Finally Bangkok Day 1: Arrival and Ice Time

The main motive is to let Lil Shauna competes in Skate Bangkok. Bcos leave is always so very precious, we opted only for half day leave. It was a super mad rush in the office for the 1st half of the day. Can die. I almost thought that I would be stuck but managed to lug my butt out at 12.30pm. This leaves us ample time to have lunch, throw in last minute stuff into the bags and head to the airport.

We took Tiger Air this time bcos air tickets were expensive when we finally decided to book a few weeks back. After the recent business class flight, I was shocked to see how narrow the seats are and the pathetic leg space. I atas already. Lol. I sat with the kids while Daddy Lim was on the other side of the aisle. When I looked over to Daddy Lim, he was a big man in a tiny seat and was very uncomfortable. Fortunately, it was only a 2 hrs flight.

It was a budgeted flight and there was no entertainment. I came prepared with books and downloaded a lot of games into the ipad. There wasn't much need to think so hard bcos all thanks to Popo, the kids soaked in the pool for 2 hours in the morning and Zaky was dead tired. He napped for a good hour. Lil Shauna is always good with self-entertaining.

Zaky woke up right when the plane touched down on the runway. We arrived at 5.30pm but only made it out of the airport 45 mins later. We took a cab and went direct to the Mega Mall, where the rink is. Lil Shauna had a 45 mins ice session at 7.45pm; the parents shared to book the entire rink for the kids. We didn't had time for dinner and was glad that the kids munched on biscuits on the way.

The rink was much smaller than the one back home, probably about 2/3 the size. At the dot, Lil Shauna started warming up with the other kids. Teacher Raymond had 7 kids including Lil Shauna competing this time. I don't know if she is the oldest but she looked the biggest. She is also the most advanced as compared to the other kids.

After the 5 mins warmup, the kids lined up to do their program with the music. Bcos it is a new rink, all the kids appeared to be going to the wrong direction, including Lil Shauna. The ice was also much worse than JCube's. They each had 3 tries with music, then rushed to practice their solo compulsory and then were chased out of the rink.

Lil Shauna was still confused about the direction. For each of the 3x, she had to make adjustments so as to skate the entire rink.  She tried very hard and practice very hard too when she was waiting for her turn. She looked at the verge of tears when Teacher Raymond corrected her on her 3rd and last trial; there wasn't anymore chance to practice and I bet she didn't feel confident.

At the end of the session, Teacher Raymond told her to start more towards the center so that she can used up more of the rink. He also tried to correct her about which direction to go, only to get a very confused looking Lil Shauna. His parting words: on the actual day, just open your eyes and go wherever there is space. I like that. Lol. Afterall, nobody can help her when she is finally alone on the ice. She will have to improvise and do her best.

We went for a late dinner at the foodcourt right next to the rink and then shopping at the big supermarket before heading to the hotel. I saw these sweets and just had to buy them. In Singapore, a tab of 10 of these cost $1.60 and one of these huge bags is only THB 49, which is like $2.00!!!!!!

We only checked in at 10.30pm Thai time (1 hour behind Singapore). I was freaking tired. The hotel is actually a service apartment 10 mins from the Mega Mall. We booked a 2 bedroom suite in Oakwood, Garden Towers. The cost wasn't too much different from a normal hotel room. The kids went ooooo and wow the moment we stepped in. It had a living room.

A kitchen complete with stove and dishwasher. It is a pity that we are not cooking.

Two big bedrooms and even a washing machine.

Lil Shauna said that she wanted to stay in Oakwood forever. Lol.

It is now Singapore midnight and they are all watching TV.  The idea is to sleep late tomorrow. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 68

It was the last session before we head to Skate Bangkok tomorrow and it was on full ice. Lil Shauna needed to feel the full ice.

This time, we had ample time bcos Daddy Lim remembered to wake me up before he left for work. Lol. We even had time to grab a quick Mac bfast. With a full tummy and fully awake, we made our way to the rink and Lil Shauna had time to properly lace her skates.

I love how pro she looks when she laces her skates. Not too pro on ice never mind, at least pro off ice. Hehe. Jiejie Hazel, who is now working at the rink, dropped by to support Lil Shauna. So sweet of her.

