tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96595032024-03-28T11:11:52.984+08:00mf's mini world of mf-ism- a ton of fluff and a tiny dose of non-fluffmfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.comBlogger2029125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-49904751462056146992024-03-26T11:46:00.002+08:002024-03-26T11:46:25.082+08:00A new hairstyle<div>Brought them for a haircut three weeks ago. Usually, I would give instructions to the stylist - short, thin, high slope for Kai and Yang, and #3 throughout for Yu. This time, I forgot to say when Yu sat down. Instead, the usual stylist at Beauty World asked me whether to keep the top longer than the sides. It just so happened that Yu wanted to be handsome so ok!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking good, my boy!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyC7B6-9YmedEmlEGSIkr5yYZjNELL_kAJkaFnma7fs5BNmHrDU0x1Y0Oraknx1S-8yDGJgQodGy2h65P-6yD9t4a-N6eTrZBRhv3dEVVTyYP9VeOgdhaELapPEP_WM6-mq12S5pZ1-X93LH6B2yMK23zVy7_wcfoUjFQyV08vGI-bmHQ01DpXw/s4032/IMG_6907.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyC7B6-9YmedEmlEGSIkr5yYZjNELL_kAJkaFnma7fs5BNmHrDU0x1Y0Oraknx1S-8yDGJgQodGy2h65P-6yD9t4a-N6eTrZBRhv3dEVVTyYP9VeOgdhaELapPEP_WM6-mq12S5pZ1-X93LH6B2yMK23zVy7_wcfoUjFQyV08vGI-bmHQ01DpXw/s320/IMG_6907.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He looks quite chubby too. In fact, I realised he's bigger than his brothers at this age - he's now 27kg, 3kg more than them.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coz he often stuns our food?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoxzcj81aaQHZ6MdonLdrkeMPIFhHu7sVk0sDxNLcJOo_WELVojTK5ldI600Ha_NNwlSsacYi2QQAJwguHGPyKnJ1yvWzdVTdg1BGImMhND_Wm1xJkjJcOGcrQjQk-mxx5fF1hBCf7R5FtIJRRAwYuHRJYGmqTvL84Wcec0wAGcCNI8x9ety2xA/s4032/IMG_6905.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoxzcj81aaQHZ6MdonLdrkeMPIFhHu7sVk0sDxNLcJOo_WELVojTK5ldI600Ha_NNwlSsacYi2QQAJwguHGPyKnJ1yvWzdVTdg1BGImMhND_Wm1xJkjJcOGcrQjQk-mxx5fF1hBCf7R5FtIJRRAwYuHRJYGmqTvL84Wcec0wAGcCNI8x9ety2xA/s320/IMG_6905.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's see more of this boy :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of his fave activities on free afternoons</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0NXlajZTLWPJtip5HhKnC_uJY4MA7VHkEO-YWCh3_mSlRU_YMSG9z3jduQL_a9FBz0y_fzb8RK6ivhPhKo-LckwFDX6H7Ke3MviKRoNGMnz_aJ_9jYF5PXrV4mx_nB0caRn3EUe7tnON0_yrQI0F5ZAPvVvFNMhEO1RBCttqcUwiZRnywnO2aQ/s4032/IMG_6914.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0NXlajZTLWPJtip5HhKnC_uJY4MA7VHkEO-YWCh3_mSlRU_YMSG9z3jduQL_a9FBz0y_fzb8RK6ivhPhKo-LckwFDX6H7Ke3MviKRoNGMnz_aJ_9jYF5PXrV4mx_nB0caRn3EUe7tnON0_yrQI0F5ZAPvVvFNMhEO1RBCttqcUwiZRnywnO2aQ/s320/IMG_6914.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Being generally free anyway, he scrolled back 2025 years!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pa23MYY3PZpZkGaXNyh-vChCBrxiwAtnVU7X_fiEEjA7KlY6mWHAV1yvSUeTb5z6hEX2o_MXdqtE2yl0wawj_4coZcDsNJw7dLMoJrhqSFEpqGXnK0w1AQY4M9DimfTA83gX1pPh4wsovu3hb61viDXrAc-cpPLQBn1dRcyDL2U_RRIi3eh5EA/s4032/IMG_6949.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pa23MYY3PZpZkGaXNyh-vChCBrxiwAtnVU7X_fiEEjA7KlY6mWHAV1yvSUeTb5z6hEX2o_MXdqtE2yl0wawj_4coZcDsNJw7dLMoJrhqSFEpqGXnK0w1AQY4M9DimfTA83gX1pPh4wsovu3hb61viDXrAc-cpPLQBn1dRcyDL2U_RRIi3eh5EA/s320/IMG_6949.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I thought he looks more like a big boy than a baby in this hairstyle. But he can really make baby faces...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Example - cold in the restaurant</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg26Yqf9SbIsMzsUXShj69U2rKUBV5lPx-ylY7eZjXN0gTxLXN87xCx0LJU1MjttJvxbCUnWtce_nG0shayK-iHq61hyphenhyphenMNlzGN-gdi5_fgsx6ouvrhccm3bWUiI7_PYj9QN4rGBURuTiC7BRiZR-_24SogpFd05cSjhJVmgMcd33z4u6TLp417XQ/s2420/IMG_7061.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2420" data-original-width="1818" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg26Yqf9SbIsMzsUXShj69U2rKUBV5lPx-ylY7eZjXN0gTxLXN87xCx0LJU1MjttJvxbCUnWtce_nG0shayK-iHq61hyphenhyphenMNlzGN-gdi5_fgsx6ouvrhccm3bWUiI7_PYj9QN4rGBURuTiC7BRiZR-_24SogpFd05cSjhJVmgMcd33z4u6TLp417XQ/s320/IMG_7061.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>My heart melts...</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-83168002304822871982024-03-08T12:52:00.001+08:002024-03-14T15:05:50.902+08:00We love McDonald's!Seriously, what's not to love about it??<div><br /></div><div>For a year or so in upper primary school, I went to Macs quite a lot as my paternal grandmother used to work there and we got a lot of coupons - we had nuggets by the 20s! I remember CY and Yan joining us coz so many coupons...</div><div><br /></div><div>Later, CY and I went to KFC on our library days... Didn't pick up Macs again until JC - somehow we liked going to Macs at Serene Centre or KAP, and at least once, we had it sitting on the floor at the atrium in Takashimaya. Did we call it Taka square?</div><div><br /></div><div>And uni when there was this student card that gave me a free bacon burger or sthg when I got a meal. Very useful to save it for another meal!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then in my 20s, I happened to share french fries with Yan and realised Macs could be a good snack if I didn't fancy a full meal.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next time I had Macs quite often was when we were staying at Bukit Panjang, no thanks to the outlet right downstairs. Sito would get it - or some other fast food - for dinner/supper after returning home late from work. There were other fast food outlets there but the kids much preferred Macs, be it breakfast or lunch/dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, we still go to Macs for our Saturday breakfast every month or two. We have so many points that Kai and Yu can have as many hashbrowns as they like - we just redeem them one by one :p During term breaks when I seldom cook, Macs is a common dinner request.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only difference is that Macs is now 10 min away. We also have BK but we seldom have that. And a bit further away, we have Star Vista with a few fast food options. Healthier now? :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Another reason we like Macs is the ice cream. We used to give them an ice cream treat after dinner elsewhere but now it's less accessible. So sometimes when we're out, we may still have Macs for dessert. Like that day after watching a <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-dog-who-wasnt-useful.html">performance at Esplanade</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Papa took his brothers to the toilet</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz89qu0bYdPJEgp6kc3uX1pt35iMU5ZgnZnA36OBTnvivUd8FtwtG0HNS1k9pONW61nFUkJJykgKupqWiJhwhezDrGAOhAPHhr9HjxJBI7EunHP2rO00HWAaxgBV-N1uGmTT3XkDsWC2W6d5PN4NF9U6hV5JJXGXWY7CoKipXqwHtUbpUseRDmmA/s4032/IMG_6783.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz89qu0bYdPJEgp6kc3uX1pt35iMU5ZgnZnA36OBTnvivUd8FtwtG0HNS1k9pONW61nFUkJJykgKupqWiJhwhezDrGAOhAPHhr9HjxJBI7EunHP2rO00HWAaxgBV-N1uGmTT3XkDsWC2W6d5PN4NF9U6hV5JJXGXWY7CoKipXqwHtUbpUseRDmmA/s320/IMG_6783.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And it was then that I saw a notice saying that the outlet - at Raffles City - would have its last day on 29 February!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We once had Macs before an outlet closed too - KAP</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnh8JVrVcOJLvrifpD7kbOcEuX5Nq958uByhky6aKK_jOOJO_Z4i_tkWWIsx2zvBVrFjCRJpZzdlxmncZJH0lg8RQq6TRb7pN6xju7_FR5jUiN9z2dr_KX0SAPRYAIIml0hlc6K7-SAFf_Vd91Yv_y7WScQeJxhRz6oArF-pHrfQMcIsgXUJGJw/s3264/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnh8JVrVcOJLvrifpD7kbOcEuX5Nq958uByhky6aKK_jOOJO_Z4i_tkWWIsx2zvBVrFjCRJpZzdlxmncZJH0lg8RQq6TRb7pN6xju7_FR5jUiN9z2dr_KX0SAPRYAIIml0hlc6K7-SAFf_Vd91Yv_y7WScQeJxhRz6oArF-pHrfQMcIsgXUJGJw/s320/9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>That was little Kai, on 1 Mar 2014, a few months before Yang joined us, and just before the outlet ceased ops on 14 March. We probably made the trek there purposely.</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-9754361651791100542024-03-08T11:34:00.001+08:002024-03-08T11:45:13.029+08:00End of school runsAt least the regular ones. Will still need to send and fetch Yu on days when his brothers do not need to go to school, for maybe another year...<div><br /></div><div>In January, Yang and Yu started <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2024/01/off-to-school-without-mama.html">going to school on their own</a>. This Monday, we stopped fetching them home. <br /><br /><div>Still remember when <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2022/01/end-of-week-2.html">Kai and Yang first came home on their own</a>. I put a GPS watch in Kai's bag. Now, the same watch is in Yang's bag. But I think I should switch it to Yu's bag.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yang proved himself very capable last year, when he came home on his own after oral exams. One of us was supposed to fetch him from the bus stop downstairs but he was much earlier than expected so he walked back on his own. And when we were crossing the road to the MRT station recently, I saw him look out for cars.</div><div><br /></div><div>But Yu is another story. While Kai is very focused on his destination and Yang would just follow, Yu likes to jump and run about, and chat with Yang ALL THE TIME. So I'm super scared they will get distracted.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These two when I fetched them on the day I had <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2024/03/lunch-at-school-canteen.html">lunch in their school</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNXi_7tqbMifCCOL0QWT1iFa3QXng4EcHc5R1qB0OjaamJsYDAYgIkv2CWd8VFuYjMOPYhg68L3Zr5dGIlXVUGUVfoZR4TOSexC0J9FXjOGV4PO-9GYFqcnnKZ3iuBkgda44O34Kqp-9onNDiC503QST-lP5spJejJZ6eLpw7EWP_mLdHufeYcA/s4032/IMG_6539.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNXi_7tqbMifCCOL0QWT1iFa3QXng4EcHc5R1qB0OjaamJsYDAYgIkv2CWd8VFuYjMOPYhg68L3Zr5dGIlXVUGUVfoZR4TOSexC0J9FXjOGV4PO-9GYFqcnnKZ3iuBkgda44O34Kqp-9onNDiC503QST-lP5spJejJZ6eLpw7EWP_mLdHufeYcA/s320/IMG_6539.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I always have to remind them to stay behind the bollards, not just behind the yellow lines. Especially when coming home coz there are so many kids trying to board the bus! Yes, I'm paranoid this way - and many other ways!</div><br /><div><div>Then Yu follows only Kai one day each week, as Yang has CCA on Mondays now that he has changed from badminton to art club. (Kai is peeved that Yu has no CCA - this year, the school didn't open CCAs for P2s - but that's another story.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Yu is kind of fearful of being kidnapped due to two incidents. The first was during a Legoland trip last year. He went to the toilet and I waited for him outside; he no longer wants to go to the ladies with me. Later back at home, he told me that a guy in the toilet asked him where his parents were! I forgot his response - he either said outside or he ran out. Then - ok, my fault - I told him he must not run about in case he got kidnapped coz he's so cute!</div><div><br /></div><div>The second incident was a couple of months back. They go to the playground downstairs on their own before dinner sometimes. They are supposed to go and return together but these kids like to rush to the lift and be the first to get to the bathroom *.* So once, Yu got into a lift without his brothers. A man was in the lift with him and asked him the same question. He quickly pressed 4 - that lift stops every four floors - and ran down the stairs to find Yang.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now he's fearful of being kidnapped. Coz he thinks he's so cute, haha!</div><div><br /></div><div>So on Monday, he was scared that Kai would, as usual, run ahead and leave him alone. We spoke to them in depth on Sunday and made Kai promise not to run off.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sito also had to make Kai and Yu sit together during a rehearsal</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxrgKf23SdqsgPvXPOE2x9eQWFRFBV_eahDW2DJ1N0WAeikB7NwinX609FhTbfpWg3E8wvMyCpN-rVRuu_hlX14FWRW0Zw4v6QzWHtc7t3eWUUeNXUSCQsj3Tzhahyvn1T5tiNvI-ckDn4Hek4JI2L3I9wfCu2MBb95_LwetNdf6UzJHgVUsWIQ/s1920/309f44e490bd7cf948b4aa57c49c13ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxrgKf23SdqsgPvXPOE2x9eQWFRFBV_eahDW2DJ1N0WAeikB7NwinX609FhTbfpWg3E8wvMyCpN-rVRuu_hlX14FWRW0Zw4v6QzWHtc7t3eWUUeNXUSCQsj3Tzhahyvn1T5tiNvI-ckDn4Hek4JI2L3I9wfCu2MBb95_LwetNdf6UzJHgVUsWIQ/s320/309f44e490bd7cf948b4aa57c49c13ed.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yang took the watch that day as he would be coming home on his own so I put Kai's phone in Yu's bag in case GeGe ran off and he needed to call us. But I couldn't track Yu. Turned out that the hi!card had been depleted. Strange coz we just topped up the week before for Kai to call us after tuition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sito topped it up remotely but within an hour, the value went down by $4! After checking, Sito found that data was very expensive! And somehow the phone eats data while idle. Or maybe coz I was tracking it. Anyway, now we decide to just put the watch in Yu's bag. Kai and Yang are very ok on their own now.</div></div><div><br /></div></div><div>One thing I forgot about was that they sometimes take the train home instead of the bus. When they take the bus, they just need to cross one traffic light downstairs. When they take the train (coz they don't want to wait longer for that one bus home), they have to cross a carpark entrance/exit and a two-way road with a divider - no traffic lights etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wa my heart...</div><div><br /></div><div>Will have to continue to remind them about road safety. And to take care of each other especially when their hands are full of files!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-78494254355735175482024-03-04T13:26:00.003+08:002024-03-04T13:26:52.528+08:00Lunch at the school canteenBack in February, I met a friend for lunch - at the kids' school canteen!<br /> <br />She works in the campus so just nice, we had a nice catch-up, and I managed to exchange a book at the bookshop and try the chicken rice the kids eat all the time!<div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk9pENhQ5hvWc4_hOgryuwtvh_mxQkrWOrqMx6p-Po0JTZ3iKKfLboFDY2Rn8ru52Q16dfJ7HoxMCO0Q6QpRDF62dvqZS7rxtzd2aqg4ffyeh17GKZOhPvulpg7ochm83-VlST4e5z0ri13X2fPsghq6bfpUsl6CEDNg0wjYky6rjlYXOYbLPwA/s4032/IMG_6533.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk9pENhQ5hvWc4_hOgryuwtvh_mxQkrWOrqMx6p-Po0JTZ3iKKfLboFDY2Rn8ru52Q16dfJ7HoxMCO0Q6QpRDF62dvqZS7rxtzd2aqg4ffyeh17GKZOhPvulpg7ochm83-VlST4e5z0ri13X2fPsghq6bfpUsl6CEDNg0wjYky6rjlYXOYbLPwA/s320/IMG_6533.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Chose roast chicken, preferred by Kai and Yang. The same stall also sells chicken cutlet so we ordered one to share. The bowl of noodles from another stall belonged to my friend.<br /><br />For $2, the chicken rice was a good portion and yummy too! There were so many other selections like noodles and even Japanese curry but the kids don't like them or refuse to spend extra to add the curry *.* Sometimes, they complained about long queues but other times, they could queue at two stalls *.* Excuses...</div><div><br /></div><div>I was so busy looking at food options that I forgot to check out the cashless payment system. They can use their EZ Link student cards to pay but I don't let them unless I forget to give them pocket money, which is rare. Better for them to feel the pain of forking out cash and see for themselves how money is actually spent!<br /></div></div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-88507100491594586522024-03-03T15:36:00.006+08:002024-03-26T11:15:33.927+08:00Maybe cockroach at home or confirmed cockroach at work? Nothing to do with my <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-lizards-tale.html">lizard's tale</a>.<div><br /></div><div>During the six hours in Kiztopia, Sito and I had plenty of time with each other and not much distraction. The kids came only for water and didn't linger much coz couldn't wait to go back to play. Besides checking our phone occasionally and dozing off here and there, we had time to chit chat properly.<div><br /></div><div>And it wasn't like date night chit chat. On date nights, we would walk around so there were distractions - things to see, desserts to decide on, things to buy, discounts to share.</div><div><br /></div><div>We chatted about working. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was kind of fun writing about <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2024/02/itchy-brains.html">TFR</a> the other day. In fact, I have another topic to write about - I had that idea when I was working but 1) no time at work, 2) not even my portfolio, 3) colleagues in that portfolio also no time! It has been tricky getting data so I'm hardly started.</div><div><br /></div><div>Point is, I can totally imagine myself going back to work. I've built up a good reputation at work over close to 20 years. I can do a variety of work. In fact, I also enjoy much of the work I did. While I don't like managing teams, I can. I also don't like all the peripheral things like courses and "CCAs" but ok, I can *.*</div><div><br /></div><div>But - and it's a big BUT - I can't imagine leaving Sito and the boys. Put Sito aside - every so often, this man will have itchy backside and think about going back to work himself... </div><div><br /></div><div>For the boys, to be more accurate, I'll only leave them physically for four hours on school days and more during term breaks. But I know from experience that I will tend to want to settle the kids asap so that I could go back to my laptop - don't know why. So end up I'll feel super frustrated that I'm not focusing 100% on kids or if kids delay bedtime etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to prepare a nice home environment for them. I want to cook for them, something familiar that they would want to come home to in future. I want to work with them on Mandarin. I want to watch them grow up.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, just now as I started this post, Sito and I had an animated chat about work too. It just so happened that I bought $80 worth of insect and lizard repellent on Shopee, and told JY. She said we were pathetic - we used to work and had a life instead of talking about non-compliant kids and household problems!</div><div><br /></div><div>Funny la, but kids and household problems won't go away with work. In fact, if there is a cockroach at home, I must catch and kill. If there is a cockroach at work, everyone will siam and I'll be the <strike>gong</strike> earnest one that the cockroach will aim for. I'd rather deal with the cockroach at home - Sito can kill; I only need to pick it up to throw. Then we will have a cockroach-free home. The work cockroach will, however, bring its army of emails and whatnots. Meanwhile, cockroaches may still enter my home, wth.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>So, I'm thankful that Sito has done the sums and it's ok if I don't go back to work. </div><div><br /></div><div>My no-pay leave ended in February but I have extended it for another year - no word from HR so I assumed it had been approved. I expect HR to call me during ranking season when names are brought up... Perhaps that will be time to make a clean break... We shall see.</div></div></div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-49068460317010500022024-03-03T10:36:00.003+08:002024-03-03T10:36:51.691+08:00First trip to KiztopiaThe kids had no school on 1 March every year, thanks to Founder's Day. This year, we decided to try out Kiztopia. <div><br /></div><div>The ticketing info online wasn't very clear if the ticket with a kid's meal was for unlimited playtime on weekdays so we decided to buy on the spot. As it turned out, 1) it was for unlimited playtime, and 2) the price increased from 1 March, sighs... So we paid $49.40 for each kid. That's $148.20 for three, ouch...<br /> <br />But we were there from 10 am to 4 pm, including a quick lunch. Better than a two-hour movie for $50 for five of us before popcorn?<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Major ball pit!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAXTrwTbnYjzMcejkQPNjicE6_B476Ve8dAtayoLXonaO7UX85gnONPO32zGm9IQkU_JnCXvbv9jj3sKt7V_WBFwxqJ4nIsYSt_iphqdAdKzk0qHQHg_EAzMUP6t2onWt80diItHXU0dycYU6Sze3spNi7PvwIY_22LLGzAbrLvoV18KVmNQBOg/s4032/IMG_6868.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAXTrwTbnYjzMcejkQPNjicE6_B476Ve8dAtayoLXonaO7UX85gnONPO32zGm9IQkU_JnCXvbv9jj3sKt7V_WBFwxqJ4nIsYSt_iphqdAdKzk0qHQHg_EAzMUP6t2onWt80diItHXU0dycYU6Sze3spNi7PvwIY_22LLGzAbrLvoV18KVmNQBOg/s320/IMG_6868.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Basketball on trampoline? Sure!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7M6M3_7YblIe2uyDOzYRIgUEjGlthtu-2hjhiFntmEvJ73f0L85oRP-gn0UNkdEHNQhBWgF56m2HnJc6ScpaJuj6ci4LI_1qB6jppQ569hQqqOD3KqK9FpkjCVZXACbk5_lC1n9jtoa1CpKQphEb49VS85i-BTdHynMr-UHcapPREci7eb_U-w/s4032/IMG_6870.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7M6M3_7YblIe2uyDOzYRIgUEjGlthtu-2hjhiFntmEvJ73f0L85oRP-gn0UNkdEHNQhBWgF56m2HnJc6ScpaJuj6ci4LI_1qB6jppQ569hQqqOD3KqK9FpkjCVZXACbk5_lC1n9jtoa1CpKQphEb49VS85i-BTdHynMr-UHcapPREci7eb_U-w/s320/IMG_6870.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Kai's and Yang's socks were from the now-defunct NERF Action Xperience and Yu' were from Kai's trip to SuperPark a few years back.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They still enjoyed toddler play!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbGASQfPTKOSNyMA3VDf6B8e4BB2ls65R9J-2oLTQOfT6QpCF2SF1jDtI-0UlscoLKrxg1BBr5vAQn-bueqL6DjDdI9UXTh3cTSMyOzFKcsWjoMrXQKlu1YFgfhi5HrnMcrYdmwchYdiULiCLzcQFQNsmJVdlUvNc4rM8riR-wnKHpBTPjprJMw/s4032/IMG_6876.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbGASQfPTKOSNyMA3VDf6B8e4BB2ls65R9J-2oLTQOfT6QpCF2SF1jDtI-0UlscoLKrxg1BBr5vAQn-bueqL6DjDdI9UXTh3cTSMyOzFKcsWjoMrXQKlu1YFgfhi5HrnMcrYdmwchYdiULiCLzcQFQNsmJVdlUvNc4rM8riR-wnKHpBTPjprJMw/s320/IMG_6876.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A s l o w moving train...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4dj23akcdmp0dWOmK0jexHH6Zh3d4ReBYdklxUUfGfxhEl7JmRbKt2OVgBV4Zx3oSF6rw6pB2fG3rRz9SU1M3Tue-UUNF9AVN0HNfag5eDxVh7vL96_TlhYS3IUseNHVxgylxz90I4ZPtSnovCxsP-AaLLE-OGEs7pPgDoC6JKLbpf-8gGZN3A/s4032/IMG_6886.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4dj23akcdmp0dWOmK0jexHH6Zh3d4ReBYdklxUUfGfxhEl7JmRbKt2OVgBV4Zx3oSF6rw6pB2fG3rRz9SU1M3Tue-UUNF9AVN0HNfag5eDxVh7vL96_TlhYS3IUseNHVxgylxz90I4ZPtSnovCxsP-AaLLE-OGEs7pPgDoC6JKLbpf-8gGZN3A/s320/IMG_6886.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yu sat down further in front. Kai decided to go all the way back. Yu wanted to join him but found that there was no space - Kai took up the whole carriage coz he's so big! At first, I was worried that Kai might find it less fun coz on 29 Feb, he said he couldn't understand what his brothers were playing (neither could I!) and asked Papa for a paper to do...!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Kith</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyPKdokKhTcsC3F5zx4LsTi3MDL5peu1RKS1ugwKo_boulOZvCvdOfoYVs7CZJwuAXBv7DY0tquUUJgc7lrlqICItl42Ec2zT1HCIeJIGV5f4VR7-TckdcwenjbGga8EFfDF02nnPEFsNnOjdDM9vAEjRJrozvXziXPwzlbZhYxEK_DPWsRhN-A/s4032/IMG_6883.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyPKdokKhTcsC3F5zx4LsTi3MDL5peu1RKS1ugwKo_boulOZvCvdOfoYVs7CZJwuAXBv7DY0tquUUJgc7lrlqICItl42Ec2zT1HCIeJIGV5f4VR7-TckdcwenjbGga8EFfDF02nnPEFsNnOjdDM9vAEjRJrozvXziXPwzlbZhYxEK_DPWsRhN-A/s320/IMG_6883.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They all had fish fingers - Yang didn't like it so exchanged with Yu's fries. None of them liked the watermelon juice but thirsty Kai had his and Yang's. Sito took Yu's. I ordered a coffee for myself but it wasn't very nice...</div><div><br /></div><div>I wouldn't pay the full $14.95 price for the kid's meals. So bought the meal inclusive ticket for an additional $3-ish. Had to fill these kids up. We all had breakfast at the hawker centre in the morning so Sito and I just pecked at their unwanted corn niblets and leftovers - we didn't jump around like the kids... </div><div><br /></div><div>Sito and I mostly sat at the benches near the train. The kids came over for water every so often. We took turns to see the kids play and check out the place. The toilets are just outside - slippers are provided so we didn't have to change out of our socks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Later, we also found a water dispenser in the baby care room on the way to the toilets. Perfect coz the kids ran out of water!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We also had some fun :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpiLILC-lETTIRso6sRRkTK60qSUETjhDu6uxb5pVE9oI6066gDbjgOJw7nOm8S5EC8eBAh4XcwoNvvA5mlYkUpBl7orOGktw2einbkBkjGxZ48rjJerDvWIFEsQ2iBvTFC4RscNNpYv9ZKP1XvVwcBhDWGszqcmbnzYtodUAUjVvN-OQoi46gA/s3088/IMG_6881.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpiLILC-lETTIRso6sRRkTK60qSUETjhDu6uxb5pVE9oI6066gDbjgOJw7nOm8S5EC8eBAh4XcwoNvvA5mlYkUpBl7orOGktw2einbkBkjGxZ48rjJerDvWIFEsQ2iBvTFC4RscNNpYv9ZKP1XvVwcBhDWGszqcmbnzYtodUAUjVvN-OQoi46gA/s320/IMG_6881.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">我的大白兔!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQclpk-fHfaVNIvyx4JkcuCD1XR_59_OjxZVk-KscIxStjT9puXgyTCOs9tJI7e3_3wTRAfngE3MdBncffvuEZ0gTAkf5JsNF5FdcUw7GX7pQG9hrnynU4m_1QBz8jsGoJI63ChoKMGsR7xfU-fLES8dl3wxMHMQVebg20gypCKtEBH-Nd8iX6A/s4032/IMG_6885.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQclpk-fHfaVNIvyx4JkcuCD1XR_59_OjxZVk-KscIxStjT9puXgyTCOs9tJI7e3_3wTRAfngE3MdBncffvuEZ0gTAkf5JsNF5FdcUw7GX7pQG9hrnynU4m_1QBz8jsGoJI63ChoKMGsR7xfU-fLES8dl3wxMHMQVebg20gypCKtEBH-Nd8iX6A/s320/IMG_6885.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We wore our masks coz cold... </div><div><br /></div><div>It was 4pm when we left. The kids thought they didn't play enough. Yu wanted to turn back time, haha! But within 10 min of leaving, they got hungry *.*</div><div><br /></div><div>Found Seoul Garden. If we had been 40 min earlier, we would have saved $35 *.* And then we forgot to use a $10 voucher.. But we enjoyed the dinner :) Sito and I haven't been there in some 20 years!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Concentrating on cooking his teriyaki chicken</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4ZkVQ6TP3Qbc2nh7edv2AcfsoP-8EIUpnDWTAdDpz3Thdmh2PZ_F36z0yg6hpQH9p4eHePhzI2sn20kqJUfgxio517p_TQAu-SojRY5TZBkf8qtNZ10rw2tz-xrELXtZTNXDtB5ykOYfcNKu5y1ehwEPPENmxQ8z2corbxhJG3qRgsgOe9h9hA/s4032/IMG_6893.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4ZkVQ6TP3Qbc2nh7edv2AcfsoP-8EIUpnDWTAdDpz3Thdmh2PZ_F36z0yg6hpQH9p4eHePhzI2sn20kqJUfgxio517p_TQAu-SojRY5TZBkf8qtNZ10rw2tz-xrELXtZTNXDtB5ykOYfcNKu5y1ehwEPPENmxQ8z2corbxhJG3qRgsgOe9h9hA/s320/IMG_6893.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoying their meals with different expressions after cooking their own teriyaki chicken</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGarYpl5QixZ1uzJ77SwZ-d2DM63R3_AvPYCMnEX4Gg_4_ryYXQG5_Sd3LTvxTgs0tYnVP252r-podbUkY1I0cObTe-Teuy1icN7C8PGzl0ZGGQZG8uhlfuL6ovuGUiX4rW8dSIFRx36emdLDzWAgjiWn4r-hUJ89QfnSQor6-Bl5V89ZVasktg/s4032/IMG_6895.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGarYpl5QixZ1uzJ77SwZ-d2DM63R3_AvPYCMnEX4Gg_4_ryYXQG5_Sd3LTvxTgs0tYnVP252r-podbUkY1I0cObTe-Teuy1icN7C8PGzl0ZGGQZG8uhlfuL6ovuGUiX4rW8dSIFRx36emdLDzWAgjiWn4r-hUJ89QfnSQor6-Bl5V89ZVasktg/s320/IMG_6895.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, they had their fill of ice cream! When Yu couldn't eat anymore, he offered to get ice cream for his parents - I already had enough but Sito obliged. I took a cup of coffee though. Happy :) But I had to stop at Commonwealth MRT coz tummy ache :p </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Checking out the water wheel on the way to City Hall MRT station</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp957hTDS37AZLBIR_6s_Latcm3LMkvZ938A-g-TxoDFS_FKdtcvBw7n-Oj_MeAbAJCmzZmxNNOykbebijLWMber2AU31QDWWpe14nPcCdUREV4oVL0JVEPNlhP3Ieha_E9yMtqFiLJtNomQdt-bDzj6LTOGC27Ze8CKKDj0HQVSfKDqtg40NhyphenhyphenQ/s4032/IMG_6897.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp957hTDS37AZLBIR_6s_Latcm3LMkvZ938A-g-TxoDFS_FKdtcvBw7n-Oj_MeAbAJCmzZmxNNOykbebijLWMber2AU31QDWWpe14nPcCdUREV4oVL0JVEPNlhP3Ieha_E9yMtqFiLJtNomQdt-bDzj6LTOGC27Ze8CKKDj0HQVSfKDqtg40NhyphenhyphenQ/s320/IMG_6897.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The small monkey is always scratching his back! I think he was the sweatiest baby. His hair was glistening the whole time in Kiztopia!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I think we won't go back to Kiztopia any time soon. They can play whole day but the bench isn't that comfy for the parents!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-33081288685014049852024-02-29T15:19:00.004+08:002024-03-03T10:00:10.390+08:00Itchy brainsThese days, I try to read news during my morning coffee. Today, I saw that our TFR has fallen to 0.97 in 2023. <div><br /></div><div>Statistically speaking, TFR, total fertility rate, is the average number of children born to a woman over her reproductive years (15-49yo in Singapore; I seem to recall some countries go up to 44yo) if she were subject to prevailing fertility rates. Something like that - I regret dumping that old population stats book when we moved.. Actually I didn't finish the book but I attended an illuminating lecture by the author on TFR...</div><div><br /></div><div>Formula-wise, it's five times the sum of the number of births to women of five-year age group / number of women in same five-year age group, for the five-year age groups between 15 and 49 inclusive. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the two statements above, you can see (or I tell you la) that the TFR is a theoretical number. But it suffices as an indicator to tell us where the trends are headed.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it is only an indicator and one that should be read together with other population numbers and also our cultural context. </div><div><br /></div><div>The easier one to understand is cultural context - in Singapore, the majority of kids are born after marriage but the TFR base includes women of all marital statuses. So the TFR among married women, if there is such a thing, would be slightly higher, considering that some 70% of women aged 15yo and above were ever-married.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, numbers. Our TFR is stated as "resident TFR". Since residents refer to citizens and PRs, I should think that the TFR is based on births to residents and on number of resident women. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had 32,290 resident births in 2022, dropping to 30,510 in 2023 (<a href="https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/births-and-fertility/latest-data">DOS</a>). As for resident women aged 15-49, we had 986,990 in 2022, rising to 1,001,023 in 2023 (<a href="https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/population-and-population-structure/latest-data">DOS</a>). It's expected that TFR dropped from 1.04 in 2022 to 0.97 in 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div>Does it mean that if many more people decide to have a kid this year, the TFR will increase? Hard to say... TFR can be affected by not just the number of births but also the number of women. So if the number of women increases more than the number of births increases, the TFR can drop despite more births. Conversely, TFR can increase if the number of women decreases more than the number of births decreases! And it's possible for the number of women of reproductive age to decrease, e.g. more turned 50yo than entered 15-49yo coz ageing population.