Project Rio, Chapter 2 - Masonry Works and Furniture Shopping

I was very excited for the weekend bcos we can visit Rio again. The IDs told us that the renovation is likely to be completed by early August. The partition works will start on 3 June, the measurement of the vinyl will be on 4 June and painting work on 5 June. Then a large part of the remaining time will be for carpentry work. Thereafter, the installation and all done. Woohoo! 

It looks like we will be able to move by the end of August! We called up our current landlord agent, requesting to end lease 3 months earlier. Legally, we are obliged to pay lease until end November. It was eventually agreed that the agent would start marketing the unit in June. We could end lease earlier, only if the unit is able to be leased out before end November. 

We have a long list of activities for the weekend. This started in the late Saturday morning after we sent Zaky to meet his church youths. The 1st stops are to visit 2 furniture showrooms - Comfort Design and Arctic Living. There are quite some decent prices on their website but I needed to see and feel the quality for myself. 

The quality is not bad! 

Then, we headed to Rio to see the work progress and also to take measurements. We were surprised to see work going on on Saturday afternoon. The balcony tiles are laid. This is Daddy Lim’s little indulgence of the Peranakan style that he wanted.

The doggy wall tiles are up too.

And the partition toilet wall in the master bedroom. 

We didn’t stay long to minimise interruptions to the ongoing work.

The next stop was to Gain City for electrical appliances shopping. That was quick bcos we told the sales our budget and requirements and they to make recommendations. We did a little more furniture shopping in Gain City. 

Then our final stop at the nearby Star Living showroom. 

This furniture shopping is seriously hard work. My feet ache from all the walking. We then went home where I continued with part 2 - browsing online on these websites.

We have sort of nailed down the dining table set, the sofa, fridge and washer and dryer. The kids’ study table and shelf needed some more pondering - I saw one in IKEA that may make sense but may need to view the built-in platform bed before deciding. We still have the TV console and the master bedroom buffet. 

One of the places that we 1st explored was Teakco. They carried very nice solid wood furniture. We headed back this afternoon bcos I wanted to see in physical the TV console and buffet that I had shortlisted. I wasn’t disappointed. I think we have just completed the shopping list. Hoho. It was a tired weekend but we found all items. What is left now is to place orders and arrange for delivery. Hoho. 

Mummy Lim

To Mumbai No. 2, Part 2

Sleep was quite bad, like how it usually is on my 1st night in hotels. I woke up so many times but at least was able to fall back to sleep quickly. Auntie SL suggested that I should take some sleep aid supplement for my 1st night in the future. That is so clever. 

I woke up at 6am to the gym. #newshoes

I got my 4.5km done. 

I was accompanied by some MTV. Some of them were quite entertaining. 

Bcos I had no morning meetings, I had a relaxed bfast, just that the non-veg spread was so limited and sad. 

I was in the office by 9am and started my busy day. I got the chance to try India milk tea. I don’t like, it is very evaporated milk milky. 

The day went smoothly, except that the meeting room I was in couldn’t get 5G on my phone. So each time I needed to take/ make a WhatsApp call or use the SingPass on my phone, I had to move to somewhere with connectivity. Otherwise, it was an uneventful day. 

I didn’t have lunch but tabaoed 2 slices of bread from bfast. I love bread lah and was happy munching on the bread, dipped in honey. 

Dinner was of course in-room dining. My favourite oriental soup with sweet corn again. 

Sleep was better. I still woke up a couple of times but definitely less than the previous night. I think the bed is too hard for my old bones and I woke up aching in my hips. 

I hit the gym for some HiTT. The dumbbell comes in denominations of 2.5kgs. Nevertheless, all good for me and I rushed back to the room for a meeting at 7am. I took 2 calls in the room, then freshen up, packed up and checked out. There wasn’t time for bfast but I tabaoed bread again. Hoho. 

This time, I bought subway and had lunch together with the colleagues. This is the time that I get to sample real Indian cuisine, coming from the different kitchens. I counted down the rest of the afternoon and fortunately time passed quickly with the multiple meetings. 

My colleagues were rushing me to go to the airport. The monsoon rains are coming in and that creates bad traffic. I left the office at 6ish and arrived at about 8pm. The flight was at 11.40pm and I had a lot of time to spare. I thought that the airport was less crowded than usual.

The Mumbai airport isn’t big. I sort of know what are the different food options and eventually decided on Starbucks. I thought that I could sit in the cafe and burn some time. 

I eventually didn’t stay in the cafe for very long and decided to laze at the chairs at the gate instead. 

I had an hour to wait before boarding. The neck pillow came in very useful as an addition support on the not too comfy for naps chair. I think I dozed off a little. Then saw that Qs were forming to board and I joined the Qs, which turned out to be a very long wait. I think I was in the Q for a good 30 mins before the staff finally told us that another 15 to 20 mins was required. Just when I intended to go find a seat to rest my legs, I met an ex-Keppel colleague! 

