QooFamily Blog

When 3 of us have HFMD together

2012-01-01T13:26:00.004+08:00

I don't believe it. I am now suffering from with HfMD(Hand Foot Mouth Disease), together with my two kids.

It all started with Meranda infected from the virus in her childcare. As she showed no symptons, 3 of us shared cake and yogurt as usual. On christmas day, she started to have slight fever. I thought it was just slight fever and nothing serious, and we continued to host our christmas party. Things get worse next two days and she was diagnosed with HFMD by NUH. I quickly send LeLe to my parent's house so as to isolate him from the affected sister.

However, LeLe started to show symptons the next day. Also, I have a bad feeling that I will get it too as I started to have ulcers in the mouth. I asked doctor "Will adult get it too? Can you check for me?" Doctor confirmed the fact.

Damn! 3 of us have HFMD together!!

LeLe was sent home, so as to avoid spread of virus to the old folks. Guilt strikes me as my niece and my friend's son were infected wtih the virus.

Lessons I learnt:
1) NEVER let the siblings share food
2) Never share food with your children
3) Use a serving spoon if you were to share dishes at home or at restuarant
4) Practise standard hygiene

Meranda has recovered. LeLe is on the way to recovery,but I don't think he can start his primary school next tuesday. For me?I still have 10 ulcers in my mouth and tongue.

New School

2011-12-07T21:17:00.003+08:00

Meranda has just started her full day nursery at Agape. We are lucky to find a place for her and it is just 5 minutes walk from the house.

20年了

2011-12-07T20:54:00.004+08:00

Over the weekend, I had a mini gathering with my previous classmates from Sec 4/5, NYGH. Imagine I have not seen some of them for almost 20 years, since graduated in 1992 .
It is really fun to meet up with old friends, to talk about the past, gossip about our fellowmates and for some, simply complaining how our kids drive us nuts.

Most of us put on weight(Well, we are already in mid 30s, what do you expect?), but I think we look good!(Beauty comes with maturity)I'm glad to see my friends living well and enjoying what they are doing, be it a SAHM or a career woman.

I look forward to the next gathering.

Settling down

2011-11-26T10:53:00.004+08:00

It's the first time that I'm alone in the house on weekend.
I left the kids overnight at parents' house while out for drinks yesterday night with a good old friend. It's so unmotherly but I'm not guilty of that. (Mummies need a drink ok?)

We were back to SGP for almost 2 weeks, and were busy unpacking the house, buying kids furniture and training the new maid . I have also signed up for spa package and am now searching for a fitness club for gym workout and kickboxing.

The kids seem to be settling down happily, except for the heat rashes.
We sent LeLe to some enrichment course that helps to build up cognitive skills and I'm contemplating some speech and drama workshop. For Meranda, she will start her nursery class at Agape in few days time. Let's hope she likes the school!

During my night out, my friend was boasting to me on what his 6 years old boy can do. He plays piano, learns abacus and knows how to calculate within 1000(Are you sure!?). He even has personal tutoring by a chinese tutor at S$80 per hour!

I can start to feel the kiasuism in me. Which enrichment courses should I send the kids to?Music? Sports? Abacus? Arts?

Or I should just relax ,since it is only a short 9 months stay?

Well, anyway it is good to feel the 'stress' occassionally , so as to constantly remind ourselves that we should keep in pace of what our fellow mates are doing and not be too comfortable living overseas.

The meal

2011-11-10T18:31:00.007+08:00

For our 7th year anniversary, hubby brought me to the legendary Nobu, well-known for its fine Japanese cuisine. For the special set dinner, the chef will prepare exclusive dishes without letting us know what they are beforehand. Here are some pictures to whet your appetite.

We left the restaurant satisfied, but with big holes in the pockets.

Local or International?

2011-11-09T17:30:00.004+08:00

This issue has been bothering me for long time.

Most expats have this concern when their children turn to schooling age. Research has shown that International schools in China are priced most expensively when compared with other countries .

There are three types of schooling options for expats:
International, Billingual , or International arm of local schools

1) International
Forking out RMB170,000 per year for a grade one education is no joke, unless your company pays 100% for it. However, this may not be the most ideal choice.
It is easy to put a local kid into international education(as long your parents have money). But it is difficult to put a kid from international education back into local school.

2) Billingual
Average school fees for bilingual schools costs RMB100,000(SGP S$20,000) per year. Yes, you will get decent bilingual education. However, there are not many choices here and for the most reputable one, the waiting list is long and the criteria is tough.

3) International arm of Local school
Your kid will master mandarin but the English level will be compromised. Hubby has been assuring us that this is not really a big concern as mandarin is tougher to learn than English. Well, just look at how I have taught LeLe myself and he has grown from a non english-speaking toddler to an effectively billingual boy!

Should we just dump our money into expensive education ? If we do so,we will compromise on our lifestyle and may not have much savings for rainy days. Also, 3 years later, we have to take care of the sister's school fees too.

Sometimes I feel that we are too confused with too many choices.

Our parents do not have much choices and they are busy working and saving up to pay for our local education. We grew up fine eventually. It seems ironic that now we are in better financial situation, we still have to worry so much for the education.

Policewoman and Zombie Prisoner

2011-11-09T17:24:00.004+08:00

At a recent Halloween Party

在家靠父母,在外靠朋友.

2011-11-09T17:06:00.004+08:00

在家靠父母,在外靠朋友.

A lot of foreigners tend to stick with people of their own nationality or only with the expats. Friends from the expat community help us feel familiar as we sing the same language. However, having local friends is equally important.
In my 7 years living in a foreign land, I'm blessed to make close friends from the local community. They played important roles to help me immerse into local culture.
I will miss them dearly when we head back home next week..

My best friend, Jenny. Without her, I seriously don't think I can 'survive' so long in Beijing, especially in the corporate world!

A RMB68 Apple

2011-10-20T20:49:00.007+08:00

Hubby has 2 friends who are here for business trip and he invited them to our house for dinner yesterday. When he told me that they are in the food business, I was stressed. How am I going to impress such people with my limited cooking skills??

The dinner turned out well(err...maybe they are too polite to tell me my food is average?) and they are fun people to chat with.

Oh yes, they bought some fruits for us. I'm shocked! An apple costs RMB68!(S$13.60)And it is not even imported, it is "国产世界一号苹果".Don't play play!

Why I love him so much

2011-10-20T20:35:00.005+08:00

For always being such a sweet, obedient boy..

One morning,
hubby said"LeLe, if you never eat any breakfast, you must tell mummy. Ask mummy to prepare more breakfast for you!"
LeLe:"But I don't want mummy to hurt her hands!"

This morning,
hubby said"LeLe, you can ask mummy questions such as what is noddles made of ?Why does the TV can show TV programs? etc etc" (All those science questions )
LeL said:"But 妈妈会累的!"

Whenever I was mad at his sister for being naughty,I will think of him and just grateful to have him around.

Hand made cards for teachers

2011-10-20T20:04:00.001+08:00

LeLe made these cards for his teachers

Scottish Skirt

2011-10-20T19:58:00.004+08:00

Look Ma! My skirt matches the mat!

Oh boys!

2011-10-20T19:49:00.003+08:00

6 days back home(without the kids)

2011-10-12T15:39:00.007+08:00

We did not go for the Shanghai/Hangzhou trip.
My dad was hospitalized and had minor operation days before the trip. I managed to get one ticket back home, as tickets were fully booked during the Golden week of China.

This trip sets me thinking whether am I prepared to relocate back home.

I would not have chosen this path a few years ago. Maybe it’s the deteriorating health of my parents, maybe it’s the death of my father in law, maybe it’s the strong love and trust between hubby and me. Or maybe I've matured and prepared to face the responsibility.

It may just be a short 9 months. But it is definitely a good chance to provide emotional support to my parents. To accompany my mum-in-law. To let the grandparents have the chance to spoil the kids. To call up friends whom I’ve lost touch with.

Hubby was supportive and helped to take care of the kids while I’m away for 6 days. To welcome me back, the 3 of them made this!

Aren't they so sweet?

My experience in purchasing train tickets (with Free tips given to expats)

2011-09-21T15:23:00.007+08:00

We plan to take the new high speed train to Shanghai during the October holidays.

People warned me that purchasing train tickets is a hassle. You may queue up for hours and end up getting nothing. Some advised me to pay agencies to do the job. Well, I thought that since I have time, I will just do so myself.

I arrived the ticketing booth at 930am and there are more than 80 people ahead of me! Damn! I should have just paid 100kuai for a guy to do the job!

