What a difference this CNY has been compared to last year.
The past year has been good to me. My pregnancy and delivery, though quite difficult at times has been worth it. There is much joy and laughter around us, and like what Superman said: " Good things are worth the wait."
Thank you for being part of our family, my little beanie, we love you a lot.
I am very grateful this CNY. Have a good year ahead, everyone!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
This Chinese New Year
It's the Chinese New Year 2013! With the new year comes new beginnings and hopes for all. Looking back, this Chinese New Year is quite memorable to me for a few reasons:
Just two days ago, we achieved a new record (at least for my family) of latest CNY house visit by reaching a relative's house close to 11 pm and leaving their house close to midnight. Not that I or her family mind, cos she is a close relative whom I really want to visit and wish her well for the new year ahead.
Also, during one of our bus trips to a relative's place, my usually reticent dad suprised me by suddenly saying: "Let's all go to Parkway now." I was momentarily confused as we were heading to Tampines when he continued with:"We can go to the rooftop playground at 7th floor" I was suddenly transported back to my carefree childhood days where my family hang out at Parkway Parade on Sundays and we children always look forward to the rooftop playground. "I want to eat Long John Silver" I quipped. Dad came with a retort:" Ah boy always ended up eating most of it!" My brother (Ah boy) added in:"Also, I want to have breakfast at East Coast Park Macdonalds!" My mum smiled. At that point, I was suddenly aware of how much my parents have aged since those days. Looking at the sky painted in various hues of orange by the setting sun, I desperately wanted time to stop then. I wished to the heavens that they are safe, happy and healthy always.
Lastly, during our relatives visit, I was asked on two separate occasions when will I "xx"? It's one of the dreaded questions that many unattached, unmarried or childless faced during CNY visit. It really makes me want to escape from it all next year. But I guess this is part and parcel of Chinese New Year, I will try to accept it.
I hope that in this Year of the Water Snake:
May all be safe and protected.
May all be peaceful and happy.
May all be healthy and strong.
May all have ease of wellbeing.
Just two days ago, we achieved a new record (at least for my family) of latest CNY house visit by reaching a relative's house close to 11 pm and leaving their house close to midnight. Not that I or her family mind, cos she is a close relative whom I really want to visit and wish her well for the new year ahead.
Also, during one of our bus trips to a relative's place, my usually reticent dad suprised me by suddenly saying: "Let's all go to Parkway now." I was momentarily confused as we were heading to Tampines when he continued with:"We can go to the rooftop playground at 7th floor" I was suddenly transported back to my carefree childhood days where my family hang out at Parkway Parade on Sundays and we children always look forward to the rooftop playground. "I want to eat Long John Silver" I quipped. Dad came with a retort:" Ah boy always ended up eating most of it!" My brother (Ah boy) added in:"Also, I want to have breakfast at East Coast Park Macdonalds!" My mum smiled. At that point, I was suddenly aware of how much my parents have aged since those days. Looking at the sky painted in various hues of orange by the setting sun, I desperately wanted time to stop then. I wished to the heavens that they are safe, happy and healthy always.
Lastly, during our relatives visit, I was asked on two separate occasions when will I "xx"? It's one of the dreaded questions that many unattached, unmarried or childless faced during CNY visit. It really makes me want to escape from it all next year. But I guess this is part and parcel of Chinese New Year, I will try to accept it.
I hope that in this Year of the Water Snake:
May all be safe and protected.
May all be peaceful and happy.
May all be healthy and strong.
May all have ease of wellbeing.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Swissotel Vertical Marathon 2011
Signed up for the Swissotel Vertical Marathon with Superman months ago under the Lovebirds challenge. We collected the race kit one week before the race at one of the functions rooms in Swissotel.
On the day of 20.11.2011, Sunday, both of us gathered at the area outside Macdonalds at Raffles City. There was people handing out small cups of Vitamin Water to participants as they waited in the sunny weather for their turn. Different categories were staggered at different time slots to report, however no registration is required, just turn up in your race tag pinned in front of your t-shirt, and the marshalls will let you in.
One suprising thing is that the actual start point is about 50m away from the stairway. The stairway is located at the right side on the MRT entrance to Raffles City and the starting point is near Macdonalds. Thus one will need to sprint once you are flagged off by the marshall to the stairway and climb from then onwards. Did I mention that the timing starts at the flagoff point? 6 participants were flagged off at about 30 seconds intervals thus there is no crowding and pushing at any point in time.
After Superman and I were flagged off, we jogged to the stairs following the path directed by the marshalls as the stairs was not obvious to us. Once we reached the stairs, we started climbing at a brisk pace. Superman had to match my slower speed as he is fitter than me and I am nursing a heel injury (though suprisingly, the heel didnt hurt at all in the morning).