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway... The number of resident births has been 30k-38k in the past 10 years, mostly decreasing y-o-y (<a href="https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/births-and-fertility/latest-data">DOS</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>The number of women aged 15-49 has also been decreasing by under 10k y-o-y for most of the past 10 years. There was a large drop of 30k between 2020 and 2021, likely due to PRs leaving due to COVID? But the numbers have picked up in the last two years, by 14k-17k y-o-y (<a href="https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/population-and-population-structure/latest-data">DOS</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Resident deaths stand at about 18k-25k in the past 10 years, roughly increasing y-o-y (<a href="https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/death-and-life-expectancy/latest-data">DOS</a>). Based on births and deaths alone, the population should increase a little each year. But the overall population increases by 18k-86k in the past 10 years, with the highest in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>(At this point, I have five excel files opened, and realised I have dug a rabbit hole for myself - but I have started so I will finish, even if this becomes more and more incoherent... Nvm, I'm not behind any government policy!)</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2022, we had 21,802 naturalised citizens and 34,493 new PRs (<a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/spore-total-population-back-above-prepandemic-level-2270376">source</a>). So the 86k increase must be also due to residents returning to Singapore. Now, any kids the naturalised citizens, new PRs and returning residents had before entering Singapore are not factored into the TFR calculation. (But if the kids come to Singapore too, they are included in the overall population count.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Point is, the TFR cannot tell us everything. But there is no denying the TFR trends - people are having fewer children.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>When I was working on related issues, I really dislike the Baby Bonus cash component. Or rather, I dislike how people thought of it as an incentive for having children. At the rate we’re going, I think we should not increase spending in this area to encourage people to have (more) children. Not that we do not spend - we should still support parents in child-raising coz there are those who want (or sadly, just have) children regardless of government support. </div><div><br />It is just difficult to fight the trend. Giving more cash or leave will not make people have (more) children. Working is hard. Not everyone can work during child care centre hours. Not everyone has access to affordable child care options. There are always things cropping up at work and with the kids, and work and kids do not arrange not to clash.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, housing, education and healthcare are expensive. HDB flats are smaller than before. Education and employment are more competitive than ever. Healthcare helps us live longer and hopefully more healthily but brings about my next point.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />Government spending should be focused on care of the elderly. By 2030, one in four will be aged 65 and above. That's on the society level. What about at the family level?</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I'm not estimating for 2030. </div><div><br /></div><div>Among ever-married women aged 50 and above in 2023, 8% had no children, 19% one, 39% two, 23% three and 11% four or more (<a href="https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/births-and-fertility/latest-data">DOS</a>). For now, the majority still has at least two children. These children are lucky - they can spread out elderly caregiving for their parents. But over time, we can expect the numbers to shift more towards zero and one. More single children will need to bear the full weight of elderly caregiving. From the elderly perspective, more elderly will have fewer children to care for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another reason for not increasing spending simply to encourage having (more) children is that, those who are not married also need support. I doubt the single/childless groups will outsize the parents but the numbers are, or will grow, significant enough such that there will be increasing pressure to support them as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Elderly caregiving often falls on the unmarried sibling, based on anecdotal sharing. Singles also need support, and more when there will be fewer or no siblings to help out.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2023, 6% of those aged 70 and above (cannot find 65yo and above) are unmarried (<a href="https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/marital-status-marriages-and-divorces/latest-data">DOS</a>). Again, we can expect this number to increase. In our context, singles mostly do not have children. Married or unmarried, elderly without children still need caregiving in the later years. If they are lucky, nephews and nieces, however few, may step in. This means heavier burden for the children today - they have elderly parents and elderly uncles and aunts, and for some, their own young children. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's not have children then, don't give birth to them only to burden them!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then society has to step in.</div><div><br /></div><div>First of all, I think everyone has to plan for our own caregiving in later years. You may be single or married. You may have no children or 10. Plan for yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>But society has to provide the infrastructure to allow individuals to plan for themselves. <br /><br />Ideally, elderly can age in their own homes until they pass. But it is likely that at some point, they cannot safely live on their own. There are only a few options: <br /><br /></div><div><b>1) Hire a live-in helper if the elderly can still communicate. </b>MOM says employer must still have the mental capacity to be the employer. So at some point, this may not be viable. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2) Move in with children or other relatives/friends. </b>Discuss early with your family. This can put a strain on relationships as the elderly will still need help for daily activities. As I mentioned, HDB flats are smaller these days. How can society support willing children to care for their elderly when living space is limited and there may be a need for a special bed or wheelchair?<br /><br /></div><div><b>3) Move to a nursing home. </b>This can be costly and there may not be available spots. Sito and I plan to check into a nursing home when we can no longer take care of ourselves. I don't want to stay in my boys' homes and have them (goodness, no!) or a live-in helper wipe my wrinkly bum! But will there be good nursing homes? Will there be spots available when we need it? Can we afford it? <br /><br /></div><div>Any other options? I can't think of any.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, kids home now. Busy so abrupt ending - just die before getting too old and weak la! But must live healthily until at least 80yo to max out CPF life ok, haha!</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Note: The DOS links refer to latest data so will say different things next year but the data series can be downloaded from there.</div></div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-48907864138772272652024-02-28T13:41:00.002+08:002024-03-14T15:14:38.821+08:00A lizard's tale<div>I had a huge lizard scare this morning. I don't know which was bigger - the lizard or the scare...</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday night, I turned on the light to find a huge lizard just above the window in the kitchen. I shooed and it went out. We closed the kitchen window and our bedroom window which are separated by only a narrow wall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday morning, I sprayed lizard repellent all over the underside of the awning right outside both windows and all walls outside these windows. Last night I left the windows open as usual.</div><div><br /></div>This morning, I turned on the light and saw a huge lizard on the door of a base cabinet in the kitchen. It looked just like the one on Monday night. It must be biding for a chance to enter our home! Grrrr...<div><br /></div><div>The thing is, this lizard froze. It didn't move when I shooed it. I remembered how JY killed a roach and a lizard recently with her Magiclean stick so I pulled two dry sheets over mine and armed myself in front of the lizard.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I could not do it!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>And it was not just because the pad was wobbly due to the rotational function of the stick.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was scared. And I didn't dare to kill a big thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought of shooing it again but it didn't move even when I put the stick very close. I wondered if the lizard repellent had made it blur.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kai woke slightly later than usual which bought me some time. But when I heard him turn off his aircon, I decided I had to get the day going. Nuked the milk first. Armed myself again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still cannot!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Kai was upset when he saw that breakfast was not ready. This boy is always gan cheong in the morning...</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"It's just a stupid lizard!"</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Then you help me la... But I didn't say that. I just held my stick sadly. By then, the lizard turned its body a little... </div><div><br /></div><div>Then Yang and Yu got up. Oh no, I had to get the day going!</div><div><br /></div><div>I asked Yang if I should kill it. The last time we had a lizard in the morning, a small one, I trapped it under a clear box and he asked me to set it free. But this time...</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Yes, kill it!"</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>I hesitated. And this boy came over and took the stick from me!</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"I'll help you do it."</div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Wa! My hero!</div><div><br /></div><div>But no la, I didn't let him do it... No blood on my child's hands, hoho!</div><div><br /></div><div>I went to tell Sito. I don't know why. Was I expecting he would kill it? Eh, maybe. But no, he muttered sthg and remained in bed *.*</div><div><br /></div><div>Yang encouraged me and offered his, um, service again. On the other hand, Yu was standing a bit further.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"I'm scared..."</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Don't teach my children such fears, I told myself. </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Ok, I'm inspired by my brave Yang! I shall do it!"</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>I hesitated some more but eventually, I whacked it!</div><div><br /></div><div>And I didn't let go. I knew it was under the pad now but what would happen when I let go?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, first the tail dropped and continued to wiggle on the floor! (Btw, it continued to move long after the lizard was dead!) Then the lizard piaked onto the floor and moved off! I chased it with the stick and quite quickly killed it. It took another three whacks? There was slight blood stains on the door and two spots on the floor.</div><div><br /></div><div>I felt a bit sad :( Relieved, yes, but also a bit sad. Or maybe scared. I don't know.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, Sito came out and told me it was less easy to kill as it was a vertebrate. Thanks ah...</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">My brave boy with his roselle plant which I dumped ytd coz it was dying</div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GKBui9da7x7v1VhfkiHVHU0degdUNiQ_zZGrI_pluchPZI0kcXNdW9VGCtDFFLFqu-AurKum4OB8TjiXUx5ovqAohBWPgk_xy-Ji8EkyxotyqbLLxSaPDgQArElldk8mR_Pdxcc1mzbo5aZkPhvJ0NKftHy8qeFAcpkog69T8C0zp7tgipVvZQ/s4032/IMG_6849.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GKBui9da7x7v1VhfkiHVHU0degdUNiQ_zZGrI_pluchPZI0kcXNdW9VGCtDFFLFqu-AurKum4OB8TjiXUx5ovqAohBWPgk_xy-Ji8EkyxotyqbLLxSaPDgQArElldk8mR_Pdxcc1mzbo5aZkPhvJ0NKftHy8qeFAcpkog69T8C0zp7tgipVvZQ/s320/IMG_6849.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>It was interesting to see the reactions of the three - one couldn't be bothered, one wanted to help, one was hiding. All three were super cute, even Kai's irritated response. But Yang was the cutest la. Next time your turn! But let me get a non-wobbly stick first.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was also interesting to see my reaction. There were always lizards in AMK. And their poop. I leave them alone coz I didn't need to do anything about it. I mean, Mother was there right? Haha! But there was two memorable episodes.</div><div><br /></div><div>I saw two big, fat, white lizards fighting under the TV shelf one day. I heard noises and peeked. I think I backed off. Not my fight! On retrospect years later, I wondered if they were mating :p</div><div><br /></div><div>The second episode was downright horrifying. I was having dinner on the chair next to the wall when a lizard jumped from the wall right behind my ear into my plate and continued running off! Wth! I cried, tears and all. To this day, I couldn't fathom why it would do that...</div><div><br /></div><div>When Sito and I moved into our first home together, there was also a few memorable lizard episodes - lizard ran across the kitchen counter, lizard giving me a scare behind the dish rack, lizard in the bathroom! We put up lizard traps a couple of times. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think it was in our second home when I began to fear and then hunt lizards. We had many, many lizards. When I was working from home, I kept heard the tsk tsk tsk noise from somewhere near the fridge. After helper left, it took many lizard traps to finally reduce the population to nothing except for an unlucky few which ventured in. Now that I think about it, there was an insane number of lizard scares.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lizard crawled over my foot in the kitchen! </li><li>Lizard ran across the middle of the living room and over my foot again! </li><li>Single popcorn on the floor in the morning when I dumped it in the bin last night - thanks, lizard. </li><li>Lizard ran from me to in between kids' mattress and the wardrobe - wa liao I just had to let it be else I would wake the kids! </li><li>Lizard on the microwave door frame kena squashed when Sito closed it to heat up his food - yes there was a crunch! Then helper said the food was covered so could still be eaten *.* Nope, we threw the food away.</li><li>Lizard scaring me when I pushed the curtains aside to clean the floor. </li><li>Lizard on clothes hanging in the yard. </li><li>Lizard escaping from dining table / pantry counter when we turned on the light. </li><li>Baby lizard on desk which I ignored but climbed from behind to under the desk, ending up on my thigh!!</li></ul></div><div>I have SKP boxes to trap lizards to throw. But they only work for small lizards. And it may take a long time for them to crawl up so that I could slide in the cover. In the past six months of living here, I had trapped only two or three. The rest, apart from this morning, I had to use the lizard spray to help kill it.</div><div><br /></div><div>My heart is thumping as I write this. Very scary to kill something this big. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, yes, I know some people say that lizards are good coz they eat small insects. I saw online how some people set up "humane traps" for lizards and then release them outside. Then they'll go back or to another house?! I can't stand lizards coz they leave poop about and worse, they look damn scary! </div><div><br /></div><div>I know it's impossible to keep lizards out the whole time but I'll keep up my weekly sprays. If it cannot repel 100%, at least let it retard the lizards so I could whack them!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-31107746666625957112024-02-23T13:09:00.006+08:002024-02-26T13:25:57.612+08:00Pre- and post-LNY celebrationsHaven't posted some of our regular days for a while!<div><br /></div><div>So a new mall opened in our neighbourhood in December and new places keep opening up every couple of weeks. Just yesterday, we saw two new places. Probably that's about it already...</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, we were particularly happy when Paradise opened! And they had a 1-for-1 deal! We went for a late lunch after a heavy breakfast and queued for maybe 30 min. The restaurant offered water to queueing customers coz it was a hot day. The kids were restless so Sito sent them on missions - to find out what it would take to get the popcorn and play the games in the atrium :p</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Else they ran about the LNY tree - which was previous a Christmas tree!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmNsMYUF0rCxXwC3cmArw27ElPHmYh-tedEq0DrXf-y8KwevjzjyawQz83kmT6tYFT_IVJ26VTpId24zVtvoL7vO8A65nTqtwg7KyAUg0EzCWTg7dVlx1XQH-OIgyDroSZSnd8dQtNYtYYLBhPN7BNLVV51cax_PwdMw6K8yROunzJVfttxS6dQ/s4032/IMG_6342.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmNsMYUF0rCxXwC3cmArw27ElPHmYh-tedEq0DrXf-y8KwevjzjyawQz83kmT6tYFT_IVJ26VTpId24zVtvoL7vO8A65nTqtwg7KyAUg0EzCWTg7dVlx1XQH-OIgyDroSZSnd8dQtNYtYYLBhPN7BNLVV51cax_PwdMw6K8yROunzJVfttxS6dQ/s320/IMG_6342.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I really want to make a Santa craft with them and turn it into Cai Shen for LNY :p</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sharing a pack of popcorn after lunch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPx5nJ5SU78IgDqrnPgzb2ow7y0Tz5wctAeHzCDM2ohs6aR8_wOZ2ufW7tWJE6Y2OH_hlvnMCKj6anrsix_oVk9pFTPa2THsAe6SbcMXHj3uzM0fx1O6Jb6nc5qYqEtzZl4oYDEWaVRocFW-ZON-Pnck5kiA8f1bZuy_G0-3hOwnvgK6LQwfO5Kw/s4032/IMG_6349.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPx5nJ5SU78IgDqrnPgzb2ow7y0Tz5wctAeHzCDM2ohs6aR8_wOZ2ufW7tWJE6Y2OH_hlvnMCKj6anrsix_oVk9pFTPa2THsAe6SbcMXHj3uzM0fx1O6Jb6nc5qYqEtzZl4oYDEWaVRocFW-ZON-Pnck5kiA8f1bZuy_G0-3hOwnvgK6LQwfO5Kw/s320/IMG_6349.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Free play at the ballpit - it was less crowded than before lunch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ArjqlwKmQQHDCFknEJyoFVUi53dj2mRIh1maFp_ztR15hnL3bGIMIya2_Xm5fU1oz2XpptCa1-aGgAd9TyD8yxd8gzLQ_Wi9T1lxChHpY0WRIi-xvQ6buHDr9NINapFQUYP5sDIjcqHJYFDUN7YlMUVz077-6CafrWBvxuMXBmmK6lNcko8drA/s4032/IMG_6353.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ArjqlwKmQQHDCFknEJyoFVUi53dj2mRIh1maFp_ztR15hnL3bGIMIya2_Xm5fU1oz2XpptCa1-aGgAd9TyD8yxd8gzLQ_Wi9T1lxChHpY0WRIi-xvQ6buHDr9NINapFQUYP5sDIjcqHJYFDUN7YlMUVz077-6CafrWBvxuMXBmmK6lNcko8drA/s320/IMG_6353.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Both of us wearing new slippers!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-5Nea5ldKCk8QpU6_lQXep55oLrl_BAT4DhTD-Kz13M9FcQ_4da__TmnEd9UlfpcsbHSy8XyBNFbpZozXdbIbMlR3fxCuRPTSSuqMoJ9EjNLMfHjbIKbpgWO9TMlQIvdMs53avPyf4W6Bbz4yBM0-xD1VtepVzhTArUG6nKmuY11een9DNLANg/s4032/IMG_6358.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-5Nea5ldKCk8QpU6_lQXep55oLrl_BAT4DhTD-Kz13M9FcQ_4da__TmnEd9UlfpcsbHSy8XyBNFbpZozXdbIbMlR3fxCuRPTSSuqMoJ9EjNLMfHjbIKbpgWO9TMlQIvdMs53avPyf4W6Bbz4yBM0-xD1VtepVzhTArUG6nKmuY11een9DNLANg/s320/IMG_6358.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sito's slippers broke suddenly when a boy stepped on one on their way home. Luckily he had a standby pair so there was no rush to buy a pair. Found an even older standby pair but it was all mouldy so I took the chance to wash it.</div><div><br /></div><div>My slippers were from Mum who passed through Brazil on their Antarctica trip. Antarctica leh! Sito and I were tired just thinking about it haha!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also realised at the point of taking the photo that Sito didn't get anything - jialat, relegated liao! Haha! But actually I find it difficult to get presents for men. Toys and clothes for kids, pretty much anything goes for women, but men? Very hard. Lucky for me, my husband is very happy with food :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They said they were hungry but not that hungry so they shared fried chicken at J8 foodcourt</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO0WzjGleUhP4nwqMCkZUACIOCyIIznn5G2Cq3lcIRlqtoi8ZhlnIdX3RCVFFyqmOoR4h16JNi_RvoxygztJXHLTCNbgv65WYPpD3n9yPeUAHj6HBJSM2xAb6f_H7nCvjWJwhZmcRtORmh2HT6wWRRV6SUuPLJ8HSyLv8J7wtX8vlZ9M_kGE3XA/s3088/IMG_6359.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO0WzjGleUhP4nwqMCkZUACIOCyIIznn5G2Cq3lcIRlqtoi8ZhlnIdX3RCVFFyqmOoR4h16JNi_RvoxygztJXHLTCNbgv65WYPpD3n9yPeUAHj6HBJSM2xAb6f_H7nCvjWJwhZmcRtORmh2HT6wWRRV6SUuPLJ8HSyLv8J7wtX8vlZ9M_kGE3XA/s320/IMG_6359.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sito and I shared an ice kacang coz still full from our late lunch. It turned out to be the best ice kacang we had! No ice kacang in HV. The nearest was near Siong Sheng at Tanglin Halt but we seldom go there. But Bishan? Our fave :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First time seeing smelly beancurd at pasar malam!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGgqZG2kvvOmiAGNy7IgRCBdUKRAOxeoKXhkdRmiBOETSXcAB0i5D6B2KMJ_BbSV8kcpNdF0bs2SbOOLz3Zlfw6jUcUjoHsND3HYKCRNUBtzIyHh8t4a5Vm0BW3Q0U0VRC0F_xBb5xa_g_yfAzkO7xwzAg8PqpFlucZREZlNygnDxvJ0C-249mA/s4032/IMG_6366.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGgqZG2kvvOmiAGNy7IgRCBdUKRAOxeoKXhkdRmiBOETSXcAB0i5D6B2KMJ_BbSV8kcpNdF0bs2SbOOLz3Zlfw6jUcUjoHsND3HYKCRNUBtzIyHh8t4a5Vm0BW3Q0U0VRC0F_xBb5xa_g_yfAzkO7xwzAg8PqpFlucZREZlNygnDxvJ0C-249mA/s320/IMG_6366.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was located away from the other food stalls though.. Too smelly? We could smell it all the way to the library though!</div><div><br /></div><div>Brought Kai to cut his hair while his brothers read in the library. Kai had a photo-taking session in school the following Monday for his secondary school concession card. Didn't know it's taken so early but probably it's for convenience as the P1s had to make their first card.</div><div><br /></div><div>We found Mixue on the way so after dinner, we came back for dessert. Also learnt the whole song haha!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Very tall and yummy ice cream!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lhyEh8iKPX2Gxyc1SulBf45JtdWX8Su-0GBLsyqgQYDO1DxViMEJ0UmOIQ7b_mBWJp7NFxhJYJPgU-mFWa7ywY5wo5WvSoYTw_c1UaW_ih4VHAz3TQysLQg0IenfSDEREwpTcUY9ZB999qckGD4_C7EF2v3Gr4328OiC3R0asxb2XGB4PzDoGg/s4032/IMG_6367.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lhyEh8iKPX2Gxyc1SulBf45JtdWX8Su-0GBLsyqgQYDO1DxViMEJ0UmOIQ7b_mBWJp7NFxhJYJPgU-mFWa7ywY5wo5WvSoYTw_c1UaW_ih4VHAz3TQysLQg0IenfSDEREwpTcUY9ZB999qckGD4_C7EF2v3Gr4328OiC3R0asxb2XGB4PzDoGg/s320/IMG_6367.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Suddenly noticed Yu still has such small fingers :)))</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEogHzp43bQpWvr5StFVSAoYwqhO7Ko1bToY-Bp98G49tp_jirjooBHCOn_AfYfc9tQxXGQbZ-Rq_5KUHDf_hyGb8b_2CM2gVrwbvxQllxXZs0adNIToOjfqOBp1_Trb8MIbMgSuO0SxJiIydnzAYYDLV7YBWFRANSu4HHSdJ3sR9k6SwOH-BpRA/s4032/IMG_6372.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEogHzp43bQpWvr5StFVSAoYwqhO7Ko1bToY-Bp98G49tp_jirjooBHCOn_AfYfc9tQxXGQbZ-Rq_5KUHDf_hyGb8b_2CM2gVrwbvxQllxXZs0adNIToOjfqOBp1_Trb8MIbMgSuO0SxJiIydnzAYYDLV7YBWFRANSu4HHSdJ3sR9k6SwOH-BpRA/s320/IMG_6372.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He was so cute. Last night, I asked him what if I were to forget about him when I became very old. He took his phone and made a video recording of me saying he's my son and I'm his Mama :) Yes, we will keep that video forever. Don't worry if you change phone - it's on the cloud :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Playing with the latest board game </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK2p4wXpByuV85-YjifV41V_6TJE3xphKSsXElA9DDNi8Uc1Dncf4VnzxVc-ozPbmb0IMS1Y5DXtv24sHezhpTXQTR2Zf1VlkLhyphenhyphenwDCFJeOpcuKPW3j2uVz79lCZTVMH3mPdAevzMYbbl_TR9gnRVEvjVX6zls59xU3Uu1f6nEaceOfWkFwpszA/s4032/IMG_6504.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK2p4wXpByuV85-YjifV41V_6TJE3xphKSsXElA9DDNi8Uc1Dncf4VnzxVc-ozPbmb0IMS1Y5DXtv24sHezhpTXQTR2Zf1VlkLhyphenhyphenwDCFJeOpcuKPW3j2uVz79lCZTVMH3mPdAevzMYbbl_TR9gnRVEvjVX6zls59xU3Uu1f6nEaceOfWkFwpszA/s320/IMG_6504.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was from Yan and so fun to play! Only Kai had not played it. I don't know why. Tween??</div><div><br /></div><div>We had lunch at Ikea on the Tuesday after LNY weekend - no school and I had a medical appointment at Alexander Hospital (more on that later). As usual, must walk through all the showrooms! Also bought a few things for the house. The kids had ice cream too. And we packed some hotdog buns for lunch the next day. Everyone was happy!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One was focused on drinking, one wanted to talk to the brother, and one just wanted to rest...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyj3GYnpRzDelt7OsVGyF6CkP7-dG_3OzkNe4S8sgbhEFa-fN-rFFtYztd1PHs8R6Us2pEJybZDvJqQZFMFCe-B15BkzA_3FL2AJaogHO15qOdMpdmksD_kmEoktFW2wIpSW7sqOnc8beEaXomVbvWU_ZsrvD2BNkuJIEhUtrmkSqP4IzKCOvmw/s4032/IMG_6668.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyj3GYnpRzDelt7OsVGyF6CkP7-dG_3OzkNe4S8sgbhEFa-fN-rFFtYztd1PHs8R6Us2pEJybZDvJqQZFMFCe-B15BkzA_3FL2AJaogHO15qOdMpdmksD_kmEoktFW2wIpSW7sqOnc8beEaXomVbvWU_ZsrvD2BNkuJIEhUtrmkSqP4IzKCOvmw/s320/IMG_6668.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Must hug all the fluffy things *.*</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9z4YtNu0BIRrKXFOUG-GBLjIUZ_Om_6J-kif0KfA44d9JDPBUP_4-6IK0PC1r7KENXhel0VyZbCsE5wzU_fwneefGxcCi-XRXrtxzhenxQMISvKW8odwZJOrrUZgsXEEN2wqhHboiGk7qajQgKqXz5G_4zXjFdND_Z32IF0tS6STkSRBd4bDHA/s4032/IMG_6673.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9z4YtNu0BIRrKXFOUG-GBLjIUZ_Om_6J-kif0KfA44d9JDPBUP_4-6IK0PC1r7KENXhel0VyZbCsE5wzU_fwneefGxcCi-XRXrtxzhenxQMISvKW8odwZJOrrUZgsXEEN2wqhHboiGk7qajQgKqXz5G_4zXjFdND_Z32IF0tS6STkSRBd4bDHA/s320/IMG_6673.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>We're going to Beauty World tmr to get a haircut for Sito, Yang and Yu - $6 is the cheapest we have seen. Just hope no LNY surcharge... We'll also have dinner there - so many options!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-21118067642155267902024-02-23T12:32:00.002+08:002024-02-26T13:26:45.668+08:00The dog who wasn't usefulCame across the Huayi Festival earlier in January and saw a Mandarin production for 5-8yo 我的“汪汪”在哪儿? or The Dog Who Wasn't Useful. I asked and Yu said ok. But I did not mention it was in Mandarin :p <div><br /></div><div>The plan was for his brothers to stay home with Papa and join us for dinner in town later. As it happened, we went to AhMa's place to bainian last Sunday so the brothers stayed there instead. Probably no difference in what they watched but they certainly had unlimited access to snacks there!<div><br /></div><div>We took a bus to Raffles Hotel and walked to Esplanade from there. The underground area right before reaching Esplanade was full of foreign workers sitting around on picnic mats - didn't expect that. I had faced questions on why there were people sitting on floors of MRT stations before (from Kai, I think) so I told Yu that many of these people were like his kakak who took a break on Sundays.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Scanned our ticket and got our stickers!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguie0Q4xon2VwRnlCOPBx9X8kBkKlxUh6bXDHATccl1dlf3VVqJoNVTB8FEIXVr8kR_N4iBNMNpC14wvqWWpeFwqlYDDDDDbsxeMKRLFkpCokksxbeonKhb4j3smUeZoXZ5GWTcrNA0c3yKB8YAU6dmor4A7cgtyBmCXwn3H44pbFdA9xAfYQG2Q/s4032/IMG_6775.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguie0Q4xon2VwRnlCOPBx9X8kBkKlxUh6bXDHATccl1dlf3VVqJoNVTB8FEIXVr8kR_N4iBNMNpC14wvqWWpeFwqlYDDDDDbsxeMKRLFkpCokksxbeonKhb4j3smUeZoXZ5GWTcrNA0c3yKB8YAU6dmor4A7cgtyBmCXwn3H44pbFdA9xAfYQG2Q/s320/IMG_6775.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The lady who greeted us spoke in Mandarin so I think Yu probably got it that the performance would be in Mandarin? I still didn't mention and he didn't ask or complain :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're 小牛!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHRGBpxBrhk7vx9wk97OyeqkA2G8WlOfO4HkpaSnDx7WOCEj3GWBc1-hhD5y5tiSp9Ow4wWSQN8KrZyw0viL-ll-RmSk4rdVxBkBxM7kQwHakqS1mF6q5fLEQE-ANDfG5saBPkJagbWQotY0sINqdreZ-YGLXi5tRvkcsggYuhz-oE8jpFA17yA/s3088/IMG_6777.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHRGBpxBrhk7vx9wk97OyeqkA2G8WlOfO4HkpaSnDx7WOCEj3GWBc1-hhD5y5tiSp9Ow4wWSQN8KrZyw0viL-ll-RmSk4rdVxBkBxM7kQwHakqS1mF6q5fLEQE-ANDfG5saBPkJagbWQotY0sINqdreZ-YGLXi5tRvkcsggYuhz-oE8jpFA17yA/s320/IMG_6777.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were seated amid empty milk cartons. There were also sheep and chicken. Before the performance, the cast went around to tell the audience what to do on certain cues. For us, it was to go moo moo with pulling down actions when we heard 奶牛!奶牛!</div><div><br /></div><div>But Yu seemed a bit shy to participate so I held his hands and moo-ed loudly :p At first he thought the dog was very useful and asked about the title of the performance. Then he realised the dog didn't feel useful in the same way as the other farm animals. Yu liked the dog's tail but he didn't want to ask to touch it :p</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a short 50min performance. We came out to the waterfront to look see. It was a nice afternoon with many people strolling. We could see many people on the bridge leading to the Merlion and of course the Merlion was crowded!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just take a picture from afar...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWhIyxQAMxlNDFHkpo9eBtqy7XGnOWl8EW7A3Gr06XjN33y7Be4o4D9wuSh8nTr0vls68Qgtm-R-ePARJSWjprIh75PGGC4S52JzRQKAaCSdKbE5AZVFkd7eXeUy-MgpUQtk-xm_hd08jXgSLPgLVe0kcvnelLlUahKI9024lA610ygScxGWSow/s4032/IMG_6779.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWhIyxQAMxlNDFHkpo9eBtqy7XGnOWl8EW7A3Gr06XjN33y7Be4o4D9wuSh8nTr0vls68Qgtm-R-ePARJSWjprIh75PGGC4S52JzRQKAaCSdKbE5AZVFkd7eXeUy-MgpUQtk-xm_hd08jXgSLPgLVe0kcvnelLlUahKI9024lA610ygScxGWSow/s320/IMG_6779.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He could recognise MBS</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EKP8Lajqi_8OT2yb1ySxv_e2EbUs79pEUIRtWsV2a95wIC9ilwPnU4DiMeSqpeD6JcD-6m5MuoXnPPfK7JmFF1Vy16d5ytteVqFKhSPts2l6luSF1rZkyErsa__P-g5eQicur_zyxbZIhyCHkieiJPfs3gvJrFZxvofXQw55Sqeabv6hgDga1A/s4032/IMG_6780.