It's been so long since we've had a girls night out!
Finally the stars aligned and everybody happened to have time to go out for dinner.
It was also perfect timing that C, who lives in Kedah now, was also back for a holiday. (Since her hubby was away on conference in Paris)
It took a really long time to even decide where to go. Nobody could suggest a dinner location.
Finally, hours before we were supposed to meet, J finally suggested Clarke Quay.
Clarke Quay?
The messages started firing. Where about in CQ? Are hubbies going? Are we sure? Driving ? MRT ? ( We usually just take the safe route and meet at Novena Square, so nobody gets lost and parking is really easy )
We finally decided to meet at Central. I don't know how or where to park there, so opted to take public transport. The initial plan was to meet Ca, but on the way there C calls, and offers to drive us there.
We did get a little lost but managed to arrive and park within a reasonable time. Fortunately S knew the place well and gives good directions over the phone.
We were all a little hyped up about going out for dinner. Determined to go 'somewhere nice'. Meaning, outside our comfort zone of restaurants found at Novena or United Square.
Unfortunately by the time all of us arrived, the first 2 had already chosen and grown roots in Manhattan Fish Market. In Central Mall. They refused to leave because they had already drunk their 'welcome drink'. We could have gone to Novena Square! Fish and Co are on the second floor in Novena Square.
Just when we sat down, made our orders and started to relax, C's mother calls. Apparently her older son was inconsolable and she HAD to come home.
Well, at least we got a group photo. Proof to our kids that their mothers had a life outside of home.
After dinner, we decided, we HAVE to get outside to Clarke Quay. At least get a drink. Definitely alcoholic.
After wandering around for another 10 minutes we finally went into TCC. TCC! Also available at Novena square. Unbelievable. Either Singapore is boring or we are sad, sad people. Maybe both. At least the drinks had alcohol in them.
We stayed out past our bedtime. And it was also really nice that J got her dear hubby to send Ca and me home! Perks of being on a Girls night out with married women!
(And it was nice that the kids were all sound asleep when I got home. Peace. )
Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Next birthdays: MH and Elizabeth
This week is another round of birthdays.
Monday( today ) is MH birthday. Beats me what the plans are! He's not a dessert fan so I'm not offering to make the cake.
And then on Saturday they are celebrating Elizabeth's 3rd. My parents are hosting it at the Raffles Town Club. They went shopping yesterday and bought her a bicycle as well.
I offered to make the cake. ( Felt bad if I didn't offer ).
I was going to try and make the Angelina Ballerina cake, but after Googling 'Princess cake' the first thing that came up was actually the 'doll-in-the-cake' idea.
I think I'm sold.
Rushed out Saturday lunch time to find MH a gift, AND buy the Barbie doll that will be going into the cake.
Initially I wanted to get some el cheapo doll for the cake, but they didn't look that nice. So Barbie it is. I think Friday shall be cake making day. It's buttercream, so less complicated than the fondant AngelinaB cake. I still need to get more supplies from a cake making shop..
MH got a Bodum french press from us. He's a coffee fan, but I'm not sure he'd make his own??
It's the thought that counts right?
Mother's Day weekend
I had a good weekend last week.
Clinic was quiet so I didn't have to work on Saturday.
This meant Saturday morning wasn't a huge rush to get everything done. The kids went swimming downstairs in the morning after Madison's tennis lesson. Which only had 2 kids so it was almost like a private lesson. (For $30...unlike Wednesday afternoon where she had a privately organised session at $50 for 30minutes!! )
After naptime we went to the club for Madison's swimming lesson. We took our neighbour's daughter Lynn with us. The lesson was chaotic. They didn't even tell us that the usual coach was away or something and this other guy who could barely keep the kids in order was in charge! Anyway... at least the kids had fun together afterwards. I'm really happy the club is finally mostly done, so the kids pool is functional again. The water is incredibly warm! The new playground is a big hit too.
Of course the kids went down Saturday night without fuss and it was blissful peace!
Sunday morning came waayyy too quickly. Warni had her day off so it was just us. And we had the rest of the family over for dinner as well. We spent the morning at the club (again). What better way to wear them all out??