It is not true that China people don’t queue up. When it comes to train tickets purchase, they are very united. When some guys try to cut queue, those in the queue will scold.
你要不要脸啊!我们都排了半天了！跟我滚开！
插队是会引起公纷！

One fat man even dragged a man away when he tried to cut queue.A young lady tried to charm a man to buy tickets for her, but she was ignored! Haha!

So, regardless if you are an old lady or pretty young girl, QUEUE UP!!!
After 3 hours under hot sun, I manage to get the tickets! Hooray!!
Some folks queue for hours but the tickets they want are sold out.

Here are some tips for ‘laowai’ like me in how to purchase train tickets to Shanghai:

1) Tickets will only be released for sale 10 days prior to departure date. If you plan to leave on 30th, queue up on 21st and not any days before that.

2) Bring your passports along. They will key in the passport numbers into your tickets. For the locals, they bring their ID card.
(This is to avoid blackmarket tickets)

3) There are two types of trains to Shanghai :高铁 and 动车　．
高铁takes 5.5hours, while 动车takes 8hours.
For 高铁，there are two types of 软座(seats):
一等(first class) costs RMB900, while 二等(second class) costs RMB560.

4) For children, if he is below 1.2metres, he needs not to buy any ticket. Tickets will be half-priced if he is 1.2metres and above.

Good Luck!!

Disneyland with kids..

2011-09-21T14:40:00.009+08:00

We just came back from Hong Kong Disneyland holidays. Besides our short trips to other provinces in China, this is sort of our first overseas holidays. We enjoyed the rides and performance,especially “It’s a small small world” ride and the “Lion King” Performance.

As we stayed at Hollywood hotel, we did not get the chance to eat at those local 茶餐厅or Dim Sum. Hotel food is surprisingly tasteful but expensive. Imagine HKD98 for a plate of Nasi Goreng!

These 2 days at Disneyland prove to be relatively fun, although I have my usual complaints of hot sun and rude Chinese tourists.

However, I felt that our one day at Ocean Park(海洋公园)　is a waste of time. The cable cars are not working and most rides required the kids to be of at least 1.22metres tall.

I recalled how much shopping fun I had with a girlfriend few years ago. It is basically 买东西,吃东西. Slurping noodles at cramped 茶餐厅, sourcing for good bargains at factory outlets etc..

Well, this trip is fun too , but in a different way. ;)

Where should we go next year??

Home-baked cake for hubby..

2011-09-21T14:24:00.004+08:00

Hubby turned 38 yesterday. As requested, I baked Peanuts Butter Cupcakes for him.

(Btw, can you recognize that for the front 3 cupcakes , I try to do the word "Dad" for the Icing?? Hubby cannot see it! )

Happy Birthday, dear!!

纸杯蛋糕

2011-08-25T09:44:00.002+08:00

I made this yesterday! All thanks to a tested recipe from this website

Now, need more improvement on the frosting...

Navy Girl

2011-08-22T15:47:00.006+08:00

All dressed up ..

for lunch with the cousin.

Flashy Headgear

2011-08-22T15:34:00.000+08:00

Treasure my fun moments with a bunch of non-mummy friends…

Homeschooling...Preparing for P1

2011-08-18T13:27:00.003+08:00

I’m going to homeschool LeLe for next few months, till we head back Singapore in mid November.
He is now in summer camp till the school term starts. As he has already graduated, he will repeat his syllabus if we send him back to school. We feel that it is waste of money and time, so homeschooling is the best option.

So, here is the plan. 1 hour of mandarin lesson every morning at some enrichment center, while I brush up on his maths and English in the afternoon.

As I browsed through the pile of assessment books, I panic.

Children of his age already know how to construct sentences, spell “Hippopotamus” and “reptiles” , and know simple division. My son definitely needs catch up in this! The curriculum here is totally different, with most following the Montessori or IB style. Can someone set up an affordable school that follows SGP’s textbook style of education, so that I have less tutoring to do?

A friend once told me SGP ranked top 3 in terms of education, after South Korea and Finland. I’m not sure if I should feel proud or stress about this fact.

I used to be academically strong during primary school days. I was always the top 6 and scored 257 for PSLE results. I ended up in a
top all girls’ school of my mum’s choice. However, due to stressful environment, my grades dropped….Now,do I wish to subject my children to such stress?

While I’m definitely not a tiger mum, I also don’t wish my children to lag behind in school. A good education forms a basic platform for the future.

Looks like I have a new role to play , at least for the next 10 years.

Pretty pictures...

2011-08-16T14:26:00.003+08:00

....of mother and daughter... ;)

A simple celebration

2011-08-16T14:00:00.006+08:00

Meranda turned 3 over the weekend.

We had a very simple lunch celebration, as we are not supposed to have any celebration as her grandpa just passed away. I do feel that we have shortchanged her, since she had such a fun party last year. But I don’t think she senses any difference, especially when she is so excited over her present- a Dora Dressing Table!

It is a coincidence that the embassy had a get-together event that day to celebrate our country's 46th year. When all folks sang the Happy birthday song, it seems that they are wishing my girl too! ;)

Happy Birthday, my precious girl!!!

Bye Bye Kindergarten, Hello Primary One

2011-07-19T13:22:00.005+08:00

LeLe just had his graduation ceremony. It is not the best pre-school in town, but nevertheless he is lucky to have a dedicated Lao Wai teacher who has taught him for more than 2 years.

So,what's next? Our plan is to let him study his grade one in SGP, so that he can be eligible for Grade 2 in the international school in sept next year. Else the school here will not enroll him as Grade one sept this year, as he is a year-end child. Sounds complicated?

Enrolling your child to a primary school in SGP is a competitive affair.

1) You volunteer to be a traffic warden, cleaner or gardener. Normal neighborhood school requires 40 hours of service per year, while the more popular one requires 80 hours.

2) You bought a 1.5million on property just to be within 1 km away from top-notch school.

3) You join alumni, or whatever organizations or some dialect associations(e.g. Hokkien Clan) even though you don’t speak that dialect!

4) You even have career change and applied to teach in that particular school, even though you know nuts about teaching!

However all these do not guarantee you a space in the school. You could have cleaned their toilets for 2 years, or dumped all your hard-earned money on property. And you will be competing with a pool of parents who wish the best for their children.

We are lucky that I used to be from Bukit Panjang Primary School and this gives my son a better chance to get enrolled. According to some statistics report from a forum , it shows that this school ranks #13 in 2009 in terms of popularity and other factors.

Yes, we just received news last week that LeLe is successfully registered into that school!;)

你送礼了吗？

2011-07-15T20:39:00.003+08:00

I had an unpleasant experience with the school recently.
Meranda has sensitive skin and is prone to mosquitoes bites. Ever since she started full day school, she is always attacked by the mozzies.

Being a concerned mother, I brought a anti-mosquito spray and request the teacher to spray on her before her afternoon nap.

“老师，帮个忙，麻烦你在蒽睡觉之前，跟她喷一下防蚊叮“
“我们班里每一天都会喷一下防蚊叮“
“我知道，可是你们喷了，她还是被叮”
“你如果不放心，你可以中午接她回家睡觉！”

WHAT?!All I request is for her to spray some anti-mosquito spray on my girl, and she tells me to bring my girl home.

“我已经还了全天的学费！“
“你付了全天学费，你又不放心！“

I went to complain to the principal about her attitude. (By the way, she is not even a qualified teacher. She is just a 生活老师, a assistant that helps to clean and feed the kids.)

The next day, I shared my incident to a local chinese friend and she told me that I should not have complained. In fact, she suggested me to give presents to the teachers.
“你知不知道，我们国内家长都会送礼给老师，那么她们才会好好照顾你的孩子。我有个朋友还送了三千元Burberrys的礼卷！你怎么在中国6年了，这点还学不到？”

I believe that it is necessary to 送礼in the corporate business. I know it is a norm to pay 赞助费 of almost RMB50,000 just to get enrolled into a public primary school.
I just don’t buy the idea that such practice is common in the so-called innocent pre-school education industry.

在这里六年了，我看我还真不够本土化！(I'm still not localized after six years here!)

你今天送礼了吗?

My son's new girlfriend

2011-06-13T14:32:00.003+08:00

We went for a birthday celebration yesterday.

The girl is pretty , bubbly and chatters non-stop! She seems to adore LeLe alot and will always want to carry his hands when going out. Once we even caught the two of them lying on bed, and she wrapped her arms around him.

When we asked them why they have to be on the bed, she said”Oh, I want to pretend I’m mummy, LeLe is daddy.”

