On this new year’s eve, who are on your mind?
A few of my fav edited photos of the year.
Sunday, 31 December 2017
Monday, 11 December 2017
Teenagehood*
(Final catch up post written before my "Lim Family Trip to Chiangmai", and scheduled for publish when we are in Chiangmai).
A post about my sweetie. I remember she first flipped over from her back to her tummy at 3.5 months, just before CNY 2007. She first walked a week after her first birthday.
I'm a very sensitive mummy. When she was in P3/P4, I kept looking out for signs that she no longer want to wear kids clothes (those with cartoon/barbie designs). However, my sweetie was really still a kid back then. She still liked the cute designs; comfort and familiarity were more important to her. We often "negotiate" when she had to give up items there were too short and tight.
Finally, all the anticipated changes took place in the second half of P5. She took up a new sports in June, and her growth spur started and hasn't ended. I took her to buy new T-shrits and bottoms. Dresses too. During these trips, both of us consciously shopped for teens/chic designs and avoided cartoons/fancy designs. There was this black tee from Bossini that was too big for her. But she liked it a lot, so I relented. I sewed it smaller (by hand). Now it is her favourite. How do I know? Well, she wore it to her classmate's birthday party in September and when she invited her 2 good friends home for her birthday celebration. WK's mum commented (on her birthday celebration) “黑黑的，换一件”. But to the youngster, she probably felt very "cool".
Then one month after her birthday, her "relative" finally "arrived". I was really glad I was there for her (i.e. I am not overseas). She was feeling aright most of the times. A few days later, she felt weak and vomited during her badminton class. When she couldn't get her grandma after a few tries, she contacted me. I rushed down to fetch her. MIL will boil herbal soup for her before our Chiangmai trip.
Before all these, I always wonder, how do you define the point of turning teen? In general, secondary school kids are teenagers. In terms of behaviour, I noticed the oldest niece starting to "withdraw" from end of P5 onwards, while her younger sister was later. Could be due to personality, could be because of age gap (she is at least 4 years older than her lot of siblings and cousins). Physically, I do not know their milestone in detail. As for my sweetie, she is probably slower, like her closer cousin. But finally, officially she is starting to embark on the journey of teenagehood*.
* I googled this word, it is not a proper English word, but I feel that it is very appropriate in expressing my feeling.
The origin/creator of this word: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/submission/18692/teenagehood
Monday, 4th Dec, we ran errants in the morning (buy P6 books, get motion sickness medicine from GP). Then we took MRT to Vivo City to watch Pokemon movie and shopping (tee shirts again, and a few 内在美).
A post about my sweetie. I remember she first flipped over from her back to her tummy at 3.5 months, just before CNY 2007. She first walked a week after her first birthday.
I'm a very sensitive mummy. When she was in P3/P4, I kept looking out for signs that she no longer want to wear kids clothes (those with cartoon/barbie designs). However, my sweetie was really still a kid back then. She still liked the cute designs; comfort and familiarity were more important to her. We often "negotiate" when she had to give up items there were too short and tight.
Finally, all the anticipated changes took place in the second half of P5. She took up a new sports in June, and her growth spur started and hasn't ended. I took her to buy new T-shrits and bottoms. Dresses too. During these trips, both of us consciously shopped for teens/chic designs and avoided cartoons/fancy designs. There was this black tee from Bossini that was too big for her. But she liked it a lot, so I relented. I sewed it smaller (by hand). Now it is her favourite. How do I know? Well, she wore it to her classmate's birthday party in September and when she invited her 2 good friends home for her birthday celebration. WK's mum commented (on her birthday celebration) “黑黑的，换一件”. But to the youngster, she probably felt very "cool".
Then one month after her birthday, her "relative" finally "arrived". I was really glad I was there for her (i.e. I am not overseas). She was feeling aright most of the times. A few days later, she felt weak and vomited during her badminton class. When she couldn't get her grandma after a few tries, she contacted me. I rushed down to fetch her. MIL will boil herbal soup for her before our Chiangmai trip.
Before all these, I always wonder, how do you define the point of turning teen? In general, secondary school kids are teenagers. In terms of behaviour, I noticed the oldest niece starting to "withdraw" from end of P5 onwards, while her younger sister was later. Could be due to personality, could be because of age gap (she is at least 4 years older than her lot of siblings and cousins). Physically, I do not know their milestone in detail. As for my sweetie, she is probably slower, like her closer cousin. But finally, officially she is starting to embark on the journey of teenagehood*.
