JB Holiday Day 1: Cake Baking

Despite the late night, we were up bright and early. I was hoping for a quiet coffee but the littlest F was already up. Soon, the other kids followed and the house was full of sounds.

Our tummies soon urged us out of the house.

The 1st stop was Cake Baking.

The shop was still closed when we arrived.

So we went for a fabulous bfast at a noodle place nearby. We past by a "tikam" machine.

The cake shop was opened right when our tummies were filled. Perfect timing.

It was an interesting concept. Out of a menu, we choose what we wanted to bake. The more complicated, the pricier. Co-bakers are at an additional charge of RM15. Felicia was with Lil Shauna and I paired up with the boy. My Sil was with Feline and Fione was on her own. The "twins" opted for some cream mini cake while Zaky chose mini chocolate lava cupcakes.

Based on our choice, we were given detailed specifications of the required ingredients and started gathering what were needed.

The shop comes with a full suite of baking tools. 

The kids didnt need any help in collecting and weighing the ingredients. Zaky had a lot of fun bcos he did all the measuring by himself. 

Then, the baking instructions with pictures illustration were presented via the ipad. It was super easy to follow, even for the kids.

The most boring part must be the waiting for chilling/ baking/ cooling. There was so much waiting. Zaky's lava cakes were ready for consumption once they cool down.

He spent no time in chomping one down.

The girls still needed to ice their cake.

They took such a long, long time. I self entertained with the shop owner's 10-month old baby. So cute!

The workshop was a success and the kids had a blast!

We would definitely come back the next time. 

It was already afternoon after all the baking and our lunch was the cakes. Even without proper lunch, the kids were full of energy and went happily trampoline jumping.

We were busy as well - busy eating durians. Hehehe. It was cheaper and nicer than what we had in Singapore. 

After the bouncing around, it was car drifting!

The carts are designed to really drift! The girls were not keen and the "boys" (including the old ones) had so much fun. Must be some teenage dream comes true. Lol.

It was just the right time for dinner and we had yummy crabs! Then it was arcade for the remaining evening. 

The kids had so much fun and were knocked out by the time we were back in the airbnb. Such a long day of fun!

Mummy Lim

JB Holiday Day 0: Custom Jam

The kids didnt have to go to school on Friday, which is after the National Day PH. What other reason is needed to make it into a mini holiday across the Causeway? Hehe.

My sil sourced for a nice and decent airbnb apartment. My bro could get off work early and they were on their way before 5pm. Lucky them bcos they would have avoided the jam. Our plan was to head in late, knowing that there would be horrendous jam at the 2nd link. Yes, it was ironical that so many Sgpeans were heading to Malaysia for Sgp National Day.

We waited and waited and waited at home. All the time, checking the SG checkpoint app to see if the jam has eased up. It didnt. T.T

Finally at 10ish, we decided to go join the Q rather than the endless wait at home. The kids claimed that they rather be stuck in the jam than at home. Ok lor.

Whatever mental preparation that we made wasnt enough to prepare us for the real thing. The Q was horrible... it started even before we reached my office at Tuas West road. It was longer that the last horrible jam that we met during THAT CNY, where we were stuck at the custom for 3 bloody hours.

While in the crawling Q, we started contemplating leaving the Q and head home and to re-start the journey early next morning, like 4am. We figured out that if the jam was that bad, staying on would probably mean arriving at the wee hours as well. The difference was between  spending a few hours in the comfy bed or in the jam. There is a last exit to leave the jam.

We eventually did decide to leave, only to realise that the lane to exit is the same way for buses and lorries to head to the custom. That lane was moving even slower than the normal car lanes and we were now stuck between buses and lorries, unable to see what were in front of us. Why like that? *Cries*

Daddy Lim then decided to use the outer of the 2 lanes, which appeared to move slightly faster, only to realise that we couldnt head back to the lane leading to the exit. That meant that we only had 1 choice left - play punk and cut q and try to squeeze back to the car lanes for the custom. We did just that. We cut from the bus/ lorry lane, back to the car lanes, cutting through the motorcycle lanes. Luckily there were not many motorcycles then. They came shortly after and started honking at us. Fortunately, the drivers were kind enough to allow us to cut in. We did feel so bad and guilty and were worried that the Police would catch and fine us. It wasnt something to be proud of but we had really intended to leave the q to begin with.

