To The Library

I am trying to cultivate reading interest in both Anthea and Anders. So with this mission in mind, i have been bringing 2 of them to the Community Library once a month to borrow books.

We have been going to the Bishan Community Library, it is newly opened and the part i like most about this new library is that it has a very BIG Section for children. Most of the books are very very new. We usually borrowed fairy tales so that i can read to anthea and anders before their bedtimes. Anthea loves to listen to the story, as for anders, he will usually read the story after me. So it is like a parrot...and anthea always find him very disturbing...hee : P

So far, we had read the follow fairytales:
a) Goldilock and the 3 Bears
b) Cinderella
c) Sleeping Beauty
d) Imaginary Creatures

The one we just borrow on Wednesday is a collections of many fairytales. So i can read 1 story a night. Hopefully, they will grow to love reading like Daddy. As for me, probably, i am too lazy to touch any book.

OLD STUFF
For the last week, i have been throwing away some old stuff and kept some of the unused stuff - 2 Highchairs. At present moment, the 2 A's junior is not using it, so i will "cold-storaged" them for the time being, till their cousin arrives.

EXERCISE

Currently i am doing lunch time exercise at the Toa Payoh Community Club Gym, twice a week. This routine will be ending soon because the gym will be closing end December 2006. What a pity as i have really enjoyed myself this one year. Now, i must start to source for other venue or sport to do during lunch. I find working out during lunch is very healthy and this regime had been very useful for me.

DINNER @ 253

On Tuesday, we went to 253 for lao pa's western meals - Mashed potatoes, Lamp chops, sausages, boiled vegetables and soup. It was a very delicous meal and the children enjoyed themselves very much at ah gong/ah po house because of Ribena,Yakult and Bananas.

CLASS PHOTO

This week, Anthea's childcare gave out their class photo and i must said, it's getting better each year. Their school concert is taking place this Saturday but i did not register anthea's participation, so this year she will not be performing.

Daddy smses "Dear,Tiberias is 14deg in the morng,cold. Work is more hectic in the airfield,like SA life. Small town, nothing much. Do my own laundry all the way. Last 3 wks burst. Send love to kids."

Rebonding Hair Day

Morning - usual routine of marketing. Then went to wash the car. Last week i was busy so did not wash it and today it was really dirty and the wash was thorough.

It's been a while since i last rebonded my hair. These few weeks, the messiness and unmanageble hair days make me decided to do my rebonding today.

My usual hair salon - Matchpoint is fully booked and the hair stylist kept changing, so i thought of trying a new salon. Georgie De Salon - AMK Central Blk 712. The hair stylist who did my hair is Danny Tan - Branch Manager. What i like is they worked in pair most of the time, so the whole procedure was quite fast. It took about 3 hours - rebond, treatment and hair cut. His skill is also good. Think i will go back to him again for my next hair cut. It cost me $159 nett. Well, i will take it as a X'mas Treat for myself... : P

Dinner was at Lemon Grass in Heeren. Terence's treat has been postponed to next week as the place they were planning to go is booked for wedding dinner. Anyway, Lemon Grass food is as usual - delicious.


Then after dinner, we strolled down Orchard road and the lights are beautiful. The mood is also very joyous. People all around taking photos with all the X'mas Tree outside the shopping malls.

Our last stop was at Spageddies at Paragon, we had Tiramisu and children had ice cream.

Another wonderful day for the Family.

Daddy Smses "Happy to hear chdren enjoyed at vivo. Looks like xmas comes early for them. Love n Kisses "

Vivo City, Saturday, 25 November 2006

Breakfast was Walnut cake from Bengawan Solo (courtesy of full month vouchers from Eve whom received them from her friends)

Then went central to pick up photos that were developed and placed them in the children photo albums. Looking at the albums, i find joy and happiness at the progress of how Anthea and Anders are growing. Time passes really so fast.

Lunch was simple - porridge with steam fish, fried 'choy-po' eggs and vegetables. After lunch, the children had their afternoon nap. It was a very cool and nice afternoon as the rain was heavy.

