Movie Night

We had a Movie Night! We bought a DVD and watched the DVD completed with popcorn and cookies!

The kids were very excited. They thought it was a big thing bcos their parents made it sounded like a big thing. Lol. In actual fact, Daddy Lim had to work late and he was too tired to swim with the kids. Me? I was too lazy. Haha. We didn't have any program and to entice the kids to stay home and watch TV, we called it a movie night. This would cost us a fraction of cost as compared to going to the movies. Mummy so clever. I spent a lot of efforts hyping it up ok.

The kids opted for Famous Amos cookies and Garette popcorn. Have I told you that the popcorn just opened a branch in JP? Tell me how to be skinny while living in JP. Haiz.

We almost had to call off the event bcos the only DVD shop in JP closed down. Luckily, we found some DVD in Popular and made do with an old title. In fact, Daddy Lim and Lil Shauna caught the show 2 years old in the cinema.

We didn't really cared a lot about the popcorn or cookies after the nice dinner. Nevertheless, everyone was happy and huddled for the movie.

Movie Night works fabulously with the kids declaring that they could live with Movie Night every weekend. Haha. It all voiced down to attitude isn't it.

Movie night success!

Mummy Lim

To the Library

I dislike buying story books. Not only do they get set aside after being read once, they take up a lot of space. However, I do like the kids to read. Reading is great. Long before life got too busy, I do enjoyed a book or 2 too.

We tried to cultivate the reading habits in the kids since they were young and we didn't do too bad. Lil Shauna loves to read. She can easily read 2 or 3 easy books in a week. Zaky needed a lot more coaxing and preferred to be read to bcos it is too much hard work. Haha.

We go to the library every week and the kids get a few books each. The books would be returned the following week. It is fortunate that the library is right in JE, near to where the kids have their classes every Saturday.

Today was no different. We had intended to go to the library except that the water bottle leaked and the books got wet. Zzzz... The books had to be dried before they could be returned. I had to lug them home. Arrrgghhh.

I almost didn't want to go to the library but Lil Shauna need new books for silent reading. I am glad I did. This is picture perfect.

We had a little time before Maths class. The kids automatically picked up a book and started reading. So nice. I like the library.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 53

The rink was crowded today, maybe bcos the learn-to-skate bunch had their test and most didn't stay on to practice; just like Zaky who spent more time snacking than on the ice. When the ice is empty, it makes a whole world of difference to Lil Shauna.

Lil Shauna went over to the 1/3 early bcos the crew stopped her from jumping and spinning. Then, she was very much on her own.

We suspected that Teacher Raymond would work on her spins and we practiced beforehand. She is definitely getting better to the extent that she declared that spins are her favourite now when she used to hate spinning bcos they give her headache. See, confidence is key! Then she did her usual jumps and I thought she was on form today.

Teacher Raymond made her spin and spin so much. She almost achieved a different one foot step position, meanwhile just plenty of hard work. She was comical to watch and appeared to be having fun in class today.

At the end of the lesson, Teacher Raymond also commented that her spins had improved but her jumps aren't so good. What happened? I don't know?! Her jumps looked ok to me, it is probably the little details like tucking the arm, land upright etc that we need Teacher Raymond's eyes to catch and correct.

The girl was exhausted after class but didn't complain like how she sometimes would after a bad lesson. In August, we will have to do plenty of self practice since the whole gang would be out for competition. At least there is only 1 kid.

Mummy Lim

Core 2 and Passed

Today was the test. He passed but Teacher Sally said, "Isaac, you can do it but you need to slow down and do one thing at a time." Nailed it.

He did some of the strokes very nicely in fact, especially when he slows down.

As for me, I am just glad that he has passed and I can get him away from the ice. It had been a tiring 5 weeks. What was I thinking to sign the tiger up for ice skating lessons.

Just as when I thought my torture was over, he asked to continue with core 3. Zzzzz... let me think very hard about it. I would love to take lessons with him too. But the thought of having 2 kids on ice is just way too painful. Didn't he just said that he would like to concentrate on TKD?

