Tonight Chris and I had our usual Friday dinner out.
After some contemplation, we decided to go to Holland Village for dinner. I usually don't like going there mainly because the parking situation is terrible. As expected, we nearly could not find a spot and were about to leave to go someplace else, but then found one.
Surprisingly, Holland village itself wasn't that busy. We wandered around, looking for a decent place to eat, and wandered into Han Sang Korean BBQ restaurant. The name was familiar but I couldn't remember where I'd seen it.
It was fully occupied but the maitre'd managed to get us a seat at the chef station. Which turned out to be a real treat. How were we supposed to know that the owner/chef Mr Park was at work!
Chris chose the BBQ set with kurobuta pork. Since we didn't get a table, I was wondering how we were going to barbeque the meats.
Then I started commenting that the restaurant was pretty busy, and the staff looked a little lost.
But to my surprise, our meal appeared rather quickly. A small selection of starters including a salad, some pickled vegetable and pan fried fish appeared. Very soon after, the chef was cutting up our meats and a ceramic pot with slowly burning charcoal was brought to the table. The chef himself presented the meats to us, and told us to start cooking specific meats with the heating surface ( a solid metal plate ). The well marbled meat sizzled immediately on contact, and we were in pork bliss in a matter of minutes. There were accompanying condiments which included a special sea salt mix, bean paste and a sweet marinade sauce.
Soon the chef started chatting us up, and to our surprise, gave us some more cuts of meat to try! We were privileged to try the wagyu beef, some scallop and pork belly. All of which were succulent and tender.
Mr Park works 6 days a week, and on his day off he plays golf twice in the day! He also showed me his callused hands, from the decades of handling a chef's knife constantly. He makes the sauces and kimchi personally, and it is commendable how he manages a kitchen that makes such a varied menu.
Dinner ended with a soup/stew and rice, followed by watermelon cubes and a Korean sweet. Kind of like the Japanese mochi balls.
With my 31 week belly, I was filled to the brim by the end of dinner, with the warmth and pleasure of a fabulous dinner made possible by a friendly chef and a great meal. Pity we didn't take any pictures of our sizzling meats!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Colds, school and friends
This cold is persistent! Kids have just about the worst bugs.
Today I was so proud of Madison. She was teary about going to school, but when we arrived and she had to do the usual routine of disinfecting her hands, removing her shoes she did so without complaint! Not a tear shed when I left her. I hope this keeps up.
Ever since she started being ill, Madison has noticeably been more insistent about getting her way, expressing her independence and wanting to do most things on her own. I think that's why parenting is hard.
Just when I thought things were stable, she changes. And I have to wake up and realise that everyday that passes my little baby is growing up and becoming a person. I've picked up some books from the library about positive parenting, since I realized that I'm becoming grumpy and upset with her too frequently. It's enlightening, to read about how important it actually is to encourage some of this independence, they call it 'autonomy'. Apparently it is the building blocks of self esteem and confidence in the future. And I want Madison to grow up being a confident person. She is smart and pretty already, but it is useless if she doesn't know it and is unable to use it to her benefit.
Some of the things that the authors advocate include giving the toddlers some choices, while allowing them to experience disappointment at not being able to get everything that they want. Being able to survive disappointment is a life skill. The authors also didn't advocate punishment or (surprisingly) rewards.
I think what hit me the most was the statement to most of all, enjoy the child. Battles between parents and children at this age exist only because of a misunderstanding of the child's developmental stage and are unnecessary because it is a stage that passes too quickly. Instead we should be use it as an opportunity to foster closer bonds with love and understanding. Because they grow up way too quickly and one day we will miss the spontaneity that toddlers and young children possess.
On another page. One of my best friends just let me know that she is pregnant ! I am really happy for her. That's when it also hit me. My friends will be friends for the rest of my life. Children grow up, leave us and cannot truly be our companions in the way friends can be. No matter what happens around us, we should try and keep friendship strong. Because of the shared and long history that we have. We may have different beliefs and ways of doing things, but that is ok.
I cannot believe in 8 weeks or so we will have another child. I really don't know how we're going to cope with 2, fit all of us in our little apartment, keep the clinic alive etc... But I do know somehow time passes and things do sort themselves out.
Today I was so proud of Madison. She was teary about going to school, but when we arrived and she had to do the usual routine of disinfecting her hands, removing her shoes she did so without complaint! Not a tear shed when I left her. I hope this keeps up.
Ever since she started being ill, Madison has noticeably been more insistent about getting her way, expressing her independence and wanting to do most things on her own. I think that's why parenting is hard.