When the birthday party was over, the kids reluctantly part with each other.
Later the girl asked the mum why LeLe does not want to go home, is it because he likes her?

Then she said ”Maybe he wants to marry me!!”

Acting Silly

2011-06-11T10:59:00.007+08:00

Whenever I try to make them pose for my business blog, they always give me all the silly poses....

Rest in Peace

2011-06-11T10:56:00.000+08:00

We were back last week from hometown.

My father-in-law passed away on 25h May. Hubby happened to be in Singapore when it happened. I cannot imagine if he was not around and his mum had to handle it all alone herself.
I think it is God’s will that my FIL wanted to see his only child for last time.

All along, I was not really close to my FIL. Due to age gap and language barrier, we did not communicate much. We even had a few misunderstandings before. However, when I received the news, I just burst out crying.

My heart aches whenever I thought of how his health had deteriorated tremendously over the past few years. He had Parkinson disease for 6 years, followed by liver tumor. My mum-in-law is the care-taker and she was physically exhausted and suffered mental stress. Who can fully understand how she feels unless he has been through it himself? I gave her a hug that day, telling her that she is not alone and we will always take care of her.

忽然间，我很想回家。我害怕失去家里的老人家。我害怕在半夜接到电话，接到不祥的消息。

Rest in peace, father. You will be missed.

Back from Wedding @Luang Prabang

2011-05-23T10:37:00.009+08:00

I’m back from Laos since last Tuesday, badly hit by food poisoning. All thanks to the greedy me who gobbles the roadside food. After 6 days of diarrhea/stomach flu, I finally recovered.

Besides the food-poisoning part, it was a memorable trip. It was a good getaway from all the motherly stuff, and immerse into a rural part of the world that I never expect myself to travel to if not for the wedding.

The lovely part of being a woman is that you get to dress up!
I packed 5 pairs of shoes, several dresses and all sorts of accessories. Before the trip, the girls were joking that this wedding seems like a rival to the Royal Wedding and we were so excited sharing what to wear.

The wedding is fantastic with friends/relatives gathering from all over the world. The whole event is like a "fashion parade", as I admired all the ladies(men also) dressed to kill. Of cos, the most gorgeous lady is the bride. You won't believe that besides the Vera Wang gown, the rest are 100% made and designed in Beijing!

The bride is thoughtful, meticulous and makes sures that the guests' needs are met. As the wedding coordinator, I have to make sure that every inch of detail is met and the helpers do their tasks. It does not help when I was hit by food-poisoning on the wedding dinner itself. Well,anyway, I had fun!

Once again, congrats to LC and BT!

Hen's Night

The Welcome Party

The Baci Ceremony

The Dinner

2 kids with hubby for 6 days

2011-05-11T10:10:00.005+08:00

I’m heading to Laos in few hours time, to attend a good friend’s wedding over the weekend. The last All-Girls trip was almost 4 year ago to Hong Kong.

While I know my hubby is a hands-on father who knows how to discipline the kids well, there are still a few minor points he need to take care.

Below is a list of instructions to hubby:

1) Remember to moisturize the kids after they bath. You Must moisturize LeLe too, even though he is a boy.
(Hubby always argue with me on that. He feels that boys should not be moisturized , as they need to be rugged. But the weather is so dry in Beijing!)
2) Remember to lift up Meranda’s fringe so that you can moisturize her forehead
3) Remember to tie up Meranda’s hair before going to school
4) Change them to pyjamas before bedtime. Oh yes, don’t wear pyjamas out! (He did that to the kids before)
5) Feed them Vitamin C every morning
6) Check their school bag every day for any soiled cloths or homework.
7) Don’t keep scolding them or beat their bums!!

Etc etc..

Now you tell me! Who says being a stay at home mum is easy?

I was playing puppet game with the kids yesterday night. LeLe said:”Panda Bear, I’m very sad . Mummy is going to a country far away for many days.”

Urgh..so sweet! Mummy will be back home soon ok?

I bake my first cupcakes!

2011-05-05T09:34:00.005+08:00

I had been wanting to learn how to bake cakes (not just using those prepacked recipes).Cupcakes in Beijing are expensive and they are not as interesting-looking as those made in SGP.

Over the weekend, I baked cupcakes for the first time(I was so excited about it and woke up at 7am to bake!). The fool proof recipe was provided by a friend who had been supportive to me.

Tata! My first chocolate cupcakes!

Well, I admit they are a bit out shape and the taste needs improvement. No worries! Just need more practice!

Redesign my 3rd baby

2011-04-17T21:24:00.008+08:00

Oh no, I’m not pregnant.
My 3rd baby is my online kids cloths business since Dec 2008. Past two weeks , I have been terribly busy trying to find a new look for my blog. You may think it is easy. Afterall, just download new template right??

I realized it is not that easy, especially for someone like me who has lost all knowledge on computer programming(btw, do you believe I have a degree in computer science?!). Yet, I’m too stingy to pay a web designer to do the job.

My previous blog used to have the conventional blogspot look. You need to scroll down all information on that particular style, before you can go to the next one. That means, even if you are not keen in that design, you still have to go through it!
Some of my buyers also feedback that my web is not user-friendly, and they have difficulty trying to find certain designs.

Finding a new blog skin is like deciding on a new hairstyle. It does not need to be perfect but must be suitable and pleasant looking.

I surfed and tested more than 10 gallery style of templates. The type that shows the styles in a look. If you like it, then you click for more information.Finally, I found it. Well, there is still need to do some more formatting. The wordings and colours are a bit light. Also, the images need some re-sizing.

But I’m just glad I finally had the courage and took the effort to revamp a new look. Check out the new look!

Strawberry Picking

2011-04-17T21:17:00.003+08:00

Weeks ago, we went for strawberry picking. The journey time is 10times more than the time to pick the fruits!
4hours of car ride, 30 minutes of picking.

After such long journey, that's all you two manage to get?? 12 yuan of strawberries.

Unpaid Secretary

2011-03-25T12:44:00.001+08:00

Hubby just started on his new job. As the new office is still under renovation, therefore he had been working at home for the past 1 month.
That means I see him 24hours a day. Well, almost.

I have a new role – Secretary.

“Dear, can you help me print this?”
“Yes, Boss!”

“Can you translate this document for me?oh yes,it has to be handwritten.”
“Yes, Boss!” It’s only 2 sentences but I need rmb20 for that.

Before that, I’m already used to having very simple meal for lunch. Just a bowl of instant noodles will do. With him around, obviously I don’t want to be accused of preparing non nutritious meal for him.

I only cooked him instant noodles once, and he commented(or complained) to his friend”I’ve never eaten so much instant noodles for lunch.”
The friend told his wife about it. I bet the whole compound is now gossiping about me being a lousy cook and ill-treating my hubby.

Well, don’t get me wrong. I still love my hubby.

I just have to get used to my new lifestyle.

The Mid....

2011-03-20T10:45:00.009+08:00

.......30.

It is official. I am now in the Mid 30 category.

As usual, we had cake together, followed by dinner with hubby(See that pink/white watch I'm wearing?That's pressie from hubby)

Friends sent me bday greetings and asked me how do I 'celebrate' it..err..I belong to this age group now, do I still need to 'celebrate'?

A good friend sent me birthday greetings at her blog, which makes me miss those days thatwe celebrated each other birthdays.

Oh yes, not forgetting these lovely homemade cupcakes.

I had simple lunch with a few other ladies 1 week before my ‘big day’. Knowing that my birthday is approaching, a friend made me these! She’s such a genius right? She is really a Stepford Wife in culinary. Western, Asian, Baking ..She knows it all!

Turning into mid 30s is not that scary afterall. At least, I still have 5 more years before the Big 4.

9 Years old Bustier Dress

2011-02-24T11:04:00.002+08:00

I’m thrilled. I can still squeeze in this bustier dress bought 9 years ago!

Yippie!!!!My body has not changed much after 2 children..hahah

Bump into old friend

2011-02-24T10:48:00.004+08:00

I bumped into an old friend at the airport while on way back to Beijing. We have not met for 6 years.
It’s a good chat, and I’m glad she's doing something she loves as a Maths tutor and happily settled down with her man of years.

We brought her to the famous local restaurant for 水煮鱼, which is a challenge to their taste buds.

My friend's wedding

2011-02-24T10:41:00.002+08:00

At my age, you don’t always find friends getting married. I’m honored to attend another good friend’s wedding . She is one of the last to tie the knots , but it’s definitely worth the wait for Mr. Right.

Congrats, Sharon!! May u have a blissful marriage ever after.

