Circuit Breaker 2nd Weekend - Bake!

Baking with kids is part of the Circuit Breaker weekend confinement SOP. That explains why baking essential in the supermarkets are running out of stock constantly.

I had been wanting to try to bake bread, like butter buns. So I was overjoyed when I finally saw yeast on the shelf. I kiasu-ly grabbed one even when I don't know if I would really proceed with this bread baking business.

I did. Hohoho.

It was a random butter bun recipe that I pulled off the internet so long as we have all the required ingredients and the ingredients are measured in gram bcos I am too lazy to convert otherwise. Lol. Lil Shauna was the chief baker.

We didn't have a electric mixer and have to rely on the good old pair of hands. The instructions said that we can stop when the dough pulls from the sides. What does it mean huh? Then it is the kneading. We said some YouTube video on hand kneading.

Did we do it correctly? Who knows? Haha.

The dough was left to rise and we were supposed to wait 1 to 2 hours in room temperature or when it doubles in size. I am quite sure our room temperature must be more power than the whoever's room temperature. In less than 30 mins, the dough grew much.

I am quite sure it doubles its size after 1 hour.

Then we were supposed to poke the dough to let the air out before cutting the dough to small portions and rolled them into buns. Again it was YouTube to the rescue.

The dough was left to rise again in their little balls.

At this point, the kids swop over. It was then Zaky's turn to prep the cookie dough.

No choice. Hard work to feed a family of 5 leh. Hoho. While he finally moved his hands, it was jiejie's turn to lepak.

At the same time, the butter bun dough rises nicely and was ready to bake.

The kids were experimenting with food coloring this time.

While they were cooking cutting, we started the butter buns in the oven.

So how did the butter buns turned out? Nothing like the blog's picture leh. Lol.

Anyhow the 卖相 wasn't too bad. The interior really looked like bun but the taste was far from what I was hoping. There wasn't really much of a bread taste. At times, it tasted like scones. What is lacking? I have no idea. Lol. I can only blame the recipe.

The cookies turned out a lot better... as always.

They tasted a lot better too.

Zaky said that maybe we should buy the bread from the shop instead; we will probably save more money. Lol. It is not about saving money lah, it is about burning time. Hahaha.

Coincidentally, an ex-colleague texted me this morning. He is a super good cook and baker. I confirmed grabbed the chance and asked him to share a few tested and proven bread recipe with me. Just look at the kind of bread he bakes. Totally pro lor.

Then coincidentally again, the Circuit Breaker gets extended. Zzzzzzz. Sob! I am now very sure that I have more time to bake with the kids.

Mummy Lim

Maiden Recovery Ride

During the last medical review, the doctor said that Daddy Lim is not to engage in aggressive exercise for the next 6 weeks but "gentle cycling" is fine. We decided to proceed to test out "gentle cycling".

It had been a while since Daddy Lim exercise. While he was on MC and the kids were in school, he would still do some brisk walking with me before I start my WFH as he would be awoken by the kids. Now that the kids only wake up in time for bfast before their HBL, so did he. Zzzzzzz. It is ok, I like him to be 肥肥胖胖 so that I can look slimmer beside him. Hoho.

To do cycling is a big task bcos we needed to pump the tires and charge the lights after such a long break. We started at about 6.30am and the intent was to go slow, really, really chill so that Daddy Lim doesn't tax his lungs. He only has a pair of them and no exchanges - very precious.

He led most of the way and I was cycling beside him at times. We intended to do a short ride to WCP but cycled on to Lab Park as he was feeling ok. He said that he could actually go further but the growling tummy wouldn't allow him. Afterall, there would be no bfast until we have completed and home after the ride.

The roads were very empty. We would plan to bring the kids the next ride.

We saw a couple of solo cyclists along the way. I was telling Daddy Lim that we should labelled that tell people that we are Husband and Wife and not breaking the CB ruling. Apparently another family beat me to the idea. Hoho.

