Long Deepavali Weekend

Any PH is good and even better if it is a long weekend. 

I recently saw a reel on FB that it is not solely a holiday that makes people happy but the mere fact of looking forward to the vacation. So, the trick to a happy life is to constantly create a series of events/ things to look forward to. I dig that. I was looking forward to the long weekend. 

On Saturday night, I met Auntie SL and S at SimplyRetro. It had only been 2 weeks since our last visit but it felt like a long while. Disclaimer: meitu in the house

Did we enjoy? Of course. It is funny that we have sort of become “regulars”, saying “hi” to familiar faces and even “catching up” on “oh, we didn’t see you last round and where did you go” when we don’t even know their names. We simply use nicknames that we created - “tango guy and partner”, “my favorite girl”, “mini skirt”, etc. Amazingly, we all know who we are talking about and those post event discussions were fun on its own. 

I am also loving the loop sound blocking ear plugs and the revive Asian Flush blocking gummies that I bought for Simply. Both of them work amazingly. The long weekend provided the needed extra rest and I was so happy to wake up on Sunday morning, and knowing that it was the “new Saturday”. Hoho. 

We had the regular gym session on Sunday afternoon. That is when I wondered if such strength workouts should take place a day after drinking. I survived anyhow. 

On Monday morning, I went rollerblading with Nana. It had been a long time. While I can rollerblade steadily on flat paths, I am a hazard when I have to do sharp turns, long T stops on steep slopes and generally overcome everyday obstacles on the street. Rollerblading with Nana, who moves as if she is on shoes and not wheels, is an added stress. 

I fell while trying to navigate a massive slope. A jogger ran past and offered help. I was more embarrassed than in pain. While I had my wrist and knee guard, I scrapped my left elbow and knee bcos the lousy knee guard didn’t hold its spot. 

It wasn’t too bad and I could continue. We rollerbladed all the way to MBS and Nana complained that she has gotten blisters. We called Daddy Lim for help but eventually decided that we would anywheel home instead in our socks. So funny. 

At least we stopped for bfast at the kopitiam nearby before heading home. At that point, we had our rollerblades back on and Nana had to do all the food buying and carrying. I definitely don’t trust myself.

With most falls, the painful part is not only the actual fall but the recovery after that. Oh yes, tell me about the shower after that and all those unintentional rubs on the wounds. The wounds are unfortunately on spots that are high contact points.

In the afternoon, Daddy Lim and I met up with the Christmas Worship Team 2026 at Auntie TL’s place. Nana tagged along. For the past 3 years, the teenagers had been leading worship. The adults took over this year bcos the national exams, and the teenagers social life made them extremely busy. While we practice worship, we had fun socialising and catching up. 

We had dinner at Auntie TL’s place and left at about 8pm. It was such a fruitful long weekend. We need more of these. 

Mummy Lim

The End of O Levels

It had been almost a month since O level started. Zaky took his English Listening Comprehension paper on 15 Oct. The following week, he had a paper almost every day, including on his bday. The week of 26 Oct was the busiest but mainly maths and science papers, which he claimed no sweat. This week, he only took a paper on Monday and 2 science paper 1 today. 

That’s it! He would be a free bird this afternoon, but a chubby one, bcos he put on so much “study” weight. He claimed that he would lose it all when he finally get the time to exercise again. Oh yes, the metabolism of teenager boys (I hope).

Zaky has definitely slowed down his rate of revision during the past week. He was going out, playing basketball, watching social media throughout the week. Yday, I was wfh and saw him do some papers in between video watching. He confidently told me that he would do well for both the papers. 

This morning, there was a mad rush and crazy scare. Nana has her Maths paper at 8am. Zaky’s 1st paper was at 8am too. Her maths and physics now require this special calculator that cost over $100. Nana inherited hers from a senior. This morning, her calculator hung. Seriously, at 6.20am. 

In the end, Zaky took a Tada to school and Nana managed to borrow a calculator from a classmate who took H1 maths and didn’t have a paper today. Daddy Lim drove her to Buangkok to pick up the calculator and then to school. He then took half a day of urgent leave and had coffee and bfast at Star Vista. Both kids updated that they made it to school on time and safely.