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EKP8Lajqi_8OT2yb1ySxv_e2EbUs79pEUIRtWsV2a95wIC9ilwPnU4DiMeSqpeD6JcD-6m5MuoXnPPfK7JmFF1Vy16d5ytteVqFKhSPts2l6luSF1rZkyErsa__P-g5eQicur_zyxbZIhyCHkieiJPfs3gvJrFZxvofXQw55Sqeabv6hgDga1A/s320/IMG_6780.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>He mentioned this to Papa again this week - he wanted to stay there coz his brothers stayed there with the grands back in March 2020. Eh, baby, but I brought you to Goodwood Park for a <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2021/10/yu-turns-five.html">staycation</a> when you were five!</div><div><br /></div><div>The way to Raffles City was crowded with foreign workers - walking to and from the train station, and picnicking at the park. The crowd dropped off the moment we stepped on the escalator from City Hall MRT To Raffles City. Met the rest for dinner at a Japanese eatery and ice cream at Macs before going home.</div><div><br /></div><div>I asked Yu if he liked the performance. He said he didn't know *.* But he said he would want to go to another performance again :)</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-16415514182995795672024-02-21T13:32:00.003+08:002024-02-21T13:32:59.265+08:00Happy Dragon Year!The <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2012/01/blog-post.html">last dragon year</a>, I was pregnant with Kai. Now, we have three bouncy boys and Kai is turning twelve!<div><br /></div><div>Festivities started kind of early this year, for me at least, as Na asked me out to Chinatown the week before <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2024/02/taking-break-from-boys-to-spend-time.html">Taipei</a>. The bazaar wasn't all up yet but there were lots of see and buy already.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I used this for our WhatsApp group LNY greetings :p</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oLhvZb-a7mzQmVHVtyfW88chEud8Munlh1dIcdCEZkyNsw_izFhVyim2ATBpt5iPq_XpcJvnXxI5kcMHIIGhHdIzrSFaD1udrAavkMfNoKcoIApRifkqx9r-WW9AeK8aeKbg6V7uvaSfSmp7hroaJCYoZr-uNIG6bcATxeJR4byA_WMaA4NAkw/s3088/IMG_5673.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oLhvZb-a7mzQmVHVtyfW88chEud8Munlh1dIcdCEZkyNsw_izFhVyim2ATBpt5iPq_XpcJvnXxI5kcMHIIGhHdIzrSFaD1udrAavkMfNoKcoIApRifkqx9r-WW9AeK8aeKbg6V7uvaSfSmp7hroaJCYoZr-uNIG6bcATxeJR4byA_WMaA4NAkw/s320/IMG_5673.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had my brunch / her breakfast, and bought candy and decor before sitting down for my tea / her lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Digression: We were at Toast Box when a old lady next to us speaking Cantonese asked the staff to get her a tea and couldn't understand the cost in Mandarin. I told her the number in Cantonese then she started talking to me in Cantonese. The limits of my Cantonese are like numbers and food so.... :p</div><div><br /></div><div>We planned to bring the boys to Chinatown like in recent years. There were only two weekends before LNY after I came back from Taipei. The first weekend, we had to return library books and lucky us - we came across a pasar malam at Bishan with LNY decor!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Are these real coins?"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O9BkOcs8Mbg-65ye4vnJ5UNfOJ5m23UuEIuI7f9dE2oq0HjX26dXQV-dIOL1-qbt-fixThVP2uSuh6_Iv4FPi_TdNdNExDjK5boKZ4Mbo69ONo-xEvcSnceC2H5q5bo3Pf1rM4Dn57rr1RpGif7Me_zI8nkLM5GdAjMEXAkFZbkycC2NoHCWkg/s4032/IMG_6363.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O9BkOcs8Mbg-65ye4vnJ5UNfOJ5m23UuEIuI7f9dE2oq0HjX26dXQV-dIOL1-qbt-fixThVP2uSuh6_Iv4FPi_TdNdNExDjK5boKZ4Mbo69ONo-xEvcSnceC2H5q5bo3Pf1rM4Dn57rr1RpGif7Me_zI8nkLM5GdAjMEXAkFZbkycC2NoHCWkg/s320/IMG_6363.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I pasted the decor from Chinatown and got Yu to help me make lanterns from hongbao as the lower primary kids could upload their work which might be showcased during the school cele - I never know whether his was chosen but we had fun!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Watching Yang staple the hongbao</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHzmjvMIzFfGqUzhnCiQJIBk-BV4uoXPrfmbZh4Ff8QmppYTAjEq4W9rrPhYWQeXkOSqupyR4zsSbF1GaZdrsv1GmJ8yD0fDGvF9Zx6TJ_SQFscPoDHOaFQy0PGRGhb7eXBXTkDfG2TM6Hhnd5aUL_J3wVsdgBBCg71yCH1Mm6j0eVMRjWykliA/s4032/IMG_6416.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHzmjvMIzFfGqUzhnCiQJIBk-BV4uoXPrfmbZh4Ff8QmppYTAjEq4W9rrPhYWQeXkOSqupyR4zsSbF1GaZdrsv1GmJ8yD0fDGvF9Zx6TJ_SQFscPoDHOaFQy0PGRGhb7eXBXTkDfG2TM6Hhnd5aUL_J3wVsdgBBCg71yCH1Mm6j0eVMRjWykliA/s320/IMG_6416.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yu was a bit fearful of the stapler after accidentally stapling himself a couple of years ago. But after watching me and Yang, he decided to do it after all :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy with their lanterns</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmxA5eHH9O6hDsaTxHsrEusRF8EePf1RyiW7id-6w2nOzx7pFun3mNfUc_BW8JKcGPu0M54KHXbBenTtvoDTWWnDYz7lHCoWZgG0-hx7kOr2rjhqXwsoA_q9VAKsIoJ8z05Hk-PfBe3Z2SjES7Slg-eFFHgCGIXzZ87jUY6sin_e8WRNmFa_H-Q/s4032/IMG_6458.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmxA5eHH9O6hDsaTxHsrEusRF8EePf1RyiW7id-6w2nOzx7pFun3mNfUc_BW8JKcGPu0M54KHXbBenTtvoDTWWnDYz7lHCoWZgG0-hx7kOr2rjhqXwsoA_q9VAKsIoJ8z05Hk-PfBe3Z2SjES7Slg-eFFHgCGIXzZ87jUY6sin_e8WRNmFa_H-Q/s320/IMG_6458.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He wanted a "hat"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ipYQi5BeNPDgXEb9Lm1XIC8M96oF9LmfwvKHPfBvuiHHDSNT_UTeqp62DgyrJjwboaIa7DMP9wgGnBypm0QRBeFoG78KQ-oa9EQtQaXyZK8bclfwMkXpNHrXgXk653WGiV96HOZfkqQp6TPqHvXGt4LSVwZ-rKHt4kVNXPWLCLoLmvokznN8-A/s4032/IMG_6459.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ipYQi5BeNPDgXEb9Lm1XIC8M96oF9LmfwvKHPfBvuiHHDSNT_UTeqp62DgyrJjwboaIa7DMP9wgGnBypm0QRBeFoG78KQ-oa9EQtQaXyZK8bclfwMkXpNHrXgXk653WGiV96HOZfkqQp6TPqHvXGt4LSVwZ-rKHt4kVNXPWLCLoLmvokznN8-A/s320/IMG_6459.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Instead of a Saturday, we decided to go to Chinatown on a Friday and what a good choice it was - way less crowded in the day!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yup, we left right after school - Yu had a poop so changed out of his uniform</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XQ0TPbHInc0MJeNJLYW3dDJGyRfUZTEQimC5IQiv0pU7SW0_s2ve1kcxEhqaRKw4JPJbBmsFgrgXQpaJRcyPIctjB0-DfPsPExKraFk1CEcj_dUuVnj6TcaxrpIFsjOg-0kCTxbxHCbzLHu-ksHygmQl81Rl9UxQ5G2MN0DLeL97ByOwTgIQ7g/s4032/IMG_6487.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XQ0TPbHInc0MJeNJLYW3dDJGyRfUZTEQimC5IQiv0pU7SW0_s2ve1kcxEhqaRKw4JPJbBmsFgrgXQpaJRcyPIctjB0-DfPsPExKraFk1CEcj_dUuVnj6TcaxrpIFsjOg-0kCTxbxHCbzLHu-ksHygmQl81Rl9UxQ5G2MN0DLeL97ByOwTgIQ7g/s320/IMG_6487.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Think Yu wanted to daydream on the menu at first but decided to return the menu to my side and daydream on the table instead :p His brothers were playing some game.<div><br /></div><div>We were at Monster Curry at Chinatown Point. We tried to go to Peach Garden but they had only LNY menus and gosh, so ex! The kids probably wouldn't enjoy that as much as Monster Curry anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">你一口,我一口 :)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVd6_sRNNFZnvtBGwx8QZwOa_pi1d8J07BEnrkmpt7hvvLuKkMTbOP4ExyM1XgYvgh2ZYpPRV9DfAeG1xhYiodHwAOnXZYAkywLuLudoCvrApLYCULU1Ab5PmQkQkAwUaqfJs34HqPAbq0WWyRrBLjl3ojg-mD0zqKn3zgyHgt05YcHICYYJpxg/s4032/IMG_6489.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVd6_sRNNFZnvtBGwx8QZwOa_pi1d8J07BEnrkmpt7hvvLuKkMTbOP4ExyM1XgYvgh2ZYpPRV9DfAeG1xhYiodHwAOnXZYAkywLuLudoCvrApLYCULU1Ab5PmQkQkAwUaqfJs34HqPAbq0WWyRrBLjl3ojg-mD0zqKn3zgyHgt05YcHICYYJpxg/s320/IMG_6489.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No otters this year?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvYPJ_fpLPCSn9qtiO8WJquczVW_hwAvguHkYCgP_ULmKj-QLlViWMfZqdpbusWQSMll-vas-opEOmqIeIcUTfRMrrd873KfTfbTqQ18A8bkbA3vUWPBsawSSJGGifGWW25bgctlGm3CXx8AdPtm0ViHbKXXs6rstjLnKOwGXDEZro7oCmYUlcg/s4032/IMG_6491.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvYPJ_fpLPCSn9qtiO8WJquczVW_hwAvguHkYCgP_ULmKj-QLlViWMfZqdpbusWQSMll-vas-opEOmqIeIcUTfRMrrd873KfTfbTqQ18A8bkbA3vUWPBsawSSJGGifGWW25bgctlGm3CXx8AdPtm0ViHbKXXs6rstjLnKOwGXDEZro7oCmYUlcg/s320/IMG_6491.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The setup was more spacious than last year but we didn't linger much to read coz it was drizzling. Went on to shop instead.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"What is this?"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXPW2q5mH3ueSmnPniOLC455VHstnAawfje6FKf9arnG7b5AfL42oBBJAYndWnLAKmLIB7ej-HWn8_kN0wFa67eOx98z16lg1WqowQP-p6y7oMRVfTAn7pGIdoCt2FaXwVYL5ClnMfaadvmihtOIBu-gxhAFJSWNAsVlZGHGJrxPTTwKG-VA1Ng/s4032/IMG_6492.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXPW2q5mH3ueSmnPniOLC455VHstnAawfje6FKf9arnG7b5AfL42oBBJAYndWnLAKmLIB7ej-HWn8_kN0wFa67eOx98z16lg1WqowQP-p6y7oMRVfTAn7pGIdoCt2FaXwVYL5ClnMfaadvmihtOIBu-gxhAFJSWNAsVlZGHGJrxPTTwKG-VA1Ng/s320/IMG_6492.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We bought only baked goods this time. I think next time, we would always go to Chinatown to buy all the baked goods - way cheaper than the bakeries near us, or even supermarket. And they were yummy too!</div><div><br /></div><div>It started pouring while we were getting drinks so might as well sit it out. We left the kids at one table and sat two tables away :p</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They look like three uncles drinking at kopitiam!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGyvW63h5kEA7hRNyKR9hNHZ4W7RRrNhtAHXZRcuZY8AvOVipveRnYO6pqHz4ih8C6IsDXRuohVK2vgTbgtbgf3JtOEC0rgt13C559fyAhiy0XrWRHVRL5cIdFjIXS1nidQLjmJv9S7Gml5FRXLMvTBK-SYxZfNOTMY7BFTRdfeqsC4P-H63g4A/s4032/IMG_6493.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGyvW63h5kEA7hRNyKR9hNHZ4W7RRrNhtAHXZRcuZY8AvOVipveRnYO6pqHz4ih8C6IsDXRuohVK2vgTbgtbgf3JtOEC0rgt13C559fyAhiy0XrWRHVRL5cIdFjIXS1nidQLjmJv9S7Gml5FRXLMvTBK-SYxZfNOTMY7BFTRdfeqsC4P-H63g4A/s320/IMG_6493.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The downpour eventually stopped. We went to get some buns from Dough Magic outside People's Park Complex before going home - very yummy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, Kai started having a sore throat on Monday, 5 Feb. I kept urging him to do an ART but he refused. By 7 Feb, I insisted when he came home and the sore throat was still there. True enough, COVID positive. The rest of us tested too - all negative. </div><div><br /></div><div>By then, we had all had dinner together for at least three days. So I didn't bother with quarantine. Just tested the brothers before they went to school for the next two days even though they had no symptoms. I have many ART kits expiring in March so might as well...</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">So only these two dressed up for celebration in school</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs-ScvwuFHuUi48Bxh0Roeknmt1mXctctkzmTxCJAbfsZjLXKoEYoFG00mK_c-kqs7KfRP1nErluBGKAwbkSrzdr7h_O-Djl7eNZCasuCNsT-TrDxP12aoBSh5dmaonYmVqvSayyBrXZHpx2ykWHN9v8T69AFYQ__XvPnYnzn_t15cc1yhDukSQ/s4032/IMG_6555.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs-ScvwuFHuUi48Bxh0Roeknmt1mXctctkzmTxCJAbfsZjLXKoEYoFG00mK_c-kqs7KfRP1nErluBGKAwbkSrzdr7h_O-Djl7eNZCasuCNsT-TrDxP12aoBSh5dmaonYmVqvSayyBrXZHpx2ykWHN9v8T69AFYQ__XvPnYnzn_t15cc1yhDukSQ/s320/IMG_6555.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Kai didn't want to wear a festive top anyway so I didn't buy for him. Kind of lucky??</div></div><div><br /></div><div>At first, we planned to leave Kai with me at home while Sito took the brothers to AhMa's place for reunion dinner. But Mum said to just go over. But but but, as it turned out, Kai tested negative just before we left for dinner!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He wanted to wear a mask, "just in case"</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvd2fi6yQUtbPtPz7rOdPGPyiZlTC-WcH9oFC3WJMsX-DuZC_V8QVJFHp-Jt4sq9-xdlbEX7nW1n_Q30U_laFnuPF8w0-aEAjQ7OGYdIl_k7SN2srFmCyQ3VrPdTHuOKWB_Ek7OhjbTcbH0Z6ktNCTlYw46UXDNeDyLlh0yQpJ0Xag75jEqqCOA/s3088/IMG_6564.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvd2fi6yQUtbPtPz7rOdPGPyiZlTC-WcH9oFC3WJMsX-DuZC_V8QVJFHp-Jt4sq9-xdlbEX7nW1n_Q30U_laFnuPF8w0-aEAjQ7OGYdIl_k7SN2srFmCyQ3VrPdTHuOKWB_Ek7OhjbTcbH0Z6ktNCTlYw46UXDNeDyLlh0yQpJ0Xag75jEqqCOA/s320/IMG_6564.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But the mask went to the bin in no time! Anyway, bad photo by me - can't even see the yusheng!</div><div><br /></div><div>Mum and Dad were going to Malacca to visit PoPo the next day so the kids gave them oranges right after reunion dinner. We asked them to think of two lines of greetings each and they faithfully greeted their grands. Kai tried to test me on the greetings he got from tuition class - I got only one wrong and he couldn't believe it haha!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The youngest one went first</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtYlrJXVruwOtDWV1G1i6vqeOaZPGPC9vA9m2ea91n5Yodv1FVvpLuYqoiXEhY0zpgEZsbt9decH0cz6uJY9cpE0KfHiBi3SvDupIMG_12BLK1NgFgjrfgDoUdq-sMZrYJmxFaYAjGQLNs8lAe3Ky8tPYpNHR46yriO9UPilNjL-5oFydYbib6w/s4032/IMG_6566.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtYlrJXVruwOtDWV1G1i6vqeOaZPGPC9vA9m2ea91n5Yodv1FVvpLuYqoiXEhY0zpgEZsbt9decH0cz6uJY9cpE0KfHiBi3SvDupIMG_12BLK1NgFgjrfgDoUdq-sMZrYJmxFaYAjGQLNs8lAe3Ky8tPYpNHR46yriO9UPilNjL-5oFydYbib6w/s320/IMG_6566.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yang next</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwLHGYEkHeSAOMQk19PIAvNL1DXY0WhpEb8sub-sKNZYKIcjtU52EwXwUn6c3xq8lau925VYhWztbfw0YKbvD3WKi3HJ1o-xcrgYJQhjPmHvdi5Ot1e2xYhuhKCy0MIw5CkVQjI_UYQelrPBMjAFptBawwg-YXsGC25dSfE7qRizZNOwc561HmQ/s4032/IMG_6568.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwLHGYEkHeSAOMQk19PIAvNL1DXY0WhpEb8sub-sKNZYKIcjtU52EwXwUn6c3xq8lau925VYhWztbfw0YKbvD3WKi3HJ1o-xcrgYJQhjPmHvdi5Ot1e2xYhuhKCy0MIw5CkVQjI_UYQelrPBMjAFptBawwg-YXsGC25dSfE7qRizZNOwc561HmQ/s320/IMG_6568.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dragon boy finally</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyryvxOkgkuB3-dBQl6IcSYD_48rQY8Y5tDzjP8-BqnpTLdFGaqRHA8Eu2V1C_X236a9jlJe9JhqFTcn9pT9qqCnY7R6W7KLzEEgzJ3KL5SlPHu0-2hkk6jlJ8sg2zOGxXwYzgQl1dSCA6C4um47RSWZCyY-bu1tv0-zbfElwxiPIi9ttVxPqxg/s4032/IMG_6573.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyryvxOkgkuB3-dBQl6IcSYD_48rQY8Y5tDzjP8-BqnpTLdFGaqRHA8Eu2V1C_X236a9jlJe9JhqFTcn9pT9qqCnY7R6W7KLzEEgzJ3KL5SlPHu0-2hkk6jlJ8sg2zOGxXwYzgQl1dSCA6C4um47RSWZCyY-bu1tv0-zbfElwxiPIi9ttVxPqxg/s320/IMG_6573.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, we gathered on our bed to watch TV and eat snacks. But the boys are so big now! I managed to sit next to Yu but Sito had to sit on the floor. Looks like next year, we would have to do this in the living room, provided they don't break their sofa ha!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Think this was pre-snacks</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-b-G4b-2fE9yOgfkdIGFCUYPbtCm-yCe4oM6dD94N1aB_Stlj6SU9pIP9sG_QWX45kLSC5axFtA8AS-RQki9FsBWsDNc4po_8n9jV_SkpCswIoykQcoAE-BhTQz87Mlis9W4XXty2WlHTCGVDD_XSl21LNuB5wJsYBLS33kVJ7HhpA04_2CEmA/s4032/IMG_6576.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-b-G4b-2fE9yOgfkdIGFCUYPbtCm-yCe4oM6dD94N1aB_Stlj6SU9pIP9sG_QWX45kLSC5axFtA8AS-RQki9FsBWsDNc4po_8n9jV_SkpCswIoykQcoAE-BhTQz87Mlis9W4XXty2WlHTCGVDD_XSl21LNuB5wJsYBLS33kVJ7HhpA04_2CEmA/s320/IMG_6576.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was no kid-friendly late show and the boys kept irritating one another so we called it a night early. Also didn't eat much snacks I think... Forgot to bring out the melon seeds...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yang gave us oranges first coz he's sweet :p</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W_wc1JUEz98MbiZ7AkagKLWqxdTKgsSJ8oTUp5U9VL3ppuCuuiMr-mHykCzgibHEpRPZ_RZs1ca-2UtVWZZwxOv3yUGPndKah2q5yFU4V-y-X8oZm7toIQNkPNLOpb9_Hbtr0vpEjIEBaFF3HEHgXL5bCNxwX0KNzDNyIX3QqJkBEWGY_ZoUjA/s4032/IMG_6587.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W_wc1JUEz98MbiZ7AkagKLWqxdTKgsSJ8oTUp5U9VL3ppuCuuiMr-mHykCzgibHEpRPZ_RZs1ca-2UtVWZZwxOv3yUGPndKah2q5yFU4V-y-X8oZm7toIQNkPNLOpb9_Hbtr0vpEjIEBaFF3HEHgXL5bCNxwX0KNzDNyIX3QqJkBEWGY_ZoUjA/s320/IMG_6587.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This boy said his greetings so shyly!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_vaZXs4DczT6BsLsBwIdlf6hk51Hq8dOlwdoKbkeC-DSzDKPYoFYlXNMoCb5JyXmQIZknK-VttFy8rbZW9NEY7nj-Hfg02CDhu0mOYccW2XoSzh3Vys1Mzchzb212qE4frxqremvmd2wVn2FacXKZZl0esVmqUO0raPBW5YgmTwDLI52rA8k5w/s4032/IMG_6590.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_vaZXs4DczT6BsLsBwIdlf6hk51Hq8dOlwdoKbkeC-DSzDKPYoFYlXNMoCb5JyXmQIZknK-VttFy8rbZW9NEY7nj-Hfg02CDhu0mOYccW2XoSzh3Vys1Mzchzb212qE4frxqremvmd2wVn2FacXKZZl0esVmqUO0raPBW5YgmTwDLI52rA8k5w/s320/IMG_6590.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He wasn't kneeling to us; he happened to be playing on the floor and refused to budge much!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl9GOBZgU4I_jkL9tk3_ABap_KO7ot91FHP_HZlScnThyphenhyphen9z5SzV6Hh4bbV0sjYrTjo7uccEq5lZi83idSTjcGECOWTgTQtw1vl6A3ovjEHhyphenhyphenC_buytsjhray6Kq30rmNCQpioDwN0-Rqmps4mpR21XA4qkNHhRIoneUEIg2QkfIe5tW5HYB25jQ/s4032/IMG_6599.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl9GOBZgU4I_jkL9tk3_ABap_KO7ot91FHP_HZlScnThyphenhyphen9z5SzV6Hh4bbV0sjYrTjo7uccEq5lZi83idSTjcGECOWTgTQtw1vl6A3ovjEHhyphenhyphenC_buytsjhray6Kq30rmNCQpioDwN0-Rqmps4mpR21XA4qkNHhRIoneUEIg2QkfIe5tW5HYB25jQ/s320/IMG_6599.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Standard annual shot</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZR3O4IBWbuqa7KRkjkFxjw5byZVF-qpbgcsyiV-b87RjrHzEXRDD76jERuwPxJ8iZrTKg97DBVIOYWLLGQZbeRhmosoo7iaAwsRwl8uN1_suTD5nEY0AQ7aN6jhdc3V5SD6569upcJC1x-CysmXhr2QoufbTQPG-m9SR4HzRY9SNlciswtzXEA/s4032/IMG_6615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZR3O4IBWbuqa7KRkjkFxjw5byZVF-qpbgcsyiV-b87RjrHzEXRDD76jERuwPxJ8iZrTKg97DBVIOYWLLGQZbeRhmosoo7iaAwsRwl8uN1_suTD5nEY0AQ7aN6jhdc3V5SD6569upcJC1x-CysmXhr2QoufbTQPG-m9SR4HzRY9SNlciswtzXEA/s320/IMG_6615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This year, we have a different background :) There's also a banner on our main door - can't see from here.</div><div><br /></div><div>And before we could continue, Sito tested positive for COVID *.* The rest of us were still negative! And the brothers and I probably interacted more with Kai - the monkeys play together all the time while I lie down with them at night. So I gathered that Yang and Yu probably got it earlier and recovered - Yang had like a day of sore throat the week before. I got it back in <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2023/12/excursion-across-causeway.html">December</a> so safe.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I brought the kids out on my own. Sito cooked his own LNY lunch :p</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Must monkey around on the way to WaiPo's place</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBi7CboL3gt2IfJgO5UBleyBS0SDfHUPkkTf6h6Lw1bT5zLDSQxFZphKQtheUVViH52veZdjEtknLSStOkppPjMv3gp-D8reCMAn7UeIHQvgPgQ48sQupQ-wZ8mMYLMOmYJnjOtZyIk4rTXCKAmFmyYx6S0zhBRk8TMPt3l9NCh7e2DG7zkhufw/s4032/IMG_6620.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBi7CboL3gt2IfJgO5UBleyBS0SDfHUPkkTf6h6Lw1bT5zLDSQxFZphKQtheUVViH52veZdjEtknLSStOkppPjMv3gp-D8reCMAn7UeIHQvgPgQ48sQupQ-wZ8mMYLMOmYJnjOtZyIk4rTXCKAmFmyYx6S0zhBRk8TMPt3l9NCh7e2DG7zkhufw/s320/IMG_6620.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Huge apple with words on them!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0EWOPKz4Xo4xzRNd_OYChX6Ih36krVgCWCk5KQZ9FDFOXHAcLZq3cU4VA5fm-5WCNy3lbgZv0cOsZV9x5eTBoPwNYEeIhsHLCbIzDQh63yO5XUDOZb6fNw7-ch-GGl2puWcJEGAzgiDsW0DcwuBqp_dd-VQypylWmfFtTPKjwed-SFi8wSEXpA/s3088/IMG_6627.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0EWOPKz4Xo4xzRNd_OYChX6Ih36krVgCWCk5KQZ9FDFOXHAcLZq3cU4VA5fm-5WCNy3lbgZv0cOsZV9x5eTBoPwNYEeIhsHLCbIzDQh63yO5XUDOZb6fNw7-ch-GGl2puWcJEGAzgiDsW0DcwuBqp_dd-VQypylWmfFtTPKjwed-SFi8wSEXpA/s320/IMG_6627.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted Yu to hold the apple but he wanted to watch TV *.* I took a selfie instead. Love this apple :)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Next was Ah Yee's place. We bumped into MY and JW at Bishan MRT, and came out at Braddell to see Jiejie, MT and their mum - probably on the same train too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Adults chatted while the kids happily ran ahead to the playground. It was too late when I got there and saw Yu emerge from the tube slide with wet pants *.* He couldn't see the puddle at the bottom of the slide. So I got him a towel but it was too obscene haha! Then Ah Yee lent us a pair of pants which I tightened with an elastic band. His pants and brief were hanging on a bamboo pole - thank goodness for the strong sun that day!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He was sad to wear flowery pants (haha!)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2atr8-_p9zpTdZPc2TcHabbtMJRHl5s1pGdt98BDnqKRpgry18kvG3VYMk_XOaTz6v6r-Obqp-cDprLfECnVZ8UfcApAH_J0bk3QNcHkIEd7EDEmhzvjQ6wGAHestJUBqccHAL3voC1rIZPa1uwVxHXYb8tXHgqhby8-bXwmwIRqTqFqpQ601Q/s4032/IMG_6632.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2atr8-_p9zpTdZPc2TcHabbtMJRHl5s1pGdt98BDnqKRpgry18kvG3VYMk_XOaTz6v6r-Obqp-cDprLfECnVZ8UfcApAH_J0bk3QNcHkIEd7EDEmhzvjQ6wGAHestJUBqccHAL3voC1rIZPa1uwVxHXYb8tXHgqhby8-bXwmwIRqTqFqpQ601Q/s320/IMG_6632.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Standard LNY shot</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-QpMzAzlX-L76YTfsxMFjtdZ_rwm9iTxb34AxqEWwnxvvbroShOnPHzh9Jeq2iCQRbOH7XBpyLQurna7Alf1XgJvRXGc9Pa60oxZkj6s7A5T4F221J5Ykd-Trc3ClpEzISo8_TrzW6aWkJjRJJLkNtqJqdSdoapnDEvGFyHWn5AgBIWB0NYwEg/s2048/e4e3e9e2-6846-48a3-9893-012c5df111b7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-QpMzAzlX-L76YTfsxMFjtdZ_rwm9iTxb34AxqEWwnxvvbroShOnPHzh9Jeq2iCQRbOH7XBpyLQurna7Alf1XgJvRXGc9Pa60oxZkj6s7A5T4F221J5Ykd-Trc3ClpEzISo8_TrzW6aWkJjRJJLkNtqJqdSdoapnDEvGFyHWn5AgBIWB0NYwEg/s320/e4e3e9e2-6846-48a3-9893-012c5df111b7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yan was back for LNY!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwI5SYU-AmGzGlfQA8kFW7bsfedYTZezc7HREcoVmhsZXDRllWAQIbY7P_ykOk45es7ehqVEXoF0eVZD8H9f5cfUPKg_-TRe3pjP7yEiSUAN78BulQS4MqVEZgAgfui_Bs6E85GzV43AzdsSxMbjEJyUO18VtBiPMOrBwP_6J99T9dVfjzeasrw/s1600/81f6833e-4459-410f-bb2a-e6f3b4af0504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwI5SYU-AmGzGlfQA8kFW7bsfedYTZezc7HREcoVmhsZXDRllWAQIbY7P_ykOk45es7ehqVEXoF0eVZD8H9f5cfUPKg_-TRe3pjP7yEiSUAN78BulQS4MqVEZgAgfui_Bs6E85GzV43AzdsSxMbjEJyUO18VtBiPMOrBwP_6J99T9dVfjzeasrw/s320/81f6833e-4459-410f-bb2a-e6f3b4af0504.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We met for lunch the week before too. Else hard to chat with so many people around and with kids to mind... Though I must say, the boys played very well on their own so I really could chat with relatives.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reward #1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWD0IvMDLtNPzkUo9RBtekzxD0iscoIK9_43roK7ba6XI7DyAgtsqe9b1c5gnQcEvh6G_nIwjUMEqA1g8rB7btcLR7fliIvrGwLqacz53q7cv_Y7QPmblwKoWb4q7ei8qbYSml8ahR2Ofag6XdMj8HUXdCOzS_kWYAOrcEzLxBPl0YIqKnj4Wcg/s4032/IMG_6648.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWD0IvMDLtNPzkUo9RBtekzxD0iscoIK9_43roK7ba6XI7DyAgtsqe9b1c5gnQcEvh6G_nIwjUMEqA1g8rB7btcLR7fliIvrGwLqacz53q7cv_Y7QPmblwKoWb4q7ei8qbYSml8ahR2Ofag6XdMj8HUXdCOzS_kWYAOrcEzLxBPl0YIqKnj4Wcg/s320/IMG_6648.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Reward #2 was Macs for dinner. It was early but I figure they didn't have much lunch and could always top up at home. </div><div><br /></div><div>They tore open their hongbao last week and guai guai handed over their money for my safekeeping. I kind of just keep the notes for next year - don't want to queue online to book and then at the bank to collect new/fit notes anymore! But I jotted down their money - will invest for them!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Counting counting...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ6bMLqQkjrpLbL-ts6eJiSBaVabm87a5xSJw7X9iXL-F8T1lRoBOhW1o9P816j2dxBKElkLFGx7zzc7jsGansoNHmbD3ZO1yk-ZizY0v5BvJXG2AjkapT3j-LYCkRPsco0xYtr1EXONb-qxsYzBYavGWl_mw_9stgR3hgwPIz5bOJtOaTzR4hw/s4032/IMG_6683.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ6bMLqQkjrpLbL-ts6eJiSBaVabm87a5xSJw7X9iXL-F8T1lRoBOhW1o9P816j2dxBKElkLFGx7zzc7jsGansoNHmbD3ZO1yk-ZizY0v5BvJXG2AjkapT3j-LYCkRPsco0xYtr1EXONb-qxsYzBYavGWl_mw_9stgR3hgwPIz5bOJtOaTzR4hw/s320/IMG_6683.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Saturday, we met with Sito's uni mates. Five families, 14 kids! Ours were among the youngest. Oldest already 19!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They had fun playing pool in the condo entertainment room</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0I66WcRyar1nHab-l19LEPdo5TQTSb52YEiok2x8IEd3PjHZ122w5UIxorOXLVCGMIl4MR_Sc9uiVrkc-axzQmxyspcGK8MlwTCuZhk6nrpAZY8ZxzyXGLgY30VOe1-AewDLFlFLVhVDbuh9bA3EoWhBvhyQEvriwbuCVlIz1YMOBVTKCUvHlg/s4032/IMG_6755.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0I66WcRyar1nHab-l19LEPdo5TQTSb52YEiok2x8IEd3PjHZ122w5UIxorOXLVCGMIl4MR_Sc9uiVrkc-axzQmxyspcGK8MlwTCuZhk6nrpAZY8ZxzyXGLgY30VOe1-AewDLFlFLVhVDbuh9bA3EoWhBvhyQEvriwbuCVlIz1YMOBVTKCUvHlg/s320/IMG_6755.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Got Sito to hit one when he came to get us to go home</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmw0Dgq_0nCioltuhG5_gF8z1kU9iMMF4zwXfxNYRrN3OfLR7xGtWzNMY2AQ27cuIQ6RxjQGVcGRw-CYT0Cqfe_lGMY4yM_gx3w9ZBn1IORPfSbQZvPY3PIDVhjmrhxNz3mRqWdsB1dY2MBC0AfmxgC8AMlhi8ZUkplZIeZf5YymulCV1A7pr6g/s4032/IMG_6769.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmw0Dgq_0nCioltuhG5_gF8z1kU9iMMF4zwXfxNYRrN3OfLR7xGtWzNMY2AQ27cuIQ6RxjQGVcGRw-CYT0Cqfe_lGMY4yM_gx3w9ZBn1IORPfSbQZvPY3PIDVhjmrhxNz3mRqWdsB1dY2MBC0AfmxgC8AMlhi8ZUkplZIeZf5YymulCV1A7pr6g/s320/IMG_6769.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>That night, there was lots of incense smell in the air and we let it be until buay tahan, must turn on aircon. But I caught a cold by Sunday - not sure if it was the incense or the aircon!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the incense is strong in this neighbourhood - Sito once saw a neighbour in a further corridor burning stuff at the corridor! So we would be careful and turn on aircon once we smell incense.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only three more days to end of this LNY period. I got my tangyuan ready :)</div><div><br /></div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-17915655166728042482024-02-16T13:30:00.000+08:002024-02-22T12:54:31.733+08:00Taking a break from the boys to spend time with myselfFor six days in January, I heard very little of the boys, and had no small hands touching me or small butts sitting on me...<br /><br />我离家出走了!<br /><br />Sito had wanted me to experience business class flights. But I wouldn't (let him) pay for it. Then, his miles were expiring, and enough to redeem one biz class trip to Taiwan or Japan. My Japanese is almost non-existent now and I didn't want to work my brain too hard so I chose Taipei. Tokyo would be colder as well, brrr...<br /><br />Can't remember now but the dates were kind of limited even though we booked in July last year. Eventually we settled on mid Jan, and included a Friday so I might catch a play or something. Preferred term time to school holidays so the kids would be off Sito's hands for a large part of the day. Yes, Sito signed on as full-time 奶爸 for six days!<br /><br />I started booking stuff in mid December - a Vietnamese shampoo, a private hot spring, and a play. Also prepared a note on my phone to share with Sito, detailing all the things that needed to be done while I was away - kiddy stuff, laundry and mopping - and how. Very OCD :p<br /><br />I was feeling all anxious in the lead-up. This would be the first time I was away from three kids for so long! Last time was back in 2020 and for <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2020/03/bintan-wedding-weekend.html">only one night</a>. Yang and Yu didn't want me to go but Kai was fine *.* Sito assured me he would be fine with my to-do list :D<br /><br />So off I went!<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Monday, 15 Jan<br /></span></b>Travel day<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">OOTD</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpQcgNIww2VEzwflshvlLWo6yVWgsCs5wmHZlSmjd63wLaIw7XGrnRZ00HlwIulmAH2Yxt3eyyFPPvTwpRdZq3UQeBoJknJ6hJ5AoU2o-Ge53yS3ervuGi554RSYTPtky8eU_xf4Cd3zOVXz8cKdCQCQFHmCR6rMw5Z8bGvIBZAMlIKzX089JaA/s4032/IMG_5777.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpQcgNIww2VEzwflshvlLWo6yVWgsCs5wmHZlSmjd63wLaIw7XGrnRZ00HlwIulmAH2Yxt3eyyFPPvTwpRdZq3UQeBoJknJ6hJ5AoU2o-Ge53yS3ervuGi554RSYTPtky8eU_xf4Cd3zOVXz8cKdCQCQFHmCR6rMw5Z8bGvIBZAMlIKzX089JaA/s320/IMG_5777.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Yes, I hiao, took a picture of myself in front of the mirror every day!</div><div><br />Anyway, I didn't sleep well. Dreamt that I was trying to steam gyoza and panfry spring onion pancake at the same time and pans were falling off! Anxiety about the trip indeed...<div><br /></div><div>Dreams aside, I kept waking coz I was so scared of missing my alarm. It was an early flight at 8.10 am and I was afraid it might rain so I booked a taxi for 5.30 am.<br /><br />Yang must have woke when I went in to see them. He came out to say bye bye. Always the sweetest :)<br /><br />I reached T2 quite early as the driver and I were early. Gosh, I haven't flown since 2018! I found it quite easy to print boarding pass and baggage tag. A staff was present to help stick the tag to my suitcase. Then it was off to baggage check and I was free to roam!<br /><br />Was surprised to see the shops all open at that hour. But I didn't linger. Went straight to the lounge:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Need coffee! Had two cups - happy :) </li><li>Pinched some food coz greedy, not hungry</li><li>Checked on the boys via the camera; managed to catch all three boys :)</li><li>Filled in arrival form for Taiwan using a QR code I scanned at immigrations earlier</li><li>Scrolled phone. Realised that paying by credit card on the Comfort app attracted a 10% admin fee! Gosh, never again! I paid by PayNow for my return trip.</li></ul><div>Somehow my plane was in T1 so I took the Sky Train to get there. During the security check, I had to remove my boots. I didn't realise I hadn't unzipped my right boot all the way and gave it too hard a yank - I ripped off a third of the base from the back!!!</div><br /></div><div>Later on the flight, I asked the attendants if they had any glue - trying my luck. They didn't but gave me cable ties and rubber bands in case the base fell off completely. But I was in luck - an attendant found glue in her own bag and gave it to me, so nice!</div><div><br /></div><div>For once, I could stretch out my legs fully and even lie down in my seat. But biz class or economy, one thing that doesn't change is the height - still bumped my head on the overhead cabin. And again on the return flight *.*<br /><br />And I had suaku moments... Took earphones at the door but found a set of noise cancelling headphones in my seat *.* Also didn't know there was a harness on the seat belt; thought it was to hold the seatbelt in place! Later on the return flight, I saw the video talking about it. Did I miss that earlier?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Big headphones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1yCjcjq8Vv5lj7XA2wNT1xp5QmRhZfNkU-72THaRDx78fDWA2uWGN0tpvncVyzQkhKOsQOBDGC5eLT6HaOaIKlzpVYx7U5mIGtoztcyA8N-tOKeOUfGZHfxQRk9C5ELqcw3RxN7on6krXkngDpje5NDYmgZhXy766pephWHd1gPkjGzeiiDsiw/s3088/IMG_5745.