Christmas Gathering

Had a Christmas gathering last weekend with our friends from our Switzerland / Italy tour.


The gift exchange was fun. Sharon helped to coordinate the whole thing by having us think of jingles to describe our ideal gift. It was a great idea as we all got what we wanted.

Everyone is now looking forward to the CNY gathering. Especially the guys, who are looking forward to the mahjong session!

It's our annual Christmas Lunch again !!!

How time flies...

our first lunch date... remember 4 years ago on X'mas, I had to work. Asked my wife out for lunch. didnt know where to go, decided to go Hoshi Japanese rest in IMM. It was really a nice X'mas lunch... hee:D not that the food was fantastic... the feeling was sweet.. :)

Since then, we have been going back every X'mas for lunch without fail. And each year we will somewhat order the same food... We were saying we will go for as long as the restaurant is still around... :)

over the years, the restaurant has changed quite a fair bit. the layout, the setting, all changed except for one thing... the sweet feeling never change. it's always there when we go back for our annual lunch... there were 2 years, we even got back the same seats... :D

More presents!

The water dispenser that my hubby has been eyeing.
Recipes for pasta sauces (hey are you hinting for me to cook more??)
Pooh bear towel for me!

Hee... sweeeeeet.... more more!

Merry Merry Christmas

It's X'mas time again... This year orchard deco was pretty nice... my wife's favourite colour... hee:D she likes it... hee:D bias la :p actually not bad la the lightings this year... :)

like every other year, everywhere is packed with people... and as usual no countdown for us. sometimes I looked back, cant really imagine how we can tahan or used to "cheong" like crazy... go countdown until wee hours...! hee:D now? countdown? ... no thanks man. no stamina ah ! oops... it seems like a sign of "old age" hee :D

but imagine having a nice christmas eve dinner with close friends, in a nice cosy environment where you dont need to shout to get yourself heard... thereafter find a place, sit back and relax over a cup of coffee while you chat your night away... :) it's nice really. maybe one could try one day... and you will prob understand why we enjoy that... :)

Triplets

Forgot to bring my camera when we had a gathering last friday. Got this pic of Kaylyn, Nicole and Ashton from Biyun.

They are at the age where they are so responsive. Really a joy to watch them especially when they were hugging one another (but I believe looking after them is another story altogether!)

Xmas presents!

Xmas presents from Peishi and Biyun!

PS: that is a salt and pepper shaker (the mouse for the salt and the cheese for the pepper! - yes the mouse can be removed)

Love is a once in a lifetime deam come true...

Margaret and Haresh's ROM - 18 December 2007

It's been about 12 years plus since they got together. I'm sure I share the same sentiments as many when i say how truly happy I am for them! They have been through so much and they really deserve this happy marriage together.

It was a beautiful and romantic ceremony.... so sweet... I'm sure many had tears in their eyes! I really wish them a blissful marriage and that their love for each other will last for all eternity!

I realised that we didn't manage to get a pic of the 4 of us at Sue's, KW's or my wedding! Glad we managed to take one here!

Jen Fai's 5th Birthday

My nephew turned 5 on 18 Dec 07! Wow, time really flies, he's entering K2 next year already!

Sis, mum and I brought him out to the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden at the Bukit Timah core of the Botanical Gardens. It was a little disappointing, the map seemed to promise more than it delievered. And it was raining for awhile. Still, i think he had some fun digging the sand at the playground and some splashing around at the water fountains never hurts!

We then proceeded to Ikea for lunch so that he could have a little fun at the Indoor playground.

Melee - Built To Last

So sweet.....

Finally a breather !

Finally my exams are OVER !!! I'm so glad that it's now over. It was really a taxing month for me this december. Having to study real hard for my exams, and to handle the outsourcing matters regarding my job.

my studies these days are really getting very heavy. the exams were really challenging. though I have taken the exams, I totally have no clue or confidence in guessing how good or bad I did in the exams. In my past exams, I can always gauge how well or bad. But now on the third year, it's really no longer the same. no choice la, just got to put in more effort to finish up the 6 modules and one final project that I have left with. How I wish it could be faster, but it's just that much I can handle at one time...