Lucky him was flying business class. I met him a year or 2 back too in the same setting and he was also in business class then. Zzzzz. After chatting for a few mins, the staff told us that the flight would be delayed to 1am. He headed back to the lounge and me to the pathetic waiting seat. This time, I really fell asleep. The next time I gained consciousness was when I heard somebody clapping and realised that it was time to board. If I didn’t wake up, would somebody come and find me when I didn’t board? 

I was seated at the row before the toilet, which means that I didn’t have anybody seated behind me and I could fully reclined my seat. 

I am always the thoughtful passenger when I fly but not so for the one seated right in front of me; she was so eager to fully recline her seat. 

The flight was full. I had a lady seated on my right, while bigger size, kept very much to her seat. Maybe she did invade into my space; I didn’t know bcos I was so bloody tired. I slept through the food serving. I usually stirred when the food cart comes along. This time, I didn’t feel anything. The neck pillow came in very useful with the seat fully inclined. I was very comfortable. 

I survived another Mumbai trip! 

Mummy Lim

To Mumbai No. 2, Part 1

I am very proud that I have visited all the countries one round by end April 25 and with that, I am starting my “world tour” round 2. Lol. JB was done earlier this month and while I had just visited Mumbai in early April to onboard a colleague, I am back again. 

The thought to travel to Mumbai is never exciting but at least I have a colleague based in India now and I can do a shorter trip. #happy

This trip had been more eventful than previous ones. Right after I booked the flight tickets, the next morning, the news of the escalated tension between India and Pakistan hogged the headlines. I checked MFA and the travel advisory seems lax. My India colleague said that life is normal and in big cities, the tension/ situation is barely felt. I watched out for the situation and eventually packed my bag and came to Mumbai. 

The flight was at 7.40am. I left the house at 5am and arrived at the airport with a lot of time. I wore my new shoes and they match with my luggage! The little joys of life. Haha. 

I got new shoes bcos my left heel started hurting after workout recently, and the problem started after I changed into the last pair. I was advised by my cycling kakis, who are also jogging frantics, that the shoes is probably the culprit.

Checking in was smooth and I helped myself to the “fragile” stickers that was free for all. 

Then did a lot of shopping, stocking up on makeups that were running out. I got small samples/ freebies from Makeup Forever! I never ever got these in the past.

I bought a new neck pillow too. I lost the last one; I left it on the plane in my exhausted state when leaving the plane for home after one of my work trips. 

The last neck pillow lasted me for a long time. I realised that hard neck pillow that provides support at the side works for me, But this one feels a little too thick plus SQ seats come with this great head support to begin with. 

The flight was very full. I had somebody on my left but fortunately a lady. She did invade into my “airspace” and she kept touching me whenever she was adjusting/ moving in her seat. I could at least tolerate bcos she is a woman. 

Bfast! 

I ate my bfast, caught a movie and took a nap. The flight landed nicely. 

Usually, when I get connectivity upon landing, I will receive a WhatsApp from the driver of the car booked via booking.com. I was surprised that I didn’t get it this time but there was a confirmation email instead with the driver contact details. I exited the airport and couldn’t locate the driver. When I called the number, I was told that they were unable to locate my booking. If they had to dispatch a car, it would easily take another 45 mins. 

Of course I wasn’t going to wait. In Mumbai’s traffic, 45 mins wait is very optimistic and I am sure it would take longer. I was surprised that I didn’t panic. I simply lugged my bags, followed the instructions to go look for an uber. There were drivers who tried to offer me a ride for a lump sum. That one is a little scary and I opted to do the right way and booked via the uber app. It took me a while to figure out but all good. Just when I was trying to get into the uber, the agency called to say that they found my booking and the car was waiting. They couldn’t find it initially bcos it wasn’t from booking.com directly but another agency. 

Whatever the case, I wasn’t going to get off the uber to go find this “car”. I asked booking.com to give me a refund instead, which I duno if it happens. Never mind if it doesn’t, I realised how easy to get an uber from the airport and will do that in the future. 

My day started and I was glad that I was kept busy all the way to 6pm IST bcos I was already starting to zonk out in the late afternoon. By the very last meeting, I can already feel that my processing speed and thought process had slowed down significantly. I left the office at about 7pm and am glad that the hotel was only 20 mins away. 

I opted to stay in the Ramadas hotel again. Though not the most luxurious, I have high tolerance for hotel and the close proximity to the office really made a lot of sense. I ordered room service and had comfort food.

I didn’t do much work bcos I was so exhausted, turning in at about 10pm, which was already past Singapore’s midnight. 

Mummy Lim

Project Rio, Chapter 1 - The Work has Began

Finally, about a month after we had collected the keys, work has began at Rio. We have been rushing the ID, they probably needed time to put resources (workers) together and work finally started on 13 May. 