* I googled this word, it is not a proper English word, but I feel that it is very appropriate in expressing my feeling.
The origin/creator of this word: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/submission/18692/teenagehood
Monday, 4th Dec, we ran errants in the morning (buy P6 books, get motion sickness medicine from GP). Then we took MRT to Vivo City to watch Pokemon movie and shopping (tee shirts again, and a few 内在美).
Sunday, 10 December 2017
Church Camp
I do not have a religion, but I hope Lynn has one, cos I think people with religious belief seem happier, more fulfilled.
I let Lynn explore on her own, and she knows that I'm open to her having one. A few months back, she "wanted" be be a Buddhist, cos one of her favourite book character is one, ha! I have 2 books on Buddhism; she read one. She didn't give me any feedback though.
Back in end Sept, Mrs. U, our neighbour with 5 kids, gave us an invitation for Lynn to join her kids for church camp. Mrs. U and I both have the habit of passing "things" across the 2 household via the kids, cos we seldom see each other along the corridor (where the kids frequently hang around). It was Faith (one year older than Lynn) who brought the circular over. It's cute, cos I had more than once stood at my main gate asking Faith to ask her Mummy if she wanted Lynn's old school uniform, blading shoes etc.. Many a time, Faith would come back with "yes" and "thank you" :).
When I asked Lynn if she would like to go, surprising she said yes quickly. So I also quickly signed up for her, in case she changed her mind.
Mr. U took the kids there in the mornings. On the first day evening, he took them for dinner before sending them home. Dismissal was at 6, but they only reached home after 9pm. Apparently, they waited more than an hour for Eryn (sec 3), who was a crew member for the camp (the camp was for K1 - P6), before heading to dinner at City square Mall without her. After dinner, while waiting for Eryn, Lynn and Faith were attracted by the playground. So they played till rather late before heading home.
For the second day evening, WK and I volunteered our turn to bring them for dinner. Mrs. U replied that we may take Faith and Carryn (P2), as Joachim (P1) doesn't want to follow us, and would follow his elder sisters to their crew briefing.
2 pics on the right are photos taken by Mr. U of Lynn and Faith playing at City Sq Mall.
On bottom left, Carryn, Lynn and Faith at Novena Square
On the 3rd and final day, Saturday, parents were invited to watch a performance by the kids, of the songs and dances they learnt during the camp, which were about the story of Jesus christ.
FMC VBS 2017 Starveyors Camp
Lynn liked the camp a lot cos it was fun. She loved the galaxy-theme deco. When we asked her what she she learned, her comments were that they believed a lot in their god, and that they did not believe in the big bang theory. Hmm, I wonder if we going to have another atheist in the family.
I let Lynn explore on her own, and she knows that I'm open to her having one. A few months back, she "wanted" be be a Buddhist, cos one of her favourite book character is one, ha! I have 2 books on Buddhism; she read one. She didn't give me any feedback though.
Back in end Sept, Mrs. U, our neighbour with 5 kids, gave us an invitation for Lynn to join her kids for church camp. Mrs. U and I both have the habit of passing "things" across the 2 household via the kids, cos we seldom see each other along the corridor (where the kids frequently hang around). It was Faith (one year older than Lynn) who brought the circular over. It's cute, cos I had more than once stood at my main gate asking Faith to ask her Mummy if she wanted Lynn's old school uniform, blading shoes etc.. Many a time, Faith would come back with "yes" and "thank you" :).
When I asked Lynn if she would like to go, surprising she said yes quickly. So I also quickly signed up for her, in case she changed her mind.
Mr. U took the kids there in the mornings. On the first day evening, he took them for dinner before sending them home. Dismissal was at 6, but they only reached home after 9pm. Apparently, they waited more than an hour for Eryn (sec 3), who was a crew member for the camp (the camp was for K1 - P6), before heading to dinner at City square Mall without her. After dinner, while waiting for Eryn, Lynn and Faith were attracted by the playground. So they played till rather late before heading home.
For the second day evening, WK and I volunteered our turn to bring them for dinner. Mrs. U replied that we may take Faith and Carryn (P2), as Joachim (P1) doesn't want to follow us, and would follow his elder sisters to their crew briefing.
2 pics on the right are photos taken by Mr. U of Lynn and Faith playing at City Sq Mall.
On bottom left, Carryn, Lynn and Faith at Novena Square
On the 3rd and final day, Saturday, parents were invited to watch a performance by the kids, of the songs and dances they learnt during the camp, which were about the story of Jesus christ.