Bcos of the gangster act, we were able to cut the q time by so much. We were already able to see the checkpoint. Yes, we cut that much of a q! I wouldnt be surprised that the other drivers were cursing at us.

The wait was then reduced to about 15 mins. The jam at the Malaysia checkpoint was a lot merciful and we cleared it in under 30 mins. The remaining drive to the airbnb was uneventful, all thanks to the Malaysia sim card that my bro got for us before the trip. I love goggle map.

The 3Fs were delighted to finally see us, just as I was to finally arrive at the airbnb. Haha. The apartment comes with 4 bedrooms and there was plenty of space to sleep. The kids still found energy to run around and play. I think we didnt go to bed until about 2am. Yawnz.

Mummy Lim

Ride, Ride, Ride

Daddy Lim sent his MTB for servicing last Sunday and couldnt find time to collect it during the weekdays. Then again, he was still sniffling away and concluded that he was still too sick to ride. It was again my solo ride with the WWF and this time, with my new love. Hohoho.

Having done my test solo ride, I was convinced about the Langma's capability. For once, I seriously didnt worry that I could get dropped. New bike, new confidence leh.

As expected, the ride went fantastic. It was a "new" route but actually made up of segments of previous routes. Of course I was able to keep up and did so very comfortably. I was happily chatting with some of the riders on the way, something that I usually wouldnt do in the past bcos I needed to concentrate on catching my breath. I was more concerned about keeping safety distance given my unfamiliarity with the new brakes positioning.

I wasnt the only one with a new bike but 2 more riders too. I know, cycling is a very expensive hobby.

The entire route was about 32km but my fitbit went crazy and clocked 39km and an average speed of over 25km/hr. What? My fitbit must be very excited about the new ride too, overly excited. Haha.

The gang went for bfast after the ride but I headed home. I was thinking to myself that I probably could go on longer distant. Hehe. I would love to join the next RI ride. Or maybe another half RI to train up 1st. My only obstacle now is probably only time. With my riding speed, it probably takes a long time to complete a RI ride.

Bcos my fitbit went crazy, I was pestering Daddy Lim to get me a cycle monitor. See, I told you that cycling is expensive. Daddy Lim, being the cycling enthusiasts (or is it spending $$ enthusiasts?), satisfied my request on the same day. Yeah!

Daddy Lim also collected his bike on Saturday afternoon. He had a 2 weeks' break and was gamed when I jio-ed him for cycling on Sunday morning despite him still spraying mucus. Yes, me with my new love and him still on the MTB.

We started the ride at 6.30am and rode to Labrador Park.

He was pulling me at the start, so that he can pace the ride. It was only on the way back that I was pulling him and constantly checking that I didnt drop him. Muahahaha. What to do, my new love is too powerful lah. Anyway, it was intentional too. I hope he is now inspired to quickly quit smoking and get his new bike.

We talked about roti prata bfast at the prata shop right next to the Lab park and that was what kept my motivation up. We even stopped and parked the bikes, ready to find a table only for Daddy Lim to declare that he has forgotten to bring money. Win already. Zzzzzzz. I was sure that I was drooling at the prata shop. Lol.

Anyway, it was only when I mounted Langma on Sunday morning that I realised that I am still getting used to the bike - my butt hurts from the Saturday ride. Haha. It wasnt only my poor butt that took the burnt; my right elbow hurts too. I must have put all my weight on my poor elbow. Midway through the ride, I also felt a muscle strain on my left shoulder. Nevertheless, I still think the bike is a comfortable ride and I would hopefully get used to it soon.

The ride was recorded via Strava this time. I have always used my fitbit bcos the data from fitbit is auto sync to Strava but it doesnt work the other way round. Without the need to start and stop the fitbit at junctions, I felt so liberated. Freedom!

Let's hope that Daddy Lim will soon achieve his smoking mission and join me on his new bike. Hehehe.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 132: Spins or Jumps

We had been doing a lot of spinning recently bcos Lil Shauna is trying to improve her backspin and of course, to do a lot more practice for her camel spin. The last 2 weeks' lessons were on spins too. Her sit spin has indeed improved a lot since the competition; it is a lot stronger and faster now.