Mummy Lim

Watches

Have you ever own watches that are inexpensive but never fail you year after year despite you wanting them to fail so that you have the excuse to buy a new one? I do. That casio watch probably cost $30 and it lasted me for at least 6 years. It didn't spoil; it ran out of battery and I took the excuse to not replace the battery and got myself a new watch. Hehe.

Do you then have expensive watches that you cannot help wonder why it spoils so quickly when it is so freaky expensive? I do as well… @$%$^%^&*&

Since young, I enjoyed wearing cheap and fashion statement watches (OK, I think they are fashion statement pieces). Before I started work with the current company, I decided that I need to upkeep some image and ask Daddy Lim to buy me a new watch. He got me a Titus watch that cost over $300. It was a simple watch. According to Maths, it should last me 60 years -10x the price of the casio and therefore 10x longer, right?

Wrong! It lasted less than 3 years. One fine day, I dropped it and the second hand came off. I continued wearing it since I don't need the second hand anyway until the second hand got stuck with the minute hand and the watch died on me. I was so pissed and refused to repair it. Go die….

Daddy Lim has an expensive Seiko watch. Ok, expensive in my perspective. I think it was over $500 but he of course thinks that it is worth it. He mentioned that it is an automatic watch; it will move when it senses movement and stops to conserve energy when there isn’t for a long while. I wonder how much battery it needs to conserve in order to recover the price of the watch. Never mind me. Haha. He went swimming in it many times and it was fine until one day. Water seeped in despite it being water resistant and water vapor was trapped in the watch, fogging the glass. It wasn't that bad but the imperfect watch was deemed not good enough for the man. Poor watch.

The watch was condemned until my watch spoilt and I needed a watch to tell time. The little bit of water vapor wasn't that bad. I could still tell time perfectly. I rescued it from condemnation and it took me a while to get used to the darn heavy watch. I was actually quite happy with it after I got used to the weight. I like big watches. I was even happier when the water vapor dries up. I was intending to wear the watch for a long time. But….

The automatic watch started stopping when I took off the watch in the night. It shouldn't unless a lack of movement for days (I supposed). It was irritating but I tolerated with the nonsense, adjusting the time every morning. I self-comforted least at least I have a “semi-automated” watch. Daddy Lim said that the water probably spoilt the mechanism. What kind of lousy mechanism that cannot withstand a little bit of water? Zzzzzz…

Then the tantrum became worse. It will stop as and when it like. What the… It was so freaking irritating that I no longer could trust the time that I was reading from the watch. It is time to part ways.

I am now considering if I should fish out one of the old watches that ran out of battery and sitting in the drawer or get a new watch. For the time being, I am wearing Lil Shauna’s pink, sparkly Smiggle watch that had been thrown out by her bcos of a little flaw. Cute right? I feel so young. Lol.

Mummy Limo

Bye Little Boy

We had been struggling with dependency with Lil Isaac for a long time. Sunday school had been particularly painful. There had been so much tears and heartache when it comes to mummy leaving him alone while jiejie had been so easy.

At the end of the year, we seemed to have regressed and there were episodes where mummy cannot leave regardless. I had decided to take my time with him even when there were approving looks from a particular Sunday school teacher. My efforts are paying off and such tearful Sundays were next to none. He would nicely allow me to leave after the agreed amount of time.

There was no Sunday school for the last 2 weeks. Today, we were back. I was worried that we would regress again. I asked if he would allow me to send him to school without staying and he nodded. I didn't take him seriously until we were at the door.

The boy really didn't need me! He was comfortable and agreed that I could go. Suddenly, I couldn't go. My boy didn't need me anymore. Sob.

This is life isn't it? We complained about wanting freedom from the kids and when it really happened, we are the ones unable to let go. We complained about how heavy they are and them insisting to be carried. The next moment, they are too heavy to be carried and to embarrassed to be seen carried. They are growing up too quickly.

Mummy Lim

Big Boy Class

I am amazed at how fast Lil Isaac learns his TKD pattern. He memorised all the 20 steps within the 1st few weeks that he was taught and was deemed ready for grading test a long time ago. Most of his classmates are still struggling to get all the 20 steps correct.

Lil Isaac didn't just memorise the steps, he also tried his best to perfect the steps. I am so impressed. If he uses as much effort academically, I would be a happy mama. Lol.

