card companies (3 altogether) and each gave different reasons (excuses) why we did not qualify for the vouchers (e.g. my cards are sub-cards, we dine in restaurants within hotels, the restaurants were repeated). After a lot of calls and time, then did we collect all of the vouchers back! Can you imagine how frustrating it was to repeat the same story to every hotline staffs that DC spoke to? And, Guess what, that company that organized the promotion was the last of the companies to have resolved the issue!
Sigh, this was not the first time the company disappoint us. So much for a highly regarded credit card company/ bank!
We were waiting for the Taka vouchers to spend on A. Finally, today, we were able to visit Taka with the much-awaited vouchers and got DVDs, shirt and sweater for him! :)
Related Posts:
A Maddening EXperience
DC and I both had 5 cards altogether. We registered all of them and managed to charge to all of the cards within the deadline.
What we didn't expect is that the $150 vouchers we were expecting took forever to arrive. Only 2 vouchers of $30 came, the rest no news.
DC spent a lot of effort making calls to the respective credit card companies (3 altogether) and each gave different reasons (excuses) why we did not qualify for the vouchers (e.g. my cards are sub-cards, we dine in restaurants within hotels, the restaurants were repeated). After a lot of calls and time, then did we collect all of the vouchers back! Can you imagine how frustrating it was to repeat the same story to every hotline staffs that DC spoke to? And, Guess what, that company that organized the promotion was the last of the companies to have resolved the issue!
Sigh, this was not the first time the company disappoint us. So much for a highly regarded credit card company/ bank!
We were waiting for the Taka vouchers to spend on A. Finally, today, we were able to visit Taka with the much-awaited vouchers and got DVDs, shirt and sweater for him! :)
Related Posts:
A Maddening EXperience
Friday, October 28, 2011
The privilege of being pregnant
I was queueing up to register for a number at M1 Paragon when I was asked by one of the floor staffs if I would like to take the number of a customer who had left off. That was a very nice gesture, very nice of them to have offered this to me, and not the man in front of me (who was next in the registration queue. :) Of course, I took up the offer.
I needn't wait at all and went straight to the service counter. As I had two different queries to make (one customer service, the other technical service), I made sure I needn't queue up again for the technical number. The customer service officer was also very nice to help me get the technical support staff to take a look at my phone - without having me queue for another number again.
After he completed the customer transaction and purchase with me, he offered me a seat at one of the counters near to the technical counter (there were no seats at the phone servicing area). I only have to wait for the new iPhone to be delivered to me by his colleague at the counter! No standing and minimal waiting!
I was very satisfied with the service. It was very thoughtful of them and I was pleased with their service. I was actually waiting for their feedback message but it didn't come. Otherwise, I would have given them a good rating via SMS. Thumbs up, M1 :)
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好孕
My tummy is showing
I needn't wait at all and went straight to the service counter. As I had two different queries to make (one customer service, the other technical service), I made sure I needn't queue up again for the technical number. The customer service officer was also very nice to help me get the technical support staff to take a look at my phone - without having me queue for another number again.
After he completed the customer transaction and purchase with me, he offered me a seat at one of the counters near to the technical counter (there were no seats at the phone servicing area). I only have to wait for the new iPhone to be delivered to me by his colleague at the counter! No standing and minimal waiting!
I was very satisfied with the service. It was very thoughtful of them and I was pleased with their service. I was actually waiting for their feedback message but it didn't come. Otherwise, I would have given them a good rating via SMS. Thumbs up, M1 :)
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好孕
My tummy is showing
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A is 27 months old
The picture above shows him posing when we told him we are snapping a photo of him. Ha, I wonder where he learns the pose from!
He's such a cutie! Ever so cheerful, inquisitive and has a gluttonous appetite for food (yes, he loves to snack!).
He was ever so cheeky. He knows who he was up and reacts differently depending on situations e.g. when I was the one who puts him on his bed, he'll jump up and turn the volume knob of the Hi-Fi to the max. But, whenever DC comes into the room, he quickly falls on his bed and pretends to sleep! We don't know whether to laugh or to cry at his 'sensible' behavior! :)
He does the actions when you sings songs like "The wheels on the Bus" and the "Shimmering" song from his Sat class.
New words he says: 不要不要, 按摩 (with actions), Baba (this means papa and Ba Ba Black sheep). He says his name when you ask "What's your name"! :) A typical conversation we had on the journey to his grandparents' house is this:
A: 要到了!
Me: Where?
A: There! (pointing to the direction where Daddy is driving towards)
A: 要到了!
Me: 到哪里？
A: 阿爷,阿Ma(家) (He points to the direction of their home correctly)
We've realized that he remembers where we park the car each night and recognizes the car! He reminds us to take our car keys before we leave the house and never fails to tell us to close the car door! :)
He is able to recognize letters now. He will occasionally point to letters printed on the shopping bag, on the keyboard and on my clothes. Letters he likes: "A" and "B".
He finally wanted to hold his milk bottle (yes, all the while, we have been holding his milk bottle for him. However, he has no issues with holding his water bottle). He usually does that at night where he will ask to lie down on the floor and drink milk while listening to his favorite bedtime song "Going to the Zoo".
