上海之旅 – 18 May to 21 May 2010

The four days in Shanghai passed so quickly and this trip had been an amazing experienced for me.

Day 1 – Tuesday, 18 May

Departure – SQ 828 Singapore to Shanghai

Upon arrival, I took the Maglev Train from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the Longyang Road Station. From here, I took a local taxi to the Renaissance Yu Yuan Shanghai Hotel. The Maglev train is similar to the “Bullet Train” in Europe/Japan and its speed can run up to 443KM/Hr. I was really impressed with its speed and it took me about 10minutes ride.

Upon checking in to the hotel, I met up with my UK Manager and we had a quick chat before proceeding to our 1st client visit.

After the meeting, we went back to the hotel and checked function room that we would be using for the following day Full Day meeting were set up in order.

In the evening, we had a quick meet up with the meeting facilitator and walked through a few pointers before heading off for dinner.

After dinner, we went back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 2 – Wednesday, 19 May

8 am to 4 pm was our full day meeting at the hotel. It was a very good meeting I was tasked to assist the facilitator in the notes taking. It was my 1st experience taking notes for such meeting and it was a great learning experience for me.

After the full day meeting, we had another client appointment at 5pm till 6pm in Pudong. As we were near the Financial Centre, my Manager suggested we take the chance to view the World Tallest Building - Shanghai World Financial Centre. Yes, we took the tour and went all the way up to the 100th floor of the building. It was a magnificent feeling when we were at the top. The only drawback was the view was a little cloudy due to the mist in the air.

Shanghai has all these supertall skyscrapers and each building has its unique “crown” to top the building and it’s an eye-opening experienced. Now I know our buildings are “small & pale” in comparison. : P

We had dinner at Tin-Tai-Feng at the mall in the building. As my Manager is a British and it’s her 1st time in Shanghai, I know it would be good to let her try as many Chinese dishes as possible. She truly enjoyed the 拉面和小笼包。

After dinner, we went back to the hotel and called it day. I went to the hotel pool to take a quick dip and at the same time took some photos of the pool, as requested by Anthea. At night, I had the chance to skype with Adrian and we updated each other on our happening in our respective S countries…haha. I also had the chance to talk to both Anthea and Anders on skype. It was assuring to know they were getting on fine and logistic had worked out fine too.

Day 3 – Thursday, 20 May

We had 3 meetings from morning till afternoon. It was a good exposure for me, especially to meet all these Clients in person and a simple handshake with everyone makes a difference.

As our last client’s office was based in an industrial part about an hour from city, so it took up our whole afternoon. Thank goodness, we had a very patience taxi driver, whom was willing to wait for us while we had a meeting with our Client. (He didn’t charge us for the waiting time…hehe.)

After the meeting, we went back to the hotel to change and freshen up before our next assignment. Yes, we visited another hotel recommended and took a quick look at the meeting rooms. After the viewing, we went to The Bund and had wanted to have our dinner there. However, some of the restaurants needed prior reservation and the one that was available cost a bomb, so we decided to find an affordable dinner venue.

The Bund night scene was simply beautiful with all the buildings of colonial designs. It felt as if we were walking in a part of Europe and it was also kind of romantic with the special lighting. However, the human traffics is equally BIG…haha. Just like what I heard before – 上海看人头。


As we were walking back to our hotel, we discovered a Chinese restaurant named 老北京and it was famous for 北京烤鸭. I brought my manager in and we had a very good meal of Peking duck with other small dishes. She enjoyed the dishes as much as I did.

Day 4 – Friday, 21 May

We had our final client visit at 11am and after the meeting, we went back to the hotel to do our checked out.

Then we headed off to the airport in the same taxi. My Manager was going to Hong Kong for other client’s visits and also to meet with her daughter who is doing internship in Hong Kong.

At the airport, we bade each other good bye and look forward to our next meeting…Singapore, Shanghai or London….just maybe…: )


Dep : SQ 833 Shanghai - Home Sweet Home.

Overall, I had truly enjoyed this working trip. I had the chance to learn so much and my best take away from the trip would be the Personal touch and saying hello to all my subscribers. Nothing beat this compared to all the nice flowery words on the emails.

