PSLE - Pause, Stop, Live and Explore

What a stark difference two years back and now. Two years back, I was on part-time and balancing career and family. Many of my friends and relatives thought that I was a tiger mother and took the move to supervise my elder boy who was then taking his PSLE.

That was not the main reason. Rather it was my younger boy who was hopping from one student care to another which made me decide that I had to pause and be there for him. I learnt an important lesson in life as a mother - when the child is challenging to handle, others could throw in the white towel but the mother will keep trying. 

My younger boy has always been an attention seeker or rather seeking the attention of yours truly. My youngest brother recalled as a toddler he would cry his heart out, rejecting any water or taking any break, throughout the time when I was away- be it an hour or even two. 

Yet today, he only needs me to be around closer to the examinations. My mere presence gives him comfort and security. In the daytime when he is taking his examination, I am too taking my PSLE. I pause, stop, live in the moment and explore how I should too chart my life forward. 

As both my two boys become more independent, it is also time for me to explore my interest and live for myself. I am on the cusp of my life and I could create splashes to make a more exciting and add rainbow to the world.

Legoland a fresh new experience

It was in late 2013 when R had a bad fall in Legoland that cut short our day there. During one of our normal daily conversation, R recounted to me that he thought he was going to leave us then as he was bleeding profusely. Thereafter, I suggested that we should go again to recreate new and beautiful memories.

Within a week, the suggestion became a reality. We set off early in the morning and stopping by a food centre for our breakfast. We ate the same wanton egg noodles. The taste was especially savoury with the boys tucking in merrily. It made me feel so happy and warm.

Before long we reached Legoland just when it was to be opened and the visitors were still far and few between. The sun was shining, casting a lovely glow on the place. There were just the right number of clouds to make the weather simply perfect. 

We headed to the air-conditioned area where the boys registered to learn about robots and heartbeats while my hubby and I just lazed around. 

That was me having fun, posing behind Einstein Lego statue.

Next we went to the adventure zone with dragons as the theme. I would say, this was the best day out at a theme park. The crowd was relatively thin that there was little or no waiting time. Thrill rides, we had most of them and managed to convince P to join the thrillest of them of all. We also had time to share for the 4D movie, boat ride and car ride for R.

Thereafter we headed to Taman University Food Centre for our high tea. We would have had dessert as well if not for our favourite stall was closed. Our guess was that Wednesday was its off-day. With Legoland a short drive away, we have had a pact that we would be back again - this time to stay at the rectangular and primary colours building at Legoland hotel.

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!

Roundup of first 4 months of 2015

It has been a long time since I last put up a post. My life has been meaningful with ups and downs. However, these are little road bumps and I have been managing them well.

I have also put my command of Chinese in good use, having embarked on online shopping. Taobao sea is a shoppers' paradise. I bought new school bags, pencil case and school shoes from the portal and many more. It is also where I show my boys the commercial value of Chinese. Able to communicate over 旺信with taobao sellers makes better purchases. 

At the home front, there are two new jubilee babies added to my extended families. My two boys will have to learn to be role models to their cousins.

In short, life is simple and mundane. But I am contented and happy.

8 Principles to achieve our full potential

I have wanted to listen to Nick Vujicic when he came to Singapore recently. Thanks to YouTube, I could also watch it.

Here are some snippet that Nick about how to reach our full potential:

1. Be thankful

2. You dunno if you will succeed if u dun try

3. If u try n fail, try again

4. Failure is education 

5. Obstacle is opportunity 

6. Dream big 

7. Never give up

8. Faith 

You will not reach your potential until you seek it. You will not seek it until you believe. Faith.

Seize the Day

Sharing a meaningful story:

Richard S. Willis sent this letter out within 45 minutes of reading it. Not even 4 hours later walking along the street to his new job interview, with a really big company, when he ran into Cynthia Bell, his secret love of 5 years. Cynthia came up to him and told him of her passionate crush on him that she had for 2 years. Three days later he proposed to her and they were married. They are still married to this day and have three children.

This is the letter:

Around the corner I have a friend,

In this great city that has no end,

Yet the days go by, and the weeks rush on,

And before I know it a year has gone.

And I never see my old friends face,

For life is a swift and terrible race,

He knows I like him just as well,

As in the days when I rang his bell,

And he rang mine if, we were younger then,

And now we are busy, tired men.

Tired of playing a foolish game,

Tired of trying to make a name.

Tomorrow; I say, I will call on Jim

Just to show I am thinking of him.

But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,

And distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner! - yet miles away,

Here's a telegram sir, Jim died today.

And that's what we get and deserve in the end.

Around the corner, a vanished friend.

Remember to always say what you mean.

If you love someone - tell them.

Don't be afraid to express yourself.

Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you,

because when you decide that it is the right time,

it might be too late.

Seize the day, Never have regrets.