In the evening, dad and mom fetched us and brought us to Vivo City for dinner. We went to one of our usual dining outlet - Imperial Herbal. It had shifted from Metropole Hotel in Beach road to this new outlet in Vivo City. The restaurant is very BIG compared to its old location. We ordered the fluffy eggs with scallop, Beggar's chicken, "Guo-gei" (a vegetable ) and noodle. The children had the fish soups as well and they enjoyed the food very much. The ambience in the new outlet is much nicer. It has a veranda where you can see the harbour front and the view Sentosa Island. Also the restaurant has this very cute pinky chair, which i cannot resist a photo shot.

After dinner, we took a walk around the shopping area and i must proclaim - Vivo City is HUGE. So many shops, i think one must take a day or two to really finish the whole shopping centre.

There is a TOY R US in the city, so i brought Anthea and Anders there to shop for their X'mas Presents from Da-jiu. Anthea chosed a Dancing PRincesses Schoolbag and i picked a Tote Laptop for Anders. He always like to play with my home laptop, so now he officially own ONE himself.

After shopping, as usual, adjourned to Haagen Daaz for ice-cream, the children had a nice Banana Split and they both finished it up to the very last drip.. ; P

Finally we reached home around 11 pm, what a Treat it was for Anthea and Anders.

Barbie & the 12 Dancing Princesses

The Live show is Happening at Raffles City and it is FREE. As a FAN of the 12 Dancing Princesses, how can we miss it... : P

So, I took a day off for today, 24 Nov, Friday. At the same time, mom is on leave, so she came along with us.

We left Ang Mo Kio around 11.15am and arrived at Raffles City around 11.45am. Well, according to the directive, the Q will start at 12noon, but i could see some children and parents already started Q-ing. So my strategy was for mom to bring anthea for lunch while i standby at the Q area, just in case if it get too crowded. Well, our strategy worked to our advantage. True enough, the crowds started coming in around 12 noon and the it got longer, so i joined in the Q. The organiser started giving out Q numbers, only the 1st 150 person are allowed into the sitting area. We got no. 51 & 52.



After Lunch with mom, anthea came and joined me around 12.30pm, i noticed at this time, the Q numbers had been given out. So those who are so called "late" would not be able to enter the sitting area.

The show started at 1pm and the children got so excited when all the 12 princesses appeared LIVE on stage. The show was shorter version of the real story of the 12 dancing princesses. Anthea really enjoyed herself throughtout the show. She had watched the VCD so many times. ANd she loves the ballet part especially.

(There was once, teacher Sarah from her childcare asked me if she is learning BALLET because her movement is really nice. What a Compliment it was. I told teacher Sarah that the real credit goes to the vcd.)

The show ended around 2pm and we shopped around the merchandise area and as usual, nai nai bought her something - a set of Barbie Pyjamas.

After the show, we went back home to rest before dinner. Dinner was with dad and mom. We went Nam Kee for chicken rice, after that we headed Thomson Plaza for some shopping. I managed to buy set of working attire.

Strait Times announced that Civil Servant is given 2.7 months bonus, i told Dear Hubby that i should get a percentage of it since i am partly a Civil servant. He just laughed it off...does that means he agreed or not..i wondered?

In the evening, my eldest brother aka Da-ge called me and told me if i am going to watch barbie show and decided to buy stuff for anthea, i should sign his credit card as he would like to buy a present for anthea and anders. So lucky of the 2A's junior to have such a nice and thoughtful uncle. Well, i told da-ge about us watching the show today. AS for the shopping part,i also assured him that we will take opportunity to use his credit card..hee : )

Bob The Builder "Live" Show

Sunday, 19 November 2006

Both the 2A's were very excited about going to see Bob The Builder Live Show.

In the morning, we have a nice and simple breakfast of pratas and hashbrown.

Around 11am, Terence came by with mom to pick us up. He was going for a swim at Civil Service Club at Changi, after which, he will fetch us to Expo for the show.

While Terence was swimming, we had lunch at Changi Hotel, Japanese restaurant name Ryan. Food serving was good and price was reasonable. Citibank Cards holders are entitled to 15% discount, so was quite a good deal.

After lunch, we headed for the Expo Hall 1. Luckily, we didn't drive to park, the car park was full, so Terence alighted us and he went off for his appointment with Cherry.

