Chinese New Year 2009

Do LOTS of preparations...Eat LOTS of good food...Give LOTS of red packets...Meet LOTS of friends & relatives...simply LOTS of fun for CNY 2009!

NTSS Gathering.....after 20 years.....

For 20 years, we did not meet...keep in touch...Not too sure if it is mere chance/fate but somehow we got connected again on FACEBOOK recently! We are ecstatic about the reunion and decided that we should have a gathering. On 20th (sec 3 & 4 classmates) and 26th (sec 1 & 2 classmates) December 2008, we met and reminisced, laughed about all the fond memories.

'Adventurous' Play @ West Coast Park

We may not be able to conquer all the 'obstacles' but at least we try......And we get a thrill out of it!

Gold Coast 08

Just back from Gold Coast @ Australia. Very tired but we had a great time, albeit a little 'tan' and 'sun-burnt'. Had been there few years ago with my hubby via guided tour. Decided to revisit again as believed the kids would like the theme parks @ Movie World etc. However, we had opted for free n easy arrangement this time. Amazing that we are able to commute from one place to another using only public buses, no taxis at all. Apart from the extreme hot weather and occasional showers, this trip was enjoyable!

小弟 'Big Day'

We are all eagerly looking forward to this day, particularly my parents. Big welcome to our new sister-in-law for joining the 'KWONG' clan!

Make a cake

Never know that its so fun making cake, especially with little help from the 'enthusiastic' kids. The cake turned out fine and 'edible'.

Sing To The Dawn

Attended the movie premiere of 'Sing to the Dawn' last Saturday at Jurong BirdPark. Very refreshing experience as this was our first time watching movie in an outdoor setting with birds chirping in the background.

Being the first Singapore-made animation movie, we supported it. However, compared to Hollywood's 'standard', there is still a 'gap'.

S'pore Biennale 08

S'pore Biennale 06 had impressed us deeply, hence, we are happy that the second edition is back after 2 years. We may not be artistically-trained but exploring these 'extract/illusionary/comtemporary/beautiful' artworks are interesting. Of course, it is also impossible for us (particularly our kids) to appreciate and understand the underlying meaning of each artworks. Just an 'art' experience for all of us!

Birthday

Time really flies! Don't really bother to remember my birthday XX Sept 19XX but my girl is always so enthusiastic about it. She will 'broadcast' and remind everybody, probably because we share our birthdays in the same month. No elaborate celebration, just a simple affair with my family - birthday kisses & wishings, hand-made cards from my lovely kids (promised to publish their cards here as they are ardent supporters of my blog), a lunch treat by my hubby at Swissotel Merchant Court Hotel and so on.....Have a wonderful day!

'BIGGG' shoe

Crocs shoes have been popular in Singapore for many years but it just doesn't really tickled my fancy - weird design and make one looks clumsy when put on. This 'gigantic' one on display is different, so 'cute' that my boy wants to hug it!

WOW! OUR GIRL IS ON 'THE STRAITS TIMES'

Like many 'kiasu' parents, we tried to enrol our girl into an 'elite' school when she was due for the primary 1 registration 2 years ago. We even paid $500 membership fee to join a clan so as to qualify for the phase 2B registration for one of its affiliated 'elite' schools. Demand far outsripped supply, we were not even eligible for the balloting due to the overwhelming applications under that phase (also because we do not stay within the 1km radius of our choice school). Very disappointed then.

Ultimately, we got her into a neighbourhood school near our place. To our relief, she had performed very well in her first year for her cohort. Hope she will continue to excel in her studies....We are proud of her!

INCREDIBLE 'CHAIR'

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Don't try this otherwise........

FUTURE 'BUDDING' PIANIST

Our girl started learning piano when she was 6 years old. It has benefited her in many ways in terms of mental, physical and emotional development, such as it helps to boost her self-confidence, 'brain-power' etc. Most important of all, she is now enjoying piano playing and aspired to be a pianist.

Hence, we decided to enrol our 4 years old boy earlier for the piano course (we are just typical 'KIASU' parents). Yamaha Junior Course is so popular that it has only 50 limited vacancies but yet over 100 applications received. And we are lucky enough to secure a place for our boy. He has already attended 3 lessons and having great fun with music, albeit a little bit nervous during his 1st lesson. So far so good and we are looking forward to him playing duet with our girl.