2+1=3

2011-02-24T09:37:00.006+08:00

I love my niece. She is adorable, hyper active and has this contagious laughter。
She often clings on to my mum. When she 撒娇 “My奶奶”, Lele will purposely say ”My婆婆!”and the two of them will whine for grandma’s attention.

Oh yes, she acts like a big sister too! When Meranda cries, she will comfort her “Later we go play bubbles ok?"

We are back

2011-02-24T09:31:00.003+08:00

We are back , after one month stay back home.

This year CNY is just so different. We were back to reality of numerous family issues. The deteriorating health of the old folks, constant nagging, complaints, etc.
The tension in the house makes me moody and bad-tempered, and I have lost my cool umpteen times at the 2 kids.

People in Beijing envy us for our children’s disciplined sleep schedule. They will go to bed at 9pm sharp and sleep alone for 10 hours without any noise, without us having to pat them to sleep. Yet the different environment makes her schedule goes haywire. Also, my bad moods made her insecure and she will throw tantrums, disobey me, and whine non-stop.

I lost the ability to manage the situation, and started to feel bad. Lucky I have support from my LeLe who is always so well-behaved and obedient. And of cos, my loving and supportive hubby who is so good with kids.

Sometimes I wondered was it because of avoidance of all these that makes me prefer to stay overseas?

Hubby just accepted a new role which is a jump from his career, which means another few good years. Friends back home don’t understand why, as some have perceptions of the country, the life, and the people.

Practical financial reasons make us choose the decision.
Both of us were not born with silver spoon , and our parents do not have proper savings for retirement. It is not easy to feed a family of 9 on single income.

Maybe one day we will return.

Right now, we will just take one step at a time, and continue to fulfill our roles as responsible parents, filial children and loving spouses.

No more constipation

2011-01-13T10:48:00.000+08:00

Meranda had been having constipation for past few weeks, since she started schooling.
It’s worrying. She has veggies and fruits everyday, why can’t she poo? I even resort to lactulose. Can you imagine how desperate it is?

After trial and errors, finally, I found the formula to solve this problem
The below 4 stuffs are essential. If I miss out any of this, the poo poo problem starts

1) 75ml of organic prune juice
2) Half bottle of Yakult
3) 1 bottle of Yogurt (100ml)
4) 1 pear, 1 dragonfruit(share with brother)

I also started giving her Probiotics. But I can’t confirm if this helps, as I just started on it. But on the day I gave her it,she poo a lot.

Finally, drink more water!!

The Changing Room

2011-01-13T10:42:00.004+08:00

Following the previous post, I recalled several incidents at our private clubhouse, which Lele has his weekly swimming lesson. Since daddy is working, I have to wash him up in the ladies washroom.

The ladies here don’t wear anything at all in the changing room.

They will shower (without the curtains drawn), and walk around naked in the room. They will blow dry their hair, chit chat with friends, admire their figures in the mirror…all without anything on! It is very embarrassing, as I’m just not used to this.

So, since young, lele had been watching women of all shapes!

Once , a plus-sized lady walked past. He grabbed my hand..
”Oops, Mummy! That woman is so fat!!”
WALAU,,lucky he said that in English.

Next, another voluptuous lady walked towards us. Again he said:
”Oops, Mummy!”
“What AGAIN?!”
“Nothing”
Then he pointed to his chest, gave me a cheeky grin, shook his bums and sang“La La La”

Well, sometimes, he knows how to say the right things too.
A young lady was changing to her belly dancing costume. LeLe smiled at her and said

“哇！姐姐！你真漂亮啊！”
The lady was all smiles. ;)
”哈哈哈，小朋友，你真可爱。。你会说中文呢！“

Sweet-talking starts young.

Xiao Ji Ji!! 小鸡鸡！

2011-01-12T21:24:00.001+08:00

I bath the 2 kids together. It can be fun and enjoyable.

When I say ”Turn around, mummy wants to wash your bums.”
They will tilt sideways, turn their bums to me, and say to me in singing tone,
”Backside, backside”

哥哥also likes to point his little ‘brother’ at me, and say “Xiao Ji Ji小鸡鸡 ” Sometimes, he will say: “Mummy, look! I have a gun!”

Eventually the sister starts to imitate him. She will point at her private part and say “Xiao Ji Ji!”

Oh no, you are a girl, you don’t have Xiao Ji Ji!

What should I tell her what that is? Errr…Xiao Mei Mei? But that will confuse her, as we call her Mei Mei妹妹 too! Or we just tell her that is called Vagina?

My sister in law once told me an incident.
She was in the public washroom, when she overheard a 4YO+ girl saying to her mum:
”Mummy, why your vagina got fur?!”

OMG, that is so hilarious.

Kids. They like to say things to embarrass mummies at times.

Farewell, my dear friend...you will be missed;*(

2010-12-28T14:27:00.003+08:00

People come and go in these 6 years. But I was particularly upset when she told us that they are relocating back to SGP. We knew each other almost 8 years ago. I remembered when I first met her, I was a bit ‘scared’ of her. She is spunky, talked non-stop and has the ‘don’t mess with me’ look.

These few years prove that she is a real true friend and fun person to hang out. We had fun bargain hunting at the wholesale market or 女人街. We traveled to hongkong, korea, harbin etc. She was the first person I called when I was most down and emotionally depressed.

I made her a scrapbook, a simple album which contains the memories. While I was doing it, I was in tears. Ok, I know I’m a bit emotional. Anyway, u guys will still meet in sgp right? But it will be different…;(

With such good friend, life in a foreign life is so much more fun and blessed.

Do you call that 'expat life'???

2010-12-28T13:08:00.009+08:00

I was msning with a old friend who knows me for more than 10 years.
She said”I hope you and your family will not get used to expat life…Is that good for kids?”

I was a bit disturbed by her statement. I wondered what type of perception she has about our lives here and our kids may be having some spoilt expat kids syndrome?

Here is what my current lifestyle is all about
1) I commute to school 3 times per day.
Morning- bring the kids to school. Noon- fetch Meranda . Evening- fetch lele .
Except for the occasional bad weather, I’m not really complaining as walking is a good form of exercise.

2) I don't go out as often.
Ever since I became a SAHM, I went out for less than 8 times at night within 6 months. I don’t have a live-in maid and most of my mummy friends don’t go out at night. For Daytime, I go out lunches 2times per week max, as I need to run errand household errands and do my business for rest of the week.

3) I still hunt for bargains.
On average, I spent less than rmb 2000 (equivalent to S$400) per month on personal expenses. (Includes cloths, shopping for myself and kids, lunches, exclude health/beauty products & treatments). The bags are presents from my hubby.

4) I cook
I am blessed to be a SAHM, and make sure that my family gets nutritious meals. At least now I know the different types of soup to make if the kids fall sick.

5) I get to discipline and educate my children personally.
Everybody here feels that Lele is well-behaved and his English has improved a lot. For Meranda, she already recognizes all the A-Z, different shapes/colours and can converse in simple sentences with me.

6) Most importantly, there are positive changes in me.
Hubby is very proud that I cook well, can confidently take care of the kids and be a supportive wife to him, while he concentrated on his career.

Finally, I do admit I’m enjoying my blissful ‘tai-tai’life, but definitely one with good balance of family life.

Santa Clause @ Great Wall

2010-12-28T13:06:00.006+08:00

We celebrated Xmas at Great Wall again. Yes, we just loved this place. BBQ in the winter, sipping wine by the fireplace, gift exchange and celebrating the joyous occasion with good company.

A friend posed as Santa, however the 2 young girls don’t appreciate that. They cried when Santa tries to carry them.

While the adults are chatting, the kids are in their own worlds

Door Tag

2010-12-28T13:05:00.006+08:00

Growing fat

2010-12-21T10:38:00.001+08:00

This morning, I saw an old couple in 70s at the subway. The old grandpa is skinny, and the old granny is fleshy. The hubby is so attentive, gently holding his old partner’s hand while walking down the escalator. So sweet right? I can see the future us – one skinny, one plump.

Yesterday during dinner, I was rambling about the usual ayi issues, when hubby suddenly turned to me.
”Dear, I think you have the future 富太太 look, will have good life”
“What do you mean? Is that a compliment or otherwise? You mean I will be fat?”
“No no I don’t mean that. But anyway, don’t u agree VP’s wives are always fat? But even if you are fat, you still go for facial, manicure….”
“So, you admit I grow fat already!!”
He was speechless.
Whatever. I know we will grow old together, regardless of shapes.

I better detox before CNY. I still want to look good in dresses.