As for my job; Finally the whole outsourcing saga in my company has ended and I'm now a new employee with Unisys as of 1st Dec. Kind of sad though. but what to do... that's life in the IT. just got to live with it and explore further... :) But I'm glad that now things are settled and moving with the transition matters. At least now I know where I am. the next challenge now is where I will be going... mm... another big headache.

Been so stressful recently with my studies and job, didnt really spend some quality time with my baby... so happy that things are over and can really go "par tuo" with my wife. havent been "par tuoing" for some time due to my studies... now I'm just going to spend all my time with my dear wife... ;)

right after my last paper on 14th Dec, we had a family gathering at a chalet. it was really fun-filled and relaxing. free from worries, free from exams... ha ha... feeling so carefree that we did almost all kind of sports available there... hee :D we were saying we will have another one next year... :)

It was really nice to be able to spend time with family. both of us were always thinking, why are we always so busy...??? spending time with love ones really makes one appreciative of the people around you - Ant

Bungalow with the family

Went to Aloha Loyang at Pasir Ris area with the family over the weekend. It was fun! We had surprisingly good weather - sunny most of the time as compared to the downpours in other parts of Singapore.

We managed to do so much! Cycling, swimming, tennis, roller blading, brought Jen Fai to Pasir Ris playground, BBQ and celebrated Jen Fai's 5th birthday too!




It's not often that we get the chance to have the whole family together like that. Definitely should do this again next year!

Book - Born on A Blue Day by Daniel Tammet

This was an excellent read, a rare opportunity to understand what is going on in the minds of a high functioning autistic savant with Asperger's syndrome. If you have ever wondered why someone with autism is thinking about, this will give you a good insight.

What really tugged at my heart and saddened me was when he described his childhood years and how he dealt with school and other social activities. How commonly do we hear about how kids are treated if they seemed or acted differently. If only the bullies had known what the autistic children were going through, would they have been more understanding and patient and caring?

With the support of a loving family and his partner, Daniel is able to lead a somewhat normal life. This is what parents of autistic children would dream of for their own.

Flowers for me

so sweet... bouquet of flowers from KW cos she knows i'm feeling down...



Hey KW, cheer up too! Xmas is coming, let's forget about everything and enjoy the festive seasons! - jan

when you are feeling down

there are times when you are feeling down,
but just the thought of going home to that someone you love,
and knowing that he will be always there for you no matter what,
sure helps to make your heavy heart feel a lot lighter.

and if he is not home yet,
watching a baby polar bear learning his first steps on Animal Planet,
sure helps too! - jan

Pretty jewelery @ www.autumn.per.sg

Start shopping for your Xmas presents at Tinkerette's Dreams

Book - Shopaholic Abroad by Sophie Kinsella

Rented it to bring along for the Bangkok trip. Much like the first, it was just an easy read. Quite enjoyable though it's rather like the first - Shop shop shop and somehow is able to come up with a solution to solve her debt problem in the end.

Many baby showers next year!

Having gone for 3 consecutive weekends of wedding dinners, we are quite glad of the break... till the next one in January!

As you know, wedding dinners are also quite a good time to catch up with friends. And these few wedding dinners have alerted us to the many baby showers coming up next year! Well, at least 3 that we are aware of, maybe will have more news from the wedding couples soon? Hee... Anyway, these are all happy news! :D

Congrats to the mummies and daddies to be! Can't wait to see your little ones! :D

Babybeans - Xmas Promo!

Thinking of Xmas gifts for the little ones in your family? Or for your friend's newborn? Visit our store and enjoy the Xmas promo from now till 25th December!

Simple but clever inventions

THE LOCK CUP - ANTI THEFT COFFEE CUP

Are you tired of others stealing your coffee cup? Well now there's a solution. The Lock - Cup has a hole which prevents most people from using it. Only the owner of the cup can use his/hers shaped key to close the hole.



TRAVELER'S PHRASE BOOK T-SHIRT

If you are traveling a lot and don't always know the language of the country you are visiting, then this T-shirt is for you. It has a phrase book printed on it so just point a finger at the pictogram you need and then point it twice at the question mark, which means, "Where is it?" and in no time you have found what you were looking for... or not.

