House of Love, House of Ang 洪

It's that time

2010-09-06T17:23:00.004+08:00

every beginning of a month that I'll see myself working later into the evening and patiently waiting for work to accomplish. [What's this work about, heck who cares!]

So what would an overtime fella like me look forward to later? A good meal, finished with a good cup of aromatic brew after struggling off that silly workload.

While browsing IKEA's site today, I came across the many offers up in their IKEA Restaurant - so mouth-watering and that made me wished that I can zoom down straight-away........

Oppsss........need to be realistic after all as this silly workload don't finish until about pass 8pm today.

How about let's plan for the next few days in the week? Well at least there's something to look forward soon......to compensate for the late night working today.......heh...

Post National Day

2010-08-11T09:22:00.005+08:00

Opppsss......

We didn't post a greeting to our Nation on 9 August 2010.........

so here it is,

House of ANG wishes that every Singaporean would remain humble, appreciative of what Singapore has achieve and not be complacent. Our future young Singaporean had to be taught not to let our achievements blind ourselves but continue to push for new heights.

Last but not least, kuddos and credit to the efficient push of things to happen by the parties managing our nation.

Happy 45th National Day Singapore!

Happy Birthday

2010-07-02T10:56:00.005+08:00

to me!
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Here, today, I turn another year wiser.
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Although hubby is not around today to spend the day with me due to business trip, I am still happy and jolly. My life have been fulfilling, I'm surrounded by dear son, dear family and friends, beautiful life and career. What else can I ever ask for?
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Most importantly, I'm contented with my state of life. Thank you!
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We're now

2010-05-05T09:31:00.004+08:00

back at work after having taken a few days Labor Day overseas break.
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So let's now allow the parents get back on track before pictures from their trip is posted...shortly......
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CNNgo - 7 ways

2010-04-19T16:19:00.006+08:00

that Taipei beats Singapore. I kind of heart this article as there's some truth to mrBrown's thoughts though.
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After all, our family have been to Taipei last year and there are some culture we cannot help but agree with it. Article is extracted from: http://www.cnngo.com/singapore/none/mrbrown-7-ways-taipei-beats-singapore-432166
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We heart

2010-04-01T09:32:00.004+08:00

this woman to bits!
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A cute aunty on the street. Yay to....................... Auntie Lucy!
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Yes.....and Happy April Fools Day!
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In Loving Memory of

2010-02-23T10:31:00.006+08:00

a good friend, a helpful colleague at work, and also a motherly figure in my past years of work life - Angelina Lee
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It's so difficult to accept when I hear on 19 February 2010 morning that she had left us to be with God. I've been trying to come to terms with this news and it's been so hard to pen down the loss that I'm experiencing but I know she is relieved from her health condition and she is resting in total serenity and peace.
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I know I'm going to miss Angie and wherever she is, I really want to thank her for being such a good friend and colleague at work. Her strong will, fighting and determined spirit will live in my memory of her.
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Yes, and the

2010-01-25T00:21:00.006+08:00

folks returned from BKK this afternoon.
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Some of us gathered and went for dinner at Vivocity, followed by some ladies shopping, rounded up with coffee-shop talk.
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It was a wonderful weekend, slightly completed in regards to Spring cleaning.....hee.....
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Just before heading to bed, I came across an interesting clip of a talented child.
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Sou teu no ukelele @ Yahoo! Video

Goodnight everyone.

Wishing Happy Birthday

2010-01-06T12:16:00.004+08:00

to our dear Ms Wong.....
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It's her XXth birthday and unfortunately all the gang-friends cannot have dinner with her. She has been 'booked' for dinner while the rest are respectively either working or with prior appointments.
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Nevertheless, we'll make up another dinning feast soon not forgetting to still make it a point for dedication.
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Here's Wishing all the very best to you Ms Wong. Collect a lot of pressies and don't work too hard today yeah!
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Finally,

2010-01-04T11:45:00.011+08:00

we welcomed Year 2010 sleeping through the countdown; had lots and lots of food, partying, wild jokes, card sessions, laze around and some shopping yesterday and...........

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Yes, it's back to original reality again.
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It's an official working and school day on 4th January annually. Today is not any different.
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The ANG Mistress woke up quarter to 6am this morning to prepare humble ham sandwiches for the family and some colleagues at work before being greeted by strong winds followed by a heavy downpour. It's so cozy to start Monday morning like this. Drinking a hot cup of coffee while eating a hearty sandwich looking out the window - wishing everyone could stay in at home BUT..........we have to leave for work and daycare after all.
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Dear son is ushered back to school today, starting his new term in the K2 class. He was totally excited and looking forward to receive a present from his teachers by saying the correct code. He has been practicing it over the long weekend with his Dad and Mum.
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Mummy and Daddy will both also have to brace-up for the work challenges in this new year. So after everything, the next thing the family look forward after a day's work, is hearty and piping hot dinner awaiting on the table. Woot.....
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On this last work day of 2009,

2009-12-31T08:25:00.009+08:00

I arrived in my office staring at an empty space as all the colleagues were out having breakfast. It's a last working day anyway hence everyone is not quite in the mood to achieve much.
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So everyone have made it to the end of another year.

In another 20 odd more hours, it will be Year 2010. Traditionally at this point in the year, we tend to look back at what has been achieved and also look forward to what we might do in the coming 12 months and beyond. Plan and plan and so?

For me this always feels kind of scary and exciting all in one. More than often, we don’t fulfill our expectations as our goals might just have been a bit ambitious and we are left feeling a little deflated. 2009 has been quite challenging, but actually has turned out pretty well for me and my family. We thank ourselves for being blessed to be able to ride 2009 smooth and steady. Especially for myself, I've been waiting for the day that I can at least prove to myself that I'm not so useless after all, or maybe I wasn't after all.

Probably I still cannot convince myself of my own worth as yet but I will - one day.

On this day marking the end of Year 2009, I'll just like a lot of things to go more smoothly for those close friends and family members around us.

Hopefully the in-laws are more involved with elderly activities or grandchildren in their daily lives since they can still afford their time and energy. More luck and blessing may be bestowed on our other family members though. Our close friends who are feeling deflated may be more charged and motivated to move things on and make things happen for themselves.

Life is somehow, 60% fated, 40% in our own hands so why let only 60% decide what goes for us.......?

Here, let's continue to raise our glasses and cheers to more new heights, more new beginnings and blessings........HAPPY 2010 everyone!
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This is

2009-12-07T09:19:00.006+08:00

where I officiate.
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My humble desk after spending 1 hour early in the morning wiping off the dust and dirt; so finally my work table on my first day at another office.
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Last weekend was humble. Dear son was sent to his grandparents' so home-packing and cooking is made possible. The family is making some slight adjustment effective today with Mummy's adjustment into her new workplace so more to be seen......
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I'm counting

2009-12-03T14:00:00.006+08:00

down to my last day of work in the town area and I'm packing my stuffs one by one starting today.
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The only thing I'll most probably miss around downtown is the choices of food during lunch hour. From where I'm located in the future, I doubt I will get to enjoy the luxury of food choices but on the positive note, I'll probably save more.
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We finally

2009-12-02T10:08:00.004+08:00

managed to find a time slot on Monday evening to watch Mummy's anticipated movie 2012.
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cos Mummy has been looking forward to watch this movie, Daddy have to oblige. Can you imagine how Mummy will look like if she do not get to watch it?
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Better not even think about it.
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Christmas bling blings have been put up everywhere around Singapore downtown and Mummy has been looking forward to be able to find some time to walk down town Orchard Road with the family to enjoy the bling blings!
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It's after all year-end season and time to let the hair loose to relax and immerse in the cool and beautiful bling blings.....
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Last weekend, we were

2009-12-01T12:20:00.015+08:00

having a lot of fun over at Downtown East.

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Mummy booked a chalet over the Hari Raya long weekend and took everyone (the ole' and young) for some fun in the east side of Singapore.
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Hence on that afternoon after we parked "L" properly at the carpark, we left it alone for the next 3 days while we checked ourselves into a quite 'tiny' room but enough for good time-out of our humble home.
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Oh, dear son's favorite playmate joined us during our stay at the chalet so our little boy was over-joyed with the company. The rest of the gang also dropped by on Saturday evening for a good BBQ session and adults chill-out.
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Besides the usual laziness, we also took this rare relaxed opportunity to bring the children to their all time favorite past-time - games. They even played themselves silly at Explorer Kids!
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Oh well, the adults didn't want to lose out either, they played their adult version of bowling too.
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Then brought the kids to watch a "Live" performance by Looney Tunes gang....
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So what else have we missed? Quite nothing actually but we're all simply relaxed and happy when we checked out. Till next year..............we'll be back!
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Selamat Hari Raya

2009-11-27T07:47:00.004+08:00

Aidilfitri!
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Whenever Hari Raya arrives, I'll keep "hearing" this song replaying in my mind..........the song that I was introduced since Primary school....................
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While wishing all muslims friends and community a wonderful Hari Raya Haji, our family and our usual gang will be gathering yet again somewhere for a feast and good time! Want to know where we went, check us back later!

Time is really

2009-11-19T11:38:00.003+08:00

precious especially when you're in a rush to get a lot of task accomplished.
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Tasks like handing over existing responsibilities, things to take note and many other misc transfer of information requirement. Even trying to accomplish household chores is trying..............
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My time is counting down.......
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Happy Birthday

2009-11-16T21:53:00.009+08:00

to Mr Chua, as he turns another year wiser at 51 on 15th November 2009.

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On Saturday, the "chin-chang" gang gathered by evening at Mr Chua's place to throw a mini celebration to surprise him. Mr Chua was at work hence he did not expect to see us on Saturday until he returned home.

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Being early birds, we brought dear son to play with his favorite friend while the adults get busy with their own preparation tasks.
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We had sumptuous pizza, curry chicken and other nitty gritty food to fill our tummies before screening "Where got Ghost" on the TV as part of the night's entertainment.
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Everyone had a great time at Mr Chua's place and not until before the clock strikes almost mid-night, then we reluctantly ended the gathering. Till the next gathering that is lined up..................
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The satisfaction of

2009-11-10T14:09:00.011+08:00

their child's excitement on Saturday morning is good enough for a parent. Truly.
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After enjoying Astro-Boy at The Cathay, we settled for Japanese lunch before dropping dear son off at the in-laws.

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It was then time for the ANG Mistress to get some rest as she woke up earlier with severe headache and bad throat.

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The rest of the time over the weekend was lousy since the ANG Mistress experienced 'yo-yo' fever.
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The cause of the bouts of fever and bad throat was revealed on the following Monday morning......tonsilitis........the past weekend, is history.