S'PORE FOOD FESTIVAL 2008

Left the kids at home with my-in-laws yesterday and went shopping with my hubby at Orchard, hoping to grab some 'good' bargains before the Great Singapore Sale ends. He got 2 shirts and 1 pair of shoes for myself-not bad (at least we did not go back empty handed). Suggested to have dinner at Lau Pa Sa where the opening celebrations of Singapore Food Festival 2008 are held.

Tourists and locals flocked to Lau Pa Sa, including us. We are even mistakened as tourists and approached twice for survey conducted by staffs engaged by Singapore Tourism Board. The wide variety of food choice/stalls really whetted our appetite and eventually he opted for indian cuisine & 'Kway Chap' for me, coupled with satay. Very 'sinful' indulgence but has compensated that with more sit-ups!!!

ERA CHANGE TO JAPAN'S 24-HOUR STORES SOON?

24/7 convenience stores may evolved into a 'normal business hours' stores if Japan eventually implements the policy of 'limiting the operating hours of convenience stores' in an effort to be a more environmental friendly country. Globally, other countries may also be pressured to follow Japan's move.

However, I am just wondering whether earth conservation and business consumerism can co-exist in terms of social, economical and environmental benefits???

S'PORE TOY & COMIC CONVENTION

Singapore Toy & Comic Convention 2008 - the first international event of its kind in Singapore and Southeast Asia! Thought this inaugural event held at Suntec City that showcased the latest trends in toys, comics, animation, gaming, design, licensing and Cosplay would be interesting and hence, we decided to bring our kids there to enjoy the 'ultimate' experience.

The exhibition hall was crowded with enthusiastic and curious visitors. However, we were only there for about an hour as it really failed to spark our 'anticipated' interest and excitement. At the exit, our boy exclaimed, "Where are the toys"!!! He was expecting toys like those found in a typical toy shop which he could feel, touch and explore. Obviously, the event did not fulfill his insatiable demand for 'fun' toys. Our girl also expressed the 'disappointed frown'.

A NIGHT @ ROYAL PEACOCK HOTEL

We would normally checked into a local hotel during the June's school holidays. Last year was at RASA SENTOSA and this year, we were comtemplating either the central or chinatown location. Finally, we decided on a boutique hotel in 'old charm' Chinatown at Keong Saik Road. We have never really appreciate this part of Singapore's history until this day and in the capacity of a tourist. We were totally fascinated by the rows of colourful and beautifully restored pre-war houses which now houses hotels, offices, pubs and more while still retaining its strong historical/heritage-rich architecture and neighbourhood.

We stayed at the Royal Peacock Hotel. The hotel's authentic and nostalgic facade/feel is appealing. What's more - it only cost us S$158 for a night stay (including breakfast) and it is definitely value for money.

We have spent the whole day exploring/experiencing Chinatown in a different perspective. We also visited the newly renovated Chinatown Food Centre and had a sumptuous but yet economical food fare there. The food that I enjoyed most is the tradditional dessert. I particularly like the pumpkin-sweet corn paste which I have never try before in other dessert shops. I would say the price is extremely cheap at only s$1.20 per bowl and yet the quality is as good as those famous dessert shops at Liang Seah Street which cost at least S$2.50 per bowl.

Indeed, an unforgetable trip and holiday @ Chinatown. We loved it!

'TWIN' LAMP POSTS

It is strange as it has already been a few months since the new lamp post is planted but the old one remains. Hence, 'twin' lamp posts - a rare scene. Apparently, this is an oversight by the Town Council / contractor who did not check the status / quality of work done! Awarding jobs to the lower/lowest tenderer should not compromise the standard of work (including shoddy workmanship).

Check this out:

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/viewContent.jsp?id=23681

Top 3 laughing babies

Feeling stress, sad, unhappy, angry or whatever....., this should cheer you up!

TILTED TREE

This is not the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' in Italy but the 'Leaning Tree' in Singapore. Noted this tilted tree while strolling at Chinese Garden yesterday with my hubby. Interestingly, it is tilted almost 45 degree and yet still holding firmly to the ground. But I would think it is not safe to stand near it as a strong gust of wind or heavy downpour may just blown it down or whatever.....Is it certified safe by the NATIONAL PARKS BOARD???

