What is Poor?

Lil Shauna asked for a bedtime story and I made up one about a boy who came from a poor family and had no $$ and thus have to walk long distance to go to school. His family is very poor and had no $$ to buy a car. However, this boy is already considered as fortunate bcos his neighbour is even poorer and could not even afford to go to school.

I was trying to tell Lil Shauna that there are really poor people in the world, so poor that they could not even afford to go to school. My story was constantly interrupted by her questions.

LS: Why didn't the boy take a taxi to school?

ML: Bcos his family has no $.

LS: How about a bus?

ML: No $ for that too.

LS: His neighbour did not go to school but does he have a car?

ML: ... No...

Our kids are too fortunate. They cannot imagine that there are really poor people around.

Mummy Lim

Chinese Name

Lil Shauna was doing her Chinese homework and was required to write her Chinese name. She was complaining about how difficult it is to write her Chinese name.

LS: My Chinese name "林主恩” is so difficult to write.

DL: I will show you my Chinese name and you will realise that yours is so easy.. "林培德”.

LS: How about Didi?

DL: "林主乐".

LS: Mummy?

DL: "陈一O", haha, mummy's name is the easiest!

ML: ...

Mummy Lim

Uncle C's Visit

Uncle C visited us in Singapore last week. He flew all the way from far, far away France to ask for ahyee’s hand. Yes, my little sister is finally getting married! *teared* Ah yee says that it is a big thing fora French to settle down and she is very touched. They usually just stayed together with their partner for a long time, have babies and all. However, this wouldn't work in their case as ah yee needs a spouse visa to be able to stay long term in France. Oh yes, ah yee will be heading to France soon and we wouldn't see her for a long time thereafter.

I couldn't tell if Uncle C’s visit was timely. He touched down 2 Saturdays back and we flew off to Phuket on Wednesday. We came back on Sunday afternoon and he flew off on the same night. However, our absence also allowed him to bunk comfortably in our flat from Tuesday to Sunday and I heard that he enjoyed the stay.

We didn't spend a lot of time with Uncle C. I bet Uncle C and ah yee also appreciate spending time together after not seeing each other physically for months. We met them on the Saturday that he first arrived, for dinner. We had his favorite xiao long bao. Ah yee complained that she had xiao long baoalmost every day during Uncle C’s stay. It was interesting how he never got sick of those baos. We also had a family lunch with them on Tuesday, where he formally asked for ah yee’s hand. So touching. 

Then we all head down to Gardens by the Bay and did the tourist thing. Apparently, the air-con garden is a big thing with ang mos. Uncle C was so excited to visit the park. Lol. Finally, we caught them for another family dinner on Sunday evening before they headed off to the airport.

On Sunday night, after we parted ways, I told Lil Shauna that Uncle C was returning home and soon ah yee will join him bcos they are getting married. Then, we wouldn't see ah yee for a long while bcosFrance is very far away. Lil Shauna appeared visibly upset and I told her that we could visit them when Lil Isaac is a little older, like 5 years old.

Back home, Lil Shauna came to me and said that she didn't want Uncle C to go yet bcos Uncle C and ah yee haven’t watched Brave and Rapunzel with her on DVD at home. So, the next time that Uncle C comes to visit, or if we do fly to France, we will bring the 2 DVDs, if Lil Shauna hasn't grown out of them. Uncle C and ah yee, pls remember to make time to watch the DVDs with your little niece. By then, your little nephew may have special request too. Lol.

Daddy Lim and I have ever toyed with the idea of attending ah yee’s wedding in France when she told us that they are getting married. Their wedding seems like a long time away then and we were secretly hoping that Lil Isaac will grow up and become big enough to endure the 13 hours flight. They have just confirmed that their wedding would be some time in February next year, which is only about 3.5 months away. It is now a fact that Lil Isaac wouldn't suddenly grow up in 3.5 months. We wouldn't survive a 13 hours flight without somebody getting killed on the plane. I think it is safer to attend ah yee’s wedding via skype. In that way, at least nobody gets killed.