2012

2009-11-06T12:37:00.003+08:00

This is the latest movie I'm very very keen to watch off the big screen.
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Woot.......I'm feeling all excited.........but wait, not before first completing this movie with dear son tomorrow.
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New addiction

2009-11-06T09:52:00.010+08:00

starts when the ANG Mistress click "play" on her media player to start the K-drama "Boys Before Flowers".
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"Bloomz"...............and that was it. Addiction kicks in.
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hhhmmm.....it's hard to resist looking at nice things though, especially when one is facing good looking boys and girls cast in the drama. Now I quite understand why the youngsters are all fazed over the characters in this drama and enchanted by the storyline offered by the drama.
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Well, the four main male characters in KBS hit drama “Boys Before Flowers” are definitely tall, handsome, and all of them jaw-droppingly rich. Calling themselves "Flower Boys" or "F4" in the drama, they have definitely captivated the hearts of women of all ages be it a seven-year-old girl or 50-year-old housewives.
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“Boys Before Flowers” is something like the Asian version of America’s huge hits “Gossip Girl” that depict a hyper-luxury lifestyle of teenagers. It is blatantly lavish and dreamlike, easy to just fall into it without bothering to think about whether the plots are realistic or not.
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Ok, enough said and for those who have not watch or are as curious as me over the characters in the drama, details may be available from http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Boys_Before_Flowers
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I'm going back to my media-player.............
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Phew

2009-11-05T14:34:00.007+08:00

Can anyone imagine, I was still very happy on Tuesday over getting an afternoon off from work to watch MJ's "This is it" in the theater and probably enjoy a good dinner with the family in the evening.

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Guess what, I was hit with Mr fever in the evening on Tuesday myself after waking from the nap.
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So Wednesday I was entirely down; out of action from the office, lying flat sleeping the afternoon away due to lethargic and tiredness.
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I'm now back on antibiotics for the damn cough that is so long-lived.
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So I'm rushing like mad in the office today, trying to get unaccomplished task accomplished.
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So this is working mum's working life.
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La la la....dee daa

2009-11-03T09:48:00.003+08:00

I'm super relaxed and happy today.
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cos this is why I'm so..........happy. Breakaway from the office and some afternoon out with my loved ones.
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I knew

2009-11-02T10:44:00.005+08:00

both of them would tied the knot one day when I saw them both walking side-by-side on TV during the September Formula 1 event held here in Singapore.
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And finally, it was reported that Michelle Yeoh married her fiance Jean Todt last week, right after the ex-Ferrari boss succeeded the controversial Max Mosley as president of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
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"The actress had proudly showed off her giant wedding ring to pressmen while attending a function in Paris with her man", some newspaper reported.
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The two was engaged in 2005 after first meeting at a promotional event organized by Ferrari in Shanghai.
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I've personally always liked watching Michelle Yeoh on TV or the big screen and I hope that she has found her happiness in Jean Todt. My heartiest congratulations to the both of them!
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He is

2009-11-02T10:08:00.004+08:00

truly one of a sexy pianist indeed.
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Aged 34, this croatian is now one of the most famous and promising pianists in the world. It's quite rare to spot a charming guy playing good piano aside his charismatic good looks!
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Can't get enough of this "Prince of Piano"? Catch him "live" in Singapore performing at the Esplanade Concert Hall, where he will be staging Concert Classique, One on One for two nights only. Hmmmm.......seems like I'm into beautiful and charming stuffs of late!
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Wow

2009-11-02T09:56:00.004+08:00

I'm definitely not dreaming here but I'll be in for a treat to myself tomorrow in the afternoon. Hubby will be joining me as well since he's supposed to be on a break himself.
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Have you been treating yourself well too?
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You ought to!
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our 2-day break

2009-11-01T22:44:00.013+08:00

has just come to an end..
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Dear son & hubby are both now fast asleep while Mummy took the chance to 'relax' at the couch, geared with the laptop on her laps and relaxing into some soft jazz playing in the background.

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Earlier, we were busy attending a seminar on Saturday morning while dear son was whisked to the in laws'. Since we were downtown Orchard, we popped by the "MEDIACORP SUBARU IMPREZA WRX CHALLENGE ~ THE ASIAN FACE OFF" location at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza to give the contestants some of our 20cents support.
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By late afternoon, our phone rang and the bad news came; dear son wants us to bring him home badly. So yes, we detoured to fetch him home for a nap before bringing him back to the in laws' place again (at his request.......duh......).

When we woke up on Sunday, we first checked out dear son before bringing him to the Macs for breakfast. Dear son was the most happy when we arrived at the Macs. It happened to be an event morning there, there were balloons and even Mr Ronald MacDonalds made an appearance (in awe of many other happy kids).

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When we arrived home, we cleared up the household chores quickly to catch lunch time at Mr Chua's place. Ms Wong had whipped up yummy congee lunch for our family as well as Mr & Mrs How.
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We ate our lunch late and tucked dear son for his delayed afternoon nap.
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The rest were chit-chatting the afternoon away while the cable TV was running some Asian Food Channel (afc) varieties.
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Dinner is churned in a short while again by Ms Wong. Hiaz, we were too hungry to remember taking any pictures that afternoon and by the time our memory returns, we've reached our house!
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So before welcoming Monday later, this Mistress ANG is getting ready to leave the comfy couch and start her household chores part II - laundering and ironing! Sigh, that's the life of a higher class domestic worker. ;-)
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Yes, I admit

2009-10-30T14:07:00.007+08:00

that I'm into a new indulgence recently.
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Admiring pretty girl and a few handsome hunks at the same time;
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I'm watching a latest Taiwanese drama - Momo Love (桃花小妹), what were you thinking?
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What are the possibilities

2009-10-29T15:41:00.020+08:00

of us mostly working overseas in the future?

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VERY HIGH I believe.
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Just like what many of our Malaysian neighbors did. Most of them are traveling to & fro Singapore every day to work and return at the end of the day back to Johor Bahru. Such arrangement is a daily affair for them and for the sake of livelihood, they have accepted this as their way of life.
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What about Singaporeans? Are we as adaptable as our Malaysian neighbors? Will we be able to survive when we have to move out of our comfort zone to work in an all foreign land?
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I've given this topic enough thoughts whenever I commute to and fro work everyday and am convinced that "THE DAY" will come eventually, as Singapore loses her growth within her island and we needed growth to keep us in a job. I'm certain if not me and hubby, our offspring will hop on to work overseas eventually.
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The opening of ASEAN via a common rail link and especially linking to China (the next BIG BROTHER) through the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) 泛亚铁路 which was first proposed by Asean in 1995 is firm affirmation of ease of transfer.
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Reports on the rail link project have quoted:
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The SKRL is a flagship project of the ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Cooperation (AMBDC). This regional railway line, spanning some 5,000 kilometers (3,000 miles) from Singapore to the Chinese city of Kunming, would be a very efficient and most economical mode of cross-border cargo transportation. However, the project has been hindered by a lack of funds and other technical issues in connecting the rail to major towns across the region. The project also includes constructing railway stations and related infrastructure, and has been estimated to cost US$15 billion (€12.5 billion). ASEAN hopes the link will be ready by 2015.
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With such a scale of work being done on a national level to join up via the rail link, the railway project is expected to better bind the economies of the region and provide southern China with easier access to ASEAN markets. It is evident for the folks like us too; to provide easier access for us living in the south to go into China.
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Does making changes

2009-10-29T11:14:00.005+08:00

to our present home decor makes us live and feel even better?

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I was browsing a few sites recently to draw ideas especially those for decorating a boy's room. I'm so enticed to get it going at home...........except that I'm trying to go for Oriental Style, my favorite all time classic look in a boy's room.....hmmmm....Challenging......
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What are the biggest struggles

2009-10-26T14:42:00.008+08:00

faced by everyone?

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I think it's effective communication; the frequency and quality of it, probably is the most important factor in making a relationship work. Communicating each others' needs, fears, hopes, happiness and everything else under the sun, over the sea.
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The real problem is not when you have problems communicating. It's when you don't even feel like communicating at all already, that's the REAL problem.
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Well, it's not as if our household lies with communication problem but there's still many elements of the lack of it towards the other members of the family as the years goes. It'll better be improved than left for natural death.
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Everyone needn't to be a gem to someone; just don't be the dirt instead.
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Someone else once told me that maintaining a good relationship is like the ducks. They look completely calm and unruffled on the surface, but underneath the water, they're paddling furiously to stay afloat.
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I so so seriously agree.
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our past weekend

2009-10-26T11:40:00.012+08:00

comes and goes in a wink.

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I remember there I was, on a afternoon half day leave last Friday to meet dear husband up for our afternoon appointment with the spa operator.
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Then the next moment, we are facing Saturday. We met our financial advisor in the morning and took hiatus to recuperate/rest at home the rest of our Saturday (as our family are still nursing our health; some recovering from cough and one from stomach flu)
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On Sunday, we spent the morning at dear son's favorite haunt, the Singapore Zoo. The weather took a turn by late morning and we were forced to leave the place much earlier than anticipated.
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On the journey home, we stopped by McDonald's as dear son had requested to eat hamburger at Mac for lunch. Since we're also nearby the Cold Storage, the adults took the opportunity to buy some grocers at the supermart in preparation for the day's dinner later.
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When we arrive home, we were very surprised to find our dear neighbour hosting their newborn daughter's full month celebration outside at our corridors.
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Gosh, we thought we forgotten about the event but alias, it was our neighbor's intend to notify us on the day of event. Phew! It was really a surprise and fortunately for the adults, we have not taken our lunch hence the buffet spread was just right on the spot.
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While we enjoy our food, we allowed dear son to enjoy and play with the children at our neighbor's place. By late afternoon, most of the guest had left and we had to usher dear son home (at his reluctance) for his delayed afternoon nap. Kiet slept until we woke him for dinner time; while Mummy busied herself in the house with chores and dinner preparation earlier. Sunday evening was rest and to calm ourselves as the new week is about to start tomorrow!
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Did I make the right

2009-10-22T16:08:00.011+08:00

choice to place dear son in a full day childcare when he turned 22 months while the maid is ushered back to Indon; and the grandparents were left to while away their time freely?

The Rewards?................Awww, our household is by far coping well, work and time management wise and we have better adjusted to the daycare routine on top of the changes in our lives but the seniors instead of turning better are wasting towards the senile route.......when it was actually meant good; for them to have it easier in their lifestyle by having more "ME" time in their lifes.

At most times even till this day, YES, I strongly felt that the daycare decision made at that time was a good one. Our little child needed to be trained about being independent and plus the introduction of routine in a daycare environment, there's more discipline and order hence more good rather than bad (this, is besides the part about falling sick).

On the other hand, it was sort of a mistake to leave the seniors too FREE to themselves. While they choose not to contribute anymore to the labour force (which over the long run will make them monetarily insecured) , it is more appropriate to keep them agile and alert by leaving them in charge of some 'duties' in order to keep their minds occupied and responsive (this, is besides the part about letting them feel lonely or useless).

Having despite give thought about all these, it seems that these thoughts are worthless as I'm in no position to make any correction or improvement to it. It's not as easy as using a correction tape to put a stop to certain things; that have already developed to this point and at this stage.

The personalities in this domestic drama also needed to pick up and move on with life that is meaningful to them. External and people factors cannot help when the seniors themselves had chosen to close their mental door. In fact, who can to be blamed for all this?

This similarly 100-episode domestic opera is demoralising to continue watching and all that I can comment, is that certain things just needed to BE MANAGED instead of leaving it as it is. By choosing to drop the matter, it's a CHOICE that was made irreversible.

Nevertheless, I'm super glad little boy has grown tremendously over the years and learnt a lot from the daycare peers and teachers. While for the end note - Save for one, I'll never allow myself to pass my life such as the living seniors did - WASTE IT.