Climbing the stairs here was unlike the training I did using HDB stairs. There is a gap between two flights of stairs, thus one will need to walk for a short while before climbing the next flight of stairs whereas for HDB, you just need to do a short turn. The stairways was well-ventilated as the doors to corridors were opened. We rested at every 18th floor as per our usual HDB stairs training but towards the second section, I started slowing down and use the railing to haul myself up.
Around the middle section of the 73 storeys, the turning between 2 stairways shortened with a 2 steps break, thus one will need to climb, walk, climb 2 steps, walk and then climb again. After the third break which is the final section, I was really out of breath and feeling slightly nauseous. And the railings start to feel wet and slippery...(eeewww)...
Fortunately, Superman kept giving me words of encouragement and with his motivation, I focused on just breathing and putting one foot in front of the other. After 73 storeys at a height of 226m, we made it to the top of Swissotel!
The view from the top was breathtaking and as the weather was sunny, we can see very far away. Other than the usual iconic buildings like MBS, Esplanade, Singapore Flyer, UOB Building and PSA Port, we also spotted the colourful Rochor flats that was slated by demolition. Participants were busy taking photos standing at the edge but you do not have to worry about falling off the side as the level below was built jutting out and it houses some aircon/building structures and equipment.
After drinking the bottle of mineral water provided by Swissotel, I felt much better. With finisher medals around our necks, we took some photos around the top though Superman keep saying that his hair is ruined by the strong winds (but he still look good lah).
Participants were advised to leave the top after some time to avoid over-crowding. Going down was just as interesting as well, we need to climb about 3 storeys down to a corridor and we entered the lift landing for the famous restaurant of Swissotel, the Equinox! Live music provided by 2 singers and the smell and sight of the buffet greeted us. An enquiry with the restaurant host revealed that it cost abt $128 per pax to dine here. The view from the restaurant was breaktaking as well!
After reaching level 4 of Swissotel Convention centre, we were greeted by marshall clapping and cheering us for completing the task! And thereafter 2 ladies passed us a can of Red Bull to drink. We walked to the holding area and vitamin bottled water was made available to participants at the reporting area, while photos taken by the organisers were put up at a board for participants to collect.
It was quite messy as participants were jostling to spot their own photos and the photos of different categories were randomly pasted at the same board. After some time, we gave up trying to wait for our photos as the organisers assured us that all photos will be made available from their website at a later date.
I feel that the event was well organised though the photo collection could have been improved. We enjoyed the event and to me, it was quite an achievement to reach the top at a respectable time of about 20 mins.
What a memorable 20.11.2011!
On the day of 20.11.2011, Sunday, both of us gathered at the area outside Macdonalds at Raffles City. There was people handing out small cups of Vitamin Water to participants as they waited in the sunny weather for their turn. Different categories were staggered at different time slots to report, however no registration is required, just turn up in your race tag pinned in front of your t-shirt, and the marshalls will let you in.
One suprising thing is that the actual start point is about 50m away from the stairway. The stairway is located at the right side on the MRT entrance to Raffles City and the starting point is near Macdonalds. Thus one will need to sprint once you are flagged off by the marshall to the stairway and climb from then onwards. Did I mention that the timing starts at the flagoff point? 6 participants were flagged off at about 30 seconds intervals thus there is no crowding and pushing at any point in time.
After Superman and I were flagged off, we jogged to the stairs following the path directed by the marshalls as the stairs was not obvious to us. Once we reached the stairs, we started climbing at a brisk pace. Superman had to match my slower speed as he is fitter than me and I am nursing a heel injury (though suprisingly, the heel didnt hurt at all in the morning).
Climbing the stairs here was unlike the training I did using HDB stairs. There is a gap between two flights of stairs, thus one will need to walk for a short while before climbing the next flight of stairs whereas for HDB, you just need to do a short turn. The stairways was well-ventilated as the doors to corridors were opened. We rested at every 18th floor as per our usual HDB stairs training but towards the second section, I started slowing down and use the railing to haul myself up.
Around the middle section of the 73 storeys, the turning between 2 stairways shortened with a 2 steps break, thus one will need to climb, walk, climb 2 steps, walk and then climb again. After the third break which is the final section, I was really out of breath and feeling slightly nauseous. And the railings start to feel wet and slippery...(eeewww)...
Fortunately, Superman kept giving me words of encouragement and with his motivation, I focused on just breathing and putting one foot in front of the other. After 73 storeys at a height of 226m, we made it to the top of Swissotel!
The view from the top was breathtaking and as the weather was sunny, we can see very far away. Other than the usual iconic buildings like MBS, Esplanade, Singapore Flyer, UOB Building and PSA Port, we also spotted the colourful Rochor flats that was slated by demolition. Participants were busy taking photos standing at the edge but you do not have to worry about falling off the side as the level below was built jutting out and it houses some aircon/building structures and equipment.
After drinking the bottle of mineral water provided by Swissotel, I felt much better. With finisher medals around our necks, we took some photos around the top though Superman keep saying that his hair is ruined by the strong winds (but he still look good lah).
