Browsed by
Category: Festive Joy

小小宝贝's First Lion Dance! 

小小宝贝's First Lion Dance! 

  
Me: How did you find the Lion Dance?

小小宝贝: The lions are naughty naughty!

Me: ? Why?!

小小宝贝: Because after they ate the oranges, they spit their food out! Cannot spit food out! (Disapproving look) AND they threw rubbish all over the floor! Naughty naughty!!

There’s hope for the next generation! Keep Singapore litter free!! ?

My Sweet Valentine! 

My Sweet Valentine! 

Look what I’ve found underneath my pillow! 

  
Given to me by my Sweet Valentine! But I can’t open it til 14th Feb. ???

When I asked her about it, she coyly whispered, “Mommy, it’s a SECRET!”  

Little things like these brighten up my days. 

My lovely 宝贝, if you happen to read this one fine day, I just want to tell you, “I love you lots and lots!!” ???

??Santa Claus is Coming to Town!??

??Santa Claus is Coming to Town!??

小小宝贝 has been in the Christmas mood for the last few months. I’ve been having live carolling in the house. BUT he has a quirky talent of changing the lyrics to suit himself. ?

You better watch out

You better not cry

You better not pout

I’m telling you why 

Santa Claus is coming to town 


He sees you when you’re pee-peeing 

He knows when you are awake 

He knows if you’ve been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake 


Me : Eh it doesn’t sound very right. Can you sing the part “he sees you when you’re…” again??

小小宝贝 : ?He sees you when you’re PEE-PEEING?

Me : pee-peeing!? Isn’t it sleeping?! 

小小宝贝 : No. Pee-peeing. Cannot dirty the toilet! Must pee into the toilet bowl! (Indignantly) Not sleeping!!! 

Me : ok ok. It does make sense. 

小小宝贝 continued his carolling, very smugly.  

 

My Miracle

My Miracle

If you have been following my blog all these years, you will know that I’m not exactly a kid lover. Unlike some of my friends who go child crazy whenever they see one, I don’t. In fact, I try to keep my distance from them. 

I was mightily happy with being able to take off whenever and wherever I wanted to.  I wasn’t a bad person, just very self-centered. (There! I’ve said it! I hear some sniggers! ? you are supposed to disagree!)
Until one fine day…. I had a bee in my bonnet and decided that, “ok, perhaps it’s time to have a child.” Waaa! A lot of people bought 4D that day…

And she came along… On this very day, 6 years ago. 17 September 2009.

when 宝贝 was a few months’ old

She was a textbook baby! Easy going, good temper, gobbled up everything, slept on the dot. Good fortune I have!! I must have done a lot of good deeds to deserve her!! 

It was the best decision in my life, to have her. Being a parent has made me a better person. I used to feel very strongly against some issues but they now seem minute and petty. I think twice now if I want to do something bad (looks around furtively). Even if no one knew that I did it, but I know it and with that, I would have lost the right to teach my child the right thing to do if I can’t even do what I preach. 

at 1 year old

I also found that I could give up a lot of things for her. And I never knew that I was the self sacrificial kind. But hey! Maybe I had it in me all along! ? 
 

at 2 years old
 

I used to love working so much that I spent 14 hours at work a day. Madness!!! Now I can’t wait to spend 14 hours with her!

at 3 years old

All my priorities have shifted. Money doesn’t seem as important anymore. Heck! I was even cutting back on work to spend time with her. I started reading parenting books, cooking books, any book that had to do with her. I even started cooking!! It’s a wonder that I haven’t poisoned all of us yet. (My Home Econs teacher must have been praying for me all these years after I almost poisoned her during food tasting in class. That’s another story altogether.)

at 4 years old

She’s the total opposite of me; she’s whatever I’m not. Sweet, sensitive, empathetic and utterly devoted to all of us.  I’ve been constantly reminded of that by my friends and colleagues. (you know who you are!) (although I’m sure I’ve those qualities, waiting to be discovered).  

IMG_9562
at 5 years old
She’s been the best little helper since her
brother arrived. The ever devoted sister and self designated teacher to her little brother. 

   

Today she’s 6 years old. And I love her to bits!!

Happy 6th birthday my darling 宝贝!I don’t know where I’ll be if you haven’t appeared. You are my miracle. 

  

SG50 – We've Come a Long Way!

SG50 – We've Come a Long Way!

  
It was with pride as I took in the beautiful night view of our skyline. We have indeed come a long way. It’s by no mean feat that we have turned 50 and we can’t rest on our laurels if we want to celebrate SG100. 