5YO celebration

2010-12-08T09:46:00.004+08:00

We had a simple birthday party for LeLe last Sunday. Mummy had unnecessary stress over the last celebration for the sister, thus this time we just make it simple. Good friends turned up and showered him with gifts that he really loved. Now, my whole house is like a war-zone, full of power rangers, robots,guns etc..

The Usual Three

Meet my best friend

Scrapbooking and Handmade Gifts

2010-11-23T09:50:00.008+08:00

I chance upon this website.
http://makingmum.blogspot.com/

She is a SG mum who is into scrapbooking and makes lovely creations.

I used to do scrapbooks for the kids. I will spend efforts choosing the materials, cutting the papers, pasting the pictures and stickers onto the book. Especially for the first child. (Oh yes, that is Lele's first gloves)

However later I get lazy and just do a very simple one for the 2nd child.

As I flipped through the albums this morning, the pictures really brought back lots of memories. I decide to start scrapbooking again! Yes, a book dedicated for the siblings – Just the Two of Us

LeLe’s birthday is approaching. Besides the conventional candies and balloons, I decide to hand-make a tag for each of the kids! Here is the first one I made this morning for Baby Mountain. Nothing fanciful, just something from us.;) Hope he likes it!

Hi mamaJ, if you are reading this, I will like to say “Thank you!”, for reminding me that handmade stuff still make lovely gifts and I should start doing all these art & craft before they grow up and memories fade.

Puffer Fish and Shark

2010-11-20T22:46:00.005+08:00

A lovely girlfriend invited us to her girl's one year old bday party.The theme is 'Dive into the sea', and kids were dressed up in any costumes related to sea.
The kids had lots of fun. And definitely a good get-together for the mummies and daddies.

What do Puffer Fish and Shark do when together? They make funny faces and create havoc.

Gor gor, I'm a mermaid! Can I join in the fun?

The other men who make me smile ;)

2010-11-17T11:09:00.005+08:00

During these 7 years in BJ, I have experienced horrible service that make me vomit blood, however recently I have encountered a couple of good customer service worth mentioning.

Technical Hotline
Calling a hotline is not an easy job, especially when you are answered only by mandarin-speaking answering machine. Well, try explaining all those technical terms to a hotline operator in mandarin.

However, the best technical hotline I have met here is Lenovo. They are patient, polite and will send a technician down within 24 hours. I recalled one incident which I thought my PC 'breaks down', I panic and called the hotline.
"我的电脑死了,整个电脑变蓝色,不可以启动,,不知道为什么,,你可以派人来?? "
They sent a guy down and realised that I did not plug the power chord properly!! ;0

The technician just smiled at me and asked me to check it properly next time.

I really feel like a computer-idiot.

The Kuaidi Man
Everyone who is into online shopping here knows that it pays well to build good rapport with Mr. Kuaidi(快递先生). There is this particular Mr. Kuaidi from Yuan Tong. He will wait extra 10 minutes for me to reach home. He will smile and chat with my kids. Once a seller did not write down the unit number at the address. However Mr. Kuaidi still delivered to me!
I asked:”她没把地址写好，你怎么知道是我们家的？“
He:”我一直送快递到你家，看到你的名字，我就记得是那一个单元号了！“

Newspaper Man

Every morning, I will pass by this newpaper vendor and sometimes will grab paper. This morning, before I walked towards his stall, he took out a copy and said
”China Daily?”
“老板,你怎么知道我要买这个?”
“每一天就只有你们这几个老外买啊!”
I only bought 2 copies from him before!

These are just some of the everyday simple gestures that make me smile.

Hubby knows Best

2010-11-15T22:29:00.006+08:00

Hubby had very last minute appointment at Paris over the weekend.

He said to me:"I'm leaving for the airport in 1hour time. You better give me your wish list"
I said:"Urgh...I don't want anything..Save your money!"
He: "Are you SURE?? I don't fly to Paris often you know?"
Me: " Err...ok, give me some time... "

What should I get?? I was thinking of this particular design.

But after consulting friends, I changed my mind to get the classic brand that can last for decades..

So, he went off and dumped me at home stuck with the 2 kids!
Oh Yes, he came back with a LV BAG!! And he queued in the drizzle waiting for the store to open..Tata! The new arrival Patti!;)

I promise not to have any more bags for next few years!

Pink Rose with Ginger Macaroon

2010-11-15T22:25:00.004+08:00

While in Paris, hubby sms me “I saw long queue at Laduree. Seems very good pastry” Hmm….grab some home to taste then.

You must try them in Paris. I’m a sucker for sweet pastry, but these macarons from Laduree are simply incredible. We have the chocolate, pistachio, raspberry but the best is those light pink ones-pink rose with ginger. I like!! I can finish the whole box in 1 day!

1st day of school

2010-11-09T09:50:00.002+08:00

I’m now Home Alone. Yes, only me. Meranda has started her first day of school yesterday.

For the past few months, I had so fun with her around. We will go to playgroup, go lunches, watch Barney together or simply make simple faces at each other.

I kept delay in sending her to school, thinking she’s too small for that. Also, I had to potty train her first. She still will not tell me when she has the pee urge. However, she will not anyhow pee on floor and only pee when on potty.

I was quite worried about her first day. Will she whine and cry for mummy? Will she like the food there? Will she tell the teacher when she want to pee?

I packed 3 extra pants for her. It turned out that she had wet herself three times, as she refused to pee on the school potty, which was a different type from the one at home. When I picked her up, it seems that she enjoyed herself so much. She refused to go home and even said’ Bye Mummy’ to me! So sad, she does not miss me? I got to literally drag her home.

Well, anyway, I should be glad that she is socially adaptable, just like her brother.

I feel so free (and bored) now.

Beat the drums!

2010-10-20T09:20:00.003+08:00

We explored LeLe to drumming a year ago at his Uncle Mountain Main’s house. He seemed to enjoy it and will always request to play with the drums whenever we went to their house.

So , we decided to cultivate his hidden music talent and brought LeLe for his first Drumming Lesson. It is a private school headquartered in Taiwan. The instructor used to play in some Taiwanese band. Here are some tips shared by them.

1) A child’s concentration is only 10 minutes. After letting his play a certain tune for 10 minutes, he should go to next or take a rest
2) Should teach him to listen to music first, not learn music
3) He will not be able to tell you what he has learned. Play the music and he will beat the drum automatically.

He enjoyed the lesson and kept showing off to us what he has learnt!

Watch out for the challenge, Mountain Man!

But Why?

2010-10-18T13:53:00.001+08:00

Research has shown that 2nd kid is usually faster in speech development than the elder sibling. I agree with that. Just turned 2, Meranda is already in the ‘Why’ stages…

...........................
“妹妹, Mummy says stop eating the cookies!!”
“But Why?”
…………………………………

“Mummy, where is the bus?”
“I don’t know.”
“But Why?”
………………………………………

Yesterday, on the way for lunch with friends, here is the conversation between them.

M: “哥哥,hungry?”
L:“Nope!”
M:“But Why?”
L:“Because I ate a hamburger!”
M:“Oh! Burger!”

1 minute later…she asked again.
“哥哥,hungry?”

The same conversation was repeated for more than 20 times throughout the whole journey!

Favourite Pix of the week

2010-10-08T17:09:00.003+08:00

Both hubby and I simply love this pic..Looks like some model posing ...
oh yah, she is modelling the shoes i'm selling! =)

The more we get together

2010-10-08T17:05:00.000+08:00

....The merrrier we'll be....

Rock Nite 摇滚乐夜

2010-09-25T15:07:00.003+08:00

It has been a long long time since both of us went out with friends, without the kids. Ever since we do not have a stay-in ayi, it is almost impossible!

With hubby’s 3 aunties here , they kindly helped us babysit yesterday night. We hanged out with good old friends for Jap meal, before heading for Chinese Rock Band at 愚公移山 . Chen held a event there, thus we were given the best seat and of cos, free drink coupons!

Urgh,,,how I miss those days(nights) !!

赏月在长城

2010-09-25T14:57:00.003+08:00

Celebrating mid-autumn festival at Mutianyu,Great Wall.
第一次我感受到中秋节的气氛,这种感觉是无法在城市里体会到的..

The 3 Nannies

2010-09-25T14:51:00.002+08:00

Hubby’s 3 aunties were here since 2 weeks ago . Before they arrived Beijing, we were initially worried that their presence will cause inconvenience, they will nag at me at what to do etc…However it turned out a blessing that they were here!!!