Caro...opppss no, Coraline

2009-10-21T11:14:00.006+08:00

it is.

I got the opportunity to watch the animated stop-motion movie "Coraline" yesterday while nursing myself at home in the afternoon.

It was a lovely fantasy film I must say, for someone who have no expection of the film so to speak. I watched it with an open mind and it did work it's purpose for me - entertained.

I liked the part of the movie about the "Other World" and "Other Parents". I remember also fantasizing for such another world when I was a little girl but of course, as a grown up now, we know it's impossible and probably that's why, as a mother to a 4-year old now, I'll try to give and provide my boy 'the best' - I guess it's to make up for the missing link I experienced when I was a child.

Well for those movie junkie who likes light-hearted fantasy films, this stop-motion film is a must watch!

Hmmmm.....my turn

2009-10-20T11:05:00.006+08:00

to be rather under the weather.

It turned out that the cough I'm experiencing since last Wednesday is caused by infection as my family doctor had advised this morning.

So am going to be confined at home for the next 2 days serving up mostly the cough syrup, flu and anti-botic tablets.

Hopefully I get well soon so I can be kicking this coming weekend!

PT Helper

2009-10-19T10:55:00.009+08:00

Should I engage a PT helper to assist me with general household on the weekends?
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The present one actually got 'sacked' by me unofficially since I've not contacted her for any job for the past 4 weekends. It's quite nothing actually but I felt that a PT worker cannot stay with the same household for too long. The work standard will deteriorate over time since the PT worker gets too familiar and cozy with the people at home.
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I've been managing the household as much as I can independently. Not that I hate housework, it's just that I've more important things to do compared to spending hours keeping the toilets and the windows spick and span. With a growing child on top of managing a working life, priorities have changed and the focus should be more of constructive work than being passive.
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I'll flip a few contacts and prayers shall be answered.
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On Saturday

2009-10-18T02:08:00.009+08:00

we woke up and went to meet dear son's paternal grandparents for breakfast before all headed home to take a rest.

Apparently the parents had caught cough virus somewhere out there and are both nursing their throat as much as possible, drinking the cough syrup then lie flat to sleep, wake up, drink "Liang Teh" and lie back to sleep again.

Mummy is slightly better - she has been burying her head in the household chores despite nursing her rather itchy throat.

In the late afternoon, we pulled ourselves off the bed and headed to Uncle Larry's place as the gang had planned for BBQ session in the evening as part of a surprise for Aunty Hong. We arrived at Uncle Larry's place and first got "L" rinsed before we washed up to join the rest at the pit.

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We barbequed and ate our food before retreating to the function room for cool atmosphere coupled with coffee and chit chat. The children were very delighted to have a small corner of the room to play with their mini-cars as the adults enjoyed the cozy gather.

By quarter past 9pm, we prepared to give the birthday lady our surprise! We got the cake ready and switched off the light. Then, we sang the birthday song.........to the surprise of the birthday girl Aunty Hong....

Yes, Aunty Hong was definitely delighted that evening as she did not expect a surprise 'party' thrown for her birthday. We did not even notify Uncle How (her hubby) in advance as we afraid that he'll leak out the 'secret mission'. So in the end, it turned out very well as we anticipated.

Everyone enjoyed the coffee cake and the additional 'kink' of the night, with honey wine. It was really a sumptuous Saturday night and opppsss......Daddy and Mummy is supposed to nurse both their throats isn't it. Heh heh.......luckily we made sure that Sunday is a must-rest day for all of us.

Depression or Acceptance?

2009-10-14T15:23:00.000+08:00

How about Depression vs Acceptance instead?
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Uncle Mike's

2009-10-14T11:02:00.012+08:00

"THIS IS IT", the ill-fated concert that will never ever be brought to the audiences, was instead put together into a film by Kenny Ortega (famed choreographer, producer, director with many works to his credit) and all that behind the scenes footage work-pieces are scheduled to screen for 2 weeks ONLY - limited period all around the world.

In Singapore starting (Thursday) 29 Oct 2009, all major local cinemas will commence screening of the movie titled "Michael Jackson's: THIS IS IT".

Although I cannot claim myself as a die-hard fan of Michael Jackson, I do enjoy listening to his dance hits very much.

Especially now that he is no longer alive and I'll never have the opportunity again to watch his concerts, I simply cannot let myself miss this opportunity to be able to watch him do his magic on-stage in the theatres.

Official website for more details? Go to http://thisisit-movie.com.sg/
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?

2009-10-12T11:54:00.004+08:00

Yup, this picture definitely best illustrates the feeling that I'm going through for the past several weeks.
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Why do I feel this way and where am I heading to? I need to find an answer to my question mark!
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weekend

2009-10-12T11:39:00.037+08:00

just passed again like that in 2 days.

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Saturday was meet maternal grandma day as we've not seen each other for a long time. Hence Mummy planned to check out Pasir Ris Park on Saturday morning for a good morning workout before heading to IKEA Tampines for a visit but the weather had to fail us. Dark clouds started looming the moment we stepped out of our house. It rained by late morning and lasted until the early afternoon.
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With outdoor plans dashed, we ate our breakfast in Pasir Ris and took hiatus at IKEA Tampines right after filling our tummies.
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IKEA was not crowded that Saturday and we enjoyed the abundance of space around us; be it parking or walking room. It also happen to be Daddy and Kiet's maiden trip to IKEA in Tampines so to commemorate their maiden trip there, we decided to withdraw Kiet's smalish dollars and redeemed each of them a red smales lanyard. Both of them were very pleased with their 'gifts', flaunting by wearing on their neck besides coincidentally wearing yellow t-shirts!
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Not until the lunch hour struck, the restaurant started to pack with more people. Unlike the Alexandra branch, this restaurant is still comfy to walk about despite the building crowd.
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After paying for our purchase, we headed to their restaurant to bite some snacks - what is going to IKEA without at least eating their famous meatballs and fried chicken wings yeah?
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By the time we finished our lunch at late 2ish, we decided to head home as Kiet showed signs of tiredness and Daddy also needed a nap since he didn't sleep well the night before.
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So IKEA, we'll come back the next time. Need to drop maternal grandma home before reaching ours! Just after dropping my grandma, Mummy announced that we're driving over to Kiet's paternal grandparents' because he was staying over for Saturday night.
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Yipee!! Dear son is the most happy child as he had missed his freedom at paternal grandparents'. Everyone there will give in to him and attend to his every beck and call. Why not? Compared to the strict discipline at home, paternal grandparents' place will be his heaven! Moreover, Aunty Peggy is also around to play with him!
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So, what are the parents up to without the boy? Head out for food definitely!
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The parents hopped on Daddy's motorbike and headed to Bukit Timah hawker for some local favourites. The place is always packed with a lot of cars waiting to find a parking lot hence is a fuss to go there by cars. With no kid in tow, that evening was the best opportunity for the duo to dine at the hawker centre. After dinner, the night was while away watching the movie "The Proposal" in the comfort of our humble abode apart from meddling with some other nitty gritties.
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Sunday kick off at 10am since the parents had a late night before. The plan was to eat dim sum breakkie at Chinatown before heading to the wet market for some exotic purchases.
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No, don't get us wrong, not those "exotic toys" but exotic meat we're buying that morning; Fresh crocodile and frog meat from the wet market there.
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We've heard somewhere from someone (can't exactly recall who it was but was an elderly Cantonese lady) that giving crocodile meat to the young can help in blood circulation while frog meat is high in protein and is good nutrition to the "leg" muscles. This believe is probably more popular among the Cantonese race as they are known to be experts in the field of tonics or those nutritional double-boiled soups.
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Well, better believe the older generations as they cannot be too wrong since they have used their traditional remedy or formula in raising smart and healthy children. Yup, so there we are, shopping for the meat to try on at home.
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After marketing, it was time to pick our dear son from his paternal grandparents' home for afternoon nap. Don't forget Mummy needs time (for a first timer) to prepare the fresh frog meat for dinner later!
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On mid-autumn festival

2009-10-08T10:38:00.018+08:00

the family stayed home to recuperate from the stomach flu episode that got the whole family ill since the mid-week.

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It started with dear son. He came home from school one evening with wobbly feeling in his tummy and the next thing that happened got Mummy on high alert - He vomitted. Apparently, he had gotten himself a mild stomach flu.
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The school had informed Daddy during pickup time that dear son vomited after tea time and once he arrived home, he was seen heading to the toilet.
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Imagine the next thing to happen, the adults had to take turns babysitting him at home. Besides, he will have to spend Children's Day nursing his health instead of heading out for a movie or outdoor fun. The ending, the adults get his stomach flu, one after another recovers. Gosh, how eventful.
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Hence, as sort of a compensation for the Children's Day fun, the Mid-Autumn Saturday evening (hopefully) promises to entertain. The family brought tickets for the Telok Blangah zone lantern fest activity organized by the zone committees. At 6pm sharp, we hopped onto a chartered bus that was arranged at our neighbourhood to pick all resident participants to the activity site. My few little neighbour friends Chloe mei mei and Jeremiah ti ti (plus their family of course) also joined in the activity out of fun.
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The bus alighted all the passengers nearby the event site (gathered under a HDB block) because the committee had arranged for participants to parade carrying their lanterns. Well, due to a perpetual drizzle throughout Saturday, we were prep with ponchos before the lantern walk parade kick-off.

When we finally arrive at the event site amidst the drizzle, eager crowd are seen storming to the stalls housed under several tentages, busy distributing goodie bags, pomelos, popcorns, cotton candies etc. For us with children, we quickly found several chairs and settle ourselves at a corner shop-front nearby the center stage.

We distributed our job, some adults were in charge of taking care of the children while Mummy collected everyone's tickets to exchange for goodie bags and drop off the lucky draw tickets.

Stage performances started quite shortly after settling down. There were singing, dancing and skid brought to the audiences by Health Promotion Board. The little children were so enticed by the dance and children gathering under the stage that they too, joined in the fun.

Oh, not forgetting Minister Lim Hng Kiang joined everyone at the event! The committee arranged for Lion dance performance (lasting about 20 minutes) and that kept everyone in high spirit, feeling very entertained.

The last excitement definitely comes from the lucky draw. As a first-timer to a mass event, we were rather lucky to win ourselves a 9th prize - an electric mini cooker. Perhaps first-timer's luck!

So next up activity is to plan for steamboat gathering? Hee......*wink wink*....

Wooaa oooohhh

2009-10-06T11:06:00.005+08:00

Mummy almost stumbled off from where she was sitting after chancing upon a piece of news today titled "Time to redo your sums ".

It's a piece of news regarding financial projection and a 'reminder' to people of how much the costs of education be in years to come.

This is such a discouragement news to eager parents. Already facing tremendous stress from different sources such as social and work places, modern dwellers are on top of all slapped with even more financial strain.

Looking at the projected figures published, how could anyone be convinced to plan for more children? The figures are already mentally discouraging!

Happy Children's Day

2009-10-02T12:55:00.016+08:00

Yeap, it's Children's Day yesterday here on 1 October 2009 but this year's spent differently unlike the one last year.