The chill ride was very enjoyable. It made my last solo ride feel even more lonely. I was struggling on the return trip on my last solo ride but this ride appeared so much shorter when there is companion.

Daddy Lim felt very much ok too. Yay, let's do it with the kids the next time. Zaky obviously needs all the exercise that he can get. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Happy Birthday to Me!

My bday this year is so special. I get to spend the entire day with the family. Not only the entire day but also the many days before and after. Too many days...

After working from home for almost 3 weeks, I lost track of the days and almost missed my own bday. No joke. I realized it when I was sending meeting invites. I also lost track of how old I turned but this had been the case since many years back. Hoho. I had to use 2020 to less off my birth year to realise that I am only 25 YO. Phew! Yay! Forever 25 YO!

My bday isn't any different from any WFH and HBL days. The kids made me eggs for bday though but I am not sure why Daddy Lim's sandwich ended up more hearty than mine.

Then, there was plenty of work to do and I was kept busy.

It wasn't in the late afternoon that I got a surprise! Somebody rang the doorbell and I was like "somebody must have keyed in the wrong unit no lah". Tadah!

No mistake wor. It was love from afar; all the way from Punggol. Muaks.

There was a venti latte and some brownie cookies. The kids enjoyed the cookies tremendously and "generously" gave me 1. It was better than Daddy Lim who only had the crumbs. Lol.

To at least have some celebratory feel, we ordered dinner. I wanted something more interested but lost to Zaky and ended up with pizza delivery instead. Whose bday huh?

At least it was something out of the norm.

Bcos of the Circuit Breaker, I ended up buying my own bday cake while on the daily grocery escape trips. Yes, I just discovered how much I love grocery shopping.

There weren't many choices left at 7.30pm but I ended with these ones.

We had weird pictures bcos it is either either make-up or without top. Muahahaha.

Never mind, never mind, take again after we are 放出去. Lol.

The mini cakes were not bad. There was plenty of cream and mouse - no wonder they taste so good. Haha.

We even have leftover pizza for bfast the next day.

Lil Shauna is now worried that she will suffer the same fate when she celebrates her bday next month. Hahaha. I want a re-celebration when this whole thing is over.

Mummy Lim

Coping with Circuit Breaker and Home-based Learning

Today is the 8th day of the Circuit Breaker and 4th day of Home-based Learning (HBL). I have worked from home for more than 2 weeks. The good news is that we are all alive and no visible injury reported so far. I can't say the same about 内伤 though. Lol.

The HBL is definitely proceeding much smoothly as compared to last week. I guess the kids had gotten into the churn.The school has also come out with timetable and plenty of homework (hardcopy and SLS) for the kids. While I don't see much online teaching going on, there are definitely enough to keep the kids occupied during the school hours.

The kids have timetable in place to ensure that there is no clash of laptop usage. Thankfully, Daddy Lim's work laptop was sent to him last weekend in prep of lockdown and we now have a "spare" laptop in case of clashing schedules. So far so good but the parents have to jump in as IT support on several occasions.

I am glad that Daddy Lim is on MC and could jump in to help with the kids. More importantly, he reduced infection risks; there are so much infections going on with foreign workers now and I am sure many of them work in the shipyards.

While the kids are on gadget for much more time than I desired, I am too tired to control. Fortunately, they are disciplined enough to do reading and revision time as per their "after school" schedule.

Our 1st Circuit Breaker weekend was boring. The kids were constantly asking me what we would be doing the next day and my reply is always "nothing". Seriously. Fortunately for the new TV and PS4 investment, we alternate between gaming and Netflix and had already caught quite a few movies. We even completed the puzzle. Power siah.

We baked cookies too and I suspect that there will be more and more baking in the coming weekends. Haha.

The only opportunities to leave the house would be the morning exercise and the NTUC grocery shopping. With the gym and swimming close and no group cycling, I had been alternating HIIT workout and jogging. The kids joined me for 1 morning and called it quits. Lol. Ya, I know, it is not the most exciting exercises to indulge in.