1) They helped us babysit while hubby and I went out clubbing till wee hours.
2) They did not wake us up in the morning when the kids woke up for milk. They changed the diaper, prepared the milk for the kids
3) They went to the market as early as 6am to do grocery shopping.
4) They prepared nutritious meals for us.
5) They helped to entertain the kids, while I busily cleared up after meals.

and many other thoughtful things…

They are going back to sGP next Tuesday. I shall be back to my ‘home alone with Meranda’ days….Now I secretly wish they can extend their stay.

37 years old

2010-09-25T14:41:00.003+08:00

Hubby just turned 37. We had a simple celebration at a Chinese hot pot restaurant. I got him a digital photo frame, which store all the memorable growing up stages of the 2 kids. Also, a “Why I love Daddy” book which LeLe proudly read the 10+ reasons for loving his dad!

Happy Birthday,Dear!

Mini Botak

2010-09-20T12:44:00.004+08:00

I was sorting out some of the old photos to prepare for hubby’s birthday pressie. He wanted a digital photo frame to store the memorable pictures.
LeLe looked so adorable,and different with his botak head!!

He has grown up

2010-09-20T12:42:00.000+08:00

I know my little boy has grown up.
He will say the cutest things that make me smile.

“Mum, if you are tired, you rest a while. I will read in my room”
So considerate!
“Mummy, you are so beautiful!”
So mushy!(I bet hubby did not teach him that)

Weeks ago, I brought him for his swimming lesson. After lesson, he asked for his sunglasses. I digged my bag and pulled out his glasses which get entangled with the glass necklace I brought in Venice.
Before I knew, the necklace accidentally dropped on the floor and it broke!
LeLe looked at me with sad puppy eyes.
“Mummy,破了, 不美了”
“Yah,,mummy is very sad”
5 minutes later, he turned to me
“Mummy, do you still remember where?”
“Where?”
“你买项链的地方啊! 我门现在去买一个漂亮的项链给你带!”

So sweet!

韩国小帅哥

2010-08-30T15:54:00.002+08:00

My Son：Lionel Tay
vs

Korean Actor: Kim Hyun Joong

I look forward to retire as 星妈

Family Shoot

2010-08-30T14:56:00.005+08:00

Finally...They are round!!

2010-08-17T16:37:00.002+08:00

I used to cook pancakes that are in wierd shapes, look like Roti Prata ,and Burnt!
After several trials and errors,,,they are finally round!

七七情人节

2010-08-17T16:33:00.002+08:00

昨天是中国情人节 .老公送我一束花 . 漂亮妈 ? =)

The Party..

2010-08-17T16:14:00.007+08:00

We had a barney theme party for Meranda last sundayand some of the friends do turned up in purple!

The kids had fun,,although I feel that LeLe felt a bit left out as his 2 good friends were not in town, and most of the kids are either learning how to walk or talk.

Meranda also received tons of girly pressies,,such as barbie doll(it's her first barbie!), those 'hiao hiao make up' set, barney microphone etc etc..
Thanks my friends for making the party such a success! With everyone having fun, it's worth all my efforts...

Oh yes, the cupcakes! I was not really impressed by them for the price i paid for. The look normal and are too sweet. Anyway, I told hubby that I must learn cupcakes baking after the party,,hopefully good enough for the next party for LeLe..

Below are some,but not all , the pictures..Will upload more later..

Happy Birthday!

2010-08-14T22:27:00.004+08:00

Dear Meranda,

I know mummy was in cranky mood for the past few days. Mummy was feeling super stressful with the business, the party arrangemement,and having to deal with the whines and cries and snatching of toys. I know if daddy is around, you two are much behaved kids. All he needs to do is just stare...

Do you know that when I was pregnant with you, I always thought that you will turn out to be a reflection of myself? ...I always thought you will be soft, princessy, gentle and good-tempered.. Yet you turned out to be otherwise. You are brave, tough, stubborn and cheeky. And you love Ultraman more than dolls! However, I'm glad you turn out this way. You will learn to take care of yourself as you grow older, you will not get bullied by naughty boys and most importantly, emotionally tough to handle all setbacks..

You just entered into Terrible Two stage. I know it is time for me to discipline you and not let you crawl all over me..Yet I always feel bad when I bark at you.

I have always feel guilty towards both of you, especially gor gor, for not being around during his growing up years. I should in fact thank you for giving me a chance to be a 'Reborn Mum'..

A chance to realise what I have really missed for the past few years. A chance to appreciate those 'only us' moments.A chance to learn to be a better mummy to two of you.

Happy Birthday my girl!

Lots of Love,
Mummy

Swim with a french maid?

2010-08-10T16:10:00.002+08:00

Will u swim with me please?

Preparing the Purple Party

2010-08-10T15:59:00.006+08:00

I have been terribly busy trying to organize Meranda's birthday party...
It's not the first time me planning kids party. However this time, I seem to feel the extra stress as hubby had been away for business trip and I got to take care of my 2 kiddos without any fulltime maid.

I wanted a Barney Theme party for her..and started to source for anything related to the purple dinosaur..(hat, plates, whistles, banner etc..)...thanks to my favourite taobao, I managed to source for the party stuff , and also her purple pettiskirt..

We planned to have cupcakes instead of the usual cake. There are not many choices here and are crazily priced to exploit the so called expat's market. Imagine RMB438/S$90 for 12 cupcakes!
Finally I found one which supplies reasonable priced cupcakes(as compared to the other 2), but they can only provide the barney toppers, not the 3D figurine..

Then just one week before the party , the owner told me she will be away on the party date itself, and thus will deliver the cupcakes to my home the night before..

Crazy right? How can we possibly lug the 24 overnight cupcakes ourselves to the party venue?
After I made a fuss, the owner promised to delivery freshly baked cupcakes that day..

Hopefully my little doll will appreciate what mummy has done for her.. and hopefully, I will learn cupcakes baking one day..

离家出走

2010-07-19T10:38:00.002+08:00

She asked me to help her carry her kitty haversack, put on her crocs herself and said 'bye bye mummy!'
What have I done to her? ;o

是女孩! It is a girl!

2010-07-19T10:01:00.004+08:00

Yesterday I was reading the latest HW magazine, and they published an article about best-selling author Xinran and her latest book "Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother"..It read about how baby girls born in rurual ares of China were deprived the chance to live, just because of their gender.

That article moved me to tears..

A few weeks ago, my mum asked me
"婷,这里的医院很奇怪,为什么不跟孕妇说是男孩还是女孩?"
"哦,因为怕他们会去堕胎"
My mum's jaws dropped open.

I know such gender discrimination still exists here. Older generation still prefers to have boys.
However situation is changing. Many of my local chinese friends prefer to have girls.

While I was pregnant with Meranda, a cabbie once asked me,
"恭喜你啊,是男孩还是女孩?"
"女孩"
"是吗?真好,一男一女,一个'好'子. 生男孩是名气,生女孩是福气"
I smiled. "师傅,你怎么这么说呢?"
"女孩可爱,会疼妈妈. 男孩小淘气,长大了,你还需要买房子给他娶老婆!"

I guess they may start to think it is more worthwhile to have a girl nowadays, due to practical financial reasons.
For a boy, once he signed the dotted line, not only was he responsible to raise his own parents and grandparents, he was also accountable for the livelihood of his wife's parents/grandparents..
一个男孩养8个老人!天啊!

Not forgetting to mention that he needs to support his own wife and child.

Whatever it is , I am blessed to be a mum of two, regardless boy or girl.
Playing with my adorable princess every morning, I am so glad that we are not born in the village.

My new Ayi

2010-07-10T23:22:00.002+08:00

We just employed a new Ayi..A very young one..

My new life has begun...

2010-07-10T22:51:00.003+08:00

I'm back to being a SAHM mum, since a week ago...

It sounds ironic, but things turn upside down during my first few days.
I had gastrics pain followed by few days diarrhea, my internet access point got screwed , I can't surf the web yet I need to finish up my spree for my business , my phone breaks down etc..

My mum was complaining ,"婷, 你不在家, 我还轻松点, 你在家, 我反而更忙!!"..bernard just laughed and commented "think u better go back to work",,my friends wonder what happen to me as I was not on msn ..

Finally finally, I'm now feeling better (but going to have sore throat soon)..and also more relieved that goods are sent back home for delivery.. I now have the mood to blog and finally turned on my msn for the first time!haha!

Mum has been a great help for the past 2 months. She's returning home next monday.So am I ready for my new lifestyle with no full time domestic help? I only employed a 6hours per day maid this time. No more stay-in ayi. Very brave right?