The firsts to do are the demolishing work. We had several walls that needed to be hacked and rebuilt. Then plumbing and delivery of materials on the 15th. Electrical works took place of 16th and the masonry work will start on the 20th. 

By right, there isn’t much to see given the little that had been done but I made Daddy Lim bring me yday afternoon. We arrived to a nicely wrapped main door and front porch. 

The lights were off as the bulbs had been removed. The hacking had all been completed. I like how the floor has been so professionally and nicely wrapped/ protected. Daddy Lim said that hacking is the easiest and fastest. We removed all the existing feature walks and cabinets. Suddenly, the unit looks a lot roomier than we last saw it. 

A part of the kitchen wall has been hacked for now and the entrance became larger. I had always wanted an open kitchen concept and with the bigger entrance (not for long bcos a cabinet will be built instead). I was very excited. 

I excitedly asked the ID, can we hacked this part of the wall too? 

They did a good job dissuading me, simply by telling me that it would achieve little aesthetically but at a cost. Ok, I passed, keep to the plan. 

The common bedroom 1. This will be Nana’s room. 

The common toilet. 

The master bedroom toilet. 

The wall between the toilet and the bedroom had been hacked and needed to be recount bcos of waterproofing/ leaking issue. 

While there is actually nothing much to see, there is also a lot to see. The cute bathroom tiles are here! 

Even Daddy Lim got excited at looking at the hacked unit and said that we can come to see the progress weekly. Sure! *Mental note to bring meauring tape the next trip. 

We have yet to start furniture shopping but started browsing. I think we should start soon as some furniture will take months to deliver. We were waiting for a more certain completion date. So exciting! We have not done such huge scale renovation; even 987 was minimal. 

Mummy Lim

Happy Mother’s Day to Me 2025

I have to dedicate a post to this Mother’s Day bcos Zaky gave me such a nice surprise. 

On Mother’s Day, I always get reminded of Nana’s dramatic and grand entrance to earth. It is always such a crazy birth story to share. This Mother’s Day, I not only got my own kids but also Boo and T in my house, wishing me Happy Mother’s Day. We didn’t do anything special though bcos the kids were not here for me but for Nana. Zzzzz. I got to enjoy a little of the kids’ Wings Stop feast.

I asked for my Mother’s Day gift and got hugs and “I love you”s. So clever. Then Zaky mentioned that I would get my surprise the next day, which happens to be a PH. I didn’t think too hard about it. 

I woke up at 6ish the next morning bcos Mochi was meowing for his bfast. I am quite sure he kept his watch hidden somewhere and knows how to read time. Since I was up, I was deciding if I should go to the gym or a jog at the PCN. Eventually, it was rollerblading. 

The kids were all bunking in Nana’s room and when I was just about to get ready to leave the house, I heard one of the kids’ alarm went off. Somebody must have forgotten to turn off his/ her alarm. 

When I was almost done with my session, I saw this in the family chat. Daddy Lim said that my and Nana’s bfast were ready and he was going to tabao his bfast. Huh? 

I eventually realised that Zaky woke up early and that alarm was intentionally set, to make bfast for jiejie and I. So touch! 

When I arrived home, Zaky was eating cup noodles. I had my 爱心早餐. He left the home shortly for some rock climbing activity with some of his youth. 

He said that he found the recipe from internet and it turns out ok. Jiejie was very touched too. 

We didn’t see Zaky for the rest of the day. Daddy Lim and I were snacking at the dining table when he came home with flowers! Wow! Add points! 

He gave a bunch to jiejie too. 

It was really a very pleasant surprise. Other than the cards and handicraft that the kids brought home from school/ church, I don’t quite remember receiving such gifts from the kids. Good job, Zaky! Keep up the good work and keep this practice going, do include your sister too. Hoho. 

Happy Mother’s Day to me. 

Mummy Lim

Happy 17th Birthday to the Not So Little Girl

I can’t remember when was the last bday party that Nana had. It must be during her primary school years. I stopped planning thereafter bcos it is such a tiring job.

Unfortunately, Nana spent her sweet 16 falling sick and then mugging for the WAs retakes. Right after her bday, she worked really hard for Chinese O levels. Next year, she would like be mugging for mid year in prep of A levels when she turns 18. Hahahahahaha. 

Being such a nice mummy, I offered her a celebration for her 17th bday bcos she is unlikely to have a chance to do so next year. Her bday this year falls nicely on Vasek Day. After thinking (or was it procrastinating??) for a while, she finally decided that she would have the SHSS kids’ gang to do a sleepover. Then, a BBQ with her secondary friends on Monday. Her planning still sucks and I had to rush her to make plans. Zzzzz. 

Did the sleepover take place? Thankfully yes but it was only Boo and T. Why? I duno. 