The 1 hour show was pretty much fun and excitement. Our seats were FANTASTIC. 1st row with ample space in front of us, so anthea and anders had chance to stand up and dance with the songs. (We were party of 4 for tickets of 2...hee : P)

We also took a FREE photo at the booth set up beside the stage. It was Anders 1st time attending a Live Show and i am happy that he had enjoyed it very much.

Dinner was with mom and dad as Terence attended his friend wedding dinner. Mom and Dad brought anthea and myself to "Pu Dong" at the Balmoral Plaza. Food was good but a bit noisy because it is a small place. After dinner, as usual, we adjourned for ice cream at the waffle town in the same building. I learnt from mom that Terence had accepted the job offer and he will be stating work on 01 Dec 2006.

Mom said he is giving a treat this weekends, hmm...not sure if confirmed, cos haven't hear from the "Horse" mouth...hee : ) Anyway, regardless, i am happy to hear that he has found his DREAM job. Well, looks like one of his birthday wishes came through...just a guess.

Daddy smses "Happy to hear abt kids and TT. Life is gd, but i try not to be hmsick by studying. Lesson start in half hr. Kisses"

Beautiful Wedding - Zi Jun & Jun Ru

My cousin's wedding,Saturday, 18 Nov 2006.

Today is the customary and dinner banquet for my cousin, Jun Ru. She is the eldest daughter of my 2nd aunty aka Mai Zu.

In the morning, i went to Mai's house in Compassvale Drive for the buffet lunch, at the same time to see the beautiful Bride and handsome Groom. Being their cousin, the couples also 敬 茶 to me.. : P

Zun Ru looked so beautiful and very happy. Looking at her smiles, i am indeed touched and know that both Zi Jun and her make a happy couples.

During tea ceremony, Mai had a simple and very sincere advice for the 2 of them. She said in mandarin "好好 经营这段 婚姻" ( Work out this marriage well, literal translation). Simple words, yet meant so much, especially when it comes from the mother.

After the tea ceremony, i went back home to rest before the banquet dinner at Copthrone Waterfront.

On way home, i received an sms from Eve saying that she had landed safely in Houston and was with Louis already. So glad to hear from her and now the 2 of them will busy with their schedule.
In the evening, went to the hair salon to do up my hairdo and makeup. I love to dress for such occassion... : P

I brought Anthea along for the dinner since daddy is not in town. This is Anthea's 1st time attending a wedding dinner. (well, she attended Louis and Eve's wedding when she was 2 plus, so she is not so aware of the surrounding) At 4 years old now, she is more aware of the happenings.

Good things to see:
- she was able to interact with all the uncles and aunties sitting around our table.
- during the toasting time, she was shouting her heart out "Yum Seng"
- she also like to do simple makeup (vain like the mother... : )

There will be more weddings coming up, so she can have gain more experiences.

This is my 1st time attending wedding dinner at Copthrone Waterfront and i am impressed.

1. Reception area was very cosy and comfy. Spacious for guests to mingle with one another.
2. Food presentations were unique and creative. Food was delicious too.
3. Services were very good

Most importantly, it is the family time spent together with all the relatives because it is only during occassions that we get a chance to meet each other.

Also, i must said, the wedding couples is one of the most photogenic couples that i have seen.

Jun Ru, Zi Jun - Wishing the two of you a Blissful Marriage and Happiness forever.

Daddy Smses "Good to hear all is well. Same here. Studying in hotel rm y'day n tdy. 2mr start of another week. Got 100 marks for my test on THU. 20 MCQs. 2 of my guys hmsick liao. Washed clothes tdy. Tok to you soon. Kisses."

GST UP AGAIN....

This morning Straits Times headlines caught my FULL Attention.

YES, it's official...GST is going UP again...sigh!!! The current rate is 5% and comes 2007, it will be 7 %...hmm..so does this mean when 2010 comes, it will be 10%...OMG.

Well, the difference is only a marginal 2%, so should not be a BIG deal. But in actual facts, it is quite a lot.

Working Sum:

a) Anthea and Anders fees (based on 5%) : $338.10 + $393.75 = $731.85 per month.

b) Anthea and anders fees (based on 7%) : $345.10 + $401.25 = $ 746.35 per month

Monthly difference is $14.50 and annual will be $174.00

Bearing in mind, this is only childcare, then there are the power bills, telephone bills, SCV bills and all the misc. In reality, everything will goes up and total sums will becomes huge... : (

So keeping my finger crossed that my next increment will be equal or more than 7%, otherwise must start looking for part time jobs. Also, must spend each cents wisely.