Also another good take away on home ground is that they had learnt to be independent during my absence and logistic was all under controlled.

The doors are open and the opportunities are plenty. I look forward to my next challenge in the job.


Also finally i bought my own set of the 嗒嗒球!

I am “OFF”

We had a very good weekend and enjoyed the bonding times with the families.

On Saturday evening, we had dinner at New York New York in Sembawang shopping centre with the extended families. We were all so amazed with the revamp of the whole building. Everyone was asking “what happened to the “lok-lok” place since we were there donkey years back…hehe.

After dinner, we explored the building and discovered there were many specialties shops in the building – there was even a Daiso in the mall…not bad.

I know we will go back again – to explore the children play area as I had seen via some mommies’ blogs.

On Sunday, Anders had his swimming lesson and Anthea went along for her swim too. The instructor brought him to the deep pool and advises him to use goggles. This was his 1st time swimming with a goggle and after using it, he told me: “mommy, it’s very good leh, I can see Uncle Julian’s legs in the pool. I want to use goggles for my next lesson.”…haha. Finally, I had been encouraging him to wear goggles whenever we go for water play but he refused because he doesn’t like the feeling. Now, he has grown to like it and I am really happy for him.

In the evening, we had dinner at my parent’s home. As usual, it was a good spread of western dishes. Roast of lamp was the main course and we ate to our heart fullest contentment.

Starting tomorrow I will be officially “OFF” for my business trip and my role as a Mother for the few days. So Adrian decided last night that he and the children will start their morning routine as of today.

At 6 am, he woke both of them up and had them to drink their milk. Anthea had her normal bread & butter breakfast, Anders decided that he will have breakfast at the childcare.

Then they changed into their school uniforms and left home at 6.45am. Adrian will fetch Anthea to school 1st and then dropped Anders off at the childcare centre at exactly 7am. We had been joking with Anders that he will be the 1st to arrive in school for this week.

I take it as a “warm-up” exercise for Anders as comes 2011, he will be going to Primary 1 and he will be in morning session for the following 6 years. I am really glad that both Anthea and Anders had no problem in waking up early in the morning…phew.

Now I am all packed, checked in my airline seat, bought my travel insurance and booked my transport for tomorrow morning.

Yeah, I am going to miss all my 宝贝from tomorrow onwards. Last night at bed, Anthea even told me: “mommy, if anyone bullies you, you called home and tell us.” This really melts my heart…hehe.

Meanwhile, I will make the best out of this trip and hope to prove my value to the meeting. Likewise to gain as much knowledge as I can during the trip.

My 1st Business Trip

Last week while corresponding with my Manager at work, she made a request for me to join her in a Roundtable meeting and other client’s visits in Shanghai. I was thrilled with her invitation and started making flights enquiry. At the same time, I also asked Adrian of his opinion and he was all out for the trip. : )

After some discussion and arrangement, I am finally confirmed for my 1st business travel in this new decade. Yes, I am going to Shanghai…: )

Last Friday, I went to the agency to pay and pick up my documents for both our family vacation and my Shanghai trip.

Then I went to The Planet Traveller store in Ion Orchard and made a trade in for a new luggage bag. One of our old luggage bags is damaged and so it’s a good time to get a brand new one at the discounted rate.

I am now all set for the travel and will start packing on this coming weekend.

Looking back, I had not done any "solo" travel since my last business trip to Shenzhen in March 2007 with my ex-ex company. It was a team building event and after that I had an extended holiday in Hong Kong with Anthea and my Mother In law.

This business trip, however, will be a much different scale compared to the one I went in Shenzhen. Beside a Full Day round table meeting event, the other days are all packed with Client visits. As I am taking care of the Asia Pacific members, so this will be a good opportunity to say Hello to most of them face to face rather than just over the phones. It will be a good chance to build up the rapport too.

A few friends and families had asked if I am visiting the Shanghai Expo but judging at my meeting schedules, I doubt that I will have the FREE time to visit it this round. Anyway, I believe I will have more chance to travel once I cross this 1st trip…hehe.