The full ice was very empty, which was great for the girl, who is forever on the mission to avoid other skaters. The last full ice session was a lot more crowded. Lil Shauna started with warm up, then practice on her solo compulsory. When she was ready, she did her program with her music. She was so much better probably bcos she has experience on full ice and the ice was so empty.

She got to practice with her program about 3 times, each time getting better. Teacher Raymond made slight changes to her program too. At the end of each program, she was panting like mad and told me how glad she was that the session was only 30 mins. At the end of the class, she had a question for Teacher Raymond but couldn't ask bcos she cannot talk to Teacher Raymond. I had to be her amplifier instead. It was so funny.

Overall, the class went great. While on the way to get a cab, Lil Shauna said that she is Ner-cited now, a combination of being nervous and excited. Haha.

We are flying off tomorrow afternoon and arriving at 5.30pm. There is an ice practice at 7.45pm at the competition venue. This is crucial for the skaters to get used to the ice. I am Ner-cited too. Most of all, we are all looking forward to the ho-ho-holiday. My every other friends on FB is on some holiday now. I also want.

Mummy Lim

Amazing Sunday

Why was it amazing? Bcos we all went to the church. Daddy Lim had the weekend off, which used to be so rare. Life is so ironic; should I be happy that the marine industry is having a downturn so that he wouldn't be so busy? Anyway, we drove to church and therefore were on time and the kids got to partake in the holy communion with the other kids. So rare again bcos we are usually late; there will definitely be something that sucks us in (the house) when we are about to go to church.

The church service feels different. It must be the power of a companion. I had to sneak this photo for memory sake.

Pardon my lion mane hair. I was trying to be quick and discreet and had no time to make myself looks like Queen Elsa.

Lil Shauna went back to the ice after church to practice the hand actions and attempted to look much cuter. Lol. She barely succeeds. Daddy Lim brought Zaky for TKD. When the load is split, it is so much easier. 

In the evening, we went to watch Moana. I am not a movie fan but Daddy Lim and the kids are. I applied for the HSBC credit card and got movie passes as free gifts. I Q 1 hour for it. Apparently, there are many suckers for free gifts, just like me.

The amazing Sunday ended great but with tired kids. I never figured out why watching movies tired kids out so much. Sit and watch only leh. Tired kids = kids who go to bed early and willingly. I like. Muahahaha.

Mummy Lim

New Aspiration

Zaky has a new aspiration about what he wants to be when he grows like... "I want to be like mummy when I grow up".... 感动.....

Until he continues... "so that I can give my children a lot of homework and don't buy toys for them".

Win oready. I swear I am nothing like he said. Children, do your homework!

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 67

Counting down - 2nd last lesson before the big day.

Daddy Lim had the weekend off and the boy was happy to play basketball with Pappy while I brought Lil Shauna for her ice skating lesson. Sidetracked, Zaky is crazily into basketball recently. I am glad he isnt a teenager yet or I am sure he will live in the basketball court with the other basketball maniacs. He is that obsessed.

We were excited to find the rink slightly less crowded than usual. It still gets difficult for Lil Shauna to practice her program and she sneaked into the 1/3 ice before the figure skating lesson ends. She practiced her program a few times before class and everything seems to be going well except for that darn spin. Even she was frustrated and declared that it is now between her and the spins. Lol.

Teacher Raymond also worked on her spins and then her compulsory solo. Just when I thought that he would allow her to practice more with the music, he decided to add in more hand actions into the 2nd part of the program. I do agreed that the actions makes the program more interesting; provided that Lil Shauna does those properly. While Teacher Raymond was teaching her the extra moves, he looks 10x cuter than Lil Shauna. Serious! Lil Shauna is a 木头人. The very cute actions all looked very uncute suddenly. Zzzzz.

Maybe the girl was feeling embarrassed. She was forced to go back into the rink after resurfaced to practice one more times with all the actions and tried her best to look cuter this time. It wasn't too bad but I think it might help if she practice in front of the mirror.

