Just another day

I stopped my car and was fidgeting with my GPS. From the corner of my eyes, I saw a white car reversing next to my car. I turned my head and broke into a wide smile. The familiar face was my husband who had returned home from his work trip.

I had been taking care of the two boys for the past few days. Frankly speaking, the boys were more sensible and responsible when daddy was out of town. It helped that I could knock off on time to have dinner with them. Simple fare it was, we had great family bonding.

While daddy is now back, he would still be busy at work. But he gives me the companionship that I need. It is just like R will want me to take leave just to see me around. My presence gives him motivation to study.

Girls' Day Out

"Oh, M n S are our shining stars!" I gesticulated wildly with both hands stretching out to block my eyes from the imaginary blinding light.

This realisation of the different languages of appreciation planted the seed of having a team outing a month ago. Today, we put our first step to go on an outing together.

It was a lovely day of eating and shopping. We started the day early with a hearty breakfast at Restoran Habib in JB before heading down to Aeron Shopping Mall. Time flew when the girls were having fun shopping and two and a half hours just flew past. Soon it was time for our high tea at KSL resort, Infusion Cafe from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm. 

Looking at the scrumptious spread made my mouth water. There were also life performance and lucky draws.

After a good meal, we continued with more shopping fun. Thanks to my shopping kakis, I managed to buy my happiness in the form of a modest handphone cover. 

Thereafter there was a massage session to rub away the tiredness of a day of walking before heading back home. It was a very simple girls' outing but packed with so much cameraderie. Thank you M and your hubby for your kindness. R, S and Y for joining in. It was such great day when we are with great people. I guess I am counted as a great person too.

Cheers!

First week of 2015

A new year has arrived! It is the year 2015.

As I mused over the events that unfolded in 2014, there has been ups and downs but I supposed I have managed the year well. Going forward, I need to stay focused on my priorities especially when R will be taking his PSLE this year. R still needs a lot of my attention while P is going through the angst of teenage years. The boys have adjusted well to mom's return to work full time. P did well for his sec 1 exam and is slowly fending for more independence in his own ways.

Being a supportive wife is what I have been doing for close to 20 years. I suppose woman is better multitasking. At the same time, I enjoy my work so yes, it may not be easy but a working mother is what that will define me.

Adaption is the key for me in the next few years. For now, my focus is to help the boys as much as I can. As the Chinese phrase goes "他们是未来的主人翁” -loosely translated as they are the masters of the future.

For myself, I need to continue to learn to keep pace with the changes. Like many, I too own a smartphone and update online regularly. Last year, I started to shop online too. Now I relearn my rusty Chinese to shop on Taobao Sea. Along the way, I learn new and cheaper ways to pay and also pick some security tips on and off.

I believe 2015 will be another awesome year ahead ;)

First day of work

Today was my first working day after my long holiday. However being a wife and mother, I have started the preparation yesterday. There have been a lot of planning on what meals to prepare for my family and also the upcoming Christmas celebration.

I adopted the same philosophy at work - planning. At the start of work day, I set out what I wanted to do - urgent stuff, followed by important but not urgent. The latter would help to reduce the incidence of urgent matters which would need taxing firefighter mode. 

It has been a non-eventful day. Yet I felt very contented and happy. I am very grateful for the gifts bestowed on me. I know I have to make full use of them and more importantly have courage to do the right thing.

Integrity Also: Earnestness, Sincerity

Sharing meaningful stories...

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Integrity means being true to ourselves and being honest, upright, and decent in our dealings with others. When we are guided by integrity, our thoughts and words are in line with each other; our actions align with our principles. Our conduct speaks for us, more eloquently than words ever could. It becomes the basis for both reputation and self-respect. Integrity demands courage but delivers untroubled sleep.

Developing integrity requires internal honesty, because we can’t be honest with others unless we are honest with ourselves. It requires self awareness, since we cannot accurately communicate what we do not know.

People of integrity can be counted on to stand up for what it right, even if it is unpopular, and to behave with honor even when there is no one around to see. Integrity allows other people to trust us because they know that we value our commitments and seek to live by them. It is one of the cornerstones of loving relationships and shared endeavors.

Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago.  Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was his lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but also, Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him. Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education.

Nothing was withheld. Price was no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done. He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great.

So, he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay.

Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine. The poem read: 

The clock of life is wound but once, 
and no man has the power 
to tell just when the hands will stop 
At late or early hour. 
Now is the only time you own. 
Live, love, toil with a will. 
Place no faith in time. 
For the clock may soon be still. 

STORY NUMBER TWO 

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific. One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. 

He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier.  Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.  As he was returning to the mother ship he saw something that turned his blood cold: a squadron of Japanese aircraft were speeding their way toward the American fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. 

There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.  Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another.  Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.  Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly.  Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.

Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet.

He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft.  This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor.  A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29.

His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.  So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?  

Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.

去逛街

Sharing my elder boy's essay.

  ​​​​ 去逛街

有一天，妈妈和爸爸带我和弟弟去乌节路买东西。我和弟弟都闷闷不乐的，因为我们比较喜欢在家里睡觉。

到了那里，我们先去吃晚餐。我们去一家高级的餐厅，吃日本餐。

虽然弟弟吃完了晚餐，想回家，一直叫个不停：“回家了！回家了！我很累，我要睡觉了！”，但是我们去“Uncle Teisu”蛋糕店买蛋糕。弟弟一看 到非常好吃的蛋糕，马上忘记了自己说很累，连口水都流了出来！我们看到了都偷偷的笑了起来，不敢告诉他。因为弟弟最爱发脾气了。人家不小心动到他，他也要狠狠地揍人家一拳 。

买好蛋糕后，我们去买一些肉干。虽然不是过新年，但是，我们还是买了肉干吃。弟弟说：“回到家，我就一定把肉干都吃完，连一快都不留给你们！”听到平时什么都不吃的弟弟居然说这种话，我可已看到弟弟很开心

最后，我们去“Daiso”买文具。因为我的笔没有墨了，所以我就叫妈妈买了一只蓝色笔。

虽然开始的时候，我和弟弟都不开心，但我们最后还是度过了难忘的一天，依依不舍地回家了。

Extended Family Gathering

It was a gathering which we had decided on my brother's wedding in March. My mother who originated from West Malaysia, has been busy with raising her family that she only made very infrequent visit back to her hometown. Now that we have grown up, we should bring her back as often as we could.

So this trip was planned. We started out on 14 Jun, Saturday from Singapore to Kukup. There was a jam at the Causeway where the traffic was like a snail. On our way to Kukup, we had a little hiccup which we had to be at car workshop at Pontian. I contacted my cousin who then got his brothers to come over to help us out. They then drove us up to Kukup where it was almost dinner time. Yes, we feast on the sumptuous seafood. 

We spent the night at my uncle's house. Before long, my aunt and cousin from Singapore met us there too.

The next morning, the extended family made our way to my cousin's house at Ponderosa, JB. 

There we continued to enjoy the warm hospitality of my dear relatives. My another cousin had also bought a house within walking distance away and we attended the house warming that night. At noon, my husband and I had a round of golf at the nearby golf course, Ponderosa Golf Course.

On Monday, the extended family took two cars and drove up to Cameron Highlands. We had booked two apartment units near Brinchang town. The next day, we went sightseeing. This was a rare treat for me as this was the first time that I went out with my uncle and aunt's family alongside my hubby's aunt. There were 11 of us.

Thereafter they made their way to Ipoh while we continued our stay in Cameron Highlands as my aunt visited her friend. As the road was bumpy, our dear car protested with a punctured tyre. Living up the mountain meant that it was difficult to get help. But help came eventually and we continued our journey to Genting where we celebrated my boy's birthday.

We were not aware that the outdoor theme park was having a major revamp so we had to content with the rides at the indoor theme park. Thereafter the two seniors had their own programme while we watched the magic show by Peter Marvey.

On Friday, we made our way to Malacca and feast on, well the famous chicken rice balls in this heritage town. However for the old folks, they still preferred the normal chicken rice anytime. Not to be missed was the chendol too.