We brought him to second hand car centres and a car showroom for the first time and he looked so afraid to go into the cars but yet appeared so interested in the steering wheels! We also took him for a car wash and he was frightened by the foam that covered the windows!
Took him for a haircut this month. It's just so amazing how fast kids hair grow (just like their nails)!
We started our park hopping trips, collecting stamps to win a free soft serve ice-cream from McDonalds. So far, we've collected 3, 2 from East Coast Park and 1 from Ang Mo Kio. One more to go!
We attended my cousin's 21st birthday party and Aaron had a great time playing with the old school games that was laid out in the house. He also went to his cousin's 4th birthday party and had fun feeding rabbits (much to my surprise)! We just celebrated his grandpa's 71st birthday yesterday. Next month, there would be another party (a wedding) to attend. We look forward to it! :)
We went for his enrichment school's meet-the-parents session this week and were delighted to be updated that he has progressed well, is very sociable, in fact, much ahead of the teachers' expectations! I'm so proud of him! :)
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A is 26 months old
A is 25 months old
Aaron turns 2
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Dad's birthday celebration
We celebrated Dad's birthday over dim sum at Peach Garden. There was a cake too. Aaron seemed to enjoyed the food and blowing of candles very much.
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Dad's Birthday Celebration
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Dad's Birthday Celebration
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Real Steel, Real Nice Show!
Real SteelCAST: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo, Kevin Durand, Anthony Mackie
DIRECTOR: Shawn Levy
LANGUAGE: English with Chinese subtitles
OPENING: 06 Oct 2011
RUNTIME: 127 mins
RATING: PG13-Some Violence
A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, “Real Steel” stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.
“Real Steel” is directed by Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum” franchise and “Date Night”).
“Real Steel” is an action drama about a former boxer (Hugh Jackman) who, against all odds, gets one last shot at a comeback when he teams up with his estranged son (Dakota Goyo) to build and train the perfect contender for the new high-tech sport of robot boxing.
==============================================================================
Love this movie! Love the story, the son, the ending and the moral of the story! Interesting!!!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Meal Plans for my family
Alright, I'm the home's bossy and naggy big Sister when it comes to food! Since my teenage years, I'm very strict in my diet and knows what's exactly healthy and what and how much to eat for each meal. Much to my parents' displeasure, I often rejected food from them, always claiming that they are too filling (Mum's breakfast), heaty (Mum's although delicious but fried stuff) or unhealthy (Dad's supper)! Of course, it all gave way after I met DC and he introduced me chocolates, cheesecakes and other sinful stuffs.
Now, it came to a point that I know I must control DC, me and my parents from all the sinful indulgences for the good of ourselves. So, I came out with meal plans (or rather, rules) for each of us. :)
For Dad:
Reduce Salt, Caffeine, Alcohol (no more than 2 drinks per day)
More Folic Acid (Bread, Cereal, Flour), Potassium (40 mEq/day), Magnesium, Vitamin D
No internal organs, fried stuffs and red meats
Increase intake of fruits and vegetables
Minimize the consumption of fats and sodium (Eat more lean meats and less fast foods)
Stop smoking
Exercise
For Mum:
Cut back on carbohydrates
No chocolates, ice-cream, cakes and pastry.
Eat grains such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, and pearled barley and whole grains, high-fiber cereals, breads, and pastas
Nuts and seeds are fine
No red meat, whole milk dairy products, and eggs
Olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and avocados, salmon, tuna, and flaxseeds
Eat small meals at regular times (Stop eating when 80% full)
Fill half of plate with non-starchy veggies (greens, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, peppers, carrots, turnips, etc.). Split the other half of plate into two equal parts, filling one with protein and the other with a starchy carbohydrate (rice, potatoes, pasta, whole-grain bread).
Eat brown rice instead of white rice, steel-cut oats instead of processed cereals or instant oatmeal, or whole-grain bread instead of white bread.
Drink water only
Eat sweet potatoes or winter squash instead of white potatoes.
Space out meals and snacks (at least 2 hours apart)
Exercise
For DC:
Avoid Beer, anchovies, organ meat (brains, kidney, liver, sweetbreads), game meats, gravies, yeast, meat extracts, sardines, herring, mackerel, scallops.
Eat in moderation: Fresh and saltwater fish, shellfish, eel, meat, poultry, meat soups and broth, asparagus , mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, legumes, oatmeal, bran, wheat germ, whole-grain breads and cereals, eggs.
Eat more: Breads and cereals (low-fiber, white flour, or refined grain types), nuts, peanut butter. Vegetabless, soups – cream style or vegetable without meat extract, coffee, tea, fruit juices, soft drinks, gelatin, sugar, low fat cheeses.
For Preggie Me:
No coffee, tea, coke and alcohol
No raw meats as raw meat can infect with salmonella or toxoplasmosis. Foods to avoid include: sushi, rare meats.
No soft cheese because of the way these cheeses are made, they may contain harmful bacteria. Unpasteurized cheeses include: brie, feta, Camambert, bleu cheese, queso blanco, queso fresco etc.
No raw eggs as Salmonella is the risk from raw egg. Foods to avoid include: cake batter, raw cookie dough, homemade ice cream, custards, mayo, egg nog or Hollandaise sauce.