不后悔！都已经辞职了，你还能想怎样？决不可以走回头路。。加油！加油！

It shall be a new challenge for me,,,,but at least i'm back to my afternoon nap life..;p

Pesto Pasta

2010-06-21T14:35:00.005+08:00

A few months ago, I started have this interest in pasta cooking.

Going to Italy has inspired me to try out different recipes. I even bought 5 packs of pasta there! (First time do grocery shopping overseas)

Yesterday, I tried a new recipe - Pasta with Pesto sauce.

With the help of recipe book and my own innovation, here is what I've cooked!
Not that bad for first-timer, except that it is a bit oily though;)

If you cannot find ready made pesto sauce, you can create your own!
1) Chop garlic, celery, parsley leaves and pine nuts to small pieces
2) Pour into a bowl and mix it well with olive oil. Add some salt and pepper
3) Add some Parmesan cheese. Blend well.
3) The sauce is now ready.
4) Cook the pasta to 90%
5) Fry the sausages and mushrooms
6) Fry the pasta with butter(Don't put too much!)
6) Dish them out and blend it with the sauce

What to eat?

2010-06-18T17:54:00.007+08:00

During these 9 days, our meals consist mainly of Pasta..I always love pasta, so I'm not really complaining.

We were duper lucky to stumble into this restaurant - Anice Stellato while strolling along Vernice.

It was 11:30am and we weren't really looking for food. Then we saw this a sticker that reads Michelin Star Award 2010, and they have squid ink pasta! We went in and were asked to come back 1hour later..hmm,,quite 'dao' huh? We wandered around for another hour and went back..No regrets. It is THE BEST Plate-licking pasta we have had in Italy...

Other restaurants worth recommending are Etabli at Rome for its chic ambience and friendly service, and Romano at Burano for its famous Risotto.
Do read the menu carefully though. It states 14Euros (minimum 2 people) for the risotto. We thought the serving is huge enough for two, and costs only 14euros..ends up it is 14 euros per person.;(

Of cos, a gelato(or two) makes you feel like a happy child...

Italy

2010-06-18T17:22:00.009+08:00

Finally I got the mood to blog.

2 weeks ago, we went holidaying in Italy for 9 days without the kids. (Thanks to my mum who flew all way from hometown to help babysit).

We started the trip at Rome. I was not really in good mood, maybe due to Jet Lag , maybe cos of the weather, or maybe i'm just not a fan of gladiators ..Like what most tourists did, we visited the colosseum and Vatican City.

Oh yes, I managed to climb up 320 steps to the dome of St. Peter! It is physically exhausting but when you finally achieved it, you just feel so proud of yourself!haha!

Our next stop is Venice . I love the brightly painted houses at the quiet Burano island, the little shops selling glass accessories and ornaments at Murano. I simply enjoy the breeze while travelling at the water taxi. We were also lucky to catch a glimpse of the city's joyous festival - the annual Regetta Race before we depart for Florence.

So what do we do in Florence? Overdosed with touristy places, we decided to just take a "quick walk" inside the Accademia to look at the famous Michelangelo's David sculpture , followed by hard-core shopping!

The Mall is a MUST go to dig good bargains. To go there, we need to take a bus from the train station at 9am. Chenyi warned me before that the queue started as early as 8:30am. When we reached there at 8:40am , it is already full of chinese(mainly from HK,Taiwan and China). People told me that when you are in Italy, grab a Gucci. However I did not spot anything I fancy. Instead, it is 一见钟情 with a purple Tod's leather bag, and it costs less than 400 euros! ;)

Back to my 'Tai-Tai life'..Hmmmm....

2010-06-07T17:18:00.002+08:00

I have quit.
I don't really enjoy what I'm doing anyway. Thus when the ‘maid cheating’ incident happened, I think it is time to really do what I should be doing, instead of dragging my feet to work.

And I seriously do not have those "Well, I have no choice. I need to take care of my kids” mindset. My current life leaves me barely 2-3hours per day for my kids. Weekend is the only time that 4 of us really spend quality time together. With this new coming lifestyle, I will have more time to plan and enjoy my ‘to-do-lists’ .

1) Train the new ayi. I am now writting a new timetable for my new daytime maid.
2) Bring Meranda for playgroup with other SAHM friends
3) Share parenting tips with other SAHM
4) Prepare nutritious lunch for Meranda.(and myself too!)
5) Have my weekly afternoon swim
6) Develop a new study plan for LeLe. It is seriously time to prepare him for primary school in SG. Now reading up on Phonics education.
7) Do grocery shopping at San Yuan Li. A fish is not just a fish. There are many types such salmon , cod fish, 石斑鱼，扁鱼etc. Know what you are buying!
8) Learn more about nutrition. Don't just eat whatever that is edible!
8) Learn how to make proper pancakes! My pancakes are always burnt. It is such a simple chore, but I can’t do it ;(
9) Brush up your cooking skills. So far, my cooking only limits to Char Bee Hoon and Pasta and 麻油鸡. I need more recipes.
10) Finally, put more focus on my online business(my third baby)!

With so many things getting me excited, I know this is definitely a wise choice.;)

Disappointment - 5 years of trust has been betrayed

2010-05-31T17:06:00.002+08:00

I know I should be blogging about my Italy trip, sharing the scenic pictures and my new Tod’s bag.

Yet, I have no mood to do so.

Shortly after I came back from Italy, I discovered by chance that my domestic helper of 5 years has cheated us. She used the money to settle her gambling debts. It is not the amount value that matters, it is the morale.
I was terribly upset and disappointed about it.

All along, I always thought I’m lucky to have a good maid. I felt that my kids are in good hands while I go to work. Whenever people say I’m a crazy mother’who leaves my kids with a maid, Bernard and I will say that we trust her a lot. She has helped brought up LeLe and Meranda up. We never treat her as a 'maid’, we respect and treat her more like the kids’nanny. People around us all comment we are very nice to her, sometimes too nice.

There are times when I really cannot tolerate her such as her bossiness and short temper. There are also unacceptable incidents such as washing her underwear together with babies’ clothing, and worst, leaving Meranda ALONE sleeping in cot at home while she does grocery shopping. But I keep telling myself there is no perfect ayi. Everyone has shortcomings and makes mistakes.

When I discovered the matter yesterday, I told myself It is Enough! Cheating is cheating. Who knows how much she has cheated over the past years. I can't stay under the roof with a cheat.

Yet, if I sack her, what's next? Who's going to take care of the kids? We are in a foreign country with no old-folks to turn to for back-up help.

I know my decision is clear. My kids are more important than my job.

Triple Joy

2010-05-10T12:42:00.006+08:00

We had triple celebration yesterday...

First, LeLe's good friend, Joshua just turned 4.. We had a McQueen theme mini party at Nonya Kitchen... Look at the cupcakes! His mum made all these..

We got him a McQueen Luggage bag ..cool right?

Secondly, Shin Foon turned half a decade..

Finally, it is Mother's Day! Here are the happy mummies and their kids..

My Lucky Month

2010-04-29T17:27:00.002+08:00

This month is my lucky. I closed 3 deals, leasing out a total of 2,500sqm.
With these 3 deals, I managed to hit half of my annual quota.;)

Hopefully there will be more to go.....

Disco Wear

2010-04-19T17:45:00.010+08:00

Weeks before the Baby Disco at a newly open pub at Sanlitun Village, I started to crack my head on what to let Meranda wear. Her wadrobe is 80% pink and pink is definitely too demure for clubbing.
I surfed and shopped,,finally I found a black tutu and an interesting green top with layered sleeves..
Pair it up with squeaky glittery shoes and she is ready to shake!

Mum wants to wear Green too!

Sorry LeLe,,mum did not buy you any new cloths..but u still look cool in whatever you wear!;p

LeLe and his best friend, Joshua

Hoodie and Skirt

2010-04-19T17:40:00.005+08:00

Finally, the weather turns better. Meranda can wear short skirt and leggings..;)
Here's some pictures taken at a event organized by my niece's school.

Meet my new friend,Mr Bee

I know how to pose like my gor gor

Taking a break...

My first bag

2010-04-19T13:10:00.003+08:00

Well, I don't really mind hands-me-down from my mum as long as it is pretty and suits my style..

Cold Call

2010-04-15T15:11:00.003+08:00

I received a cold call from a laowai today.

He:“This is blah blah blah..calling from Taiwan…I am looking for Veron ”
Me: “Yes, speaking. What is it about?”The he started to rattle on with a damn strong and weird accent that I simply do not understand what he is trying to tell me.

I did not hang up on him, as I always show sympathy to salespeople who cold call.

Me: “Can you speak slower?”
He: “Do you speak English?”
Damn,, he thinks only white faces speak English?
What language does he think I was talking to him in? Chinese ?