FMC VBS 2017 Starveyors Camp
Lynn liked the camp a lot cos it was fun. She loved the galaxy-theme deco. When we asked her what she she learned, her comments were that they believed a lot in their god, and that they did not believe in the big bang theory. Hmm, I wonder if we going to have another atheist in the family.
Little secrets
I went for a minor day surgery in the 3rd week of Nov, but kept it from most people around me, including Lynn and WK's mum. Only WK and a few others know.
It was really minor, so for anyone who read this post, please do not ask me about it. I'm writing this post because this is something that I should have earlier, but procrastinated. I'm really glad I finally did.
Some random pictures from that week.
Mt A Hospital in Christmas mood.
A shop house in Joo Chiat.
It was really minor, so for anyone who read this post, please do not ask me about it. I'm writing this post because this is something that I should have earlier, but procrastinated. I'm really glad I finally did.
Some random pictures from that week.
Mt A Hospital in Christmas mood.
A shop house in Joo Chiat.
Saturday, 9 December 2017
The P5 journey
Time flies. 4 years ago, I wrote about the conclusion of one major milestone, which was P1. After a few years of minor milestones, P5 turned out to be a major milestone year for her. I will write more about that in another coming post. As far as her studies went, there were both challenges and triumph moments this year.
Firstly, she continued to do well in languages, i.e. an A (80-90marks), but not exceedingly well, i.e. not A* (>90). This (2 As for languages + assume 2 A*s for math & science) is probably good enough for a very good secondary school, but may not be enough for the top few. Oh well, I will try to push on with helping her with CL, but will not go overboard. Its important to get into the best schools on her own merits, else she won't go far without collapsing.
The major struggle this year was her higher CL. When we met her CL teacher in May, she tactfully told us that Lynn got to buck up, cos she got only 1 point (pass but <65marks), when most student got 2 points (65 - 90). Her marks were 62, so our aim for 2nd half was to work harder on the comprehension. After her term 4 exams, I thought, si liao, seemed to be still under 65.. But when we got the report book, she actually scraped through - overall was 65.1 marks. Ha! Of course I was still worried that the school will force her to drop the subject. Luckily, she was allowed to continue. There were a handful of students, about 10% of the higher CL class who were asked to drop the subject. Phew.. our challenge continues next year!
Lynn likes Science since P3. When I helped her with science revision, I always joke that I totally a non-science student - never enjoy it, never really score well either. Somehow Lynn has a aptitude for this subject. She really surprised me in getting the "Best in Science" award for the level this year. In P1 & 2, she was in randomly assigned classes where she was one of the top 3. And she shared the "Best in Math" award with 3 other students for getting 100 marks for P2 Math. In P3 and 4, she was in the best 2 classes, so I encouraged her to aim for "Best in Math", before the subject gets more difficult for girls than boys, and it was also easier than being top 3 in the top classes. However, she missed out by few points. So this year, I wasn't placing any hope on any awards. I guess one reason that she got top 3 and the science award shows that effort does make a difference. Maybe the other kids slacked slightly, and she put in consistent effort, so she got rewarded this year.
Anyway, my niece Joyce got decent PSLE marks this year, which was 5 marks above my sister's own. My sis was not ungrateful, just that she's a bit disappointed that it was 2 marks off the COP of the school they were aiming for. She thought that Joyce should do better than herself because Joyce had tuitions. She asked me what I think of Lynn, which I told her I really don't know. It's hard to compare; I got good scores without guidance, without tuition. But my "good scores" were still way way below those for the top girls school. As for Lynn, lots of her classmates and cousins have tuitions (i.e. competition is tougher). Lynn herself has me to guide her in CL and Science. Hypothetically, if the conditions are the same, am I or is she smarter? So, irrelevant comparison. Well, all I know is that we shall continue the hard work next year. Secondary school shall be, whatever will be will be... And then she will be on her own :)
Here are some photos of the award presentation day.
Beautiful mosaic wall outside the Hall.
I took a photo of her good friend Heidi playing the 扬琴for the Chinese orchestra performance.
The award presenter for P5 is the Vice principal, Mr. Wong.
2 awards! Happy us..
Ok, below are 2 photos with funny/nice stories:
Firstly, a photo for the award winners from her class (4, including one for best progress). As mentioned, her school doesn't announce exact position. We (parents) have came to accept (and even embrace) the concept of not defining academic success in minute detail. Then Lynn said that since they know the 3 of them were top3, they compared marks in the report books on their own, and figured out who was 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Hahaha.. There's really no way to stop Singaporeans from comparing!