The BBQ was quite easy to plan. I ordered the food online and one of the Fs helped her to book a BBQ pit at my brother’s place. Popo cooked her curry and Daddy Lim helped to set up the fire. 

We left shortly after the fire was set up. We told her to look for my brother for help if anything goes wrong but I didn’t even know if my brother was home. The trick is to keep the fire going or to use the gas stove beside the pit if the fire failed. More importantly, to feed the food to her friends 1st if she isn’t sure if the food is cooked. Hoho. 

Nana didn’t disturb us and no news is good news. She only called at 8ish, pleading for Daddy Lim to go and pick her and asked what to do with the rest of the unfinished food. By the time she was home, we were all too tired to ask her what happened at the party. She mentioned that it was great. Good ah!

This should be a last birthday celebration for another long time. After this, she is considered as an adult and should do her own planning, right? Happy birthday Nana! 

Mummy Lim

Braces

Zaky had his dental appointment this afternoon. He reminded me that he started his braces back in June 2024. I checked my blog. He actually started in August 2024. Anyway, that is still a long time ago.

Since he started, he only had braces on his upper teeth. The dentist said that his upper teeth needed to be fixed 1st, so that space can be created to put in the braces for his lower teeth. It sounded like an extra step and would delay the whole process but the dentist reminded that to fix teeth, we simply needed time and cannot be rushed. 

I duno if the dentist going on a 4 months’ maternity leave lengthened Zaky’s braces journey. Nevertheless, in the last few months, it was obvious that Zaky’s upper teeth had straightened much. He was told that they would put on the bottom braces and had expected that to happen the last visit. It didn’t. We were informed that it would take place this time and to buffer for a longer appointment. 

His appointment was at 2.15pm and we decided to push it back by 30 mins, so that we can feed him lunch. The braces get adjusted/ tightened each appointment and pain set in shortly. I supposed it will be worse this round with the top adjusted and bottom braces put in place. 

He was in the treatment room for about 30mins and came out with his full set of braces! 

The pain doesn’t come in immediately. He said that it just felt weird and that he wouldn’t be able to use his front teeth for the next few days. 

When I saw him in the night, he said that it had started to hurt and he could only chew using his molars. Did he go hungry bcos he couldn’t chew? No, he had mala for dinner. Hahahaha. Just that he had to eat slower than normal. 

Mummy Lim

JB Work Trip no. 2

I had forgotten that I was planning a work trip to the JB office. Otherwise, I could collect Daddy Lim’s glasses on behalf. Then again, I am sure we all enjoyed that half day trip to JB 2 weekends back. 

I would be spending 1 night in the Holiday Inn hotel that is right beside the JB City Square Mall. The company car picked me up at 7am and it was very smooth at the Immigration. I rejoiced at another custom stamp on my passport. Hoho. So many countries now are on auto lanes and no stamp. The traffic was smooth and I was in the office at 8.15am. 

As per many of my work trips, this one was packed with back to back meetings until I left the office at 6pm. By the time I was in the room, it was already 7.30pm. This is a combination of traffic, taking a call at the hotel lobby and the damn slow hotel checkin. Zzzzzz.

I dropped my bag and headed to find dinner. I told the kids not to envy me. Hoho.

I ordered the beef soup and xiaolongbao. These are the recommended items in the menu but somehow felt meh.

Dinner was supplemented by bread (which I bought for the following day as lunch) and snacks. Hohoho. 

It was already closed to midnight when I finally slept. I also finally found time to buy the year end Europe flight tickets! We are visiting ah Yee! After flinching at the air ticket cost for a long time, I finally converted a big chunk of our citimiles to Krisflyer miles, thinking that it would cover a huge part of the air tickets cost. Ended up, the conversion rate was so bad but I use the miles anyway. We still have to pay $1.4K for the tickets. Ouch. At least that is done. 

Sleep was so easy bcos I was so tired. I didn’t think I woke up in the night. The next moment, the alarm rang. Zzzzzz. It was gym time. 

I didn’t remember the gym to be so small. The treadmills were occupied at 6.15am. 

I did my HiiT bcos the elliptical machine is that painful workout kind and it was to early and sad to do a painful workout. The company car was picking me up at 8am and I decided to skip bfast. I remember that the spread to be good. 

I wore one of Nana’s jeans to the office. I don’t understand why her jeans are so short. Maybe bcos I am taller? Hoho. Nana disagreed and is at best agreeable that I have longer legs. 

A colleague brought me out for lunch and I didn’t get to eat my 面包. The office location is super ulu and one must drive to find lunch. The eating place was about 10mins drive away. This is my 1st time eating self service economy rice wor. 

After lunch was again mad meetings until I left at 4pm. Traffic was slower and it took me 2 over hours to reach home. All safe and sound. 

Mummy Lin