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Dear son skipped daycare since Wednesday as he was nursing a bad phelmy cough and a mild stomach flu. He simply caught the virus without any reason, leaving the parents puzzled and tired taking care of him for several days and ended getting his virus too.
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After few days of confinement at home, Mummy brought him out on Friday for fresh air and breakfast at his favorite bakery house located in Holland-V. It was daycare closure day and Mummy had took leave to spend time with him. Daddy wasn't around as he had reported to work.
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His appetite had returned as he chomped a whole wassant and half of Mummy's ham sandwich besides asking for a cup of milo.
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Mummy had originally intend to bring her boy to a morning movie "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" but if not for catching the stomach flu from her dear son on Thursday night, the movie date would have realized on Friday morning.
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Never mind for not watching the movie, the day was somehow compensated by a dinner at Mache in Vivocity with Mummy's classmates.
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Dear son was treated to a scoop of movenpick choco ice-cream by Uncle Chia, for finishing his dinner and being well-behaved that evening.
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Uncle Chia is one children lover (amongst the group of us) that he even took care of entertaining dear son at Timezone. The duo had a jolly wild good time gaming at the amusement facility!
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The group then call the night off after a cuppa coffee at Starbucks after meal. Oh, how about Daddy? Well, it was his turn busy nursing his stomach flu and fever virus at home!
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The recent media Weddings

2009-09-30T16:21:00.032+08:00

have got me all curious with the different wedding gowns worn by the celebrities.
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Last year, DJ Daniel Ong and ex-Miss Singapore Universe 2001 Jamie Teo were hosting the Style Weddings Glamour Bash at the Raffles Ballroom for the whole day before they also emceed on their own wedding in the same evening.
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Their big day was not so hyped up unlike the rest. Want more of them? Their wedding pictures can be viewed from http://danjaime.album.sg/index.php?
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This year on May 10, Michelle Chia and Shuan Chen (谢韵仪 and 陈泓宇) held their fairy-tale wedding at Ritz Carlton Singapore, attended by some 1,000 people. Their Big Day is split into 2 days (customary ceremony on May 10 and a dinner on May 11).

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(Customary Gown 1)
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There was 8 groomsmen and 8 bridesmaid. It was reported Michelle Chia’s bridal gear was worth more than half a million Singapore dollars.

(Customary Gown 2)
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One can imagine how many gowns she needs in view of the 2-day event yeah? The earlier 2 pictures were gowns worn on her customary ceremony day. The following pictures were gowns worn on her dinner event the next day!

(During March in)
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I liked the gown worn when she marched into the banquet. So elegant and sexy and romantic looking!

(Half-way through the dinner)

She got changed into a beautiful blue gown, the cuttings were cleverly shaped to feature her best assets huh? "Small" but nice enough in a gown.

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(The finale piece)

This couple were also very thoughtful to have self made Michelle's family chilli recipe as their wedding favours to all the guest who attended their dinner. Some of their wedding pictures can be viewed from http://www.flickr.com/photos/7178856@N06/sets/72157617910618255/ or from youtube videos by just typing in the search panel for "michelle chia or shaun chen".

Fann Wong + Christopher Lee (范文芳 and 李铭顺) big day was celebrated on 29 September 2009 at the Shangri-La Hotel.
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(Customary Day Gown)

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The sponsorship for Fann's heavily outweights Michelle's. Just the jewelry alone, the sponsorship is worth some 2.5mil, which she was given the opportunity to design some of them. 2.5mil for just the accessories, not including the cars, gowns and maybe even the banquet mind you! What to do, the couple is more blessed for knowing more high-life and profile personalities.

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(Evening dinner piece)

Honestly, I don't really fancy a wedding gown that is so wrapped up on Fann Wong. She did not bring up the gown and neither did the gown bring out her characteristics hence it's quite a flop at least to me even though it's designed by Bally.

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(The finale piece for the night)

This one also look so so......probably because it is supposed to look very "Roman". More appropriate for attending some awards event Fann, not on your wedding please! Brides are supposed to look very demure and pure but for an 'overaged' one like you, you need to know what fits you instead of leaving it in the hands of others!

Gosh, I hope Fann Wong and Chris learnt something from their wedding arrangement. All in all, I prefer Michelle Chia's event. Sorry Fann.

The latest girls

2009-09-28T16:54:00.015+08:00

who had recently caught my personal attention, all thanks to the Singapore Grand Prix are:

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Jessica Michibata - (道端ジェシカ, Michibata Jieshika), born Jessica Celeste Michibata (ジェシカ・セレステJieshika Seresute) on October 21, 1984 in Fukui Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese fashion model. Mixed parentage to Argentine father of Spanish and Italian ancestry, and a Japanese mother. She's the current 'squeeze' of F1 driver Jenson Button, who is racing for Brawn GP team.
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Through many media photographs, I felt that both of them look rather compatible together and very photogenic. I do somehow look forward for their relationship to blossom and work out.
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Michelle Yeoh - (杨紫琼), a well known Malaysian actress and awarded Dato; renowned for performing her own stunts in the action films that brought her to fame in the early 1990s, Datoh Yeoh confirmed with the media last year that she is engaged to the power-man Jean Todt.
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Jean Todt, the former executive behind Ferrari, now standing as a candidate to be the next FIA president following Max Mosley's departure. The saying of going for an older and stable man really shows in the result of this reunion eh?
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Nicole Scherzinger - (Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente) born in Honolulu, Hawaii, her family background is somehow broken; parents separated when she was still a baby.
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I'm just watching closely at how this older woman-younger man relationship will turn out. Will Lewis Hamilton prove to be just another playboy or the toyboy? On the other side of the coin, they do look compatible when their faces are placed next to each other. Blessings to them both though.
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Happy 5th Birthday to

2009-09-28T16:51:00.009+08:00

our dear son's childhood friend - Poh Ong.

Another year had passed as we watched the dear boy grow up; it seemed like yesterday that he was still an infant. We celebrate together with our close 'family friends' Mr Chua and Ms Wong, their boy's birthday today.

Happy Birthday and We love you!

F1 Race Day

2009-09-27T21:18:00.022+08:00

Yes, seated in the comfort of our own living room watching the TV broadcasting the F1 race event live now.
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It's not unusual since we've done the same last year; choosing to stay home instead of joining the ardent crowd in the streets near the race event. (although at the back of our mind we're quite enticed to be a part of this grand event and to let the "Live" excitement enthrall us).

Similar to last year's setup (61 laps, circuit length of 5.067 km, race distance at 308.950 km), however the organisers are making a bit of modification to the circuit to avoid mishaps such as those that occurred in 2008. The high curbs that caused accidents in 2008 will be re-designed while the tracks will be modified to allow overtaking.

While at work in Hill Street district, I've seen and heard a lot happening the past week behind all these preparations; arrangements for power supply since it's a night race, barriers at the turns to avoid accidents, fencing for more protection, a separate place for photographers, podium for cheerleaders and winners, re-profiling of the circuit, lighting arrangements, installation of projectors and large screens and much more.

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This year's atmosphere though a little more set back due to the economy slowdown but the event here itself is more hyped than the last, partially with the addition of the F1 Rock concerts bringing more celebrities into Singapore. Other than that, the local 9.7millon TOTO draw by Singapore Pools draws anticipated participation amongst many locals.
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So all thanks to the mastermind behind bringing this sport into Singapore, we're now watched by people all over the world for the next 3 years to come.

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Oh well, I just realised that I better enjoy this moment via the google box. The hyped up event is almost coming to an end......

F1

2009-09-27T21:17:00.011+08:00

event can be felt around every corner this year.

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With the latest idea to add on F1 rock concerts on top of the night race, the more vibrant and hip night life is going to make our little island happening for the next few days.
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Being a mummy, I cannot free myself so easily to be part of this 3-day happening event going around the city but the consolation? Is to read and acquire updates at least about F1 rocks from http://www.f1rocks.com.
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So till the night race........
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Happy Birthday to Janet!

2009-09-27T21:17:00.005+08:00

This is your day and we wish you the very Best in life...................

here's dedicated to our worthy friend; a good wife, daughter-in-law and mother to 2 beautiful boys.

祝你生日快乐, 多福多壽, 好运！

Taiwan Day 2

2009-09-13T14:36:00.010+08:00

Yes, we're now into Day 2.

We woke up early to wash up and eat breakfast as we're required to reach the rail station's platform by 8.30am sharp.

So in two and a half hours time, we found ourselves at the Hualien Train Station, greeted by some wet weather upon arrival.

We were transferred to our 'minsu' by the owner herself hence the transit was pretty seamless and efficient due to the fact that the minsu is located near the train station.

We left all our luggages at the 'minsu' and left for a bite at the nearby famous dumpling and bun shop while waiting for our rooms.

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After our lunch, we browsed around the shops along the same street and brought some stuffs before returning to the minsu.

The travellers took a few hours afternoon nap after shower; the fact that the past 2 days travelling has taken a little toll on us hence the arrival day into Hualien had tire us.

With no plans made on Sunday evening itself, it's F&E and self walking around the Hualien City district that evening.

VERY Thankful to the local recommendation; we made our way out to the road and discovered some worthy food sold in Hualien like:
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We found the delicious Fried Oyster and fresh clam soup; the fried oyster is really soft and yummy while the clams are very fresh.

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For dessert, we found crushed ice filled with milk and black sugar syrup along with their yam glutinous mini-rice balls

I tell you, the desserts were yum yum!

Dear son was served a scoop of vanilla ice-cream while both of us adults shared the other dessert. After our fill, we returned to settle for the next day as we've planned for the children to play to their hearts content!

and we're off

2009-09-12T23:43:00.011+08:00

to start our Day 1 in Taipei, Taiwan this afternoon via the 1350hrs flight.

After mummy's many months of self-reading, the family finally arrived in CKS airport Terminal 1 about 1830hrs, cleared immigration and hopped up our chartered van at 1915hrs

The traffic seemed quite good from the airport to the city considering it's a Saturday evening. We checked ourselves into our hotel at nearly 8.30pm, freshen up before walking through the Taipei underpass linking to Taipei Railway Station, to collect the pre-booked train tickets to Hualien departing 8.30am sharp tomorrow.

We ate supper in a small shop located in the Taipei Underground Mall before topping up other nitty gritties in the 7-eleven store nearby our hotel. Ring ring...............time to return to our room to retire for the day after footing the purchases!

It's going to be another new adventure tomorrow! So till then.......good night for now.........ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz.....oh, before dozing off......here's a glimpse of our lovely bed...........kekekeke.

Today is 09-09-2009

2009-09-09T08:52:00.010+08:00

Alright, it's a Wednesday today.

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Guess what, there's 113 days remaining until the year 2009 ends. We're betting how many couples will catch up to register their marriages today at the Registry of Marriages all over the world.

Oh, as for those who are or planned to be on leave today, do catch the movie 9, deliberately scheduled for release on September 9, 2009

For those who have simply nothing to spend time on, consider buying 9 items today? Or how about climbing nine storeys as an exercise regime? hahaha......

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Just no matter how everyone spend their 9th September 2009 today, just hope that you'll have a magical NINE!
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Saturday is

2009-09-06T18:45:00.039+08:00

to wake up early, eat a hearty breakfast while enjoying the all-time favorite Doraemon cartoon over Channel 8 followed by clearing the household - the usual.
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Daddy returns home shortly and the family went to the coffee eatery nearby to settle their lunch. By late afternoon, little boy was tucked into his naptime with a bottle of milk.