No fish with high mercury: Mercury can be harmful to you baby because it can lead to brain damage. Foods to avoid: tilefish, king mackerel shark and sword fish
Fish with PCBss: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) is associated with memory difficulties and lower IQs. Fish included in the PCB warning include: bluefish, stripped bass, salmon, pike, trout, walleye.
Cut down on deli meats: Due to the risk of listeriosis, ensure that all deli meats are thoroughly reheated, this includes hot dogs. The internal temperature of the meat should be 165 degrees.
No Liver: Excessive amounts of vitamin A in non-beta-carotene form can cause birth defects. The food in this category is liver.
Raw Vegetables must be thoroughly washed before you eat them. They can be exposed to toxoplasmosis in the dirt and if not properly washed, you're also exposed. Take charge of washing them yourself to ensure a good, thorough washing.
For Me during confinement:
Drink only red dates drink. No water.
No washing of hair.
Low temperatures from an air-conditioner or fan must be avoided too.
Avoid these 'cold' foods.
Meats
• duck egg (slightly cold in nature);
• some shellfish including crabs, clams and oysters;
• snails (very cold in nature);
• cuttlefish and octopus.
Fruits
• persimmon, including dried persimmon;
• pomelo;
• bananas;
• mulberry;
• star fruit;
• fig;
• kiwi fruit;
• sugar cane (which, strictly speaking, is a type of grass);
• watermelon;
• musk melon (cantaloupe);
• waterchestnut.
Vegetables
• kangkung;
• some edible fungus;
• brasenia;
• nostoc (an edible algae);
• bitter gourd;
• bamboo shoot;
• snake melon;
• kelp, laver and seaweed;
• hypericum (St Johns wort);
• some mushrooms;
• bitter gourd.
Seasoning products such as soya sauce, noodle sauce and salt should not be taken (or at least, minimise your intake).
These prohibitions are said to help ensure that your body retain as much heat as possible. It is believed this will help you avoid health problems such as rheumatism, arthritis, headaches and body pains later in life.
Eat lots of ginger and only traditional tonic brewed with herbs. They are believed to promote better blood circulation and strengthen the joints. The Chinese also believe that fish soups can help boost low milk supply.
"Cooling" foods such as cold drinks, cucumber, cabbage and pineapple should be avoided. Also, "windy" foods such as onions and jackfruit are off limits as they are believed to cause colic in your baby.
Caffeine and Alcohol should be reduced
Avoid hot and spicy food
Related Posts:
Healthier Diet... Possible?
Simply Full and Sinful
What is Vitamin E for?
Now, it came to a point that I know I must control DC, me and my parents from all the sinful indulgences for the good of ourselves. So, I came out with meal plans (or rather, rules) for each of us. :)
For Dad:
Reduce Salt, Caffeine, Alcohol (no more than 2 drinks per day)
More Folic Acid (Bread, Cereal, Flour), Potassium (40 mEq/day), Magnesium, Vitamin D
No internal organs, fried stuffs and red meats
Increase intake of fruits and vegetables
Minimize the consumption of fats and sodium (Eat more lean meats and less fast foods)
Stop smoking
Exercise
For Mum:
Cut back on carbohydrates
No chocolates, ice-cream, cakes and pastry.
Eat grains such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, and pearled barley and whole grains, high-fiber cereals, breads, and pastas
Nuts and seeds are fine
No red meat, whole milk dairy products, and eggs
Olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and avocados, salmon, tuna, and flaxseeds
Eat small meals at regular times (Stop eating when 80% full)
Fill half of plate with non-starchy veggies (greens, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, peppers, carrots, turnips, etc.). Split the other half of plate into two equal parts, filling one with protein and the other with a starchy carbohydrate (rice, potatoes, pasta, whole-grain bread).
Eat brown rice instead of white rice, steel-cut oats instead of processed cereals or instant oatmeal, or whole-grain bread instead of white bread.
Drink water only
Eat sweet potatoes or winter squash instead of white potatoes.
Space out meals and snacks (at least 2 hours apart)
Exercise
For DC:
Avoid Beer, anchovies, organ meat (brains, kidney, liver, sweetbreads), game meats, gravies, yeast, meat extracts, sardines, herring, mackerel, scallops.
Eat in moderation: Fresh and saltwater fish, shellfish, eel, meat, poultry, meat soups and broth, asparagus , mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, legumes, oatmeal, bran, wheat germ, whole-grain breads and cereals, eggs.
Eat more: Breads and cereals (low-fiber, white flour, or refined grain types), nuts, peanut butter. Vegetabless, soups – cream style or vegetable without meat extract, coffee, tea, fruit juices, soft drinks, gelatin, sugar, low fat cheeses.
For Preggie Me:
No coffee, tea, coke and alcohol
No raw meats as raw meat can infect with salmonella or toxoplasmosis. Foods to avoid include: sushi, rare meats.
No soft cheese because of the way these cheeses are made, they may contain harmful bacteria. Unpasteurized cheeses include: brie, feta, Camambert, bleu cheese, queso blanco, queso fresco etc.
No raw eggs as Salmonella is the risk from raw egg. Foods to avoid include: cake batter, raw cookie dough, homemade ice cream, custards, mayo, egg nog or Hollandaise sauce.