While practicing before class, Lil Shauna self declared that she couldnt really jump and was hoping that it wasnt going to be a jump day. Too bad, too sad bcos it was indeed jump day. Haha.

See, I caught her in the air!

Coach Raymond was asking her to do waltz loop jump; it was something that she had managed previously but lost it. She was at it for at least 10 mins during class and still didnt land the jump, even until the end of the class. Zzzzzz.

Of course she was made to go back on ice after resurfacing; the 1st since the competition. She pleaded and bargained and finally agreed to practice for an additional 10 mins. I told her that she could get out of the ice the moment she landed her waltz loop jump.

She landed the jump after about 5 attempts and definitely under 10 mins. Muahahaha. See, carrots helped and this is a real life example of why tuition is such a lucrative business.

On a different note, Lil Shauna is growing so quickly. She was complaining that her track shoes are too small. She said that her toes are curled and hurt. After delaying for a while, we finally got her new shoes. We told her that it is the prize for doing so well for her NAFA test. She came in 2nd for girls in the entire P4 level! In actual fact, we needed to buy her new shoes regardless. Haha.

Lil Shauna's feet are almost the same length as mine now! I can wear her new shoes and they are totally comfortable! I think it is a short while later before her shoes are bigger than mine. Haha.

The trouble isnt the new sneakers... but her skates. Zzzzz. We got her new skates - Jackson Freestyle, exactly 1 year back. We bought a size bigger to give her allowance to grow into. She took months to break in the skates and there was so much heartache during that period. I still remember the different remedies that we used to counter the pain and blisters. It had only been  few months since they are finally comfortable and now we have to change them!!!??? Seriously? Moreover, her skates are really expensive, at about $500!

I took a walk at Coach S' shop and was wondering if we should switch to EDEA skates, which is a lot easier to break in. It basically means that the leather is softer and also means that she would need a higher grade EDEA skates - Chorus. The blades are sold separately and the combined price would be a freaking $700! I checked with Mummy R and was told that R and J skates were like $700+ and $1k each!

Coach Raymond checked her Jackson Freestyle and commented that the hardness of Freestyle skates (boots) still suit the kind of jumps that she is/ will be doing. Despite the painful breaking in, I think we will stick to Jackson Freestyle to save my pocket some money (and also my sanity). Given her growth rate, I wouldnt be surprised that we would need a new pair of skates every year. Zzzzz. For now, I am playing delay tactics. Muahahaha.

Mummy Lim

Day Trip to Manila

My work trips are usually once in a few months. This is considered bad enough given that I often take up to a week to recover. While I hear my friends say words of envy, business travel is really often less glamourous than it seems. 

People probably thought that there are R&R on those trips or I could extend into a personal holiday. Work trips are usually packed and short, given that the family is waiting back home. What R&R? What more exhausting after long days of meetings are the long supposedly networking dinners. I mean, how much small talks can I make? Anyway, you got my drift.

This few months had been business trips hectic. I just came back from one in July and needed to fly to Manila. After some consideration, I decided with my colleague to make it into a day trip. Yes, 3.5 hours flight each way all in 1 day. 

We took the earliest Jetstar flight at 6.05am and I was up at 3am. Zzzzz. Even the roads were so quiet at that time of the day.

I have never done such day trips before and eventually decided to lug a cabin size luggage. Lesson learnt: I shouldnt. It was a hassle trying to lug it around. Next time (I hope there isnt a next time), I should just squeeze everything into my bagpack... and then I will probably complain about backache. Lol.

Majority of the day was spent traveling; either in the air or on the road. Yes, Manila traffic is horrendous. 

We were back on the flight at 9.45pm. The wait at the airport and the serious lack of sleep was an inhumane torture. Luckily the colleague who flew back with me is one who is easy to talk to. 

The flight was slightly delayed and I drifted in and out of sleep while strapped in my seat. While the flights were all on budgeted airlines, at least we had the seats with extra legspace; a much needed comfort in our exhausted state. I also had the whole row to myself and was half considering if I should lie down. Haha.  

Finally, I was home at about 2.15am. Very.dead.looking. I know.