BBBBBBack from Bangkok... !!!

Sawatdee Khrap...

hee:D finally gone and back.

Now I know why Bangkok is so "Hot". I must say it's really crowded there in Bangkok. I guess it's because it's flooded with "ang mos". They are "everywhere" (must speak with an indian accent). hee:D Every few steps we took, every little corner, we can easily spot an "ang mo".

look at the bustling streets... still as pack as before. And by the way... it's all day long !!!

First time in Bangkok, nice experience, nice trip... "Tut Tut", taxi ride, the crowd, the food... and of course the shopping... !!! Details below.

The hotel we stayed; Twin Towers, it was a really nice stay. Staff there are polite, helpful. they even upgraded us to Executive room due to Deluxe room full (free). Had early check-in at 9am and late check-out at 3pm. very flexible. Althought location abit out of the way, but travelling by taxi is really easy and cheap. Hotels down town are more expensive yet not as comfortable. We paid for a comfortable hotel (big room, clean definitely) at a cheaper rate and spend the money on taxi ride. If you total up, is still cheaper than paying for a town hotel. Would definitely go back to them the next time we go back to Bangkok (if we are... "Fingers Crossed" hee:D) Anyway, 4 thumbs up for the hotel. strongly recommended !!!

The food; go try the Fuji Restaurant at MBK. Really delicious, fresh and best part: Cheap !!! Must try !!! Other than this, the rest are alright. Room Service is nice and cheap. It's really an enjoyment especially when you are dog-tired. 5 thumbs up for the Fuji Rest.

The shopping: same as before I guess, except the change in shops and more "giant" shopping centres around. walk until crazy, tired and pocket empty ha !!! 3 thumbs up for the shopping.

The Tut Tut ride: wow... must buy insurance man before you take this ride. but it's cool (windy) and fun ride. shiok and nice experience (except the fumes and polution). 2 thumbs up.

Take the Taxi if you want to enjoy the aircon instead of the polution... hee:D they are just like our taxis. Some are really new and clean. 3 thumbs up.

Overall experience for Bangkok: 4 thumbs up !!!

Look at the things we bought. aye, we are considered mild already huh. When we were at the airport, we met some singaporeans with really huge bags (those china blue colour type of bags). they really go there and "puu" (hokkien means wipe up the store). hee:D

I like I like!

Me happy... listening to the new mp3 player Ant bought for me...

Not happy to have to do work at this time of the night.... but happy to have my mp3 player to accompany me :)

"Sawatdee Khrap" - for male "Sawatdee Kha" - for female

Yes !!! We are finally going Thailand - Bangkok this weekend.

After the last 2 wasted trips, this time we are really going !!! It was a really last minute plan (hoping to plan at the very last minute so that nothing can stop us from going this round). Recently we have been damn busy, so we are really looking forward to this short little break.

Always wondering why Bangkok is so "HOT"(high 31 low 24)... hotels always fully booked, promo flights also all grap up! But heng ah, managed to find one hotel at last despite the fact that the hotel is a little out of the way.

This is my first time there, so I'm going to find out what's so "HOT" about Bangkok! Stay tuned!!! - Ant

What we call cooking

Got quite sick of eating outside food, so finally got off our lazy asses to do some cooking.

Although not many will call this actual cooking, since it was more of heating up, defrosting cum cooking in the oven etc.. Still, it was good enough for us!

Highly recommended - CP Mexican Wings. Can take directly out from freezer and pop it into the oven. Very delicious!

Not so highly recommended - CP Shrimp wanton, so so only lor.

Can never go wrong - Spaghetti with Prego sauce

Book - Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

Some friends told me the book is very good and I've also read some good reviews. But I found it a little slow and it only really picked up three quarters of the way. I had to switch to another book in between to "take a breather".

Maybe because it was rather depressing - their life, their desperation, how they had literally nothing to their name. And especially when you know it's not fiction but a true life account of the author's life. Of course you have to admire his black humor, how he managed to write so candidly about it.

How?

How do you not feel disappointed?
When it's something you really want.

