A Birthday celebration at SUN

The colleagues had been talking about SUN restaurant. Despite the 30% discount that sounded attractive, they mentioned the food was delicious which tempted me to try. I have been thinking of a dinner venue to celebrate Jeremy's birthday, now SUN will be one of my options besides MOF. Much of a curious, I have no objections when the ladies suggest a to have lunch there. Indeed, the environment and menu does looks attractive. I had a tough time deciding what to order. The food appears to be delicious with beautiful garnishing. I had a hearty satisfactory meal! Decided! SUN will be my dinner treat for Jeremy's Birthday. To be able to enjoy the discount, I set the celebration date a week earlier from Jeremy's actual birth date (22 March). Ashley was excited when the day came... it happened that she saw a commercial about CHJMES and I highlighted to her that we will be dinning there on daddy's birthday celebration. I was me who instill the excitement in her. haha! Cieran on the other hand, knows nothing about a nice meal awaiting for him. The evening turn out to be a good one with nice cool weather (rain had stopped). It's been many years since Jeremy & I visited CHJMES. Somehow, it reflects back our memories when we are in CHJMES during our courtship times. Now, we brought with us 2 lovely children with us. This feeling is fabulous. The structure of the building remains while our lives changes over the years. It delighted me to see my kids running around the place, having fun. I cant helped taking photos to capture all the wonderful moments, not forgetting a must to have a family photo! At the restaurant, Ashley immediately knows what she wants-udon was her favourite! We ordered quite a sumptuous meal for the family. We have a mango sushi, Chawanmushi, Ebi Udon, Grilled Katsu Set and Teriyaki Set. The kids especially enjoyed their meal very much. Though Cieran had his, he enjoys eating again with us (as usual). After the dinner, we ordered a green tea ice-cream to share. Both kids were trilled over the dessert. We didn't spend as much as I expected. The whole meal cost less than $55. Thanks to the 30% discount on their 30th anniversary (which ends this day). We sure will come again...during their 'discount period'. :-)

Arrival of Baby Chloe - Valerie's Little Princess

12 March 2009, arrival of baby Chole! Received a short email from Aixin that Valerie had given birth. So exciting! Immediately, I send a sms (instead of calling... mummy needs rest mah) to Val to congratulate her new born. Following will be LCS-ing the ladies, asking if anyone is keen to pay a visit at East Shore hospital next day. Haiz... response wasn't over-whelming as I expected. I suppose, I am the only one 'more free' at work. Hahaha... Joan's reply was " I don't know how to carry a baby"... Phyllis's was "Don't think I can leave office, quite busy". Unfortunately Joanne is on leave, otherwise, I believed she will be keen to join me. Nonetheless, I found a interested party-Geneve. :-) Eventually, we made arrangement that rain or shine, we will meet at lobby over lunch hours for East Shore. The morning, I was browsing for the right gift for mum and baby. I can't wait to see little Chloe. It was pouring heavily.. but the excitement to see the little princess overcome the challenge of 'wet journey'. Very luckily, we managed to flag a taxi without much delay of time from the rain. I wasn't aware that East Shore is so closed to Bon's condo...and the outlook had changed so much-for the better! The last time I came visiting was 7 years ago-Suhainah's new born. Time flies.....!!! Geneve and I bought our lunch from Delifrance express at the lobby and went straight up to the ward. Val was breastfeeding when we arrived, thus we munch on our bread while she's busy attending to chloe's feed. We waited not too long to finally see the beautiful little Chloe. My 1st impression : She looks exactly like Val!!! I am never good at judging, but this is a exact mould to her mum. Geneve agrees with me... next, both of us are busy taking photos of the little princess. Of course, chat with Val also.. finding out how her birth took place... the usual mummy's talk. :-p We spent about 2 hours (I think) at the ward, before we headed back to office. As it was a Friday, there weren't much mood to work...(opps!) Instead, I am spending time downloading the photos to share with the ladies. (shhhhh... dont tell boss!)