Check this out:

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/viewContent.jsp?id=21749

DANGEROUS ACT @ CANAL

Despite 'no fishing' signage and reported accidents, people are still ignoring the risks of having 'fun' at the canal. This indian chap was seen casting a net into the canal while standing on the slanted wall of the canal. The surface of the wall may be slippery, he may just lost his balance and slipped into the canal. A sudden high tide will simply wash him away even though he may be a good swimmer. A 'good catch' is certainly not worth the 'big risk'.

Check this out:

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/viewContent.jsp?id=21752

MASTERPIECE - jigsaw puzzles

500 pcs
1000 pcs
2000 pcs

My girl started toying with jigsaw puzzles when she is about 4 years old. 20 pcs to 50 pcs to 100 pcs to 250 pcs and she gets more ambitious each time she completes one. So this is what happened subsequently: 500 pcs - 5 years old, 1000 pcs - 6 years old and the most recent one is 2000 pcs - 7 years old. A childhood game has now turned into a hobby for her. I think this is good as it helps to cultivate patience, problem solving skill...... It is also great for family bonding because we (daddy, mummy, younger brother, ah gong, ah ma) will sometimes gather together to help her. We have lots of fun doing that together and we are so proud of her at the moment of hanging up the jigsaw puzzle. However, running out of wall space for any new display.

OLYMPICS

AtomFilms.com: Funny Videos | Funny Cartoons | Comedy Central

The forthcoming Olympics in Aug 08 is attracting lots of negative publicity due to the protests in Tibet. A renowned sports event has now become a political event. Whatever....., just watched this for a moment of relaxation.

MY CHILDREN - 'LIVE THE DREAM' (part 2)

Incredible! Hula hoop expert???

MY CHILDREN - 'LIVE THE DREAM' (part 1)

My girl says she wants to be a pianist when she grow up......

SUFIAH-THE PRODIGY TURNS HOOKER

Sufiah Yusof, a prodigy who won a place at Oxford University at just the aged of 13, was in the limelight again lately for all the wrong reasons. She is a genius but unfortunately her life has spiralled completely out of control - she is now a $130/hr hooker . Her other three siblings are also prodigies, they all lead normal and decent lives but why only she has ended up like this. Is it herself or her 'complicating' family background to blame? I would think partly herself because only she can control her own destiny and nobody else. Anyway, that is her choice of life and just hope she will drag herself out of this mess. Maybe she deserves a better life than this!

Her family has become famous too because of her. Recently, they have set up a website to clarify news distorted by the media press. According to them, most of the facts about the family background are not accurately reported. Check out this website: http://www.hyusof.com/ if you are curious to know more about this family and how the parents groom all their children to be prodigies.

How to solve a Rubik's Cube (Part Two)

Try it out and see if it is really possible!!!

How to solve a Rubik's Cube (Part One)

RUBIK'S CUBE

Remember the popular "Rubik's Cube" which was very 'hot' in the 1980s. It was also one of my favourite childhood's game but never get all the six colours right/complete, probably I'm a bit dumb then. Now it is back in popularity and our children's turn to try out this toy without much difficulty and cracking their heads. Just watch the attached videos "How to solve a Rubik's Cube - part 1 & 2".

MAKEOVER @ JURONG LAKE

What a coincidence! Just blogged about the fantastic and stunning scenic view at Chinese Garden yesterday and the government had announced the ambitious development plan @ Jurong Lake District today which will attract investments worth billions of $$$. 'Good news' and at least, not the usual news these days about rice shortage and how people get panicky about rice stockpile!

Especially great for people residing in this area (including my family) which should help to boost the property value, vibrancy, business opportunities and lots more.... in this district. Also, I can have more leisure and recreational options for my family and not the usual hangout spots like IMM, Jurong Point in the west.

However, really hope the impending construction/development activities will not destroy much of the Jurong Lake's tranquility that residents/visitors are enjoying now.

BREATHTAKING VIEW

Some people will pay premium price for private properties with SUPERB city/sea view. This one is not bad too but only half the price of those, yet with lots of greenery and beautiful lakeview @ Chinese Garden.

Want to know where is it? A condominium located at Jurong East!