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1yCjcjq8Vv5lj7XA2wNT1xp5QmRhZfNkU-72THaRDx78fDWA2uWGN0tpvncVyzQkhKOsQOBDGC5eLT6HaOaIKlzpVYx7U5mIGtoztcyA8N-tOKeOUfGZHfxQRk9C5ELqcw3RxN7on6krXkngDpje5NDYmgZhXy766pephWHd1gPkjGzeiiDsiw/s320/IMG_5745.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Must wear mask. Not so much for fear of COVID though. I started this habit almost 20 years back so I don't catch a cold during the flight. Works like a charm. No more running nose upon arrival at holiday destination!</div><br />Anyway, despite the bad sleep, I wasn't sleepy. I watched Barbie and loved it just 10min into it! Breakfast was lobster thermidor via SQ's Book the Cook service, yummy but not more than Margot Robbie :p<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Easy to eat coz it was cooked and put back onto the shell!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRd_bxfHYpgMEblmp5J8aJUyDOgfelunRHF69Yfa_M_kGFHXWfx2eiNO6eLnb0myw2oWNxF_fD72vL_6BCrLB9xHl0fkLF0zZyPIBQLCQhzVsLRwstZwIi3GmKkP0nRMrw6LKIemKOGYFFyPMnnecgqvbgPenogccljyInwdRZJAOKdLrn2i2pg/s4032/IMG_5749.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRd_bxfHYpgMEblmp5J8aJUyDOgfelunRHF69Yfa_M_kGFHXWfx2eiNO6eLnb0myw2oWNxF_fD72vL_6BCrLB9xHl0fkLF0zZyPIBQLCQhzVsLRwstZwIi3GmKkP0nRMrw6LKIemKOGYFFyPMnnecgqvbgPenogccljyInwdRZJAOKdLrn2i2pg/s320/IMG_5749.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Spent most of the time scrolling my phone. I still remember some 20 years ago, I had to use a card or something to access in-flight internet. Now it's just a few clicks to get connected. <br /><br />Immigrations was a breeze as our passport can go through the auto gates. And I was in Taipei!<br /><br />Took the airport express to Taipei MRT. Kel lent me his Easycard which was already registered for bike sharing but I didn't rent a bike in the end coz 1) wearing dresses, and 2) scared of traffic! So I just topped it up to use for public transport. Spent some NT670 in six days, with NT150 x2 for the airport express. I must say their public transport is very cheap - most MRT rides cost NT20 and most bus rides NT15.<br /><br />I chose to take the blue line to hotel and had to navigate through endless crowds! On the return trip, I chose the green line from hotel instead and it was a much smoother and faster walk to the airport express.<br /><br />Surfaced to find Ximending crisp with a very light drizzle, so light that I was surprised to see people carrying umbrellas - mf, who carries a brolly for the slightest rain. So I happily pulled out my brolly. It wasn't very cold; my hoodie sufficed.<br /><br />The hotel was a short though bumpy walk away. It was very nice! Found it on Booking.com and was attracted to its decor and price. Reception was friendly and gave me an upgrade to a slightly bigger room. She emphasised on "slightly". Indeed, it was still quite small, haha!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Nice smell in the corridor</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds9OtMwLFj5Bvo1IOZ9XGBpdsHr5iXuwziudBTdCkllS2LvFHDsbkJT1k4y6zlFcUHQWabTH8Xf0r_38OQhZbIgn0CeoQfGbhVYEMcvPD1JKfNWfmgt2t38M8s5JHQ2FoTQ7gFT87WHxMPpm894pvHQp5tVZjr-eqjzBuebbzJ-6ip19qzzEzlg/s4032/IMG_5764.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds9OtMwLFj5Bvo1IOZ9XGBpdsHr5iXuwziudBTdCkllS2LvFHDsbkJT1k4y6zlFcUHQWabTH8Xf0r_38OQhZbIgn0CeoQfGbhVYEMcvPD1JKfNWfmgt2t38M8s5JHQ2FoTQ7gFT87WHxMPpm894pvHQp5tVZjr-eqjzBuebbzJ-6ip19qzzEzlg/s320/IMG_5764.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Queen bed all the way to the corner</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxTj5guwwmUgUwPMXDqbWJvWeIlSiZHeK6gQuXWEPtZsorGnMNRm_kN-0UIyq5fDn0zX4IvkEpZXvXIbOhCk_K3oPV_iQfHIV69VTuF7CEs1w3rlG7tnBK1k5w1RhcMgxjCBGLrmOecL0kf6ktkBucJdWsGLKGLvJqCnIKJbQFjcFLIAGbPRMzA/s4032/IMG_5765.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxTj5guwwmUgUwPMXDqbWJvWeIlSiZHeK6gQuXWEPtZsorGnMNRm_kN-0UIyq5fDn0zX4IvkEpZXvXIbOhCk_K3oPV_iQfHIV69VTuF7CEs1w3rlG7tnBK1k5w1RhcMgxjCBGLrmOecL0kf6ktkBucJdWsGLKGLvJqCnIKJbQFjcFLIAGbPRMzA/s320/IMG_5765.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That's the welcome pack in brown card paper on my bag. Very nice - tear-off postcard, jigsaw piece to write a note for the hotel, a bookmark and a souvenir map of the area. Come to think of it, my postcard has not arrived!!! (I wrote that on 15 Feb; two hours later, Yang came home with the mail and voila, the postcard got here!)</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm standing right outside the bathroom to take this picture</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMl-Jk9MWX0n_GpTQo9PF8HxgA6zjVFWXrLbUJM8dXtZP-IdijzjIjqqfRNVglBtoXpBS42vDo6V9Tv27gO5S9anvGUqHfm3aec-ScTMYW4mew_4rd-_3EbzG5yiijA-NMhJrgIoy0YtO0ZmUUl3zsnFCamAr4dI0pDhyphenhyphenhdAhrpXK-dqI79H0nQ/s4032/IMG_5766.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMl-Jk9MWX0n_GpTQo9PF8HxgA6zjVFWXrLbUJM8dXtZP-IdijzjIjqqfRNVglBtoXpBS42vDo6V9Tv27gO5S9anvGUqHfm3aec-ScTMYW4mew_4rd-_3EbzG5yiijA-NMhJrgIoy0YtO0ZmUUl3zsnFCamAr4dI0pDhyphenhyphenhdAhrpXK-dqI79H0nQ/s320/IMG_5766.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, very small room!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4hHs3Q27R4_uy6_0e6rnca3AXpBgYOKJdFujGDw7q_tJnA1WsgSXSts8EEu8nER8Sh6bn7-XDnl6HVwjI9UUK8UalXKIZk4ddV4a0ZE9sfr5mloocuM7-KZ2S-bpKdRYr34byReaMum__QIk3IevEN3T3qrwhnWhbEBlSxA05dRDDLWZLnWk6g/s4032/IMG_5767.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4hHs3Q27R4_uy6_0e6rnca3AXpBgYOKJdFujGDw7q_tJnA1WsgSXSts8EEu8nER8Sh6bn7-XDnl6HVwjI9UUK8UalXKIZk4ddV4a0ZE9sfr5mloocuM7-KZ2S-bpKdRYr34byReaMum__QIk3IevEN3T3qrwhnWhbEBlSxA05dRDDLWZLnWk6g/s320/IMG_5767.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Chatted 40min with the boys before I left with a cardigan and a coat. The original plan was to head for Shilin but with the rain, no matter how slight, it would be very irritating. So I walked around Ximending.</div><br />Got pulled into a shop to try beauty products. Bought a large bowl of mee sua NT75 - I said no oysters but forgot to say no intestines... I tried a couple of the intestines and gave up. The rest of the mee sua was really good though, especially given the weather.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The beginning of rounding up my face :p</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ttAly39fNMxL4-KfyBOMA3bi6VAJdXmIvH0IEaOa6GpPxCn654_ofve720dLmrwTrO5zeqzzsyr5ikj6_eaTjLrQTKJOdoIIletwb6ntPgay1w9rUWTpAAPXE6KZtf4a2IrfAgwSz7FZBXkHUN20WSaxH_8IEfnB60bpIx5bAzb7-bUTKmR1A/s3088/IMG_5783.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ttAly39fNMxL4-KfyBOMA3bi6VAJdXmIvH0IEaOa6GpPxCn654_ofve720dLmrwTrO5zeqzzsyr5ikj6_eaTjLrQTKJOdoIIletwb6ntPgay1w9rUWTpAAPXE6KZtf4a2IrfAgwSz7FZBXkHUN20WSaxH_8IEfnB60bpIx5bAzb7-bUTKmR1A/s320/IMG_5783.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Bought snacks from 红樱花 and 海边走走 as recommended by Kel. Sito and I have now finished them all - very nice! But not cheap. A box of eight 红樱花 cakes, similar to 太阳饼,cost NT280 while each box of four packs (with two sticks inside) of 海边走走 cost NT270 - I bought three boxes for NT780 to try the different flavours. Peanut butter and black sesame tied.<br /><br />Was going back when I passed by 蜂大咖啡 Fong Da Coffee which was recommended by Kel. In fact, all the cafes I went to on the trip were all his recommendations... I had intended to visit this one later in my trip but since I was there, I went in. <br /><br />Gosh, the auntie wasn't friendly at all! Asked me if I wanted cake. If so, order first as cakes were upstairs and she was going up now, else she would have to go up again. I asked for recommendations, and her response: 我会说不要点,这样我就不用上去!<br /><br />The coffee smelled really good but I didn't fancy their cold drip coffee much. The crepe cake was a mistake, sighs...</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see from the background - quite an old spot (but Kel said charming *.*)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcAH-9kU7QdhtWijjDHueidelQPUHitYhJMEIVpBkD5zOKDqGB93MVXOm95gJP_rU367GUv2iaVPUUOE_ydk5DdqmGXl6BXD0U6kzUGP30eSZ_VVP6O_ys7BCvXWBpmaPvPmjCIf2aWnPBZoOlBr5FJWIjjOxAJqIBfwNtVdduz42rRMcPFj8dQ/s4032/IMG_5784.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcAH-9kU7QdhtWijjDHueidelQPUHitYhJMEIVpBkD5zOKDqGB93MVXOm95gJP_rU367GUv2iaVPUUOE_ydk5DdqmGXl6BXD0U6kzUGP30eSZ_VVP6O_ys7BCvXWBpmaPvPmjCIf2aWnPBZoOlBr5FJWIjjOxAJqIBfwNtVdduz42rRMcPFj8dQ/s320/IMG_5784.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Kind of tired after the coffee so I went back to the hotel. I was very near the hotel when I felt something strange in my step. I looked down and saw a black chunk on the floor just behind me. The soles of my boots were dropping off!<br /><br />I inspected them - really cannot save anymore. The soles were curved according to the boot at the front, middle and back. Wouldn't be able to find a replacement for repair. Anyway, they were 14yo!<br /><br />I dropped the snacks and stepped out in socks and walkers to buy new boots. My walkers would be disgusting in heavier rain. And somehow they were cutting into the back of my heels even though they were not new. In fact, I wore them to work daily pre-COVID.<br /><br />Found boots like my old ones but with a bit of a heel. They felt comfy - more toe room than my old ones! I put them on straight away but after walking to get supper, I found that the heels made my toes slide forward a bit and hurt a little. Rather a bit of pain than wet and cold feet!<br /><br />Anyway, supper was 八方云集 but I didn't get gyozas as I had to wait longer. Dumplings would do. Ate them after a nice shower. Every night, I left the TV on - sometimes there were nice movies - and chatted with Sito and/or watched TV drama :)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZyi4wYgNawZoccNu_3lVSCgyjZ8ih-n4TFEjFZbzfY_7x6MBSZfDNPd1-UHb2q9Se9lbmUJdX9w8wvG2TvuQxRZkrratwuBUVjHBZL78IAekdrSQ_KbSjMUeAYdPlQKo6sSX_h7jV-GYDfMpS5Bd56YLJVpdx1dzV5syclFmCFCGAeUqKnD2sQ/s4032/IMG_5790.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZyi4wYgNawZoccNu_3lVSCgyjZ8ih-n4TFEjFZbzfY_7x6MBSZfDNPd1-UHb2q9Se9lbmUJdX9w8wvG2TvuQxRZkrratwuBUVjHBZL78IAekdrSQ_KbSjMUeAYdPlQKo6sSX_h7jV-GYDfMpS5Bd56YLJVpdx1dzV5syclFmCFCGAeUqKnD2sQ/s320/IMG_5790.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Bubble tea of the day: Gong Cha - forgot the flavour!</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday, 16 Jan<br /></span></b>Pampering day</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">OOTD</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BSVP-S8x4gX3HlPgS3CFiWdXPB6GXnQ8c6ECm65jiXXN2i1MuMGWUazxSzro9HzTToTtdFMLtT2SPRa4lbjmdhsMdtRcewBSxAcLWS5jnu8wcyYBtAzfYfK83lCPKUM-z28_K9PntLkEm-7u9xgc9CihttqR7HOOc0es3xORKO8ixtLBHgt7SA/s4032/IMG_5793.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BSVP-S8x4gX3HlPgS3CFiWdXPB6GXnQ8c6ECm65jiXXN2i1MuMGWUazxSzro9HzTToTtdFMLtT2SPRa4lbjmdhsMdtRcewBSxAcLWS5jnu8wcyYBtAzfYfK83lCPKUM-z28_K9PntLkEm-7u9xgc9CihttqR7HOOc0es3xORKO8ixtLBHgt7SA/s320/IMG_5793.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I was disappointed when I woke at 7 am - that cannot be my 自然醒 right?!!</div><br />Maybe the toilet light was too bright... When I turned it off that night (and used Google TV screensaver as night light!), I slept way more. I tried with toilet light once more and woke early.. So yes, must be the toilet light!<br /><br />Breakfast was at 永和豆浆 where I had, yes, soy milk, egg pancake with bacon and youtiao. So full!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I got a nice seat - perfect background to take photo!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hcHodZWNzUWCvkWnynfvKSTxQWVDGaBgsnuDGs32DJ7qA4esuITOQj4EzRq9295m5n279OYVoUiEpqf8AWgaxsWYDvyolFSCL7iadtrSRSYKj15EGB5ECPxgMvqttiMF6IQvFex6outfh9EiAecqtqug98prH5f_q0xBlLI6rBYPzUhklXhTQQ/s3088/IMG_5796.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hcHodZWNzUWCvkWnynfvKSTxQWVDGaBgsnuDGs32DJ7qA4esuITOQj4EzRq9295m5n279OYVoUiEpqf8AWgaxsWYDvyolFSCL7iadtrSRSYKj15EGB5ECPxgMvqttiMF6IQvFex6outfh9EiAecqtqug98prH5f_q0xBlLI6rBYPzUhklXhTQQ/s320/IMG_5796.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why is the egg pancake so much nicer than the ones I make??</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZLV4WNd-DKYX4XjDEDQgNEjurnaaFmNoqLFXCiPg44kXXsl9_3JWOGYulL9OtvaFAi4UOqAGbjUQ6Xyad-WkQ5zmGPtbdXuypS76CHshXISj8DF95WPi-HRPsG4GZasJqdhz-HfdtRD1XePVLLSTXdBZ4FF0jqJPHEe4zZgetOqCNBPa9QJYiQ/s3024/IMG_5795.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZLV4WNd-DKYX4XjDEDQgNEjurnaaFmNoqLFXCiPg44kXXsl9_3JWOGYulL9OtvaFAi4UOqAGbjUQ6Xyad-WkQ5zmGPtbdXuypS76CHshXISj8DF95WPi-HRPsG4GZasJqdhz-HfdtRD1XePVLLSTXdBZ4FF0jqJPHEe4zZgetOqCNBPa9QJYiQ/s320/IMG_5795.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Funny sign - noticed it only when I was reviewing the photos of the day</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPk7KvM0uLCtPZF3qNBju376YJByOQTjnE_1zkOBA14ibisydvdbytNF-IUtS4K5WZYTWMisTLznkd_FiNtlAnSLZCt3I-yVck_7HFrw1MCa8gr5ZnHVXX72yB7XYdZVEXjV85z7dv9zXQcHtch4BYfwwi0jZBmMLFuZmVH2UTISQ4SsTbnGUiw/s4032/IMG_5797.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPk7KvM0uLCtPZF3qNBju376YJByOQTjnE_1zkOBA14ibisydvdbytNF-IUtS4K5WZYTWMisTLznkd_FiNtlAnSLZCt3I-yVck_7HFrw1MCa8gr5ZnHVXX72yB7XYdZVEXjV85z7dv9zXQcHtch4BYfwwi0jZBmMLFuZmVH2UTISQ4SsTbnGUiw/s320/IMG_5797.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>It was still early so I went to the 24H Donki nearby. Bought a lip balm that I didn't see in SG and some snacks for the kids.</div><div><br />I asked the hotel staff about taking the bus - the last time I took a bus in Taipei was 2005! So I could enter and exit the bus at any door, and must tap in and out. Got it.<br /><br />Google Maps directed me to Zushi Temple bus stop. But instead of a temple, I found this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">排骨大王?!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi750TYF9SFjoKVXOe_KJEkeumJOFk-g5W0t6WNNBiWXNoL697e9TAB9KM1gca8kxuwqv-ojk12BPSnilPKGJviUzVOv7EI169WPRBbbpMuXHPZ5W7TZYyHKdNdjEOLtUBrPirDtumSXMKpOAzXMyz5OnSFo_wpD6Q30WSv4nOgCmJUaI2izqCO-A/s4032/IMG_5805.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi750TYF9SFjoKVXOe_KJEkeumJOFk-g5W0t6WNNBiWXNoL697e9TAB9KM1gca8kxuwqv-ojk12BPSnilPKGJviUzVOv7EI169WPRBbbpMuXHPZ5W7TZYyHKdNdjEOLtUBrPirDtumSXMKpOAzXMyz5OnSFo_wpD6Q30WSv4nOgCmJUaI2izqCO-A/s320/IMG_5805.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But many shops in the area make references to the temple. So I asked an auntie at the bus stop if there really was a temple nearby. She said it was across the road, further inside. But actually quite cool to name a restaurant after a temple? No? :p<br /><br />The bus stop has multiple signs but only one combined digital display. The frequency was not high, with some waiting times like an hour??! I guess the MRT is the main mode of transport.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside the bus! Why I so suaku? :p</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2wnsHTlnQ5Pb8XYEHlC35xiCfAylhG45ZkX54j_tfD9wc9OB-4ftxe_KEBpDNN0DKhKpqkDFRGyDPgao24puBPLCh1M8Wj0dqav5odi1tfXRQvpNchL6M-Y2kbojLMu9Eyj81Xp5jYzS7ZixHSgyLFoiVc8D1Q5fKBRUsVXh8YdnC-m42w3Z_w/s4032/IMG_5808.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2wnsHTlnQ5Pb8XYEHlC35xiCfAylhG45ZkX54j_tfD9wc9OB-4ftxe_KEBpDNN0DKhKpqkDFRGyDPgao24puBPLCh1M8Wj0dqav5odi1tfXRQvpNchL6M-Y2kbojLMu9Eyj81Xp5jYzS7ZixHSgyLFoiVc8D1Q5fKBRUsVXh8YdnC-m42w3Z_w/s320/IMG_5808.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The highlight of the day was Vietnamese shampoo!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">See the list of things included:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_21i-8k1EvRDlHQqrVXiOs7Hspdwi6n_muJnDdjnl91UvH9DHKYIhPf8VteBgYE6xBopNT2QAz_nXiCtEE3DW3bCQlH_MjuO-_oQdJJPC2ap4bx-uY5-zNU48jXOmcQGN3HUYw_0lAHKxiD7TZGRpGYnOfSah2IX42FWTwwGO6FfVXw2DKUDYQ/s4032/IMG_5816.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_21i-8k1EvRDlHQqrVXiOs7Hspdwi6n_muJnDdjnl91UvH9DHKYIhPf8VteBgYE6xBopNT2QAz_nXiCtEE3DW3bCQlH_MjuO-_oQdJJPC2ap4bx-uY5-zNU48jXOmcQGN3HUYw_0lAHKxiD7TZGRpGYnOfSah2IX42FWTwwGO6FfVXw2DKUDYQ/s320/IMG_5816.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />For almost two hours, I sat or lay in the same "thing" which morphed from a chair with sink for feet, to a massage bed with a hole for facing down, and to a salon recliner with a hairwash/facial stand. Really head to toe! Wait, more like toe to head in sequence...<br /><br />The foot massage was minimal. Most of the work was on the head and face. I don't know if it was the herbs or essential oil, but my nose cleared up towards the end of the treatment. They had Dyson hairdryers so my hair was quickly dried. The whole thing had a healthy end - fruits, green bean soup and tea. The soup was a bit cold, maybe coz I took some time to put on sunscreen...<br /><br />My Vietnamese therapist said this was common in Vietnam but slightly different. She also said I looked under 30, haha!<br /><br />Glowing inside out, I walked to 行天宮 and what a walk - the wind blew my dress up to my hips! Lucky not many people around. I quickly turned my back to a pillar, pulled down my dress nicely and carried on!<br /><br />I'm happy this was the first temple I visited on this trip. I had long forgotten but when I read my post on 2005 Taiwan trip a few weeks back, I (thought I) saw that I wanted to explore more temples in Taiwan. So I visited a number of temples this trip. But as I'm writing this, I went back to the <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2005/12/ilha-formosa-beautiful-isle_03.html">2005 post</a> and saw that I had wanted to explore temples in SG. I'm such a winner... I went to maybe six temples in SG since then...<br /><br />Anyway, this time at 行天宮, I queued up for 收惊 by the old ladies. Had to shift my bag to my left and give my name. Later, I went to a counter that says 敬茶 but the lady said it was for me to drink, 喝平安 or something like that. In fact, all the temple staff said 平安 as a greeting.<br /><br />With one bus ride under my belt, I thought I would take the bus to my afternoon tea. Had a hard time finding the bus stop! There were four such bus stops at the junction - in between the two carriageways so I must cross the road halfway to get there. Somehow I didn't manage to use the temple as landmark to figure out which bus stop *.* So I crossed roads halfway a few times. And it was very hot.<br /><br />I was lucky to find the bus stop and my bus was waiting for the lights. This time, I managed to press the bell for the bus to stop, cheap thrill ha!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.cometrue-coffee.com/" target="_blank">成真咖啡 Come True Coffee</a> was located in a nice neighbourhood with interesting fashion shops but I really didn't need clothes.<br /><br />I ordered a Soufflé pancake and a special coffee with guava juice. The coffee came in a separate container from the cup with the guava juice. The staff gave me details of the drink when she delivered it to my seat, and told me to test it first without and then with sugar sprinkled on the rim of the cup. She poured the coffee in and left me to savour it.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">It was one of the nicest meals I had on this trip!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDp_nWEinz-PAStx8oPjGh2rWGzNMpnzK51LnVNF0ceX-iVTucubH-60zH4EKF68S1VN5qMjVHUMYm8h5OUNHmBmKoHn0OY97yjPTVfHlbUPU-4Y7b7Um7pxViQ-zWbAfqPGsM1b4Dy2znBwc2B6SBSHaLpBGR7G2j9PhpJFaAH4YgKtPGVhAMA/s3088/IMG_5842.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDp_nWEinz-PAStx8oPjGh2rWGzNMpnzK51LnVNF0ceX-iVTucubH-60zH4EKF68S1VN5qMjVHUMYm8h5OUNHmBmKoHn0OY97yjPTVfHlbUPU-4Y7b7Um7pxViQ-zWbAfqPGsM1b4Dy2znBwc2B6SBSHaLpBGR7G2j9PhpJFaAH4YgKtPGVhAMA/s320/IMG_5842.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Saw a queue on the way to the MRT so I queued :p It was for 天津葱抓饼 but I couldn't really taste the spring onions. Later, Sito confirmed that we had that <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-very-full-babymoon.html">before</a>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpf-llDVGRx3DlRjZyRRoCH03kkkQmWyHa3niklg5MSHzWIYtkLwDwLzo-eqaFWnwPCaThci8iXRo8tvYRNk759lK3Adz5bDY0zAiZqwRM_hDGEAHF67lns1ZJEOOVcotrZeDD4cLeFQOn8UBueBL5fZ7abEGeYQGQJzBSpC2y60ZCC0rTexkZpw/s3088/IMG_5853.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpf-llDVGRx3DlRjZyRRoCH03kkkQmWyHa3niklg5MSHzWIYtkLwDwLzo-eqaFWnwPCaThci8iXRo8tvYRNk759lK3Adz5bDY0zAiZqwRM_hDGEAHF67lns1ZJEOOVcotrZeDD4cLeFQOn8UBueBL5fZ7abEGeYQGQJzBSpC2y60ZCC0rTexkZpw/s320/IMG_5853.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Chatted with Yang and Yu when I got back to the hotel; Kai was at tuition.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Had fun with these confetti etc :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsIA-9b6V11RTTmhiVIeyOMxDSgPbWjN55lccgaF0HrdLVQOMEy_gaHSXugOMBk6pbuXSL0Gnw9Z4smnJ07E_mrSvSNXRyC8LU7z_hyATAuHdpz5WMfpdXv96qDfEHZYalHecSsA022WcweAUl8g5XoAvPDzkyPENqbZKMVh4yI8vgf2Dm9pcBg/s1136/IMG_5856.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1136" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsIA-9b6V11RTTmhiVIeyOMxDSgPbWjN55lccgaF0HrdLVQOMEy_gaHSXugOMBk6pbuXSL0Gnw9Z4smnJ07E_mrSvSNXRyC8LU7z_hyATAuHdpz5WMfpdXv96qDfEHZYalHecSsA022WcweAUl8g5XoAvPDzkyPENqbZKMVh4yI8vgf2Dm9pcBg/s320/IMG_5856.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Then it was time for night market. I was excited to head for Shilin coz of good memories there but this time, I was quite disappointed. Only bought sausage, buns and gyozas.<br /><br />The highlight was 慈诚宫 which was behind the sausage stall. Didn't recall seeing this last time but Sito did - I definitely had baby brain that trip...<br /><br />I first spotted signs of a temple on another street - there were temple arches above a nail parlour. I thought it was just the remnant of an old temple but when I turned the corner, gosh, nice temple!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">仙童有零食</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzZCYJz1ikwD0E5Y8M4GzffBJZMQ8eopYSkC16mg3R5FC5K-uEK9iCoWphNqq4dWVaFleG3gsvqN8uXKUk573-KwX_ZiYjSC_p5ykUQQ9RfwenzzMwAaGDCFrhYeUxD1IkL9CPHANu9kpYxEkXN_2Pen0dP_o7A3KAGV9aTyMTSsdlz3vwSt-Ww/s4032/IMG_5862.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzZCYJz1ikwD0E5Y8M4GzffBJZMQ8eopYSkC16mg3R5FC5K-uEK9iCoWphNqq4dWVaFleG3gsvqN8uXKUk573-KwX_ZiYjSC_p5ykUQQ9RfwenzzMwAaGDCFrhYeUxD1IkL9CPHANu9kpYxEkXN_2Pen0dP_o7A3KAGV9aTyMTSsdlz3vwSt-Ww/s320/IMG_5862.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I asked the staff about the snacks in their hands. She said people would pray to them for a child (wa, lucky never pray to them!) and bring snacks to thank them. But people may also pray for kids to be good. That's fine. I went back to pray to them!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Sausage wrapped with glutinous rice - yummy!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaofm_84Supuvb1Q83Zkxuqql77wZ_0WocgsxKLCefHCPvWy1LhzB1h16ZzTbuSJ6AFs3eRWRZbFwC17_Tsudl9jTR0B-zSuQCQdC_e6iYOdzzo1rbJ1VKyYJYuYcnuC-IL4SEkBoCZaYrLI_bV5Kip_4XODTEbNchKBrO_doB0w0bZ4MHECFnQ/s3088/IMG_5863.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaofm_84Supuvb1Q83Zkxuqql77wZ_0WocgsxKLCefHCPvWy1LhzB1h16ZzTbuSJ6AFs3eRWRZbFwC17_Tsudl9jTR0B-zSuQCQdC_e6iYOdzzo1rbJ1VKyYJYuYcnuC-IL4SEkBoCZaYrLI_bV5Kip_4XODTEbNchKBrO_doB0w0bZ4MHECFnQ/s320/IMG_5863.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Authentic Singapore satay??</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x5ZTWPhqmki9d-CDorqFdgo9M_s9XAFDRDlKo83rbqeq1gWm-NUXH5W4JIx5EjRD6WvJBb0LO-PI34JmJg23yVn1RvXeuQ26rGXRFXr10WT5x-lzY61hhkPorGz_arod1Os79HGbuHeUcZ5b9XCzCEldkt98L8U2t_VsEhD3XqAK11EtNod_mw/s4032/IMG_5866.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x5ZTWPhqmki9d-CDorqFdgo9M_s9XAFDRDlKo83rbqeq1gWm-NUXH5W4JIx5EjRD6WvJBb0LO-PI34JmJg23yVn1RvXeuQ26rGXRFXr10WT5x-lzY61hhkPorGz_arod1Os79HGbuHeUcZ5b9XCzCEldkt98L8U2t_VsEhD3XqAK11EtNod_mw/s320/IMG_5866.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">大侠请留步!Looks like a pub - had my 生煎包 by the roadside</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4GVJIhMsIlxD2GV78dtxH1c9CYLbRJu-MPlFCtSMbIhXgJahnD0639cVuJTflBdhvCL8UTgqH3dGVFeuU6pMpNffs9DzaIUFALzRjWqO11R_s5qUzEt-nMNnykUxcnLa9i6C7dQ_5UBfpSL9-znFu9zbUlelG9eZLZscIedcLyUZ2nIlNHXbMw/s3088/IMG_5867.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4GVJIhMsIlxD2GV78dtxH1c9CYLbRJu-MPlFCtSMbIhXgJahnD0639cVuJTflBdhvCL8UTgqH3dGVFeuU6pMpNffs9DzaIUFALzRjWqO11R_s5qUzEt-nMNnykUxcnLa9i6C7dQ_5UBfpSL9-znFu9zbUlelG9eZLZscIedcLyUZ2nIlNHXbMw/s320/IMG_5867.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Somewhat dissatisfied with my food, I bought some pineapples near my hotel. Couldn't finish so threw into the fridge for another day.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Packed some small gyoza-like thingies for supper too</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aCxuOoQ79FC3SIMPusolQrRyXFxrcI-8UefrydRL7IUPl9zPZkVIxoYQP974O5K7_YyOMa_A6kQprKjyjVUGBrdLwuiBUMQQlTWQab754WZjEeYmppmmug56xYgnI1A9P0BF8P5P33yOMSg4TZhuAut9uyNKRZhH4wDhswGyKuggKUi0W71aQA/s4032/IMG_5871.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aCxuOoQ79FC3SIMPusolQrRyXFxrcI-8UefrydRL7IUPl9zPZkVIxoYQP974O5K7_YyOMa_A6kQprKjyjVUGBrdLwuiBUMQQlTWQab754WZjEeYmppmmug56xYgnI1A9P0BF8P5P33yOMSg4TZhuAut9uyNKRZhH4wDhswGyKuggKUi0W71aQA/s320/IMG_5871.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Very sweet pineapples!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcw6GOUTDoZRYfMbGfw6Jj3P1tAF3SmPQU8n4ws-l0n8pgoOYzmDXY7D7UbFR0P8IZajHjYD86OWiqU6du19DcA8UY86t7pYYA0MOUE-gYDY0KPyytddPzQJFcwdh1T-yZfIEdnnbFNrUFATLLTgLQlFbYO2doZTj13hPbqrve_OGZdwOvnBQkg/s3024/IMG_5872.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcw6GOUTDoZRYfMbGfw6Jj3P1tAF3SmPQU8n4ws-l0n8pgoOYzmDXY7D7UbFR0P8IZajHjYD86OWiqU6du19DcA8UY86t7pYYA0MOUE-gYDY0KPyytddPzQJFcwdh1T-yZfIEdnnbFNrUFATLLTgLQlFbYO2doZTj13hPbqrve_OGZdwOvnBQkg/s320/IMG_5872.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Bubble tea of the day: 50 Lan green tea macchiato<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wednesday, 17 Jan<br /></b></span>Slack day</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">OOTD</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtenzTC_QpWzzYLb3NiS7tst0s6_x0CMeKhHQnB0HETG7PcHKBD8-Veyreiw95cw80xhSEw6eCow9ekMvioXWq469Kuh-9A49tbS-bFQi_UKu7iBVEj2smqTczZpl2CsCnVcPEzKqJJ8gNDFI7TV-JJqVCrwURVxYcZrUpL5tEiu1-B-Yq_bat8Q/s4032/IMG_5874.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtenzTC_QpWzzYLb3NiS7tst0s6_x0CMeKhHQnB0HETG7PcHKBD8-Veyreiw95cw80xhSEw6eCow9ekMvioXWq469Kuh-9A49tbS-bFQi_UKu7iBVEj2smqTczZpl2CsCnVcPEzKqJJ8gNDFI7TV-JJqVCrwURVxYcZrUpL5tEiu1-B-Yq_bat8Q/s320/IMG_5874.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />I woke at 9.30 am :)))<br /><br />It was such a warm and sunny day! :)))<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at Twin Brothers Coffee</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYKOZ02lb-GkfIhLv-owawIBOlodHp5h9TjdiltcFqiKwnaYXRtDCBpiEDfHYLP5cSdly8oV0rf6LEr18yGce9CHB0jmVIklP9Omv6wJF17XZ9Qbm6O31AI1VGmdCj6lW__c6ejV0akoMnI4Q97OdmxjNM_mrVOGk5ZZvDwjQaMNaBCuXj53-uA/s3870/IMG_5882.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2902" data-original-width="3870" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYKOZ02lb-GkfIhLv-owawIBOlodHp5h9TjdiltcFqiKwnaYXRtDCBpiEDfHYLP5cSdly8oV0rf6LEr18yGce9CHB0jmVIklP9Omv6wJF17XZ9Qbm6O31AI1VGmdCj6lW__c6ejV0akoMnI4Q97OdmxjNM_mrVOGk5ZZvDwjQaMNaBCuXj53-uA/s320/IMG_5882.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The cinnamon roll was to die for! I happened to sit near the glass looking into the kitchen and was mesmerised by the chef making the rolls... I wanted to save my tummy for other food but now I regret not getting another roll!<br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">I was staring at the making of the second roll before I realised it</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI32Z1dKlf4RJcgOV33jeNwh1mZi9yMemdGxj1BApXglRCk2Ht7vXJtTGBkzuTrG4GBEc9nRbVIhL4Q2Wv2a3okQN6tmelz6fskckJQ8XSWBQ0qEUaXeJGXWIOAOaUcf-IxJh_IbkGojL501cnegcMMDUyegjV3HPA-hp6reTkkdRldSZMTAl8w/s4032/IMG_5883.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI32Z1dKlf4RJcgOV33jeNwh1mZi9yMemdGxj1BApXglRCk2Ht7vXJtTGBkzuTrG4GBEc9nRbVIhL4Q2Wv2a3okQN6tmelz6fskckJQ8XSWBQ0qEUaXeJGXWIOAOaUcf-IxJh_IbkGojL501cnegcMMDUyegjV3HPA-hp6reTkkdRldSZMTAl8w/s320/IMG_5883.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Walked to the Main Station area and found a nice place for foot massage. It was so good! My toes were especially aching from the boots.<br /><br />Chatted about childcare and foreign domestic help in SG with the therapist.<br /><br />I thought I was ready for some proper food and set off for 春水堂 but I was distracted by...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Singapore Barber??</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWodQqnMj-W47fJTuROPEAz2EavRc8hv1qck0obzkMGH-9rhxMuXhRM2c1zhn5kjsfeLoORlRfzXUpYg5UyacZ9aCVgg0BwQqqzExlSFaVgDiLK42FmUGcN4FZIvGd7UgK7UJyLHeisreQ4mkAnG90t1TKsa1CC97HRkjE0_CfH8w6rGlsYh9eAA/s4032/IMG_5918.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWodQqnMj-W47fJTuROPEAz2EavRc8hv1qck0obzkMGH-9rhxMuXhRM2c1zhn5kjsfeLoORlRfzXUpYg5UyacZ9aCVgg0BwQqqzExlSFaVgDiLK42FmUGcN4FZIvGd7UgK7UJyLHeisreQ4mkAnG90t1TKsa1CC97HRkjE0_CfH8w6rGlsYh9eAA/s320/IMG_5918.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Feel very old-school</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnwzsBeUeFLi0tIXsQI-cD8P0-clU_BPqnIHjHrU6oANEYPAeSEekOPBbqNRoVaGfpdsSaxQ9x2KKEWDNPZ6vNJDNml6QvHYqHMJ160SKY5PWM-MJjyLvjqIQoxRh7alZm1Q2gMwatpQij6Kr-_PhKOva9GrquVMJXHh9rMOP7Pq3juTMNwzkZw/s4032/IMG_5919.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnwzsBeUeFLi0tIXsQI-cD8P0-clU_BPqnIHjHrU6oANEYPAeSEekOPBbqNRoVaGfpdsSaxQ9x2KKEWDNPZ6vNJDNml6QvHYqHMJ160SKY5PWM-MJjyLvjqIQoxRh7alZm1Q2gMwatpQij6Kr-_PhKOva9GrquVMJXHh9rMOP7Pq3juTMNwzkZw/s320/IMG_5919.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />And that lane led me to a queue. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">See queue? Must queue!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6m11VVOS4FkARj_Po9FoBktS2ISNnO4oLmfvVujeBRRBWWoiDxXXRMsMv05NaQkKYZiqr5JPgl0evUAsj6OhDYfJioQkSO8_bhPf0GicEH_F4ev2VppS7pzNU6YTw93g1BAkksvJvSr2gW31GEcgBh_6q2g5c5lzshdryaDtFBVCZUdji1NNPbg/s4032/IMG_5922.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6m11VVOS4FkARj_Po9FoBktS2ISNnO4oLmfvVujeBRRBWWoiDxXXRMsMv05NaQkKYZiqr5JPgl0evUAsj6OhDYfJioQkSO8_bhPf0GicEH_F4ev2VppS7pzNU6YTw93g1BAkksvJvSr2gW31GEcgBh_6q2g5c5lzshdryaDtFBVCZUdji1NNPbg/s320/IMG_5922.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Soft beef but too much noodles!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimteruhHl1-1A88-ZaEo1yDhKGjApbPCBgoGSLXEopE7EdvbYN6b0uFOvBBXZJLN4gauoOllb3y5XOQZANqicBuejmCw7zNsNLR7Y8APKoXgrI-lXClLIMDA0GPNCNUrf8tWb4lKB4hxqh37o9CS9rvje8F5HjRwVqKHVGKBpSECYRQXpu7oSGuQ/s3024/IMG_5923.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimteruhHl1-1A88-ZaEo1yDhKGjApbPCBgoGSLXEopE7EdvbYN6b0uFOvBBXZJLN4gauoOllb3y5XOQZANqicBuejmCw7zNsNLR7Y8APKoXgrI-lXClLIMDA0GPNCNUrf8tWb4lKB4hxqh37o9CS9rvje8F5HjRwVqKHVGKBpSECYRQXpu7oSGuQ/s320/IMG_5923.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ended up I had only brown sugar mochi balls and tueguanyin milk tea at 春水堂 which is the brand that supposedly first came up with the ubiquitous bubble tea. Actually I think the bubble tea is more ubiquitous in SG...!<br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a huge cup of tea...</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMBwHqQNzqjpFWqI5GDWTDICow-pLTALHF80F1dwMz-cT6MAjBDzeoNWLLP9706RTj3_EEDD0lCGIpb6k2b5D6AzwRmBQa64IyKEp4_e5s6_cg33hnrsSdlEPPH7NCuQFpTWIP9PkLMhkgmjoB8BXqx_TXtc_ckL2fgsMBOZfdZgxWf_IfG_GAw/s4032/IMG_5926.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMBwHqQNzqjpFWqI5GDWTDICow-pLTALHF80F1dwMz-cT6MAjBDzeoNWLLP9706RTj3_EEDD0lCGIpb6k2b5D6AzwRmBQa64IyKEp4_e5s6_cg33hnrsSdlEPPH7NCuQFpTWIP9PkLMhkgmjoB8BXqx_TXtc_ckL2fgsMBOZfdZgxWf_IfG_GAw/s320/IMG_5926.