The other photo is Lynn with Ms Chua, her form teacher for P3/4 and her Math teacher from P5. She is Lynn's favourite teacher to date. I have written about Ms Chua in previous blogs. As parents and students, we are really fortunate to encounter caring and passionate teachers like Ms Chua. I wish her the best in her teaching career. We were in the canteen having the buffet after the ceremony. Lynn was reading her story book, which was a gift (for award winners) from Ms Chua, that they went to buy the day before. I was surfing on my mobile. So both of us didn't see her come up to our table. She said she wanted to take a photo with her "bookworm". It was a slightly embarrassing moment. But I'm really glad to have this photo. I wish I can thank the teachers enough.
That afternoon, I took Lynn for shopping, then to East Coast Park. Going to ECP via public transport is like going down memory lane, of my secondary school days. The way to ECP is still very much the same as in the past. Firstly, take the MRT (in the past, it was to City Hall MRT (Raffles City); that day, we went Eunos). Then change to buses that goes to Marine Parade. Drop off at Marine Terrace Road, walk to and then take the tunnel to cross over to ECP. Its as tedious as before. The tunnel looked refurbished, but still gave me the creeps like in the past.
Trash bins with pokemon drawings.
Top left is a photo of Lynn doing the dab in the tunnel. Bottom right is the photo with swirl effect added.
The next day, Saturday, we watched "Sound of Music" musical at MBS theatre with Wee San.
Firstly, she continued to do well in languages, i.e. an A (80-90marks), but not exceedingly well, i.e. not A* (>90). This (2 As for languages + assume 2 A*s for math & science) is probably good enough for a very good secondary school, but may not be enough for the top few. Oh well, I will try to push on with helping her with CL, but will not go overboard. Its important to get into the best schools on her own merits, else she won't go far without collapsing.
The major struggle this year was her higher CL. When we met her CL teacher in May, she tactfully told us that Lynn got to buck up, cos she got only 1 point (pass but <65marks), when most student got 2 points (65 - 90). Her marks were 62, so our aim for 2nd half was to work harder on the comprehension. After her term 4 exams, I thought, si liao, seemed to be still under 65.. But when we got the report book, she actually scraped through - overall was 65.1 marks. Ha! Of course I was still worried that the school will force her to drop the subject. Luckily, she was allowed to continue. There were a handful of students, about 10% of the higher CL class who were asked to drop the subject. Phew.. our challenge continues next year!
Lynn likes Science since P3. When I helped her with science revision, I always joke that I totally a non-science student - never enjoy it, never really score well either. Somehow Lynn has a aptitude for this subject. She really surprised me in getting the "Best in Science" award for the level this year. In P1 & 2, she was in randomly assigned classes where she was one of the top 3. And she shared the "Best in Math" award with 3 other students for getting 100 marks for P2 Math. In P3 and 4, she was in the best 2 classes, so I encouraged her to aim for "Best in Math", before the subject gets more difficult for girls than boys, and it was also easier than being top 3 in the top classes. However, she missed out by few points. So this year, I wasn't placing any hope on any awards. I guess one reason that she got top 3 and the science award shows that effort does make a difference. Maybe the other kids slacked slightly, and she put in consistent effort, so she got rewarded this year.
Anyway, my niece Joyce got decent PSLE marks this year, which was 5 marks above my sister's own. My sis was not ungrateful, just that she's a bit disappointed that it was 2 marks off the COP of the school they were aiming for. She thought that Joyce should do better than herself because Joyce had tuitions. She asked me what I think of Lynn, which I told her I really don't know. It's hard to compare; I got good scores without guidance, without tuition. But my "good scores" were still way way below those for the top girls school. As for Lynn, lots of her classmates and cousins have tuitions (i.e. competition is tougher). Lynn herself has me to guide her in CL and Science. Hypothetically, if the conditions are the same, am I or is she smarter? So, irrelevant comparison. Well, all I know is that we shall continue the hard work next year. Secondary school shall be, whatever will be will be... And then she will be on her own :)
Here are some photos of the award presentation day.
Beautiful mosaic wall outside the Hall.
I took a photo of her good friend Heidi playing the 扬琴for the Chinese orchestra performance.
The award presenter for P5 is the Vice principal, Mr. Wong.
2 awards! Happy us..