Congratulations Valerie... & Brandon to your new born!

A "BUDGET yet LUXURY" Lunch??!!

The usual lunch khakis came out with this idea... We love Lei Garden dim sum, but the cost of dim sum is on the 'high end' in comparison to most restaurants. So, we agreed that we will just eat on a budget of $20 each. Joanne was appointed to be the 'finance controller' to monitor this budget, making sure that we will not order exceeding this set amount. We had great laughs over this agreement and yes.. we set a date and go for our 'budget yet luxury' lunch. The date was set on a Fri.. with the weekend mood. We stepped in Lei Gardens with great pleasure and truly enjoyed the dim sums. Of course, not forgetting to keep closed eye on the price each time we placed a dim sum order. Though we have this limitations, but we had lots of fun with it. Upon asking for the bill, we all played a guessing game... to see who guess the closest to the actual bill amount. Result is... Miss P! A pity no one favour taking up the challenge I've proposed. (closest to the bill amount will not have to pay). Otherwise, Phyllis will have a free meal!

Congratulations! We made it a luxury lunch within budget!!! :-D

Chinese New Year Cheer in the House!

In a blink of eyes, Cieran has turned 14 months! Chinese New Year seems to be a paradise for the kids. Not to talk about Ashley who loves the new year goodies, even Cieran takes a fancy of that now! It is amazing that Cieran's teeth growth was not the normal manner where usually the front teeth pop up in pairs first before any sight of molars. For Cieran, he has 4 on the upper front jaws but only 3 on the lower front jaws. Plus! He has molars popping out ahead, probably in time to munch on more new year cookies! Talking about Cieran, he is a busy boy now. With his new abilities to walk, he enjoys his freedom on his own. He will explores the house, to the adventure of up the stairs on his own! It's a joy watching over Cieran growing stage now, and I wished the time will stop with him remaining at this age. Cieran loves to go out. At several times a day, he would take his shoes and bring them to you-asking for an outing. Even a short walk by the gate is a tremendous satisfaction for him. He brings many laughter to the family especially he is such a cheeky and cheerful boy. I took several days leave during the new year (from 29 to Chu 8) and spends about 3days alone with Cieran in the house. It was a wonderful home alone with him, spending time together. Cieran amuses me with his cheeking acts. He would walk out to the glass panel and seek my attention by beating on the glass panel. When I look over, he smiles and make funny faces. It's tremedeous joy with him around. A pity Ashley and Jeremy is not around to see his acts. I am sure they will have great laughs too. :-) The new year has been good, though I didn't win $ from the black jacks. I have already won some extra cash days before the new year. Thanks to Cai Shen and Cieran's lucky number. It's my life's 1st time to strike 4D first prize! Humbly, I invested only $2... keke! The money was spent on a hearty crab treats for my family of 11.5 members. Why 11.5??....well, Joanne's baby will be due only in May... thus she considers the 0.5 member. ;-) New year is one of my favourite festival. I like the 'preparation' weeks though spring cleaning can be tiring. Somehow, the spring atmosphere is there and even though I usually takes 2 full days to clean the house, the cleaning was done in a happy and joyful mood. I love to spent time browsing in Chinatown when usually I have nothing much to buy from there. The new year mood simply fills the air and I enjoy the crowd in Chinatown once a year. Besides a MUST to visit Chinatown, I love to visit nursery as well. As usual, I will buy few for the festive season. This year, I have selected 2 pots of red "Wan Zi Qian Hong' from Bedok nursery. On eve, I bought a pot of 'Ying Chun Hua' at a discounted price (50%) of $19. It took me more than 30mins to select one full of flower buds. I was very happy that it bloomed so well! On chu 2, 4 flowers bloomed! And the next few days... you can't imagine how beautiful the pot was! the bright yellow fills the living room with energy! The seller told me they are all year flowers... I sure hope it does survive even after the new year. Haha!

Woof...Woof....Happy New Year! Woof Woof.....