In the evening, the family hopped over to the Royal Thai Embassy for dinner as Mummy is tempted to try out the Thai food sold at the Festival.

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After getting our tummies filled, we browsed at the stalls retailing Thai goods and allowed dear son to enjoy the Thai music blasting from the center-stage (as we had noticed his body swaying side-to-side in tune with the music) before heading over to Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza to join the crowd watching the lion dance competition.

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Just look at the amount of people gathered at the civic plaza. By the time we finished 1 session of the male lion category performance, our sweat was tickling down our cheeks!

Of course, not all was just fun and play for dear son on Saturday night. We transferred over to the Kinokuniya bookstore on level 3 for a quick education; to show him what Anmonites look like- through the fossils display showcase Kinokuniya has.

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We spent like 20 minutes in Kinokuniya and moved on to Borders at Wheelock Place. We gave dear son some 30 minutes opportunity for books browsing in Borders before calling the night off and headed home to gear for Sunday morning.

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While Sunday was supposed to be fun as we've planned to spend it at the Singapore Zoo, the weather just have to crack a joke on us that morning. Rain poured since the early morning and forces us to abandon any outdoor plans.

Never mind about the wet weather, we're still determined to have some family fun despite the rain though. So no outdoors, how about in-doors instead?

Mummy quickly whipped out her laptop and screened through the timings of the latest G-Force movie now showing in the various cinemas.

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Without hesitation, Mummy decided on SHAW cinema @Bugis for the 1.30pm slot but not without first settling tthe family's lunch at downtown Hill street.

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All thanks to the rain, the obedient boy finally got what he wished. He was requesting to watch the Guinea Pigs movie after catching a glimpse of the trailer at SHAW LIDO the night before (while we walked passed the SHAW building, the large flat screen was playing the cute G-Force trailer).

After the show, the family dropped by and shopped at BHG before ending the late afternoon deciding what to buy/pack for dinner-time at Basement One. With our tummies still digesting the heavy lunch we had earlier, Mummy decided for soup and bread to go along for the family later.

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Before even reaching home, dear son is already snoozing in the car on the way back! Leaving the parents some bits of peace..........

Did u say Lion Dance?

2009-09-03T09:10:00.012+08:00

Yes, the inaugural 15th Ngee Ann City National Lion Dance Championships is held right in Orchard Road now.

When: 1-6 September 2009 (Tues - Sun)

Time: 7.30pm to 10.30pm
Where: Civic Plaza, Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
What: Gravity-defying stunts by the best lion dance troupes in Singapore

For the young and old who adores the more breath-taking stunts other than those from the Shaolin Temple, also for those who shared a mutual love and passion for watching these incredible athletes float from pole to pole.

This is the opportunity for a "LIVE" eye-treat if not otherwise wait till next year!

These stunts are practised every evening all over Singapore. In the backyards of temples, the gyms of community centres, in the parade squares of schools and in many other places. In these unglamourous corners, hundreds of youths punish themselves severely in hope of a single reward: a place in the finals of the Singapore Lion Dance Championships.

Why wait, start planning your evening and make time for the annual Singapore Lion Dance Championship at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza!

We'll get to enjoy Thai

2009-09-02T09:46:00.008+08:00

goodness from 3 - 7 September 2009 at The Royal Thai Embassy premises located downtown Orchard Rd.
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Mistress ANG happened to chance upon the tentage set up in the embassy premises while travelling on the bus to her office yesterday. A colourful banner was found hung at the entrance reading "8th Thai Festival".
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Marking the 8th time this year, similar to their past event, visitors to the festival get to purchase food and services authentic to the Thais.
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From the site plan layout, besides food and stage performances, participants like Unilever, Singtel and some airlines are involved. One may suspect some special offers rolling out on the Festival days.
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So say if you're working along or nearby Orchard Road or free after working hours, or nothing to do after working hours, do drop by the festival for some authentic Thai FOOD and FOOT treats!
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Otherwise, join the crowd for some FREE Thai performances........FREEBIES are much required especially during this bad economy eh?
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Long weekend

2009-09-01T11:33:00.019+08:00

started from last Saturday.

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In fact we didn't do anything much over the last weekend of August or rather we did? On Saturday, we popped by Mummy's colleague Uncle Winson's place at ParkGreen estate to celebrate Baby Kai Jye's full month. Baby Kai Jye is Uncle Winson's much awaited first born.
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Mummy said I was a very well behaved child cos I was occupying myself with my mini toy cars and happily contented sharing my toys with the other children present at the function room. Even when I met Baby Kai Jye, I was gently creeping up to him trying to give him the affections of a "Gor Gor" a.k.a. Big Brother.
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By half pass 1pm, we left the estate and headed home for the required afternoon bedroom retreat. All 3 of us were snoozing ourselves happy until at about 6pm, we decided to head over to Uncle Philip's place for dinner.
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Much of the evening was spent idling and whiling our time leisurely, adults in conversations, watching TV while the young ones, peeping over at the adults and entertained by the games flashing from the google box.
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On Sunday, we took our day at an easy pace. It started to pour while we're taking our breakfast, hence the family decided to go home and do housekeeping instead of planning anything outdoors. Lunch was heating up the frozen Indian naan and prata with spinach-paneer.
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Since it's still raining in the afternoon, dear son was coaxed to his afternoon nap shortly while the parents hoped that rain would stop in the evening so there's a slight chance to pop by the Kite Festival event at West Coast Park.
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By 4.30pm, the family decided that the field will be soaking wet due to the entire's day downpour hence dropped the West Coast Park idea but to check out ION Orchard along with our neighbour in tow.
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Monday was easier spent. Dear son's centre was closed for Teacher's Day hence the parents get to take their Monday off work too.
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We brought our "L" for it's deserved maintenance early in the morning then travelled via the MRT to City Hall for look-see, look-see.
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Dear son enjoyed his morning completely. The Raffles City Shopping Mall is empty and full of space for his hyper-active self, running from one point to another and back while his parents are browsing around the shops.
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We also paid a visit to a friend of Master ANG, who is working in Marina Square, and had an eyeful treat of the nice watches retailing in the shop she works for.
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By 3pm, we took a taxi to collect "L" to detour back home while dear son laid fast asleep in Mummy's arms. He continued to sleep through until 6pm before freshening up and settling dinner nearby.
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Just wanted to say

2009-09-01T11:19:00.005+08:00

"Happy Teacher's Day" to Ms Sharon Won and 張老師.
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Both has meticulously worked on nurturing us children at The Michelangelo Kinder 1 class. Thank you for your dedication and the love of teaching.
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Come, come and Catch

2009-08-25T14:56:00.003+08:00

a glimpse of the National Stamp Collecting Competition 2009.
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Held between 28 - 30 August 2009 at The Plaza, National Library. For those stamp-lovers, don't miss it. Admission is Free!
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Last weekend

2009-08-24T10:27:00.007+08:00

passes so very fast.

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On Saturday, we woke up to find ourselves dilly dallying around the house until almost past 10am before stepping off for a late breakfast at Bukit Purmei estate.
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The family had a vegetarian brunch before heading to the nearby temples to offer our prayers. Shortly, we went home as Mummy was expecting her ole' classmate to our place in the early afternoon.
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By 4pm, I was put to my afternoon nap after the adults had their chat and that nap lasted me until half past 6pm. When I woke up, I was told that I'll be going over to my grandparent's place to stay for the night while Daddy and Mummy has a Saturday night date.....hehehe......Yay, which means I get to play with my favorite Peggy 姑姑(Gor Gor)!
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Sunday morning started pretty early as I was woken up by the chipping birds outside Peggy Gor Gor's room. Mummy and Daddy arrived at 11am with Grandma as they had met up for their breakfast earlier.
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Daddy and 姑丈were both summoned to Gong Gong's place to help out with some packing as Gong Gong's place is expected to undergo upgrading works in Early September. Apparently Gong Gong cannot handle those heavy items without the help of Daddy and 姑丈 hence both our strong guys were deployed to help out.
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After some chit chats, we left Gong Gong's place as the sky is looming darker. We went straight home to while away the afternoon with me doodling on pieces of paper.
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By 2pm, I was put to my afternoon nap again before waking at 5pm to help Daddy set up a single bed in my bedroom. Cleaning work started shortly after we're done with the bed setup and lasted until 7.30pm. After dinner, Uncle Phil and Aunty Janet dropped by our place to visit and for an in-house movie screening that entertained all of us until 10pm.
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The next moment after we bade goodnight to Uncle Phil and Aunty Janet, the lights were off and everything else darkened. The family were zzzzzzzzzzz....................
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We're expecting the KITE FEST

2009-08-19T08:46:00.008+08:00

on 29 and 30 August 2009 to be held at the West Coast Park.
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The inaugural Singapore Kite Festival in August includes colourful exhibitions, hands-on workshops and culminate in a mass kite flying extravaganza at West Coast Park featuring kite stunts, arts performances and activities.
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To kickoff the festival, 700 primary and secondary school students were asked to participate in workshops to paint magnificent colourful kites and learn how to build their own. These kites are then displayed to the public at Raffles City (August 7-10), Vivocity (August 14 -16) and Northpoint (August 21 - 23).
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Kite Flying Days will be held at the Grand Lawn, West Coast Park from 4-7pm on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August. The public are encouraged to bring along a picnic, friends and family to enjoy this huge outdoor event. With a vast open area for kites to fly high, kite-making workshops and Kite Masters on hand to teach you dazzling tricks, kids will have plenty to keep them happy. A lively stage will host song and dance, performances from local artists and the awards for the Most Innovative and Inspiring and Most Humorous Kite awards.
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Event Details
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Event : Kite Festival Singapore 2009
Location: West Coast Park
Date : 29 – 30 Aug 2009
Time : 4.00PM – 7.00PM
Admission: Free
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Kite flying was once a popular sport amongst Malay, Chinese and Indian communities in the fifties. The Singapore Kite Festival is all about reviving this tradition and establishing a fantastic multi-cultural community event.
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If you like flying kites or photography, you might want to mark this date down on your calender and look forward to aplenty of fun!
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Theatrics

2009-08-10T14:44:00.016+08:00

started our day this morning.

We brought dear son to the DBS Arts Centre, home of the Singapore Repertory Theatre at Robertson Quay to catch the 1st showtime of "The Boy who cried Wolf" at 10am.

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Daddy had the privilege to bring his dear son into the theatre for the show while Mummy settled herself to a magazine waiting for the father and son at UE Square.
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Based on the classic fairy tale by Aesop, a boy named Pete is bored, not much fun to sit on a little rock,on a little hill, watching little flocks of sheep all day long. Hence, little Pete decides to hatch the perfect plan to have some fun and scare his fellow villagers. Little does poor Pete know that a very tiny lie can lead to a whole lot of trouble.