In the afternoon Lynn came down and then E came over to swim. More swimming.
Since the entire family was sans helpers we ordered food back for dinner. The meal wasn't too bad, we managed to eat in between breaking up fights and screamy tantrums. The tears were coming mostly from E... not sure what's up with her, but whoa... some screamy moods recently..
This morning, Warni finally found the missing terrapin! Madison has gotten into this habit where she takes the darn things and puts it in odd places. And then promptly forgetting where she left it!
The small terrapin was lost for like 4 days? Poor thing. Warni finally found it in the toy box. Of all places. Amazing it was still alive.
Clinic was quiet so I didn't have to work on Saturday.
This meant Saturday morning wasn't a huge rush to get everything done. The kids went swimming downstairs in the morning after Madison's tennis lesson. Which only had 2 kids so it was almost like a private lesson. (For $30...unlike Wednesday afternoon where she had a privately organised session at $50 for 30minutes!! )
After naptime we went to the club for Madison's swimming lesson. We took our neighbour's daughter Lynn with us. The lesson was chaotic. They didn't even tell us that the usual coach was away or something and this other guy who could barely keep the kids in order was in charge! Anyway... at least the kids had fun together afterwards. I'm really happy the club is finally mostly done, so the kids pool is functional again. The water is incredibly warm! The new playground is a big hit too.
Of course the kids went down Saturday night without fuss and it was blissful peace!
Sunday morning came waayyy too quickly. Warni had her day off so it was just us. And we had the rest of the family over for dinner as well. We spent the morning at the club (again). What better way to wear them all out??
In the afternoon Lynn came down and then E came over to swim. More swimming.
Since the entire family was sans helpers we ordered food back for dinner. The meal wasn't too bad, we managed to eat in between breaking up fights and screamy tantrums. The tears were coming mostly from E... not sure what's up with her, but whoa... some screamy moods recently..
This morning, Warni finally found the missing terrapin! Madison has gotten into this habit where she takes the darn things and puts it in odd places. And then promptly forgetting where she left it!
The small terrapin was lost for like 4 days? Poor thing. Warni finally found it in the toy box. Of all places. Amazing it was still alive.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Another birthday weekend
This weekend we celebrated:
1. Pa's birthday
2. Elaine's (Lynn's mother) birthday
3. Wang Fang's dad ( Chuyi's granddad ) birthday
And the amazing thing? All on the same day.
Talk about fate. It's spooky.
I baked a chocolate cake with ganache from Martha Stewart's website. AFTER I baked the layer, I decided to read the comments ( how stupid ). Of course that made me panic because some were downright bad.
BUT.. it turned out quite good! I used good ingredients too. Fresh vanilla pod, unprocessed dutch cocoa and couverture chocolate from Jones the Grocer. It looked quite amazing too, with the double layers.
We were supposed to go to Jumbo seafood at ECP. But at 6 pm we were still at home. By the time we got even close to the place traffic was a snarling mess. 30 minutes drive there, then another 20 back to United Square for dinner instead. I was not a happy camper.
It ended well, after dinner, we headed back to Elaine's party which was in full swing back at the condo. I had my second round of drinks, supper and cake. Her party ended close to midnight.
This past Friday I went to SGH as usual. WS finally came back after a 2 month hiatus. Then we were told that they didn't need us for the time being till August or September. To be honest, I heaved a big sigh of relief internally. I think I've also had enough of this job. It was actually getting stressful, for me. Initially it was for a bit of variety, since THEY needed us to help. And those days when we actually just worked it wasn't too bad. (depending on the consultant that day)
But the past few weeks have started to drag a little. And I started to get a little anxious about going there. Partly because you never know before hand who you get assigned to.
Still... it's probably perfect timing. Just enough exposure to get the hang of some of the procedures.
But Yeah! I have more time now to do other stuff during the week!
1. Pa's birthday
2. Elaine's (Lynn's mother) birthday
3. Wang Fang's dad ( Chuyi's granddad ) birthday
And the amazing thing? All on the same day.