Most importantly stay close to your friends and family,

for they have helped make you the person you are today.

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 ;)

Merry Christmas 2014

"Mum, please cook ginseng chicken using the Korean ginseng bought from Korea. We would be back on Christmas Eve." I chimed to my mother over the phone.

Thereafter I followed up with my brothers to tell them I would be bringing log cake for dessert. The Chua's family gathering was set.

We arrived at my youngest brother's place. He is the most doted child in my family who has the great fortune of staying with our mother. This place is where we would always gravitate to for family gathering usually over the weekends but then we may not meet up for long. This time round was different. Besides the ginseng chicken and log cake, my second brother also bought some fried chicken wings and "nonghyongs". It was a potluck of sorts. We stayed and chatted while the children enjoyed each other's company.

In Christmas Day, we stayed at home and just be together. I prepared a simple and delicious meal of pasta with mushrooms and salmon. The boys enjoyed it. For the adults, we chilled out with white wine and ice cream log cake. While our Christmas celebration was simple, I feel so blessed and happy.

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.

Australia Adventure Dec 2014, 14 Brisbane

Dec 20, Sat D14

In a blink of an eye, two weeks just past. Today, we needed to drive to Brisbane to catch the flight back home.

There were old happy memories 3 years back and we would want to revisit New Fish Market Cafe - just opposite the park.

942 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005, Australia

1. +61 7 3254 3655

We had had our first meal in Australia 3 years back. We were hungry and exhausted. The food tasted heavenly then. 

There was a little trepidation when we tried to google for the cafe. And we were thrilled that it was still around.

We first ordered 2 servings of whiting fish and 1 serving of snapper. Both sets were topped up with caramari rings and fries. The sweet sauce cost a dollar. The verdict? It was still as good.

We topped up our order with another 2 servings - salmon and snapper. R also had his vanilla ice cream. 

As a result, we spent a large portion of our time in Brisbane there. Before long, it was time to take the flight back to Singapore. It has been a very exciting and enjoyable holiday. 

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Australia Adventure, Dec 2014, 13 Gold Coast

19 Dec, Friday, D14

We sort of settled down in our apartment but were at the same time, sorely aware that we would be heading back home soon. No time for wallowing in thousands of "what-if"s, it was more important to live in the moment and enjoyed the rest of our holiday.

Hmm, we had revisited most of the attractions we wanted. It was time to suss out new ones. We narrowed to David Fleay Wildlife Reserve, Thunderbird Park and Segway Safari at Wildlife Currumbin Sanctuary. The first one was rejected for being too unadventurous. We settled on the last one.

Upon arrival, we made a last minute change of plan as R did not meet the minimum weight floor to ride the Segway. We proceeded with Adventure Parc, high rope course. R and I took the green and a shorter version of the red course while my hubby pressed on for the black course - the most physically demanding one. 

We thought P went back to the base camp. We misjudged P. To our surprise, he did the Croc shock -doing flying fox over the crocodiles! Well, at least part of it, beyond the green course, the other courses required much physical endurance to complete. After flying over the the salt water crocodiles, he was too tired and desperate to get out. He removed his safety harass and hook them on the fence before climbing out of the course. He probably was oblivious of the crocodiles lying below him. One wrong step he would be their next meal.

After an exhilarating adventure, we next headed out to the beach in our swimming costumes to catch the waves. Every time, the wave came crashing in, we would time the right moment to jump with our back facing the wave. Not all waves were the same, occasionally there would be strong ones, we would lose our balance and get drenched. It was such great fun.

Once we reached our apartment, the first thing we did was to call to reserve a table for four at our new favourite, Itoshin Japanese Restaurant. We had to be seated at the Tatami room as the main tables were all fully booked. But it was a nice change to sit on the giant floor pillow barefooted with lots of privacy and surrounded with good food. Granted it was not cheap, we ordered the dinner at 46 each, but the food was really delicious. 

It was such a lovely day. We started off with only a very vague idea of what to do. While the options did not turn out viable, we were fast to change course and seize the day and the meal as well.

Australia Adventure Dec 2014, 12 Gold Coast

18 Dec, Thursday D12

As the saying goes, the early bird gets its worm. We rose early at 6.30 am to just walk on the beach just across the road from our apartment.

I had an invigorating run on the beach barefooted. The sand felt like talcum powder. It was so soft. As I ran, I could hear the soft rustle of the waves rushing in. The boys were also have a whale of a time building sandcastles, taunting the waves and frolicking on the beach.

Thereafter we went to Movie World again as we missed the Lights, Camera, Action, Hollywood stunt driver 2. There were only 3 shows each day with last show starting at 1.50 pm. It was loud. It was noisy. But the audience loved it. The applause was equally thunderous. 