Mummy Lim

Lil Isaac is 3!

Our boy turns 3 today. Popo said that jiejie woke up bright and early this morning and woke Lil Isaac up just to remind him that it is his bday. Then he went to school and told Ms Chia that he is 4 (??!!) today.

Mummy almost forgot about his bday when we returned from Phuket yday. Luckily Popo reminded me. I prepared some goody bags for his classmates and also ordered a cake from Gek Poh before we left for Phuket. It wasnt a fancy cake as I couldn't take leave today and had to settle for a bday cake by one of those neighbourhood cake shops so that I could grab and run to his school to cut cake with him during my lunch time. In comparison, jiejie had it so much better this year. She had a mega celebration at Happy Willow and also fanciful cakes and all. Poor Lil Isaac. 

Lil Isaac was really happy to see mummy in school today. Jiejie joined us for the ceremonial bday song singing and cake cutting.

We also took some pictures.

Most of the little kids didn't eat much of the cake including Lil Isaac. We left after helping to clear up a little. Lil Isaac didn't cry or cling on to mummy but looks reluctant for mummy to go without him. Still mummy had to rush back to office.

Ah kim bought him a bday cake in the evening. Mummy didn't even remember to order a nice cake for him to celebrate at home. *face-palm* We sang him bday some and we all had some cake. We forgot to even take a family photo together. Aiyo, what's happening to mummy??!!

Actually, I was to also plan the October gathering to celebrate Lil Isaac's bday and was so glad that Aunty R took over instead. I could barely breathe. 

To make up to the little boy, he got to pick his bday present at kiddy palace just now and he bought an expensive car set. I am so glad that he is too young to compare or complain about the lack of planning for his bday.

Happy bday little boy. May God watch over you constantly and bless you with good health and plenty of joy and laughter, just like what your name means. We all love you, so, so much. I hope you remind cuddly and warm to people whom you meet. Muaks.

Mummy Lim

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

We were sitting in a Macdonalds that faces a busy road in the Patong beach area. Lil Isaac was sitting on Daddy Lim's lap. The busy road inspired Daddy Lim to ask:

DL: Why did the chicken cross the road?

LI: Where?

DL: Haha.

LI: There is no chicken lah. 

So funny.

Mummy Lim

Phuket Day 5

We woke up at 5am and had arranged for the transport to fetch us at 6am for the airport. Our flight was at 9.45am. This is the last picture that Daddy Lim took of our hotel. The moon was still high up in the sky.

The kids were impossible this morning, bickering and fighting the whole morning. I supposed we were all tired from the holiday and they woke up too early. It was just plain bad. I only felt peace when we separated the kids in the plane and the boy fell asleep. I took a nap too.

We arrived at Changi Airport at about 12noon, had lunch and headed back home. 

Popo helped to watch over the kids, who were playing water in the bathroom while Daddy Lim and I unpacked. Popo was like a savior. It was already late afternoon when we settled down. We entertained ourselves and the kids with iPad and TV before we headed out to meet Uncle C and ah eye for dinner.

We came home after dinner. Everybody was tired. The kids, especially Lil Shauna who woke up at 5am and went without nap, started fussing. She insisted that she was not tired but fell asleep within 5mins when she finally agreed to lie in bed. 

So, we are back. This holiday didn't quite feel like one. Maybe bcos mummy spent part of it working or the kids aren't suitable for beach holiday yet or we didn't plan it well. Anyway, I am keeping my eyes on our Taiwan holiday. That one better be good.

Arrggghhhh, back to work tomorrow.

Mummy Lim

Phuket Day 4

We had no agenda. We walked the beach after bfast and found plenty of small whitish crabs that dug holes and hid on the beach. Lil Shauna didn't quite like the crabs and went around covering the holes, so that the crab can't come out. Lol. 

Then, we headed to Patong beach for shopping. 