I am secretly enjoying the almost everyday grocery shopping at NTUC. JP is not exactly a dead town but most of the people are like me, secretly happy heading to NTUC.

The kids had started asking to tag to NTUC. I know, it is a tough period and we are all growing mould.

Fighting! Let's hope that the Circuit Breaker will not be extended. Sob. Meanwhile, let's also control our eating. It is so easy to feel hungry and it didnt help that my fridge is very well stocked. Sob.

Mummy Lim

Home-based Learning Day 1

After last week's home-based learning experience, I learnt that scheduling is a must to prevent the kids from fighting over the laptop. The kids sat down on Tuesday evening after knowing their zoom timing and amount of SLS work to be completed on Wednesday and Thursday.

The yelling and fighting already started even before the home-based learning officially commences. "I need the computer... I don't want to do this... I want to...". I had to step in to meditate the situation a little and gave some suggestions here and there. Then to ensure no clashing as a final touch.

We also set ground rules. No phones allowed until after lunch though they can schedule in 2 x 15 mins handphone breaks in their timetable but have to set alarm when they are using their phones to ensure keeping to schedule. They have to set aside time for reading. They have to write something everyday and Zaky has to do 1 Chinese comp for me every week.
Yay! All good to go... I hope. *Nervous laughs*.

The day's schedule starts early with an exercise session at 7am. I did HIIT with the kids while Daddy Lim did his usually strolling. The kids aren't very excited about the workout though. Within mins, Zaky already declared that he was too tired to continue. Zzzzz.

People were definitely practicing social distancing. There were quite some neighbors who were jogging and strolling but they intentionally avoided us as we huff and puff through the workout.

We then rushed back for Zaky to start his 1st zoom session with his English teacher for 40 mins. The connection went without a hitch.

Accordingly to Zaky's reaction, it probably wasn't too exciting. Poor him had to sit through the session while the rest of us enjoy bfast. He asked a couple of times about the time. When 40 mins was up, he very vocally informed the teacher through zoom and reminded her a few times. Hahaha.

At the end of the session, he said that nothing much was done. All they did was to read a passage and highlight 5 words. I reminded him to give this whole home-based learning more time. His teacher is probably just as new to this as him.

The bfast was definitely hard earned.

I am not sure if it is the result of novelty or the scheduling worked but a large part of the morning went smoothly and quietly. I also got quite some work done. The pain only came in when Zaky had to do his Chinese homework. As he struggled on, he got more fustrated and he become more whinny. Aiyo, BTH.

The pain continued until after lunch. Yes, he took so long to complete his Chinese homework. At one point, he was rolling around on the floor beside me and whimpering, trying to get my attention as I was video conferencing with a candidate. I wonder if I managed to keep a straight face. Haha.

Lil Shauna on the other hand was a lot easier. She had so much homework that overran the time that she set for herself to do homework.

In the later afternoon, the gadgets started appearing and the kids started relaxing. Of course that is also when all the whinning stops. Hoho.

So where was Daddy Lim this whole time? Bcos the laptop was so heavily used by the kids and he cannot play PS4 to avoid distracting the kids, he ended up taking 2 naps! I didn't know that I am growing a big baby at home. Hahaha.

We survived day 1 of home-based learning alright. Phew.

Mummy Lim

Daddy Lim's Medical Review

If there is any beauty to working from home, it must be the flexibility. Got laptop and connectivity, anywhere can work.

Daddy Lim had his 1st medical review on Tuesday. Fortunately the kids still go to school on Tuesday. I drove the kids to school in the drizzle before driving Daddy Lim to NUH for his medical appointment. Ooooo.. I am getting so good at driving but not for long since there wouldn't be opportunity with the circuit breaker and I will forget everything about driving after that. Hohoho.

I started working at one of the open air benches in NUH while Daddy Lim went for his appointment.

I bet the change in environment was helpful. I was super productive and even had a discussion call.

Daddy Lim had to have his x-ray and blood taken. Then it was a wait to see the doctor to review his progress.