Logistic wise while I am away, we had “sub-contracted” my role to 3 people – Adrian, my mother in law and my mom. Yes, I was joking with Adrian that my role as a main caretaker of my children seems so minute in its daily role. But once there is such a circumstance, then we realized the important of the role and it should not be taken for granted -The Greatness of WFHM...: )

Will I miss the children – YES… definitely. Like what my SIL always said “it’s a no brainer answer”…haha. I had never been away from them, even during our own holidays. So this will be my “official” 1st time without them on an oversea trip. I know it will draw significance emotion from all of us and i know it's a good time for them to learn to be independent.

Both Anthea and Anders have been telling me: “you are going away for SO LONG…” when I told them I will be away for only 4 days…haha.

I asked them “why when daddy goes for his 3 months working trip, you guys never said SO LONG…and now I am only going for 4 days to Shanghai? “ they just gave me the most cheeky smiles on their faces.

In about a week time, I will be travelling and I am really looking forward to this opportunity because I know that it will build up my profile and also hopefully – bring my career to it next level.

(Anthea, Anders & their cousin Faith; we celebrated Mother's Day @ Sze Chuan Court in Fairmont hotel)

Saluting the Mom….

建康是财富。。。This has always been my belief and that’s why I am keeping my exercises routine.

After being beaten by the viral last week, I am even more adamant to regain my exercise routine when I am well enough. I know when I am down; the people I am most worried about will be my children.

Yes, ever since the day I became a Mother, they have been the main focus of my life. I had seen people who read daily motivator…and I joked that my children are my Motivators.

Without them, I don’t think I will push myself so hard. It’s hard work and 24/7 but if I don’t do it wholeheartedly, I don’t think anyone else can fulfill this role as well as me.

“Mommy, I love you…” I hear this everyday from Anthea & Anders at the end of the day when we are in bed. 3 simple words and it just make my whole day of hard work seem so little.

I remembered when I was young - my own parents had a very strict set of house rules for me, especially because I am the only girl. In our household, we seldom openly expressed our Loves for one another but deep in our heart, we know we will always love our parents, the way they love us.

Comes this Sunday – it is Mother’s Day. No need for fanciful dinner or big present, I believe what a Mommy wants – a simple family time with all her love ones.

On this special day…give her your salutation because she deserves it and remember to tell her: “Mommy, I LOVE you!”

My brother in law has a special Mother’s day Tribunal on Resraves, so c’mon in and join us in this special moment!

我的内疚

Since last Sunday evening, I had been feeling ill till this May Day…

On Sunday evening, I developed a fever and started taking the fever medicine. On Monday morning, I went to the doctor and got some other medication for the illness. Usually within 2 days of medication, I would recover but somehow by Wednesday, I developed another illness – gastric.

This illness caused me a lot of discomfort. I had this very tight feeling on the chest and felt like vomiting all the time. I told Adrian it’s like having morning sickness minus the pregnancy.

Yesterday, I went to the doctor for the 2nd time and get medication for the gastric problem. Now I am feeling slightly better but still weak from all the drowsy medication.

This week I hadn’t been fulfilling my duty much, especially in the morning. My normal routine is to wake up 6am and prepare simple breakfast for Anthea. But this week, I can’t wake up at 6am. So in the end, she was “forced” to do all the morning routine on her own. Adrian told me “luckily, she is now quite independent.”

Yes, she now do her own breakfast, changed herself and get her ready before Adrian fetched her to school.

But one thing she will do for sure – she will come by to my bedside and say Bye Bye to me and then we will set a timing to meet after school. It was a consolation to me, at the least.

I have been feeling guilty this whole week for not being able to wake up in the morning for Anthea but I know I needed the rest to walk a longer journey with her. She will understand my situation. Also because of my illness, I know Anthea has grown to be an independent girl and she will be able to take good care of herself whenever mommy is down & out…: P

Having said this – I tell myself – 我一定要好起来！！加油！

My 1st Round Table Meeting

In my new job capacity as a Client Service Executive, I have the opportunity organize Round Table meetings and also Mini Round Table meeting.

For the round table meetings, it would be held at a local hotel meeting room. As for mini round table meetings, it’s done via a digital meeting room, so all I need to do is to co-ordinate online.

So far I had done a few mini round table meetings and all had gone on smoothly. This week was my 1st time organizing a Round Table meeting and it was a very good experienced.