There goes my dream to becomes a "middle class Tai Tai" & retirement plan at 45... : P

Anthea's classmate has been ordering this Magnolia Smoo Milk from the childcare centre and has been drinking in class. So anthea kept requesting that i ordered the milk for her. So today, i placed the order with the school, $28 for 2 cartons (48 packets). She order a carton of chocolate and a carton of vanilla. Hopefully she will enjoy them.

Comes this Friday, Eve will be leaving for Houston to join Louis. They are both excited and looking forward to each other companionship. They have been together since their 'pa-tok' days, so it's really hard for them to be apart for such a long time. Especially now that they are expecting their First Baby, so the more they should be together.

Aces Family wishing them an enjoyable trip in US & Europe. They will be celebrating their 3rd wedding anniversay, so Romantic and so SWEET... : )

Eve, have a good trip and take good care. We will see you and louis soon( if the Video conferencing works)

Appetite & Learning to Share

Usually for weekends, we will dined with the extended family.

According to my father-in-law philiosophy - "a family that eats together, stays together." I think it is really true, because it is during these dinners we shared with each other our happenings of the week. During the weekdays, each of us has our own busy schedule, so all these weekends dinners are really a Blessings. Even if it is just a simple home-cooked meal... : )

On Saturday morning, Anthea followed mom, Eve and Terence to town to do some banking stuff, then lunch and shopping. According to Terence, he said that Anthea can eat like an adult. Think she managed to finished quite a lot of food.

Dinner was at Al Forno with Dad and Terence as mom has a gathering with her old nursing friends. Anthea managed to eat quite a fair bit - mushroom soup with bread/pizzas/ spagetties. I was happy to see her eating and finishing her food on her own.

According to Siti, Anders's appetite is also very good. He can finished his bowl of rice, when Siti eat her dinner, he will also want a portion of it.

I guess they are growing, so that's why their appetite is getting better. Also with all the activity around them, metabolism rate is also fast... : 0

Anthea has always been the doted grand-daughter of both side of the families. So she is a bit difficult when asked to share her stuff. I do hope that she will learn the correct concept of sharing and be less selfish.

"Daddy SMSes: "Jerusalem n dead sea was fun. Saw where Jesus had last supper n where he was hanged to the cross. Hope to see more places soon. Tks for taking care of kids for me."

Thrilling Week

Monday,06 Nov - One in-100-million-occurance.

I am into buying 4d, small small for a litte hopes. So last weekends, there is this numbers 2096 that came out as a 2nd and 3rd prize at the same time and according to the news, it is really a rare occurance. I am happy that i am able to witness this special occurrance and a bit sad cos i did not managed to Bank in on this..haha.

Thursday, Friday - Communicating for Results

(I drew this Winnie the Poonh)

for the 2 days i went to attend this seminar at the Carlton hotel, course was interesting as the trainer - Ms Ivy Lim, DDI, was very lively and keep the class engaged all the while. Well, as usual the teabreaks and buffet lunches were sumptous and these are inspirationals for us.

Actually one of my colleagues was supposed to attend this seminar,but due to her busy schedules, i had to replaced her.

On Friday evening after dinner, mom and dad came by to fetch us after their dinner. We went to Takashimaya for shopping. The main purpose is to bring Anthea to see the WINX CLUB collections, she was very excited and we bought a Winx Club Bag for her. She keep telling me she want to bring it to school this coming monday to show all her friends.

As for Anders, i bought a sport car for him, he is learing how to play with the remote control.

Well, been quite an exciting week and looking forward to next Saturday.

ps: Adrian called and said that his room becomes the Hot Water supply as the hotel did not have kettle. So i was jesting with him that he should start charging for the hot water and earn some tourist monies. So far he is enjoying himself and he will be doing a tour on this saturday.

Growing up...