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I learnt only later that you could ask the staff to pack the leftover tea. I finished it up - with much difficulty! The mochi balls were good - the staff told me dip the balls, already coated with red bean powder, in the cream and then the sesame powder. <br /><br />As I was drinking, I thought tieguanyin reminded me of Chinese temples. Maybe it's strong like the "Chinese tea" for praying?<br /><br />I had time but not sure what to do so I roamed about the main station. In the end, I 败家 again - bought a pair of slippers :p<br /><br />Went back to chat with the boys and watch drama. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Saw this on my way out</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituzMBtDFlaKLAKwnkGVcq9LRPUXyZ6XiUck1jgGOD2uA1d56iaGbXULXW131KdsszEhn7VRSYGpRjkWUspec3VXhRUkiF9t6q2Xae-9rQb-9VYV91pNi52f_4eebdc0l4TNIUPDvqgz_s6nUBdE1VlC3HGbn9SJ1La8wcLxU-zRbqyMf0YDZaVA/s4032/IMG_5931.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituzMBtDFlaKLAKwnkGVcq9LRPUXyZ6XiUck1jgGOD2uA1d56iaGbXULXW131KdsszEhn7VRSYGpRjkWUspec3VXhRUkiF9t6q2Xae-9rQb-9VYV91pNi52f_4eebdc0l4TNIUPDvqgz_s6nUBdE1VlC3HGbn9SJ1La8wcLxU-zRbqyMf0YDZaVA/s320/IMG_5931.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finally visited this temple which I passed by many times to and from the Ximen station!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBx-RPqyPYP1uH7izSzNVd-TfSEZCenO1H5ZjpjxCIpZNpMJDoGwJSN1oKj_EsS7B0HQ9QbPVKUXDXXJtX-ZRSBAuaP7Gq_fxCmVIw1MCdm-zdm_TsAQYjZeusM2VfeFAIRJl6NK6DQnl9TKrul9AjTEW0wmqyIAHoXbuWeaecZaMmw5doTLK2g/s4032/IMG_5932.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBx-RPqyPYP1uH7izSzNVd-TfSEZCenO1H5ZjpjxCIpZNpMJDoGwJSN1oKj_EsS7B0HQ9QbPVKUXDXXJtX-ZRSBAuaP7Gq_fxCmVIw1MCdm-zdm_TsAQYjZeusM2VfeFAIRJl6NK6DQnl9TKrul9AjTEW0wmqyIAHoXbuWeaecZaMmw5doTLK2g/s320/IMG_5932.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I find this very pretty :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pbxGc8OQVeoBC4Q1dkbzMNTlD9c9D7fut2dE0zZPQGHutj3fzeZ_obulAdv7_PORY05caqKp5K71MYGpTMdjMA-f-fNV38wrhxb5j8xsP_4je4nxv3bo1ukjoSfy71RsB6Tjun20foZYTrqhNNPc-pjJNp-uvCNf94rmf2DbFycq42Kll4V-4w/s4032/IMG_5934.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pbxGc8OQVeoBC4Q1dkbzMNTlD9c9D7fut2dE0zZPQGHutj3fzeZ_obulAdv7_PORY05caqKp5K71MYGpTMdjMA-f-fNV38wrhxb5j8xsP_4je4nxv3bo1ukjoSfy71RsB6Tjun20foZYTrqhNNPc-pjJNp-uvCNf94rmf2DbFycq42Kll4V-4w/s320/IMG_5934.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Happy to visit a temple on my way to visit 松山慈祐宫 Songshan Ciyou Temple. I climbed to the top and stayed there for a while. It was so peaceful. I was looking at a statue on the left of the main altar and found that it was 北斗星君 which is a commonly featured in dramas. Just then, I smelled something nice. Then I saw the source - lilies! There were so many in vases and I didn't notice them earlier!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YeOJk7crEgjmxKhRa7x2dznSH1bdlbRcAsDmRhXGmWrcqN63GNWF4N9DME-cEfeyqgLAIQRj0AdV3wRB168ibxV-U7oJQc8Mc_B4XlYMBcx1GIJCpMrTA2GROorKbJrTDyl-kFE1a4eRxdD8jUkfeULs-gbQyfJX8E96iFgM8lc5sjh7ytVNCw/s4032/IMG_5963.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YeOJk7crEgjmxKhRa7x2dznSH1bdlbRcAsDmRhXGmWrcqN63GNWF4N9DME-cEfeyqgLAIQRj0AdV3wRB168ibxV-U7oJQc8Mc_B4XlYMBcx1GIJCpMrTA2GROorKbJrTDyl-kFE1a4eRxdD8jUkfeULs-gbQyfJX8E96iFgM8lc5sjh7ytVNCw/s320/IMG_5963.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I sat down on a bench at the side to write down some thoughts. The carvings in this temple - and also others - are so beautiful. I saw a lot of devotees praying in temples. And in this temple, I saw people climb up floor by floor to pray to the deities on each floor. I wonder if they notice the building itself... Much thought had gone into the work done wot worship the gods.<br /><br />Before I left, I went to smell the lilies again. It was a gentle waft, 时有时无,amid all the incense. I hope I can remember the peace I felt there whenever I think of or smell lilies..</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On my way down - yes, 丰收就是快乐</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhIs98PIe9aPWYAq0dXlKF4j0SdPWYKR9slBebIDy6cW4g4E2NALtl-nDvtJyalW0n6vz544BXaRM7kbPOxntDuBoQZVT3h7DCYvDiAtIsUQSyXaw7jSA0ke16JePT18h9Agj0SNkG5ck8U5awbgKpuhz7o8kBGefkbc5lUrbhFEn70YLdiA-rA/s4032/IMG_5964.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhIs98PIe9aPWYAq0dXlKF4j0SdPWYKR9slBebIDy6cW4g4E2NALtl-nDvtJyalW0n6vz544BXaRM7kbPOxntDuBoQZVT3h7DCYvDiAtIsUQSyXaw7jSA0ke16JePT18h9Agj0SNkG5ck8U5awbgKpuhz7o8kBGefkbc5lUrbhFEn70YLdiA-rA/s320/IMG_5964.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>饶河夜市 is just right next to the temple. I had forgotten what it was like - a very long street of food in the middle flanked by other shops on both sides! So much more organised than Shilin and so much easier to navigate. If I go to Taipei again, I'll just focus my effort here.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Standard - must eat this 福州世祖胡椒餅 Fuzhou Shizu Black Pepper Buns</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHK5EbweuC_Hg6r7J9VDS1bTy9mpUUj4kTGekE2TBJb7dPjljg-V6B92p4-g7pU-gQGsg73m5Tt9y9_DI7lWACW5NjOXs5OJ2TihcopiqOqKZ4V2QPM3BMRyD6vvqYQfezhPIEeqtco2JTsdd8hqw5EzCjTxo-qXROo6M_w9gD6xAkC8sf6BZZA/s4032/IMG_5968.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHK5EbweuC_Hg6r7J9VDS1bTy9mpUUj4kTGekE2TBJb7dPjljg-V6B92p4-g7pU-gQGsg73m5Tt9y9_DI7lWACW5NjOXs5OJ2TihcopiqOqKZ4V2QPM3BMRyD6vvqYQfezhPIEeqtco2JTsdd8hqw5EzCjTxo-qXROo6M_w9gD6xAkC8sf6BZZA/s320/IMG_5968.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The buns are cutely stuck to the sides of the round oven. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really like this!!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx-_ilfd0Nw8138MEzdKo96Z95PvYKUDYNKp1quW4VlKhwqGBoLfPPcYUBzOZhgJ26jPA0KVKPswea_0NhGFmX8mQiuFRcsZ8GnlGewzy1VEy4Se3C8Zpzb77R_sN0kFmVbIqqy4L8xT-8MtnLKjQ4-wnufCz8TqysxGh2i79LMrcZmN_TTTKMw/s3088/IMG_5975.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx-_ilfd0Nw8138MEzdKo96Z95PvYKUDYNKp1quW4VlKhwqGBoLfPPcYUBzOZhgJ26jPA0KVKPswea_0NhGFmX8mQiuFRcsZ8GnlGewzy1VEy4Se3C8Zpzb77R_sN0kFmVbIqqy4L8xT-8MtnLKjQ4-wnufCz8TqysxGh2i79LMrcZmN_TTTKMw/s320/IMG_5975.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looks good but I didn't buy</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgGIH_zkODQATT-hG3c6hsnkPXuwq5V0JuFTQpvmdj48G-OF3o6_ZLt_-_0F5KF9soY2O_DG6VGuFriW8zJG3Q4XUeYOD22UiW_SsCB2feGF1vuEbzBlvYWlXwIJNMAucgZmRbUFEuphmF7kqnxugkROY_Sp5FLK2rpXd4lW4G1u2LMGcsK0d1A/s4032/IMG_5977.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgGIH_zkODQATT-hG3c6hsnkPXuwq5V0JuFTQpvmdj48G-OF3o6_ZLt_-_0F5KF9soY2O_DG6VGuFriW8zJG3Q4XUeYOD22UiW_SsCB2feGF1vuEbzBlvYWlXwIJNMAucgZmRbUFEuphmF7kqnxugkROY_Sp5FLK2rpXd4lW4G1u2LMGcsK0d1A/s320/IMG_5977.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Took a short walk to the rainbow bridge nearby</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4qlssfdMQlDugrWx_Oazk1jKulTkGSNEyEjuiHMN-_U1k7SmDDfll7UyxnCXdX2t7DD3vSj8iDb3p2GQued3Ql_GoOjRvL8NoM2vCmQYM66Nwx0ybf5ahihJ3kgh7SjX-Ga7zHxTJe3hzfKaeBHw0FlqaFp5pjMsgBZEcXmooytbdmRaB-GNGQ/s4032/IMG_5981.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4qlssfdMQlDugrWx_Oazk1jKulTkGSNEyEjuiHMN-_U1k7SmDDfll7UyxnCXdX2t7DD3vSj8iDb3p2GQued3Ql_GoOjRvL8NoM2vCmQYM66Nwx0ybf5ahihJ3kgh7SjX-Ga7zHxTJe3hzfKaeBHw0FlqaFp5pjMsgBZEcXmooytbdmRaB-GNGQ/s320/IMG_5981.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From the bridge - it's like a park connector with people doing night jogs</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBboJ73DIkm3IB_7eE4ILAv1cTUqmYo2AQTibwM7iLoPHgpUFKrF0RnGbNpAXPRq1V_bjbqF5uh1fkOzEQm-2D-pQ82GoZ3JAm7LCC2s7ORCbRi2yW6JRyq9PI2IbfMUmpZTpQD5T8xwJsga5mz5SiF993R3V8op3OuMAZp1bxYrxEWcMuy_p-mw/s4032/IMG_5983.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBboJ73DIkm3IB_7eE4ILAv1cTUqmYo2AQTibwM7iLoPHgpUFKrF0RnGbNpAXPRq1V_bjbqF5uh1fkOzEQm-2D-pQ82GoZ3JAm7LCC2s7ORCbRi2yW6JRyq9PI2IbfMUmpZTpQD5T8xwJsga5mz5SiF993R3V8op3OuMAZp1bxYrxEWcMuy_p-mw/s320/IMG_5983.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Full of locks - took a picture for Sito :)))</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZHO4I_rjL5VcXckJgX9mIJtfd2-bCKpO0wcJbjUnGS26pRzn7p3NmPDHu-0knanG3uQO3YEvqx7KOm8y5E_LLLFipvpQKS6KaU2O75boQA_UdhL9uQwHoRW4JxgxVs4crYs1TYIhtqfmwB6FTln5e9k4WL-UZh-sdKIhaIRP3N_oaN6jRoQtXA/s4032/IMG_5988.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZHO4I_rjL5VcXckJgX9mIJtfd2-bCKpO0wcJbjUnGS26pRzn7p3NmPDHu-0knanG3uQO3YEvqx7KOm8y5E_LLLFipvpQKS6KaU2O75boQA_UdhL9uQwHoRW4JxgxVs4crYs1TYIhtqfmwB6FTln5e9k4WL-UZh-sdKIhaIRP3N_oaN6jRoQtXA/s320/IMG_5988.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally found glutinous rice when I continued to stroll the night market!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJpoOecrkIRg-NFTIBDE_BVfCHE-soHAodkTOguNXH-drcvhKUisBpj9SE3sddC8ThkxZVzhvy38rJzXmeYVat60WuFJdqzVLJ-APdWnn7urO1N2LjxGHaEyrDd607pxL08KBo883UyioT9aEDN2_Z5pHCUP2FFelL18WItoGYwjSaXq17R_8sQ/s3024/IMG_5990.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJpoOecrkIRg-NFTIBDE_BVfCHE-soHAodkTOguNXH-drcvhKUisBpj9SE3sddC8ThkxZVzhvy38rJzXmeYVat60WuFJdqzVLJ-APdWnn7urO1N2LjxGHaEyrDd607pxL08KBo883UyioT9aEDN2_Z5pHCUP2FFelL18WItoGYwjSaXq17R_8sQ/s320/IMG_5990.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I love glutinous rice stuff - the rice, peng kueh, nyonya kuehs, tangyuan, mochi, muah chee etc. So yummy!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chanced upon a busker on my way back to the hotel</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5CYPgaG3ZI-jla6qNSvnHRp_LLLByR2eRPYvCXJzB9FOrRlHo9mhkNz9QgGF0pYZkdesiolOF18g2lrrN6-dCkmNIiibaPvt-ABh_ATs10aCgUhR0RGTlTY1SlWksLcU41dxktSRUqE9DPGTLESlQIIgLBUFgyVqXXRCor9tUf_vPLwDwsH3cA/s4032/IMG_5993.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5CYPgaG3ZI-jla6qNSvnHRp_LLLByR2eRPYvCXJzB9FOrRlHo9mhkNz9QgGF0pYZkdesiolOF18g2lrrN6-dCkmNIiibaPvt-ABh_ATs10aCgUhR0RGTlTY1SlWksLcU41dxktSRUqE9DPGTLESlQIIgLBUFgyVqXXRCor9tUf_vPLwDwsH3cA/s320/IMG_5993.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Also packed fried boneless ribs, chicken thigh roll and 释迦 fruit for supper. Later, I learnt that 释迦 and our local 红毛榴梿 aka soursop are very similar!</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The ribs were less nice coz cold</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSawtlwIhLBAtELvIepTVoscLJ8r2aD-CRpCoxqKrq6WDLud6OZRgB6LPa4oIwkcdKbKLCmHsrteBDbitpaRzsdTwqAC5Ucu6bP4g2pXeXKuB0BTabjLvPaG8XfTiWuU2swSYH9_F3m0CU5WmN9bGJyKF1a47PI4b8OX5CXxzDxWbWf9f2wQ0FbA/s4032/IMG_5996.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSawtlwIhLBAtELvIepTVoscLJ8r2aD-CRpCoxqKrq6WDLud6OZRgB6LPa4oIwkcdKbKLCmHsrteBDbitpaRzsdTwqAC5Ucu6bP4g2pXeXKuB0BTabjLvPaG8XfTiWuU2swSYH9_F3m0CU5WmN9bGJyKF1a47PI4b8OX5CXxzDxWbWf9f2wQ0FbA/s320/IMG_5996.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Very sweet!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuna9PqSxTz39Da5EmiOnvx6vlHj2RVAtg7qYDZNqq9HAs6if1S8L-4mkJDnjcOszaPnWN6XmlqhECD9WPEFjWRJEKRQIc4EaVm1vApm9q7bwg454svKYq1QewInPnGhv_aZkvXJBxyknMncvq_hYw6MzTjmweDrYsn5Ff2BVvzS-CyKJDrBTpQ/s3024/IMG_5997.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuna9PqSxTz39Da5EmiOnvx6vlHj2RVAtg7qYDZNqq9HAs6if1S8L-4mkJDnjcOszaPnWN6XmlqhECD9WPEFjWRJEKRQIc4EaVm1vApm9q7bwg454svKYq1QewInPnGhv_aZkvXJBxyknMncvq_hYw6MzTjmweDrYsn5Ff2BVvzS-CyKJDrBTpQ/s320/IMG_5997.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Heard that this day, Yu broke a bowl at dinner. Poor hub had to clean up :(</div><br />Bubble tea of the day: 春水堂 tieguanyin milk tea, Milksha 大王红茶拿铁加仙草<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thursday, 18 Jan</b></span><div>Hotspring day</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">OOTD</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUNJfbtIMtP693u6Hn-GDdrA8NfxXvslC9B_gCEKl5D-1TsmQYxM45k4DyofGaL_wCYOUH_wuCCrnQlxPuC7KcH3o8W86VqnhzpQZeybUXoKevTyU_V63LFtCTitHfH0cxDqrguSIhzgzpihmvMNTv6YpkbH4BAIswhp43IuC_9WLUQzXo0sETw/s4032/IMG_6001.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUNJfbtIMtP693u6Hn-GDdrA8NfxXvslC9B_gCEKl5D-1TsmQYxM45k4DyofGaL_wCYOUH_wuCCrnQlxPuC7KcH3o8W86VqnhzpQZeybUXoKevTyU_V63LFtCTitHfH0cxDqrguSIhzgzpihmvMNTv6YpkbH4BAIswhp43IuC_9WLUQzXo0sETw/s320/IMG_6001.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I thought I would head for Yangmingshan since I didn't go the last few times. But I was lazy. Yet I didn't want to go to Beitou again. Then I found Wulai. Better, I found a hotspring hotel with a shuttle. It was a 9.30 am shuttle from Xindian so I had to be mindful of my time.</div></div><div><br />In the end, I didn't sleep well after 2.30 am, kept waking every 10-30 min! Wasn't sure if I was anxious about missing my alarm or the toilet light - which I left on coz I was anxious about my alarm?!!<br /><br />When I woke at 6.15 am, I decided to just get up to see the boys. But I missed Kai already :(<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My room - dressing table on the left and day couch on the right, partially shown</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFYUUdrHoaCEUV2s4CXVLUdGi679pIRzt1eNI1cQse3QKQY7xxli_uWFSe28Ph8a6AeH0HH_lX4_1A3JFSkMqyPwMb7KX57JNiw4FbalmvRkPXEKiZw_gtSJTxdZiX0xaDP2kULKOoL2US1fyupNv2YlXAyPnrPKSDcCp5fes7YGijitwHB8JLg/s4032/IMG_6005.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFYUUdrHoaCEUV2s4CXVLUdGi679pIRzt1eNI1cQse3QKQY7xxli_uWFSe28Ph8a6AeH0HH_lX4_1A3JFSkMqyPwMb7KX57JNiw4FbalmvRkPXEKiZw_gtSJTxdZiX0xaDP2kULKOoL2US1fyupNv2YlXAyPnrPKSDcCp5fes7YGijitwHB8JLg/s320/IMG_6005.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Soaking in the tub with a view :)</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQuC8_s2RE2GKshZVs80Z661GCFE_RZ_Fw4ifcCe3OLloMsU7O4y0oLW3tlEBddemzKSSEdKuVszYpWrjhFYDxJlpCU20mkBLcnl_yqY50fRw3G4InENLXgeJgPpBA6kw5E7Baok9qtiDB1TB2iY1IPw9rl4RBcJRgHkrFG0EAbEEZ6Q9IW7COA/s4032/IMG_6012.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQuC8_s2RE2GKshZVs80Z661GCFE_RZ_Fw4ifcCe3OLloMsU7O4y0oLW3tlEBddemzKSSEdKuVszYpWrjhFYDxJlpCU20mkBLcnl_yqY50fRw3G4InENLXgeJgPpBA6kw5E7Baok9qtiDB1TB2iY1IPw9rl4RBcJRgHkrFG0EAbEEZ6Q9IW7COA/s320/IMG_6012.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Saw some big white birds perched on some rocks next to the river beneath. Eagles flew by in the sky every so often. Yellow butterflies and even big wasps - ok, less cute - flew by the window. Some birds must be in the trees coz I saw leaves rustling often.<br /><br />The water wasn't very hot. I had to keep the hot tap on the whole time. Wonder if the public bath would be hotter... But I was lazy to have to keep things in locker etc so I chose private. They gave me a reminder call after 50 min. Luckily I was already showering and ready to go, as the staff who showed me to the room said I had until 11.30am, which was wrong as I started way earlier.<br /><br />I had a sip of tea at the lounge area before setting off for the town. It was a short walk to the bridge but not suitable for kids as the walking path was a narrow strip with cars zooming past. I saw that some hotel guests drove and some look like they frequented the place.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Narrow pathway for walking - see red line on ground</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tOjKlPu2_Q-AeWZEktIp__5kbNhMzVONJQWxOwyMwPf-8nZ_WQkf-tuE73bkkc25OUAn6Q0B6HJDlic5LWknCPyKt3755dHj61swdKJxLqGqz0gGBfW7FBOffEIrmAsIrk-CJ99QpHGVqXUi3b60JsFhi8wyxhYI2uE3bcSrwiX24EwKoS1K6Q/s3088/IMG_6018.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tOjKlPu2_Q-AeWZEktIp__5kbNhMzVONJQWxOwyMwPf-8nZ_WQkf-tuE73bkkc25OUAn6Q0B6HJDlic5LWknCPyKt3755dHj61swdKJxLqGqz0gGBfW7FBOffEIrmAsIrk-CJ99QpHGVqXUi3b60JsFhi8wyxhYI2uE3bcSrwiX24EwKoS1K6Q/s320/IMG_6018.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Very hot! Took off jacket but kept cardigan on so I didn't chao tah</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q-NNv0O9hTME4QQkaPfPsJyfubFmrCD1nzile76-vwpxEV1gR_WAvPV2FqFqftiKafU4jULwGFotAseDdLHHRwfu-v60cDnGgehMbl45o9Xs1jFlHwIO6de7092oMHB6KAhjHusjPwo_FKlXGMxCdtmkq5m1eLgok54NrOqXPNjlZc7dZZEpHw/s3088/IMG_6021.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q-NNv0O9hTME4QQkaPfPsJyfubFmrCD1nzile76-vwpxEV1gR_WAvPV2FqFqftiKafU4jULwGFotAseDdLHHRwfu-v60cDnGgehMbl45o9Xs1jFlHwIO6de7092oMHB6KAhjHusjPwo_FKlXGMxCdtmkq5m1eLgok54NrOqXPNjlZc7dZZEpHw/s320/IMG_6021.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">At 烏來吊橋 Wulai suspension bridge - max 20 pax at any one time</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlIOKKY6YfXLgkcbvglIYbWKZfogZWQXLzcM73YvYkyL0avMl1JlZVVK0fp500DiMojHq4S7WYGK3tgkULcgL1MDlJtweGDGiXScKPmAEFC6xqCZWqdBOuUP007QPXtAi1AxbwZWgxkg2zQkaSrsMvFrnYkydQwAenlUGIBbP1uMhZOt4mUYlmg/s3088/IMG_6036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlIOKKY6YfXLgkcbvglIYbWKZfogZWQXLzcM73YvYkyL0avMl1JlZVVK0fp500DiMojHq4S7WYGK3tgkULcgL1MDlJtweGDGiXScKPmAEFC6xqCZWqdBOuUP007QPXtAi1AxbwZWgxkg2zQkaSrsMvFrnYkydQwAenlUGIBbP1uMhZOt4mUYlmg/s320/IMG_6036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>But no one was around to enforce the 20 pax.. Lucky it was a quiet weekday... Btw, couldn't take it anymore - must tie hair!</div><br />Across the bridge is the 烏來福德宮 Wulai Fude Temple. Found a structure with both dragons and phoenixes.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiyQJmCWycB-e4MSzI_jE2YOgzLD85bz5NaSCq8SNM606nbAsa2RrDmPRfNCEDuEtgbOYrTdVAGaeuwiGe0sCbBdkzvJ1HhLUp5I6s6um6sBvVmZy8ZSYIFAo_9mgts8MXIOqHDgdEF2W_UprbOfP055xWIJDy-KIVgCkOV7-n93xg-fsRfn8lw/s4032/IMG_6060.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiyQJmCWycB-e4MSzI_jE2YOgzLD85bz5NaSCq8SNM606nbAsa2RrDmPRfNCEDuEtgbOYrTdVAGaeuwiGe0sCbBdkzvJ1HhLUp5I6s6um6sBvVmZy8ZSYIFAo_9mgts8MXIOqHDgdEF2W_UprbOfP055xWIJDy-KIVgCkOV7-n93xg-fsRfn8lw/s320/IMG_6060.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Had to cross the bridge back to continue my way to town. 乌来老街 Wulai Old Street has plenty of food and stray dogs and cats. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizO8TRR5ObJGJ3b5PxBT9_yLjD4s2LshltfwDRL8GZeqVEzuSJiMY-E4mW7brJj-bFMZCtM-wVMOmF2kx5E34U8PusfO7LOUrfvmn56HvBYKtsMaku6eqzCHeYQJG1V_OF2Fq-9R-MElrGHN1bvi1AeFqZjDIHPBlDENtaDPtIBaYzEbbFiNF7DQ/s4032/IMG_6063.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizO8TRR5ObJGJ3b5PxBT9_yLjD4s2LshltfwDRL8GZeqVEzuSJiMY-E4mW7brJj-bFMZCtM-wVMOmF2kx5E34U8PusfO7LOUrfvmn56HvBYKtsMaku6eqzCHeYQJG1V_OF2Fq-9R-MElrGHN1bvi1AeFqZjDIHPBlDENtaDPtIBaYzEbbFiNF7DQ/s320/IMG_6063.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div>Later, when I was enjoying my grilled mochi, the stallholder told me that these were abandoned by city folks so the Wulai people fed them. No wonder some of these dogs look pedigree! So sad...</div><div><br /></div><div>Chose the last stall of the street for my wild boar sausage. It was not crowded like the other one. A random customer told me I made the right chose but she couldn't tell me why "for privacy reason". Um, ok whatever you say. Even the stallholder later told me she seldom saw such 热情的台湾人 in a sarcastic manner :p</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7llgD4Cvlp6WWI7P56GPwVhnJp4iBTooDF-lMQZlsy-DSZWGwQXyOjlMxzRfuiUKnseP2abiIEe3-grjvXxIeMLn9cpVdNyxHGidygThA3ik4GPG526GO1RHlCD14l60Zi_eNYUhZwQiXJmk20fuZAZM-vTzoFun9TI0O2lSX-hV_AJguYAXIg/s4032/IMG_6068.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7llgD4Cvlp6WWI7P56GPwVhnJp4iBTooDF-lMQZlsy-DSZWGwQXyOjlMxzRfuiUKnseP2abiIEe3-grjvXxIeMLn9cpVdNyxHGidygThA3ik4GPG526GO1RHlCD14l60Zi_eNYUhZwQiXJmk20fuZAZM-vTzoFun9TI0O2lSX-hV_AJguYAXIg/s320/IMG_6068.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Crossed 览胜大桥 to get to the log cart which brought me to the waterfall.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Very small waterfall??</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuFcPuxVx_U4Yz5EZKrZqTFWQbd5ER-luM61boMyzxO2qjX7kdGY6lxmtByKDz9dMHu45Ngip8yBEvZIPdSbDkJpnQAbN7NAs41CV64hyphenhyphenF_O3hwlErLC3A8aieWtGEezGf4WqgjussMUvsnhS1W6ZPEiC5IHf3VcPR4wlITJbOJbafob8ZOVs-g/s3088/IMG_6099.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuFcPuxVx_U4Yz5EZKrZqTFWQbd5ER-luM61boMyzxO2qjX7kdGY6lxmtByKDz9dMHu45Ngip8yBEvZIPdSbDkJpnQAbN7NAs41CV64hyphenhyphenF_O3hwlErLC3A8aieWtGEezGf4WqgjussMUvsnhS1W6ZPEiC5IHf3VcPR4wlITJbOJbafob8ZOVs-g/s320/IMG_6099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There were some sakura trees along the street but I was told that there were no flowers yet coz it was a rather warm winter... Now that I think about it, don't the flowers bloom only towards spring?? Confused...</div><br />Decided not to take the cable car to reach the actual waterfall area - I was perfectly happy to view it from across... Instead, I roamed the street facing the waterfall and even bought some little owls for the kids. The Tayal aboriginals in the area consider them as lucky birds, similar to how owls mean no hardship 不苦労 in Japan. The shopkeeper charged me cheaper if I got four so I got one for our room too :p<br /><br />Also chose a cafe to have coffee. The local pepper is called 马告 so I had coffee with this flavour. Kind of interesting. It was nice to sit there next to the waterfall and a young papaya tree, very peaceful. Until a group of local seniors came in - very loud, sighs...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeOnIhg-UXhCpM4stqbBo-4DHjY1mx-NwvY96rMA7VczUM2pQhZPvtYjZcFm4Kw0m1_tLUOyl8dVouGGVjNP3_65ZjkqldNzw0i7LHejrzluLV1XKmlS3Iyh5y83oP47YInXY1tIPXIh1NqV1gaKIE_YBs9F4KD3_o5jpZA7qNvQDP42-ChZ1Pw/s4032/IMG_6122.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeOnIhg-UXhCpM4stqbBo-4DHjY1mx-NwvY96rMA7VczUM2pQhZPvtYjZcFm4Kw0m1_tLUOyl8dVouGGVjNP3_65ZjkqldNzw0i7LHejrzluLV1XKmlS3Iyh5y83oP47YInXY1tIPXIh1NqV1gaKIE_YBs9F4KD3_o5jpZA7qNvQDP42-ChZ1Pw/s320/IMG_6122.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I walked down instead of taking the log cart - only 1.5km. It was a nice walk now that the sun had gone down a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The log cart came up and went into the tunnel to turn out at the far end of this picture</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOUraZxBq_9PP8zj7XJ7ItT9PDzCWYeqp2m4moOWjNJHdsZkaGE2FcMiK3EYwAeUwdUzG3tjBkk7nsD_28uuRhK03Jbk-fISb-pwXDliFF2w41N8GmZBIxUGruknq8G6dIEIY2Aeh-3q44GxCUz9E1WymSjlLolAJqTkkv7XC_-Al2hd9KOyl7g/s4032/IMG_6127.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOUraZxBq_9PP8zj7XJ7ItT9PDzCWYeqp2m4moOWjNJHdsZkaGE2FcMiK3EYwAeUwdUzG3tjBkk7nsD_28uuRhK03Jbk-fISb-pwXDliFF2w41N8GmZBIxUGruknq8G6dIEIY2Aeh-3q44GxCUz9E1WymSjlLolAJqTkkv7XC_-Al2hd9KOyl7g/s320/IMG_6127.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From here, the log cart enters the station to go back to town</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP2Gx7tlk5bQKuInomyULA_gQGA0bOTBUwFSVmzI5rRTjNl7Dy8tLDgzXeFNKoLFxSQ7rYYoVKO0NvcDy0eOUtDvXvsQ6pWWD9dgOq9aFa0YTaWC8Yl79VkQna3Tnk5mZ1DMP3g-XWrwtnOSP1GR7lNHyaozR-ADMBHE3AcrgM7OMs7RKoPbz-A/s3088/IMG_6079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP2Gx7tlk5bQKuInomyULA_gQGA0bOTBUwFSVmzI5rRTjNl7Dy8tLDgzXeFNKoLFxSQ7rYYoVKO0NvcDy0eOUtDvXvsQ6pWWD9dgOq9aFa0YTaWC8Yl79VkQna3Tnk5mZ1DMP3g-XWrwtnOSP1GR7lNHyaozR-ADMBHE3AcrgM7OMs7RKoPbz-A/s320/IMG_6079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Bonus - I saw half naked men along the river near the town! Haha!! There were a few women too but it was mostly older men in the hotspring by the river.</div></div><div><br />Back at the old street, I decided I should have grilled mochi 小米麻薯 and I chose condensed milk flavour. The mochi was fragrant from the grilling but otherwise quite tasteless so the sweet condensed milk helped. A black stray dog with matted hair brushed by my dress while I was waiting for my food :(<br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Grilling mochi</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH6lbEHvd7bsho7CA2qNhbZQpIzoLBCxuyiKtgVdFomg6dwn7XT4Oa8g4f3DwA3KmZ37KcaeaemqCDZQ9oexqp3xn7qbNlsrB-0EzzVkoF4PcGbGZhc9rh0GQeDJ9eQ4x5bTJtttw-9Tih7vmR-HXkAxzMn5sVNHucDHLcGbD7eK7DIelETjazQ/s4032/IMG_6133.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH6lbEHvd7bsho7CA2qNhbZQpIzoLBCxuyiKtgVdFomg6dwn7XT4Oa8g4f3DwA3KmZ37KcaeaemqCDZQ9oexqp3xn7qbNlsrB-0EzzVkoF4PcGbGZhc9rh0GQeDJ9eQ4x5bTJtttw-9Tih7vmR-HXkAxzMn5sVNHucDHLcGbD7eK7DIelETjazQ/s320/IMG_6133.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Also bought some old-school snacks - local mamee, and whistle candy and fruity bubble gum we used to eat in childhood.<br /><br />There was still time before my shuttle back to Taipei but I was tired so I rested at the hotel lobby. The staff came by to get those waiting for the shuttle. Paid NT50 per trip. Worth it. Better than to navigate public transport for such a distance.<br /><br />Since I was at Xindian, I checked out the nearby 碧潭 which also has a suspension bridge that's even bigger than the Wulai one. Chanced upon someone training three hug colourful parrots - their windspan was huge! Lovely to see them soar across the lake.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6hUxm8CGpscV5aKfWrA6Fq0muLdCS5rDuQzu1oq6mektYLzxhToBMxZ9oBMoaeTPC2wR6UA-caRFFO-Mjp6963b-bCeuYYzE6xqZujklHK-QVz4Ur7P60tLq703gQSL-RZBsiqD_DYlL4XwRp4qNOS_k9VNpZLRI6Jw2gM8Q14fqK42VhbLXdA/s4032/IMG_6136.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6hUxm8CGpscV5aKfWrA6Fq0muLdCS5rDuQzu1oq6mektYLzxhToBMxZ9oBMoaeTPC2wR6UA-caRFFO-Mjp6963b-bCeuYYzE6xqZujklHK-QVz4Ur7P60tLq703gQSL-RZBsiqD_DYlL4XwRp4qNOS_k9VNpZLRI6Jw2gM8Q14fqK42VhbLXdA/s320/IMG_6136.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I didn't stay long. Headed to 艋舺龙山寺 instead.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Love these upturned eaves against the sky at dusk</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9-LHihSDvp5-UgeFTB3A5OWuce6iLcPPFf-J8M7penBlNz2a6cxi1EksPEFY7d-EIfe0mEbj7-VnobKO2mildkTiRlQjqs5qJonq9irHsDrsfNHlp7Sle2l1t_UwIS2vByxgOHEqrA9iWLU2zlSu1jwkpGUq88n5kU2xo74oUQrKDdAlGwIcgw/s4032/IMG_6150.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9-LHihSDvp5-UgeFTB3A5OWuce6iLcPPFf-J8M7penBlNz2a6cxi1EksPEFY7d-EIfe0mEbj7-VnobKO2mildkTiRlQjqs5qJonq9irHsDrsfNHlp7Sle2l1t_UwIS2vByxgOHEqrA9iWLU2zlSu1jwkpGUq88n5kU2xo74oUQrKDdAlGwIcgw/s320/IMG_6150.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow found myself in 艋舺夜市 which was quite nice - got a fried egg spring onion cake to eat on the way back. But I somehow walked through 华西街夜市 back to the temple! Ok, better check google maps a bit more...</div><br />Eventually, I found a dessert place near the hotel and had 烧仙草 there. But it wasn't as nice as what I had in the past :(<br /><br />Went to Carrefour next - bought instant bowl noodles woohoo! That's the souvenir I got for Sito, haha!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We have had half of these so far :p</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8yQwWN4qsk1y2lM6aVLub0o2dFyRApBC0N8Il96zQpf4vh7S2PdeVx0_Fp0TRFXuomaUDCOLbujYZ7Ai9NGOKEq_MslAenQ4DlPM9gOv4vR1UD0MquGm8zvET47J6y01vO-8Q_VjuiUHHM2a8t_E7J2-Ck1ym12EFsk1ACVOtZDof-WZiTV9uw/s4032/IMG_6293.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8yQwWN4qsk1y2lM6aVLub0o2dFyRApBC0N8Il96zQpf4vh7S2PdeVx0_Fp0TRFXuomaUDCOLbujYZ7Ai9NGOKEq_MslAenQ4DlPM9gOv4vR1UD0MquGm8zvET47J6y01vO-8Q_VjuiUHHM2a8t_E7J2-Ck1ym12EFsk1ACVOtZDof-WZiTV9uw/s320/IMG_6293.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I felt like I didn't eat enough so I went to the social area of the hotel to grab instant noodles and a pack of snacks! Happy :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-KoWlZ6WXhTNX0ygQxyBO7CTLMFLLYhhnVkKFBsUlWqa2CRtRcVupvOQL-cgGk-2NMti6KzSipSl4LYdV-FvhafacU6Z84SeHw9DTdNMlxCWcJEcaPhgMNKfmG8KY39P46HzjQnb6GwPtSW1tHOoGbUGcjnX1RNoLmdcG909RKnHvwUfMDq9OQ/s4032/IMG_6161.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-KoWlZ6WXhTNX0ygQxyBO7CTLMFLLYhhnVkKFBsUlWqa2CRtRcVupvOQL-cgGk-2NMti6KzSipSl4LYdV-FvhafacU6Z84SeHw9DTdNMlxCWcJEcaPhgMNKfmG8KY39P46HzjQnb6GwPtSW1tHOoGbUGcjnX1RNoLmdcG909RKnHvwUfMDq9OQ/s320/IMG_6161.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Have I mentioned the social area? Post too long haha! Well, it's very nice and stocked full of food!</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A whole pillar surrounded by snacks and instant noodles!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q-rsrJxOOPYjiw1pAcKz7mvwwlt3VYWkeWl9j4Zv-xMIcxKAqOaRAdmvlWmw6RA9OUEUwLDKHT0v_SR6AwWP_225srcE6k5xaaO1B_dBBfEJhfX_T5WxwJnCHPL97r7smJcv_K7lg1-yGqisOAc4k3sY_8r4e7lZzvvI1msGjIQ6Lqf4pozSRQ/s4032/IMG_5780.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q-rsrJxOOPYjiw1pAcKz7mvwwlt3VYWkeWl9j4Zv-xMIcxKAqOaRAdmvlWmw6RA9OUEUwLDKHT0v_SR6AwWP_225srcE6k5xaaO1B_dBBfEJhfX_T5WxwJnCHPL97r7smJcv_K7lg1-yGqisOAc4k3sY_8r4e7lZzvvI1msGjIQ6Lqf4pozSRQ/s320/IMG_5780.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A reading corner near the snacks</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2HdGbaQEFzULULEUkG7NFlbvePZqEYoyUGlDfVzqewJWQwcuhsNpXTl68AULCVXhJCOSrn0bJbV_HNNXYvwm47hO6GSa70H9Hzif4LA4Rc9rMSoePEc7atHKNOoalvFgfO6fewdGe64-UBaYcdtYLadG9Wvw9zbTrOQK7-CoEMEh6vcPVJKOeA/s4032/IMG_5779.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2HdGbaQEFzULULEUkG7NFlbvePZqEYoyUGlDfVzqewJWQwcuhsNpXTl68AULCVXhJCOSrn0bJbV_HNNXYvwm47hO6GSa70H9Hzif4LA4Rc9rMSoePEc7atHKNOoalvFgfO6fewdGe64-UBaYcdtYLadG9Wvw9zbTrOQK7-CoEMEh6vcPVJKOeA/s320/IMG_5779.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Relax area on the other side of the lift</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW_HkENp8opW5Q5I_U_ezs9GN-uB52_FD-n1UL0N1RL9jlwKqsmZJX4zjcsRoghV0DAynTfXPfAOr7bYAUWIlDVOtxS5lm-WH95rlw9doNu37OCke1wnNfV-TENDZmKXYmKKby_2dWQ77vDOXsTXBT-9DVLU-zWIgQVHYANBWRsImosBcdx2hTQ/s4032/IMG_5794.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW_HkENp8opW5Q5I_U_ezs9GN-uB52_FD-n1UL0N1RL9jlwKqsmZJX4zjcsRoghV0DAynTfXPfAOr7bYAUWIlDVOtxS5lm-WH95rlw9doNu37OCke1wnNfV-TENDZmKXYmKKby_2dWQ77vDOXsTXBT-9DVLU-zWIgQVHYANBWRsImosBcdx2hTQ/s320/IMG_5794.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>There is even a kids area with a tent and game console! But I only saw an adult play the game console when I was there haha!</div></div><br />Anyway, I tried to pack a bit but gosh, why more difficult than for Legoland??!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bubble tea of the day: Teawater 茶水格格 cheese foam - but not very cheesy leh...<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Friday, 19 Jan</span></b><br />Concert!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">OOTD</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuJSKh30FTbTnRwb53bwvpC6yOsr4Xe8uDPkRQPkZ1OBND378ANVFnFeUOJ9uM8oHckYCYzYge7yv9gt9wtGmgSILb_aYB2irkBGdBHcxFX-BbqC-eLIJXhmqbXu7oXBqttRE8Rc1m7LgTx3Y3RH-0zB_Mm9IDWjTCDybi9VIXoRTXA1LXNK8Kw/s4032/IMG_6166.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuJSKh30FTbTnRwb53bwvpC6yOsr4Xe8uDPkRQPkZ1OBND378ANVFnFeUOJ9uM8oHckYCYzYge7yv9gt9wtGmgSILb_aYB2irkBGdBHcxFX-BbqC-eLIJXhmqbXu7oXBqttRE8Rc1m7LgTx3Y3RH-0zB_Mm9IDWjTCDybi9VIXoRTXA1LXNK8Kw/s320/IMG_6166.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>One of the breakfasts this week was supposed to be a nice sandwich shop we had back in 2018. But it was temporarily closed?! So Sito found another place for me and it was near the hotel.</div><br />Had the 甘妹弄堂 NT175 set with egg pancakes and peanut butter in the bun - very nice bun! But I needed coffee. So I hopped into Starbucks on the way back. <br /><br />Then it was drama time!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wrote a note for the hotel lobby wall before going out</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3co8U3a-AK3UN5MAbKu5r-OMAQudavq5FEW0Ec2oIwMJySlDgoq-rNXVX1mCJKjqHJnIOkuvo5r4znWidANNuErs4jK5SV3FPE051uefHPCH_GccZdRtsYbDqOW0zkmm3CXlXnxYHPtWugsW5kbIrPMAwNKhfJohcR1RWvpuaoCY9OuhZV4S4_g/s3024/IMG_6169.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3co8U3a-AK3UN5MAbKu5r-OMAQudavq5FEW0Ec2oIwMJySlDgoq-rNXVX1mCJKjqHJnIOkuvo5r4znWidANNuErs4jK5SV3FPE051uefHPCH_GccZdRtsYbDqOW0zkmm3CXlXnxYHPtWugsW5kbIrPMAwNKhfJohcR1RWvpuaoCY9OuhZV4S4_g/s320/IMG_6169.