A Family Investigating Task...

It was one of the usual walk that Jeremy had with Golden, and I was doing the laundry when there was a big 'hoo-ha' by the gate...and Ashley shouted to me "Mummy, another Golden!"... Out of curiosity, I went out with Cieran with me to have a look... Where?? I didn't see any. Jeremy told me there's 2 dogs and he had seen them roaming around. Oh no..could it be one of those abandon cases? I walked out in search of the dogs with Ashley happily following behind. But we have lost them. I can't let them go roaming in the streets, but having Cieran with me was in the way. So, I went back home and get Jeremy to search for them. Jeremy and Ashley became detectors walking around hunting for the 2 dogs, while I anxiously waiting by the gate. It was fortunate that Jeremy managed to lure them over to our house. The 2 dogs were without collar and leash... no humans was with them... We keep looking around for potential owners, but no one was around the area. We found 1 beautiful golden retriever, male and 1 mixed shih tzu, female. Golden was excited over his new friends and keeps barking to go over. I can't blame him.. due to lack of man power, we have to tie Golden by the gate lah... I have a quick check on the 2 dogs, no injuries. They seems to have roamed for quite a long while. I offered food and water to them, but only the shih tzu ate hungrily. The golden retriever refused to eat, but drinks lots of water. I suspect they are in adulthood, rather old age by judging their teeth. We waited by the gate for a while, but no one was walking by looking for dogs... what shall we do now? We have to let them stay for the night. The lost GR (we named him Jack) is rather aggressive when Golden goes near. He barks loudly and attempts to bite. Poor Golden was only playful (still a young adult) and wants to be friends. On other hand, the shih tzu always follow the Jack around and looks tamed. We tested Jack, he understands commands and thus, definitely a trained dog. Since Golden and Jack can't be together, we have to put Jack and shih tzu in the crate for the night. The night was spent on how to settle the dogs and what should we do next. The next morning is a tough challenge. We have to think of ways to bring the 3 dogs for outdoor walk (to do business). That was not an easy task... Jeremy tried to bring Golden and Jack together, but shih tzu barks to follow. In the end, they have to take turns and we wasted lots of time doing that. We left the house late, but fortunately it was year end and we are not in hurry compared to other days. The morning in the office was busy for me. Not for work though.. but busy contacting SPCA, ASD, Pets Channel forum, trying all means to locate owner and find fostering homes. Through the process, I learnt several new things. One such is, advertising in classified for lost & found pets in straits times was free! The response in pet channel was great. Many helpful dog lovers responded to my announcement and have offer to help in fostering shih tzu. Finding fostering for Jack will be more challenging due to HDB ruling and I am worried if we can ever find one kind soul to take him in. Jeremy and I couldn't handle 3 dogs definitely, yet we are reluctant to send them to SPCA. We have set a dateline till 22Dec, in hope to find the best options for them, before the last resort to SPCA. The day was spent more on spreading the words around... In the evening, whole family went for a hunting walk. Well, we need all members to be out with 3 dogs together lah... Jeremy takes care f Golden who is strong and always wanting to go near Jack...Cieran is placed in stroller with me pushing on one hand, and the other hand with Jack, leaving shih tzu following behind. Ashley's job is to guard on shih tzu, ensuring him following the troupe. What a scene! The walk was a longer one.. with several challenges. Along the way, we met some couples walking their dog also, thus we need to hold on the the GRs tightly. We also met families with little children where we have to avoid in fear that children will be afraid of dogs (esp when shih tzu is not latch on). Really a interested investigating task...On positive side, the whole family member has one common task to perform! The walk was put on an end when we didn't locate any potential owners searching for their missing dogs, so we headed home and offer the dogs food and water. Jack and shih tzu has to be in the crate to spent the night. I get worried as they will have to be cramp in the crate for long hours again. But while in deep conversation with Jeremy, the door bell rang. 2 maids claimed to be the owners. Jeremy verified their identity (asking for dogs' description, their address etc..) before we open the gate. Indeed, Jack seems to recognise them. I am glad that they have found their owners and going back to where they belonged to. Thank goodness that this was not a case on abandon which appear to be so common especially during a recession. Jeremy & I were so relief and finally, we are back to our own routine. The night was a rejoice one with a peaceful sleep! YES!!!!