Just when I thought things were stable, she changes. And I have to wake up and realise that everyday that passes my little baby is growing up and becoming a person. I've picked up some books from the library about positive parenting, since I realized that I'm becoming grumpy and upset with her too frequently. It's enlightening, to read about how important it actually is to encourage some of this independence, they call it 'autonomy'. Apparently it is the building blocks of self esteem and confidence in the future. And I want Madison to grow up being a confident person. She is smart and pretty already, but it is useless if she doesn't know it and is unable to use it to her benefit.
Some of the things that the authors advocate include giving the toddlers some choices, while allowing them to experience disappointment at not being able to get everything that they want. Being able to survive disappointment is a life skill. The authors also didn't advocate punishment or (surprisingly) rewards.
I think what hit me the most was the statement to most of all, enjoy the child. Battles between parents and children at this age exist only because of a misunderstanding of the child's developmental stage and are unnecessary because it is a stage that passes too quickly. Instead we should be use it as an opportunity to foster closer bonds with love and understanding. Because they grow up way too quickly and one day we will miss the spontaneity that toddlers and young children possess.
On another page. One of my best friends just let me know that she is pregnant ! I am really happy for her. That's when it also hit me. My friends will be friends for the rest of my life. Children grow up, leave us and cannot truly be our companions in the way friends can be. No matter what happens around us, we should try and keep friendship strong. Because of the shared and long history that we have. We may have different beliefs and ways of doing things, but that is ok.
I cannot believe in 8 weeks or so we will have another child. I really don't know how we're going to cope with 2, fit all of us in our little apartment, keep the clinic alive etc... But I do know somehow time passes and things do sort themselves out.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Feeling guilty...
Madison came down with a cold over the past weekend.
It was something I was expecting to happen already, as with all kids that start to attend school. It was just so quick though. Only after the 3rd session and she was down with a fever and a blocked and runny nose.
I really must learn to have more patience and understanding when a kid falls sick. She's been a nightmare this week. Her fever lasted 2 days and then the nasal symptoms started with a ferocity. The first 2 nights she was up, completely congested and unable to sleep lying down flat. I was up the first night with her, and the second she had my pillows to prop her up. Needless to say the nights have been terrible.
Of course I had to come down with her bug as well...
Next to go has been her appetite. Mealtime is a battlefield. I am so sorry to say that my patience has been rather short this week... of course after blowing up at her I feel somewhat guilty... but then she doesn't seem to learn and keeps pressing my buttons! I can't help being sick, pregnant, working and having the responsibility of looking after Madison all rolled in one!
Yesterday I really needed a break. Had to go to work in the morning and didn't finish till 5PM. After that I made an appointment to catch up with a friend. It was perfect timing actually. He messaged me and I leapt at the opportunity to have a cuppa and time out. I am glad that I have the option of taking a time out. My ever so patient domestic helper, Warni took over my duties of childcare till I came back, relaxed and feeling better. It was nice hearing about other people actually having lives, going out, dancing, socialising and having nice meals.
The clinic is also undergoing it's first renovation. We're having the dental Xray machine repositoned in the dental room, and converting the second dental room into an aesthetic procedure room. Since that was being done, we went ahead and had the clinic repainted, ceiling replaced and doors varnished. The carpet in the reception area also needs to be replaced. Am thinking modern, concrete flooring?
Funny thing is that, I was prepared for a quiet time this week. With the clinic being torn apart, the Joo Chiat clinic closed, I didn't think I would need to do much. Quite the opposite. Have had to go to IPSS instead, doing IPLs and other aesthetic procedures. Then the Balestier clinic also had patients that didn't really seem to mind the mess!
ok.. so ... hopefully Madison will read this one day and understand what I felt when I did what I did... maybe she won't even remember... I just want her to know that I always love her even though my temper isn't always the best...
It was something I was expecting to happen already, as with all kids that start to attend school. It was just so quick though. Only after the 3rd session and she was down with a fever and a blocked and runny nose.
I really must learn to have more patience and understanding when a kid falls sick. She's been a nightmare this week. Her fever lasted 2 days and then the nasal symptoms started with a ferocity. The first 2 nights she was up, completely congested and unable to sleep lying down flat. I was up the first night with her, and the second she had my pillows to prop her up. Needless to say the nights have been terrible.
Of course I had to come down with her bug as well...
Next to go has been her appetite. Mealtime is a battlefield. I am so sorry to say that my patience has been rather short this week... of course after blowing up at her I feel somewhat guilty... but then she doesn't seem to learn and keeps pressing my buttons! I can't help being sick, pregnant, working and having the responsibility of looking after Madison all rolled in one!
Yesterday I really needed a break. Had to go to work in the morning and didn't finish till 5PM. After that I made an appointment to catch up with a friend. It was perfect timing actually. He messaged me and I leapt at the opportunity to have a cuppa and time out. I am glad that I have the option of taking a time out. My ever so patient domestic helper, Warni took over my duties of childcare till I came back, relaxed and feeling better. It was nice hearing about other people actually having lives, going out, dancing, socialising and having nice meals.
