Orange Ice cream

Just one of Toddler ANG's master-piece from daycare. Found within his clothes while packing his little bag.nlkn/lk lkj,,

A toddler's coloring.....out of alignment. Really cute.

Thought-Worthy

I was forwarded an email from sis-in-law, which remains unread in the Inbox for.........perhaps a few weeks. It's a usual assumption that the content is likely a joke or some inspirational email since the subject reads "Sometimes".

.

This time, it's neither of those.

.

Not only it is something short and sweet, but it made me pause for a while amidst my hectic activities at 10.25am.

.

On the thoughts - Indeed how many of us really remember the person(s) who went through tough times with us? - really tough times I mean. Especially after gaining success in life; status or monetarily - Most major or minor personalities would be naturally forgotten and is at most times, taken as a given or granted.

.

I do personally witness this at the work-place and these people don't earn my respect.

.

Finally, while we are all buried in our work-pile slogging our heads off, we must still remember our principles in life, our good colleagues, friends or families who 'believed' in us. Spent a good deal of time in appreciation of them. And if we happen to be that major or minor personality who had assisted or is assisting another person during his/her tough times, do it well.

.

Evening at Vivo City

During the Day

.

As usual, the daddies are at BBDC this afternoon for their respective 'motorbike' lessons. Yes, it's motorbike lessons. Class 2 for the ANG Master and Class 2B for Mr How.

.

Except for Mr How, the ANG Master did not pass his evaluation test today. We also heard that Mr Chua had enrolled himself today.....yay!! So that makes it 3 daddies with effect from next Sunday....(hee hee)

.

Oh well, even if the ANG Master fail today, there's still another chance next Sunday ok! We're looking forward to riding the Gold Wing or BMW.....(heh heh heh)

.

.

In the evening

.

The House of ANG and their usual gang decided to settle their dinner at the Vivo City. This time, to try out the hawker fare at the Food Republic (since it's usually Sushi Tei whenever the folks pop-by to Vivo-City)

.

.

We ordered a lot of food to be shared among the 5 adults. Cha-Siew Rice, Roti-John, Beef Steak, Korean Kimchi Soup and Bimbibab, Mutton Soup.......tuk tuk Kueh......and the food list goes on.....if the stomach permits.......(hee hee)

.

(I also want to buy a pair Mummy)

.

After a sumptuous dinner, the folks shopped around Vivo to look out for "cheap" and "good" track-shoes. After checking out at Adidas and Puma (the group concluded that Puma's service suck big time as the assistants do not provide any service at all...oppsss...)

.

After being slapped with that lousy customer service in the Puma shop, we proceeded to GIANT Hypermart for no-service instead really 'cheap' and 'good' track-shoes. While the adults were busy trying on their goods, Toddler ANG did not want to lose out! He headed straight to the bicycle department and hopped onto a mini 4-wheel bicycle.......

.

He was found cycling around the spacious departmental store for the entire time. All agreed that it is one of the fabulous way to refrain him from running about.....

.

(I don't want to be seen in this!)

.

(See, I'm a proud new owner of this BFX)

.

Finally, Toddler ANG is a happy owner of this new 4-wheel bike, with compliments of his Daddy. Despite trying to coax him to get off the bike so that the folks may proceed to the carpark, Toddler ANG refused. 15 minutes was given to him to 'show-off' his riding skills at the envy of many children.

.

Hmmm.......the ANG Mistress must make ANG Master buy her something from their next Vivo City visit. (heh heh heh)

Woot, it's hilarious but what's the point?

Had a real good laugh recently. Believe this has become a blog "entertainment" in Singapore.

.

It started with xiaxue (a young singapore blogger) who wrote an entry about the Top Seven Most Disgusting Blogger in Singapore. One of the listed candidate, a prominent gentlemen, Steven Lim (the famous Singapore Idol participant who stripped to his yellow 'triangle' swimming trunk) retailiate via his 8 mins video calling her a 'chicken pie' in return.