Cieran's first stamp on his passport - To Genting!

This is our first family self-drive trip. It has been a surprise that the self-drive was initiated by Jeremy. He has never been so adventureous... especially to a place he has never been before. I have been suggesting self-drive trip in Australia where finding whereabouts is easy, but he has never been keen. This time, he inisisted on self-drive despite my several attempts of suggesting to take coach up (just to disturb him and fitering if he is firm). Anyway, I supported the idea as it will be easier since Cieran will be seated nicely on his own car seat during the journey. If we take coach, I believed it will be a torture for us, having to 'control' this rascel during the journey. He can never sit down properly if he is not belt up! Our plan is to travel on 21-23Dec, and back just in time to celebrate Christmas. But in the end, my sisters' joined in the trip and we made changes on the travel dates to suit all... After much hassle in getting the room reservations (full booked due to peak periods), we ended up travelling on 8-10Dec, under promotional rates of RM138.80 including entry (2 tickets each room) to Dreamz show. We started our journey early on 8Dec, meeting place my house at 5.30am in fear that there will be jam at the custom (due to PH-Hari Raya). We have been disturbing that Grace family will be the last to arraive and late due to past experiences, but suprisingly they arrived before Joanne & Marcus! The overnight heavy rain didn't spoil our plans much, the kids are excited over the trip... They are the most 'HAPPY' kids stuffed with snacks & drinks, seated in the back roll, watching their children's programmes! We may be a little time delayed as planned, but the custom was clear and we arrived JB-Kulai for breakfast stop around 7.30am. Marcus, being at his hometown recommend us the coffeeshop that sells nice big pork buns. Indeed, the buns are huge.. which I have not seen them in Singapore before! After breakfast, we made a stop at the 'da bo gong' temple, one that Jeremy wished to visit. Not many of us are keen, but since we are at Kulai and we are early, so we make an extra stop. Jeremy is really serious in his praying...haha... while the rest of us busy taking some photos. We took about 3 hours to reach KL, stopping over for lunch at long-lost restaurant, A&W! Missed the root beer in mug... thus we all agreed to have A&W. But disappointment that this small outlet doesnt served in mug... chey! After lunch, we took on the journey, but was lost..haha! Somehow we exit the wrongly in the highway, and was in KL somewhere.... we stopped by a small hotel to ask for direction... and back on the roads. Malaysia road signs can't compare to Singapore... they are not easy to read, the signs go missing halfway in the highway...leaving you no clue where you are and heading to. Nonetheless, we managed to locate the way with our map (that doesnt state in details which road to proceed). Thru guess and instinct, very fortunately, we found our way. In total, it took us 9 hours (from start with stopovers) to arrive in Genting! Eventually it's the North-South Ipoh Highway that brings us to Genting, though we started from South in KL. It was a tremendous crowd when we arrived at the hotel lobby! I pressume it is due to the rain that has drawn all the crowds indoor. It's a long queue waitng for our rooms, we wiated 4 hours! By the time we settled the bags, it's almost 7.30pm. We decide to go for a hearty meal at Ah Yat Abalone Restauarnt before the show-Dreamz. Yippee! Enjoyed abalone meal with price so much cheaper than dining in Singapore. Jeremy feels the ache being a practical man...haha! I keep reminding him that the cost is in ringgit. :-p After dinner, we went for the Dreamz show which turns out to be a real good one. It's like a circles with a theme/story. It's our first time to see live performance by white tigers/lions. A pity that towards the end of the show, the kids are tired and Jeremy & I have to sneak out without completing the whole performance. Heard from my sisters, it was really good. But looking at the soundly asleep children, we have to make this a miss in exchange of a good night sleep for them. Next day was equip with outdoor fun at the themepark. It has been years since I last play on the rides (since 1999! wow!). The childern was defintely in excitement. The first ride they have is Merry-Go-Round... wow.. that's one of my favourite when I am a kid... the memory flashes upon me which I wished I am young again to ride on on eof the horses. If only time can travel back .... haha! The weather is great! Sunny that makes the temperature just nice for outdoor fun. Imagine, I dont have to put on a jacket.. and the wind is cooling like an aircon! We tried on tea-cups, puddle boats, flying socer...etc. The childern enjoys themselves very much! After lunch, we attack the indoor rides. With a 'All Park' entry ticket, we go for as much rides as possible... Cieran went for several too! On our last day in Genting, we have a hearty breakfast and did some last minute shopping before starting our journey home at 11.45am. The mist is strong where we have to drive carefully. We will missed such cooling weather! The way back to Singapore was much easier now. We spent about 5hrs plus to arrive in Singapore. Once again, the custom was clear. We had a fun time during this short holiday, bringing back wonderful photos & memory.