Talk about fate. It's spooky.
I baked a chocolate cake with ganache from Martha Stewart's website. AFTER I baked the layer, I decided to read the comments ( how stupid ). Of course that made me panic because some were downright bad.
BUT.. it turned out quite good! I used good ingredients too. Fresh vanilla pod, unprocessed dutch cocoa and couverture chocolate from Jones the Grocer. It looked quite amazing too, with the double layers.
We were supposed to go to Jumbo seafood at ECP. But at 6 pm we were still at home. By the time we got even close to the place traffic was a snarling mess. 30 minutes drive there, then another 20 back to United Square for dinner instead. I was not a happy camper.
It ended well, after dinner, we headed back to Elaine's party which was in full swing back at the condo. I had my second round of drinks, supper and cake. Her party ended close to midnight.
This past Friday I went to SGH as usual. WS finally came back after a 2 month hiatus. Then we were told that they didn't need us for the time being till August or September. To be honest, I heaved a big sigh of relief internally. I think I've also had enough of this job. It was actually getting stressful, for me. Initially it was for a bit of variety, since THEY needed us to help. And those days when we actually just worked it wasn't too bad. (depending on the consultant that day)
But the past few weeks have started to drag a little. And I started to get a little anxious about going there. Partly because you never know before hand who you get assigned to.
Still... it's probably perfect timing. Just enough exposure to get the hang of some of the procedures.
But Yeah! I have more time now to do other stuff during the week!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Birthday weekend
3 parties this weekend that just passed!
The first belonged to Chris' colleague. Her son turned one so she had a lunch party at TOTTs' bistro. Totts is a huge baking/cooking supplies shop at the end of Bukit Timah Road. It was pouring when we went. Party went ok, cupcakes were a hit!
The second party was in the afternoon. Caroline's eldest turned 6. Pizza and pasta party, ended off with cake and candles. Didn't stay late because she just had her 3rd son less than 3 weeks ago.
On Sunday, we had just 1 party to attend. This belonged to Madison's classmate, so Chris took her after her golf lesson. It was a 'Prince and Princess' dress up party too, so Grandma's fluffy white dresses finally got used. This party was the longest, started at noon and finished at 4pm!
Warni had the day off on Sunday too, so it was awfully busy just getting stuff done during the day. The grandparents came over for dinner as well. Pa and Geok did a competitive race in the morning too. Well done.. 10k for Pa and the half marathon for Geok.
This past weekend the final contents of the Novena house were moved out. It is officially a shell now. I think power is to be turned off sometime this week. I haven't been back there for almost a week! Have to remember to take some photos. Although we probably should have done that a month ago. We're obviously not terribly sentimental people.
Time is moving terribly fast. It's almost halfway through the year!
The first belonged to Chris' colleague. Her son turned one so she had a lunch party at TOTTs' bistro. Totts is a huge baking/cooking supplies shop at the end of Bukit Timah Road. It was pouring when we went. Party went ok, cupcakes were a hit!
The second party was in the afternoon. Caroline's eldest turned 6. Pizza and pasta party, ended off with cake and candles. Didn't stay late because she just had her 3rd son less than 3 weeks ago.
On Sunday, we had just 1 party to attend. This belonged to Madison's classmate, so Chris took her after her golf lesson. It was a 'Prince and Princess' dress up party too, so Grandma's fluffy white dresses finally got used. This party was the longest, started at noon and finished at 4pm!
Warni had the day off on Sunday too, so it was awfully busy just getting stuff done during the day. The grandparents came over for dinner as well. Pa and Geok did a competitive race in the morning too. Well done.. 10k for Pa and the half marathon for Geok.
This past weekend the final contents of the Novena house were moved out. It is officially a shell now. I think power is to be turned off sometime this week. I haven't been back there for almost a week! Have to remember to take some photos. Although we probably should have done that a month ago. We're obviously not terribly sentimental people.
Time is moving terribly fast. It's almost halfway through the year!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Goodbye to Family home
It has officially begun.
Sunday my parents moved out of our family home of 26 years, and the movers shifted most of the stuff out.