Ok, below are 2 photos with funny/nice stories:
Firstly, a photo for the award winners from her class (4, including one for best progress). As mentioned, her school doesn't announce exact position. We (parents) have came to accept (and even embrace) the concept of not defining academic success in minute detail. Then Lynn said that since they know the 3 of them were top3, they compared marks in the report books on their own, and figured out who was 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Hahaha.. There's really no way to stop Singaporeans from comparing!
The other photo is Lynn with Ms Chua, her form teacher for P3/4 and her Math teacher from P5. She is Lynn's favourite teacher to date. I have written about Ms Chua in previous blogs. As parents and students, we are really fortunate to encounter caring and passionate teachers like Ms Chua. I wish her the best in her teaching career. We were in the canteen having the buffet after the ceremony. Lynn was reading her story book, which was a gift (for award winners) from Ms Chua, that they went to buy the day before. I was surfing on my mobile. So both of us didn't see her come up to our table. She said she wanted to take a photo with her "bookworm". It was a slightly embarrassing moment. But I'm really glad to have this photo. I wish I can thank the teachers enough.
That afternoon, I took Lynn for shopping, then to East Coast Park. Going to ECP via public transport is like going down memory lane, of my secondary school days. The way to ECP is still very much the same as in the past. Firstly, take the MRT (in the past, it was to City Hall MRT (Raffles City); that day, we went Eunos). Then change to buses that goes to Marine Parade. Drop off at Marine Terrace Road, walk to and then take the tunnel to cross over to ECP. Its as tedious as before. The tunnel looked refurbished, but still gave me the creeps like in the past.
Trash bins with pokemon drawings.
Top left is a photo of Lynn doing the dab in the tunnel. Bottom right is the photo with swirl effect added.
The next day, Saturday, we watched "Sound of Music" musical at MBS theatre with Wee San.
Friday, 8 December 2017
Number game - my GE run of 2017
Looking back, I did my first GE run in 2009, at age 35. I was probably the slimmest and fittest at that point in time. My problem is consistency; I gained some weight, then lost them again in 2013, and then ballooned in the early 40s.
I decided to do something about it (again) in June, and aimed to do GE 21km by year end. I also told myself that this time around, I must turn it into a long term habit. At my heaviest in Jun this year, I am almost 58kg. In late July, 4 of us (Ginny, Joc, Lili) signed up for GE run on it's launch day. After one month of picking up exercising slowly, I realised that 21km is not realistic, so together with Lili, we signed up for 10km. Ginny signed up for 21km, and Joc for 5 (but she was not in town to join the run on race day).
My training picked up as the months went by. I realised my 2009 time of 63mins is not achievable already. So I aimed for 69mins, which is 10% deterioration over 8 years.
GE runs have always been one of the better organised events compared to other runs. This year, it's overall well done again. I have nothing to complain about. The only bad reviews were launch day queue and payment confusion, and the 9+am kids run that was in limbo and then cancelled due to darkening skies and eventual heavy rain.
6am: walk from Marina Bay grandstand to starting point at Flyers
Flagged off at 6.30am at Flyers.
7.45am, back at Marine Bay grandstand carnival area:
67mins for Lili and 69mins for me. Yeh!!
2 weeks before the run, I had a "bright idea". I thought that it was be a great surprise for Lili if Bernard can come cheer her at the 8 to 9km point. She had been feeling down. Also, it shouldn't be too much a problem to just wake up (very) early for one Sunday morning. Firstly, I casually reminded WK that I will be running in a fortnight's time. He enthusiastically initiated to bring Lynn there to experience the event. So I told him I will contact Bernard to see if he wants to join the both of them, so that he (Bernard) has company.
Then I texted Bernard, to invite him to join Wk and Lynn, explaining to him that the purpose is to give Lili a nice surprise. He replied that he will think about it and let me know. However, I then learn from Lili that Bernard may be away on biz trip.
One weekend before the race, I got Lynn to help me with doing 3 cheer posters. Not knowing the exact date of Bernard's travel dates, I sent him pictures of the posters, to jio him to join. He replied to say he can't.
Well, finally on the morning itself, I messaged Lili to tell her that I have a surprise for her, that WK and Lynn will be cheering her along the 9km spot. But WK didn't see her run by, and Lili did not see/stop for them either. Well I can only say, these 2 don't have chemistry.
I can't help but feel regrettable that the surprise failed. I can only give myself a pat on my own shoulder for at least trying, that the "stun" that turned a BFF event into a family + acquaintances (we met WK's friend and sat together for breakfast) event was with very good intentions in the first place.