Good news! The doctor said that his wound looks good and his lungs look good. He is definitely on the recovery road. However, it would be another 6 weeks before he can engage in "aggressive" workout. Daddy Lim specifically asked about cycling. The doctor said that he can do "gentle" walking and/ or cycling. What is gentle cycling? Hahaha.

I was supposed to drive home but I couldn't as I was still "working from home". So I continued working while Daddy Lim drove us home... His 1st ever drive in 3 weeks. Yay!

Mummy Lim

In Prep of Circuit Breaker

Haiz, the home-based learning has been extended to the entire month. That is so scary. Someday, somebody can make this into a horror movie.

While people are hoarding groceries, I hoard different things that will ensure my sanity for the next month. I was telling Popo that the supermarkets will sure be filled with people who are panic buying and we can avoid the supermarkets for a while; trust the Government, there are plentiful of food in Singapore. 

Our purchases are different. The 1st one was the PS4, which had been proven to be a good investment. Daddy Lim is almost a pro NBA player on PS4 already. Hohoho.

The TV had been giving us some problems. We didn't replace it as only Popo really watches the TV. With the month long confinement, we needed a new TV so that the PS4 can be played properly and the kids can watch Netflix on TV too. Lil Shauna and I lugged the new TV from JP home. Fortunately the TVs nowadays are so much more light weight now.

I have told the kids that screen time (including TV) will be limited starting Wednesday and they will have to do up their timetable. With the library closed too, we loaned 12 books over the weekend. Hopefully, they will last the kids the entire month.

The kids bugged for new puzzle and Lego, which I was super reluctant to buy. Lego is freaking expensive. We have plenty of Lego pieces just that Zaky is too lazy to look for the fitting ones. We dismantled the old puzzle for the kids to work on it again.

Hahaha... (nervous laugh) what did I get myself into?

We were pretty much confined over the weekend. As a socially responsible cyclist, I went for a solo ride. It had been such a long time since I last cycled on my own.

I went all the way to LPS and uturn. This loneliness is scary, such that I started talking myself, like when I past by the Paris Baguette that Daddy Lim and I used to stop by.

I made it home alright. Just that I didn't really want to ride solo the next day.

My Strava has gone crazy and still giving me crazy readings.

Popo had the idea to have a last family dinner outside before the Circuit Breaker but was strongly discouraged. It is not like the virus will not attack now and will obediently only do so after 7 April. She is a senior afterall and needs to minimise exposure. But I have to shamefully admit that I still brought Lil Shauna for some final practices before the rink closes for a month. The rink was empty and she had good practices. I hoped she still remembers her camel spin and Axel when she finally hit the ice again. Her Axel jumps had been so great lately. Coach Raymond had asked her to practice off ice. Fingers and toes crossed.

I hoped I am ready to fight the month long home-based learning. Fighting! 怕怕!

Mummy Lim

Home-based Learning Round 1

I think this picture perfectly summaries how many work from home mummies really feel about the home-based learning.

Zaky asked me to wake him up at 6am bcos he wanted to start and end his home-based learning early. He must be dreaming; he doesn't even wake up at 6am on normal school days and kept snoozing until the last minute. I must be crazy if I really wake him up at 6am. It is a rare chance to sleep in. Despite working from home and only starting at 8.30am, I had been up everyday at 6am to get the kids ready and send them to school.

I concluded that this home-basedn learning is horrible. I already foresee that the platform will be slow with all the primary school kids trying to log in. What's more, our kids have to share the laptop. Since early morning, they had been yelling and fighting over the laptop and the overloaded platform didn't help.

The kids didn't get their gadget until 12pm. While Lil Shauna was able to self-entertain with music, Zaky was super whiny and at one point, he was rolling on the floor and complaining about a painful little toe. Zzzzzzz. Then he had to sit beside me to try to complete his Chinese homework and conveniently ask me for like every single questions. Hello, not my home-based learning can? It didn't help even when I kept repeating that I am working from home and he has to pretend that I am not around.