.

Hence the Xiaxue versus Steven Lim sarga.

.

20-07-2007 (a.k.a 20 July 2007)

This day is a special day - the date by itself is already special. Happy *2007 2007*
.
Celebrate 20-07-2007
.

To leave a memory on this special date, the ANG Mistress along with her 3 other buddy colleagues decided to do a small scale 'celebration'. How? By EATING of course!! heh heh heh.....so the folks stomped to Sushi Tei at Raffles City Shopping Centre, got seated and ordered in those delicacies.

.

There're salmon soup, assorted sushi, ramen, vegetable tempura, potato salad and agedashi tofu shared among the F4 - Female Four.

.

(Yummi-li-cious food all chomped down in less than half an hour)
.
(Hmmm....Yum Yum)
.
(Faces of satisfaction)
.
.
Racial Harmony Celebration
.

In the evening, the House of ANG spent a very meaningful time in Toddler ANG's daycare. It was the monthly "Parent's Talk Nite" and also the "Racial Harmony Day" celebration. At the centre's request, the parents made sure that all their children were dressed in their national/traditional costume that evening.

.
(A multi-racial song performed by the children & teachers)
.
(The dedicated team of teachers)
.

The children presented a multi-racial song and handed their parents a small hand-made "GO GREEN" pouch, handy enough to contain a plastic bag.

.

This activity is in line with the Food theme in this semester and also to support recycling. It is to convey the message of recycling, reuse & to avoid wastage.

.

The rest of the evening is spent mingling and getting to know each other and taking lots of pictures.

.
.
Double match *2007 2007* only happens once in a lifetime.....so.....the House of ANG wishes all a very wonderful day!

Costa Escapade

The House of ANG packed a bag & started their 14 July morning at Siloso Beach in Sentosa - A Costa Escapade - brief one though.....all thanks to the humid weather that morning.
.

.
It was a Family Day event so the usual 'entertainments' were lined up along the beach. There was this Beach Spa that the ANG Master is rather keen to try but the weather somehow discouraged him (so humid), so he decided to give it a miss - awwwww......no photos of 'macho man' then
.
Besides the Beach Spa, there were also other fringe activities lined up;
- Fun Fair stores for "ti-kam ti-kam" and lots of prizes to take home with;
- Bubble Foam Pool for the older children to play in;
- Creative Art corner for children who prefers to discover the Picasso in them;
- Dunking Machine for those who wants to see a babe into the water;
- Hair Styling Station for most of the vain ladies (haha);
- Toddler's playpit; where our Toddler ANG and some other young children were seen enjoying in.
.

.
As the saying goes "Early Bird gets the worm", it definitely pays to be early in our case. The ANG Mistress is rewarded by being a happy grand winner of the Early Bird draw - 3 adults tickets to the "SONGS OF THE SEA" at 7.40pm. Unfortunately, the folks of the House of ANG did not plan to stay in Sentosa for the whole day hence the tickets were graciously given to another colleague of the ANG Mistress.

Before the clock strikes 2pm, the House of ANG left for Home Sweet Home as the humidity starts to become more unbearable.
.
For all the energy exhausted at the Costa Escapade, the House of ANG rewarded themselves a good 3 hours of nap that Saturday afternoon!

Mickey Worn Out!

It finally arrive at a point that the ANG Mistress gotta find out this; how come her Toddler kept on wearing off his sandals. This change will be his 3rd since he entered daycare on 21 March 07.
.

.
(Very worn off at the edges!)
...
Let's see, his first pair of sandals was a nice baby blue pair from Bata. The ANG MIstress love their children bbg range (Bubble Gummers) and hence decided to let him wear to the daycare. Here's how it looked.
,. .
(Nice Bluey)
>>
Then it started to wear off in a matter of 1 and a half months so everyone at home is wondering why that can be the case. Without investigating further, the bbg bluey was replaced with a new pair of Mickey Mouse sandals around Early May.