Well, there's always next year! And my aim? 21km!!
Ginny came in 8.10am with a timing of 2hr 55mins. Her poster read "Ginny U can do it".
Lili's read "Lili U r my Champion".
As for me, its "Mummy Quick, We need breakfast".
Here is a photo of me stopping at opp MBFC (after Red dot Museum and before Promontory), at 8+km, for a picture with my cheer leaders. Thanks WK and Lynn!!
The runners with pink balloons were the 1-hr pacers.
My sweetie eating her favourite carnival junk - candy floss.
I decided to do something about it (again) in June, and aimed to do GE 21km by year end. I also told myself that this time around, I must turn it into a long term habit. At my heaviest in Jun this year, I am almost 58kg. In late July, 4 of us (Ginny, Joc, Lili) signed up for GE run on it's launch day. After one month of picking up exercising slowly, I realised that 21km is not realistic, so together with Lili, we signed up for 10km. Ginny signed up for 21km, and Joc for 5 (but she was not in town to join the run on race day).
My training picked up as the months went by. I realised my 2009 time of 63mins is not achievable already. So I aimed for 69mins, which is 10% deterioration over 8 years.
GE runs have always been one of the better organised events compared to other runs. This year, it's overall well done again. I have nothing to complain about. The only bad reviews were launch day queue and payment confusion, and the 9+am kids run that was in limbo and then cancelled due to darkening skies and eventual heavy rain.
6am: walk from Marina Bay grandstand to starting point at Flyers
Flagged off at 6.30am at Flyers.
7.45am, back at Marine Bay grandstand carnival area:
67mins for Lili and 69mins for me. Yeh!!
2 weeks before the run, I had a "bright idea". I thought that it was be a great surprise for Lili if Bernard can come cheer her at the 8 to 9km point. She had been feeling down. Also, it shouldn't be too much a problem to just wake up (very) early for one Sunday morning. Firstly, I casually reminded WK that I will be running in a fortnight's time. He enthusiastically initiated to bring Lynn there to experience the event. So I told him I will contact Bernard to see if he wants to join the both of them, so that he (Bernard) has company.
Then I texted Bernard, to invite him to join Wk and Lynn, explaining to him that the purpose is to give Lili a nice surprise. He replied that he will think about it and let me know. However, I then learn from Lili that Bernard may be away on biz trip.
One weekend before the race, I got Lynn to help me with doing 3 cheer posters. Not knowing the exact date of Bernard's travel dates, I sent him pictures of the posters, to jio him to join. He replied to say he can't.
Well, finally on the morning itself, I messaged Lili to tell her that I have a surprise for her, that WK and Lynn will be cheering her along the 9km spot. But WK didn't see her run by, and Lili did not see/stop for them either. Well I can only say, these 2 don't have chemistry.
I can't help but feel regrettable that the surprise failed. I can only give myself a pat on my own shoulder for at least trying, that the "stun" that turned a BFF event into a family + acquaintances (we met WK's friend and sat together for breakfast) event was with very good intentions in the first place.
Well, there's always next year! And my aim? 21km!!
Ginny came in 8.10am with a timing of 2hr 55mins. Her poster read "Ginny U can do it".
Lili's read "Lili U r my Champion".
As for me, its "Mummy Quick, We need breakfast".
Here is a photo of me stopping at opp MBFC (after Red dot Museum and before Promontory), at 8+km, for a picture with my cheer leaders. Thanks WK and Lynn!!
The runners with pink balloons were the 1-hr pacers.
My sweetie eating her favourite carnival junk - candy floss.
Thursday, 7 December 2017
Another year wiser
In previous years, I had alway noticed November coming around. I called it the bridesmaid month, a lead in to the joyous year end. This year, I had such a busy month, and it passed in a flash. Looking through my photos, I realised that I have 4 posts to make! Here goes the first one:
Lynn's last exam paper was on the morning of her birthday, 31st Oct. She wanted a mini celebration, with only 2 friends, which I thought can take place that afternoon. They (the 3 gals) discussed and came to a consensus that they preferred Thursday, 2 Nov. Well, I not "ban tang", and so it was set.
The food for lunch was beef bolognese spaghetti, fried chicken wing and nuggets, boiled cheese sausages, and stir-fried broccoli mix veg. On top of these, there's ribena and HL choco milk, potato chips and mash-mellows. Fruits were grapes and strawberries.