On Monday morning, brought anthea to her childcare. Her class form teacher, teacher Ida, asked me about her changing to a new school next year. I told her of the reason and she mentioned that she will be taking care of the playgroup next year, ie: anders's group. Opps...what a pity that we are going to miss out on that. Anyway, i told her that i will see how the 2A's junior adjust to the new environment, should it be against any odds, i will transfer them back...hee....well, i always think to myself "always part of good notes as you never know when you will return again".

This time round the 2A's has been asking me about daddy. Anthea will keep asking me when is dad coming home. Anders is asking "Papa, where?" It seem like they are now missing him more than his previous oversea attachment in August 2006.

My 2 little darlings are starting to understand FEELINGS...: ) each time seeing them play and "fight" with each other. I have a sense of warmth in my heart. Hope that as they Grow up togther, they will share their joys/sorrows together.

Day 3 in oversea : Daddy smses "Luggage no prob. VIP clearance at a'port. 18degC. 6hrs diff. Jog 3km in gym. Went Shrine tour tdy. Start 2mr, No Kettle. Coil superb. Thai noodle very diff n good. Tok when got SIM Card."

ps: So our dear daddy effort in his relentless packing is showing positive result..

Happy Events, 05 November 2006

Baby Full Month Lunch Reception - Peter & Jamie:

Today is Peter and Jamie newborn son - Malcolm's full month celebration. I brought anders to Peter's house for the lunch reception. This is the 1st time anders attended gathering with me because usually i would bring anthea. Anders was pretty much on his own when we reached Peter's house. The main thing that got his attention was the beautiful aquarium that is in Peter's house. It's full of beautiful fishes and live corals.

There is this little girl named Valerie. She is Jamie's nieces and she is 3 years old plus. She got along very well with anders and they were playing with each other all the while. I am quite happy to see that as this is what i hope anders will be like when he starts childcare soon.

Wedding cake and Invitation - Cousin Jun Ru & Zi Jun :

In the late afternoon, my 2nd aunty came by to my place to give me the wedding cake and invitation card of her eldest daughter , Jun Ru. Today is the "Guo Da Li" and the customary wedding will be on 18 November 2006. I am happy that my cousin is getting married and hopefully more to come... : )

Airport Arrival - Terence home coming:

In the evening, dinner was originally planned at Al Forno and after that, to the airport for Terence's arrival from Hong Kong. As the restaurant was not opened at the time we were there, we ended at Hong Kong Street "zi char"...hmm...is it Fated since we are doing a HKG arrival, dinner must be related... : P

At the airport, Terence had a quick bites at Macdonald and he shared with us his good experienced in Hong Kong. It sound like a nice place but seem like pace of living is faster than Singapore. I don't think i can survive in HKG.

"SMSes from Daddy - he said he had arrived at the final destination safely and the plane ride was good. He said will call back once he buy a local SIM card."

Another eventful and happy Sunday.

Good Luck Daddy...

D-day is today.

As usualy Saturday morning, went to market to buy breakfast for the family.

Daddy - 'zhu cheong fun with yam cake'

Anthea - Century eggs porridge (we are now reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears story, so this make her want to be like Baby Bear, eating porridge.. ; )

Siti - Fried 'tang-hoon'.

Mummy - each of everything above. (better watch myself otherwise....oops)

Lunch was anther sumptous affair at Lao pa place, it's one of adrian's favourite - Beef Stew. Guess all of the loves one around him are showering him with their love/concerns in different ways. We are very fortunate and thankful for the families that we have.

After lunch, we went home to do his last minute packing. Like i mentioned before, he is one of them whom will packed till the last minute. So he is living up to his reputation.

Around 5.30pm, mom came by to fetch us. We arrived at the airport at 6.15pm. We went to Swenson at Terminal 2 for dinner. Dad and Eve met up with us at the airport as they came from different venues.

The 2A's junior had children meals. Anthea always like Fish and chips, Anders had Omelette and ham. Simple meal but as usual it is hearty meal.

After dinner, adrian went to check in his luggage and got his boarding pass. So all set and ready for the trip. Time to say : Good BYE and see you soon. (Many kisses and hugsss...)

Anthea CRIED...and i am pleasantly surprised to see her Cried. This means our little girl is growing up and she understand the meanings of a departure. Luckily she cried as we left, so daddy didn't saw her tears, otherwise, he will be affected by his little darling. On the way home, i explained to Anthea that daddy is just away for a while for work and he will be home for Christmas with us.