.

(Making comparison - new vs old)

.

So in the end, we found out one day that he was riding this every day in the daycare during their outdoor activity.
.
(Now we know why it wears off only at the internal edge)
.
His current pair of sandals is from Bata - Yeah I know.....bbg range again!
This time, Anyone like to guess how long this pair will last him? - hah hah
.
PS: The ANG Mistress is wondering whether to switch Toddler ANG into wearing a sports shoe.

Cough

Our toddler is down with running nose & cough since yesterday........gosh, don't understand how it got into him.....didn't remember bringing him anywhere.

Those virus are really contagious nowadays. Heard housewives can contact flu out of no reason.

Those syrups gotta kick-in........poor Toddler, running around the house with dripping nose.

Going Green

Last Friday, the daycare teachers showed the ANG Mistress to a table full of green bean sprouts during pick-up time. .
One of the plastic containers bore the name - Kiet
.
The Toddler rushed over quickly, while patting at himself, he said to his Mum - "Kiet......Kiet do"
.
His Mummy recognised & without hesitation, praised her toddler's effort immediately.
Somebody should see that child. He was beaming!
..
The sprouts on 22 Jun 07
.
A few days had passed.....those sprouts were much taller now!
..
The sprouts on 25 Jun 07

Father's Day 17 June 2007

To all the great Dads out there...........Happy Father's Day!
.
On this day, the House of ANG give special thanks to the ANG Master for being such a great Daddy to Toddler ANG & Hubby to the ANG Mistress.
.

.
Thank you for:
.
1) helping to dress your toddler after his shower; so the Mistress can continue her chores
2) helping to feed your toddler during meal times; so the Mistress can eat in peace
3) helping to do those night-feeds; while the ANG Mistress is snoring soundly
4) helping your friends or others out when they are in need of assistance; and
4) working hard to feed the folks in The HOUSE OF ANG
.
The family appreciates it. I'm sure your good friends agree too.
.
Thank you.......

Homeward Bound

Today, we bide farewell to our close friend's Indon maid - Siti.
.

.
She has been working for more than 5 years and her latest renewed contract was supposed to be due sometime at the end of next year. However, due to some matters at home over in Indonesia, she has decided to return.

.

Thank you Siti, for being such a considerate assistant whenever we visit. Those hot steaming freshly brewed coffee, babysitting our kiddos when we are having our meals and assisting the ladies with the preparations whenever there's a gathering. It's a pity you have to leave us for your family but as a consolation, we all know you're just a phone call away.

Do drop a call after you settle down. Most important, the rest of us here hope that everything will be smooth sailing & turn out well for you. All the Best & Take Good Care Always.

Fun Fun Fun

My buddy Poh Ong gor gor recently started his new life in the same daycare as me, wef 6 June 2007 - Memorable Date right? heh heh
.
Ever since that day, I've gotten myself a full-day buddy now.........(I used to be the last few to go home.....now I've got gor gor with me at least......hee hee hee)
.
Although gor gor is still settling down in the daycare, he is considered doing very well for a first-timer you know! Despite some crying & whining (unavoidable), he does join in our daily activities somehow. Hmmm...I don't think I did that well during my early days?........hee hee.
.
Horsing around the living room after shower
.

These are 2 Manja children after all...needs to be cuddled
.
2 fast growing boys but still a baby at heart.......indeed!

Under Where?

Our little Toddler ANG has something to show everyone.........

.

.

.

Yeah Yeah Yeah, he is wearing an under-wear.....gearing to go diaperless in the day.

Anything also can Eat?

While the ANG Mistress is driving the family's diet to new "healthy" heights, the daycare teachers can tell her that Toddler ANG has recently developed a new appetite - Pebbles!!
.

.
It's rather strange that at age 31 months, Toddler ANG is found stuffing things into his mouth. It can be food scraps on the floor, small toy objects, and now according to the teachers, pebbles. Don't remember him doing all these when he was younger.......can it be delayed growth? Most children by 31 months should have outgrown that behavior.