Last night, while some may still be mugging and others resting, Zaky lugged all his books and notes into a few piles - the textbooks are to be donated, the others all to be sent to the recycle bin. 

There are a lot. I wonder how we are going to bring these to their respective places. 

Anyhow, Zaky’s room is still very messy. The books and notes were either piled up on his table or stacked up on his shelf previously and now onto the floor. The remaining messiness is still messy. Maybe it is not such a great idea to have him move the piles onto the floor so quickly. I can already foresee one of the Chis pouncing onto the stack or the fan blowing the loose papers somewhere. 

Regardless, Zaky has officially completed his O levels. Congratulations to him and to his parents. Hooray! One kid done, one more to go. 

Mummy Lim

Seoul and Tokyo Business Trip Part 2

The hotel that I booked didn’t come with bfast and I shall save some calories.

It was past midnight when I turned in on Tuesday (1st night in Tokyo) night. When I arrived at the hotel, I contemplated walking to the nearby 7-11 and was told that it was 7 mins walk away. Ya, that was how quiet that neighbourhood is. I wasn’t hungry with the dinner on the plane. I was just upset with my stupid mistakes and think that a snack would comfort me. While it was s probably very safe, I cannot make myself walk 7 mins at 11ish and in the cold for a snack that I didn’t really need. 

After I had settled down, I was tired but I wanted to do mindless scrolling and refused to sleep. I finally turned in when I realised that I was courting death. Within mins, I was in lala land. I did wake up a couple of times in the night but sleep was overall good. 

Before I knew it, the alarm went off at 6am. The hotel has a gym but I had my distant to clock. It had been a long while since I last jogged and after the Yeouido Park run, I could already feel the muscle ache. 

The MUFG stadium is very grand. Based on what I had figured, one Olympic and another Para Olympic game were held here. There were many people jogging, strolling, walking their micro dogs. It seems like Japaneses have a liking for mini dogs. 

I had time to get ready and head for work. I googled last night and the Roppongi station is 2 stops away on a direct train. The train station entry was a min walk away. 

It was the rush hours but fortunately the station is a quiet one. I followed the fellow commuters to Q for the train. When the train arrived, it was already fully packed. In Singapore context, you would wait for the next train. I saw the lady in front of me squeezed in, back 1st and I followed suit bcos I needed to get to work. The next moment, a miracle happened - the train was already so packed but another 6 people managed to squeeze in! I duno how the space was created. 

The cabin was thankfully a ladies only one bcos it was so packed and somebody was constantly sticking to my back. We were standing shoulder to shoulder and I got to experience how one can never fall down in such a pack train; there was no space to fall down. 

The next station was super busy. Many people got down but even more people boarded. I saw this petite lady who was simply “moved” by the crowd. When the train started moving, she was standing in an awkward facing angle and her bag was stuck. She tried but gave up shortly in trying to gain protective possession of her bag. Somebody will give it to her at some point. Poor thing. 

My stop was next and seeing how things unfold, I was very sure that I would be able to get off. I was pretty near the door but realised that even if I wasn’t, the solution is just to bash your way through. While people may not be able to create a visible exit path, they would try to shuffle a little and there would always be helpful people giving a hand to push you out. Lol. I got out nicely; I didn’t need pushing and can now proudly declared that I have taken Japan famous rush hour train, even if it was 2 stops. I cannot imagine how Japaneses can do this everyday. So stressful. 

All things were good for the rest of the day. I had egg mayo and ice coffee for lunch and then more coffee and cookie in the afternoon with a colleague. 

It was already 7.30pm when I left the office. I saw the cart drivers! We had wanted to do that but a real driving licence is needed and the kids don’t have one. 

Before I took the train, I went to the nearby drug store for some cosmetic shopping. The drug store in Japan sells many more things than medicine. I only got a few items and would have preferred the Donki anytime. 

I had thought that the train would be less crowded at that time. It was but still crowded. This time, I got the normal cabin and got squeezed in. I wonder how uncomfortable it would have been in the super peak hour crowd. 

While I was full from the non-stop snacking/ coffee, the long day deserved a convenient shop snack. I have no idea what that shinning tip building was but it was pretty and accompanied my walk. 