Once upon a time, I used to cringe when I heard Singlish. After living in Germany for a year, listening to German or German accented English every single day, I was actually delighted when I caught Singlish being spoken in a foreign country. Ah! My fellow countrymen, I beamed. The familiarity and the longing (to my surprise) for this unique language made me want to go home. 

I knew, at that moment, that there’s no other place that I would call home. It’s through living in other countries that I realized how lucky I was, to be born a Singaporean. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s home. 

The National Day Message which was read by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, summed up the hardships and struggles our forefathers have been through. It totally resonates with me. Thank you our forefathers and I’ll endeavor to forge on and aspire to make a difference in the lives of the people around me. 

A reminder to myself, lest I forget. Here’s the transcript of PM Lee’s National Day Message 2015. 

National Day Message 2015

My Fellow Singaporeans

50 years ago, on this very night, Singapore was on the eve of a momentous change. The Cabinet had already signed the Separation Agreement. The Government Printers were busy printing the Separation Agreement and the Proclamation of Independence in a special Government Gazette. The Commissioner of Police and the Commander of the army units had been told by the Malaysian Government to take orders from the new government the next day. But all this happened in strict secrecy. Our forefathers went to bed oblivious of what was about to happen, still for the time being citizens of Malaysia.

Then morning came. The 9th of August 1965. Our world changed. At 10 a.m., a radio announcer read the Proclamation. Singapore had left Malaysia and would “forever be a sovereign, democratic and independent nation”. The Republic of Singapore was born.
People were apprehensive. No one knew if we could make it on our own. Our economy was not yet viable, much less vibrant. We had practically no resources, and no independent armed forces. Around noon on that first day, Mr Lee Kuan Yew gave a press conference on TV. He broke down halfway, unable to contain his emotions. It was, he said, “a moment of anguish”.

But that moment of anguish turned into a lifetime of determination to forge a path for this island nation. At the end of the press conference, Mr Lee made a promise to Singaporeans. He said: “We are going to be a multi-racial nation in Singapore. We will set an example. This is not a Malay nation; this is not a Chinese nation; this is not an Indian nation. Everyone will have his place, equal: language, culture, religion.”

From that break, we began building a nation. And what a journey it has been. It started with the first generation of leaders convincing our pioneer generation that Singapore could succeed as a sovereign country. Together, leaders and the people – the lions and the lion-hearted – fought with unwavering determination to secure our foundations. After them, younger generations picked up the baton and took Singapore further.

Year after year, Singapore progressed. Along the way we overcame many problems – the British withdrawal in 1971, the Oil Crisis in 1973, SARS, the Asian Financial Crisis, and then the Global Financial Crisis. We grew our economy and created jobs, built homes, schools, hospitals and parks. We built a nation.

Year after year, we have kept the promises that Mr Lee Kuan Yew made on the 9th of August 1965: that we will be “one united people, regardless of race, language or religion”; that we will always have a bright future ahead of us.

Therefore on our 50th birthday, we have ample reason to celebrate.

Let us celebrate 50 years of peace and security, underwritten by the blood and sweat of generations of NSmen.

Let us celebrate how we turned vulnerabilities into strengths. How a struggling economy with no domestic market made the world our market and created jobs for our people. How without any domestic hinterland, we made PSA and Changi Airport the best in the world. How from being utterly dependent on Johor for water, we turned the whole island into one catchment area, and developed NEWater. 

How while we had no natural resources, we educated every Singaporean and created opportunities for their talents to thrive. We have proven that together, we are greater than the sum of our parts.

Most of all let us celebrate how we journeyed from Third World to First, as one united people, leaving no one behind. Every citizen has benefitted from Singapore’s progress. Life has improved for all – for Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians; for blue collar as well as white collar workers; for HDB as well as condominium dwellers. We are a nation of home owners. Everyone has opportunities to improve themselves. Everyone can look forward to a brighter future.

At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who made it happen.

From this base camp, we can also look forward to new peaks ahead. The journey ahead is uncharted. But we must press on, because we aspire to do better for ourselves and our children.

We know that we will get there, because we will always be there for one another. We are stronger as one people. For example, we instinctively gather to lift a truck to save someone trapped underneath. Even if the music fails, we go on singing the National Anthem with gusto. We are proud of our past and confident of our future. Together we believe in Singapore; together we belong to Singapore; together, we are Singapore.

I am speaking to you from Victoria Concert Hall, a place that holds special significance in Singapore’s history. In 1954, this was called the Victoria Memorial Hall. It was here that Mr Lee Kuan Yew launched the People’s Action Party, and inaugurated the long struggle for a fair and just society. It was here in 1958 that “Majulah Singapura” was first performed. It was at the Padang nearby, after independence, that we held our National Day Parades, and sang “Majulah Singapura” together as a nation.