No fish with high mercury: Mercury can be harmful to you baby because it can lead to brain damage. Foods to avoid: tilefish, king mackerel shark and sword fish
Fish with PCBss: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) is associated with memory difficulties and lower IQs. Fish included in the PCB warning include: bluefish, stripped bass, salmon, pike, trout, walleye.
Cut down on deli meats: Due to the risk of listeriosis, ensure that all deli meats are thoroughly reheated, this includes hot dogs. The internal temperature of the meat should be 165 degrees.
No Liver: Excessive amounts of vitamin A in non-beta-carotene form can cause birth defects. The food in this category is liver.
Raw Vegetables must be thoroughly washed before you eat them. They can be exposed to toxoplasmosis in the dirt and if not properly washed, you're also exposed. Take charge of washing them yourself to ensure a good, thorough washing.
For Me during confinement:
Drink only red dates drink. No water.
No washing of hair.
Low temperatures from an air-conditioner or fan must be avoided too.
Avoid these 'cold' foods.
Meats
• duck egg (slightly cold in nature);
• some shellfish including crabs, clams and oysters;
• snails (very cold in nature);
• cuttlefish and octopus.
Fruits
• persimmon, including dried persimmon;
• pomelo;
• bananas;
• mulberry;
• star fruit;
• fig;
• kiwi fruit;
• sugar cane (which, strictly speaking, is a type of grass);
• watermelon;
• musk melon (cantaloupe);
• waterchestnut.
Vegetables
• kangkung;
• some edible fungus;
• brasenia;
• nostoc (an edible algae);
• bitter gourd;
• bamboo shoot;
• snake melon;
• kelp, laver and seaweed;
• hypericum (St Johns wort);
• some mushrooms;
• bitter gourd.
Seasoning products such as soya sauce, noodle sauce and salt should not be taken (or at least, minimise your intake).
These prohibitions are said to help ensure that your body retain as much heat as possible. It is believed this will help you avoid health problems such as rheumatism, arthritis, headaches and body pains later in life.
Eat lots of ginger and only traditional tonic brewed with herbs. They are believed to promote better blood circulation and strengthen the joints. The Chinese also believe that fish soups can help boost low milk supply.
"Cooling" foods such as cold drinks, cucumber, cabbage and pineapple should be avoided. Also, "windy" foods such as onions and jackfruit are off limits as they are believed to cause colic in your baby.
Caffeine and Alcohol should be reduced
Avoid hot and spicy food
Related Posts:
Healthier Diet... Possible?
Simply Full and Sinful
What is Vitamin E for?
Taxi Uncle's Secret Recipes
I met an interesting and friendly taxi uncle on my way home. He was a 企鹅爸爸 who took care of housework, cooking, his two sons (now in their twenties) and his wife (How fortunate!) during her confinement.
He shared some of his tried and tested Baby formula with me and I might give some (if not all) a try someday! :)
1. Way for Baby to sleep soundly at night
Before the new baby steps into the house, apply honey (mixed with lukewarm water) on the lips. Baby will be able to sleep well, without waking up at night!
2. Way to prevent jaundice
Stew 7 dates for 30 mins and drink the water. This will relieve Baby of jaundice.
3. Way to stop cough
Boil odd number of green apples (washed and cut into halves) and drink the water. This will rid Baby or adult of persistent coughs!
He also shared a cooking Tip:
What happens when the soup is too salty?
Adding water would dilute the taste of the soup. Just add in potatoes. Potatoes would absorb the salt and make the soup taste better! :)
Related Posts:
Old Wives Tales Busted
Red Date Tea
He shared some of his tried and tested Baby formula with me and I might give some (if not all) a try someday! :)
1. Way for Baby to sleep soundly at night
Before the new baby steps into the house, apply honey (mixed with lukewarm water) on the lips. Baby will be able to sleep well, without waking up at night!
2. Way to prevent jaundice
Stew 7 dates for 30 mins and drink the water. This will relieve Baby of jaundice.
3. Way to stop cough
Boil odd number of green apples (washed and cut into halves) and drink the water. This will rid Baby or adult of persistent coughs!
He also shared a cooking Tip:
What happens when the soup is too salty?
Adding water would dilute the taste of the soup. Just add in potatoes. Potatoes would absorb the salt and make the soup taste better! :)
Related Posts:
Old Wives Tales Busted
Red Date Tea
Friday, October 21, 2011
A Civic for 2 months
After the Ford was returned, I began searching for another car to rent while waiting for the VW. I called Kah Motor, wanting to take up the Jazz for $1,600/mth. However, the price had went up to $1,800/mth!!!
As God would have it, the salesperson called me back in a short while . They had a 6-yr old Honda Civic for $1,391/mth! Nice :)
The Civic was a fantastic drive, so unlike the Ford. It's so much more responsive. Parking reverse becomes a one time affair. Even parallel parking was much easier to maneuver. There is something wrong with the clutch/ transmission though. The engine would vibrate when moving from rest but still bearable. Suspension was a bit weak probably because of it's age. People normally don't take much care of rental cars as well.