Lil Shauna is feeling the jitter for sure. She told me suddenly this morning that she feels like quitting ice skating and she should have agreed to the competition. I hope the actual experience would be more enriching than stressful. I am crossing my fingers. I also think that I shouldn't stress her so much. Afterall, she is on her own on the rink, whatever will be, will be. Bangkok... shopping!

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 66

Lil Shauna's 66th ice skating is a special one - it was on full ice. This is the 2nd time that she had class on full ice and I bet the rink suddenly looked very big to her.

She had been training for her competiton on 1/3 ice and needed to try the full ice for a feel of how the actual competition will
be like. As per what Teacher Raymond said, simple, just push harder and skate faster.

I had intended to take leave to accompany the girl but it happened that an important training fell on the same day and I have to be present. Don't stress, still can. The plan is to wake up early, get the girl ready, send her for lesson and then grab a cab, drop her at Centris before going to work. Perfect! She has to be in full dress, along with hairdo. I made a mental note of the time needed.

Murphy's law must kick in and Daddy Lim forgot to wake me up when he left for work. I was suddenly awoken by the screech of the balcony door and jumped off bed to see the bright sky. So dead. It was 7.20am.

The next 15 to 20 mins was a mad rush. I was yelling instructions at Lil Shauna to get ready and smearing makeup on my face in the quickest possible way. At the same time, I was fuming mad at Daddy Lim for not waking me. Her hair was in a mess; the bun that we attempted so nicely some time back just wouldn't work. I tied what I could, promising to work on it on the MRT.

We ran the moment that we got out of the house to the MRT and was so glad that the train arrived right when we were on the platform. I did redo Lil Shauna's hair in the train. It wasn't great but I think she was at least presentable.

A big heave of relief when we arrived on time at the rink. We didn't have time for bfast; Lil Shauna had to quickly change into her costume and skates. I tried as best to "control" whatever straying hair with pins and hairspray.

She had to lace her own boots so as to get a comfortable fit. This is so nice.

I must of course take a full dress picture.

Right then, she was summoned into the rink for warmup.

There were many other skaters training on full ice, quite a few werr also preparing for competition. All the figure skaters were spinning here, jumping there, spiral here, flying there. It was heartening to see so many budding figure skaters in Singapore.

It was out of routine for Lil Shauna. She slowly take her time to warm up while the other skaters zoomed past. Zzzzzzzz.  Teacher Raymond had to step in and urge her to warm up the right stuff. Then she was made to practice on her compulsory solo and her program for a couple of times.

Finally, her Fireworks was played over the system and she did her program with her music. There is a q among the coaches who needed the system. Lil Shauna was told that she only had 1 chance but the other coaches were lenient enough for her to redo and replay the song when she was stopped in her tracks by other skaters. She is too mild and always the one giving way to other skaters.

It was a great practice and she did her program with music about 4 times. She got to practice though unintentionally, how to deal with almost falling down, bad spins, playing catch up with music, slowly down with music, forgetting steps. You can tell that she made quite some mistakes right? Lol. The other skaters all looked super good with their music; I hope it helps her with more practice.

We didnt have time to linger after her 1 hour lesson that past in a breeze. Lil Shauna probably wouldnt agree. We had to rush off and were fortunately to find a cab waiting when we exited JCube. I dropped her off at Centris before continuing to the office. The poor girl was complaining of hunger in the cab. It was a mad morning.

She has 2 more practice sessions - Sat on 1/3 ice and Tues morning  (again) on full ice. I am getting anxious as if I am the one entering the competition. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Some Crazy Sunday

It was a super duper long and tiring Sunday. I woke up intending to exercise my heart a little only to find the treadmills were not working. I ended up running 5 (or was it 4) rounds around the pool and have no idea how much distant that was. I was bored and stopped, continuing with my part 2 agenda – buy Burger King bfast for the kids. That part turned out very well and we had a heart bfast before church.