50 years on, on our Golden Jubilee, we will gather again at the Padang. We will sing “Majulah Singapura” proudly, and recite the National Pledge. We will rejoice in the success of our last five decades, and commit ourselves anew to work together as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build Singapore, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity, and progress for our nation.

Happy 50th National Day!

Ming Ming’s Diary – My First Lou Hei

Ming Ming’s Diary – My First Lou Hei

Massive backlog on my diary… What to do… Small fingers I have. It takes me very long to blog a post. Please bear with me!

2014 cny eve

Yesterday evening I had my first Lo hei!!

IMG_5640.PNG

But I was too tired to Dayre about it. My normal bedtime is at 630pm. By the time Mama and Papa brought me home, it was almost 9pm. And me?? I was already in Lala land.

When I heard we were going for a Lo hei I was expecting something black (黑黑)but it was so colourful.

IMG_5641.PNG

The waiter was chanting some prayers as he poured the ingredients onto the plates. I saw his ???splatter into the Lo hei. Eeeks! So I didn’t eat any, smart baby I am.

IMG_5642.PNG

Then all the adults used their chopsticks to toss everything and more chanting and more saliva!!! ?

Ah..! Now I know. That’s Lo hei!!!

My Jie Jie said her fruits tasted better than the Lo hei. There she was. Eating the fruits.

IMG_5643.PNG

Pretty babe right? I’m so proud of her. Anyone who wants to date her will have to go through me!!!

Let me see…. I like to drink milk!! Lots of milk. You will need to bribe me with milk then maybe I’ll consider introducing her to you. ?

And me? Haiz. I forgot to bring food. 1st time at the reunion dinner. So noob. Next time I’ll remember to bring my own food like my Jie Jie.

I can only play with my limited edition toy car.

IMG_5644.PNG

I got bored with my toy car after a while. Hey! Adults take so long to eat their food. Sheesh!!

IMG_5645.PNG

I had to walk around on the chairs and remind everyone to hurry up!! It’s past Ming Ming’s bedtime. Omg!!! It was way way past!! Hey I need to sleep so that my brain can develop!!! You are making my iq drop by a few notches!!!

Why is your mouth so small?? Like a guppy?? Open it bigger!!! Like this!! RAWR!! Eat faster!!!

IMG_5646.PNG

I need to go home for my princely sleep. *yawn*

Doraemon Christmas

Doraemon Christmas

Walked past this Christmas tree. Just couldn’t help snapping a picture of it.

IMG_5564.JPG

My childhood favourite manga and anime. Just makes me happy thinking of it.

Little things that gives joy! Made my day!

Singapore – This is Home Truly!

Singapore – This is Home Truly!

9th August – This day, every year, I feel proudest to be a Singaporean. This is the day when all political parties set aside their differences and celebrate as one country.

This is the day the whole nation waves flags at the national day parade or sits glued to the television watching the live telecast. (Oh and the day you find the social media filled with proud declarations of Singaporeans!)

On this day, everyone waits for the arrival of our MM Lee Kwan Yew and cheers exuberantly as his face appears on the screen. I look forward to see him for more years to come! Yes! Call me a LKY die-hard fan for he’s truly an enigma and has worked relentlessly with his comrades til today to propel Singapore to what we are today!

9th August is the day when I look back and be thankful that

– I was born in this country where everyone, regardless of race or gender, is given an opportunity to receive education and to excel if one truly works hard.

– I can walk safely (still with vigilance) at most times of the day, free from fear of war.

– I can travel to many countries in the world easily without the need of applying for a visa.

– I can arrive at Changi Airport close to midnight and still marvel at the life, vibrancy and efficiency of a world class airport.

– when I see the homeless in developed and developing countries, Singaporeans have basic shelters over their heads.

– when friends from overseas complain about their social welfare system supporting parasites who refuse to work, simply because of the generous dole payout, to know that Singaporeans still strive to support themselves. Although I do acknowledge that more can be done to help the ones who have slipped through the holes of social aid.

So, everyday, while we bitch and complain about our jams, mrt breakdowns, expensive car and home ownership, I still look forward to the first glimpse of the Changi control tower as the plane flies towards Singapore.

This is where my family and friends are. This is home, truly.

IMG_4153.JPG

My Last Big 3 Birthday!

My Last Big 3 Birthday!

This marks the last big 3 I’d ever be. Moving into a new decade next year. When I was young, year 2000 was a huge thing! And now it’s already 2014!

And anyone aged >30 years old = old. Darn! That makes me older than old! Anyway 40 is the new (Erm…) 30?? I was going by 40 is the new 20, but everyone thinks that I’m pushing it, so I’m settling for 30.