It was a 2 days meeting event and it took place on a Wednesday & Thursday. Originally my HQ in United Kingdom was supposed to courier the event documents to the hotel. Also my Service Delivery Director was supposed to travel to Singapore to host the event. However, due to the volcano eruption, all these did not happen.

So immediately I went into action to get the documents printed out via a local printer. Also as my Director could not travel to Singapore, I had to manage the meeting alone, with my facilitator and his assistant.

On Wednesday morning around 8am, I arrived at the hotel to do the setup and also meet up with the meeting facilitator and the assistant.

Around 8.30am, the delegates started to arrive and I manage to meet & greet all of them. It was a very good way to build the rapport with them as usually we would only communicate via emails or telephones.

The meeting started on schedule and all went very smoothly throughout the day. In the evening, I organized a dinner get-together with a few of them who indicated their availability to join for the dinner. It was a simple & enjoyable dinner with the group.

The 2nd day of the meeting also went on very smoothly and at the end of the day, everyone was feeling very happy and the mood was very cordial.

I had a good 2 days with the meeting events and i now look forward to my next event.. : )

Anthea was down with tonsillitis on Wednesday and was given 2 days of MC. Thanks to my mom, as usual, who came in to look after her while I went to work. If not, I would not have been able to manage it so well.

His 1st swimming lesson & “Never Give UP”

All these while, Anders enjoys water play. Whenever we go for hotel stays or vacation, one of the main criteria for my hotel shortlist is – It MUST have a swimming pool. This is to keep the children happy & occupied.

Anthea took her swimming lessons and had passed her Bronze test. As for Anders, he just plays by the poolside and will usually need an adult to swim along to the deeper end of the pool.

We have been encouraging Anders to take up swimming lessons but each time we mentioned about lesson – he will give us some negative feedback about the lesson. Also the swimming coach had advised us to give him time to be confidence in water before starting his lesson.

With this in mind, we had not “forced” him to take up any swimming lessons but along the way, we encourage him to take it up by citing him all the advantages of being a swimmer.

Then last week, we talked about the lesson again and finally he AGREED to take up the lesson. I was very happy to hear him told Adrian “Papa, I am ready to learn swimming from Uncle Julian.” Immediately I checked with the coach of his available day/time for beginner class.

Yesterday morning, I brought Anders to the swimming pool and he started his official 1st lesson with the coach. After the 1 hour lesson, he came to me and said “mommy, it was really fun and good to learn swimming.” He was all smiled as he said it. I was really delighted to hear his feedback and I know I will be back to “Sunday Swimming Pool Mommy” routine but I have no compliant. : )

In the evening, we had dinner with the extended families at a new discovery – Benten’s Café. As I had read a few blogs about this place, so we decided to try out the food & it’s famous Ice-Cream. It was our 1st visit to the new shopping mall as well – Iluma.

The food selections were very wide and we were spoilt for choices. Adrian ordered the recommended Pork Cutlet curry rice. I ordered a Hawaiian pizza for Anthea and Seafood pasta in basil sauce for Anders. The dishes were delicious. Of course, we ordered their Ice-cream. We decided to try the "Never Give Up" instead of the gigantic bowl. It was a delightful & sweet dessert to complete the meal. Everyone was feeling satisfied and I know we would be back for more…hehe.

Then we took a slow walk around the building before heading home for the night. Another well spent weekends.

Top of the World Feelings…

On Saturday, I attended a housewarming gathering at one of my ex-colleague place. Housewarmings are common and nothing special but this colleague new home-sweet-home is none other than the NEW KID IN the BLOCK – Pinnacle @ Duxton

Her housewarming session was scheduled for lunch and I arrived at her home around 12.30pm. When I reached her place, I saw many of the others ex-colleagues and we started chatting happily. Although I only work for this company for a few months but it felt like I knew them for a long time...haha.

After viewing my colleague unit and eating our lunch. We started our tour to the much talk about Sky Bridge. Each owner has 4 access cards to the Sky Bridge and each card can only admit one person at a time. However as we were in “group tours “we decided that one card shall admit few people..hehe : P

I went to the 50th floor sky bridge and took a slow tour around to view the landscape of Singapore. Impressive view but it was a bit hazy because of the Qing Ming Festival.