Turns out that kids nowadays are well-trained in eating healthier stuff. The 2 gals, Heidi and May liked the veg. They declined drinks at first, citing that they brought their own water. But of course they can't resist the potato chips and toasted mash-mellows.
Their favourite activity was hurdling together over the phone, surfing and chatting. To lure them away from the phone, I got them to do some Xbox dancing.
Finally, it was time to cut the cake. We got a horoscope sign cake from Breadtalk. Instead of "Happy Birthday Lynn", she requested to put her on-line name "Acrylic". In the photo, it showed clearly that she's already taller than her grandma. And her growth spur, which started in the middle of this year, has not ended yet as I write this in early Dec.
Finally, here's a photo of the kids with birthday boy Brayden during that weekend. Kids and adults alike, another year wiser, yet beautiful as ever. Love you all!
Lynn's last exam paper was on the morning of her birthday, 31st Oct. She wanted a mini celebration, with only 2 friends, which I thought can take place that afternoon. They (the 3 gals) discussed and came to a consensus that they preferred Thursday, 2 Nov. Well, I not "ban tang", and so it was set.
The food for lunch was beef bolognese spaghetti, fried chicken wing and nuggets, boiled cheese sausages, and stir-fried broccoli mix veg. On top of these, there's ribena and HL choco milk, potato chips and mash-mellows. Fruits were grapes and strawberries.
Turns out that kids nowadays are well-trained in eating healthier stuff. The 2 gals, Heidi and May liked the veg. They declined drinks at first, citing that they brought their own water. But of course they can't resist the potato chips and toasted mash-mellows.
Their favourite activity was hurdling together over the phone, surfing and chatting. To lure them away from the phone, I got them to do some Xbox dancing.
Finally, it was time to cut the cake. We got a horoscope sign cake from Breadtalk. Instead of "Happy Birthday Lynn", she requested to put her on-line name "Acrylic". In the photo, it showed clearly that she's already taller than her grandma. And her growth spur, which started in the middle of this year, has not ended yet as I write this in early Dec.
Finally, here's a photo of the kids with birthday boy Brayden during that weekend. Kids and adults alike, another year wiser, yet beautiful as ever. Love you all!
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
Going places on the sunny island
After I came back from Bhutan (first week Oct), I did some exploring and foot trails in SG itself.
1) Little India (Deepavali)
Almost every year, I will say to WK that we should go Geylang and Little India for the festive markets and lights-up for Hari Raya and Deepavali, but we never do. This year was no different. So one morning, I went for my own walk about.
It was rather subdued kind of feel in the morning for a place known for it's bustling energy. I was only met with breakfast crowd at Tekka market, and the occasional early-raiser tourists. The walk from Little India station to Farrer Park station along Serangoon Road was 1.2km, plus some distance for a slight detour to Mustafa center.
The deco was nothing out of the extraordinary; I like the purple elephant though. Having just came back from Bhutan, I occured to me that every landscape and landmark of our little island were deliberate attempts. This is not a complain; in-fact, what I mean is that I appreciate that we make the effort to retain some traditional and historical stuff amidst the crazy modernisation pace.
"Project Oasis (Hindoo Road): Installation Design
by Ms Marthalia Budiman "My ideas for public spaces; Forgotten spaces, URA competition 2015"
2) Botanic Garden
A few days later, I went for a short walk in Botanic Garden. I took a round trip from MRT (circle line) to Jacob Children's Garden and back, which was slightly > 1 km. It was a hot late morning; the high-light was probably the black swan that little children went after. I also got a lot of unclear photos of the stick insect on the white flower. Tried different angles, but that's the best that Iphone 7 can do under "shady" condition.
3) PCN Trail
Finally, this was the most interesting one. I asked Wee Kwong to recommend a walking route from TPY to East Coast Park. He said that it's doable, about 10km. I was training for my 10km GE run, so it was no problem for me.
That morning, I did not go in my track shoes, and proper attire. It was only fine for the first 1/2 hour, up to 8:30. Then it got hot, and that's the killer aspect of outdoor activities in SG. Anyway, I followed the PCN trail from Lor8, to Potong Pasir, cross over to Whampoa/Geylang Bahru, then reaching Kallang MRT at 10am. It's 5km up to Kallang, so I only did half the plan.
It was a good PCN trail, with only one major hurdle of crossing (overhead bridge) over PIE at Potong Pasir (8:25) to Serangoon (before Whampoa)(8:35).