Our next stop was Harbour Town outlet shopping where we literally shopped till we dropped. Thursday was the shopping day and the shops would close at 7.30 pm instead of 5.30 pm. Tourists have privileges, we collected the discount card at the designated lounge to receive additional discount. 

We picked up a couple of skecher shoes and socks. We dropped by Speedo and other sportswear outlets. With the outlets selling their wares at deeply discounted price, we had a good haul. We also had some donuts for our afternoon tea break before heading to Cav's steakhouse and butchery for our well-deserved dinner. 

At Cav's, we ordered the same dishes we did 3 years back. While the beef was slightly over cooked and voodoo chocolate too sweet for our liking, the Yahoo pork ribs were awesomely good. Before we bade goodbye to this fine restaurant, we looked around for the cow statue which used to stand in front of the entrance. It had now moved to the side with another as its company. I guessed as one matured, one would still find loads of comfort in the tried-and-tested path, including food.

Australia Adventure Dec 2014, 11 Gold Coast

17 Dec, Wed D11

Ahoy guys! We were at Sea World, Gold Coast. This park was a children's playground designed with boys and girls in mind. It reminded me somewhat of Sentosa in Singapore. Was I homesick? I guessed we needed to venture out to realise how fortunate we were. 

Anyhow, back to Gold Coast. 

Welcome to Sea World

The friendly Dolphins welcomed us when we first stepped afoot into the park. They were so smart to be gathering near the bank as the trainers were there with their food.

We next headed to see the penguins in close encounter. As put across by Apoley Cherry-Garrard, part of the Scotts Nora Expedition in 1910s, "They are extraordinarily like children, these little people of the Antarctic world."

Up next, we marvelled at the wonders of deep sea. I also learnt the name of a polka dot fish today - clown triggerfish.

It was a very hot and sunny day with temperature crossing 30 Degree Celsius. And we sought refuge from the blazing sun in the air-conditioned polar bears viewing area as well as the Castaway Bay. While we were well-prepared packing 3 water bottles with frozen ice made the day before, we drowned another 4 large soda to beat the heat. We had also taken the thrilling Jet Rescue - it was too fast for the excitement to sink in but the discomfort to the head persisted a little while, and the milder Viking's Revenge Flume. Something which we learnt was, we could have brought our swimwear as there was a Sea World Resort & Water Park but we were not too sure of it was open to the public.

After the obstacle challenge (proper footwear needed), we made our way back to our apartment. Thereafter we changed our corner apartment to another apartment upstairs as the door to the bathroom of the ensuite bedroom was faulty. The replacement apartment was slightly smaller, however all the rooms were facing the sea. Another plus point was the better wifi reception. On the other hand, the bigger unit boast posher deco and a larger living room with magazines and books for leisure reading. 

After a tiring day, we were famished. Dinner was at Itoshin Restaurant (2484 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218, Australia), with numerous positive reviews. Iust say that it was the best Japanese food I had so far. The sashimi was very fresh and sliced perfectly. We ordered fresh oysters too, which did not disappoint. Everything that we ordered was polished off the plate. The Teriyaki beef medium was absolutely tantalising and sensational on the taste buds. We loved the tempura ice cream too.

It had been a wholesome day in the sun. While it was tiring, we enjoyed the good times together and great food. This is the true meaning of holiday.

Australia Adventure Dec 2014, 10 Gold Coast

16 Dec, Tuesday D10

I rubbed my eyes and did a double take when I woke up at 6.20 am. The sky had brightened considerably and the view from the living room was fantastic.

The sand was so clean and the water was crystal clear. It was such a pictureque scene to behold. The Surfers Paradise was also visible along the shoreline. Such was the justapose of nature's work and man's architecture.

This was our second visit to Gold Coast so I retrieved my previous blogposts three years back to guide me in the planning of what to do. With the children in mind, we decided to visit Wet n Wild Park today, followed by White Christmas at Movie World. The quick check of the weather forecast for the next few days sealed the deal as it would be a clear and sunny day.

Wet n Wild Park

Wet n Wild Park was quite similar to Wild, Wild Wet back home. Except that it was much bigger. The boys took some thrilling rides - Sidewinder and Jetstream to get their adrenaline fix-but were most happy with the Giant Wave Pool and Calypso Beach. R had mistaken the Kamikaze for the Super 8 Aqua Racer where we had so much fun 3 years back. He backed out when we were closer to the ride. P surprised me when he raced to take the Jetstream as he was not an action seeker.

With some time to while away before the opening of White Christmas at Movie World, we visited Movie World by the day too. We realised what we had to book our tickets for the night too. So we hooked up to Internet via our handphone using the local SIM card and the booking was made in a jiffy.

At Movie World, we took mostly the same thrill rides as we did three years back. The memories which were buried in the deep recesses of the mind came back slowly and surely. We loved the spooky Scooby Doo ride. The theatre was however showing a new 4-D movie.