Over the next few days more things will be taken out, including light fixtures and electrical appliances. Power will be turned off on Wednesday.
I'm not sure what will happen over the next few months (to ?1 year) as my parents have temporarily moved to G and MH's house. I don't know if they'd want 4 kids terrorizing their home everyday.
It's a little sad, saying goodbye to the home that we grew up in, and where our kids spent a few years too. But it's also exciting, looking forward to a bigger facility for everyone to use. I just hope it doesn't turn out to be a protracted construction nightmare. The Swimming club was supposed to be completed last year but is still a work in progress.
The other thing that's been on my mind is that of purchasing a piano. With this move, the current piano is to be moved to a makeshift kid play area at the office space near the Novena house. And as it is, Madison doesn't practice during weekends if we don't go over to the grandparents' home. Maybe it's time we considered having a piano at home if we are serious about her (and Annika) playing it for the longer term.
The only trouble with that is
1. cost ( I imagine they cost at least $5k? )
2. space! It's so big! ( we'd have to shift furniture around )
3. Maintenance. ( regular tuning? )
In other news... baby fever! C has delivered her 3rd,one friend is halfway through her 3rd pregnancy, another friend is actively TTC, and another is JUST pregnant. And it seems like half our apartment block has newborns or under 1s.
But now's not the right time for us. Chris HAS to clear his exams, and he has to go overseas next year for at least 6 months. I really don't want to be stuck with a newborn, a toddler and preschooler to look after by myself WHILE the grandparent's house is in shambles ( ie no place for the older 2 to run amok/stay over once in awhile ) and Chris is merrily away 'working' overseas!
As for Annika, seems like Bibinogs was a right decision. She loves going there, and already in 3 sessions has started picking up Mandarin words and can say her name. Amazing.
Anaesthesia at SGH is going so-so.. I still harbour thoughts of quitting but I shall persevere. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger, right? I have to see where it will take me. It must be going somewhere?
Sunday my parents moved out of our family home of 26 years, and the movers shifted most of the stuff out.
Over the next few days more things will be taken out, including light fixtures and electrical appliances. Power will be turned off on Wednesday.
I'm not sure what will happen over the next few months (to ?1 year) as my parents have temporarily moved to G and MH's house. I don't know if they'd want 4 kids terrorizing their home everyday.
It's a little sad, saying goodbye to the home that we grew up in, and where our kids spent a few years too. But it's also exciting, looking forward to a bigger facility for everyone to use. I just hope it doesn't turn out to be a protracted construction nightmare. The Swimming club was supposed to be completed last year but is still a work in progress.
The other thing that's been on my mind is that of purchasing a piano. With this move, the current piano is to be moved to a makeshift kid play area at the office space near the Novena house. And as it is, Madison doesn't practice during weekends if we don't go over to the grandparents' home. Maybe it's time we considered having a piano at home if we are serious about her (and Annika) playing it for the longer term.
The only trouble with that is
1. cost ( I imagine they cost at least $5k? )
2. space! It's so big! ( we'd have to shift furniture around )
3. Maintenance. ( regular tuning? )
In other news... baby fever! C has delivered her 3rd,one friend is halfway through her 3rd pregnancy, another friend is actively TTC, and another is JUST pregnant. And it seems like half our apartment block has newborns or under 1s.
But now's not the right time for us. Chris HAS to clear his exams, and he has to go overseas next year for at least 6 months. I really don't want to be stuck with a newborn, a toddler and preschooler to look after by myself WHILE the grandparent's house is in shambles ( ie no place for the older 2 to run amok/stay over once in awhile ) and Chris is merrily away 'working' overseas!
As for Annika, seems like Bibinogs was a right decision. She loves going there, and already in 3 sessions has started picking up Mandarin words and can say her name. Amazing.
Anaesthesia at SGH is going so-so.. I still harbour thoughts of quitting but I shall persevere. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger, right? I have to see where it will take me. It must be going somewhere?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Bibinogs
Annika finally started at Bibinogs last week.