We got some clothes for the kids. Mummy practiced her bargaining skills and it was actually quite fun. We slashed the price usually by 80% and it makes us wonder what exactly is their the threshold. The pieces aren't exactly cheap, about S$8 to S$10 per piece.

Lil Shauna had 2 pleats done at Patong beach. It wasn't that difficult but I can imagine how much time it would have taken to do the whole head! Each plait isn't cheap and cost about S$1.25.

Lil Isaac was swinging on some home-made swing while waiting for jiejie.

Daddy Lim went for one of those fish eating dead skin off the feet thingy bcos the kids wanted to see fishes. Lol. He was complaining how tickish it was the whole time and poor him had to endure for that 5 mins.

We had pasta for lunch before heading back. The kids haven't been eating well. Thai food is a little challenging for them and they gobbled up the pasta hungrily. 

Back in the hotel, it was more swimming. We went to the beach too and the sea was much rougher than yday. Mummy didn't even dare to enter the sea. Daddy Lim did try and commented that it was indeed scary. The waves went over him a couple of times.

Lil Isaac then took his nap with Daddy Lim while Lil Shauna explored the hotel with mummy. I was hoping to get a massage with Lil Shauna but she was totally not keen. We played some mini golf instead and had to escape to the kids' club bcos the mosquitoes were too ferocious. We headed down to the beach again and I took some really bit pictures of the princess. 

Lil Shauna and I then went to the kids' club to make glittering eye mask and went back to wake up the boys for dinner back at Patong beach. The kids' club is usually deserted since our hotel is very secluded to begin with and not many kids.

We went to an outdoor eating place. It reminds me of newton circle and had finger food like BBQ pork rib, fried prawns and fishballs. I am glad that none of us ended up with tummy aches after that. Lol. It was a good experience. The kids didn't eat much and the kids ended up having cup noodles back at the hotel.

Daddy Lim and I walked out of the hotel after the kids turned in for body massage. It cost us only about S$40 for 2 person, an hour each. It was good. It was so regretful that we only went massage once during the trip. 

Mummy Lim

Phuket Day 3

Mummy had bfast with the kids this morning and we headed to the beach for some fun. The waves were huge, much bigger than what we see in Singapore. The kids were terrified and actually, the adults were too. When a big wave comes, it basically blocks out our vision. We can see nothing else in front of us except for that wave. We returned to soak in the pool after beach and we're prune-ish by the end of 2 hrs.

Then, we decided to go for the monkey show and visit the butterfly and insect garden. 

I had expected better of the monkey show. It was basically some cages, some rows of benches and a small performance area. The monkeys looked sad. Maybe we should have avoided the monkey show. 

The kids did take some pictures with the monkeys and were happy. I hope the trainers treat the monkey well. 

It was really funny when Lil Isaac eyed his "kind" so suspiciously. Lol.

The butterfly and insect garden looks much better, at least on the outside. I didn't go in bcos there is a butterfly garden to walk through. I didn't want to risk it. No good to suffer a heart attack in Phuket. I was happy to wait in the nice, clean and air-conditioned cafe outside.

At the end of the visit, the kids had ice cream and Lil Shauna chose this butterfly-shaped ice cream.

The kids fell asleep on the way back to the hotel. Lil Isaac continued sleeping when we reached our room while Lil Shauna was happy just to watch tv while the adults snooze as well for a late night. We were heading to the Phuket Fantasea show, which is supposed to be a big time.

We took a 30mins ride to the Fantasea show. There was plenty of lights and song. They have some games and the kids were thrilled to throw ball and catch ball. We won for ourselves 3 small soft toys and the kids were so happy. Actually, we have so many such soft toys at home and the kids usually lose interest in these soft toys after a while. This reminds me, I should do some housekeeping with the growing population of soft toys when we are back in Singapore.