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Driving for 3.5 months
As God would have it, the salesperson called me back in a short while . They had a 6-yr old Honda Civic for $1,391/mth! Nice :)
The Civic was a fantastic drive, so unlike the Ford. It's so much more responsive. Parking reverse becomes a one time affair. Even parallel parking was much easier to maneuver. There is something wrong with the clutch/ transmission though. The engine would vibrate when moving from rest but still bearable. Suspension was a bit weak probably because of it's age. People normally don't take much care of rental cars as well.
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Driving for 3.5 months
We've built a car racing track today!
We were on a retreat at the Orchid Country Club and one of the activities was to build a race track. Rather, it's half a race track. We were divided into two teams and each team were to construct half the race track and joined them into one. We had great fun. I was surprised that this activity was arranged as the job was too tedious for me, a preggie. So, I volunteered myself for the decoration work. But, alas! It was no easy job too. I had to squat up and down and ended up having muscle ache! If I had the time and energy, maybe I would have planted racing flags along the side walls! Nevertheless, it was still fun, we had a draw! :) Some photos to share:
The materials
The requirements
Work in progress
The constructed track
The fun part is really watching the car racing in action! :)
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Zoom!
Went Team Building at Sentosa
What type are you?
The materials
The requirements
Work in progress
The constructed track
The fun part is really watching the car racing in action! :)
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Zoom!
Went Team Building at Sentosa
What type are you?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
2 months more
I'm due in 2 months' time but preparation barely started!
DC bought a Toyogo cabinet last Sun and just today, we bought a romper and two mittens for our baby girl. We still have lots to prepare e.g. get milk bottles, wash clothes, find a cot, buy diapers, wash the nappies, repair the breast pump and find more clothes for Baby B! Not forgetting I got to pack my own stuffs!
I guess it's because we're not first time parents, we tend to be more relax and think that most of the stuffs are already in place. Looking at my list of to-dos, I'm getting panic now! Two more months! I hope I can get everything ready before the D-day!
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It's time... And I'm not ready
Full Speed Ahead
The day before delivery
DC bought a Toyogo cabinet last Sun and just today, we bought a romper and two mittens for our baby girl. We still have lots to prepare e.g. get milk bottles, wash clothes, find a cot, buy diapers, wash the nappies, repair the breast pump and find more clothes for Baby B! Not forgetting I got to pack my own stuffs!
I guess it's because we're not first time parents, we tend to be more relax and think that most of the stuffs are already in place. Looking at my list of to-dos, I'm getting panic now! Two more months! I hope I can get everything ready before the D-day!
Related Posts:
It's time... And I'm not ready
Full Speed Ahead
The day before delivery
Monday, October 17, 2011
Driving for 3.5 months
I would have continue on taking taxis for my transport needs if not for a good offer that came along in July.
An expat left and the car lease was still running. It was put up for grabs at $1000/mth with season parking at Suntec City. Well, since my taxi expenses are coming up to that amount, I decided to grab this great offer.
The car is a Ford Focus. Acceleration is slow, fuel consumption at about 8km/L. Well, I am not complaining. It gets the job done! Also, because of this car, my colleagues and I get to go elsewhere for lunch, rather than at Suntec always :)
Again, because of this car, we manage to bring Aaron and my parents to many places, e.g. Marina Barrage, Macritchie Reservoir, East Coast Park, Bird Park, Underwater World and also 2 hotel stays!
Having a car is definitely more convenient. Now that I am returning it in the next few days, I will surely miss the drive. Well, in another 6 months, our Volkswagen Touran will be arriving!
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A 6 months wait
An expat left and the car lease was still running. It was put up for grabs at $1000/mth with season parking at Suntec City. Well, since my taxi expenses are coming up to that amount, I decided to grab this great offer.
The car is a Ford Focus. Acceleration is slow, fuel consumption at about 8km/L. Well, I am not complaining. It gets the job done! Also, because of this car, my colleagues and I get to go elsewhere for lunch, rather than at Suntec always :)
Again, because of this car, we manage to bring Aaron and my parents to many places, e.g. Marina Barrage, Macritchie Reservoir, East Coast Park, Bird Park, Underwater World and also 2 hotel stays!
Having a car is definitely more convenient. Now that I am returning it in the next few days, I will surely miss the drive. Well, in another 6 months, our Volkswagen Touran will be arriving!
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A 6 months wait
Scared Moments
Recent captures of Toddler A when he was scared... :P
1. Haircut
See how tightly he was holding on to DC!
2. Car Wash
At first he was fascinated with the power spraying, then he became really exasperated when the foam covered the windows!
3. Car Horn
He has a motor car at home. He was turning the steering wheel happily when he accidentally pressed the horn button. *Beep!* He got scared and jumped out of the car! HA!
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The Many Faces of Baby A
1. Haircut
See how tightly he was holding on to DC!
2. Car Wash
At first he was fascinated with the power spraying, then he became really exasperated when the foam covered the windows!
3. Car Horn
He has a motor car at home. He was turning the steering wheel happily when he accidentally pressed the horn button. *Beep!* He got scared and jumped out of the car! HA!
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The Many Faces of Baby A
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Cousin's 21st Birthday Party
My cousin organised her 21st birthday party at her place and my family were invited.