Bcos he learnt so quickly, I could tell that he was bored in class. He was asked to practice again and again and again. Many times, he also has to wait for his friends to catch up. Like today, he was asked to self practice his back cross kicks while the Master helped his friends to learn the steps.

After class, Master suggested that we bring him to the Kids class for a trial bcos he is learning quickly and Master thinks that he is getting bored in the little children class. Kids class is usually for those 7 to 12 years old. Bcos they are older, they tend to learn faster.

The little boy is super confident and readily agreed to it. He has also confirmed that he would like to focus on TKD. Yeah! He will start the kids class next Sunday, which will mean that we can shift the Maths class to Saturday. Yeah.. things are working out.

Mummy Lim

Core 2 and Ice Skating 52

It was back to 2 kids on the ice. I was also on the ice so as to distract Lil Isaac and allow Lil Shauna to practice before class.

It was the last lesson for Lil Isaac and he will have his test next week. I think he should do fine; Core 2 isn't that difficult. I am looking forward to just Lil Shauna on ice. It is super tiring to yell at 2 kids. Lol. I dont think Lil Isaac has the flair for ice skating. I think he is better off sticking to his TKD.

Lil Shauna practiced hard. She lost her jumping beans the last few weeks but seemed to have recovered it. She put in hard work and seemed to jump better. Her spins looked good, just needed a lot more practice.

She practiced hard, maybe too hard and not much energy left for actual class. Boo. I shall not push her too much. She will only have 1 class next month. Teacher Raymond will be away with the rest of her off ice friends to compete in KL. She is still adamant about not joining competition eveb when Teacher Raymond thinks that she is ready. My dream of seeing her flying on ice! Wait long long.

We will head down on our own next month to practice. As for the boy, he would take a break from ice skating, I am too tired. Ya, not him. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Catching Bubbles

We were in Kiddy Palace, looking for bday presents for Feline. I had reminded the kids that we weren't there to buy toys for them. Focus, focus, focus.

They did quite well until we saw this video promoting some magic gloves that allowed bubbles catching. Really!

The kids happily used their reward stickers in exchange of the magic gloves. It was less than $10. The bubbles served as fantastic motivation for homework. Homework was done in record time, no winning at all. Ha!

Daddy Lim had the privilege to experience bubble catching with the kids. Ok, he didn't catch any bubbles; somebody has to blow the bubbles, right? He got the job.

It was amazing how they can all squeeze into the tiny planter. Look at that special orange glove and it did work!

I had thought that it was special bubbles; we had special solution that make hardy bubbles that wouldn't burst easily previously. I was wrong. There is something about the gloves that can really hold the bubbles. The bubbles are just normal bubbles.

Amazing! The kids had fun. Daddy Lim worked hard. I hide in the house, keeping as quiet as possible, hoping that nobody remembers me. In times like that, I like to be forgotten. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Bogei No. 3

Lil Isaac has a rotten front tooth since a long time back. The dentist said to leave it as it would fall off naturally in a couple of years before it would start to give problems.

Along the years, he had a couple of knocks and the tooth was not only rotten but shaky and discolored. I had thought that it would be the 1st tooth to drop off but it was shaky for a long time and very persistent.

His bottom 2 front teeth were the 1st to go and for both, they disappeared. We are not sure if the teeth dropped off while the boy brushes his teeth or he accidentally swallow them. Zzzzz...

Today, he said that his front tooth was extra shaky bcos he knocked into it again. Boy, it was really shaky. He was basically flipping it to one side and the next moment, he spat it out.

The tooth was so really to go. There wasn't even blood but just left a big gap.

The funny boy is very amused at his lou hong pronunciation now.

Mummy Lim

Ready for Another Grading Test

Lil Isaac had his 3rd Core 2 ice skating class yday. The class comes with 2 free hours of practice. He was so lazy and declared that he didn't want to practice. He just wanted to buy and eat snacks from the vending machine. Zzzzzz... Then he power up and told me that he wanted to quit the classes. What!???!! Too bad little boy, you have to complete the Core 2 classes.