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Took a bus again :) This time to two temples next to each other. I didn't expect that I would pray to Confucious twice - first in a shrine in a big temple, then in his own temple.<br /><br />The big temple was 大龍峒保安宮 Bao-An Temple. Found a statue of Confucious inside so I prayed hard there for the kids!<br /><br />I also went to 台北孔庙 which is very near Bao-An Temple. I thought I would just go pray and leave but nope, I spent some time at the exhibits there - fave was learning about the evolution of Chinese words.<br /><br />There was no altar at the main altar, just a plaque with the words 大成至圣先师孔子神位 on it. There were instructions on the floor on how to pray - my name, where I live, what I want.<br /><br />Bought charms for the kids too - I think it's the best NT570 ever spent haha! But it took me a few days after returning home to finally open them and put the small packets of salt and lavender into the charms and then into their schoolbags. All the best for your studies, my boys!<br /><br />Did I mention it was a very hot day?? I needed to get out of the sun. </div><div><br /></div><div>Took a bus to tea at <a href="https://linktr.ee/ymtmatre" target="_blank">永心凤茶奶茶专门所微风南山店 Yonshin Milk Tea Mansion</a> and was glad to find it was in a mall! I had to wait a bit for a seat. So popular but not as nice as previous places. I found it too noisy. But the crepe cake was way better than my first cake at Fong Da! The plum tea was just nice for the weather though it was a tad too sweet. Packed a Swiss roll to eat back at the hotel :p</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxBTuZalXA80OFkF3AMv9UwFVPTcZO3SoxX-cuXYXJ2_wQ6QFUcqZi92GgQE25soI_5N6wNML4AITaFKfrGyY-_UlI9JM-wQM8AguCRDwGWljHdfiqtKJRRhMXk50UcDf1XCmeHceNHaJMpQvTqDzD7sWdW9aiQ1KO5h5ZdN1L5tTLUCnfoir8w/s4032/IMG_6200.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxBTuZalXA80OFkF3AMv9UwFVPTcZO3SoxX-cuXYXJ2_wQ6QFUcqZi92GgQE25soI_5N6wNML4AITaFKfrGyY-_UlI9JM-wQM8AguCRDwGWljHdfiqtKJRRhMXk50UcDf1XCmeHceNHaJMpQvTqDzD7sWdW9aiQ1KO5h5ZdN1L5tTLUCnfoir8w/s320/IMG_6200.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But I didn't go straight back. I walked through the underground Eslite at the main station for a while and also the pop-up weekend pasar malam at Ximending. Stuff were mostly catered for girls - earrings, bags etc and I have no need for them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Queued for a doughnut on the way back - crispy</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6ez8_pC68L95VQ_9kjPXZrYveUrEknZvDX-sTcNi-gX2AoKT3la3mp3MgxwtXopeQZiWKvAhhBmFDW9reD2BuPXrWTDojjaL3bVUSSFeb1SIYKudgW_AlU1zOGtDXSA-ddj25OZIvsF_FYATDjQP1yU1LKo5z0WiIKMCuSaWiVzTmE0BLCbSig/s3024/IMG_6202.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6ez8_pC68L95VQ_9kjPXZrYveUrEknZvDX-sTcNi-gX2AoKT3la3mp3MgxwtXopeQZiWKvAhhBmFDW9reD2BuPXrWTDojjaL3bVUSSFeb1SIYKudgW_AlU1zOGtDXSA-ddj25OZIvsF_FYATDjQP1yU1LKo5z0WiIKMCuSaWiVzTmE0BLCbSig/s320/IMG_6202.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Chatted with Sito - kids ignored me mostly but Yu must come act cute :p - and watched some drama before I prettified myself for the play. It would be outdoors so I'm not sure if it might get cold. I brought heat pads along.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Those were Sito's fingers :p</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYd7FB-ZiY64x43dcibeHo-Y7w8tuBv9PBeW3lyeYOzDSHpHFqFq-GtgKmuWTZnUQzmICjQEzTBoNM-J8oQHwzioD0Y8bIelEBxKXhIeNLlazphVobtwzs7RmAjm5AR2u16ZoKQvzfDcChb-iXYs-deYtL9WBwUh2fypsiMqLDjJq6yKl9smj1Q/s1136/IMG_6203.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1136" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYd7FB-ZiY64x43dcibeHo-Y7w8tuBv9PBeW3lyeYOzDSHpHFqFq-GtgKmuWTZnUQzmICjQEzTBoNM-J8oQHwzioD0Y8bIelEBxKXhIeNLlazphVobtwzs7RmAjm5AR2u16ZoKQvzfDcChb-iXYs-deYtL9WBwUh2fypsiMqLDjJq6yKl9smj1Q/s320/IMG_6203.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They're enjoying themselves!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceqH6P-kpSi-oIl0q_VlmQKH4yRm0J1Kakc1CtrG39J6nOPN2bP97AXQNwuqnwx1od0Pnzjmq5Y8Ww7ZnEj1XYefGToL6hS_yTwpvpsbTE5h4QaGD3LcZQE2wEzljqr7nCjI2UpbrUpmk2zFxiTKbYJ13fnOOmjnGzmdKJevFjRxoG2fq_WhcGw/s1920/f530848bbcc3c552634dd72ecbbbdb1e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceqH6P-kpSi-oIl0q_VlmQKH4yRm0J1Kakc1CtrG39J6nOPN2bP97AXQNwuqnwx1od0Pnzjmq5Y8Ww7ZnEj1XYefGToL6hS_yTwpvpsbTE5h4QaGD3LcZQE2wEzljqr7nCjI2UpbrUpmk2zFxiTKbYJ13fnOOmjnGzmdKJevFjRxoG2fq_WhcGw/s320/f530848bbcc3c552634dd72ecbbbdb1e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Left for the bus stop after hearing that Yu pooped in the shower..! Apparently, he shouted at Kai and some watery poop leaked out!!!<br /><br />Ok, let me continue...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Did up my hair in case strong winds got in the way</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfss8h0Ft_6FhZFZz-CbFtGD65_Vis4CJwK2jes625qm9z_i6K90FzWNIOZDlYBeZF0xX4WDHx6zsPIlAtjWLJIFrKX235tevNYzPaD1UCv6ScbFTGR7mzbsEC9F3C_p87ZRnG3fX-wKdm4SQyUqpb2zSiZuJpzyojfdHDZRAW-m0WsRRrVgkrw/s4032/IMG_6216.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfss8h0Ft_6FhZFZz-CbFtGD65_Vis4CJwK2jes625qm9z_i6K90FzWNIOZDlYBeZF0xX4WDHx6zsPIlAtjWLJIFrKX235tevNYzPaD1UCv6ScbFTGR7mzbsEC9F3C_p87ZRnG3fX-wKdm4SQyUqpb2zSiZuJpzyojfdHDZRAW-m0WsRRrVgkrw/s320/IMG_6216.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I really enjoyed the play! Actually, it was more like a concert. Before it started, I went to the house behind to take pictures. This area is known as <a href="https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%A9%BA%E8%BB%8D%E4%B8%89%E9%87%8D%E4%B8%80%E6%9D%91" target="_blank">空军三重一村 Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No.1</a> and the living conditions were preserved/reconstructed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Grabbed from online sales page</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ7c3FoLytq3XriXsBApckCBSm_NV37OhiCvxYhEdnGfkHRk5UJxdYG4ltfaONjMCvavUZJSB-oKSO1F7ABs2arYebv7BUjZm-tgKOT3eH_xCJtv3OBIzeEPMNaLF-vkzbut4uLViKefY2044pXXTPgerieV67ov33xfaIqGBuDJ4PMKQ3XLxBw/s740/IMG_6274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="740" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ7c3FoLytq3XriXsBApckCBSm_NV37OhiCvxYhEdnGfkHRk5UJxdYG4ltfaONjMCvavUZJSB-oKSO1F7ABs2arYebv7BUjZm-tgKOT3eH_xCJtv3OBIzeEPMNaLF-vkzbut4uLViKefY2044pXXTPgerieV67ov33xfaIqGBuDJ4PMKQ3XLxBw/s320/IMG_6274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The backdrop was the village head's daughter getting married. So there really was a wedding dinner! And I really felt like a wedding guest who knew only the couple, haha!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These beads reminded me of those at Gramps' place years back!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CuN4xapJILc2lf6EB1tdkICDKDzMFauE7ea5ML9CrRZxy5UvZ8gt0Bn8e4G53speJ2WhkyS3XMRw9MXH-qOcckqSzNHRG1miha9RKJdiCVMjiYxwNYmxw7amyHLQ9cF1tCawXm-DoXJy1Cy6d2sgUyE1P7qRSqQ1UCpRFIcLIlVzqax3tC5IRg/s3088/IMG_6231.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CuN4xapJILc2lf6EB1tdkICDKDzMFauE7ea5ML9CrRZxy5UvZ8gt0Bn8e4G53speJ2WhkyS3XMRw9MXH-qOcckqSzNHRG1miha9RKJdiCVMjiYxwNYmxw7amyHLQ9cF1tCawXm-DoXJy1Cy6d2sgUyE1P7qRSqQ1UCpRFIcLIlVzqax3tC5IRg/s320/IMG_6231.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The food was from the 1960s era, including one 芙蓉蛋 - this was the third type of furong eggs I'd had! I asked the local lady sitting next to me and she said this dish was no longer common in Taiwanese cuisine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The menu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP2yGLOkZ-8y09rdNNNH9eUfsYE1Ty2n99xDvk8smegJJFapY3-pLAM0PkW1oeNIV707VJs5aMDMqUsZcQtvnDTscIKyMN5kkSNlTLWBuQkAyY233-bfYI30wRYBtnnpVXnLje7z6q-agskNBkEvM9nJpVIFgjWDEzHfgalfuF5p5CkgOcFi2yg/s4032/IMG_6236.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP2yGLOkZ-8y09rdNNNH9eUfsYE1Ty2n99xDvk8smegJJFapY3-pLAM0PkW1oeNIV707VJs5aMDMqUsZcQtvnDTscIKyMN5kkSNlTLWBuQkAyY233-bfYI30wRYBtnnpVXnLje7z6q-agskNBkEvM9nJpVIFgjWDEzHfgalfuF5p5CkgOcFi2yg/s320/IMG_6236.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my faves, the other one was the glutinous rice :p</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfw83lO9Jd1W0aL6ZsCFWUg4b-Q97pDfRiuhhFTziLfPCTxKrJjzCeTkyTNW9UAPolJTBuiopilft2147bnbW08ymq6pdB6v3CT2VmNoQQf422GKge6MYb8sVfwhyzFf24bUZRhTEXWx2_afAkpcDGtRA5HVH0Y6zpm7toiTQSxVZ9J185QrCwg/s4032/IMG_6245.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfw83lO9Jd1W0aL6ZsCFWUg4b-Q97pDfRiuhhFTziLfPCTxKrJjzCeTkyTNW9UAPolJTBuiopilft2147bnbW08ymq6pdB6v3CT2VmNoQQf422GKge6MYb8sVfwhyzFf24bUZRhTEXWx2_afAkpcDGtRA5HVH0Y6zpm7toiTQSxVZ9J185QrCwg/s320/IMG_6245.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">"Couple" went from table to table to toast the "guests"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNncwdNVJ5mCrOTt4SCIhF8lFPWIsjkKdGpTB7UAmEr8gztfp5eatOilvAaAp7M4J9PWM2RYo5k_XYDSMV5k5TTYzzQi-1IvQLRnZOrT6pcIz1RmXCS3KuwVbfO0uYkg4O8qIxmTI9p89P0eT5uxakuxMZdDX-vOp61dFRWeS4dhj_vgfDLMqUGQ/s4032/IMG_6260.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNncwdNVJ5mCrOTt4SCIhF8lFPWIsjkKdGpTB7UAmEr8gztfp5eatOilvAaAp7M4J9PWM2RYo5k_XYDSMV5k5TTYzzQi-1IvQLRnZOrT6pcIz1RmXCS3KuwVbfO0uYkg4O8qIxmTI9p89P0eT5uxakuxMZdDX-vOp61dFRWeS4dhj_vgfDLMqUGQ/s320/IMG_6260.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Took a picture with the cast</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAxKQ_au5wand28wW3Pw7ChA1rMWJl8bSTQwVTTz-7Ar_aYPZsT1WVMnlkxwVj1Iu5UhG_GdrIfDIx-Ae8QAdoRm2VOcp96vgNR4IZFqgt8Mi0W8Y6f4kU3BfL7tc7tSi7X_GqMmukwKkWFS3bXS4lyUAncX8CLXk1zgZesJPo5YcK5E45ZgqOA/s4032/IMG_6265.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAxKQ_au5wand28wW3Pw7ChA1rMWJl8bSTQwVTTz-7Ar_aYPZsT1WVMnlkxwVj1Iu5UhG_GdrIfDIx-Ae8QAdoRm2VOcp96vgNR4IZFqgt8Mi0W8Y6f4kU3BfL7tc7tSi7X_GqMmukwKkWFS3bXS4lyUAncX8CLXk1zgZesJPo5YcK5E45ZgqOA/s320/IMG_6265.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />It was part of the thank-you send-off at the end of any good old Chinese wedding. I took a picture and they gave me a candy. The cast for that day:</div></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>村长岑永康</li><li>太太罗美玲</li><li>女儿那祈</li><li>女婿杜伟诚</li><li>婚礼司仪老李吕绍齐</li><li>婚礼帮手段彦希</li></ul></div><div>There was another celeb present but as part of the audience - Mayday's Masa! No pictures la, don't disturb people...</div><div><br /></div>Took a bus back to Ximending and got myself a charcoal BBQ chicken and bubble tea. Unfortunately, it was chicken breast so it wasn't so yummy inside - I didn't finish :( <br /><br />Had a late night foot massage during my supper. It wasn't as good as the first one though...</div><div><br /></div><div>With this my last night, I decided to stay up more. Watched drama!! And I also had the Swiss roll for a very late supper. How late? Like 1.30 am late...!</div><div><br />Bubble tea of the day: 永心凤茶 plum tea, 清心福全 - forgot flavour!<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, 20 Jan</span></b><br />Going home :)</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">OOTD</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLJEeMXnDWOFtAyIW-JYEj7MYmcMe3qgU5vi9AdnW5l2PP9uvP7Fiz4PWlVx_U-gAzN78qRCyKWh60j5t7rYP7YAKZyn5Qg7pcmueaIattr1CQXng3-Da7z6w_bCRPai_BFVf2d8bZb4fkPwfDdV1-w9CSP-ik6VFbixLZxxcF8xRCu2VfrpJfw/s4032/IMG_6277.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLJEeMXnDWOFtAyIW-JYEj7MYmcMe3qgU5vi9AdnW5l2PP9uvP7Fiz4PWlVx_U-gAzN78qRCyKWh60j5t7rYP7YAKZyn5Qg7pcmueaIattr1CQXng3-Da7z6w_bCRPai_BFVf2d8bZb4fkPwfDdV1-w9CSP-ik6VFbixLZxxcF8xRCu2VfrpJfw/s320/IMG_6277.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I woke at 8 plus but thought it was 7 plus coz the Google TV screensaver was somehow an hour behind. Lucky there was still time before I had to leave for the airport!<br /><br />Went to a nearby breakfast spot to eat with the locals. Forgot to ask if I could do a siew dai :p So my coffee was way too sweet for me...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Beer at the lounge!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7iRz7cmQ0NlAIqK052wDYp3e8D0Od_1ViCbilAokk71dBlUfIVaGl2oKHoZv3Igk-3nOMilsLyIP9NWhX5f7bvmf7axZoOdkA2Knj4zKWJV7kDnHeJ3ErmOS5pUKkRXy8qsttmpGai7Mi56j3rnRVnay3UKkW36XImUxZ0RjOEno8hMqaaQkOQ/s3088/IMG_6279.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7iRz7cmQ0NlAIqK052wDYp3e8D0Od_1ViCbilAokk71dBlUfIVaGl2oKHoZv3Igk-3nOMilsLyIP9NWhX5f7bvmf7axZoOdkA2Knj4zKWJV7kDnHeJ3ErmOS5pUKkRXy8qsttmpGai7Mi56j3rnRVnay3UKkW36XImUxZ0RjOEno8hMqaaQkOQ/s320/IMG_6279.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not hungry so had only a coffee and beer when I found it. Beer is always good, burp :p Motivated, I bought some beer at Changi duty free :)<br /><br />It was a pretty uneventful flight home - no broken shoes coz at Taoyuan, they didn't ask me to remove my boots...</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh wait, flight very eventful - I had a lunch date with Tom, haha!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3srKnXpxQLMG6rafN2441pKmMRg_zJfM5JOraqpeOAqfsqiv4n9uWoWYZul6Sz2rYZiBNnVrS2nv4H2Lwlk4eHWkEVOPi9-96t6rGUCbA5yhKCn7d3TDA8wQQV9Ba8AZ0zmdQT6OWPx4LG0wczoqF3npvQrL6QTYhG6fcrQiZ4yqRPQ5GMMHj8A/s4032/IMG_6283.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3srKnXpxQLMG6rafN2441pKmMRg_zJfM5JOraqpeOAqfsqiv4n9uWoWYZul6Sz2rYZiBNnVrS2nv4H2Lwlk4eHWkEVOPi9-96t6rGUCbA5yhKCn7d3TDA8wQQV9Ba8AZ0zmdQT6OWPx4LG0wczoqF3npvQrL6QTYhG6fcrQiZ4yqRPQ5GMMHj8A/s320/IMG_6283.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the meantime, kids were having Saizeriya for dinner...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEily687ppJY05HurNbfKKQyhzpowCK5W8Xem6Rdgd8zPrqfT9ZpkH3vcc1E_gf7vAdbQXPSXpzmTrZhvaulVCtuaW9251d4AdVN8geb_wWll-eiy1ashvKE7zsVhkErEy_zLBO32pVXzIV2P-BbFXKYFQBYslXDD0E3fRnYyzLiyFbMJWnkIvc1WA/s1702/66b1cb1133999ee828f286503e926218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1702" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEily687ppJY05HurNbfKKQyhzpowCK5W8Xem6Rdgd8zPrqfT9ZpkH3vcc1E_gf7vAdbQXPSXpzmTrZhvaulVCtuaW9251d4AdVN8geb_wWll-eiy1ashvKE7zsVhkErEy_zLBO32pVXzIV2P-BbFXKYFQBYslXDD0E3fRnYyzLiyFbMJWnkIvc1WA/s320/66b1cb1133999ee828f286503e926218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> Came out at T2 to find Swee Choon! I bought two mee sua kueh to eat with Sito at night :)<br /><br />And then I was finally home!<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Aftermath</span></b><br /><br />So nice to finally see my babies! But they weren't terribly warm coz watching TV? Haha!<br /><br />I asked them what they missed. Expected answer - 陪陪 time.<br /><br />Mama: But Papa also 陪陪 you, right?<br />Yu: We watched Papa play three games and he sat with us for only one minute!<br />Yang: We only watched Papa play games. I miss your hair and tummy!<br /><br />Yes, my tummy.<br /><br />Mama: Papa also has a tummy...<br />Yang: Not as jiggly as yours...<br /><br />Wow, thanks ah...<br /><br />Kai sent me away T.T<br /><br />What did I achieve with this trip?<br /><br />1) I finished a drama "Only for Love" during my trip, yeah! Speed x2! But I must admit, I watched the last episode on the taxi home and later in bed :p<br /><br />2) Spent money on myself!</div><div><br /></div><div>Total damage = $1395.42 comprising:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Flight: $83.60</li><li>Taxis to and fro Changi: $48.02 + $44</li><li>Hotel: $438.43 or NT9,947</li><li>Play: $132.19 or NT3,000</li><li>Hot spring (Klook): $51.05</li><li>Vietnamese shampoo (Klook): $63.75</li><li>Boots: $87.78 or NT1,980</li><li>Cash: $606.60 for NT14,000, got back $160 for NT4,000 unused</li></ul></div></div><div>3) Enough bubble tea to last two months! But Sito said we haven't had much since moving to HV so treat these as make-up...!</div><div><br /></div><div>4) Not wash hair at hotel at all! I was afraid the dryer wasn't good and I would end up cold in the room. Sounds gross but I washed on Sunday night at home, Tuesday at Viet shampoo (Dyson hairdryer), Thursday at hot spring (hot day), and Saturday back home. Ok la, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>5) Self care :) Viet shampoo, foot massages, wa nice... Also spent time with myself. I haven't lost touch yet, can still do many things or nothing when alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Would I do it again? Maybe not until the kids are old enough. Want to spend more time with them, see their cuteness as much as possible before they become... not cute.. :(</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Would Sito be tempted to do the same? Or, would I let Sito do it?? Eh, he did before in March 2017 leh, went to KL to eat eat eat haha! Kids were way younger but we had a helper then. Now the kids are older and I have plenty of experience taking care of them on my own even with COVID and without a helper. So yes, laogong, if you want a break, let me know! (With a smile, and not a menacing one :))</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-86641589929356187632024-01-21T16:43:00.000+08:002024-02-22T12:54:50.358+08:00Congrats to Kai! :)I was so happy when I saw just one letter from MOE back in December - it means Edusave award! But I wasn't wearing glasses and misread the name at first *.*<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, we read out the letter to the boys. At first Kai wasn't impressed by an award. Then he heard the $150 cash reward. Eyes bright bright! Haha!</div><div><br /></div><div>But first, I must set up PayNow with his IC. Had to do that at the bank personally so I did it for all three kids. Second, we must attend the award ceremony, and that, we nearly missed!</div><div><br /></div><div>After sending the kids up the bus on Friday, 12 Jan, I opened the letterbox and saw a letter from PA. I was shocked to see that the ceremony was scheduled for 4 pm the next day and we had missed the RSVP deadline! Fast fingers quickly RVSP-ed online and when it was office hours, called the office. Heng we could just show up and even though the letter said three guests per awardee, all five of us could attend.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was no pre-fixed seating arrangement. We were shown to seats according to when we registered at the counter. Kai was #21 out of maybe 40-50. Seats were arranged in fours so someone brought us a fifth chair.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a cosy affair compared to my time. I still remember sitting on my own with many other students; parents were all seated in another section behind. Every year, we waited long long long time for the MP - mine was current PM - to show up, and more time for the hundreds of students to finish getting their cheques. Yes, cheques.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, after years of organising meetings involving ministers, I realised that these people were never late - PA must have got attendees to get seated far too early. This is thankfully no longer the case. We only had to register 15min before the ceremony time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, our MP, who also happens to be Minister for Education, said that was his 13th session that day *.* Towards the end of the ceremony, we heard the emcee on the other side of the separator wall starting to address the attendees of the next session. And when we came back from dinner, we still saw kids in uniform coming out of the CC! </div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Congrats on your Good Progress!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOwVfVh-WqmxNVmO_cs430rA2NyvM9fkcQK8LXeuBHXZAvHML6EAh3nqTeGf7NCpP3q8ucmN5oSdIf9Cv3cMCikHd8D5SaBMW-YijvH90rwkR6-ZStZMEUTWS55jAI85PaaFGNbWv-tNbVvk6LXWVLvsetL4DV_d3Bls0c2afQXrQy8ZbSlHD5A/s4032/IMG_5702.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOwVfVh-WqmxNVmO_cs430rA2NyvM9fkcQK8LXeuBHXZAvHML6EAh3nqTeGf7NCpP3q8ucmN5oSdIf9Cv3cMCikHd8D5SaBMW-YijvH90rwkR6-ZStZMEUTWS55jAI85PaaFGNbWv-tNbVvk6LXWVLvsetL4DV_d3Bls0c2afQXrQy8ZbSlHD5A/w400-h300/IMG_5702.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>There were refreshments and various booths after the ceremony. The kids had fun with yo-yo. Someone asked Sito to volunteer at the CC or something. Think he escaped :p There was also balloon sculpting but we spent all our time at the yo-yo booth until it was time for dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>So proud of this boy. Kai is the most conscientious of the three, knowing when he had to do his work. He worked especially hard last year, with Sito pushing him more than I did. So happy that he finally saw tangible outcomes for his effort :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Yang and Yu also wanted an award. Told them to work harder this year. But after the ceremony, Yang said he didn't want it anymore coz he was shy about collecting it *.*</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, this is PSLE year. Time for Kai to show his very best in primary school. May this award motivate him to reach his potential and more :)</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-36965626912685717472024-01-13T11:16:00.003+08:002024-01-13T11:48:52.398+08:00Off to school, without Mama...From Monday this week, Yang and Yu started going to school on their own.<div><br /></div><div>I send them to the bus stop, remind them to find a seat quickly and wave bye. When it rains, I shelter them up the bus so they don't get wet. </div><div><br /></div><div>When they get school, it's a short walk from the bus stop. If it rains heavily, they can use their brolly between bus and bus stop. If it's not too heavy, just step off and take the sheltered bridge route to their classroom.</div><div><br /></div><div>There will be days when Yang would not go to school, e.g. HBL for his level. Then I'll send Yu. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But I will miss seeing this!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r2T0y0GHNHxNd0MCGMP1nQhz8iUhGWbXe26j4GAkez9YWCe0VR-9GEWMlBjW3HrLgLTzNjDO9l-Gxg4tqYnqSFQrXtnBfII3TiUKSP7iVP9AiEOq0xclUmSGqQqczGQPSpWLGzcSCWfG6wVPtWKy9Ig4owoZgM25A10sKhXMIchPccYdkI0-mg/s4032/IMG_5565.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r2T0y0GHNHxNd0MCGMP1nQhz8iUhGWbXe26j4GAkez9YWCe0VR-9GEWMlBjW3HrLgLTzNjDO9l-Gxg4tqYnqSFQrXtnBfII3TiUKSP7iVP9AiEOq0xclUmSGqQqczGQPSpWLGzcSCWfG6wVPtWKy9Ig4owoZgM25A10sKhXMIchPccYdkI0-mg/s320/IMG_5565.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I went through various what-ifs with them on Sunday. More will come, when we eventually let them come home on their own. For now, Sito still fetches them home, coz these two keep talking and talking! </div><div><br /></div><div>Last time, Kai would make a beeline for the bus stop, not much talk. So it was ok to let him and Yang go home together from the start of his P4 year. In fact, I <a href="https://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2021/04/child-care-centre-not-helper.html">let the two go to school on their own</a> in the middle of Kai's P3 year, when Yang was only in P1.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>With Kai going to tuition on his own, we bought another SIM card so we could stalk Kai on tuition days, and Yang and Yu daily. Track for this year first... Our kids are growing in independence! :)</div></div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-2728461298835903162024-01-13T11:00:00.001+08:002024-01-13T11:49:12.973+08:00Domestic godIf I'm a domestic goddess, Sito must be a domestic god.<div><br /><div>When he was working, it was just wiping the dining table after some meals on weekends and the occasional repair - usually the wifi, the washer tap and whacking roaches... In the past year, he has been doing more and more at home.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>For our move, he fixed a lot of furniture and cleaned the house with me. After moving, he took on duties for all the window panes and frames while I dust off the grilles. I'm happy coz some windows do not have grilles :p</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wiping the windows from the corridor</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNLL8CKCrMP8ha0SBsJ5sOsevIxNtZFr-iqco9jrhVrPwkGFaHEfB7O5Kk-kdSn7k3B8G5upbyCa7ztxWBB3C-NNw989zF7_z-oomXmVTxitrvsRIY6FdJXrBp_YFhIsRC8_zrlUr3-80h3g2yyKzuyAu3jVqfow0oY1adNeaBNcxIjuez7rLtA/s4032/IMG_5413.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNLL8CKCrMP8ha0SBsJ5sOsevIxNtZFr-iqco9jrhVrPwkGFaHEfB7O5Kk-kdSn7k3B8G5upbyCa7ztxWBB3C-NNw989zF7_z-oomXmVTxitrvsRIY6FdJXrBp_YFhIsRC8_zrlUr3-80h3g2yyKzuyAu3jVqfow0oY1adNeaBNcxIjuez7rLtA/s320/IMG_5413.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He also takes on various repair work, like epoxy on cracked tiles (!), and sealing gaps to seal off insects. Two nights ago, he even dismantled our aircon casing to get to an ant nest! But it was inside so we just killed and cleaned what we could see.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sealing the last edge of our 5m of kitchen cabinet</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkhs4M-WI9Hl-mZgzLQAIa1oyqqfd-WMSSvKTOf-XBJZjwcdnFfjPaDVYtjed-5HqTt9jDilbaBon2jcom-bBpUbEGBZLXDefTMvShsoA7o6GyuVaaMh1a2yy2CYct-9vGZ0ONBkGmZyyXpShKu3CeeBCgt9SWzt1yQGMBYVRPIYnAVjlg06RjA/s4032/IMG_5418.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkhs4M-WI9Hl-mZgzLQAIa1oyqqfd-WMSSvKTOf-XBJZjwcdnFfjPaDVYtjed-5HqTt9jDilbaBon2jcom-bBpUbEGBZLXDefTMvShsoA7o6GyuVaaMh1a2yy2CYct-9vGZ0ONBkGmZyyXpShKu3CeeBCgt9SWzt1yQGMBYVRPIYnAVjlg06RjA/s320/IMG_5418.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>On a daily basis, he sets up the dining table and washes the water bottles. While I wake early to prepare the boys for school, he fetches them home, which frees me up to prepare a better lunch for them. When I'm out with friends or sending a kid for tuition, he takes on a simple lunch for the other two.<br /><br /></div></div></div><div><div>And the most important of all, he took on kiddy duty, specifically tuition! Kai has improved a lot :) He also sorts out the exam papers to give to the kids regularly. In past years, I only gave them papers during exam time - I think I brought them to the playground more often? :p</div><div><br /></div><div>It's more difficult to settle the kids' revision now that all three are in formal schooling. So it's great that Sito is here! But it's still two against three so for now, we just let Yu do simple things or even just reading. We'll see how when he gets to P3 when there will be exams...</div></div><div><br /></div><div>My domestic god will be taking on more duties in the coming week! Details later... Jia you, my dear!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-33080920881157246792024-01-12T12:43:00.005+08:002024-01-12T13:00:48.567+08:0044Sei sup sei! (Cantonese)<div><br /></div><div>I have a thing for so-called unlucky numbers :p</div><div><br /></div><div>Birthdays happen every year. I didn't bother with my birthday past my mid 20s - just needed to have a cake coz as a kid, birthdays were the only time we got a nice whole cake with cream and decoration. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then kids arrived, and it's really nice to have them celebrate birthdays!</div><div><br /></div><div>It is also a reminder of my mortality, to treasure time with my lovely boys, young and old.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a few weeks of hawker food for our weekly outside breakfast, we checked out Toast Box at the new mall on Saturday. <span style="text-align: center;">The usual for the kids, mee goreng for me, and cake and barley for</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Sito. </span>They seem cheaper than Yakun and gosh, I love those local dishes! </div><div><br /></div><div>Kids weren't used to having less toast, as this chain doesn't cut each slice of bread in half like Yakun. They also thought Yakun was crispier. Hope to turn them around to Toast Box...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My arm is not long enough to capture my whole face :p</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwal6Qr4Rvw7Fxa3M-OAVauS-oGj_Lr6Ir30yhrIDBDNTdXgWyZxHW1qS1Uy5DG-yQo5n6OCoqTOouXOOU_p77W0FYwtarFY3KKLoVvMLcjoFvsnB-Oqm9AcaPXflWqltH55-4p2CEwc9w948zAf5SS977qn3qG_v3HZUNyMbsThuuDjYr4_IzNw/s3088/IMG_5579.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwal6Qr4Rvw7Fxa3M-OAVauS-oGj_Lr6Ir30yhrIDBDNTdXgWyZxHW1qS1Uy5DG-yQo5n6OCoqTOouXOOU_p77W0FYwtarFY3KKLoVvMLcjoFvsnB-Oqm9AcaPXflWqltH55-4p2CEwc9w948zAf5SS977qn3qG_v3HZUNyMbsThuuDjYr4_IzNw/s320/IMG_5579.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Or, my face is too big? Haha!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They finally got to play with this! Not crowded in the morning, just wet so couldn't sit</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0lyd9QiowgSeAHACNrcfY4qSjadR3JGz4EJatJ_Sbjq0qYBWGQWCbBQI86QbeHfO4G_GTEGiI06NDyuxgIzOJcF9DMrt5AQ5JOXaKXubCNNAiDkC5YoBMyU1lwzk3-paundtgS9Pectdx4-CmHcBvem_Xr_0Cb9hsqLwCdtZ6M6JtqXEn6KKGw/s4032/IMG_5590.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0lyd9QiowgSeAHACNrcfY4qSjadR3JGz4EJatJ_Sbjq0qYBWGQWCbBQI86QbeHfO4G_GTEGiI06NDyuxgIzOJcF9DMrt5AQ5JOXaKXubCNNAiDkC5YoBMyU1lwzk3-paundtgS9Pectdx4-CmHcBvem_Xr_0Cb9hsqLwCdtZ6M6JtqXEn6KKGw/s320/IMG_5590.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, we must go to Swensen's on birthdays. I signed up for their membership which requires Telegram. To my horror, as I learnt later, that my contacts would know I started using Telegram coz they were asked to message me!!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Menu is also very fun to read</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ3-Oq4-qUq0y25aMUzovdubYY32tBA599btuXke5GYEUmuCek9PFzvHLJlsVlF7JgSgkIa_EX2DjOSDDsO1bsTeAfdnKNfwvQOHJCZdZD_NON6Qu7aqRwJjEYzVCUMvAx8PRHp6bslp0ZPzTxnPFvO000h7sEIMW4HNGS_gGnTKbqPUQvRJ7bg/s4032/IMG_5598.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ3-Oq4-qUq0y25aMUzovdubYY32tBA599btuXke5GYEUmuCek9PFzvHLJlsVlF7JgSgkIa_EX2DjOSDDsO1bsTeAfdnKNfwvQOHJCZdZD_NON6Qu7aqRwJjEYzVCUMvAx8PRHp6bslp0ZPzTxnPFvO000h7sEIMW4HNGS_gGnTKbqPUQvRJ7bg/s320/IMG_5598.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Birthday sundae :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GWLjveMLDr7XItXqBx-edS4J5Ux1dgVFbyV9czhcWz4jmOtR5tu6a0koGveSA8O1n6992qm8pDzCy46K2ciKqvSyo72IQreTQ7tyQ5fN2piHrWW4RrZAnFyMDTEjRWxWcqcX3GuYUrZdBT0zfBWNKDusgtigi0JtXN8lEZIcAzCpVnhzbqFMPw/s3088/IMG_5599.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GWLjveMLDr7XItXqBx-edS4J5Ux1dgVFbyV9czhcWz4jmOtR5tu6a0koGveSA8O1n6992qm8pDzCy46K2ciKqvSyo72IQreTQ7tyQ5fN2piHrWW4RrZAnFyMDTEjRWxWcqcX3GuYUrZdBT0zfBWNKDusgtigi0JtXN8lEZIcAzCpVnhzbqFMPw/s320/IMG_5599.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing to do with my birthday but we decided that we would finish up the tang yuan in the freezer on Sunday while the kids had their usual pizza. Sito patiently panfried the little balls. I think the Spring Home brand panfries better than the Fairprice house brand - holds the shape better.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And they come with a packet of crushed peanuts!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11x4pkJGS-wVeBHuS7MoW_ysxLJ9vJbOn88HWYsO8UICUK96fEyixu2TKtIFIp0hdBU75zN2kkW_PP18sSQwIRcIzv9d2efT_03faRRz_49S2E6ExoR_gEII70WWkFKAZki0Do_mpBVX69PIDwb3MwbwBvs9uht6daBp4VTFQjtoVUY684E_SxQ/s3024/IMG_5602.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11x4pkJGS-wVeBHuS7MoW_ysxLJ9vJbOn88HWYsO8UICUK96fEyixu2TKtIFIp0hdBU75zN2kkW_PP18sSQwIRcIzv9d2efT_03faRRz_49S2E6ExoR_gEII70WWkFKAZki0Do_mpBVX69PIDwb3MwbwBvs9uht6daBp4VTFQjtoVUY684E_SxQ/s320/IMG_5602.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday to Mama!