On Saturday, we had a splash at the swimming pool while the seniors went shopping at the nearby Mahkota Parade. Thereafter we headed back to pick up our car from the workshop and returned my cousin's car. We had a stopover at Skudai for dinner. It has been a very fulfilling trip.

Golf

Serenity and tranquility

Soothing to the mind

Swinging away our troubles

Just focus on having a good game

A bad round does not mean a bad finish

Neither does one good round make a good game

Never give up and not letting the past gets into the head is the key to a good golfer

But isn't this also the mantra to be a successful person?

A Not so Normal Saturday Afternoon

After a short hiatus, I signed up for a speaking slot at my Toastmasters' Club and delivered it this afternoon. I loved to work on my speech. It gave me a sense of accomplishment to speak in front of the audience. There was still so much that I could learn. Best of all, there was also a lot of enjoyment through learning.

However, there were so many things to do and so little time. I needed to work on my golf swings which I was no exactly good at. A short break would mean many countless hours of getting the right swing back. I have made progress after 5 long years. 

Then there was the need to visit my mother to cheer her up and just to say hello. Though she did not say and was always in a hurry to chase me back, I could feel that she was glad just to talk or see me.

It was all about prioritisation and time management. My club meeting had ended. I only did my project and observed how others' did their projects and learned in the process. 

"Ma, I am here!" I called for my mom at her door.

"What brings you here?" My mom's droopy eyelids lifted up and she broke into a megatwatt smile.

As the club meeting was not too far from my mom's place, I decided to pay her a visit. It is not my usual Saturday but I get to do what is important and shower love to my mom.

Waiting outside the surgery room

I am penning this post outside the surgery room. In the room lies my beloved mother who is in the safe hands of the doctor.

This is the third time in less than a year that she has undergone the same operation. My mom does have times when she feels frustrated that her children have to take time-off and spend their hard-earnt money on her. She insisted to use her paltry CPF monies to help defray part of her medical costs. Thanks to the generosity of our government, though my mom has always been a full-time home maker, she had some in her account given by the State. 

In a sense, I am thankful that I have this far-sightedness to buy medical insurance for my parents. So we have one less worry about the high medical costs.

But there is still the emotional aspect. We have to assure our mother that it is our pleasure to be able to spend time with her. We treasure the time that we spend waiting to see doctor where we can have small talk. 

I felt this sense of lightness and peace while waiting outside the surgery room. Her predicament has given her children a chance to share our care and concern to her. A tiny smile crept into my face. I am contented and will cherish every single moment with my loved ones.

Family Adventure Walk@Gardens By the Bay

It was an overcast morning and I would loved to stay in bed if not for the event at Gardens By the Bay. I have signed up to participate in the Family Adventure Walk together with P some weeks ago.

Like clockwork, we mechanically packed our bags and headed out. Rain or no rain, the show had to go on.

Strangely, there was some trepidation as this was the first time that we participated in a somewhat mass event. However we quickly made new friends. 

The event was designed for the parents and children to learn more about each other. There were 4 stations. Each having a lesson to teach us. One at the colonial garden where we took time to plan a family activity. Another at the Chinese garden where we learnt about the different love languages - service, spending time etc. We also had a mini quiz on how much we know about each other. We took time out to have a family picture too with a Polaroid little photo as keepsake.

When we had completed our stations, it was time to let our creative juice flow. Working with P as a team, we created our very own memorabilia.

This is one beautiful memory which we would remember deep in our hearts.

Absence Built Strength

I have had just another period of being the defacto head of household as my hubby was out of town. 

I remembered the first time he needed to travel was more than 10 years ago, I was at my wits' end. I had just given birth to our elder boy and still in my 8 weeks of maternity leave. Then I moved to my parents' place to stay as they helped to take care of me until my hubby returned.

Another period his absence which etched in my mind was the one that coincided with the birth our younger boy. I missed him badly and my parents again helped to tide me over the period. 

More than 10 years on, I was determined to take care of our boys as if daddy was in Singapore. We did the same activities and enjoyed the same level of comfort. 