Dilema....

Happy Vesak Day!

Happy Vesak Day to all our Buddhist friends!

On this special occasion, most buddhist all over Singapore will be visiting temples to present their offerings (may consists of flowers, fruits and incense). The same objective, that is to pray for good health for their families and loved ones. Although filled with immense humidity that morning, it did not deter the folks from the House of ANG to join the other fellow buddhist to offer their prayers. (hee hee)

Later part of the morning, on a typical west part of Singapore, Toddler ANG's daycare 久碧丽园 also make good this opportunity for an Open House! The management introduced their advisory committee chairperson Professor Christine Ure (Phd., Associate Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne) to the parents.

Prof Ure has an outstanding reputation in academic circles in the field of early childhood development and is recognized for her work on assessing young children’s development and the teaching methods best suited to this young age group. She was in Singapore for a NIE conference since Monday and it was a pleasure that she was able to visit the daycare amidst her hectic schedule.

As buddhist, the folks of the House of ANG value Vesak Day very much. It's not only a public holiday for an opportunity to rest well, in their eyes, it's a mark of respect to mankind and to Lord Buddha.

With so much unrest in other parts of the world, the folks hoped that mankind will learn to appreciate each other, allow for peace and harmony for the sake of our future generations.

Healthier Eating

Someone in the House of Ang recently went for a 'test' and was found to be 'unwell'.

That someone insisted that the ANG Mistress keep it confidential - hence ok, no names to be mentioned here. Will have to abide by the rule of secrecy. Instead of sitting and fretting over the test results, the ANG Mistress felt that she has to do something about it.

Of all the things to start with, this thing about the diet has to change. No more fatty, sugary, saltish and high carbo food but more fibre, wholesome food to be introduced.

To all our friends out there....do take care of your health....before you know it, your health might be starting to fail you.

Happy Birthday Daddy

Although this post is late, Mummy and Toddler ANG wishes Daddy ANG a very healthy and Cheery Birthday!

.

.
Last Sunday, the House of ANG and their usual gang celebrated the birthday of the ANG Master over in Aloha Changi Chalet.



Nestled within Changi Village, this colonial-styled Chalet is located near changi beach. The accommodation comes with full kitchen facilities, a BBQ pit, dining and living-rooms, and 4 bedrooms on the upper-floor.

.

.
As a 1st timer to check into the Changi chalet, it's definitely an eye-opener in view of many spooky stories told of the chalets located in Changi - http://www.spi.com.sg/haunted/haunted_changi/commando_jetty.htm. Luckily for us, although we did not encounter with any strange happenings ourselves, we understand from one of our friends that while he was sleeping in one of the bedrooms with 2 single beds, he kept hearing some sound from the other bed. It's like as though 'someone' was tossing & turning on the other bed. Arghhh......

Anyway, it's only a night's stay and the group happily checked-out the next day.

All in all, our hope is that the birthday man enjoyed his day!

Mum's Day 13 May 07

.

Happy Mum's Day to all the honourable women folks out there!
.
On this special day, ensure that you relax yourself and make your folks in the family do those housework on your behalf! heh heh.....

.

Appreciate & Enjoy the presents that your lovely children prepared for you.

Advice for working moms

Being a full-time working mum myself, I'm wondering if the below recommendation works in the Singapore work environment? I'm not too confident myself but perhaps there might be some working mothers out there, being the lucky girl enjoying benefits from her company. Fingers Crossed for myself!!

Extracted this article from CareerBuilder.com
From Mary DelaneyChief Sales Officer for CareerBuilder.com

-- Mother's day means something special to everyone.

.

For some busy moms, it means sleeping in; breakfast in bed; no household chores; or good old fashioned family time -- something many moms wish they had more of year 'round.

.