At one point, I had to hide in the bedroom. Did it help? Of course not. I have a whinny boy, standing right outside the door and attempting to break into the room. Aaarrgggghhhh. I am quite sure the home-based learning would have been easier for everybody if I had not been home. Yes, mummies are always the problem. All these while, where was Daddy Lim? The day before, he gamed from 7.30am to 5.30pm without the need to rest. I thought he would soon go pro in gaming. Then, the day that the kids were doing home-based learning, he immediately needed a nap soon after bfast and didn't wake up all the way until when lunch was ready. Win already.

At which point was my agony over? When the so called home-based learning was over after lunch and all gadgets started appearing. Finally, it was peace on Earth. Nobody fought anymore. Nobody even bother to look up.

I am so glad that the home-based learning is only once a week for now. I know that it may be extended. At that point in time, I think I need to do find a place outside of home to work, even if it is at the Centris lift lobby. I was so exhausted having to shout at the kids on top of trying to work.

Let's hope the next home-based learning be a little easier. Please have mercy on me.

Please lah, the mother is also exhausted from having to scold people. This home-based learning also made me realize what luxury it is to be able to work on the office. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Bcos of COVID-19

All enrichment classes had been paused, including Lil Shauna's ice skating. On top of that, we are trying to heed the Government's advice to stay at home as much as possible. This also allows us to keep Daddy Lim accompany; he really needs to stay at home and stay healthy now.

At times like that, the parents have to think of ways to keep the children occupied or go crazy themselves. We had been thinking of getting a new game console after our Xbox One died many years back. Daddy Lim had wanted to buy PS5 that would be released at the end of the year but we CANNOT wait.

Zaky happily went shopping with me in JP and was constantly pleading me with his puppy eyes to buy the console right now.

He got his wishes.

Bcos of the virus, the WWF official rides had been called off. It had been difficult to ride without the WWF and Daddy Lim. The fact that the facilities (including gym and basketball court) at Centris had been closed made things worse.

Fortunately we had been riding for awhile to make cyclist friends. On Saturday, I rode with a group.

On Sunday morning, I rode with another.

There were a couple of jios for RI too but I am too nice and will keep my next RI to do with Daddy Lim. Truth be told, who would 没事 go do RI? Apparently not me but many other cyclists would.

The weekends passed peacefully. The kids managed their online Maths lesson fine. They probably found it to be a novelty and both appeared to concentrate hard. I even sneaked a cat nap. Hoho.

They are also making very good use of the PS4.

You can tell that Daddy Lim is recovering well right? So well that he spent the entire day on the PS4 y'day, like 7.30am to 5pm, more hardworking than the kids and me.

On Sunday, despite the virus, the Stingray clinic session that I signed Zaky up was still ongoing. I sent Lil Shauna to the rink in the morning for some ice time. The ice was so empty. All lessons for under 18 were canceled and there wasn't much public crowd as well.

She made great progress on her camel spin and Axel jump. We are both very pleased. Hehehe.

In the afternoon, I drove the kids to Kallang Wave mall for the Stingray clinic session. Zaky ended up as the only student and had all 1.5hour to himself. He did a great job, alongside Google map to navigate our way to the mall. Though I didn't lose my way to Kallang mall, we got lost in the mall itself bcos many of the entries/ exits were barricaded off.

It was a freaking hot afternoon.

Not only was the clinic session empty, the entire Splash and Surf pool was empty. The session was really tiring and the boy had a great time lazing in the lazy river after that.

I have started working from home starting this week to indefinitely. Monday feels a little lazy and it got better subsequently. There are many things to combat though: the constant food temptation, the bed calling especially when Daddy Lim takes a nap and the heat. The freaking heat! It is freaking hot, I was perspiring like mad. I am melting...

I still drive the kids to school in the mornings and if I gain anything, it is the confidence to drive out of bo bianness. Oh, I jog in the park on Monday and skipped on Tuesday too bcos there is time before starting work. But still, it is not enough to burn the amount of food that I eat. T.T

Let's all persevere and fight this virus together. Yay!

Mummy Lim