People tell me not to anticipate
So that you will not feel disappointed when it doesn't happen.

But how do you not anticipate?
When it's something you really want? - jan

Shopping means happiness!

Very happy with my day of shopping! I'm always thankful that my hubby is not one of those who complains about women and their shopping. Instead he always encourages me to go and I know it's cos he wants to see me happy, when i buy things and pamper myself (or let him pamper me! hehe).

Managed to get the things that I wanted. Mmmm.... With wedding dinners to attend for the next 3 consecutive weekends, it was the perfect excuse for a dinner bag , shoes and the most expensive piece of hair accessory I have ever bought! Now the next challenge will be how to use it! - jan

Gathering with KW & Sue

Do i look cuter at this angle?

Look I can stand on my own!

Are you friend or foe?

www.babybeans.com.sg

Our website has finally been launched! Thanks to my fantastic partner! - jan :)
http://www.babybeans.com.sg/launch/hello.htm

View from our kitchen window

Ran for the camera when i happened to catch this view...

Ben's Wedding Dinner

Attended 小第 Ben's wedding dinner last night with PS. As expected, we sat with our juniors from the Student Council. It was kinda nice seeing everyone again, hearing about what some of them are doing, how everyone is moving on with life. It's been about 12 years since we left college and sometimes, it feels like not much has changed.

Oh yes, 2 of them are about to get their PHDs, 2 mothers, most are married and a few about to get married... But it was really good to see that the friendships are still there, the "kidding around with each other", "putting red dates on the other person's plate when she was away", "talking about silly things at the council room" etc etc.

One asked,"Why did we have so much energy last time?" To which i replied,"You were 10 years younger!" YIKES! The taboo phrase is finally out! But it's the truth! And none of you can complain since we are your seniors afterall!

I hope Ben survived last night, seeing how he was made to drink quite a bit. But I'm sure everyone's just happy for the lovely couple. To everlasting marital bliss Ben & Catherine! - jan

Book - Confessions of a Shopaholic

A girlie type of book... chick flick as many would call it. Surprisingly I rather enjoyed it. A little brainless but nevertheless, easy to read, doesn't take much effort. Probably because I have been reading such serious stuff recently that it was relaxing to just pick it up and not have to think too much about it. Will give the next book in the series a try too.

欠扁问题

为什么面包比咖啡叽喳？
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因为
Bread Talk
but
Kopi Tiam

get it? hahahahaha :p

Yeah It's BD again - Part 2 - Presents

TRANSFORMERS !!! I also HAVE !!! It's one of my BD presents... for fun though !!

Still remember when I was young, I'm always punctual at the TV front waiting for the all time favourite cartoon "Transformers". When the movie came, I was thrilled to be able to watch this on big screen man... !!! Though it's may not be the best movie, but it certainly brought me back to my childhood days... :D And now I have a Transformer toy!!! ha ha :D

Transform !!! chi chi cho cho cho....!

Best part: My wife knows me best... although the Transformer DVD not out yet, my wife gave me a self-made "Voucher" for me to redeem the DVD when it's due to release in Nov 07. hee hee :D :D

Yeah It's BD again - Part 1 - Food

ha ha... went for our long waited breakfast at Cafe Cartel. Look at our breakfast... now you know why we have been wanting to go for their breakfast... :D Let me tell you; you can skip your lunch after this breakfast... we waited till 3pm before we had something again... :D

Up Next Dinner !!!

It's been a long time since I had Escagots... what yucks?? It's a Delicacy. It really mouth-watering and yummy!!! Should go try if you haven't. Hee :D

I always hear comments that Jack's Place Escagots are still the best... hmm... My sentiments too. Shiok man !!! still salivating over it while I'm blogging... :D

Life is really so unpredictable

Finally went to pick up my short cheongsum (it's been 1.5 years since our customary wedding!) from my bridal boutique - Amanda Lee Weddings. It's so good seeing Amanda and Joe again, just like catching up with old friends. They always make us feel so welcome. We have never ever regretted and would always highly recommend their services. Really "2" thumbs up!