The clinic is also undergoing it's first renovation. We're having the dental Xray machine repositoned in the dental room, and converting the second dental room into an aesthetic procedure room. Since that was being done, we went ahead and had the clinic repainted, ceiling replaced and doors varnished. The carpet in the reception area also needs to be replaced. Am thinking modern, concrete flooring?
Funny thing is that, I was prepared for a quiet time this week. With the clinic being torn apart, the Joo Chiat clinic closed, I didn't think I would need to do much. Quite the opposite. Have had to go to IPSS instead, doing IPLs and other aesthetic procedures. Then the Balestier clinic also had patients that didn't really seem to mind the mess!
ok.. so ... hopefully Madison will read this one day and understand what I felt when I did what I did... maybe she won't even remember... I just want her to know that I always love her even though my temper isn't always the best...
Monday, May 10, 2010
Holiday in Perth
We've just returned from a week's holiday in Perth.
Chris was there attending another medical conference while Madison and I were there for the holiday. Zul and his fiancee were there too and they stayed with us at the Quest apartments on Rheola Street.
We flew Qantas for this holiday... I think it would suffice to say that we would probably try not to fly them too often.
On the way there they probably FORGOT to supply a child's meal for Madison, but told us that it was our fault that we did not book a child meal at least 24 hours ahead of time! I never heard of such a thing before.... we paid for a child's ticket, didn't we get a child's meal?
On the way back, we were stuck on the plane for a good 45 minutes while they were trying to sort some technical glitch out...and then because of the delay we had to spend another extra 30 minutes waiting in the air to land because Changi airport was busy! Try to entertain a 2 year old during all that extra time, during which we were not allowed out of our seats for safety reasons !
Perth is a beautiful city. Gorgeous weather too, while we were there. It was quite cold at night and first thing in the morning, but then the sun would come out and the rest of the day would be great. We stayed near King's Park, which houses their Botanic Gardens. There was an enormous children's playground too, the Iver Watson playground, that was immensely popular with the local mothers and kids.
Food sucked though. Either that or we just didn't know where to go and eat. Most of the restaurants were either closed by dinner or were empty on most weeknights. Even the Chinatown was quiet. I've never seen a quiet Chinatown before.
We spent the first day at Caversham wildlife park. It's great value for AUD $22. There were mostly Australian animals, but the best thing was that we got to get close up to most of them. Madison had a field day playing with rabbits, sheep, chicken and kangaroo. We got to touch wombat and koalas too. There was a farm show that showcased sheep shearing and cow milking, as well as cracking the whip, which frightened the wits out of Madison!
Anthony flew up from Melbourne to join us for the first 2 days. It's great that he adores Madison and she reciprocates it. Although she does get a little spoilt with him around!
The second day Chris and Zul attended the conference while the rest of us packed a picnic and went to the Botanic gardens for the day. Madison was great. She walked a fair bit, then had a picnic lunch with the ducks. Stomped around in duck poo afterward. We managed to see most of the gardens, experience the elevated walkway and glass bridge, and soak in lots of sun. By the time we headed back to the apartment, Madison fell right asleep the minute she sat in the carseat.
When Chris and Zul finished attending the conference, we sent Anthony off to the airport, then headed to Freemantle for dinner. Freemantle is a port town, and quite touristy, so it wasn't difficult finding food. We settled on fish and chips at Kaili's by the harbour. Dessert was Baskin Robbins ice cream. Madison had a baby cup all to herself and even chose the flavour. She didn't want to leave the shop afterward!
Wednesday was spent at the beach after the guys were done with the conference. We set off for Cottosloe beach initially, but after spending 30 minutes there we decided to leave in search of a beach with more people and shops.
We settled on Scarborough beach. It was lovely. There was a huge outdoor auditorium with shade where we could rest, as well as a kid's playground that Madison had fun running around in. I packed a picnic lunch, and by lunchtime Madison had worked up a really good appetite. She actually ate cold roast chicken! After lunch we wandered over to the shops and had gelati. Of course Madison had another field day with the ice cream cone. Again, KO on the way home after lunch. Oh, but after screaming her head off in protest with having to sit at the back of the car with Zul and Wee Leng. Not sure why, but she would protest EVERY TIME we went in the car about having to sit next to them from then on.
The last 2 days were spent largely at the playground. Chris and Zul were attending the conference from 7 in the morning so Wee Leng, Madison and I were left to our devices most of the day.
Perth is a great place to bring kids for fresh air, outdoor play and sunshine, as well as being a golfer's paradise. For the rest of us.. well... there's less to do, since the shops pretty much all close by 5 everyday. I didn't find the dining scene inspiring, apart from the fish and chips at Freemantle. Pros? It's close enough to Singapore, the weather is perfect and the parks/playground/beaches are fantastic. Cons? Not much else to do the rest of the time, especially at night. Uninspiring food and shopping. Even the supermarket closes early on Sunday!