All in all, it had been a day of reminising of the past with new memories infusing in it. Not to mention that it was a great family bonding time.

By the day

By the night

Australia Adventure Dec 2014, 9 Gold Coast

15 Dec, D09

The time was 5 minutes to nine in the morning. It was the first day of our road trip that we could sleep past 7.30 am. With less than 6 hours to go before hitting Gold Coast, we could take it a little easier taking a more relaxing pace. This was great as I was eager and ready to explore this serene and lovely place.

That was not before we settled done adminstrative matters such as paying for the road tolls incurred in Sydney. Australia is such a friendly country to explore for solo travellers. A few calls and checking the websites and we were all set to check out Port Macquarie!

Our first stop was the Tacking Point Lighthouse, built in 1878. Just below the lighthouse on the northern side, was a tiny beach, suitable for walking.

After a lazy leisurely stroll, it was time for lunch. We headed to the much touted Pancake Place by 'Getaway'and 'Sydney Weekender'. The place served very delicious and innovative, well... pancakes.

Another of the Port's 'Best Tourist Attraction' 4 years running was Ricardson Tomatoes. That was our next stop. The star attraction was being able to hand pick out strawberries. It was so much fun and the berries tasted especially  sweet as they were our fruits of labour.

We gained an hour when we arrived at Gold Coast due to the time difference. I thought I would be able to receive my room key from the reception as it was around 6 pm. Alas, luck was not with me. No worries, the management had it all thought out. In fact, they called me two days beforehand, giving me exacting instructions of how to get into my apartment. This was similar 3 years ago when we booked our accommodation at Gemini Court Holiday Apartment. 

Once we stepped into our apartment (Burleigh Beach Tower-1098)  we were wowed by the decor and even more so by the million dollar view. Just look at the white puffy clouds and the soothing gentle waves lapping up on the silky golden beach.

Burleigh Heads was a well-planned and self-contained neighbourhood. Dinner was at the nearby Sushi on James. Thereafter we bought some groceries from a convenience store which was also within a stone's throw away. 

Welcome to Burleigh Heads! 

Australia Adventure Dec 2014, 8 Port Macquarie

Dec 14 D08

"Rise and shine time." I gently woke R from his slumber. It was to be another day on the road but not before we paid the Blue Mountains National Park a visit.

Located in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, the national park was about 80km west of Sydney.

The national park is one of the eight protected area. In 2000, it clinched a place in the UNESCOWorld Heritage.

We went to the Echo Point. At the same time, we also took some easy walking routes to get different vantage points of the park.

Thereafter, we continued our drive with Gold Coast as our end in mind.

The route along the coastline was our preference as we could also take in the tranquil ocean view. As time passed, we made a quick mental calculation and decided to make Port Macquarie as our next port of call. With the local SIM card at hand, we made a phone booking for a night's stay.

After we checked into the motor lodge, Aston Hill Motor Lodge (Golden Chain Group, 185) -an ensuite 1-bedroom unit- we ventured around Port Macquarie. I fell in love with this beautiful place.

Dinner was at the lovely Whalebone Wharf Seafood Restaurant. It was a multi-award winning restaurant that specialised in the freshest local seafood. The views across the sparkling waters of the Hastings River was simply mind blowing. It was the best dinner we had this far. We returned to our motor lodge each with our own lovely memory of this beautiful place.

Australia Adventure Dec 2014, 7 Sydney

Dec 13, Sat D07 - We had arrived at the 1-week mark of our holiday.

Today we braced ourselves for the longest stretch drive we would take. The distance from Melbourne to Sydney was about 850 km. This meant a 8-9 hour drive without break at a speed of 100 km an hour.

We managed to reach Sydney before 7 pm. Lodging was at Marco Polo Motorlodge at Summer Hill, which I had phoned in to book a family room in the afternoon after having greater clarity of our pace. (180).

With better planning this time round, we drove down to visit the world acclaimed Opera House, had our dinner at Hokkaido, a nearby Japanese restaurant and walked around the vincity. We also strolled around The Rocks to soak in the vibrancy of Sydney.

Australia Adventure Dec 2014, 6 Melbourne

Dec 12 D06 - the three great natural attractions of Australia were often said to be 'the road, the Rock and the reef '. The road is the Great Ocean Road, which ran west from Anglesea, round the treacherous Cape Otway, to Warrnambool. 

Today, we drove from Mount Gambier to arrive at Melbourne via the famous Great Ocean Road. The ocean views were spectacular and we took many pit stops to marvel in awe of nature's work.

"London Bridge" which had fallen due to erosion

12 Apostles

Great works of nature

We checked into Fawkner Hume Villa Motor Inn (180). Thereafter we headed for Matsumoto Restaurant for Japanese cuisine before charting out the route for tomorrow to Sydney.