This play actually allows all parents to bring home a familiar lesson in a fun and accessible way. It is heart-warming illustration of why it’s important to tell the truth, and how one lie can make a world of difference. We personally felt that it is especially good material for our child and we're glad he totally enjoyed the play.
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After we dismissed ourselves from UE Square, we headed home for dear son to take his afternoon nap and planned for dinner out with Pauline and Josh - our dear neighbor.
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At 5plus, we took the bus services to Anchorpoint. Over there, the boys were roaming around happily enjoying each other's company, treated to car rides and the parents even invested in a few educational books for the boys.
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By dinner-time, we decided on the Hong Kong Cafe for some cantonese-style treats. Both the children had a good appetite during dinner-time while the adults enjoyed their food and especially the sinful dessert treats.
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We departed Anchorpoint for home by 8.45pm. Not long, the family settled down in order to be ready for work after a long enjoyable weekend.
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Happy 44th Birthday Singapore!

2009-08-09T14:18:00.013+08:00

How time flies indeed and we're celebrating our motherland's 44th Birthday today.

Both Master and Mistress ANG started their day before 9am despite having returned home at 3am earlier (it's Mistress ANG havin' an ole' classmates gathering at her girlfriend's abode in Seng Kang hence needless to say Master ANG went along for the fun while their dear son was cared by his grandparents).

Housekeeping was first agenda to jump-start Mistress ANG's Sunday while Master ANG brought his bird out to 'socialize', followed by picking his dear boy back home.

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Since it's a public holiday, the family decided not to cook for lunch and with the late breakfast each individual had on their own, it was deemed good enough for everyone to miss lunch.

Geared with a bottle of milk, the family tucked the dear boy to his afternoon nap. By 5.30pm, we made our way out to Uncle Phil's place for dinner while we're entertained by the TV's "LIVE" telecast of the National Day parade.
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We were further entertained into the evening with Jackie Chan's action movie "SHINJUKU INCIDENT" and another horror film while dear son self-entertained with some toys on hand, occasionally peeking at the TV.

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Nearing midnight, we bade Uncle Phil and his family our gratitude for the dinner and left for home sweet home.
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Reaching home, we settled dear son to bed and continued watching another movie until into the wee hour before settling into our dreamland while we know the next morning's outing will be interesting!

Behind those closed doors

2009-07-26T12:49:00.011+08:00

we can hear some pitches of noisy sessions.

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We've walked passed this shop several times whenever we're meeting the in-laws for breakfast but didn't manage to understand what's retailing inside. Rather, we're curious and surprised to find a mysterious shop located in the Clementi West neighbourhood.

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So not until we come across an article published by The Newpaper on Sun, Jul 26, 2009, our curiosity come to light:
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THEY sell everything from detergents to pillows. These sales people move between estates every three months or so, targeting retirees who are lured by gifts.

The sales pitch is conducted behind locked doors with windows covered up with posters. Inside, middle-aged men and women roar in unison when the salesman makes his pitch. Holding up a waist-belt, he yells in Hokkien: 'Do you want this?' 'Yes!' the crowd cries.

The items are not cheap - $120 for a pillow and $200 for a pain-relief waist-belt. The people behind the event say they don't apply pressure tactics. Case says they've received feedback from two people, but no official complaints.

The sales people are not making medical claims so the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) says they don't need to be licensed.

And the people attending the event don't seem to mind forking out the money. Like Mary (not her real name), a retiree in her 80s. Her daily routine includes watching her afternoon soap opera on TV and visits to the shop, Matakiteya, which sells a variety of what are largely health products.

Mary gets there by 8am every day, half an hour before the doors open, because she has to hustle with other retirees and elderly folk - some in wheelchairs, some with walking frames - to get into the long queue.
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The shop has only three sales sessions daily; each seats about 80 and consists of a two-hour presentation of the featured product for the day. Customers enter after getting their special passes stamped at the door.

Matakiteya, which means 'Come again' in Japanese, moved to Block 727, Clementi West Street 2, about two weeks ago. It is the only shop of its kind in Singapore, changing venues every three months, and with branches in Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Cambodia. Mary, and many like her, have followed the shop for years as it moves from estate to estate, drawn by incentives such as free rolls of toilet paper.

Freebies
The freebies given out every session include product samples, Chinese cooking wine and cans of longans. Mary told The New Paper in Mandarin: 'Old people like me, we have nothing to do anyway.' Mary lives with her daughter, Angie, 45, who is unemployed. Together they spend over $1,000 a year on Matakiteya's products. These include a $120 pillow, a $200 pain-relief waist-belt, and $600 on pills said to cleanse the body of food colourings and preservatives.
She gets about $500 a month from renting out a room in her three-bedroom flat and from her four sons.

Matakiteya's goods range from a $4 bath soap to a $2,000 mattress that contains a crystal silicate mineral called tourmaline. According to the company website, tourmaline has been proven to improve circulation, relieve stress and ease fatigue. During each session, shop manager Mr Lawrence Ong explains the uses of the products in both Hokkien and Mandarin.

The sales pitches are noisy sessions, peppered with jokes and cheers. A trio of salesgirls chorus 'Hai!' or 'Tio' after each sentence ('Yes' in Japanese and Hokkien respectively). Every time the main speaker demanded: 'Do you understand what we are saying?', or 'Do you want this product?', everyone would respond in unison: 'Yes!'
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The New Paper was treated to a short lecture on the alleged healing power of infra-red rays and touramaline when we sat in last week.
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But these claims have not been verified by any authority. Nor are there any laws that regulate health supplements. A passer-by, a Malaysian chef who wanted to be known only as Mr Heng, said: 'It sounds like they're playing games inside but you can't see anything because the shop front is opaque.'

Sales promotion gig
When told that it was a sales promotion gig, the puzzled 42-year-old asked: 'Why must they close the door? No one knows what they're selling and some people might not dare to go in.' Is Matakiteya pressuring customers into buying expensive products? Said Mr Ong: 'People have their own minds. We can't force them to buy anything.'
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But the shop manager, who has worked for the company for nine years, admitted that the only thing he knew about the products he was selling was that they were 'all from Japan'. The rapid-fire questions and chorus of 'Hai!' or 'Tio', he added, were to 'create an atmosphere', and not to persuade the customers into purchasing.
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So why cover the shopfront with posters, and lock the doors? These measures, replied Mr Ong, were to help customers focus on the sales presentation. When questioned if his business is targeting the old and the gullible, the shop manager replied: 'I can't stop what other people think about us - it's up to people to decide if we have anything to hide.'

Said Ms Angela Tan, one of Matakiteya's business partners: 'We've been around for 11 years already. If there's anything fishy about us, surely the news would have got out by now.'

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In fact after reading The Newpaper's article on Matakiteya, I do recall that several years ago, my maternal Grande Dame advised me that she attended some sales pitch session who gives out attractive freebies after each talk session. She lives in the Aljunied area and the shop is located nearby her marketing hideout.
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What took me more than surprise is when grand-mama told me she brought from that shop, a product that is supposedly to help in purify toxics in the body or something to that relation - the cost? Several thousands of dollars! Yeah, my jaws dropped all over! You know what I mean.

The Art of

2009-07-24T11:19:00.012+08:00

"Giving".
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How many of us can preach and give freely what we have or owned without asking for anything in return? Not many perhaps.

I've been observing people around, watching and studying their behavior based on certain situation and occasion. The result - Yes, there's still a few minority of such unique and selfless people in our society. Just have to stop, think and look carefully. Many of us have not pause to "smell" the flowers actually

Microsoft founder billionaire Bill Gates and his wife Melinda are both advocaters of society-giving. Although they live a life of privilege and power, Bill and Melinda Gates have been working together to give much of their wealth away.

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Microsoft founder Bill Gates have said that billionaires ought to give away most of their wealth to charitable causes, and that they may find themselves enjoying doing so.

The world’s richest man has led by example, donating a large chunk of his US$40 billion ($58 billion) fortune to fight poverty and disease, via the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a philanthropic powerhouse. He believes that the rich should give away majority of their fortunes as while they will enjoy the effect; their children would be better off, and the world would be better off as well.

Mr Gates is a great believer "that great wealth should go from the richest to the poorest”. One such powerful man who has heeded the advice is investment whiz Warren Buffett, the world’s second-richest man. In 2006, the close friend of Mr Gates once said that he would leave a good part of his estimated US$37 billion wealth to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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The gesture of both the world's top 2 richest man really sets me in deep thinking of the reasons behind their intent.
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Haven't one ever wonder why we, a commoner cannot even contribute in giving something back to the society other than the richest themselves, who have already done so and led by example?
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The family routine is back

2009-07-13T11:22:00.006+08:00

to normal since last Friday evening.

Our boy is finally back at home with us; after like having spent more than a week away since we departed for BKK and a further few days of self-distance in case of catching H1N1.

On Saturday, the family had lunch with dear son's grandparents and Aunty Peggy as it was her birthday. We decided on Emperor Q restaurant in West Coast Plaza and found the food to our liking - the folks initially thought likewise as there were no few diners inside the restaurant. We order quite a couple of chinese dishes and dim-sum; the "damage" is not too bad - $60plus for 5 adults and 1 child, with discount paying via DBS credit card. Everyone enjoyed their lunch hence that is even priceless.

After lunch, we're treated to aroma coffee/tea by Peggy; to flush our food down the stomach. After the indulgence, we retreated to the in-laws place for a little more chit-chat before heading home for late afternoon beauty-nap.

Dinner was late by the time little boy wakes up - that's somewhat 7.30pm. We decided against going to Holland-V as the sky is looming a little lightning and signs of drizzle. Hence we ordered prawn noodles at the coffee-shop downstairs and enjoyed cheese cake at home........dear son's favourite, moreover it's his first Saturday since he returned home.

We allowed him to go to bed later that night as we entertained him with pieces of paper for imaginative doodle drawing and word scribbling.

Sunday starts at quarter past 8 for dear son. Already bright and cheery, he was urging his Mummy to wake up to serve him his cheese cake for breakfast. After breakfast, the duo pulled their grocery cart to the NTUC nearby for some fresh produce as Mummy had planned to make dumplings for dinner.

The hardworking assistant was more than eager to pull and push the cart for Mummy to and fro the trip. Sweaty from the short walk, dear son was showered and presented the Japanese "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" movie on TV before having his pasta lunch served.

All well fed and washed up, dear son was ushered to his afternoon nap before Mummy started preparing her dumplings for dinner. The afternoon was calm and peaceful except for the haze looming outside the atmosphere, the skyline looked gloomy instead of enjoyable for a Sunday.

Not before long, Daddy returns from his morning shift and dinner was served. The family decided to stay indoors instead of going out for the rest of the evenings, whiling away the time with some story books and family bonding activities.

Independence Day!

2009-07-01T12:51:00.005+08:00

yup, Independence Day in the US is arriving on the 4 July 2009...........but over here in Singapore, we're also indirectly independent today cos we're taking a flight away..........for yet another short break-away...........

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Although disappointed somehow without our boy with us for the trip this time (all thanks to H1N1) we're yet comforted by the fact that he is under the good hands of Ms Wong and Mr Chua.
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Thank you for helping us with our boy! In times like this, our close pals are indeed our most trusty guardians.
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Hand washing for children

2009-06-18T10:39:00.018+08:00

There are very interesting media released by the Singapore government to educate our teeny weeny children on hygiene and proper hand washing.

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Simple, straight-forward yet adorable.