Instead of the 7-11, I went to the Newstand instead. My dinner was the instant corn soup with croutons and calibee snacks. I was happy. 

There was a lot of phone scrolling after I have done some work. I woke up at midnight and realised that I had dozed off. 

Did I do my morning run? Yes, though not the most willing. My quads were aching. The sweater was ditched after I was warmed.

This time, I explored the neighbourhood and found the 7-11 that is 7 mins walk away. There were a lot more “life” on the other side of the stadium. I saw many more eating places and con-bi-ni. There were also many different stadiums and gym in the area. 

This not very interesting looking building is the ice skating rink. 

Bcos I was heading to the site in Saitama, I had to take a long train ride in the morning. The Japan train service is very on time and my colleague had told me exactly which train and what time to take. I am supposed to take JR from Shinjuku station and if I missed that train, I will have to wait. As such, I left earlier bcos it will take me time to figure my way to the JR station, which was 4 mins walk away. The train to the Shinjuku station is opposite from CBD and empty. I mean, who goes Shinjuku for shopping at this time?

The Shinjuku station was very crowded and very scary. I had to make sure that I don’t block somebody’s way while standing around to figure out my way. Everybody seems to be rushing. I found the station and platform 4 and was about 10 mins early. 

I was supposed to take the 8.10am train. However, I saw a 8.09am and a 8.11am train.

Which one ah? Luckily, I decided to WhatsApp my colleague, who told me that it was the 8.09am one. I almost decided that I would take the 2nd one. Google map was showing 8.10am either bcos there was a slight train delay or it was showing the departure time. Anyhow, I think I got into the right train bcos the next station was as per what Google map said it should be. 

The train ride was 45 mins long. My colleague was on the same train but in a different cabin and we walked to the site together. It was another long day and I didn’t get to leave until about 7.30pm. It was a long hour travel back to the hotel. My colleague had to travel even further to get home. She said that many people moved out of the Tokyo city to the countryside to save on expensive Tokyo rent and enjoy more nature, thinking that remote work is the forever arrangement and all ended up commuting crazy for work now. 

At one point, I had the thought that maybe I could do some shopping/ sightseeing at Shinjuku. I simply didn’t have the energy. I bought dinner from 7-11 and walked back. At that time and that cold, there was soccer practice. Very committed. 

This was my view from the room’s balcony. 

Every morning, I would draw the curtain and check the weather for a morning run. Cold air seems to seep in from the balcony door. Despite not opening the door for the 3 nights, it was cold enough to keep the aircon off. 

On the last morning, I did the same and looked out. It looked strange, gloomier than usual. It would be my last jog in Tokyo and I wasn’t looking forward. I did see a signboard the morning before that the famous Meiji shrine was 1km away and I had planned to jog there. 

When I arrived on the ground floor, I realised that it was drizzling and I wasn’t sad at all missing the shrine. I ended up with the treadmill, clocking my last 5km. I really had enough of jogging for the week. I did 5km each for 4 mornings and would gladly stay off jogging for a while.

So done. 

The gym was small with very limited weights. 

The hotel has a public bath but I am not sure if tattoos are ok and I had no time anyway. 

With a luggage, there was no way that I would attempt the morning peak hour train and got a cab via uber. The hotel tried booking a cab but couldn’t get one but uber works. Looks like the Japan taxi scene is finally catching up.

Lunch was my last chance at the delicious con-bi-ni food. I went to the atas Pierce supermarket across the road to tabao lunch. I had a mini salad, grilled fish, roll egg and coffee. Then saw the katsu san-do, couldn’t resist and bought too. Last chance already. All the food were so good. I did share the sandwich with colleagues.

It was already 8pm when I left for the airport. I had a headache and popped Panadol. I flagged a cab; it was so easy bcos not many people probably take cabs when they are this expensive. The 40 mins ride to the Haneda airport cost about SGD100. 

I was famished and got this dip noodles that was so nice. 

The remaining time was to clear email at the gate. I was flying economy and didn’t have access to the lounge nor priority booking. When I checked in, the seat beside me was empty. I was hopeful but my hopes were dashed; a man took the window seat. I prefer a lady companion. When my fellow passenger is male, I ended up sitting further to my side and trying to squeeze my not so small self into the tiny airplane seat. 