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzgM4NDLngabEhaw1hzKkU-UuKOTDN_bUVQ6PBWJeROagMq-po1Xl2lUmrdtzc8Zy_3A2tGMIkgo9fPZcRoR9CGcJyjpWqcTffpKgRn90tUzLWWyzkYAm_o1ezerRudGhHfVnpi3hrdo8XkjTYSvEV7lvkCL5h09y_YqGS7VrjzWLe4MnO2aYxA/s4032/IMG_5623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzgM4NDLngabEhaw1hzKkU-UuKOTDN_bUVQ6PBWJeROagMq-po1Xl2lUmrdtzc8Zy_3A2tGMIkgo9fPZcRoR9CGcJyjpWqcTffpKgRn90tUzLWWyzkYAm_o1ezerRudGhHfVnpi3hrdo8XkjTYSvEV7lvkCL5h09y_YqGS7VrjzWLe4MnO2aYxA/s320/IMG_5623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Kai must make some funny / weird expression at every photo, sighs... Think he was pinching an invisible double chin here!</div><div><br /></div><div>As we got the cake slices - pistachio raspberry with a fish on top (LNY!) and yuzu osmanthus - and some Mister Donuts at Bishan on Saturday, we decided to do the cake thing on Sunday instead of Monday after school - eat them fresh!</div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday, while the kids were in school, Sito and I had a nice breakfast at Makan@Jen. This was our second time there, first time being dinner with the kids. We are sold. They have a wide selection and the food is yummy!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just us :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0nTyKb5JIx0HGBlX0wIcsVkqSo3ccJHkMsavClUg8gRjNTBRq-y87sLudAV1ue8MyQCUxAQDpzemca0PkH8PZyJuFcDI5sTg1usBOjRtnwiU4sL6KCsjRJu30ZwdSrQN2G_TYxTx2hhx7VSCtFt0bYJtmbGK9PUGdRSszdma8N6RKK7im0l2CQ/s3088/IMG_5633.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0nTyKb5JIx0HGBlX0wIcsVkqSo3ccJHkMsavClUg8gRjNTBRq-y87sLudAV1ue8MyQCUxAQDpzemca0PkH8PZyJuFcDI5sTg1usBOjRtnwiU4sL6KCsjRJu30ZwdSrQN2G_TYxTx2hhx7VSCtFt0bYJtmbGK9PUGdRSszdma8N6RKK7im0l2CQ/s320/IMG_5633.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sito telling me all about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croque_monsieur">croque monsieur</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLfPKrlBqwZG1XpWc5DkKwaXPcI922V9uLiurXU_N7DCXNRo8G-2lWQmTnjjc7iEZwjSxJLbRxCEg8ybtGXdqvmp1qeRRK_mW-JgP01m-OP5pEO_DAhiaHQH2BdHS0UoBfUF2pt-5Yw29ZFY8KQGiGNthPvKOVblEBlkGtDLpqQ-rv3zJMfCg8A/s4032/IMG_5638.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLfPKrlBqwZG1XpWc5DkKwaXPcI922V9uLiurXU_N7DCXNRo8G-2lWQmTnjjc7iEZwjSxJLbRxCEg8ybtGXdqvmp1qeRRK_mW-JgP01m-OP5pEO_DAhiaHQH2BdHS0UoBfUF2pt-5Yw29ZFY8KQGiGNthPvKOVblEBlkGtDLpqQ-rv3zJMfCg8A/s320/IMG_5638.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>mf: A what?</div><div>Sito: Croque monsieur (proceeds to read off Wikipedia)</div><div>mf: Oh, ham and cheese sandwich!</div><div><br /></div><div>My hub really cracks me up sometimes :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He had to make one!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66AljQF2_m7l2rE5iqM__5iSXpu94Y0-qJXHogg36t1wS398FwbxB-u7DU4BMhkpwh5I2DdFq1dlJvLFHdFYlGNJ5y9tfHe2w6xG7F2ei68tfDuCLDV9rkGCSmMtvDdvSw3JRpnm2tEgfDAS0uDZICZ2bP8Q6cwm7gcbzpdA09YO0cJIWN7sRwA/s4032/IMG_5639.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66AljQF2_m7l2rE5iqM__5iSXpu94Y0-qJXHogg36t1wS398FwbxB-u7DU4BMhkpwh5I2DdFq1dlJvLFHdFYlGNJ5y9tfHe2w6xG7F2ei68tfDuCLDV9rkGCSmMtvDdvSw3JRpnm2tEgfDAS0uDZICZ2bP8Q6cwm7gcbzpdA09YO0cJIWN7sRwA/s320/IMG_5639.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm happy when he's happy :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Next was shopping! Ah Yee gifted us a Tangs gift card when we moved house. We bought some Corelle serving bowls previously - they have been giving us wonderful steamed dishes! </div><div><br /></div><div>This time, we got better tongs and scissors for the kitchen - my old tongs were plastic from Daiso and I hesitated to use them apart from grabbing toaster sandwiches, and my old scissors were "tai lang tai buay si" in my Mother's words! </div><div><br /></div><div>Bonus buy - a crossbody bag! I saw the ads for this bag often in the past year but never got down to feeling it. Bags, must feel it before buying. The last bag I bought was in early 2020 just before COVID hit - I passed by the shop n times and eventually went to the shop to feel it three times before buying it! And I just gave it away coz the seams were fraying and the strap was killing my shoulders with prolonged use.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I felt the bag and tried it on. Looks easy to clean. I think I can fit all our water bottles or five brollies inside! Sito said he could carry it as well. Recently, he carried a flowery red and white backpack coz our old kiddy backpack broke after the last Legoland trip :p</div><div><br /></div><div>I continued shopping while Sito went to fetch the kids. Must go to Daiso and check out Uniqlo for kiddy pants.</div><div><br /></div><div>The kids were heartless though; Kai didn't even give me a birthday greeting *.* But after Papa's reminder, Yang drew me a card. I'm happy :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Super sweet boy :)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXejaCVoGOcDQoG9a_E2onwnBj0uR-0qrunGTtTeGB_v4vJHlpULB7eRXr8WHlhA8x0te9oJjpXnrBvtMH8yt2wQV9y2jQd-qof8QLEKlvirupNWA2_LET9p8_LWnQM9BFo826vfg66Q3bDVkwjXX7cxNbkw3XTyYzEAjdAtnpZXCJ9sPLc-5yg/s4032/IMG_5646.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXejaCVoGOcDQoG9a_E2onwnBj0uR-0qrunGTtTeGB_v4vJHlpULB7eRXr8WHlhA8x0te9oJjpXnrBvtMH8yt2wQV9y2jQd-qof8QLEKlvirupNWA2_LET9p8_LWnQM9BFo826vfg66Q3bDVkwjXX7cxNbkw3XTyYzEAjdAtnpZXCJ9sPLc-5yg/w400-h300/IMG_5646.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And he has requests, haha!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlr_m1wLtw3uCbdgD5mCRi-h8Fuspbi9gqNOm0hdBmBFrDlOy2KOiBEUdxNdNa7kBu8rYSKX5hODE1zaNaBbmNsgtaDlTPpafxAAnb-N29o2-OsxD_NraoZ83lRYAVF99mQ22hlPNir8bIhyURDNYFm3p52-Ug9jkBhNL9wNpUkGvt7sxPPeL1g/s4032/IMG_5647.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlr_m1wLtw3uCbdgD5mCRi-h8Fuspbi9gqNOm0hdBmBFrDlOy2KOiBEUdxNdNa7kBu8rYSKX5hODE1zaNaBbmNsgtaDlTPpafxAAnb-N29o2-OsxD_NraoZ83lRYAVF99mQ22hlPNir8bIhyURDNYFm3p52-Ug9jkBhNL9wNpUkGvt7sxPPeL1g/w400-h300/IMG_5647.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>"paypay" means 陪陪 at bedtime :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming Sunday is 阿嬷家 day and we'll be having dinner downstairs - will post pictures later.</div><div><br /></div><div>With some luck, this is the midpoint of my life? I must say it has been a charmed life so far, considering everything. Here I go, stepping into a hopefully peaceful second half of my life!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-33790962786180974712024-01-05T11:18:00.001+08:002024-01-05T11:28:11.227+08:00The monster in the mindThere are many scary things in this world - from wide-impact big things like terrorism and war, to personal big things like losing loved ones and daily stability, and to small things like lizards and cockroaches. <div><br /></div><div>The scariest of all is probably the monster in the mind. Mental illness is one such monster. And then there are those kiddy monsters.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a kid, I was scared of the "woman with long white hair outside the kitchen window", whom my sister claimed to have seen. I did not but it was difficult for me to go to the toilet via a dark kitchen at night for many years. Watching those HK vampire movies on TV scared me, though I would still watch behind a blanket. But I could sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>So while I understand Yu's fear of white faceless masks he saw on TV, I cannot understand why he couldn't sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>We started watching 奔跑吧 on the last two days of last year, I think. It was a random episode I picked from YouTube. It was all fine until it got to the "mask room". Yu climbed onto me and held my hands on his eyes. Other parts, he was fine. We finished this episode over two days.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, on new year's eve, he woke past 11 pm to tell us he was scared. We let him sleep with us.</div><div><br /></div><div>On 1 Jan, he came over once Yang was asleep. He couldn't sleep. We let him lie down while we watched drama, thinking we could carry him over later. But in the end, we just let him sleep the whole night there coz really 舍不得他长大...</div><div><br /></div><div>Soon, I could smell French fries - he was one huge French fry coz he was so sweaty! We don't turn on the aircon in our room much these days, thanks to the cool weather. Later in the night, he kicked Sito and woke me to get water *.*</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">My sweet baby</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF88CVN3d8rOP4MnTGfVauFKj5XVg0g_ncrzEpwwUQXCVVuL7-uf4pT0CLwNAp3BLO5wwKAaLzbzcEKPgErEaU52OakBrTD10Cwh4RXpUbanrKtEQA44ohdh0zoWxxN8xe2w0Nkpvj4Q8M9BeggKhkK0rlKKlM3IWtWlgnbSUP5BOgjbNL7HFKxg/s4032/IMG_5524.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF88CVN3d8rOP4MnTGfVauFKj5XVg0g_ncrzEpwwUQXCVVuL7-uf4pT0CLwNAp3BLO5wwKAaLzbzcEKPgErEaU52OakBrTD10Cwh4RXpUbanrKtEQA44ohdh0zoWxxN8xe2w0Nkpvj4Q8M9BeggKhkK0rlKKlM3IWtWlgnbSUP5BOgjbNL7HFKxg/s320/IMG_5524.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, he couldn't sleep again. But we couldn't have him in our bed again as there was school the next day - all of us needed good rest.</div><div><br /></div><div>It took an hour and some tears before we convinced him to let us push his bed right next to Yang's. Then, he found that Yang was still far away. So we got him to sleep in Yang's bed. Yang was asleep by then and moved a little during the changeover. The next morning, Yang said he wouldn't let Yu sleep with him again.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Very sweet, my boys</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGro8qgW4NaXdntfoJE-EVnmxNIAUP65XUoVgaYHiMd3muzfjbHMX6sqVjQFwaotE15DXUU0PXyJex1ymE9ZGU7wt-2H4aDMKJUI2YGb4r7B2P3GLAXBWbZALobP7Dlc4FwAGHCUY4UGJ03LIxhcb3I3RzZpxPPUqnm-Y79vzkU9DDrA0PN6e5Q/s4032/IMG_5534.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGro8qgW4NaXdntfoJE-EVnmxNIAUP65XUoVgaYHiMd3muzfjbHMX6sqVjQFwaotE15DXUU0PXyJex1ymE9ZGU7wt-2H4aDMKJUI2YGb4r7B2P3GLAXBWbZALobP7Dlc4FwAGHCUY4UGJ03LIxhcb3I3RzZpxPPUqnm-Y79vzkU9DDrA0PN6e5Q/s320/IMG_5534.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We needed a solution.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since it's a monster in his mind ("it's in my mind, I cannot close my eyes"), I decided to try a mind method.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Yu came home from his first day of P2, I had him write a note to be brave, read it out and tore up another piece of paper with a drawing of a mask on one side and the word MASK on the other.</div><div><br /></div><div>He said he was still scared. But he slept in his own bed that night! So proud of him! So proud of myself too haha!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tearing up the "mask"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO4I6H4bp82JR9jUQGp9zwq6qxaffTQTF42ldJU9D8cKJMfmKMTi93zg7Rq6lwhoD-VUGyllSpszt4-4mvd6gO2t4kC2VRSXAbzdwvKPxb55K_YmM-OT7ZIl9zpzABzH3d8R-857HWgz_mijqcmIeXC-J7F6OeCHEuxWiOEKmxxExk1xTSjLtTw/s4032/IMG_5548.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO4I6H4bp82JR9jUQGp9zwq6qxaffTQTF42ldJU9D8cKJMfmKMTi93zg7Rq6lwhoD-VUGyllSpszt4-4mvd6gO2t4kC2VRSXAbzdwvKPxb55K_YmM-OT7ZIl9zpzABzH3d8R-857HWgz_mijqcmIeXC-J7F6OeCHEuxWiOEKmxxExk1xTSjLtTw/s320/IMG_5548.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Now I wonder if I could do something similar about drinking soup coz he drinks soup by both grandmothers but pukes when he drinks mine! We think it's some psychological barrier as he was coughing once when he had soup and puked after that. </div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't think of a suitable mind method for soup yet though so I may have to change the seasoning first to make it more like the gramps'? Ytd, I made soup again but skipped the dried scallops this time. He tried but he still couldn't take it - had to standby at toilet bowl for a while :( Sighs, hope to sort this out soon so he could enjoy the goodness of a warm bowl of soup!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-80382462949945324432023-12-29T13:49:00.001+08:002023-12-29T13:50:22.498+08:00The most wonderful time of the year!<div>I don't fancy rain all that much - many times, I have to carry three foldable brollies in my bag! But the cool weather has been really nice :) Not to mention that it's the time for feasting!</div><div><br /></div><div>But, 今年的平安夜很不平安... I was opening or closing the oven when I spotted a black thing crawling across the cabinet door right under the oven. It was a teenage roach! It turned the corner facing the fridge and last I saw it, it was at the bottom of the kitchen cabinet. </div><div><br /></div><div>We moved the fridge but there was nothing. Sito discovered a gap between kitchen cabinet and concrete base - the size of the gap varied across the length of our kitchen, some 5m. We guessed the roach might have come up from the drain pipe, which is hidden in between. </div><div><br /></div><div>So he put putty all over starting from the far side from where the roach disappeared. By the time he got to the oven side, he discovered a huge hole. Not sure if it was meant for oven ventilation but we sealed it anyway. Then I realised that if that was a ventilation hole and the roach went in there, it could probably exit from the front of the oven where there is also a gap??! </div><div><br /></div><div>Nightmare... </div><div><br /></div><div><div>I found two little black dots on the drawer ledge under the oven. Later, I learnt that roach poop looks like that :((((( I cleaned up madly....</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Thankfully, no sightings so far...</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, after an hour, we got back on track for dinner prep. I had already baked my meatballs right after making pizza for the kids' lunch. Sito started preparing glaze for the ham and baking it. I made roasted vege and meatball spaghetti, all the while watching out for something black and moving... I was so scared it might come out of the oven when it started heating up! But nope...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Glazing the ham</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZXhmz-aiJ35GCyNfcjRbG17pBzQNjcIlE3OWOrmuX9hLqaZoS5UIW2QYu1SWfYG4zQMuQWHt076Hjdp5Ja8ccl5DmTPhL65vTPX0HRHPZS7vbu3YFVs46vfDOpGHESsMXsa6icT52MU0vzwjtnn7zzsdgE1a2PS34Wp3HoPo7ij88VwsCkYfyw/s4032/IMG_5420.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZXhmz-aiJ35GCyNfcjRbG17pBzQNjcIlE3OWOrmuX9hLqaZoS5UIW2QYu1SWfYG4zQMuQWHt076Hjdp5Ja8ccl5DmTPhL65vTPX0HRHPZS7vbu3YFVs46vfDOpGHESsMXsa6icT52MU0vzwjtnn7zzsdgE1a2PS34Wp3HoPo7ij88VwsCkYfyw/s320/IMG_5420.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nth glazing - spot the vege waiting in the wings</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRN5271EGsqHY6FBNvegq1sRWaaZRiapmBfDzoBWrDhmBDBxRNSEDylL7ikySaz-i5NuYkv3A4FXvgSktkURyk54302vqHn71qw_PIebCsEK9_0N2xfm4cOI7zQBv03M35SjaKAMyymPLTTZNaEoqzOda48g4zfP4fXgub-9EnN7YunKnK9O92g/s4032/IMG_5422.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRN5271EGsqHY6FBNvegq1sRWaaZRiapmBfDzoBWrDhmBDBxRNSEDylL7ikySaz-i5NuYkv3A4FXvgSktkURyk54302vqHn71qw_PIebCsEK9_0N2xfm4cOI7zQBv03M35SjaKAMyymPLTTZNaEoqzOda48g4zfP4fXgub-9EnN7YunKnK9O92g/s320/IMG_5422.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The finished product!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjczOm4vXdVj6KjD6JSm41zMz5mudTg8PsVDQLixTQYVGT0B9nayuIPsLqUi743IwpgURXDXVDUfi6EHwUY5w8OMiOYMi3P2gjhtHIsZ8OTs_w5rt7dFpdimkjBzUd3fp-H39XZUBcDB_QGP1T8xxR4BvSyWDr56Lhhq4mKpY9RCTEaXZwewRrQ/s4032/IMG_5423.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjczOm4vXdVj6KjD6JSm41zMz5mudTg8PsVDQLixTQYVGT0B9nayuIPsLqUi743IwpgURXDXVDUfi6EHwUY5w8OMiOYMi3P2gjhtHIsZ8OTs_w5rt7dFpdimkjBzUd3fp-H39XZUBcDB_QGP1T8xxR4BvSyWDr56Lhhq4mKpY9RCTEaXZwewRrQ/s320/IMG_5423.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chef also cuts ham for us</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvetMOySTj1KF-QG5m-NTdbILz-Cyg94c3MpN8KvMEr1dFJazZBZaVO1IP5-A8aHwHQwgHkZL4BiRfdmSmiLVR_pSs1zPspQPOeK0zMhjw3SMexjl8uleH3NPFOA95SzUygV50v5vHSDjHw1jnLQxUpiYTN8iH1_g_EFLXKeUk4wK1eYzeKfDc3w/s4032/IMG_5424.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvetMOySTj1KF-QG5m-NTdbILz-Cyg94c3MpN8KvMEr1dFJazZBZaVO1IP5-A8aHwHQwgHkZL4BiRfdmSmiLVR_pSs1zPspQPOeK0zMhjw3SMexjl8uleH3NPFOA95SzUygV50v5vHSDjHw1jnLQxUpiYTN8iH1_g_EFLXKeUk4wK1eYzeKfDc3w/s320/IMG_5424.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids had roasted broccoli with meathball spaghetti and ham</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzIwiW1MqCD9nvY_UiabutqbUrKcJO645SixLxB-gCxxuOzgGlswYoEu8jG-MuLDNKz9c0YQlGYiC2UpO4WeY4m7Ww_c4eAiH4x2AhGBf8lrEvqatZlHJXi-Z1WL2NaPNGOgkPc_bubqEzhOa62xv31erCWBG54e69mpeUcf1rdxIhUaW6qSPxg/s4032/IMG_5425.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzIwiW1MqCD9nvY_UiabutqbUrKcJO645SixLxB-gCxxuOzgGlswYoEu8jG-MuLDNKz9c0YQlGYiC2UpO4WeY4m7Ww_c4eAiH4x2AhGBf8lrEvqatZlHJXi-Z1WL2NaPNGOgkPc_bubqEzhOa62xv31erCWBG54e69mpeUcf1rdxIhUaW6qSPxg/s320/IMG_5425.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ham was very nicely glazed; our glaze was yummier than the original flavour. With 3kg ham, we had lots of leftover - lunch for all of us the next day, plus maybe three servings for fried rice in the coming weeks! We also had enough leftover vege for lunch the next day. There's still a tub of frozen meatball sauce in the freezer, enough for all of us next week! </div><div><br /></div><div>We started and finished later than usual so no chance for log cake until Christmas day. We bought it from <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2023/12/hello-again-fire-station.html" target="_blank">Ikea</a>. It was made by Secret Recipe.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kai didn't eat it; Yang and Yu ended up not liking it</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WU8sFZw8bvMdbQHu7t63mIlLI17MCW6GcBnrcKdLNNuOFY_JEpn3LRmfpLEazXQC6HEbklwu3SYqOPveX1qC8Tosxt0lnLJ6UOxvuHf07IGLpmmVWHWNGDGS532GKKqf9WZyRbzAZz7LBhSQAv7qhOe-08j5tLeZHsJeVcfs2Kdlxsqsmojk5Q/s4032/IMG_5439.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WU8sFZw8bvMdbQHu7t63mIlLI17MCW6GcBnrcKdLNNuOFY_JEpn3LRmfpLEazXQC6HEbklwu3SYqOPveX1qC8Tosxt0lnLJ6UOxvuHf07IGLpmmVWHWNGDGS532GKKqf9WZyRbzAZz7LBhSQAv7qhOe-08j5tLeZHsJeVcfs2Kdlxsqsmojk5Q/s320/IMG_5439.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I destroyed the cake while cutting it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlH36fHpergo9swCAzJAsRfPHG5Zgmer-7BtPLzZTY0kQFmYR0rdhbBtP9OYEoL_7IhWUhTFGRiTYjCp6VELT3BT_k5KgyAlaFUPTqy9puDkzoj8dn4NrR0L3wNEMQuTibEnG1j3YUrHy0_Yqo1Mns_QJ0LFgaII00bKnSM_nWZ3xatEn3TGWYw/s4032/IMG_5440.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlH36fHpergo9swCAzJAsRfPHG5Zgmer-7BtPLzZTY0kQFmYR0rdhbBtP9OYEoL_7IhWUhTFGRiTYjCp6VELT3BT_k5KgyAlaFUPTqy9puDkzoj8dn4NrR0L3wNEMQuTibEnG1j3YUrHy0_Yqo1Mns_QJ0LFgaII00bKnSM_nWZ3xatEn3TGWYw/s320/IMG_5440.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We realised it was not the usual swiss roll type but with three layers of biscuit, cream and cake staked up into a log shape. But it was very yummy... Sito and I had a lot, and then we finished the rest over two nights :p With no Chateraise or Swee Heng or Proofer downstairs this year, we had only this one log cake! Or should I add "so far"? :p</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Must have <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/kfc-christmas-tradition-japan/index.html" target="_blank">KFC on Christmas</a>!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsKoD6PdixS_6tOQWsPVx_qPKDb_jxu-76nsNa1L6eRK8RDzIrCo0DpM1JWswv8Bf6yPY3ZpoemNg9rUw05xPYKWdQrtaaU7_tgn1Yp54GdCUiXMSaWPUiRDBSnsXAjdaOfHnogjgor_1FnEMeo9CtuGAlmQQK_LA1JJ5Gehtu3J-FDSRxRyadQ/s4032/IMG_5447.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsKoD6PdixS_6tOQWsPVx_qPKDb_jxu-76nsNa1L6eRK8RDzIrCo0DpM1JWswv8Bf6yPY3ZpoemNg9rUw05xPYKWdQrtaaU7_tgn1Yp54GdCUiXMSaWPUiRDBSnsXAjdaOfHnogjgor_1FnEMeo9CtuGAlmQQK_LA1JJ5Gehtu3J-FDSRxRyadQ/s320/IMG_5447.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And there was a bucket! I loved it so much haha! Unfortunately it was cardboard and oily so I didn't keep it..</div><div><br /></div><div>After Christmas feasting, we had our year-end buffet to send off 2023 and get ready for the new (school) year. We started this <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2022/12/year-end-festivities.html">last year</a> at Makan@Jen since the kids enjoy getting their own food and drinks. Yesterday, we went to Atrium at Holiday Inn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sito called it the "glass hotel". It would probably be very cheery in the day but it was raining when we got there and turned dark soon after... </div><div><br /></div><div>I was so misled by the weather app on my phone that I deleted it just now and added the NEA widget instead! Luckily for the MRT connection, we only had to brave the rain with one umbrella across one traffic light. Sito went to and fro a few times and when it was my turn, a kind lady ferried me across.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The glass was visible above these blinds</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUHsOsWlZTx2SCr_JNW4iaXOXnaf7AAbXToKthIexq0agRhk2ue3H1HaKl9VGuXU8L4i_Eu8lOicJfDJ0fkxUiGblWZcZ87oth388yPri_YBwZk3hesN1SVwJEL-JvihnPpZNQvfziBYJogobPgMwsdegDCeDHmXRtG5pJ98IMC6q7iLVU-ou2g/s3088/IMG_5471.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUHsOsWlZTx2SCr_JNW4iaXOXnaf7AAbXToKthIexq0agRhk2ue3H1HaKl9VGuXU8L4i_Eu8lOicJfDJ0fkxUiGblWZcZ87oth388yPri_YBwZk3hesN1SVwJEL-JvihnPpZNQvfziBYJogobPgMwsdegDCeDHmXRtG5pJ98IMC6q7iLVU-ou2g/s320/IMG_5471.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, that was taken when Yu was waiting to start dessert. The kids ate mostly prata as they didn't like the satay which came with sauce on *.* Kai took some chicken rice. We gave them some other meat to try. Then they had enough. Sito and I tried more food and found the local selection better. Sashimi was ok but the sushi rice was a tad hard.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yang chose fruits after a serving of ice cream - so healthy!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRMCdNT_DLbv9fG_xp-sBvBS3kgF0aKcF5pnMmkfH1iaIjYt5evzM3cTFMcWbbNOq1aYU0ND0v5h2gE0W_gA3NsACkDO7Iam_Skz7qlbS4Oa_Lq9pupTu5CHRBVUpcmb6dUzgComfETc3q1lheirWcSO6waL1G5nfMXNBJFmif7PxLi2yQDiUQA/s3088/IMG_5472.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRMCdNT_DLbv9fG_xp-sBvBS3kgF0aKcF5pnMmkfH1iaIjYt5evzM3cTFMcWbbNOq1aYU0ND0v5h2gE0W_gA3NsACkDO7Iam_Skz7qlbS4Oa_Lq9pupTu5CHRBVUpcmb6dUzgComfETc3q1lheirWcSO6waL1G5nfMXNBJFmif7PxLi2yQDiUQA/s320/IMG_5472.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kai had too many servings of ice cream; Papa was having ice kacang</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVc9mD5cOLrVe0RIyz3BpYVjoyuhKLLKBTjdx2TH22y6CbgDV0xKxuh0UyWwbdamOCYBW3PIKYATqqaTZCbjf9juvR11uMK8jssj-4R_sCH0uU9K2sYPQ487QZfzxpF35_KoSxqPkMYTl3PFlmBGdmedofbaaWRCgQgqv0orB_WGzIZGYJI3pJSQ/s4032/IMG_5473.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVc9mD5cOLrVe0RIyz3BpYVjoyuhKLLKBTjdx2TH22y6CbgDV0xKxuh0UyWwbdamOCYBW3PIKYATqqaTZCbjf9juvR11uMK8jssj-4R_sCH0uU9K2sYPQ487QZfzxpF35_KoSxqPkMYTl3PFlmBGdmedofbaaWRCgQgqv0orB_WGzIZGYJI3pJSQ/s320/IMG_5473.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Kai and Yu had ice kacang too but minus the kacang haha! Yu dropped his first bowl on his way back to the table. I heard a crash and hoped it wasn't my kid but I turned around and saw Yu standing there looking down and helpless. So poor thing! </div><div><br /></div><div>I went over quickly and he hugged me, maybe one drop of tear came down... The staff were very nice about it and told him it was fine. He was still scared. Later, I asked him and he said he was scared about stepping on the "glass". I think he also felt scared of being scolded but he didn't say... </div><div><br /></div><div>Sito saw and came back with another bowl of ice with syrup for him - it soothed everything and he was all chirpy again :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The hotel lobby was nicely decorated. We went straight for dinner earlier on and saw it from the glass lift. So we went after dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Probably our last tree this year</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTuAWpXCvdSOnmRfKjhTjQKBlZgtG1NT6X9YEH4KKTBxMmrePCnpyvJvbsu_D7CqylVMI6pyqVIa7mG1EF15aSis8SkCh_katdTcH7ehRfTUqhryqv-zdZBQ7eiSRP3S36ogFb21pg-iRzGZ5tP4yCO7ThSqxARChTR_71J-ie-r6M6kV-J0CyQ/s4032/IMG_5479.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTuAWpXCvdSOnmRfKjhTjQKBlZgtG1NT6X9YEH4KKTBxMmrePCnpyvJvbsu_D7CqylVMI6pyqVIa7mG1EF15aSis8SkCh_katdTcH7ehRfTUqhryqv-zdZBQ7eiSRP3S36ogFb21pg-iRzGZ5tP4yCO7ThSqxARChTR_71J-ie-r6M6kV-J0CyQ/s320/IMG_5479.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A gingerbread house? :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwrFPxYsR2VzLDPa0VGvAQOoh-bKk7qIvgY8mDS1mi1E6bSoA5Nv01v8JA0iuwklea7DvZAuiqUpMDfqM7Tj59HNG_dxUT8QY-tHO14Q7v6lDi4JYlKt8suM0Z0SBmieB18nA62rsLuDGbUZ24-xSzmshfv_u3PgaA1RE5MzQMnc_Tlp55B5uIg/s4032/IMG_5482.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwrFPxYsR2VzLDPa0VGvAQOoh-bKk7qIvgY8mDS1mi1E6bSoA5Nv01v8JA0iuwklea7DvZAuiqUpMDfqM7Tj59HNG_dxUT8QY-tHO14Q7v6lDi4JYlKt8suM0Z0SBmieB18nA62rsLuDGbUZ24-xSzmshfv_u3PgaA1RE5MzQMnc_Tlp55B5uIg/s320/IMG_5482.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yang got his brothers to pretend to warm themselves in front of the "campfire" :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBKwbgWG4HV9ejG2vnsiC-oY-T-jDiqXvKuS7jsZpN6bPnT-GYidTANIPyGiflQ2IyAD_etOg4f225qYRJB1_Y54IiHVIgeysm73yLJ0agojijWMO-CHvs_MKAw9gOeIhl5H5hlz-dMn4c1AErqNYJVcMH29Jb415S6A77DRygpBZ-lXBaXEPHA/s4032/IMG_5484.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBKwbgWG4HV9ejG2vnsiC-oY-T-jDiqXvKuS7jsZpN6bPnT-GYidTANIPyGiflQ2IyAD_etOg4f225qYRJB1_Y54IiHVIgeysm73yLJ0agojijWMO-CHvs_MKAw9gOeIhl5H5hlz-dMn4c1AErqNYJVcMH29Jb415S6A77DRygpBZ-lXBaXEPHA/s320/IMG_5484.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>We got back around 9 pm even though we started dinner just past 5.30 pm! We ate for a long time, Sito and I having a lot of different food while the kids chatted and had dessert :) But no pressure to wash up and sleep so it didn't feel too long..</div><div><br /></div><div>The kids said it was fun but Yang wished we could reach home earlier :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Time really flies. It's only two more days to the new year. Yang also thought this P3 year passed very quickly as well, compared to P2! While I'm looking forward to having the kids in school instead of playing games whole day (we kind of stopped giving them work since a couple of weeks back...), I think I'll miss seeing them play so happily every day... Recently, I started on a physical book. I like to sit in the living room to read while they play. So nice :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I also dread waking up before 6 am but oh well!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-24061005318656399492023-12-26T13:26:00.002+08:002023-12-26T13:27:46.302+08:00Hello again, fire station!Last Saturday, we went to Alexandra Fire Station. Unlike previously, we had to register for the visit and wait for email confirmation. I had issues with the form some months ago but looks like it's all fixed...<div><br /></div><div>This was our third visit there - we brought <a href="https://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2014/12/fire-engines-galore.html">Kai in 2014</a>, and <a href="https://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2016/09/and-we-survived-long-weekend.html">both Kai and Yang in 2016</a>, but none of them remembered anything!<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So hard to get them up for a picture...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufrFPzHymz7Dwje7aO9QakOCacIz8Fr3fbuUMmJqWOT96nCLbYG3FjCbGEL1o1ivQB-OBty-KamB_z0HkEpIaPg04LTDzM6fOturfjuVYddKosd5wX87ElwJbRkTm4ZFpAf5zE4oATAh7-cy10aSTjnTAUe7AUHj_ZKvuTZ9-_h9j3JHUnnkYyw/s4032/IMG_5348.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufrFPzHymz7Dwje7aO9QakOCacIz8Fr3fbuUMmJqWOT96nCLbYG3FjCbGEL1o1ivQB-OBty-KamB_z0HkEpIaPg04LTDzM6fOturfjuVYddKosd5wX87ElwJbRkTm4ZFpAf5zE4oATAh7-cy10aSTjnTAUe7AUHj_ZKvuTZ9-_h9j3JHUnnkYyw/s320/IMG_5348.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Checking out the heavy hose thing</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcJx0vh6eTtEpQ10UlKY4AxHhuwqp-rXeCuAhRTj2gWpAhzpFHFsHzCXLvJ-WDWF7_E2U_u0z6oB9Ulpjd-MqhI7x-oV3pwcczJxoXmIY9OOt-SkANt3WcwnbRKO5S3fFg1fsCmJfePyWXS08kTqf9mQhvp0O3Xx7rHmWhjKKhgDD9oW6XWewpA/s4032/IMG_5351.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcJx0vh6eTtEpQ10UlKY4AxHhuwqp-rXeCuAhRTj2gWpAhzpFHFsHzCXLvJ-WDWF7_E2U_u0z6oB9Ulpjd-MqhI7x-oV3pwcczJxoXmIY9OOt-SkANt3WcwnbRKO5S3fFg1fsCmJfePyWXS08kTqf9mQhvp0O3Xx7rHmWhjKKhgDD9oW6XWewpA/s320/IMG_5351.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Papa looks bored, haha!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchJ4ZbjWCjrQEnNGLnk-it8T56anTUQeGrHSukBzu8gHz21P3id7MaPbG6zEp6XFGfyrjwehY78CF66FgSE9y3C1hH4ib-De2_ZHwOVzXaAXy-IHYHcp43uGzSXWdAIUyl3kw5djNn_Zy7wevkpQ2ijFr5WnZ1v6WWUSdqXNjen_sImIBLIDDzw/s4032/IMG_5354.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchJ4ZbjWCjrQEnNGLnk-it8T56anTUQeGrHSukBzu8gHz21P3id7MaPbG6zEp6XFGfyrjwehY78CF66FgSE9y3C1hH4ib-De2_ZHwOVzXaAXy-IHYHcp43uGzSXWdAIUyl3kw5djNn_Zy7wevkpQ2ijFr5WnZ1v6WWUSdqXNjen_sImIBLIDDzw/s320/IMG_5354.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My little firemen!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczTgF1MVwU7Weq1HJXYolPr8GRHNXUQCB-wGmEiGh1ctBD9DZbFjODd1C2Z_zk6Ecs5gXAwqGrHOoE8aOEpbdeBPbpfEpoE1YeVB1mjHyHqceIFa6tkiE7NOHk6EAa5jA_s0hknaDDM8TZgW4U1AJiPNisYQtcDv4OtWbh_OVUTTgwGCdRdkDHw/s4032/IMG_5357.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczTgF1MVwU7Weq1HJXYolPr8GRHNXUQCB-wGmEiGh1ctBD9DZbFjODd1C2Z_zk6Ecs5gXAwqGrHOoE8aOEpbdeBPbpfEpoE1YeVB1mjHyHqceIFa6tkiE7NOHk6EAa5jA_s0hknaDDM8TZgW4U1AJiPNisYQtcDv4OtWbh_OVUTTgwGCdRdkDHw/s320/IMG_5357.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OTg-hxmZnUz-maSnj-8OUgRWv0mNseYY1YXbn2kP-zMRmE79f-XRFHHmqRGI_pru9cbW2ea9EIAOg-j95Fxnj4b4MUQpjKvhV5ybSo3JzQ8qM7Ok556rpdC59-0pmsgEWEGsnQcsDa635v6Fj88C9WWd3ZitkCNJX7_BcR_xU4c6TzSP0Cm98Q/s4032/IMG_5359.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OTg-hxmZnUz-maSnj-8OUgRWv0mNseYY1YXbn2kP-zMRmE79f-XRFHHmqRGI_pru9cbW2ea9EIAOg-j95Fxnj4b4MUQpjKvhV5ybSo3JzQ8qM7Ok556rpdC59-0pmsgEWEGsnQcsDa635v6Fj88C9WWd3ZitkCNJX7_BcR_xU4c6TzSP0Cm98Q/s320/IMG_5359.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One for each :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt886Jhr5OMfizZ0dE9OynDvimqugapSJ9iGAnOlqgwydGyvgcxIAjPuN6dMLx3hKTAUPuYscYswntn3O0YLFEL9TMPKoYAH-UoOogbYg-5WhKVVR7F5Pi8RVQFhKTGNwtm3qBnVR6ats4DR7IphO3J7w2kYvdNZlnhI6dRnBA78iOT7df8nKIzA/s4032/IMG_5366.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt886Jhr5OMfizZ0dE9OynDvimqugapSJ9iGAnOlqgwydGyvgcxIAjPuN6dMLx3hKTAUPuYscYswntn3O0YLFEL9TMPKoYAH-UoOogbYg-5WhKVVR7F5Pi8RVQFhKTGNwtm3qBnVR6ats4DR7IphO3J7w2kYvdNZlnhI6dRnBA78iOT7df8nKIzA/s320/IMG_5366.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Time to hose down a <strike>fire</strike> broom!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmnomlQEDxYP3PLx9TDXE-x7j9HNzHu0hI0BLVqYjbHyn_jf1HTWFU6SkpFpaS65a5WKkXFHaXxgfYwJmJngUd3smTCWAV7vvxrpt0ZtPHcT4JnGXBshX6q0G3lhnM6ZF2riu2-pocUiDmPz6yCgJ1c44jCEfJaE-vMJDkLPTXUAu5Nq9ppxZ1A/s4032/IMG_5378.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmnomlQEDxYP3PLx9TDXE-x7j9HNzHu0hI0BLVqYjbHyn_jf1HTWFU6SkpFpaS65a5WKkXFHaXxgfYwJmJngUd3smTCWAV7vvxrpt0ZtPHcT4JnGXBshX6q0G3lhnM6ZF2riu2-pocUiDmPz6yCgJ1c44jCEfJaE-vMJDkLPTXUAu5Nq9ppxZ1A/s320/IMG_5378.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Must use strength</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2D4onp8D4MQGpgcblC35aJvmOhz3eyPPJpkhaSTBwiqvj101pG1Hk5ke8EEQolfAUC1TfVpsd77Ic0aA2c6fZaGhptamgoFjN3J9s5BuMKFHsKdL7Dn2z1Ut3NWiAT_Z3I0NfPPty6EZ3kGa3YTXfr_sJdNftYigcpKvP7M19xlm0_Kv1DZd8Q/s4032/IMG_5383.