I didn't have to go down to the ice but the kids were very lethargic; Lil Shauna particularly didn't practice much. She lost her jumping beans again and was so lousy at her jumps yday.

In the afternoon, we headed down to TKD. The boy was transformed and had so much focus during class. Seriously, he is good and was deemed ready for grading test (since many weeks back) that is taking place in mid August.

I told Lil Isaac previously that he can only concentrate on 1 sport and had to make that choice by P1 bcos we would have too little time by then. I was secretly hoping to have 2 little skaters but I think the choice is quite clear now.

Nope, I wasn't disappointed. I am always so impressed by the little boy's conviction in TKD and I think it will make all the difference.

Mummy Lim

Almost 3 Days Without Kids

I missed the kids while travelling to Bintan but was quickly distracted by the beach!

The meeting was held at the Bintan Lagoon Resort, right next to where the ferry terminal was located. A short ride away and I arrived at the lobby. Along the way, I was greeted by villas with private pool and buggy.

I heard that the villas cost $1,200 per night! No, the provided accommodation wasn't the villas. Yes, I wished. Lol.

There wasn't time for R&R; the meeting had started and I rushed to join the colleagues. I had a presentation to make that went smoothly. Phew. The meetings were followed by half a day of team building, ending with beach volleyball! Of course I had to show off.

After a tiring day, I finally checked in. I was naughty, sweaty and covered in sand, waiting at the lobby for the hotel staff to sort out the records.

I barely had time to take a decent bath and was back at the pool side for company dinner, crawling back only at 10.30pm.

The 2nd day was back to back meetings. It was torturous. The day ended with another dinner by the beach. By then, I have gotten used to the no kids trip. Hehe. I am so adaptable.

I was dying to come back by the 3rd day. Truth be told, I didn't miss the kids that much. Muahahahaha. But meetings and dinners are seriously tiring. See how happy I was at the last lunch. Not just lunch but lunch with a decent view.

We had 4 hours to burn before the ferry. It was a slow lunch and chit chatting before finally time to board the ferry.

The trip back was very rough when the sea didn't appear that choppy. I was intending to be out in the open upper deck but the ferry was swerving so badly. The only sain thing to do was to sleep or risk sea sickness. It would be ugly to puke in front of colleagues. Haha. So sleep I did.

Back home, the kids didn't appear to miss me very much too. Chey. Still, I am home. Home sweet home.

Mummy Lim

Business Trip to Bintan

It had been a while since I travelled for business. The last one was in September last year to Geneva, where I met up with ah yee. I was alone but with ah yee's wonderful companion bcos it was school terms.

We had successfully converted some work trips to holidays. This time, it is to Bintan from today to Friday. We toyed with the idea for Daddy Lim and the kids to join me the weekend after the meeting. However, it would probably resulted feeling more rushed than relaxed. It was decided that it should be just me.

I missed the kids since last night. I prepared them since a week back. Lil Shauna originally thought that I am going Bintan for holiday without them but didn't object either. Does that mean that I have the visa to do so? Hehe. The little tiger was just clingy but too bad.

I sent Lil Shauna to the school bus before making my way to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Daddy Lim practiced tying hair and we almost missed the school bus. For the next 2 days, she will have a simple pony tail.

Three cabs rejected me before I resigned to fate and called a cab. Almost immediately I got one and we picked up by a chatty taxi uncle, who chatted with me throughout the 45 mins ride. I now know about his 2 daughters' career history. Haha.

Finally, the ferry terminal.

It was a relaxing wait when there are no whiney little people. On my way...

 The ferry was quite empty.

A break from kids, from life routine. Work hard Daddy Lim. Muaks.

Mummy Lim

New Sunday Routine

Our Sunday routine is really punishing. The kids usually has a full day activity on Saturday and will sleep late. On Sunday morning, they had to be dragged out of bed and usually bread for bfast before we rushed for Maths class at 9am. We are usually running to class and rarely in time.

After Maths class, they will have another bun while we rushed to church at 11am. Our 1st proper meal will come in after church. Then it will be a painful wait until Lil Shauna's off ice at 3pm and sometimes Lil Isaac has makeup TKD at 4pm.