Meet our NEW member in the family-Golden!

Suddenly, there is a stirr to have a dog in the family. It all started from Joanne and Marcus who was keen to have a dog and went to farm for viewing. They are keen on Japanese Spitz who has low maintenance. Somehow, this topic arouse our interest.. and wonder why, the 'having dog germs' came to us, and I find myself hunting for dog adoption in the web. I suppose, Jeremy and I like dog and after much consideration, we feel that it will be easier for us to have one now. After much searching, we ended up visiting one fostering family who has a 11 month old Golden Retriever. this dog is named Golden, and has a rather pitiful story to tell. His owner bought him from a pet shop and have him for more than 6months with proper care, but later abandon him when they downgrade their house to HDB. I wonder how can the owner beared to do such to Golden who is so loving and always a joyful pet. Anyway, this fostering family rescue Golden and took him in while looking for a second home for him. By chance, I read the ad and arranged for a visit. We have no plans to have such a large breed dog in the family initially, but after much discussion and consideration, Jeremy & I decide to meet Golden with the children. Our priory concern will be the children's get-along with the dog, and if the dog can be independent when we are all out on weekdays. During the visit, a surprise...! Golden welcome us with his great smiles, excitement and charm. The children was neither afraid of him at all. Jeremy had fun with Golden by giving simple command, testing if he understands. Golden is great with children, he gets real excited and he run in and out with his tail waving happily. I had a chat with Josephine, the fostering owner, trying to understand more about Golden. It seems all clicked well, and it was arranged that Jo will bring Golden over our house for a trial stay. During our journey back home, Jeremy & I discussed about Golden... a decision was made soon after.. we are adopting Golden and a date was set on 14Dec after our Genting trip. But we didn't wait till 14... Jeremy was so eager to have Golden, and we eventually called Jo and arranged to pick Golden on 13Dec instead. Golden joined us around 9.45pm, where the kids are all slept. We arranged Golden to spent the night at the car pouch area. He barks and whines for our attention, well..his 1st night in a new environment and family, we can't blame him. The next morning, I made the children washes up before I introduce this new member. Ashley was excited, while Cieran doesn't know what's in store. Golden was happy to meet the children, he waved his tail non-stopped. We have planned for an outing initially, a breakfast & walk at East Coast.. but the rain spoil the plan. In the end, we had breakfast at Joanne & Marcus's condo. My sister who's keen to meet Golden. :-) A short outing for Golden. He has been behaving, and he understands simple commands which make the trip easy. He has no problem with car rides and in fact, he enjoys it. He enjoys being around with people, and recognised Jeremy as his owner. Whenever Jeremy makes a movement, he will be on his feet with his tail waving...always ready to follow. We are happy to have this new member in the family. He, and us, have to make some lifestyle adjustment... but I believed, we have a good start.