The JAL plane was very old and the screen very aged. I tried meddling around and gave up. The movie selection was quite bad. I chose sleep and even gave up bfast at 4am. I heard that it was omelette. 

Sleep was broken but I did mange some. I was super happy to finally land. This time, I bought sake for Daddy Lim. 

I bought the one that says is good for beginner. 

The ride home was smooth and I was so happy to be home though would be happier if the house was clean. Nana said that she vacuumed once when I was away. Thank you but I think she either needs to up her skill or the cats are shedding too much. I spent the next 2 hours unpacking, vacuuming, doing laundry and making bfast for hungry kids. At least the routine feels so familiar. 

I was knocked out for 2 hours and woke up with another headache. Arrrggghhhh… at least one more trip done. 

Mummy Lim

Seoul and Tokyo Business Trip Part 1

We have a new office in Seoul. In fact, it had been a while but I have been putting off visiting. I mean, it is 7 hours by flight. I would go when it is necessary. 

It is not necessary now, but I have scheduled a Tokyo business trip and the flight between Seoul and Tokyo is only 2 hours. It makes a lot of sense. I can save many hours of flying. 

I duno if it is bcos it is the year end but the air tickets are all fully booked and crazily expensive. In the end, I would be flying Korea Air and JAL. Only the leg to Seoul is on business bcos the cost is impossible. I was initially quoted $4k on ANA economy class to fly back from Haneda!!???!!! While the company pays for it, I am a cost prudent employee. I can’t make myself book that. 

I wasn’t very excited about the trip but I am sure I would enjoy the weather. My Korean colleague told me that it is chilly in Seoul, less than 10 degrees but winter is not officially here yet. While down jacket is not needed, a thick jacket is decent. Luckily for the advice or I would be underdressed with my company light jacket again. Hoho. 

My flight took off on Sunday night and I was surprised that Korea Air departs from T4. There is nothing in T4 lor. #sadlife

I happily left the house after our usual Sunday family dinner. Daddy Lim offered to send me, which I declined bcos I can claim the taxi fare to the airport. While the flight was at 10.30pm, I only left the house at about 8.30pm bcos Changi Airport is so efficient. I regret not going early bcos while I usually checked my stuff while on the way to the airport, I didn’t this round bcos I was busy blogging. At the airport, while I was wondering if they have specific lanes for business class checkin, I realised that my passport was sitting in my handbag that was still sitting on the dining table at home. I was on full panic mode, desperately calling Daddy Lim. Thankfully he picked up the phone and was soon on the way to the airport.

The waiting was impossible to bear. Daddy Lim nicely turned on his live location so that I could track how far he was. I was super worried that he would end up in the wrong hall but all turned out well. So he did eventually “send me to the airport”. 

I was so glad that I was still in time to check in. I also managed to grab a BB cream purchase from the DFS. There is a business lounge but I didn’t have the time and headed to the gate. Boarding commenced almost immediately. 

This was the 1st time that I flew Korean Air. Their business class seat is quite comfortable and I get to lie flat. They also have this privacy slide. The menu looks good too but I was just going to sleep. 

I watched a little of the Korean movie that I started during my last trip (to Mumbai?) while waiting for the seat belt sign to turn off. The moment it did, I plunged into sleep mode. I had a long day ahead. I slept fairly well and didn’t wake up much, though in the initial part of the flight, I heard a lot of clinking of cutleries. I woke up when the pilot announced that we would be landing in 40 mins. It was 4ish in Singapore time. 

Immigration and luggage collection went smoothly. It took me a while to find the taxi Q but it all went well. I went directly to the hotel to drop my bags and get ready for work. I spotted their gym. 

I saw on the Naver map (Google map doesn’t work in Korea) that the office is 16 mins by foot. I duno what I did wrongly to the app and it refused to navigate and kept insisting that I allowed location when I already did. I had to stand in the cold for a while and download Kakao map to eventually get the navigation. 

The walk was so pleasant in the autumn weather. I passed by the Yeouido Park and saw orange leaves. 