Three classes in a day is punishing and it is made worse with the rushing from place to place. I feel tired and uptight to have to constantly nagged at the kids to hurry up. I cannot imagine how much more for the kids.

I have been trying to shift the Maths class. Today and next week have no Sunday school and we shifted Maths to 11am. The kids were overjoyed to wake up naturally, have a proper bfast and even watched TV before we left the house for Maths. This should be the way.

I even contemplated shifting the kids to a new Maths school! During a conservation with Popo, it suddenly dawned on me that we could shift Lil Isaac's TKD to Sunday pm and Maths to Saturday pm! We will do that starting in August. Yeah!

Mummy Lim

August Gathering

We missed last month's gathering and it feels like we haven't seen the gang for a long time.

It was decided that we would meet at Punggol park. The girls were raving about the great park at their doorstep. Yes, majority of them now lives in faraway Punggol and we shouldn't complain too much bcos we have a car.

The drive to Punggol wasn't too bad. It didn't feel that far when we head down from West Coast Plaza after Lil Isaac's TKD. I need the "new" KPE or MCP or duno what expressway helped. Bcos we so rarely use them, it is so hard to visualise and remember where do these expressways start or lead to.

We arrived safe and sound to a lot of green. Fortunately, we met Auntie H after we parked and didn't get lost.

The sand pit wasn't enormous. However, plenty of sand and many kids = endless possibility of creativity and hours of fun.

While the kids get busy with the sand, the parents were busy catching up and stuffing themselves silly with snacks.

Come on, we are not greedy; we are noble. The kids were too engrossed with the sand play and nobody wanted to eat the snacks. We self-sacrifice to make sure that the poor snacks were eaten so that we show appreciation to whoever brought them and to lessen the burden to have to bring them back.  I must be one of the more noble ones bcos I ate alot. Lol.

After a long sand play, we proceeded up a slope to a mini water playground. It was really tiny but companionship is all that matters. Of course the freaking hot weather encourages loads as well.

It was a one stone kills 2 bird solution. The kids had loads of fun; the parents needed the kids to wash the sand off themselves. Lol.

We all had very happy kids. The gathering ended with dinner at the nearby Pizza at Punggol Safra. There was plenty of open space at the Safra and the kids zoomed around playing catching on their scoot. They were dangerously fast but luckily nobody got hunt.

I always like outdoor play. The kids had such easy bedtime. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Core 2 and Ice Skating 51

It was my fault. I miscalculated the time needed and allowed the kids to take their own sweet time. In the end, we had to run like crazy. I think my heart rate was faster than when I worked out on the step machine earlier in the morning.

We were slightly late and Lil Isaac jumped right into the rink upon arrival.

His snowplow stop was still not stopping but definitely better. Lol. He was taught backward swizzle and stationary half turn. He didn't manage the latter.

I was still dragged into the ice and he was so clingy and whiney. Aiyo. I regretted sending him for core 2.

Lil Shauna was alot more relaxed bcos I wasn't hawking her. It is all my fault. Lol. She was largely on her own, practice and headed off for class. Teacher Raymond made her spins so much today and taught her a new position. She managed somewhat. Towards the end of the lesson, she was made to do her jumps.

The little girl was so exhausted at the end of class. Teacher Raymond said that her spins and speed improved but her jumps seem worse?!!! I think she no strength liao. She almost had to crawl out of the rink.

While we were walking to the MRT station, Lil Isaac admitted that it is better for him to stick to TKD. He is really good! Just look after his pose!

 I also think he should focus on TKD. When both of them are on ice, my blood naturally boils. And therefor we need ice cream to cool us down.

Damn sinful. Weekends are not good for the  already non'existing waistline.

Mummy Lim

Lazy Aspiration

Long, long time ago, Lil Isaac said that he wanted to be a MRT driver when he grows up. That is bcos in his perspective, all the MRT drive has to do is to step on the accelerator and brake. Zzzzz. He gave up the idea shortly when I told him that the MRT drivers usually have to work long hours.

Today, he told me that he wanted to be Policeman! So noble, right? Finally 开巧! Until he explained that it is bcos there aren't many bad people in Singapore, so he didn't have to work that hard to catch bad people... so all his has to do is to train and the police station  is so small, so not much space to train.