The theme is Old School (I assumed?) since there were old school games at the corner of the house (five stones, aeroplanes and gosh, one of the games was so old that I didn't know its name!) and kachang puteh was given at the end of the celebration.
Aaron had lots of fun with the games. I hope he didn't lose any of them in his process of 'playing'!
Sweet Cake!
Group Photo:
A in matching shirt with Daddy, with kachang puteh in his hands.
The gift we bought cousin:
Related Posts:
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Baby A's 2nd Birthday Celebration
The theme is Old School (I assumed?) since there were old school games at the corner of the house (five stones, aeroplanes and gosh, one of the games was so old that I didn't know its name!) and kachang puteh was given at the end of the celebration.
Aaron had lots of fun with the games. I hope he didn't lose any of them in his process of 'playing'!
Sweet Cake!
Group Photo:
A in matching shirt with Daddy, with kachang puteh in his hands.
The gift we bought cousin:
Related Posts:
Birthday Gift for a Friend
Baby A's 2nd Birthday Celebration
Friday, October 14, 2011
Birthday Gift for a Friend
A gift for a good friend's birthday.
Champs Elysees Tie Pin
Related Posts:
A Farewell Gift
An Anniversary Suprise
6th ROM Wedding Anniversary
Weekend Stay at Pan Pacific
5th ROM Anniversary
4th ROM Anniversary
Champs Elysees Tie Pin
Related Posts:
A Farewell Gift
An Anniversary Suprise
6th ROM Wedding Anniversary
Weekend Stay at Pan Pacific
5th ROM Anniversary
4th ROM Anniversary
Thursday, October 13, 2011
HK/Chinese Dramas
Now Watching:
1. 九江十二坊/ River of Wine
Episodes: 25
Genre: Costume Drama
Casts: Bowie Lam, Sunny Chan, Linda Chung, Nancy Sit, Elena Kong, Pierre Ngo, Sire Ma, Cilla Kung
Synopsis: The story takes place in the Qing Dynasty, revolving around the Sung and Leung family. Madam Leung (Nancy Sit) is the owner of a small business with eldest son Leung Ching-yiu (Bowie Lam), second son Leung Ching-hong (Sunny Chan), third daughter Leung Sau-man (Casper Chan) and youngest daughter Leung Sau-yin (Cilla Lok). Yiu originally was a worker at the Jiujiang brewery but due to a natural disaster, rewrote the lives of the Leung and Sung family.
Sung family’s daughter, Sung Chi-ching (Linda Chung), the third mistress Ting Kar-pik (Elena Kong) and eldest son Sung Chi-tsun (Pierre Ngo) were separated. The Sung family decided to adopt Yiu as their son and looked after the business. Hong thought Yiu became the Sung family's son for the sake of wealth.
Just when business for the Jiujiang wine brewery were going well, Sung family's long lost son returns and wants to claim back ownership of the business. This results in a major feud between the Leung and the Sungs.
Finally, when Yiu tied the marriage between Ching and Hong, he was ready to return ownership back to the Sungs. Sadly, his best friend Tsang Yuk-fong (Sire Ma)'s father Magistrate Tsang (Lau Kong) causes downfall to the family. The Sung family business is stolen, luckily Hong helps the family rebuild their business. The Sung and Leungs calm their feud.
Review: After watching korean dramas for a while, it's always good to watch a HK drama. Each episode is shorter and faster-moving! Nice story with good ending although I find that romance and rivalry took up a huge part of the show. It would be more interesting if they have placed more focus on the winery process!
2. 魚躍在花見/ The Rippling Blossom
Episodes: 20
Genre: Modern Drama
Casts: Julian Cheung, Michael Tse, Myolie Wu, Tavia Yeung, Damien Lau
Synopsis:A Hong Kong dining mogul leaves behind a sushi restaurant to his second wife, KONG YING-YUET (Lisa Lui), their son, YUE CHI-HIU (Michael Tse) and the son from his third wife, YUE CHI-YING (Julian Cheung).
HIU and YING are remarkable Japanese cuisine chefs whose main aim in life is to pursue excellence in chefhood. Although HIU and YING have different mothers, they get along very well.
When their father's first wife, LANG YUNG-YUNG (Angelina Lo) creates trouble for the restaurant, HIU declares to challenge her, claiming whoever wins will have the restaurant.
YUNG sends her personal nurse, CHOI SZE-LUNG (Tavia Yeung) to get close to HIU. He is completely smitten by love for her but soon becomes unhappy with their lukewarm relationship.
On the other hand, their supply for fresh food has been shut out. YING has to make a trip to Hokkaido, Japan to buy fish. He meets KEUNG KEUNG (Myolie Wu), a willful girl from a wealthy family on the plane. They also meet MOYUNG CHING (Damian Lau) who is known as "The God of Fish" by chance in the fish market.
As the relationship between YING and KEUNG KEUNG grows, KEUNG KEUNG finds out that MOYUNG CHING is her long lost father. MOYUNG CHING becomes YING's mentor and helps him through the competition to win the first overseas Japanese restaurant franchise in Hong Kong. As YING's career grows, HIU becomes more jealous of his brother and starts to scheme with CHOI SZE-LUNG to get his father's fortunes.
As HIU and YING meet with setbacks in their career, family and their loved ones after their attempt to save the restaurant, the two brothers decide to have a competition.