At 8:50 I reached the "Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront". This estate was beautiful. Here I took a few nice pictures of reflection of plants, bridges and HDB flats in the river.
Then I reached the PCN at Jalan Besar at about 9:30, where I can see at the far end the "end point" of Kallang MRT. Here I lingered to take pictures and videos of cats and the MRT rumbling into Kallang station.
At 10am, I almost gave up at Kallang MRT. Well, I walked around the station and saw a sign that say "Walk 800m to Singapore Sports Hub". After debating with myself for a few minutes, I journeyed on. It was a "long walk", in the sunny mid morning condition and many photo taking stops. Got a few nice pictures, especially of the Kallang Airport Terminal Building (10:14). Finally, I must have reached Kallang Wave Mall around 10:35. Got a final picture of a cup of Kopi with Cinnamon flavour at 10:50.
I'm want to do this again soon!!!
X) Ok, I going to end this post with something that's totally disconnected. Some weekend in Oct, we celebrated Lili's BD. I think she is currently experiencing "mid-life crisis", a few years after me. I really hope that she had reached rock bottom, and will be on her way up soon. My most sincere and simple wish for my BFF: be happy.
1) Little India (Deepavali)
Almost every year, I will say to WK that we should go Geylang and Little India for the festive markets and lights-up for Hari Raya and Deepavali, but we never do. This year was no different. So one morning, I went for my own walk about.
It was rather subdued kind of feel in the morning for a place known for it's bustling energy. I was only met with breakfast crowd at Tekka market, and the occasional early-raiser tourists. The walk from Little India station to Farrer Park station along Serangoon Road was 1.2km, plus some distance for a slight detour to Mustafa center.
The deco was nothing out of the extraordinary; I like the purple elephant though. Having just came back from Bhutan, I occured to me that every landscape and landmark of our little island were deliberate attempts. This is not a complain; in-fact, what I mean is that I appreciate that we make the effort to retain some traditional and historical stuff amidst the crazy modernisation pace.
"Project Oasis (Hindoo Road): Installation Design
by Ms Marthalia Budiman "My ideas for public spaces; Forgotten spaces, URA competition 2015"
2) Botanic Garden
A few days later, I went for a short walk in Botanic Garden. I took a round trip from MRT (circle line) to Jacob Children's Garden and back, which was slightly > 1 km. It was a hot late morning; the high-light was probably the black swan that little children went after. I also got a lot of unclear photos of the stick insect on the white flower. Tried different angles, but that's the best that Iphone 7 can do under "shady" condition.
3) PCN Trail
Finally, this was the most interesting one. I asked Wee Kwong to recommend a walking route from TPY to East Coast Park. He said that it's doable, about 10km. I was training for my 10km GE run, so it was no problem for me.
That morning, I did not go in my track shoes, and proper attire. It was only fine for the first 1/2 hour, up to 8:30. Then it got hot, and that's the killer aspect of outdoor activities in SG. Anyway, I followed the PCN trail from Lor8, to Potong Pasir, cross over to Whampoa/Geylang Bahru, then reaching Kallang MRT at 10am. It's 5km up to Kallang, so I only did half the plan.
It was a good PCN trail, with only one major hurdle of crossing (overhead bridge) over PIE at Potong Pasir (8:25) to Serangoon (before Whampoa)(8:35).
At 8:50 I reached the "Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront". This estate was beautiful. Here I took a few nice pictures of reflection of plants, bridges and HDB flats in the river.
Then I reached the PCN at Jalan Besar at about 9:30, where I can see at the far end the "end point" of Kallang MRT. Here I lingered to take pictures and videos of cats and the MRT rumbling into Kallang station.
At 10am, I almost gave up at Kallang MRT. Well, I walked around the station and saw a sign that say "Walk 800m to Singapore Sports Hub". After debating with myself for a few minutes, I journeyed on. It was a "long walk", in the sunny mid morning condition and many photo taking stops. Got a few nice pictures, especially of the Kallang Airport Terminal Building (10:14). Finally, I must have reached Kallang Wave Mall around 10:35. Got a final picture of a cup of Kopi with Cinnamon flavour at 10:50.
I'm want to do this again soon!!!
X) Ok, I going to end this post with something that's totally disconnected. Some weekend in Oct, we celebrated Lili's BD. I think she is currently experiencing "mid-life crisis", a few years after me. I really hope that she had reached rock bottom, and will be on her way up soon. My most sincere and simple wish for my BFF: be happy.
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