When daddy was back, I cannot help but heave a big relief. I slept through more of the weekend. Little did I know that doubling of roles was draining me of vitality. My hubby may not be perfect but he loves the family deeply. He works hard to provide for us.

Levelling up I must. I have seen myself grown from strength to strength. The biggest improvement was when my hubby was not around. My boys were the reservoir of my strength and belief. I will continue to work to be better than who I was yesterday. 

Chi Residence 279

Now that I am back in Singapore. I just want to do a quick roundup of my recent Hong Kong stay at Chi Residence 279. Just to qualify, this is not a sponsored post. I write this purely for sharing purpose.

To me, I feel that the location is great. It is just a stone's throw away from Yau Ma Tei MTR. It is very near to the famous Temple Street.  For more precision, it is opposite the Silka Seaview Hotel.

Cross this road and you could enjoy the famous dessert chain store - 许留山. Turn right and walk a little, you would reach Chi Residence. 

 

This is the frontage. In fact, you should be able to see it at the traffic junction near Silka Seaview Hotel.

As I mentioned in my previous blogpost, the apartment size is pretty decent by Hong Kong standard. I love the kitchen, living room space which one cannot find in the usual hotel rooms. There are also some basic cutleries, cups, plates and bowls as my boys would have cereals for breakfast. There are also complimentary coffee and tea sachets as well as mineral water.

On the whole, I am very happy with my stay there. Thanks to fellow net citizens for sharing your experiences. And this is really my way of saying thank you - keeping up the spirit of unbiased reporting.

Cheers!

Oblivious Ocean Park

"Please stand behind the line." The commanding voice of the train marshall was loud and clear.

 

We were wondering why the MTR to Admiralty was packed to the brim until it struck us that it was 10 minutes to 9 am on Monday. We were jostling with the office crowd in the MTR!

Thereafter we continued our journey to Ocean Park via bus. On board the bus, we were treated to the scene of the busy street roads. Look the electric bus!

When we reached Ocean Park, we realised that the park would only open at 10.30 am. With much time to while away, we took photos of the surroundings.

From the hoardings and signboards, it would appear that Ocean Park would soon be accessible by MTR. 

There were exhibits outside true to Ocean Park's environmental theme.

Ocean Park was a mishmash of stuff. Meet the pandas and monkeys.

There were the Emerald trail, animal performances, game carnival and thrill rides. However, in my opinion, Disneyland was definitely better. For a theme park, I would prefer a defined focus.

In terms of food, Ocean Park did this right. Presenting the panda custard buns...

My younger boy simply loved taking photos with the mascots.

One thing that Ocean Park stood out was its sea creatures, which was unfortunately diluted by the other misfitting concepts added on. I thought the Old Hong Kong Street stood out like a sore thumb.

After a relaxing day, we took City Bus 629 again to Central. Tonight we managed to dine in Maxim's Palace...

The food here was great. Well worth the trip!

Flight to Fantasy in Disneyland

We woke up at around 9 am and enjoyed the city view of Hong Kong. We had real views compared to the curtains that opened up to face another wall. At a high floor, we enjoyed a quiet night too.

We revisited Disneyland and were transported to our childhood days again. The journey itself had us looking forward to our adventure. That was a great marketing move by Disney.

With all the anticipation, the travelling time whizzed by and we were thrilled when we arrived at the park.

Star attraction for my younger boy was the photo shoot with his idol, Phuto. Just look at his contented expression!

I was also having fun goofing around while my elder boy was trying to shadow me.

The various attractions that we revisited did not disappoint. Hey, this is Disneyland. We expect no less.

And I definitely had great bonding time with my family.

Some new attractions, at least to me were the Grizzly Gulch - thrill ride with mining theme, Mystic Manor - quite family friendly ride along the supernatural theme, Toyland - after the crazily successful runs of Toy Story with more thrilling rides, and It's a Small World - quite mild rides.

I still enjoyed the parade which featured an ensemble of different characters marching around the park. At the halfway point, the crew had asked for child volunteers to dance along. 

And of course, my all-time-favourite - the night time firework. To me, Disneyland fireworks was the best, not to be missed and should be watched live!

It was such a magical day!