On the way, I bought a coffee and a nice bfast at Starbucks before I start my work day. Yums.

Work was busy. The Korean colleagues were very nice and brought me for lunch. Look at this Bulgogi. It tasted similar to what we have in Singapore but some self cooking is required. 

During the trip, I also got a chance to see some protest taking place. It was somewhat peaceful. I heard that it had been ongoing for a couple of days, protesting against some international companies violating labour law or something. 

The protesters didn’t look angry. In fact, a couple of times that I saw some, they were chit chatting and laughing. 

Bcos Korea is 1 hour ahead of Singapore, it was 7.30pm when I was done with my calls. I took a walk back to the hotel and realised that this floating balloon would be a great navigator to the hotel and office. 

On my way back to the hotel, I found Olive Young. There were so many products and I had a headache trying to read the small fonts. In the end, I bought a lot of masks, a serum and a sea salt hair spray. I spent almost $150. 

This was my OOTD. My Zara trench coat from years ago. 

I didn’t know that the room came with washer dryer and kichen. Too bad that I am staying only for 1 night. I didn’t get to do any laundry. 

Sleep was easy bcos I was so tired and I barely woke up in the night. 

The plan was a morning run bcos the weather was so great. More importantly, the company participated in a community event and we are to contribute by clocking some distant. #moveforgood

The Yeuoido Park seems like the perfect venue and I was surprised to realise how big the park is. My colleague told me that it is a famous park, right smack in the city area. I finally got to wear the long sleeves dri fit that I bought. 

I wore a sweater on top at the beginning, took it out when I got warm and “kept” it in the toilet until after my run. I am so clever. I clocked 5km. 

My timing was perfect. Back in the room, I had sufficient time to get ready, drink my morning coffee and packed my bag for checkout. Then, took a nice walk to the office. The only irritating thing was my squeaky luggage. I have no idea why but the wheels were so squeaky and noisy all the way to the office. 

The day passed very quickly and I got to visit the new site. I had a fantastic lunch too. The tonkatsu was so good, better than what we have in Singapore. The cold soba was so refreshing!

I had a flight to catch from Gimpo airport to Haneda at 7.30pm and left the office at about 4pm. 

It was only 4.45pm when I arrived, the checkin counters were only opened at 5pm. The airport was tiny and I spent the time doing work. I did buy this Jeju Orange chocolate that Zaky likes. I am quite sure that it is overpriced. 

At one point, I told I should have a dessert and browse the Starbucks, only to find out that they listed calories for most of their food. I couldn’t afford the calories. 

The flight is 1 hr 45 mins long. I was hungry and kept wondering when they would serve dinner. Finally! 

There was no option but this stew beef and potato wasn’t too bad. I got to enjoy dinner while watching Korean movie. Shiok ah! 

The Japan immigration took a while bcos there were so many people but the lines were moving efficiently, in typical Japan standard. While the Gimpo airport felt like they were saving on heater, the Haneda airport was blasting hot air. I almost wanted to take out my jacket. Once out in the open for the taxi, the Tokyo cool is nothing compared to the Seoul cold. In fact, I think even a light jacket is not needed. 

I got my taxi and had a long ride to the usual Mitsu hotel in Roppongi. I was even thinking of a late night shopping at the Donki that seems to operate 24 hours. It was already 10.30pm when I arrived and was exhausted, only for the hotel reception to not to be able to find my reservation! Why? Bcos I had mistakenly booked another Mitsu hotel! 

Unfortunately, I had to bear 100% cancellation fee and it cost a lot of $$ if I were to switch hotel. There was no vacant room at the Roppongi Mitsu. The only saving grace is that the mistakenly booked Mitsu hotel is in Shinjuku, a 15 mins car ride away and conveniently connected to the train station to get to work by MRT. 

The hotel got me another cab to go to the right hotel. I was desperately trying to google what is around the hotel. The answer is “nothing”. This hotel is located next to some stadium and is supposed to be in the midst of green and quiet. I don’t want quiet, I want Donki. Sob. Even the 7-11 is 7 mins walk away. 

The room is nice though. 

I duno anymore. I should rest. 

Mummy Lim