The show starts at 7pm and it was overall not too bad. It started off with some Thailand cultural dance and music that sounded really eery to me and I was feeling so uncomfortable.  It was better after the initial dance where it isn't as cultural. After the show, Daddy Lim said that in the first dance, it was supposed to be some ritual to revive the elephant prince. No wonder! 

The show didn't make it into Lil Shauna's favorite as well. She didn't like the scary monster faces, basically the dancers were masked. I can't tell if those with the scary musks were good or bad characters. At least Lil Isaac didn't cry and ask to leave the performance. 

We walked around a little bit more after the show and left at 9.30pm. I had expected more of the park but other than the show, 80% were merchandise outlets, out to "rob" tourists. The stuff are really expensive, like 2x of what is available at Patong beach.

Daddy Lim and I spent some time drinking beer and coconut juice after the kids turned in. Hehe, I always like such quiet moments when we travel with a 3rd adult.

Mummy Lim

Phuket Day 2

Daddy Lim brought the kids for buffet bfast without me. I was trying to save some calories knowing that the lunch and dinner would be bad. I was also still feeling guilty from last night's dinner.

After I left for my meeting, Daddy Lim and the kids went elephant trekking. We booked the tour yday so that they have something to occupy their time while Mummy is at work.

I heard it was fun, just a tad too hot. Even Lil Isaac rode the elephant. He refused while we were in Singapore Zoo.

Daddy Lim said that the trainer came down at some point to help them to take pictures using his phone. I didn't know that such tourist places would be so nice to do so. They usually take loads of pictures using their camera, hoping that the tourists would buy as many as possible.

Lil Shauna loves feeding the baby elephant. Lil Isaac tried but refused after realising that the elephants have wet and slimy trunks. Lol. They even posed pictures with the baby elephants.

Mummy had delicious Thai lunch and BBQ dinner by the beach in the night. Yummy, just not good for the waistline.

The kids were waiting for me to return from my dinner. Lil Isaac just woke up from his nap and we headed out to Patong for a walk. 

We didn't know where to look for food and ended up having Mac. Lil Isaac was very amazed by Thailand's Ronald McDonalds.

We didn't quite know where in Patong to go and ended up at their night clubs street instead. Sleazy clubs lined the streets and the kids were speechless, staring at the ladies clad in bikini and dancing on the table top. We tried to make it through the street as fast as possible.

We didn't walk for long and headed back soon. We took a tuk tuk and the kids love it! The tuk tuk is open-air, very colorful and blasting loud music.

Lil Shauna was tired and turned in soon after we hit the bed. Lil Isaac needed more coaxing but wasn't too tough too.

Mummy Lim

Phuket Day 1

We reached the airport at about 9.30am, Thailand time. Thailand is one hour behind us. We survived the flight very well and Lil Isaac fell asleep towards the middle of the flight. We took a cab to the hotel, which is about an hour ride away. As usual, the kids were excited, looking forward to the holidays and therefore generally well-behaved.

I was told that the hotel has a private beach and was surprised that the hotel was pretty secluded. The nearest mini is 5 mins walk away and patong is 15mins car ride away. The only way out to patong or anywhere else is by cab.

I had to leave Daddy Lim and the kids the moment we reached the hotel to join in my meeting. It was 11ish by then. I was a little worried but managed to see them during lunch and while they took their swim. They looked really fine.

This is my team building event. Our hotel room oversees the event ground and I can see the kids looking at me from the room's balcony while I was at my event. 

I had company dinner somewhere in Patong in the evening. The Thai food was really good. I ate so much that I could hardly move after that. Right outside the restaurant, there were plenty to look and buy but I rushed back straight after dinner, as I was worried about the kids but only to find them all knocked out when I reached the room. Chey.

Daddy Lim said that they were all very tired. Lil Isaac didn't had his nap and fell asleep at 6.30pm, without even having dinner. I could barely open my eyes too and I felt so guilty for sleeping with such a full tummy. Unfortunately, the zzz monster wins. Sob.

Mummy Lim