Such day trips shouldnt be attempted. I had to admire my sales colleagues who flew with me to Manila but headed off to Vietnam the next early morning for another physically torturous day before heading home in the night. Come, I clap for you. I can already imagine the numerous cups of coffee that they down.

I think I just aged a few years from the physically demanding trip. Daddy Lim was so nice to take care of the kids for school the next morning. I heard them but just couldnt pull my eyelid off. I woke up at almost 10am. Woohoo! And work from home for the rest of the day. Yawn. 

Mummy Lim 

Giant Liv Langma Advanced 1

The plan was always to get a 2nd hand roadie. I seriously didnt mind. However, after last attempts to stalk togoparts, we still didnt find something that is reasonably priced, right size, light enough, Ultegra groupset and not too old. Hahaha. Maybe that is too much to ask.... wait, I have not even talked about the color scheme yet.

After final considerations, it is still the Liv Langma Advanced 1. Hehehe. The plan was to drop by Tay Junction while enroute to the skatepark.

To make sure that I was ready to test out the new bike, I was even dressed up in the proper gear on Saturday morning.

There was a risk that the last piece of tye Langma bike was sold but lady luck was with us. We asked the sales if there was any other models to consider and he of course said that the Langma Advanced 1 was the most valued for money. I was easily convinced.

My mind was made up so very easily. Muahahahaha. Then it was a series of bike fit and tuning and I took whatever waiting time to entertain the kids and made sure that no expensive bikes were knocked over.

I did get a chance to have a little test ride for the fit before we left Tay Junction. Woohoo! The bike was so smooth.. my new love!

I made sure Daddy Lim secured the bike very securely on the rack.

We drove the bike all the way to ECP and I kept asking Daddy Lim to crawl on the road so as to keep my bike safe. Meanwhile, I kept looking at the side mirror to make sure that the bike was still there. The ride was so stressful.

The bike moved with us wherever we went, including to the skatepark. I parked Daddy Lim right next to the bike to keep it safe; the bike has a personal body guard leh. Hehehe.

I took another short test ride at ECP and it was indeed so smooth. I was actually more worried about going too fast than anything else. The brakes did take some getting used to. Daddy Lim also tested the Langma and was all praises.

The drive home was even more stressful given the long drive. Daddy Lim was so amusingly  irritated at my constant reminder to drive slowly. Hahaha. Finally, the bike made it safely home. Bcos Daddy Lim's MTB was sent for servicing, my new love took the kitchen toilet spot; the only space in the house that we had to keep bikes. We had been joking that whoever's bike is more expensive could take the coveted spot. The toilet is now mine; my bike is $80 more expensive that his. Muahahaha.

I was so eager to bring my new love for a test ride even if it meant a solo ride bcos Daddy Lim's bike was out. The intention was originally to ride on PCN but I got so irritated at the crowd and the need to constantly bike. I am so WWF trained to ride on roads now. I eventually went on the road, my 1st attempt alone on the road.

Smooth, so smooth. I know I have said that so many times but I couldnt help it. I rode all the way to Pasir Panjang wholesale market and was half worried that I would get lost but I was safe and sound. I specifically took the usual group ride route back (Jurong Town Hall road), where there is this little climb. I hated that road and always curse and swear while riding and chasing the rest on my MTB. It was only when I am on a roadie did I realise that the route was literally no sweat for the roadies. No wonder the rest of the WWF gang was always breezing through while Daddy Lim and I huff and puff.

The ride was easy breezy. I could have gone further if I had more time and more confident. My other realisation was how lousy some parts of the Singapore roads were. On MTBs, we conveniently roll over potholes.

I probably needed more rides to get used to the bike. I havent found the ideal gear and couldnt get rid of some constant contact clicking sound from the bicycle chain. My left shoulder ache and so do my elbows after the ride. Daddy Lim said that I should use my cores (muscle) while riding instead of putting all my weight on my scrawny arms. My poor arms must  must have complained that I had done that; my cores went for a long holiday since a long time back.

Overall, my new love is wonderful. I cant wait for the next WWF ride. I will then tell Daddy Lim how great my roadie is and inspired him to quit smoking so that he can get his too. Lalalalala.

Mummy Lim