Me: “You are speaking in a weird accent that I don't know what u are talking about.” ( I should have just replied 我不知道)

Then he asked me to grab a piece of paper and pen. HUH? Why should he ask me to do as if I’m a student? I told him I’m having lunch.

He : "When is the time I can call you so that you can grab a pen?’
Me : ”After 4pm”
He paused. “Veron, this is a conversation. I think you do not know why I’m calling you .Thus I will like to have a conversation with you.”
Me: “What do you want me to do?? I am having lunch with my client. If you want to speak to me, call after 4pm.!! Then I can consider entertaining you!!!!”

Idiot…

Sibling Fun is...

2010-04-12T17:54:00.002+08:00

when u let them wear similiar style!! haha!

Turning mid 30.....soon

2010-03-22T17:31:00.010+08:00

When I was in my 20s, I used to think that stepping in mid 30s is so scary. Will I still be attractive as before? Will I have a high-paying job? Will I grow out of shape and have wrinkled skin?

Just turned 34 last week. There are times I wonder what have I really achieved for the past donkey years. At 34, I still can't make a proper pancake, I still don't earn as much money, I still don't know how to handle idiotic clients and colleagues, I'm still so messy ...

Yet, I know I have never felt so blessed, so secure, fulfilled and HAPPY in my life.

-I love having a hectic weekend packed with children activities (i.e. playing in park/snow , attending gathering with screaming kids)
-I love reaching home with my 2 adorable precious running to me and hugging me..
-I love receiving little surprises from my 'getting old and superstitious' hubby.*wink*
-I love cracking my head on how to dress Meranda every weekend(oops, dressing up lele is no longer that fun)
-I love doing my own business(*note,,it is my 'business', not my 'job')

Now, I know that it is just a number. Getting old does not really matter anymore.I'm still a big kid trapped in a woman's body.人老心不老.哈哈！

New Netbook in My favourite colour-Fire Engine RED!! Pressie from hubby...of cos, card by LeLe

CNY 2010 - The Children

2010-03-05T17:00:00.006+08:00

My niece is a chubby, adorable and hyper girl who cannot sit still. At her age, I will say she is very smart and learn things fast! Credit goes to her mum who spends constant efforts in teaching her (and buying her new dresses too!! )

Can you imagine they are only 2 weeks apart?? Meranda looks undernourished.

After mingling with her for days, Meranda gets influenced by her Jie Jie and starts to make funny faces too!

But when it comes to Most drama kid, LeLe is still No#1 … Just look at him and his cheeky smile!!

CNY 2010 我们都是一家人

2010-03-05T10:50:00.008+08:00

We were back to hometown for 15 days. It was a nice trip.
Age is catching up. I feel home-sick and enjoy my days with my parents and grandma.
I'm glad my grandma has stayed strong, although she has shrunk alot in size.

Maybe it is a sign that it's time to go home?

On the 1st day of CNY, I bumped into my relatives at my mum's place. Every year during CNY, I did not really get to catch up with them. Imagine we have not seen each other for almost 10 years! The last time I saw Aunty Lily, her daughter was still a little doll,,now she's already in secondary school!

My father and his favourite.
LeLe simply knows who to bully at home. He will look at grandpa with pitiful eyes and complain about itchy back every night.Grandpa will willingly scratch his back until he falls asleep.

With my 2 pretty cousins at a Jap restaurant at Crown Centre. We all look quite alike, don't we?

In search of Property

2010-02-26T16:39:00.007+08:00

Last saturday, I woke up and turn to my half-awake hubby.

Me: "Dear, I'm used to staying in big houses, don't think can settle for anything less than 150sqm "
He: " WALAU EH!!!! Early in the morning tell me this type of thing? stressful ah! I want to go back to sleep"
Me: " HAHAHa..at least I never say 'I used to staying in condo, cannot stay in HDB anymore"
He: " Then how? Sell our 4RM flat, buy a jumbo? and go for any neighbouring school for lele?"
Me: " Hmm..ok...btw, dear dear,,if we buy jumbo, does it mean we going to stay in HDB for rest of our lives??"

Not a good way to start the morning for him ;p

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We may plan to relocate back to singapore for the sake of LeLe's primary school education. But we have a complicating housing situation here.

Bernard and his mum own a 4RM flat at clementi.Which means I am unable to purchase any flat with him

After living in China for more than 5 years, i strongly believe 一山不能藏二虎，尤其是母老虎！！

So, here are our options:

Option 1)Buy a private property.

Getting ourselves tied to a 1million mortgage debts for the next 30 years is no joke.
Besides we have 5 old folks and 2 young kids to feed..*sigh* If only we are RICH...

option 2) Keep 4RM, buy 3RM

His mum agreed to transfer her rights to me, and Bernard will get a smaller 3rm flat for his parents..Not a bad choice, however our 4RM is pathetically small(90sqm) and I feel guilty if we are not staying with his mum(should anything happens to his dad, she will be all alone) . Anyway, my MIL is quite "Alright", though she can be super superstitious.

Option 3) Sell the flat and buy a Jumbo. Stay with the parents.
Jumbo will give us space and we will have our own living room/kitchen etc..
Yet, it is so tough to get the RIGHT location. Sorry but I'm really not a fan of woodlands/yishun.
We saw one at clementi, but they are asking for $110k cash above valuation.*gosh*

Option 4)Sell the flat and buy a executive mansionatte at CCK.Stay with the parents.

This is our preferred choice. Though I will be staying with in-laws, however if I cannot tahan them at times, I can still crawl to 2nd level.
But most importantly, it is affordable, near my parents' home, and near my previous primary school which was ranked Top 20 schools in 2008 . Yippie!!!

We started to research on the EM at CCK, and discovered this "Premium Mansionette" which can be as big as 215sqm!!! *drool drool*

Hopefully we can get our ideal unit one day.

Pinafore

2010-02-05T15:55:00.004+08:00

Little girl looking demure in denim pinafore

My little humble house

2010-02-05T15:47:00.003+08:00

Before we shifted to the new apartment, we told ourselves that it’s time LeLe sleeps on his own. Daddy mummy need to have their private moments and LeLe needs to be more independent.. Initially , we were a bit worried that LeLe will be scared and crawl back to mummy’s bed in the middle of night.

However it turned out otherwise. He LOVES having his own room.
He wants to close his door while sleeping. When he needs to pee in the midnight, he will go to the washroom himself. After pee,he will go back to his little den and close the door. He enjoys reading/playing/watching dvd in his humble house(oh yes, he welcomes sister to join too!)

Few days ago, Bernard was not feeling well. He does not want to spread the germs to me, thus suggest me to sleep in LeLe’s room. I lay the mattress besides his bed, and lie down facing him.

Then he says,”Mum, I want to sleep. Can you don’t look at me??’ huh..? he’s now behaving like a big adult and feels that mummy is invading his privacy? Feeling amused, I say OK and turn my back towards him..

My little boy has grown up…

She's not heavy, she's my sister

2010-01-19T11:56:00.003+08:00

The type of fun you can get in winter..

哥哥，加油加油！

Ready to go?

WHOOSH!!!!!

Snow Storm 2010

2010-01-04T12:20:00.006+08:00

The heaviest snow in Northern China since the past 3 decades.. It snowed from wee hours of 2nd Jan till night time 3rd Jan. Snowfall was as thick as 20cm and Beijing's temperature forecast to drop to minus 16 degrees.
Classes in primary, secondary and childcare are suspended for a day. Hmmm.. why didn't they suspend a day of work in office?

Dad and LeLe made this snowman!

Mum,,I'm COLD....

Snow Family

2 Santa Babies

2009-12-31T10:42:00.006+08:00

We spent christmas at The Red Door, a Villa style resort at the foot of Mutianyi, Great Wall.. It's a amazingly beautfiul house with fireplace , and you can have a glimpse of the Great Wall from the Master bedroom.. It is a shame I did not really enjoy or capture any memorable pix of the surrounding breathtaking scenery. The weather is so freezing cold that the moment we stepped into the house, we never really stepped out of it, especially when dressing up the kids in winter is such a big hassle.

I realised my kids love to pose...Meranda just enjoyed going 'Yee,,ahhh" with gor gor..

LeLe and his new friend

Hey! I want to be in the pictures too!

See who's cuter?

Christmas Penquins

2009-12-23T11:09:00.002+08:00

Not the best Christmas decors in town..but I just find them soooo cute and funny!

Bling Bling Specs

2009-12-23T11:03:00.002+08:00

First time wearing specs....how do I look ?