Review: Now watching. The food looks yummy! Makes me feel like going Japan again!
3. 水浒传/ All Man Are Brothers
Episodes: 86
Genre: Historical
Casts: Zhang Han Yu as Song Jiang
Ray Lui as Chao Gai
Wang Jian Xin as Lu Jun Yi
Li Zong Han as Wu Yong
Jing Gang Shan as Gongsun Sheng
Bao Li Gao (宝力高) as Guan Sheng
Hu Dong as Lin Chong
Zhao Qiu Sheng (赵秋生) as Qin Ming
Yan Hong Zhi (严洪智) as Hu Yan Zhuo
Zhang Di (张迪) as Hua Rong
Synopsis: Toward the end of Northern Song Dynasty, the government was deeply corrupted, and the oppressed citizens finally rebelled. A hundred and eight men and women fought against the government and took their last stand in a place called Liangshan.
Review: DC is watching this long drama now. He seems to like it quite a lot to the extend that he mimics the characters in the drama and talks in "ancient language". Some of his expressions are really making me laugh out loud! :D
Related Posts:
Romantic Korean Dramas to Recommend
I'm a Drama Queen
So, what's for entertainment now?
1. 九江十二坊/ River of Wine
Episodes: 25
Genre: Costume Drama
Casts: Bowie Lam, Sunny Chan, Linda Chung, Nancy Sit, Elena Kong, Pierre Ngo, Sire Ma, Cilla Kung
Synopsis: The story takes place in the Qing Dynasty, revolving around the Sung and Leung family. Madam Leung (Nancy Sit) is the owner of a small business with eldest son Leung Ching-yiu (Bowie Lam), second son Leung Ching-hong (Sunny Chan), third daughter Leung Sau-man (Casper Chan) and youngest daughter Leung Sau-yin (Cilla Lok). Yiu originally was a worker at the Jiujiang brewery but due to a natural disaster, rewrote the lives of the Leung and Sung family.
Sung family’s daughter, Sung Chi-ching (Linda Chung), the third mistress Ting Kar-pik (Elena Kong) and eldest son Sung Chi-tsun (Pierre Ngo) were separated. The Sung family decided to adopt Yiu as their son and looked after the business. Hong thought Yiu became the Sung family's son for the sake of wealth.
Just when business for the Jiujiang wine brewery were going well, Sung family's long lost son returns and wants to claim back ownership of the business. This results in a major feud between the Leung and the Sungs.
Finally, when Yiu tied the marriage between Ching and Hong, he was ready to return ownership back to the Sungs. Sadly, his best friend Tsang Yuk-fong (Sire Ma)'s father Magistrate Tsang (Lau Kong) causes downfall to the family. The Sung family business is stolen, luckily Hong helps the family rebuild their business. The Sung and Leungs calm their feud.
Review: After watching korean dramas for a while, it's always good to watch a HK drama. Each episode is shorter and faster-moving! Nice story with good ending although I find that romance and rivalry took up a huge part of the show. It would be more interesting if they have placed more focus on the winery process!
2. 魚躍在花見/ The Rippling Blossom
Episodes: 20
Genre: Modern Drama
Casts: Julian Cheung, Michael Tse, Myolie Wu, Tavia Yeung, Damien Lau
Synopsis:A Hong Kong dining mogul leaves behind a sushi restaurant to his second wife, KONG YING-YUET (Lisa Lui), their son, YUE CHI-HIU (Michael Tse) and the son from his third wife, YUE CHI-YING (Julian Cheung).
HIU and YING are remarkable Japanese cuisine chefs whose main aim in life is to pursue excellence in chefhood. Although HIU and YING have different mothers, they get along very well.
When their father's first wife, LANG YUNG-YUNG (Angelina Lo) creates trouble for the restaurant, HIU declares to challenge her, claiming whoever wins will have the restaurant.
YUNG sends her personal nurse, CHOI SZE-LUNG (Tavia Yeung) to get close to HIU. He is completely smitten by love for her but soon becomes unhappy with their lukewarm relationship.
On the other hand, their supply for fresh food has been shut out. YING has to make a trip to Hokkaido, Japan to buy fish. He meets KEUNG KEUNG (Myolie Wu), a willful girl from a wealthy family on the plane. They also meet MOYUNG CHING (Damian Lau) who is known as "The God of Fish" by chance in the fish market.
As the relationship between YING and KEUNG KEUNG grows, KEUNG KEUNG finds out that MOYUNG CHING is her long lost father. MOYUNG CHING becomes YING's mentor and helps him through the competition to win the first overseas Japanese restaurant franchise in Hong Kong. As YING's career grows, HIU becomes more jealous of his brother and starts to scheme with CHOI SZE-LUNG to get his father's fortunes.
As HIU and YING meet with setbacks in their career, family and their loved ones after their attempt to save the restaurant, the two brothers decide to have a competition.
Review: Now watching. The food looks yummy! Makes me feel like going Japan again!