Participants were advised to leave the top after some time to avoid over-crowding. Going down was just as interesting as well, we need to climb about 3 storeys down to a corridor and we entered the lift landing for the famous restaurant of Swissotel, the Equinox! Live music provided by 2 singers and the smell and sight of the buffet greeted us. An enquiry with the restaurant host revealed that it cost abt $128 per pax to dine here. The view from the restaurant was breaktaking as well!
After reaching level 4 of Swissotel Convention centre, we were greeted by marshall clapping and cheering us for completing the task! And thereafter 2 ladies passed us a can of Red Bull to drink. We walked to the holding area and vitamin bottled water was made available to participants at the reporting area, while photos taken by the organisers were put up at a board for participants to collect.
It was quite messy as participants were jostling to spot their own photos and the photos of different categories were randomly pasted at the same board. After some time, we gave up trying to wait for our photos as the organisers assured us that all photos will be made available from their website at a later date.
I feel that the event was well organised though the photo collection could have been improved. We enjoyed the event and to me, it was quite an achievement to reach the top at a respectable time of about 20 mins.
What a memorable 20.11.2011!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Cook a pot of Curry!
In support of the Facebook movement to promote tolerance and love of Singapore food, we cooked curry and roti prata for our breakfast on 21 August 2011.
Superman had fun playing out the role of prataman complete with a thick accent and lots of prata flipping and fluffing. Yummy Sunday!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Double celebrations
It was a double celebration of sorts for me. Started with a D24 mooncake accompanied with a birthday song from Superman, interspersed with lots of well wishes from family and friends and ended with a birthday song from my dear niece.
A simple day but I was touched and happy.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Lai Wah restaurant
We had a family gathering of sorts when Superman invited family of both sides together to celebrate his graduation.
After much deliberation, we chose Lai Wah Restaurant and pre-ordered a set menu that requires 2 days advance notice.
Lai Wah assorted dish (Mayonnaise cold prawn, shredded cold chicken, chicken nuggets, spring rolls, stir-fried egg and century egg)
The fried items were piping hot though nuggets as a starter were a little out of place here.
Braised shark's fin with crab meat
Soup was flavourful though shark's fin could have been more.
Garoupa fish in two styles
Steamed and deep fried, this dish is one of the signature dishes. Superman's dad, a Teochew through and through, said the fish could have been fresher. For me, the steamed wrapped fish slices with spring onions and deep fried fish slices are an interesting play on taste and textures.
Sea cucumber, fish maw with vegetables
The sea cucumber and fish maw is soft and flavourful, the way I like it. Served with tofu and spinach. The tofu are mashed and mixed with some vegetables before being deep fried.
Crispy squid with salted egg yolk
Yumm! I loved the crispy and piping hot squid. The salted egg yolk is not very pronounced but adds a different dimension to the dish. Full of unami flavour!
Yumm! I loved the crispy and piping hot squid. The salted egg yolk is not very pronounced but adds a different dimension to the dish. Full of unami flavour!
Fried prawns in crispy nest with mayonnaise
The prawns are large and firm, wrapped with noodles and deep fried. The waitress explained that the crispy bits are mian xian, longevity noodles
Fried E-Fu noodles
The noodles are a bit on the oily side but still good.
Lotus seed red bean paste hot dessert
What I like is that the dessert is once again, piping hot. Not too sweet its a nice way to end the meal with.
Overall, it's a good meal at a reasonable price. Some hits and misses, but good quality food with no MSG. On top of that, there's no GST, no service charge and complimentary tea, peanuts and orange soft drink. We bought our own wine and there's no corkage charge.
This is restaurant with a long history and Superman's dad even commented he brought Superman to this restaurant when Superman was just a baby!
Lai Wah Restaurant
Blk 44, Bendemeer Road,
#01-1436
Singapore 330044
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Ganbatte! がんばって!
Attended Superman's graduation ceremony over the last weekend. Superman commented that this graduation meant the most to him.
I knew what he meant.
There were times during his journey to graduation when self-doubt and frustration crept in. Glad that he persevered and graduated after years of hard work.
Mummy was most supportive when she travelled to the other side of Singapore to attend the Superman's graduation ceremony at his invitation. Even though I told her beforehand that there weren't enough ceremony tickets to go around. Was grateful when one member of the family sacrificed his ticket to let mummy attend.
Mummy even bought a teddy bear dressed in matching graduation robes from a booth in the school. The bear did not come cheap but mum dismissed my "protests" by saying how many such graduation ceremonies will she ever get to attend in her lifetime? She says it's just a simple gift for such a momentous and joyous event.
Thanks mum!
Superman, this a prelude to greater things ahead for you. Ganbatte! がんばって!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Our New toy!
With an extra laptop around, hopefully the days of waiting for my turn after Superman's will be over soon. Maybe I will blog more often then ;p
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