After church, I put Lil Shauna in the rink for an hour practice having missed ice on Saturday due to the camp. We simulated the competition’s 6 mins warmed up, take a rest and do the program as if it was the real competition format. Lil Shauna was kind of lost and didn't utilize the time as much as she should. When she tried the program, she remembered her program well but had trouble with her spins and spiral. Mental note: to remind her to practice on her spins and spiral during the warm up in actual competition. She has 3 more lessons to go but I haven’t booked 2 of them (arrgghhh) and 2 of them are full rink practices. I asked Teacher Raymond how is she supposed to “expand” her program to full ice during competition since she had been skating on 1/3 ice. The answer was amazing simple – push harder and go faster. Haha. Teacher Raymond also told us that for Skate Bangkok, we just need to be in the rink 1 hour before her item and can leave once she is done and the result is out. This will mean that we would have quite some free time after her competition and on the day that she has no item. It also means that I should go do some homework to check out what we can do during those free times.

Daddy Lim picked Zaky up for his TKD class and the boy went enthusiastically even though mummy cant bring him. Why? Bcos it was grading test result day. The boy hovers between “confident of passing to maybe I didn't pass”. I think the latter is his mechanism for guarding against disappointment just in case he doesn't make it. How did it go? Tadah! Our proud little boy.

While Zaky was having class in his TKD class, Lil Shauna was sweating it out in her off ice class. I have to say that I really did see an improvement since she 1st started her off ice class. She is so close to a complete split now when she started out like an unbendable piece of wood.

Daddy Lim came back to pick us up and home in prep of the Uncle Mer’s wedding dinner. He is Daddy Lim’s cousin. It had been a long time since I attended a wedding dinner and even longer since the entire family went for one. The kids were excited initially, getting all dressed up.

Zaky was excited about eating in a hotel, which he associated with buffet. He was hungry and disappointed when we told him that it wasn't “pick and choose” and he cant pick from the menu too. Lol.

Christmas lighting. Christmas already!

We arrived at 7ish and like any typical wedding dinner, it didn't start on time. So we entertaineed ourselves with picture taking. The kids were still happy enuff to pose nicely for me. Zaky has all sorts of poses.

The wedding dinner was unfortunately quite boring for the kids as it progressed on. Lil Shauna in her usual angelic manner, was happy with people watching. Zaky spent an good hour playing mindcraft on my phone. The wedding dinner didn't end until late. We left at about 10.30pm before the desert was served bcos the kids (and I) were bashed from the long day. Zaky KO in the car and Lil Shauna barely survived.

This morning, I almost couldn't pull myself out of the bed. I feel like I am a slab of dead meat. Activities overloaded.

Mummy Lim

CNL Church Camp

One year back, the kids attended the CNL church kids camp. It is comical that the kids never attend the camp for all the years that Lil Shauna was a student there but did exactly right after she left the school. The kids went bcos Felicia signed up together with their usual gang.  The kids had such a blast and asked to go back the following year.

We signed the kids up this year. The kids were enthusiastic despite the fact that Felicia wasn't going. I was worried that the kids wouldn't enjoy without the usual companion but it was totally unfounded.

They came home on Thursday evening, full of stories of the games and songs and activities they had done. Having been in the school for their kindergarten studies, they saw some friends in the camp too. Anyway, the kids made new friends so easily. The kids were tired out after the camp and willingly go to bed at 9pm in preparation of another full day camp on Friday.

They had a excursion on Friday and had just as much fun. They came home animatedly updating me of the day's happening. By 7ish, they were beat and had only enuff energy to laze around watching TV before crawling to bed.

It was a half day camp on Saturday. The kids sprung out of bed without the need for me to urge much. How I wish every school day morning is like that! Lol.

The program sheet says that the camp starts at 8.45am but Lil Shauna said that they must arrived before 8.30am to earn points for their team. Bcos we were getting late, she was all grumpy and whiny from the time we step out of the house until we reached the church. We were only at most 5 mins late. Luckily, all dark clouds disappeared the moment we stepped into the church and Lil Shauna happily skipped away to join her team.

I had 4 hours to myself before I went back for their final performance. Shiok ah!

The kids were having lunch when I returned. Spotted them?

The parents were invited to the hall to worship with the kids and watched their final performance.

Zaky spotted me and became all clingy.