After much consideration, I decided to pull her out of Joy Little and enrol her in a parent accompanied Mandarin and Tots class twice a week.
And she is so much happier for it!
Initially she was hesitant about the class, but once it started, she was enthusiastically clapping and singing along with the teachers!
Today she was so excited about going there, she got her schoolbag ready and wanted to carry it around while waiting for the rest of us to get ready.
Madison, on the other hand.. grrr.. totally driving me nuts in the morning.
Took FOREVER to eat breakfast. Fighting with Annika/ taking her stuff etc. Then out of the blue she decided to fling this hand held candy filled Thomas-the-tank engine toy across the living room. Of course the thing broke and out spilled all this multicoloured choke-risk beads of candy!
OMG. I was so pissed. We had like an hour to get everyone dressed, teeth brushed, clothes changed, breakfast done and she just had to do this.
I made her pick it all up and throw the stuff out. Then after that she starts fiddling with her terrapin and nearly spills it and it's water all over the floor.
Anyway... we managed to get everyone to school. Annika did great at Bibinogs. Although she does get bored quite quickly. And asks to go home. But once they start some interesting activity she quickly participates again. Of course come nap time she is knackered!
In other news... the grand old dame of dear Novena house is to be knocked down within the next weeks. That poses some child care issues, but I figure things will sort themselves out when it happens.
We've also had a change in tenant at our old apartment, and the new one wants furniture and fittings. How come I didn't think of that the first time and keep my old furniture??!! So dumb. So we had to make a trip to good ol' Ikea to pick some stuff up. And INSTALL the stuff. I thought "ooh.. would be fun to have the kids around while we set the furniture up!" Of course now I know better. Hindsight.
A good friend also delivered her 3rd boy over the past week. Super cute newborn. NO wonder they call it baby fever. When you look at the innocent small baby you inevitably think " should I? " Haha.. yes...for about 30 seconds... then the PTSD flashbacks of sleepless nights, endless boob feeding, daytime zombieness happen.. yikes... thanks, but no thanks! Why can't we skip all that and just go to 2 years old?
After much consideration, I decided to pull her out of Joy Little and enrol her in a parent accompanied Mandarin and Tots class twice a week.
And she is so much happier for it!
Initially she was hesitant about the class, but once it started, she was enthusiastically clapping and singing along with the teachers!
Today she was so excited about going there, she got her schoolbag ready and wanted to carry it around while waiting for the rest of us to get ready.
Madison, on the other hand.. grrr.. totally driving me nuts in the morning.
Took FOREVER to eat breakfast. Fighting with Annika/ taking her stuff etc. Then out of the blue she decided to fling this hand held candy filled Thomas-the-tank engine toy across the living room. Of course the thing broke and out spilled all this multicoloured choke-risk beads of candy!
OMG. I was so pissed. We had like an hour to get everyone dressed, teeth brushed, clothes changed, breakfast done and she just had to do this.
I made her pick it all up and throw the stuff out. Then after that she starts fiddling with her terrapin and nearly spills it and it's water all over the floor.
Anyway... we managed to get everyone to school. Annika did great at Bibinogs. Although she does get bored quite quickly. And asks to go home. But once they start some interesting activity she quickly participates again. Of course come nap time she is knackered!
In other news... the grand old dame of dear Novena house is to be knocked down within the next weeks. That poses some child care issues, but I figure things will sort themselves out when it happens.
We've also had a change in tenant at our old apartment, and the new one wants furniture and fittings. How come I didn't think of that the first time and keep my old furniture??!! So dumb. So we had to make a trip to good ol' Ikea to pick some stuff up. And INSTALL the stuff. I thought "ooh.. would be fun to have the kids around while we set the furniture up!" Of course now I know better. Hindsight.
A good friend also delivered her 3rd boy over the past week. Super cute newborn. NO wonder they call it baby fever. When you look at the innocent small baby you inevitably think " should I? " Haha.. yes...for about 30 seconds... then the PTSD flashbacks of sleepless nights, endless boob feeding, daytime zombieness happen.. yikes... thanks, but no thanks! Why can't we skip all that and just go to 2 years old?
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