I’ve had quite a few birthday celebrations. Thanks buddies!!! Yesterday’s was probably the finale (already week long celebration).

I was moping around because he didn’t mention anything about it. So sian. I told him I’m going to Mia on HIS birthday! Hmpf! *fold arms*

So he said,”ok lah! Pick you up at 630! Secret place!” Right… I was contemplating wearing tshirt and shorts….

So 630 came. I sulkily went up the car and then… Ta da!

20140509-154902.jpg

Surprise!! Must give it some airtime for I’ve not received a bouquet for the looooongest time ever!!!

20140509-155034.jpg

Another shot! Must milk it for its worth!

“So where are we going?”
“Hilton lar”
“Hilton?? Iggy’s?!?!”

Wow! Iggy’s is a place that I’ve always heard of but have never been there. The last time we went to a posh place was to au Jardin!!! And that was dunno how long ago!!!

20140509-155236.jpg

Iggy’s!!! ???

20140509-155310.jpg

Must give the person who’s footing the bill some “FaceTime” too.

The ambience was fabulous! Service of course “one level sart! 一级棒!” (That means very good! Not the kind that you wave like crazy but people look through you like you are Ms Invisible).

20140509-155552.jpg

20140509-155605.jpg

The menus we took.

And next… Yes next… Don’t blink!! It’s food art!!

20140509-155725.jpg

Oyster pudding!! It’s super fresh oysters in chawanmushi kind of pudding. He’s not an oyster person so I gobbled it up!

20140509-155832.jpg

Sea urchin on angel hair pasta with green peas. This is the 3rd time in my life that I’m eating sea urchin. Yums!

20140509-160019.jpg

Scallop that’s just nicely cooked! So tender and it melts in your mouth. The bubbly white stuff is onion sauce. Then there’s caviar on cream cheese (I think…).

20140509-160252.jpg

Tuna belly on a bed of veggies, drizzled with Yuzu sauce. It’s melt-in-your-mouth tuna! *drool*

20140509-160512.jpg

Sea bream on spinach sauce. We missed out the crabmeat appetizer photo because my phone was out of storage and I forgot to take the photo again. ?

20140509-160712.jpg

Truffle covered pork belly on white asparagus. My dieting starts next month!!

20140509-160950.jpg

Seafood risotto. Risotto infused with seafood taste and shellfishes!

20140509-161138.jpg

Seafood pasta. It’s yummy but I can’t identify it on the menu though… If they give extra food, then just eat lar… Right??

20140509-161316.jpg

Wagyu beef!! The most highly marbled beef in the world!! It’s soft and tender!! He agreed that it’s delicious but argued that he preferred the “dua gong gong” (big piece) kind at Morton’s. Sigh…

20140509-161609.jpg

Hungarian pork! Nice! But of course, my Japanese beef beats it hooves down!!!

20140509-161727.jpg

Dessert!!! Some sorbet with earl grey jelly. The combination rocks!!!

20140509-161918.jpg

His dessert… Some passion fruit thingy in brands essence lookalike jar. Can’t find it on the menu. Substandard he declared!

20140509-162022.jpg

With a cheapo substandard straw. Lol. I think it’s a filler dish because we can’t find it on the menu. My menu has 3 more dishes than his. So I suspect, they whipped up filler dishes because it won’t look too nice when I get served and he gets nothing. So it’s a bonus dish = Mai Hiam lar! (Don’t complain about it!)

20140509-162238.jpg

One of the nicest desserts I’ve tried. Champagne sorbet! With crispy puff, berries, fruit jelly sheets. Visually appealing and palate pampering!!

20140509-162440.jpg

My birthday cake! I’m 1 year old!! Fat hope!! I made my (many) wish and he said,”why is your wish taking so long?! Must be making a lot of wishes!! Greedy leh you!” Shucks! I got caught!!

20140509-162625.jpg

The melting chocolate cake was yummy! But I was too stuffed to finish it!!

20140509-162716.jpg

My mysterious birthday egg…

Hmmm…I don’t make a very good food blogger. Not enough gastronomically appealing vocabulary…

But you get the idea! Iggy’s is AWESOME!!!

Family Portrait

Family Portrait

20130403-224626.jpg

A rare family photo. Thanks to Michelle! We hardly have the chance for one of these. We are always taking turns to take photos.

Not only that, it’s au naturale, without makeup. See all those eye bags and wrinkles! Eeeks!

Even 小小宝贝 is in it!! Inside my huge tummy lar!!!

One day, just one day, we may walk into a studio to have some nice ones taken before they all grow up and lose their charming innocence.

Another addition to my never ending to do list…