Still.. it was a mostly a good trip, apart from the times that Madison threatened to drive me crazy ( ie refuse to eat what I'd taken quite a bit of effort to prepare, waking up every night, refusing to have her nap etc )... we spent quite a bit of mother-daughter time at the parks and in the apartment. Would be really nice to have some of Perth in Singapore.. especially the weather!
Chris was there attending another medical conference while Madison and I were there for the holiday. Zul and his fiancee were there too and they stayed with us at the Quest apartments on Rheola Street.
We flew Qantas for this holiday... I think it would suffice to say that we would probably try not to fly them too often.
On the way there they probably FORGOT to supply a child's meal for Madison, but told us that it was our fault that we did not book a child meal at least 24 hours ahead of time! I never heard of such a thing before.... we paid for a child's ticket, didn't we get a child's meal?
On the way back, we were stuck on the plane for a good 45 minutes while they were trying to sort some technical glitch out...and then because of the delay we had to spend another extra 30 minutes waiting in the air to land because Changi airport was busy! Try to entertain a 2 year old during all that extra time, during which we were not allowed out of our seats for safety reasons !
Perth is a beautiful city. Gorgeous weather too, while we were there. It was quite cold at night and first thing in the morning, but then the sun would come out and the rest of the day would be great. We stayed near King's Park, which houses their Botanic Gardens. There was an enormous children's playground too, the Iver Watson playground, that was immensely popular with the local mothers and kids.
Food sucked though. Either that or we just didn't know where to go and eat. Most of the restaurants were either closed by dinner or were empty on most weeknights. Even the Chinatown was quiet. I've never seen a quiet Chinatown before.
We spent the first day at Caversham wildlife park. It's great value for AUD $22. There were mostly Australian animals, but the best thing was that we got to get close up to most of them. Madison had a field day playing with rabbits, sheep, chicken and kangaroo. We got to touch wombat and koalas too. There was a farm show that showcased sheep shearing and cow milking, as well as cracking the whip, which frightened the wits out of Madison!
Anthony flew up from Melbourne to join us for the first 2 days. It's great that he adores Madison and she reciprocates it. Although she does get a little spoilt with him around!
The second day Chris and Zul attended the conference while the rest of us packed a picnic and went to the Botanic gardens for the day. Madison was great. She walked a fair bit, then had a picnic lunch with the ducks. Stomped around in duck poo afterward. We managed to see most of the gardens, experience the elevated walkway and glass bridge, and soak in lots of sun. By the time we headed back to the apartment, Madison fell right asleep the minute she sat in the carseat.
When Chris and Zul finished attending the conference, we sent Anthony off to the airport, then headed to Freemantle for dinner. Freemantle is a port town, and quite touristy, so it wasn't difficult finding food. We settled on fish and chips at Kaili's by the harbour. Dessert was Baskin Robbins ice cream. Madison had a baby cup all to herself and even chose the flavour. She didn't want to leave the shop afterward!
Wednesday was spent at the beach after the guys were done with the conference. We set off for Cottosloe beach initially, but after spending 30 minutes there we decided to leave in search of a beach with more people and shops.
We settled on Scarborough beach. It was lovely. There was a huge outdoor auditorium with shade where we could rest, as well as a kid's playground that Madison had fun running around in. I packed a picnic lunch, and by lunchtime Madison had worked up a really good appetite. She actually ate cold roast chicken! After lunch we wandered over to the shops and had gelati. Of course Madison had another field day with the ice cream cone. Again, KO on the way home after lunch. Oh, but after screaming her head off in protest with having to sit at the back of the car with Zul and Wee Leng. Not sure why, but she would protest EVERY TIME we went in the car about having to sit next to them from then on.
The last 2 days were spent largely at the playground. Chris and Zul were attending the conference from 7 in the morning so Wee Leng, Madison and I were left to our devices most of the day.
Perth is a great place to bring kids for fresh air, outdoor play and sunshine, as well as being a golfer's paradise. For the rest of us.. well... there's less to do, since the shops pretty much all close by 5 everyday. I didn't find the dining scene inspiring, apart from the fish and chips at Freemantle. Pros? It's close enough to Singapore, the weather is perfect and the parks/playground/beaches are fantastic. Cons? Not much else to do the rest of the time, especially at night. Uninspiring food and shopping. Even the supermarket closes early on Sunday!
Still.. it was a mostly a good trip, apart from the times that Madison threatened to drive me crazy ( ie refuse to eat what I'd taken quite a bit of effort to prepare, waking up every night, refusing to have her nap etc )... we spent quite a bit of mother-daughter time at the parks and in the apartment. Would be really nice to have some of Perth in Singapore.. especially the weather!
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