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I especially liked this short video from TTSH:
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As a parent, I really liked the materials that's available. Trust it'll be useful to every household too.
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S'poreans: Educated,

2009-06-15T12:07:00.011+08:00

but with poor upbringing - 新加坡人有教育没教养?.
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For once, I cannot but completely agree with Anna's comments in her blog titled Anna's Closet.
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My agreement with her entry is also due to a recent encounter I personally had with a wasted young chap, clad in his SAF uniform, blatantly shouting vulgarities at the top of his voice on the road in the middle of Orchard Boulevard. A young national service man mind you, a person who might become a potential leader of our society behaving like a barbarian - I've lost any respect for today's youngsters honestly.
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Singaporeans are educated, but they have poor upbringing which is somehow true. I believe this is highly due to our social evolution; both parents are buried at work while their kids are left with the maids or daycare centres. Some lucky kids goes home to face their concerned grandparents; who cannot take the younger generations at hand due to generation gap or out of love for them.
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In the blog entry posted by ex-local deejay Anna Lim, Anna admitted that the entry has the potential to offend many, but said that there was a pressing need to discuss the issue.
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She told the newspaper Lianhe Zaobao that: "Singaporeans reserve seats with tissue paper packets and they leave trash behind after gatherings. On the MRT, they do not give up their seats to the needy, neither do they allow alighting passengers to get off before squeezing their way into the carriage." - This, I completely agree as I patron foodcourts and take the highly efficient MRT too.
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In her post, she pointed out that such behaviour was also evident in young children. Students compete both academically and in the sporting arena, "every one of them more fiercely competitive than the other", she said. "It certainly makes us afraid and it saddens their teachers," she added. Anna also mentioned how two coaches were engaged in a fierce verbal tussle when one side lost in a badminton match.Commenting on the case, she tressed the importance of a good upbringing - It is perfectly acceptable to lose a game, but not one's values, she said. There's so much truth is her comments as I've also personally witnessed how youngsters these days behave and they are very much an empty walking shell without that "values" substance.
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Although Anna's entry might appear to be the harshest critic against Singaporeans by referring to words like 'not having a good upbringing', her entry and thoughts does ring an alarm to every personality isn't it? After all, what's the point of being a MBA, PhD holder and a high flyer but without good upbringing?
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GSS and

2009-06-03T16:22:00.008+08:00

June children school holiday events are lined all over Singapore shopping malls. One can find many flyers stuffed in the mail box promoting this and that....all over the city and neighbourhood hub.

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Here's a few shows for the little wee-ones:
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Thomas & Friends Musical Meet-and-Greet
Date: 30 May - 7 Jun 09 (no shows on Mondays)
Time: Weekdays (Tues - Thurs) 1pm & 7pm , Weekends (Fri - Sun) 1pm, 4pm & 7pm
Venue: Marina Square Central Atrium, level 2
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Ben 10 "Live" Show/ Meet-and-Greet
Date: 5 - 21 Jun 09 (no shows on Tuesdays)
Time: Weekdays (Mon - Fri) 2pm & 7pm, Weekends (Sat & Sun) 2pm, 5pm & 7pm
Venue: United Square
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Transformers Meet & Greet
Date: 29 May - 14 Jun 09
Time: Fri 29 May to Sun 14 June (Except Monday) 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, (Except Fri 29 May & Sun 7 Jun – 4pm & 7pm only)
Venue: Takashimaya Square
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Barbie Pink World Meet & Greet
Date: 12 - 14 Jun 09
Time: 2.30pm & 5.30pm
Venue: Exclusively at Takashimaya
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My knee joint

2009-06-03T13:58:00.018+08:00

kind of ached during the year end last year. It's the 'sour' feeling at the joint areas; it's the articular cartilage to be exact.

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At first, I attributed it to the cooler weather we experienced during the year end but a colleague's advice does make me realize that if aches are left untreated, it'll result in more dire consequences.
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She's an active person. My colleague joined kick-boxing classes; those with the vigorous movements involved. She found herself trying to cope with knee joint aches not long after attending the classes and at the advice of another mutual friend, she began to supplement joint tablets to help in her joint aches.
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In fact, we saw both famous golfer Tiger Woods and two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady underwent knee surgery due to significant knee pain.

After a serious thought over what could have caused by 'aching' knees, it's likely due to prolonged carrying my over 15Kg dear son every morning to the car for sure. To add to my burden, I'm carrying his school bag and my own haversack.
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The knee is the largest joint in the body and is very complex. Research shows that carrying even a little extra weight triples our chances of developing arthritis. Every pound we carry puts an average of five pounds of added stress on our knees when we move, so being just 10 pounds overweight is like having 50 extra pounds of pressure on our joints. Research also has shown, however, that for a woman of average height, losing as little as 11 pounds may cut the risk of osteo-arthritis of the knee by up to 50%.

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Motion is lotion for our knees. Strengthening the front and back muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings, respectively) of the thighs can help prevent knee trouble—especially in women, who are five to seven times more likely to suffer a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is among the most serious knee problems. One way to reduce risk of such an injury is to practice jumping and landing on a slightly bent knee. Walking is good to help keep our weight down, but it won’t build the thigh muscle that we need to stabilize our knees. The advice is aim to strength-train our legs two to three times a week to build and keep from losing muscle mass.
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Always warm up before we exercise, and choose our workouts wisely. Know our limits. Give ourselves time to get in shape, and don’t try to do too much too soon. Follow the 10% rule: Never increase the duration or intensity of our exercise or activity by more than 10% in a week. Train for at least two months before beginning stressful activities such as skiing or running in a race. Strength, flexibility, aerobic, and core exercises will help prevent knee and other injuries.
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At the end of trying everything, don't wait too long to consult a Doctor if the ache still persists - with new technologies like MRI scans and arthroscopy, knee problems may be diagnosed and treated quicker, easier, and better.
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Our weekend

2009-06-01T10:13:00.013+08:00

passes so swiftly like it always does.

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We met our dear neighbour Aunty Pauline, Uncle Joshua and Baby Jeremiah on Saturday morning and headed for breakfast at Holland-V YA KUN. After breakfast, we dropped by Cold Storage, brought some groceries and went home since it was raining in the mid-morning.

For the rest of Saturday, we spent it watching Kungfu Panda and relaxingly lazing at home.

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Sunday morning gets a little more exciting for dear son. Along with Uncle Philip, we brought him to a bird shop located at Telok Blangah area where he spent more than an hour running after birds around the vicinity. Daddy and Uncle Phil were both busy bird watching and hoping to choose a nice bird for themselves.

Mummy is on the sideline waiting for her boys to finish with the 'bird business' while trying to flip through her Singapore Woman's Weekly magazine in the middle of the humid morning weather. Dear son thoroughly enjoyed his morning running 'exercise' with the birds and to our amusement, a little girl nearby joined him in his fun!

We packed food and ate lunch at Uncle Phil's place due to the unbearable heat building up by lunch time. After hanging around for a while, we left for home to catch the afternoon beauty nap. Not until dinner-time, we reunited with Uncle Phil and Uncle How's family at Teochew Cuisine Restaurant located in Bukit Batok. The restaurant's fish porride is yummy!

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After dinner, we retreated to Uncle Phil's place again ended the night watching TV programme while sipping coffee, chatting the weekend's affair amongst us.
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Such a weekend is rare!

It's finally

2009-05-29T16:28:00.005+08:00

Friday, after having struggled at work for the entire week while at home struggled to complete chores, be a mother as well as a wife, a friend.......just so many obligations.
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Sitting in the office now waiting for the clock to strike 5.30pm is really wonderful as my mind flashes Saturday and Sunday (2 days) activities to look forward to.
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I'll like to watch at least a movie at home over the weekend after putting dear son to sleep, read a worthy book while able to finish as much of housework as possible and yes, churn at least a good decent home-cook meal on Saturday.
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Sunday would probably be a relax day as hubby is not working - Looking forward to a family outing though, provided the weather permits!
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Yesterday was

2009-05-28T12:05:00.005+08:00

the Old Girls cool night out arranged since Monday.

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4 of us (old secondary school classmates) met at Crystal Jade Kitchen for dinner at Holland-V after work and dear son tagged along with us last evening.
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We had a cool few hours chatting over, giggling and the "woooo-ahhhhs" over each and every of our daily married lives sharing. One very good news (probably already out-dated for the ANG Mistress) is that our dear Janice is now into her 4th month of pregnancy! Hooray Hooray, another lady in the mother's league.

We can't wait until her expected due date of delivery in End-Nov this year!

Dear son was mostly very obedient throughout the dinner and chit-chat session. He was mostly self-entertaining himself in the restaurant and occasionally the focus of topic amongst us ladies. As a reward for his best behavior, dear boy was rewarded with a little cupcake that he chose for himself.

That cupcake, kept him to the table for.........less than 10 minutes? Awwwwwhhhhhhhhh...........looking forward to more frequent girls night out already!

Paid a visit

2009-05-25T10:10:00.014+08:00

to a good friend's place in JB yesterday along with Mr Chua and family.

By 8.00am, we cleared the 2nd link and we're well on our way to join the rest in JB for a planned Bah Kut Teh (肉骨茶) breakfast up Bukit Tinggi route.

The children get to join us for this 1 day outing and tasted for the first time this yummilicious 肉骨茶 breakfast, whose outlet is located in the middle of no-man's land and we also don't know how to tell except marking the location in our GPS gadget.

After getting the tummies filled, we routed back to our friend's place and went nearby to get our regular cheap groceries which is a usual practise whenever we're in JB.

The gentlemen had a little task to complete amongst themselves while the woman-folks minded their children and waited around before all checked out the nearby JUSCO mall by the early afternoon.

Our first stop is at the Old Town outlet in the mall, for a good cup of coffee and some munchies after having long digested from the earlier Bah Kut Teh (肉骨茶) breakfast.

We ordered some kaya bread and 半生熟蛋 to go along with our coffee and tea which is rather conservative as in our minds, we're expecting the yummy seafood dinner in the evening at Todak around Masai area.

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After our tea-break, the children were all energetic the entire day skipping their regular afternoon naps and still dancing to the rhythm of music echoing from a nearby speaker.

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We reunited with the rest during dinner time and our table ate a good wholesome seafood spread before we leave for home.
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Yup, we've finally touched our humble abode 15 mins before midnight and all hands are busy at settling the household down - putting dear son to bed and packing up our purchases and freshening up.
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A final drink after putting things in order and a quick read of the local news via the internet before dropping sound asleep at 1am.

Ahhhh........YAWN............life is a breeze!!!!!......don't you think so? "zzzzz...........ZZ............zZZZz............zzZzzZZZ........zzzZZzzz". (snoring)....................

We met

2009-05-23T23:46:00.015+08:00

Baby Ashton for the first time today.
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Born on 25 April, he is the lovely second born of Uncle Steven and Aunty Yoke Mui - our dear neighbour living two floors above us and also the parents of pretty Chloe Mei Mei.

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Baby Ashton is very handsome and adorable. He looks very alike his elder sister Chloe. Mummy loved him to bits when she saw him today and she cannot take her eyes off him.
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As for dear son, he was busy playing with Chloe Mei Mei the moment he steps into their place, both busy entertaining themselves with Chloe's toys.