But there was a piece of sad news. My make up artiste had just passed away in September due to some illness! We were quite taken aback. He was so young, and someone who is so talented and good at what he did. He did my hair and makeup so beautifully and effortlessly. And he was someone who was always so full of energy, always making jokes and always so full of life. Although we have only met him about 3 times, but he had already left that deep impression on us.

Life is really so unpredictable. This phrase sounds so cliche, but it is so so true....

Ah Heng is with me !!!

Yesterday went for my long pending IPPT for the year 06 to 07. I actually went with the intention of failing the IPPT and go for RT eventually. But I guess I was lucky when I was at the Chin-up station... managed to pull 5 chin-up (although 2 were done with my arms not fully straightened :D) Luckily the PTI "blan chan", else my 2 chin-up considered no count. So with the most terrifying station cleared, all the rest of the static stations not much of a problem. When it comes to 2.4km run, weather wasnt really good. Waited from 6pm to almost 7pm for the rain to stop, and the PTI not wanting to spoil our mood, decided to go ahead with the test despite Cat1 status (bad weather status). So again heng for the 2nd time, else wasted my effort on the static stations. Went for the run, and heng heng pass the 2.4km. So... got another year to play with or get downgrade before my next window closes again in year 08.

P/s: guess what. pass with incentive some more!! hee :D - Ant

Yet another sweat out session!!!

We had another round of badminton yesterday... and guess what... I strained my back again... BUT not due to the badminton session huh... no no... It was due to the "Boxing" Game from Nintendo Wii. Right after the session, we went for our dinner (this round simple affair, not sinful hee:D). And after dinner we went to one of our friend's place to play this nintendo thingie. It was really fun and entertaining. All of us got so excited about the game and started to play like crazy, especially with the boxing game... with each couple battling against each other... ;-) u know la... whatever complaints you may have on the husband or wife... you can settled them with this Boxing Game.. :-D so you can imagine.. all the husbands trying to box the wifes and vice versa... it was really hilarious... :-D

Actually we have tried this Wii at KW's place... some of the games are really entertaining. I've even heard some of the therapy centres in town actually provide this for their patients. We had thought of getting one for ourselves. But well.. this console is not cheap at all. I guess it cost about $ 600 or so. hmm.. so let's see. :D

Anyway, whether it's badminton or Wii, it was really enjoyable when you get to sweat out after a week of "hard" work, while hanging out with a bunch of good friends... - Ant :)

2005 Miami U. Cheezies a cappella: Facebook Song

To all you Facebook addicts out there, enjoy! Hahahaha :D

No more mushrooms for me :(

I've eaten mushrooms all my live.
I've loved mushrooms all my live.

But I've developed a sudden allergy to them.
Gives me rashes all over my body.
And i heard from another 2 friends that they have also recently just developed allergies too, one to raisins and one to prawns. Things they have always been eating.

One of their doctor friends say it's not possible to develop allergies at this age. It could be due to the preservatives used in the food instead.

Whatever it is... seems like I have to avoid mushrooms... at least for the time being - jan :(

Agnosticism - a new religion?

I came across this term today went someone indicated "Agnostic" as his religion. Out of curiosity, i went to search the net for more information.

One of the websites states that Agnosticism is "a concept, not a full religion. It is a belief related to the existence or non-existence of God." - http://www.religioustolerance.org/agnostic.htm

Hmm... you learn something new every day! - jan

Live Today!

Not another number added to my age!

It's that time of the year again, when you think back - Hey I used to look forward to my birthdays! Now i only start to feel old... Not another number added to my age! Welcome to the club!

My hubby bought my current favourite drink for me. The avacado drink you say? Yup that's the one! "Nuahed" at home most of the day till we went out to Spizza for dinner. Close your eyes, my hubby said, and imagine eating this pizza while in Venice... mmmmm.....

He remembered that I asked for Lana Cake for my birthday many months back. Yummy! Still one of the best around.... chocolatey but light and soft, not too heavy.. just nice!

It was a simple dinner and a simple day. But all that matters is spending the day with the one I love most, not just on my birthday, but every day for the rest of our lives together - jan

M1-Indian Restaurant Ad

I love this ad! Damn funny!!!

2 scoops please! For each of us!