" Dear, you take good care of yourself. All of us looking forward to seeing you home soon."

Great WAY to FLY...

Yesterday, during lunch time, went to Jetabout Holiday to pick up airtickets and travel vouchers for mom. She will be joining dad, who is doing his MBA attachment, in Perth.

They will be doing a full day tour and then F&E in Perth. The last time i was in Perth was 1998 with tour group organised by SDS (Social Development Services). It was one of my memorable tour with all the wonderful friends i met and some are still in contact. Perth is a nice city to relax and enjoy.

Following are the itineriers of the Tan Family :

Adrian - Attachement : 04 Nov - 24 Dec 2006

Cherry - Shanghai : 05 Nov - 15 Nov 2006

Dad and mom : Perth : 06 Dec/10 Dec - 14 Dec 2006

Terence : HKG : coming back on 05 Nov 2006.
(Trip plan to London with Cherry - January 2007)

Eve : USA/Europe : 17 Nov - Jan/Feb 2007.

Louis : USA : Current - March 2007

2A's junior + me : HOMEBASED... hee : P

Wow...seem like Changi Airport is going to see more of us for the next few months. Anthea will be having a fun time taking the Sky Train while Anders will keep looking for his Helicopters...haha.

Meals time gonna be quieter when most of them are travelling, lucky for the Ace family, we still have Ah gong/ah po on home based with us.

Anyway, i am also toying with the idea of bringing anthea and anders for a short weekends trip, so now checking website for more information.

Recommendation - Wisma Food Republic Plaza. I went there y'day after collecting mom's stuff. Many food stalls, spoilt for choices. So finally decided on beef noodles. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the beef and taste of the noodles. It was "marvelicious". And the service staff at the counter - she was the selling point as well. Spoke very good english and she has the GEMS attitude. So, for those who can eat beef, please go and try.
(ps: if no good, please don't quote me...hee)

Last night, went to meet mom to passed her the trvl stuff, we met at the new Drive Thru Macdonald in the AMK Garden. I am really happy that AMK Town is developing into a very nice place to shop and dine. Next time the 2 A's junior will have more places to enjoy Life.
Looking forward to the opening of the new AMK Mall... : )

(When your MP is the PM, i guess your town will enjoy all the EXTRAs)

Survival KITS.

Adrian is on leave for this week, so he can packed his luggage and buy all the stuff for his oversea attachment. He went back to the office y'day for the trip briefing - confirmed his departure flight will be this Sat, 04 November. (Actual flight number not disclosed yet.) As a guess from the departure timing of 2245 hrs, it should be BA 12, SIN - LON.

(Likely, this sat we will be having family dinner at the airport again.. ; ) )

Sidetrack a little on packing luggage, it seem like the TAN Family's MEN has different habit of packing luggages:
a. Adrian - packed his luggage 1 - 2 months before his trip. Will adjust his baggage till final date of departure.

b. Louis - think he is the moderate one, because he has an efficient wife to help him pack.

c. Terence - he is the most LAST MINUTE one, always pack on the day of departure. (hopefully his 2nd half will change him a little on this.. ; P

Okie, now back to adrian's luggage - it is like a SURVIVAL KIT:
- 50 packets of instant noodles
- mixture of 3 in 1 coffees/milos
- 2 boxes of energy bars
- toiletries
- clothings (thick one as it is winter time)
- Immersion heater (alias heating coil - used for cooking noodles or make hot water)




Hmm...i think next time the list of items should include a Professional Chef.

Adrian trip will be about 7 weeks, the 2 A's juniors and myself are gonna miss him. Like i say, time flies. And also, quite a few events are happening in Nov/ Dec, so likely time will go by very quickly.

On Tuesday evening, we went to the AMK Central hardware store to look for the heating coil. While daddy is in the shop, the 2A's had the chance to play by the playground outside the shop. They simply enjoyed playgrounds. Also nowadays, the playgrounds are so well-equipped.


At night, Siti dolled anthea up in one of her head scarf and she looks so sweet with it. Potential Missy AMK??...hee : )



Well, children grow up fast and at each stage, you will see a different traits coming out of them,really wonderful experience.