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The adults tucked themselves comfortably with the buffet spread ordered from Neo garden. The food was yummy and we had several of us neighbours around to chit-chat while enjoying our food!
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Dear son delayed his lunch until past 1pm as he was earlier busy playing with Chloe Mei Mei. It was only when Mummy asked him to prepare to leave for home that he realizes his grumbling tummy.
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We went for

2009-05-21T12:03:00.007+08:00

Kiet's 3rd dental review today.

This time at a dental centre located within NUH.
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Kiet enjoyed his dental experience very much as Dr Mok was really very patient and interestingly explaining dear son's tooth condition to him hence he probably found it very pleasant.

Dr Mok found decolouration on the front upper row of Kiet's tooth and that was mainly attributed by the fact that Kiet is still drinking milk from his bottle - a habit since infant time that's hard to kick away, especially whenever he's at home.

After treating one of his front decolouration, Dr Mok decided that the treatment was enough; at least for his first experience and advised Mummy to bring him back again soon for the other tooth's decolouration treatment.
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Before leaving Dr Mok's clinic, Ms Yvonne, the nurse assistant gave Kiet a variety of stickers to choose from and our dear boy picked a few stickers of Lightning McQueen and Ben 10 along with dinosaurs and Winnie-the-Pooh. What a boy! He even mentioned that he's going to share and show his stickers to his school-mates when he returned.
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and Yes, the next appointment with Dr Mok is another 3 weeks time - Definitely. Mummy is so happy with the experience too!
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39

2009-05-20T15:51:00.010+08:00

is just 25 With 14 Years Of Experience!

Haa.......today, we're dedicating this post to greet "Happy Hatch Day" to our dearest Master ANG; who is a son, a husband, a father, a worthy friend and a breadwinner in our household!

May everyday continue to be YOUR DAY! Wishing you All the Goodness & the Best in life!

We're Brewing

2009-05-20T09:13:00.005+08:00

a home-made concoction last evening.
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A Mummy and son joint efforts, making a surprise for our Master ANG and he'll get to see it when he returns tomorrow from work.

;-)

Last weekend

2009-05-18T10:11:00.013+08:00

is a breeze, ...........finally.

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Dear son is well back to his normal self since Friday and we welcomed Daddy back in town at Terminal 2 on Saturday morning, in the company of Ms Wong and dear son's buddy Poh Ong.
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We ordered some snacks & drinks at YA KUN while waiting for Daddy's arrival at Belt 31.
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Dear son was excited upon sighting his daddy as he had missed Daddy badly over the past few days; moreover having been ill earlier. On the other hand, the father had worried his heart sick over dear boy's health. We can tell that he is definitely very relieved seeing a lively and cheerful boy when he returns.
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While on Sunday, we left for Robinsons at Centrepoint after Mummy gets her household chores done in the morning. Mummy had promised to bring dear son out for a while since he had behaved well and of course, the fact that he was confined at home earlier to nurse his health. Daddy had to report for work on Sunday morning hence no point idling at home; that would be a waste for the rest of us.
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Both mum and son enjoyed their Robinson's shopping. Adding some more boxers for Daddy, another pair of shoes for Mummy and buying a steel WMF pan at a mere 19 bucks.
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After paying for our loots, we found a seat at the Toast Box for a late tea-break. Dear son had his toast and milo while Mummy ordered a cup of hot tea to quench her thirst.
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Not long, we're on our way to pick up our "L", heading for nap-time at home. Evening, needless to say, after a home-cooked dinner, all of us rested our feet and await for the next week to arrive.
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I'm fighting

2009-05-14T15:11:00.006+08:00

away the Zzzzzzz-monster in the office today.

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After several days of managing in-between work, home and a sick child, I'm almost on the verge of walking on thin line - falling ill myself. The rushing about and humid weather is definitely not helping so the herbal tea is of great help for the time being.
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Feeling really tired after 3 nights of late & disturbed sleep, it's harder today to fight that Zzzzzzz-monster. While still trying to win the sleepy battle, I'll continue to fight on and endure until Daddy returns on Saturday - so I can hand-over the family baton and rest for a while.
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Another

2009-05-13T21:53:00.015+08:00

hectic day starts right from this early morning.

Sensing that dear son's fever is not so usual after all, Mummy decided to bring her boy to the doctor today before bringing him to his granny's. While queuing for dear son's turn, Mummy quickly brought him to his favourite Provence cafe for a simple wassant breakfast.

Truth beholds! Mummy's told that Kiet is down due to another tonsillitis inflammatory. SIGH!!!!! Why that again?!? Mummy is so heart wrecked after hearing that her dear son's tonsils are making him sick.

All thanks to Dr Linda Ng for her detailed and thorough checkup, we finally left the family doctors' with a bagful of medications after spending almost 45mins there.

Dear son was settled with granny after the clinical consultation while Mummy headed out for work. By evening, Mummy fetches her dear boy home and give him another round of medications for his inflammation.

Fortunately for Mummy, dear son is without much fuss despite his condition which makes Mummy more assured and confident while Daddy is now outstationed.

and Oh..........., for the benefit of Kiet's daddy, here's a little message from the lovely boy to you:

Today is mostly spent

2009-05-12T17:10:00.012+08:00

nursing dear son's fever.

He was found to be lethargic and running a fever during dinner-time last evening after returning from the daycare.

With the recent unpredictable weather condition, no wonder most people are coughing, sneezing, down with flu or fever. Sigh - This is THE FLU SEASON for a tropical place like ours!

Still looking cheerful despite the temperature, Mummy brought her dear boy out for lunch at IMM to keep him happy instead of being coped up at home. At the same time, shop for groceries for dinner. Aunty Christina happened to be free today hence mummy invited her to join in the lunch session

Dear son is so happy to be out in the mall. He was in high spirits being able to come out from the house and have a few hours of open space!

Dinner is consumed at the comfort of home and Mummy invited Aunty Christina over for a meal since it's more logical to cook for at least 3 pax. The evening was then simple, completed with a plate of fruits and for dear son, medicine! Hopefully, dear son gets well in a day or two.

Packing

2009-05-05T00:16:00.004+08:00

Yup that's right.

We're doing the last few packing job after putting dear son to bed. Indeed we're one of those few travellers undeterred by the Influenza A flu outbreak but decided to go ahead with our flying plans tomorrow afternoon.

Dancing Boy

2009-05-02T19:09:00.003+08:00

That's right.
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Our shyless boy is showing off his stance while listening to Jolin's new song - 大丈夫.
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That's one way to spend the weekend eh?
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Happy May Day 2009!

2009-05-01T23:20:00.011+08:00

We idled this morning thinking of where to hang out. Before long, we landed at Holland-V for our breakfast at Provence followed by a trip down to the Horse-City at Turf club road.

We only realised when we arrived there; that there's no pony feeding or horse riding this morning. The only place packed is "PICOTIN", packed with diners. We guess it's perhaps due to the public holiday.

With a disappointed child with us, we had to quickly change our morning plan. We U-turned and headed home to grab our swimming gear. Yes, to the swimming pool - here we come!

While the dad and his son enjoy their dip, Mummy took the opportunity to quickly turn around "L". Mummy gave "L" a quick water splash to clear the surface dirt/mud, added a detailed internal wipe and carpet vacuum. By 1pm, the family packed up, shower the child and headed home for the delayed lunch. The Zzzzzzz-monster took over the limelight shortly after lunch and washing up.

By evening, we chose to check out Toa Payoh central for dinner since we've not been to that area for a long time. After dinner proper, we shopped around those nitty grtty shops and later to chance upon a huge tentage area of "Pasar Malam" stalls nearby the Library.

Our family loved "Pasar Malam" for the food and the nitty items sold at the market. Most of the items are very interesting and when one is lucky, one might get something he/she like at a cheap price. We hung around until almost at 9.30pm that we decided to return home. After shower, dear son is cuddled to sleep while the parents glued themselves to a little movie-date before ending the May day. How we wish we could always have a longer weekend huh?

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

Ohhhh......Stiff Neck!

2009-04-30T16:55:00.005+08:00

Yeah yes,..................I woke up this morning to be greeted by a stiff and acute neck pain located on my right that lasts the entire day even while typing this blog entry.

No matter how I tried to stretch, here, there..........apply finger pressure on the affected spot on my right neck and shoulder areas, IT JUST DOES NOT WORK!

Arrgghhhh..........looks like my only solution is - dear hubby's pressure point massage, hopefully able to release that particular vein that is 'stuck'. Thank Heavens for this husband!!!

We have been

2009-04-29T11:00:00.008+08:00

surrounded by flu infested environment these days while we notice flu outbreak is getting even more common in the recent years.

Back at home, both Mistress and Master have been eagerly nursing their mild flu-virus since last weekend in case they spread it to their dear boy - result of which will be worst for them. Patients waiting at the clinic are also mostly nursing their flu, cough, running nose....you name it, all related to the nasal path.

and there's this new widely-spread swine-flu that is not helping the situation, sending out its' virus and reaching out to the far away lands. WHEN WILL THIS EVER END?

We greeted Happy Birthday to

2009-04-29T09:07:00.008+08:00

dear father-in-law yesterday!

Had the day celebrated simply via a lunch arranged at The Line in Shangri-La. This location is especially chosen for Dad-in-law, since he once worked at The Shang hotel hence the place would definitely bring back some memorable memories for him on his special day.

We've kept it simple yet thoughtful since the rest of their family members had either to report to work or have their own businesses to mind. Nevertheless, we brought the folks for lunch, followed by a leisure chat at the lobby lounge as planned.

End of the day, we've got the folks very pleased and satisfied.

鍾(Chung) 老师出嫁了

2009-04-25T16:25:00.017+08:00

......yes...........this special lady played an important role during my early childhood days as she is one of the few chinese teachers that dotes on me very much while I was placed in Kinderland @Polytechnic.

On this very afternoon, our family was one of the privileged invited to her marriage solemnisation held at The 'Fisherman of Christ' fellowship located along Margaret Drive.

At 2pm sharp, the ceremony began.

She appeared totally radiant and happy while all the guest after prayers and praise, witnesses how the Master of Ceremony entrusts her lifetime happiness to long-time boyfriend - Chan Kuen, now her husband.

After benediction and recessional, the blessed & newly-wed couple marches out of the ceremony - totally immersed with happiness. As a couple ourselves, we STILL can't believe Ms Chung has finally joined our league!

百世修来同船渡，千载修得共枕眠 - It is fate and yuanfen that brings two persons together, value an encounter and treasure a relationship. We want to congratulate & wish our dear 鍾(Chung) 老师 & Chan Kuen - 祝你们白头谐老, 生活幸福美满!

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T17:12:00.014+08:00

is marked on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, that is TODAY.

Our family take it as a civil commitment irregardless whether it is a matter of reducing food or daily necessities wastage. In fact, such action ought to be a habit and part of us in our daily lives.

On this Earth Day, it is even more obvious & significant to us that we should observe and remind ourselves over again, that the earth nurtures & sprouts raw materials that have kept us humans alive since ancient times, hence here we are, let us all pledge to ReUse, ReDuce and ReCycle our daily necessities, whether or not others laugh or mind our act, or treat us as a stingy freak or any matter to that - ignore those ignorance!

In fact this video is worth the view. Just look at our daily food wastage but that wastage becomes someone elses dinner!

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

We are nothing, except simple beings just trying to make Mother Earth more lovely; but for Our Future Offspring.