Met Liz for my birthday dinner. Went to Aerins at the City Hall basement. The food was pretty nice but the highlight of the evening was definitely BEN & JERRY'S ICE CREAM! And we agreed, you can't go wrong no matter which flavour you choose.

strawberry cheesecake? chocolate chip cookie dough? chunky monkey? mint chocolate chunk? berry berry extraordinary?

Bring it on!!! - jan

Shark Shark Shark !!! Yummy...

hee:D it's sharks fin i meant.

it's our birthday month again... instead of going for traditional special dinners, we decided to treat ourselves to something different this year... :D

We went for the famous Thai Village Sharks Fin... which cost $60 a bowl...!

I must say... it was truly an enjoyment that is too good to not try it... anyone who tried that, would definitely be addicted to their very special sharks fin... right after I had that delicious bowl of sinful stuff, I immediately start thinking of when I would like to go back for more... :D

Book - The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

I'm probably one of the last people around me to read this book. This book talks about following your destiny. You would like this if you are into philosophical books. Although the book is quite thin, i took a long time to read it as there are many hidden meanings in the dialogues. I still could not catch some of the meanings but i have every intention of reading it again.

One thing that i really took away from this book is that everything happens for a reason. Road blocks often occur that would discourage you when are on the path to completing anything. You can either choose to emerge stronger by overcoming it, or you can choose to give up your dream. It's all about choices - jan

Happy Children's Day!

View from our balcony of the children's day celebration - Cake Decoration Competition.





See all the little children in chef hats, busy decorating their very own cakes!

American Idol 6 Chris Daughtry I'm Going Home

Nice song!

Not another big meal

It's just been non stop eating these few days - wed dinner, thurs lunch, fri lunch and another big one tonight.... birthdays, farewells. Any excuse for a good meal :p



Went to The Bridge at the Singapore Yacht Club for a farewell lunch. It's a private club but the restaurant is open to public on weekdays for lunch. Nice view but it was so hot as our colleague chose the non-aircon seating. Food was good too, though i think i enjoyed the salad buffet more than the main course - jan

My nephew's test paper

He scored full marks in a class test today! He was so proud of it and he deserves to be too!

By the way, he's only in K1... already having tests...

Old fashioned lanterns

I've always liked these old fashion lanterns. The battery operated ones pale in comparison with these.

But I suspect we've enjoyed playing with the candles and fire more than the actual lantern itself :p

Kaisan: Fine Dining at a Fine Price

JO and PH treated me to dinner last night. The food was execllent especially the sushi! I usually stick to salmon when it comes to raw fish, but the sushi they served last night looked so fresh that I couldn't resist the temptation to have all 7 (or was it 8??) pieces. I'm so full I skipped breakfast this morning :p

Thumbs up overall, would definitely recommend it :)

Read the Restaurant Review

More big meals coming up... oh no! - jan

Looking pale

Quite a number have commented recently that i look pale...

Decided to start taking multi vitamins again. My hubby said it's also due to lack of exercise :(

I stopped some time back when i read an article on how damaging it is if various vitamins accumulate in your body when they are not being used. Has anyone come across such an article? - jan

15th day of the lunar 8th month

Any plans to moon-bathe with a lantern in your hand tonight?

Enjoy the full moon tonight!

Happy Mooncake Festival!
Happy Lantern Festival!
Happy Moon Festival!
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Book - The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult

Fiction - An excellent read, with many unexpected twists and turns that will keep you going. This novel tells the story of how an American girl was sexually assualted and how the family, especially the father's fierce father-love, dealt with the whole situation

Read the Book Review

Book - Do They Hear You When You Cry

I've stopped reading for so long. But I'm glad I've picked it up again after the last Harry Potter book. I'm now making a conscious effort to pick up the habit again.

A true story of an African lady who fled her country to escape her traditional relatives, who wanted to force her into a marriage as the 4th wife of an elderly man and to go through the ancient practice of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation). It tells of her experiences when she tried to seek asylum in US, how badly she was treated and humiliated. Only through the perseverance of a law student and many other advocates, she was set free years later and her case served as a landmark case for for many future asylum cases.