3. 水浒传/ All Man Are Brothers
Episodes: 86
Genre: Historical
Casts: Zhang Han Yu as Song Jiang
Ray Lui as Chao Gai
Wang Jian Xin as Lu Jun Yi
Li Zong Han as Wu Yong
Jing Gang Shan as Gongsun Sheng
Bao Li Gao (宝力高) as Guan Sheng
Hu Dong as Lin Chong
Zhao Qiu Sheng (赵秋生) as Qin Ming
Yan Hong Zhi (严洪智) as Hu Yan Zhuo
Zhang Di (张迪) as Hua Rong
Synopsis: Toward the end of Northern Song Dynasty, the government was deeply corrupted, and the oppressed citizens finally rebelled. A hundred and eight men and women fought against the government and took their last stand in a place called Liangshan.
Review: DC is watching this long drama now. He seems to like it quite a lot to the extend that he mimics the characters in the drama and talks in "ancient language". Some of his expressions are really making me laugh out loud! :D
Related Posts:
Romantic Korean Dramas to Recommend
I'm a Drama Queen
So, what's for entertainment now?
Sunday, October 09, 2011
A 6 months wait
After about 2 weeks of search for a 2nd hand car, we finally decided it's more worthwhile to buy a new one. My choice is simple, I need a MPV. Suprisingly, a continental car is now cheaper than a Japanese car, due to the strong yen and weak euro.
It's the Golf-toberfest at the showroom, with cash discounts for VW Golf cars. Well, that means free food for us :)
Aaron appeared scared to go into the cars. He would only allow CP to carry him in.
Well, I had a hard time deciding on the colors and model, Sports or base version. In any case, we put down a deposit and now our VW Touran will arrive in 6 mths time ... yes, 6 months. What a bugger ...
It's the Golf-toberfest at the showroom, with cash discounts for VW Golf cars. Well, that means free food for us :)
Aaron appeared scared to go into the cars. He would only allow CP to carry him in.
Well, I had a hard time deciding on the colors and model, Sports or base version. In any case, we put down a deposit and now our VW Touran will arrive in 6 mths time ... yes, 6 months. What a bugger ...
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Dating 13 yrs and Children's Day
9-Oct was the day and it fell closely with the Children's Day holiday on 7-Oct this year. I decided to arrange a room at Conrad Centennial for a weekend getaway. There was a free upgrade to executive floor from our previous stay in Feb.
Aaron relaxing on the sofa couch.
He's so cheeky, playing with the room controls.
Laughing so mischievously when we caught him in the act.
After check-in, we had afternoon tea at Marina Mandarin Atrium Lounge just across the road.
We couldn't keep up with our boy. He was exploring everywhere!
Dinner was at the Szechuan Court, Fairmont Hotel in the vicinity. My parents also joined us. Aaron was so happy to see them!
Garlic Pork slice
Roasted Pork Belly
樟茶鸭
That night, Aaron slept with us. It's a pity kids under age of 12 are not allowed into the Executive Lounge. I did managed a quick trip up to have a bourbon coke before my sleep though. Drinks and finger food are free!
Breakfast at Oscars.
Our must-have photo.
Related Posts:
Wedding Anniversary 2011
Aaron relaxing on the sofa couch.
He's so cheeky, playing with the room controls.
Laughing so mischievously when we caught him in the act.
After check-in, we had afternoon tea at Marina Mandarin Atrium Lounge just across the road.
We couldn't keep up with our boy. He was exploring everywhere!
Dinner was at the Szechuan Court, Fairmont Hotel in the vicinity. My parents also joined us. Aaron was so happy to see them!
Garlic Pork slice
Roasted Pork Belly
樟茶鸭
That night, Aaron slept with us. It's a pity kids under age of 12 are not allowed into the Executive Lounge. I did managed a quick trip up to have a bourbon coke before my sleep though. Drinks and finger food are free!
Breakfast at Oscars.
Our must-have photo.
Related Posts:
Wedding Anniversary 2011
Monday, October 03, 2011
Daddy's little helper
Daddy recently bought a DVD recorder and A helped to fix it! :)
We gave him the old (and spoilt) remote control but he refused to play with it. He wanted Daddy's instead! Ah, the phrase "你把我当 or 你骗三岁小孩" seemed so not true now! Kids are so smart now, it should have been corrected to "一岁小孩"!
To distract him while Daddy is tuning the video channels, we did color matching (fine motor) game with the old DVD recorder.
He's to connect the cables according to the colors and he did quite well! :)
Related Posts:
It's all about Remote Control
We gave him the old (and spoilt) remote control but he refused to play with it. He wanted Daddy's instead! Ah, the phrase "你把我当 or 你骗三岁小孩" seemed so not true now! Kids are so smart now, it should have been corrected to "一岁小孩"!
To distract him while Daddy is tuning the video channels, we did color matching (fine motor) game with the old DVD recorder.
He's to connect the cables according to the colors and he did quite well! :)
Related Posts:
It's all about Remote Control
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Gimme a Mic
DC was clearing some old microphones one morning that he intended to throw away when A picked them up and talked into them! :)
What a good morning game he had with these old mics! They kept him occupied for quite a while! :)
Related Posts:
Sing Your Way Home
Kara-Okie!
Bathroom Singing
What a good morning game he had with these old mics! They kept him occupied for quite a while! :)
Related Posts:
Sing Your Way Home
Kara-Okie!
Bathroom Singing
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