What the... my son has lazy aspirations.

Mummy Lim

Completed... Ok, Started

I had been wanting to put up pictures in the living room and master bedroom. Then Mr Procrastination, Mrs Procastination and the whole Procrastination family came for a visit. It had been months since we shifted in but it is either there was no photoframe, not enough pictures, no 3M tape or something.

At least we had the kids' room done.

Finally, I found time to get the pictures developed and I put the entire family into production line to get the pictures into the frame.

Tadah! In the living room.

Ok, the actual effect looks better than the picture. Lol. We will probably add more pictures as the kids grow.

Did we get the master bedroom done? Haha, we ran out of 3M tape. But I did finally replace the TV in Popo's room.

The one that we brought from the old place cracked during the move. That was almost brand new too. It took me much time to source for a 24" TV; they are all at least 32" now and we have tiny rooms.

Popo is the only person in the house with a TV in her room. It comes with SCV some more. She insisted that it is not needed and she would NEVER use it. Then, she rushed Daddy Lim and I to fix it up yday. Best part, she make sure that her favorite HKG drama channel is connected. Ya, so much for NEVER ever going to use it. LOL.

Mummy Lim

Hol..Hol..Holiday

I was on leave to babysit the little boy so that Popo can go for her medical appointment. I had a long list of errands to run. First of all, to transfer the photos from the mobile phone to the hard disk.

This is a mundane task that I have to do every couple of months and super time consuming. Yawnz. However, it was slightly better this time bcos I was sorting the Thailand pictures and I was flooded with the trip good memories.

It is probably a combination of older kids and better planning. The trips somehow seem to be getting better and better. The recent trips had been super enjoyable, the thought of the recent Bali, Korea and Thailand trips brought smiles. It makes me want to go back again. Hoho.

The next school holiday will be in September. I am dying to go somewhere; to be away from the life's routine. Then we will be flying far far away to visit ah yee and Uncle C in December. Oh yeah! I should keep a lookout on where to go next year. Muahahaha.

I love holidays. You can tell, right?

Mummy Lim

Core 2

One of my new year resolutions was to take up ice skating classes and I intended to do so with Lil Isaac. I wanted to sign him up so that he can be safe when he goes ice skating with jiejie.

I am quite sure I could skip the 1st 2 levels, having skate so frequently with Lil Shauna over the last 2 years while the little boy probably have to start from the basic. It was a long wait bcos I was too lazy to bring 2 kids to the rink.  Finally, I moved my butt and also cut down on Lil Shauna's classes.

Lil Isaac was excited about his class. He thinks that ice skating is easy peasy. Teacher Raymond also advised him to go direct for Core 2 since he can glide properly. That further boosted his ego. He was sticky when it was time for his class but looked like he enjoyed class once they started.

They were taught to glide on one foot and do snow plough stop using the right foot. The boy couldn't manage the stop; his foot just didn't want to listen to him.

The intention was for jiejie to practice with him while I relax one corner after the class but I eventually got dragged down to the ice by the grumpy boy who couldn't master the stop. There was some tantrum and tears bcos he was so frustrated but it eventually turned out fine. Did he master the stop? Not yet but he is starting to get the idea. Now, he can appreciate how tough it is for jiejie to come so far.

Interestingly, Lil Shauna is enjoying ice skating better without the pressure. We had been to the ice a couple of times to skate freely recently. Usually it is just her and Lil Isaac. She does her own warm up and practice without much nagging from me and spent other times playing with Lil Isaac. She came to me after skating yday and exclaimed that it is so enjoyable! Looks like it is the way to go.

As for Lil Isaac, he has plenty of power but no control and like many sports, ice skating requires a fine balance of both. I don't think he can go far until he understood and master control; like getting that right foot to "listen" to him.

We headed to his TKD class in the afternoon and I was amazed at his dedication. He did great and learned all 20 steps of his pattern. During class, his master deemed that he is ready for grading test! I told him that he can only choose 1 sport to focus on at the end of the day bcos we only have so much time. I think he better stick to TKD. Haha.

Mummy Lim