It was so diffident to convince him to sit with his group. Lil Shauna spotted me too but in her usual independent fashion, she happily stayed with her team.

Zaky's performance.

Lil Shauna's.

At the end of the camp, of course there were prizes for all the kids and I had happy kids. We didn't linger long after the kids were released bcos the thunder was rolling and I didn't want to be caught.

Did the kids enjoy the camp? Of course they did. They were even asking to go back the following year! Next year, Zaky would be out of the church school. I do hope that they remember to email us about the camp.

Thank you CNL for creating so much fun for the kids, allowing them to learn more about God in such a fantastic way.

Mummy Lim

Buying School Books

Yday was Zaky's P1 Orientation Day. How was it? I have no idea bcos I skipped it so that I don't have to squeeze with the world to buy books and school uniform thereafter. We missed Lil Shauna's orientation 2 years back too bcos we were in Taiwan. Now that we already have 1 kid in primary school, the other one shouldn't be very different, right? Haha. Just that I can't really recall what we had done for Lil Shauna on her 1st day of school.

In addition to the forementioned reason, my leave is way too precious and I didn't want to take another 1/2 day leave to head back to school for Lil Shauna's book.

I was on half day leave this afternoon to complete the necessary documentation for Zaky's P1 registration and to buy the books and uniform. I was stuck in the office and was so glad when Popo offered to bring the kids to meet me at the school. Bcos so, I was able to complete the paperwork in peace.

They finally arrived while I was waiting for the bookshop staff to pack Zaky's books. This is only Lil Shauna's.

Zaky was very excited about the new books and therefore very noisy. Zzzz. His excitement didn't last long before he started pestering to go to the basketball court and the playground. Faint.

We made it just in time to purchase the school uniforms. We top up new PE attire for Lil Shauna. Looking all smart!

The 2 bags of books are no joke. I barely made it out of the school gate and our called taxi took a while to find us. I was so glad to be home.

We had some time and Lil Shauna accompanied mummy to shop for Christmas presents. All done!

We just had to reward ourselves for the good work done.

Step 1 done. We still have to label the books and get new plastic covers. I am quite sure the kids will request for new stationary as well. I hope they looked forward to the new school year as much as how they looked forward to buying new stuff in prep of it. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Tips

On Sunday, we had Mac for lunch and spotted this candy tree outside JCube. The kids wished that they could plant this tree so that they could have all the candies but we didn't have a garden. So we creatively watsapp the picture to ah yee, who has a mini patio in her Paris home. If she starts planting it now, it should be bearing candies by the time we visit her end of next year. Haha.

Lil Shauna was sent to the rink for a 45-mins practice before her off ice training. We are definitely making good use of her rink student pass. She practiced her program a few times and worked on her spins a little. She looked like she is doing well, remembering her program most of the time. I saw Teacher Raymond sneaking peeps at her and gave a nod of approval. Haha.

The physiotherapy student (EQ) was at off ice again and suggested some good exercises to help with their jumps and spirals. She also helped to answer many of my questions, from buying skates online to sharpening the blades. Lil Shauna’s blades obviously needed sharpening; we never done that since we bought the skates. She didn't complain either and it is not a good time to do so given that the competition is right round the corner.

More importantly, EQ helped to provide answers to what to do during the upcoming competition. She said that there will be too much buzzers to keep Lil Shauna still for me to do her makeup and hair. These should be done at the hotel and only touching up at the competition rink. If possible, she could wear her costume to the rink but it may not make sense in Bangkok without looking too weird on the street or sweating buckets and ruining the costume. As to whether we needed to be there the entire day will be dependent on what time is her item slot and whether there is practice session. The practice session is usually 30 mins at the start and the skaters competing for the same item will get another 6 to 8 mins of warm up session before their item. EQ suggested for us to simulate the competition setting, i.e., to let Lil Shauna do a 6 to 8 mins warm up then get her off the ice to rest for 5 mins. Thereafter she will have to do her program. It will give her an indication of what is the most crucial items to practice during those precious 6 mins and help prepare her mentally in the event that she is unable to finish practicing all the moves and had to start her program.

Good advices, right? Jia you!

Mummy Lim