After touring the 50th floor view, we headed to the 26th storey sky bridge. There was a jogging track for the resident and a children playground. I heard that there will be a gym or fitness area soon. Not bad for a new Block.

It was really a good opportunity for us to view all these for FREE and I heard that Public need to pay in order to access to the sky bridge.

We had a good time at my colleague place and after learning some new dessert recipe from my colleague’s mother. I left for home.

On Sunday, Adrian was on his Guard Duty, so I was home alone with the 2 children. We had a full day of activities while daddy was at work.

We had Dim Sum lunch with my elder brother and my mom. Then we went to Popular and Anthea chose for herself another 3 Geronimo Stilton books – they were birthday presents for her from 大舅。Anders chooses for himself a set of Police station toy from Kiddy Palace. Also a birthday present from my elder brother.

After a good lunch and great shopping we went home to rest while anthea went for her revision lesson. In the evening we had a sumptuous dinner with the extended families.

我爱嗒嗒球!

A few months back while playing badminton down stair, a China lady approached us and introduced us to a new sport – 嗒嗒球。That was my 1st time playing the new sport and I enjoyed it very much.

Last Friday after sending Anders to childcare I went to the park, planning to do my run. As I walked toward the park, I saw a group of people playing the sport and I recognized the china lady whom had introduced the game to me. I went to her & said hello and she invited me to join in the game.

I was delighted to join in the game and had so much fun for the 1 hour play. Also I got to know a few more new friends at the game. The china lady is actually here in Singapore to stay with her daughter and to take care of her grandson. She has been playing this sport for competition in China and she started introducing the sport to her new friends in Singapore.

Through a new lady friend, I found out that there is a group of people who come together in the morning to do exercise lead by an elderly lady. She was taught the set of exercises by a Hong Kong master and the best thing – the exercise is for FREE, anyone can just join in. So last Saturday, I went for my 1st group exercise and I found it very useful. This week, I have been following the group for the morning exercise and then played 嗒嗒球with the group after the exercise.

嗒嗒球 is a very interesting sport – it’s a combination of badminton & table tennis. What I like most about this sport is you can play anywhere as long as there is an open space. There is no need to book a court or find a table, as long as there is an open space, you can play the game.

Now I am slowly learning the right technique to play the sport and hopefully one day I can play as well as the China 大姐。

Now my next target is to buy my own set of bat / shuttles for the game. As this is a new sport, so the equipment is not available in Singapore. They can only be bought in China. So now I have to wait for families/friends that are travelling to china to help me to get my own set….hehe….: )

Happy 8th Birthday to Anthea

Anthea will be celebrating her 8th birthday on 9 April 2010. As the actual day falls on a Friday, I had planned for her to celebrate her birthday earlier. When the calendar said that 2nd April is a Good Friday Holiday, I thought it would be the best day to celebrate such a happy occasion.

With this in mind, when I booked for Ander’s birthday party, I booked the same for Anthea. Instead of celebrating it in school, she would be hosting her party at the Macdonald outlet.

Yesterday, 2 April – her party time was booked from 1.00 pm to 2.30pm. At around 12 noon, I went by to the hub to pick up her birthday cake and we made our way to the Macdonald outlet at AMK Ave 10.

When we arrived, the party organizers – Suja and Sebastian were preparing the stuff for the party. There was a private section specially catered for birthday party. Suja told me that usually they don't host Birthday Party on Public Holiday. Her restaurant Manager had taken my booking by mistake and they were kind enough to accomodate to the party. I was so thankful to hear her said this. : )


Anthea’s friends started arriving as time passed. Most of the parents just left the children at the party and went on with their own agenda. A few parents stayed on for the party.

At 1.00pm, the party began. The children had their happy meals which they ordered with Sebastian. Anthea was eating happily and mingling around with her friends.

After a good meal, the party began. The organizer started the game session. The 1st game was called Caterpillar and the children had so much fun passing the balloons in their respective team. Amid the excitement, they were also screaming away – the energy level in the room was SUPER HIGH..haha. I had a good laugh watching them so excited over the challenge.

The 2nd game was a bit lower key but they were equally excited. The 2 team was given a list of items to collect. The children went round the room and pick up all the different items. Even parents were chipped in to help….haha.