Forty-four percent of working moms say they'd take a pay cut if it meant they could spend more time with their kids.
That's according to a new CareerBuilder.com survey of 1,124 women, employed full-time, with children under the age of 18 living at home.

.

Nearly one-in-ten say they would give up ten percent or more of their salary. Of working moms that are not the sole financial provider, nearly half (49 percent) say they would leave their job if their spouse or significant other made enough money for the family to live comfortably.

.

Moms are also missing quality time with their kids. Thirty-two percent of working moms say they spend less than three hours per day with their kids. Nearly a quarter (23 percent) report they have missed three or more significant events in their child's life in the last year and more than a third have missed two or more.

.
Career moms should keep in mind that compensation isn't the only thing that is negotiable -- you can (and should) negotiate your schedule as well. As companies face a shrinking pool of qualified labor, retaining top talent has become a key business objective and companies are reshaping their policies. From mother's rooms to flexible work schedules to job sharing to onsite daycare, company-wide initiatives to accommodate and even encourage employees to balance work and family life are becoming commonplace.

.
According to the survey, nearly four-in-ten working moms say their companies offer flexible work arrangements. Of those who have taken advantage of these arrangements, the vast majority say it has not negatively impacted their career progress.

.

Follow these tips for how to sell your boss on a more flexible schedule:
1. Have a game plan -- Your recommendation should be presented as a well thought out strategy that demonstrates how you'll be more productive in a flexible work situation. Come with a plan already laid out and show your boss you have thought through the process.

.

2. Ease into it -- Often companies implement new programs and strategies in stages -- in order to make your plan more palatable to your boss, consider a plan that will gradually work up to your goal.

.

3. Be prepared and practiced -- Anticipate questions/concerns your boss may raise and determine in advance how you will address these concerns. Also, be prepared to negotiate.

.

Also, here is a sampling of five of the top 10 companies with innovative policies for working moms, according to Working Mother magazine.

Abbott: Meets the needs of working moms with child care, flexibility, mentoring and leadership programs.

.

Ernst & Young: Allows working moms to create a customized package from a menu of options including flexible culture, Working Moms' Networks and parental leave -- 12 fully paid weeks off for new moms with at least one year of service.

.

HSBC-North America: Sponsors numerous on-site child-care centers for moms who need full, part-time and/or backup care for their children.

.
JPMorgan Chase: Implements an Eight Week Advantage Program that allows new parents to make use of eight weeks of child care at on-site centers.
.

Principal Financial Group: Offers Working Caregiver Leave -- employees can take 12 weeks in addition to FMLA to care for new children or ill family members, while working part-time and getting full benefits.

.

At companies like these, women can still bear the brunt of child care duties, even in families where both parents work.

.

One-in-four working moms say they are dissatisfied with their work/life balance.

Follow these tips for managing the work/life balancing act:
1. Have a date night -- It's long been said quality over quantity. Schedule dates and special activities with each of your kids. This allows you to start traditions, create fond memories and will remind your kids how important they are to you.
.

2. Keep one calendar -- Unfortunately, it's often easier to cancel on your child than on a potential client. Scheduling business and family obligations on the same calendar will lessen your chances of forgetting a personal commitment when you're planning work activities. It will also help you avoid over-scheduling and alert you if your commitments are unbalanced.

.

3. Leave the building -- When you go on vacation, go on vacation. When you have a day off, take a day off. Many working moms feel they will lose a competitive edge if they ever truly leave the office at the office. But when you focus on other things and come back refreshed you will deliver a better work product.

.
.

Mary Delaney is the Chief Sales Officer at CareerBuilder.com and mother of three.

Easter Bunny

We didn't know our Toddler can sit still in art & craft lessons.
.
In fact, we were surprised but impressed, when the daycare teachers showed us this Easter Bunny.
..

.
We were told that our Toddler sat through the bunny making process during art lesson and......with some assistance from the teachers.....
.
Voila! We have a cotton-wool Easter Bunny as a keepsake!!