After the 2nd game ended, the organizer told the children to cool down while they prepared for the cake cutting ceremony.

Anthea was all smiled when her friends sang the birthday song for her and she made a birthday wish (es) before cutting her cake.

She started giving out the cakes to all her friends and the parents. After eating the cake, it was time for her to give out the party pack to all her friends. Everyone was very happy to get a party pack & a balloon. Kids will be kids at heart, no matter how old they are. : )

The party came to an end and some of her friends bade her goodbye while some stayed on to play on with the balloons. They just ain’t had enough of games…haha.

Finally we left the place around 3.30pm after all the fun time. 8 years seem to pass so quickly, sometimes, I wish it will slow down a little. Anthea has been a great joy & companion in my life.

On this special day – my wish for my girl is to grow up Happy & Live each day to the fullest!

温馨的感觉

Yes, this has all the while been my feeling when I 回娘家。。。哈哈！Not that my own home is not warmth enough but it’s just that whenever I stepped home to my parents place – the 1st thing that greet me is always the aroma of my dad’s home cook meals.

My dad used to work as a chef before he retired so he can really wok up a storm for the family, especially when he knows we are coming back for dinner.

Last evening, we had dinner at my parent’s place and there were simple home cooked dishes – 药材鸡汤，牛肉炒芹菜，酸甜虾和 烤鸡腿。

I had a very enjoyable meal as at the same time, I had the chance to talk to my 2 elder brothers and catch up with their latest happening. My 2nd brother even brought Anthea & Anders downstairs for an ice-cream treat while I had my dinner in peace.

After dinner, we rested our stomach before eating our dessert – 顿燕窝。And my dad also baked some chicken pies and we had one tray to bring home with us. Yes, my dad always pampered us in his own way.

This coming week, my dad will be going on his one month stint in China and I know we are going to miss his home cook meals for the time while he is holidaying.

Last night while at my parents place, I also brought back some of my old photographs/stuff from my brother wardrobe. Saw a lot of photographs that brought back lots of fond memories. Best thing was – I found my 1st airline amenities pack, this was from Northwest Airline – the 1st company I worked for….hehe.

My 1st flight experienced was with Northwest Airlines too…so can imagined how “lucky” I was to be on an aero plane during those days. My children now had the luxury to fly at such young age.

March has passed by so quickly with so many birthday celebrations and a full month celebration. I am now looking forward to another month of celebrations with the Easter Holiday ahead.

Happy Easter to ALL! !

Happy 6th Birthday to Anders!

Anders will be 6 years old on 22 March 2010. As this is his last year in the childcare centre, what other better way than to celebrate this special day with all his good friends.

With this in mind, I organized a Mac Party for him in his childcare on Friday, 19 March. Also since this week is the school holiday and Adrian is also on his 1 week leaves, all of us could attend his birthday party.

Yesterday around 3.30pm, we went to his childcare centre with his birthday cake. He chose for himself a Transformer cake.

When we arrived at the centre, the Macdonald team was already there. The children just woke up from their nap and were getting ready for the tea-break. I had ordered a Happy Meal for all of them – Mac nuggets, Apple dipper & apple juice.

The children enjoyed their happy meal and most of them managed to finished the whole meal. Anthea also had a set of happy meal. For the class teachers, I ordered Mac Chicken meals for them.

After eating the happy meal, the party began. The 1st game that they played was Musical chair. All of them knew the game well as they played in school before and they obeyed the rule well. Finally the winner was ANDERS…haha.

The 2nd game was Dog & Bone – it was quite an interesting game and the children also had a fun time playing with it. I was enjoying it by the sideline and busied taking photos.

Following the game was the cake cutting ceremony. Everyone was excited to see the cake and they started singing the birthday song when prompted. They sang total of 4 versions of the song – English, Chinese, Malay & Indian. I was impressed.

After that Anders made a wish and cut the cake on his own. Then he started giving out the cakes to his teachers & classmates.

The final part of the party was the giving out Party pack to his classmates. Macdonald had prepared all the packs nicely and Anders was happily handing all the packs to his friends.

For my Dearest Anders, May you have another Blessed Year Ahead and grow up happy each & everyday, just like the Happy Meal!!