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2D4onp8D4MQGpgcblC35aJvmOhz3eyPPJpkhaSTBwiqvj101pG1Hk5ke8EEQolfAUC1TfVpsd77Ic0aA2c6fZaGhptamgoFjN3J9s5BuMKFHsKdL7Dn2z1Ut3NWiAT_Z3I0NfPPty6EZ3kGa3YTXfr_sJdNftYigcpKvP7M19xlm0_Kv1DZd8Q/s320/IMG_5383.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why so cool, one hand in pocket??</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhootMTLd_WfLggTs0M3s_vEM-nOT6gjLI-6Dwb6Xl8IB-eL5-f9-BnfPAEuLdWi9szeBnESLYeAUPgfHTZ9kX9FgdFvA_emdWmidEPPW3NU6dc4XjVQFrH3t5IGvH1NjgZ-s6WaUJyWBZAiuYb94AQLudk-Ww1hAhds21mb4LpG_PErxQU7Y48PQ/s4032/IMG_5385.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhootMTLd_WfLggTs0M3s_vEM-nOT6gjLI-6Dwb6Xl8IB-eL5-f9-BnfPAEuLdWi9szeBnESLYeAUPgfHTZ9kX9FgdFvA_emdWmidEPPW3NU6dc4XjVQFrH3t5IGvH1NjgZ-s6WaUJyWBZAiuYb94AQLudk-Ww1hAhds21mb4LpG_PErxQU7Y48PQ/s320/IMG_5385.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These two had fun playing with water too</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwvlTwj-OnLMqso-up7VmlBoFdv53S-_7eoxCYKnCYxzXi6ceFEP3mtCbL7r1BPb-xZtmER1cy6gcwSUrh0AuZpkst2PQzAeIbKIgJ49MbGA-EkTNOcqUJGtN9ECZ6xcJOd4iDpblxqp_dDD4ecGXsWr-nJjqS0yFVSF72zci8_XyVL1IHzVAKQ/s4032/IMG_5389.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwvlTwj-OnLMqso-up7VmlBoFdv53S-_7eoxCYKnCYxzXi6ceFEP3mtCbL7r1BPb-xZtmER1cy6gcwSUrh0AuZpkst2PQzAeIbKIgJ49MbGA-EkTNOcqUJGtN9ECZ6xcJOd4iDpblxqp_dDD4ecGXsWr-nJjqS0yFVSF72zci8_XyVL1IHzVAKQ/s320/IMG_5389.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't remember this sign from last time</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwjfMITuNxuh97iBetYkb3vA6DsKj64lUIld6OOZQuJcbIhNqYCAdcwN8k8wAnGtefEXCylwU8ICDvb2iwnSH3YSuepeDE31WR7DUceUrqhXRYSsU66qTDfarhzR13v1eA8Ims2WEw_fm4jGphXfBbFHs_2v9AL00sixCqaDP_0mCHly15hZwCA/s4032/IMG_5390.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwjfMITuNxuh97iBetYkb3vA6DsKj64lUIld6OOZQuJcbIhNqYCAdcwN8k8wAnGtefEXCylwU8ICDvb2iwnSH3YSuepeDE31WR7DUceUrqhXRYSsU66qTDfarhzR13v1eA8Ims2WEw_fm4jGphXfBbFHs_2v9AL00sixCqaDP_0mCHly15hZwCA/s320/IMG_5390.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yu really wanted to go on an ambulance. He asked the sergeant who did the tour but was told all ambulances were out and the last one was locked. But before we left, an ambulance came back. He went to ask a paramedic and yeah, he managed to get on an ambulance!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally :) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1dWQ6tLWCXH11gsD-nJgnBTG5n80Z7a469MY7a2yayOz25ke-ca7W_Bb7NSTOQygewvp8NvDWd2lvZXL5qYNdQkABs_2JcMbDcQb40iOfhoypsFDst1gHWltmVQp5yHnmAq5onwW0bVfmorJ5ZFuPf6c_OfPApa9N0DOyQIvZ4-phlxSznCZqg/s3490/IMG_5394.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3490" data-original-width="2618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1dWQ6tLWCXH11gsD-nJgnBTG5n80Z7a469MY7a2yayOz25ke-ca7W_Bb7NSTOQygewvp8NvDWd2lvZXL5qYNdQkABs_2JcMbDcQb40iOfhoypsFDst1gHWltmVQp5yHnmAq5onwW0bVfmorJ5ZFuPf6c_OfPApa9N0DOyQIvZ4-phlxSznCZqg/s320/IMG_5394.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These two were very interested</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbniEMprV0PBrV8hKzeJXcMeJwbz6p75xMag6o-Rbz_K1foeidsM8Npp0DR6BPnUOXcI5vW9oAsJm6wLkYkQTtzS7zEt3lA1B079Y-fwFv5uQOfFf6nnpXfbK1IJ4sowlhDoEvTcRQJiRegq2fjGlfIbfOeKgIWLtsXGu0noZ0pW9T3BD5dIalw/s4032/IMG_5397.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbniEMprV0PBrV8hKzeJXcMeJwbz6p75xMag6o-Rbz_K1foeidsM8Npp0DR6BPnUOXcI5vW9oAsJm6wLkYkQTtzS7zEt3lA1B079Y-fwFv5uQOfFf6nnpXfbK1IJ4sowlhDoEvTcRQJiRegq2fjGlfIbfOeKgIWLtsXGu0noZ0pW9T3BD5dIalw/s320/IMG_5397.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>May we never ever need an ambulance!</div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, the kids didn't really listen to the tour explanations, as expected. But luckily there were enough hands-on experiences. Yang and Yu were more interested compared to Kai. Anyway, this is probably the last trip to the fire station for the rest of their childhood!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>We had lunch at Ikea. Lucky to get seats coz while we were eating, the food queue extended to outside the restaurant! </div><div><br /></div><div>Spent a couple of hours roaming the showrooms and shopping. The kids really enjoyed the showrooms, trying out sofas and beds and fiddling with all the knick knacks they could get their hands on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy to be near this Ikea again. We'll be back for more chicken wings and showroom hopping!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-87874582471252076782023-12-26T13:08:00.003+08:002023-12-26T13:28:48.659+08:00A very busy and full weekWe ate so much last week!<div><br /></div><div><b>Monday, 18 Dec - a la carte buffet at Peach Garden</b><br /><br />It looked good and it was good! Sito and I finished up five bowls of chicken / shark fin's soup; Kai and Yang each tried a spoonful of chicken soup. We also had five half-lobsters. Surprisingly, Yang liked the garlic lobster :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Each kid liked different meats - chicken chop for Kai (and the rest too coz yummy), sweet and sour pork for Yang, and roast pork for Yu. Sito and I had these plus black pepper beef, pork ribs and wasabi prawns. Oh, and a very nice fried soon hock - even Yang said that was yummy!</div><div><br /></div><div>The staff said the fried rice was for four pax but looking at the size of the serving bowl, we ordered two plus a bowl of fried noodles. Kai had a lot of fried rice and some noodles.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Surprise - Yu can use chopsticks now! Wobbly but ok!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjZU4TNcTjlV-vGQkrDE4PKuG2ChI4gIEaKm2QNwx3QWwpvBsUGGmXaNeU9Cj0qIrX3MOmUZwrL9XflS3JgytDRKHcfIYPEhb7H5I-c2zHPsdiSse_4PqC4_TI1CSgluwm529CLFduf70LJnmLQ3tklFvCE59mIxh9l3IeB473iEO09w0yTLSDA/s4032/IMG_5263.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjZU4TNcTjlV-vGQkrDE4PKuG2ChI4gIEaKm2QNwx3QWwpvBsUGGmXaNeU9Cj0qIrX3MOmUZwrL9XflS3JgytDRKHcfIYPEhb7H5I-c2zHPsdiSse_4PqC4_TI1CSgluwm529CLFduf70LJnmLQ3tklFvCE59mIxh9l3IeB473iEO09w0yTLSDA/s320/IMG_5263.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Monkeying around when done with food</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWuBbojPdA6uK-yguktrGzIKuLT13odQFW6JmZitfdAD4KXKur5Bpmm9mB6IUx0m0inSExX6UEbm6fTE-uVqhHrLdggLPCvJEVBvUUQ40mR6cPDSlW6kYbbjM9XlHVaO8hZdDuu5AHxH59WLYG_2rh3SBmCUyvJPCPBbiYhvRapIHacgGAaP5qg/s4032/IMG_5264.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWuBbojPdA6uK-yguktrGzIKuLT13odQFW6JmZitfdAD4KXKur5Bpmm9mB6IUx0m0inSExX6UEbm6fTE-uVqhHrLdggLPCvJEVBvUUQ40mR6cPDSlW6kYbbjM9XlHVaO8hZdDuu5AHxH59WLYG_2rh3SBmCUyvJPCPBbiYhvRapIHacgGAaP5qg/s320/IMG_5264.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another surprising thing was that Kai liked the lemongrass dessert!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpXu2fFuNG8r0PgveYZHktYZd-jqMBarhVh6HpuzhOC0GZckKLQyQ6t-EhGOXAz9keVsoB2T5kjKVO5A_lmiIz7ojEz9BVDgMy5UllLYEHc9UPGXNLa8nbeRrEIDWlbPSiUOSkqwnkJuLv2EDlLSgF-bBHlGaEETZ-bIVRMLebaIJ2ywGKLppVg/s4032/IMG_5266.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpXu2fFuNG8r0PgveYZHktYZd-jqMBarhVh6HpuzhOC0GZckKLQyQ6t-EhGOXAz9keVsoB2T5kjKVO5A_lmiIz7ojEz9BVDgMy5UllLYEHc9UPGXNLa8nbeRrEIDWlbPSiUOSkqwnkJuLv2EDlLSgF-bBHlGaEETZ-bIVRMLebaIJ2ywGKLppVg/s320/IMG_5266.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kai held Yu's hands on the way home 🥰</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYabpSVT8EWudoZNyy4El0YRFg4L1FxzQUMIbP2b7weDjRJ8nSsXINoG-E6Eqb2Jf1FiEWC3Ir2RcZH2ep1E0Mhq9MWNpBp_BGTj-pTcihcwJubjg67rGMBB1IZVuMojePtnInprOAD72hnYiwjNh2RlY-m3CI-pH0ZxFCo9zQFe5CPGOi8Csmog/s4032/IMG_5267.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYabpSVT8EWudoZNyy4El0YRFg4L1FxzQUMIbP2b7weDjRJ8nSsXINoG-E6Eqb2Jf1FiEWC3Ir2RcZH2ep1E0Mhq9MWNpBp_BGTj-pTcihcwJubjg67rGMBB1IZVuMojePtnInprOAD72hnYiwjNh2RlY-m3CI-pH0ZxFCo9zQFe5CPGOi8Csmog/s320/IMG_5267.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tuesday, 19 Dec - hotpot and tea at YX's place</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It must be the first time in a long time that we decided on a gathering so quickly. And on a weekday coz YX and Kel were supposed to work from home, um... </div><div><br /></div><div>At first I thought we were going to be late. Yu had a baluku for no reason on Sunday night, at the same spot as previous baluku. It subsided to his usual uneven head due to past baluku (😢) on Monday morning, but swelled up at night again. I could only get an appointment at the polyclinic for 11.10 am on Tuesday - so many sick people with fast fingers at 10 pm on Monday night!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sito brought Yu to the doctor so that I could finish up housework at home and bring Kai and Yang to lunch on time. But surprisingly, they were called very quickly and came home in time to shower and rest before we had to set off for lunch!</div><div><br /></div><div>Doctor said it looked like an infection. Later at night I saw some dried blood. When I asked Yu whether he scratched himself, he said he bumped his head near the baluku during dinner on Monday! No wonder I found two bumps on Tuesday morning! I'm afraid the doctor might have overlooked the baluku due to the scratch bump, sighs... Anyway, the baluku is no more so we shall monitor...</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, we got to lunch at YX's on time. The adults caught up over lunch and house tour and tea, while the kids had fun playing board games, hide and seek and even phone/iPad games.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Older boys playing Chinese chess before lunch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphMlcldeUo0fIrGBFQS6zchyQT76lpSFcbovEAkyomay3bARgmfi31vGx_T8HQvB3BfpA0uI894YJhs385rsg39jm77XBdiPu0lyovnsMquXb1sr2jfnLtmu2HJLiQSNq-8ch8sz5g-56lwX8dzQY9y2al8KalXEAlqV9rMVlv3FAoNKAaZVf_Q/s4032/IMG_5274.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphMlcldeUo0fIrGBFQS6zchyQT76lpSFcbovEAkyomay3bARgmfi31vGx_T8HQvB3BfpA0uI894YJhs385rsg39jm77XBdiPu0lyovnsMquXb1sr2jfnLtmu2HJLiQSNq-8ch8sz5g-56lwX8dzQY9y2al8KalXEAlqV9rMVlv3FAoNKAaZVf_Q/s320/IMG_5274.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Younger boys never finished this game of monopoly!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fqE4b7vWdqmUqKDEaqHIeirNpMNBAkFnsRcKKQRF-TQgWuwoBm1e5Co_EVyU1En7MXvxvAHMorsJfBBhDnWLzVS9S0Wi37FRO7vbX5EbkOjRc-R_FEwp6HfRCEFyJQph6XokhUmaaOyYS3g0ARRRPww4KJuBPRtehEu5vtgAU9QpL4fbvRZYew/s4032/IMG_5275.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fqE4b7vWdqmUqKDEaqHIeirNpMNBAkFnsRcKKQRF-TQgWuwoBm1e5Co_EVyU1En7MXvxvAHMorsJfBBhDnWLzVS9S0Wi37FRO7vbX5EbkOjRc-R_FEwp6HfRCEFyJQph6XokhUmaaOyYS3g0ARRRPww4KJuBPRtehEu5vtgAU9QpL4fbvRZYew/s320/IMG_5275.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy faces! They were chatting throughout, very cute</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZzvVSQh16OUAtRnK_Gru9e83P3f5dgOq9luAv2MeAzf0BYSn52tYbdpqtUG2uN5RqHNZich9GwI24CtpIpf_5WHBtuafgSJni409i6LGABgILAyii7qfDAOc9p3JQ94Xz0SJVYEmZLDfwplJippq4QKy0mWdoewew1E7_24O_KwUaK8Ek8UJ5g/s4032/IMG_5282.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZzvVSQh16OUAtRnK_Gru9e83P3f5dgOq9luAv2MeAzf0BYSn52tYbdpqtUG2uN5RqHNZich9GwI24CtpIpf_5WHBtuafgSJni409i6LGABgILAyii7qfDAOc9p3JQ94Xz0SJVYEmZLDfwplJippq4QKy0mWdoewew1E7_24O_KwUaK8Ek8UJ5g/s320/IMG_5282.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eating cupcake</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylEXY7-Bat-P1HmUePtdehrFIO4gabjvFAU-DNpWhZKyTP_Z2cIs8_GXfxBS9mv6dZnv4iNnATiJ5ni1El1ClfILgjaYhHL5WDzA75AlsPAdCVj7eXm_863_bWSmcTmlojwMYJCEGMJT47ZoHDMSCFG6o3Qc462weBn-_GlA2MLKmH7v21_3khw/s4032/IMG_5283.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylEXY7-Bat-P1HmUePtdehrFIO4gabjvFAU-DNpWhZKyTP_Z2cIs8_GXfxBS9mv6dZnv4iNnATiJ5ni1El1ClfILgjaYhHL5WDzA75AlsPAdCVj7eXm_863_bWSmcTmlojwMYJCEGMJT47ZoHDMSCFG6o3Qc462weBn-_GlA2MLKmH7v21_3khw/s320/IMG_5283.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had so much food! SF is a really good cook. And she prepared so much for tea as well - cupcakes, ice cream, cakes and fruits. The kids enjoyed pinching grapes and keropok.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Older boys playing weiqi while a song about weiqi was playing</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kFJc6JaiC83-lM25DsaderMsuhHUW7I8TLBSvY01GOmppy8XLN03Rs7NGNHbZmQUKxs-_eWveQ0kX22DKMgr1RhXyn7zCn4nPWITdOtAmzoCI0MIF49D06MIYzuzTprAyaseA0cYbv8zEkAVbf_VA9CyhA-Pwy0VgPtzT_EwmiJlI0cSl2zcZw/s4032/IMG_5285.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kFJc6JaiC83-lM25DsaderMsuhHUW7I8TLBSvY01GOmppy8XLN03Rs7NGNHbZmQUKxs-_eWveQ0kX22DKMgr1RhXyn7zCn4nPWITdOtAmzoCI0MIF49D06MIYzuzTprAyaseA0cYbv8zEkAVbf_VA9CyhA-Pwy0VgPtzT_EwmiJlI0cSl2zcZw/s320/IMG_5285.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When we left, A even sent us to the bus stop and waved bye. It's nice to see friendship blossom among the next generation :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Our bus ride was shorter than expected coz the boys wanted macs. We stopped at Serene Centre to grab their dinner. Sito and I couldn't eat! We only had some nuts later at night while watching drama.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was outside the whole time coz it was too cold inside :p</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MPxt_PXGRb72gvXEP3bTMtvfMyo9ujaWgHDou3gvAW3smLoJes5kWJTM7XYLBRxI-FtWMTHMx8gjtglGY51kpkgPp4WPeCAOSOMx6tsVoecDsxDJ81LahyleAm4LCld5QBgQNzS8Gx0DXInbgNyq7C-WdbsXVXzRXo1ewLFduSZ6FttbFgUVEQ/s4032/IMG_5287.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MPxt_PXGRb72gvXEP3bTMtvfMyo9ujaWgHDou3gvAW3smLoJes5kWJTM7XYLBRxI-FtWMTHMx8gjtglGY51kpkgPp4WPeCAOSOMx6tsVoecDsxDJ81LahyleAm4LCld5QBgQNzS8Gx0DXInbgNyq7C-WdbsXVXzRXo1ewLFduSZ6FttbFgUVEQ/s320/IMG_5287.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Wednesday, 20 Dec - Paradise Dynasty</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Sito signed the kids up for a workshop at the Apple Store at Orchard. The kids learnt to use Freeform on the iPad to brainstorm and design an invention with cool features to solve a problem.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They were given T-shirts for the workshop</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI3rW3CWbikM3WZM_eITJpPBl1gpLRbKb8MExZxCDsy3E4zyIiByFZvkrFmH1wOAioMaKy-fclGL58CN2xYSACzh1IFagDv7xLmWQAd1pEGZEgBvqAvoqzDIyAhs7jeH1shuMd9V6rzODL69E4nO_QdDKMwgyhscm35wzuOUjnFv9mW7DyuE0yw/s4032/IMG_5295.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI3rW3CWbikM3WZM_eITJpPBl1gpLRbKb8MExZxCDsy3E4zyIiByFZvkrFmH1wOAioMaKy-fclGL58CN2xYSACzh1IFagDv7xLmWQAd1pEGZEgBvqAvoqzDIyAhs7jeH1shuMd9V6rzODL69E4nO_QdDKMwgyhscm35wzuOUjnFv9mW7DyuE0yw/s320/IMG_5295.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Little vampire!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTFMCCjL8aMyOKliS2ptnPZ_huJX91VnRGMCY53TtbW8kICDf8MXonV2DTdjbd2XFTBQgFbiBF3HM7SDVfrDS-2q3Is90c8EX3Dqzw_jRt7Y00Kcax9VN8VZFCzq2TN0cKHrrJSFOI3zw7jD19bWbj4vK3sQGOseDCE-ncHjyfDx-9nBsYPrCHg/s4032/IMG_5296.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTFMCCjL8aMyOKliS2ptnPZ_huJX91VnRGMCY53TtbW8kICDf8MXonV2DTdjbd2XFTBQgFbiBF3HM7SDVfrDS-2q3Is90c8EX3Dqzw_jRt7Y00Kcax9VN8VZFCzq2TN0cKHrrJSFOI3zw7jD19bWbj4vK3sQGOseDCE-ncHjyfDx-9nBsYPrCHg/s320/IMG_5296.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lucky I captured this shot coz his tooth dropped later on our way to icecream! Good boy had been teasing the tooth the past few days so it would drop off asap. And it dropped off without blood, yeah! </div><div><br /></div><div>But Kai reminded me of a tooth he dropped at AhMa's place, for which he didn't get any fairy money. I thought I did not take it out of my bag and lost it! But I just checked my memorabilia box - found the tooth :) He's just too old for fairy money already!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the workshop needed some creativity and speed as well. Kai managed to do it quickly enough while Yang and Yu couldn't be ready in time to present their invention to the group. We got all their work saved via Airdrop though :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kai explaining his invention to the facilitator</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFY0nugNh-s05M34ipeAg-I0gBQx76wRFhHqFqnetl7B5eDPLdJ31f-KqzhCJRmW0i5Yv4sJ9i2eJHgGZ_Wus0E9ou4QBKE5YDx27e2K6nbmbnjdGENhPKmaq6i1en2NRO9uy5eT51Jc-WRaxd4m1tZIUaNuwVRRcLLr1Uhj_lmI23va-i-1WwQ/s4032/IMG_5301.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFY0nugNh-s05M34ipeAg-I0gBQx76wRFhHqFqnetl7B5eDPLdJ31f-KqzhCJRmW0i5Yv4sJ9i2eJHgGZ_Wus0E9ou4QBKE5YDx27e2K6nbmbnjdGENhPKmaq6i1en2NRO9uy5eT51Jc-WRaxd4m1tZIUaNuwVRRcLLr1Uhj_lmI23va-i-1WwQ/s320/IMG_5301.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a brain installer for his slow phone, haha! Yang invented a machine to count sheep so that he could fall asleep more quickly, while Yu invented a dentist machine to remove his tooth and give him candy!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Must take picture at the Taka Christmas tree :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_EZJTjkKRLf07mdbeImXowHH9EN2XF1dSglojfiH786rKpX3gyh2Zmz0zvOCJqel1XJmsXsuERO2Fjccmb7DD3qJDo3MMe7FV4ZFMROlPgG1c1TR7v_1tp5CN7KYBhxDUPmowCtBBBgglKBX4EimGVeGH60o-9aYAzQiiOexlQ2-u2Np-zbYsg/s3088/IMG_5308.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_EZJTjkKRLf07mdbeImXowHH9EN2XF1dSglojfiH786rKpX3gyh2Zmz0zvOCJqel1XJmsXsuERO2Fjccmb7DD3qJDo3MMe7FV4ZFMROlPgG1c1TR7v_1tp5CN7KYBhxDUPmowCtBBBgglKBX4EimGVeGH60o-9aYAzQiiOexlQ2-u2Np-zbYsg/s320/IMG_5308.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids too :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zauLaHbtyILwf6MXUNTmZS8zGu1ttbH6bTgdPumL6tb6Uq3-5RBgGuXrNQeO3Lb7I5NPwqhQKHqvfijKGEI3fds_7wjpkvhN1jwkjuvkxluEA2-UvD6fpx6lLJsVAzHk27p7DmhhDpJJX-AUsV3cRyd9nDqxOim9C6FccAXD5QxkA4B9NmtIuQ/s4782/IMG_5309.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4782" data-original-width="3345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zauLaHbtyILwf6MXUNTmZS8zGu1ttbH6bTgdPumL6tb6Uq3-5RBgGuXrNQeO3Lb7I5NPwqhQKHqvfijKGEI3fds_7wjpkvhN1jwkjuvkxluEA2-UvD6fpx6lLJsVAzHk27p7DmhhDpJJX-AUsV3cRyd9nDqxOim9C6FccAXD5QxkA4B9NmtIuQ/s320/IMG_5309.HEIC" width="224" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Dinner was at Paradise Dynasty. As it was very cold, I decided to order a bowl of hot and sour noodles for myself instead of snacking at dim sum and leftovers. My four boys had their usual - ZJM for Sito, plain noodles for the kids plus a pork chop fried rice for Kai. And of course XLB for all. Very full...</div><div><br /></div><div>But that wasn't all! We took a walk to Centrepoint to check out running shoes for Sito then walked back to get ice cream from a cart outside Ngee Ann City for Sito, Kai and Yu. Yang wanted to try Turkish ice cream. We found the one outside Ngee Ann not as exciting so we went further up to Lucky Plaza.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yang had a lot of fun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BAICpUZgmqUWVFaeOba1KJ2b8Sncig4YmASM3BYU51o2DWxxjnQgt-vI30BDG79ngu4ZjY2dZhFMRIixJokIG55-Ea3jbsVzxNlBDD3fGnUZf2cPJMaC6VVIfu_xYXQO5GWxyuOOa_76V7-3OtEDXQ8r3VpVjkqvU6tRzVJsp_f7EuNO41nkOg/s853/IMG_5315.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BAICpUZgmqUWVFaeOba1KJ2b8Sncig4YmASM3BYU51o2DWxxjnQgt-vI30BDG79ngu4ZjY2dZhFMRIixJokIG55-Ea3jbsVzxNlBDD3fGnUZf2cPJMaC6VVIfu_xYXQO5GWxyuOOa_76V7-3OtEDXQ8r3VpVjkqvU6tRzVJsp_f7EuNO41nkOg/s320/IMG_5315.PNG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>Thursday, 21 Dec - homecooked fare</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, no big meals today! I made Taiwanese egg rolls to wrap arabiki for lunch, and a one pot stirfry and soup for dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Friday, 22 Dec - three full meals!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Breakfast was at the hawker centre for the second consecutive week. And again, I offered extra phone time - 20 min if they chose food other than prata and bee hoon, or 10 min if they chose bee hoon like the previous week. All chose wonton noodles :) I knew Yu wouldn't be able to finish his so I didn't order food for myself, or I would have too much food!</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgot what the kids had for lunch :p But they had to try a tang yuan coz it was winter solstice! </div><div><br /></div><div>I boiled 10 tang yuans - five sesame and five peanut butter. Kai and Yu chose sesame while Yang chose peanut. Kai managed to eat his with much drama. Yang spit it out into the toilet bowl along with some vomit, no thanks to Kai talking about puking *.* Yu took maybe an hour before he tried half of it - verdict: normal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, these kids are too picky. They refuse to open their minds to new foods! Let them starve when we go on holiday next year...</div><div><br /></div><div>We left for Bishan in the afternoon to return and borrow books, and buy school shoes and stuff. Kai had to wear size 41 and Yang 39!!! But I think Yang's feet were not that big... A few days later, I bought 37 online for him - if they are too small, I can keep for Yu. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dinner was with WaiPo. Sito was right about there being nuggets and I was wrong about the vege - there were green leafy vegetables instead of lettuce! There was also extra hot Japanese curry but thankfully diluted so it wasn't too spicy for Kai and Yu; Yang passed :p And Yu finished his soup in no time... Why why why won't he drink my soup?!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Showing rubber band magic to WaiPo</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB0azoTxaxxKOPoAkQRThrGVsVvZmmsGb0TwUE_TzwXJF_adq3uVrqtMvgH5I6RFIGASe_DIYdSDooVWbjAogX8_sdkqaKCibSzC7UKoEXcbNFsmy1OH5_-0F8SeW778mGwhUQw1ObziS5Gn4CZUItl7_BB-ZR8-rj9Gt-6wYmWElM2-YYUM-ow/s4032/IMG_5335.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB0azoTxaxxKOPoAkQRThrGVsVvZmmsGb0TwUE_TzwXJF_adq3uVrqtMvgH5I6RFIGASe_DIYdSDooVWbjAogX8_sdkqaKCibSzC7UKoEXcbNFsmy1OH5_-0F8SeW778mGwhUQw1ObziS5Gn4CZUItl7_BB-ZR8-rj9Gt-6wYmWElM2-YYUM-ow/s320/IMG_5335.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>There was more food but I shall write separately coz Christmas!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-52190306003561899612023-12-21T16:31:00.003+08:002023-12-26T13:30:00.447+08:00Sweet sweet YangYang is a very sweet boy. He always says he wants to help me around the house, doing things that I would do, and not kiddy stuff. The other day, he told me the bookshelves were very dusty. So I gave him wipes to clean them up.<div><br /></div><div>He also helped me with lunch sometimes, cracking and beating eggs, bringing things for me, putting cheese slices on top of hot buns, etc. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here, he's helping to thread a needle for me coz I couldn't see</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs4j2j1zoYoohsXUXTHmOKBChkUN0Ka9R0HI1RTnOgoN-RTb2DeWx5OiqdmANwbVU6GKOdLvhYyXohgaa4fai5LTtNENoyzSLlWwFKIiGtQ053IRxhEUpoSFZoOR6NcHLOknXdThcNiy-3rpe0k0dA0trvVwdb3XL8t_GJXAJvKOkd0DywQUyIw/s4032/IMG_5237.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs4j2j1zoYoohsXUXTHmOKBChkUN0Ka9R0HI1RTnOgoN-RTb2DeWx5OiqdmANwbVU6GKOdLvhYyXohgaa4fai5LTtNENoyzSLlWwFKIiGtQ053IRxhEUpoSFZoOR6NcHLOknXdThcNiy-3rpe0k0dA0trvVwdb3XL8t_GJXAJvKOkd0DywQUyIw/s320/IMG_5237.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>He didn't manage to do it in the end but it was still so nice that he was willing to help :) I was sewing up his Ultraman soft toy which had many holes...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sample of a hole - before then after</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6C2rZHP-P8WHNxWg_Piyd4oso49omy4nAlzfhS7B4exP5VCuFmExJeA4QlHnlvtlAxEXMlwfRjJ_KjVe7aB1cGxk7-FwWY_UBhkAUFCJw3isZVQaNw_vdPcWbfmlYS6oZVLEV8jhX-Gpzf0yR5SwhudTRJgWknoQNDkcfbb4h9mYL2cKYju57g/s3024/IMG_5240.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2016" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6C2rZHP-P8WHNxWg_Piyd4oso49omy4nAlzfhS7B4exP5VCuFmExJeA4QlHnlvtlAxEXMlwfRjJ_KjVe7aB1cGxk7-FwWY_UBhkAUFCJw3isZVQaNw_vdPcWbfmlYS6oZVLEV8jhX-Gpzf0yR5SwhudTRJgWknoQNDkcfbb4h9mYL2cKYju57g/s320/IMG_5240.HEIC" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div>I love to put him in bed the most coz he would let me hug him properly :) Yu is always wriggling about while Kai is always trying to be funny when it should be peaceful time, sighs...</div><div><br /></div><div>This boy also tells me often that he likes my (fat) belly and he doesn't want me to die. In fact, he wants me to live to 200yo!! And he wants to keep my ashes when I die, instead of scattering them into the sea as per my request, for two reasons: (1) he doesn't know where to scatter ashes :p, (2) so he can talk to me, awww...</div><div><br /></div><div>I was thinking the other day that the <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2011/03/recovering-with-work-food-and-more.html">composite face of Sito and me</a> looked a bit like Yang. Now that I dug it out, actually only the face shape looked like Yang. Maybe it's the fringe - Yang has baby hair at the fringe line when I sweep up his fringe. </div><div><br /></div><div>I shall go hug him now :)</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-43534278040450901442023-12-21T15:35:00.006+08:002024-02-22T12:53:07.163+08:00Excursion across the CausewayWe had a little excursion across the Causeway last Wednesday, 13 Dec, our second trip via public transport.<div><br /></div><div>A little digression...</div><div><br /></div><div>The original plan was to go on Tuesday. But I tested positive for COVID on Sunday - I started having a sore throat on the previous Wednesday, 6 Dec, but was ok by end of Thursday. But I started coughing weirdly on Thursday night and felt awful on Friday - I get colds all the time but not coughs. Tested on Friday morning but negative. The cough worsened on Sunday and I tested positive with a faint line. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't quarantine myself from the boys coz I had been with them all this while. Might as well let us all get it. But strangely, no one caught it. When I tested on Monday afternoon, I was negative! To be safe, we waited one more day in case anyone came down with it but nope. Everyone was fine. </div><div><br /></div><div>So off we went on Wednesday!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Waited about an hour to be front of the queue for bus 950 at Woodlands</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEaFMwM2kQLI6HSrjUnbxdrxLZUD_A7K0mGsw0cSUZOZg6JVV0Pw89TtrSh6DMQ0XHcWhrtQ2f81Rmzgh0UWXeP74osHTUhSPfS5lXPqUQq9G1JH_Sl1U9i6B_yBtY1uLeKTPnYclPZCx4PCgQ54k2ju-QxqSNLLASyuSubw3SM90y4ybKxm8VQ/s3088/IMG_5212.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEaFMwM2kQLI6HSrjUnbxdrxLZUD_A7K0mGsw0cSUZOZg6JVV0Pw89TtrSh6DMQ0XHcWhrtQ2f81Rmzgh0UWXeP74osHTUhSPfS5lXPqUQq9G1JH_Sl1U9i6B_yBtY1uLeKTPnYclPZCx4PCgQ54k2ju-QxqSNLLASyuSubw3SM90y4ybKxm8VQ/s320/IMG_5212.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a much faster journey from Bukit Panjang. So we decided to take another bus from elsewhere next time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Immigration was fast enough but we still got into JB later than expected. Lucky we didn't plan to watch a movie this time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lunch was at Sushi House - we had wanted to eat there last time but the staff were "on a rest". We ate so much! The kids liked it there. Yu even gave a ranking of all the curry rice he had before; mine was in the rank but not at the top haha!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yang: Papa, why do you have lines on the forehead but not Mama?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgura-VjKSPBIUnZZxw9Es0H-snZHDAiaU85ZMWAvFWs5DC90H8Ff_2aA_Nvp1BqqQadaxhF6LWfNaotMF-lTabSpe3PUgy7otK6b-8jEZeoj7lRB91aIYIta4yChX8FgPAWBB6UbaiuVBW_9eKIjtI9BQazgDTbHWUzG3ChX_ZMRMVXTvsFWraTQ/s4032/IMG_5213.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgura-VjKSPBIUnZZxw9Es0H-snZHDAiaU85ZMWAvFWs5DC90H8Ff_2aA_Nvp1BqqQadaxhF6LWfNaotMF-lTabSpe3PUgy7otK6b-8jEZeoj7lRB91aIYIta4yChX8FgPAWBB6UbaiuVBW_9eKIjtI9BQazgDTbHWUzG3ChX_ZMRMVXTvsFWraTQ/s320/IMG_5213.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Awww, poor Papa! We had a good laugh though :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With Snow King of Mixue before going for the ice cream</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEoaYM4XaPWMYVLdAn0t-XBtbuRjS626wp1PE7D7alinZDijW0f5CUh7Hp5ZQ4nbUBQxNuQcR7C7CeeMUw1iEdykf0WDIqBUaRq9IFCLWHGfFE9AP1n2P1N0A4g95agx0ssrvXxHCwTGvihe7S32R7KtiRAfmq-zZAevVXDpRP0uYA7DKxM8uug/s4032/IMG_5214.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEoaYM4XaPWMYVLdAn0t-XBtbuRjS626wp1PE7D7alinZDijW0f5CUh7Hp5ZQ4nbUBQxNuQcR7C7CeeMUw1iEdykf0WDIqBUaRq9IFCLWHGfFE9AP1n2P1N0A4g95agx0ssrvXxHCwTGvihe7S32R7KtiRAfmq-zZAevVXDpRP0uYA7DKxM8uug/s320/IMG_5214.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We also bought a mango bubble tea which was very yummy! Along the way, we got some underwear for Kai (big bum!), butter cookies, piahs and even snacks from a supermarket. The main activity in the afternoon was of course massage.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, my masseur was not good at all. I don't know if she chatted on the phone or with colleagues but she had no technique and her pressure was not uniform throughout. My feet didn't have the massaged feel after the session, and my back was hurting the next day. So sad... Lucky Sito had a better experience.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Candy in a dispenser for Yu; Yang had the same one too</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBxcaGflh0ZHE1rPBM6vXbHppcxe_gPiLV9_Q6nSAMtlKYoT97siW_yZlrkNagH_WuwF9GwhXDSwVx9M-Jmaczif74nAWIIDuIwjbF29oXQfz2cuMxFDB0LlqWZcOhKFgfskrXoowxKiOp2_CowcbJDGiXGFH7jOyTHkdBirF1-eklXhV1ZwEiQ/s4032/IMG_5229.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBxcaGflh0ZHE1rPBM6vXbHppcxe_gPiLV9_Q6nSAMtlKYoT97siW_yZlrkNagH_WuwF9GwhXDSwVx9M-Jmaczif74nAWIIDuIwjbF29oXQfz2cuMxFDB0LlqWZcOhKFgfskrXoowxKiOp2_CowcbJDGiXGFH7jOyTHkdBirF1-eklXhV1ZwEiQ/s320/IMG_5229.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We thought we couldn't have dinner but the kids wanted to eat so we stopped by KFC before going home. Kind of sad we didn't go for roast!</div><div><br /></div><div>But glad we left at that time coz we saw many people going into JB and they would likely leave after dinner. Early dinner has its advantage...</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-35786754490160456782023-12-14T13:33:00.000+08:002023-12-26T13:29:24.602+08:00Master Chef Sito & Junior!Before exams, I was chatting with Yang and/or Yu at bedtime when we decided to open our own breakfast cafes. So the kids dreamt up their cafe names and (much later) wrote their menus. I also had my own cafe :) <div><br /></div><div>When we had more time in the holidays, they took orders from everyone one day, and one fine week, we finally opened our doors!</div><div><br /></div><div>Mama went first on Monday, 4 Dec - as a demo but these kids were too busy playing *.* Anyway, my 小妈妈餐室 served up scrambled eggs and omelette on toast for all of us :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Kai's Delicious Food Cafe opened on Tuesday. His was Yakun style breakfast only. Everyone had kaya butter toast.<br /> <br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Must make angry face</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyRaFxfRA_koY2Ucki7ppswHKIdfjjxRWXzLFT5Hz-A9zEwUbCT0fI-WF47psoHkYmKIidlncISNPvqZrOui6HbjObFx1W_9mfsKZGIz6vwuiAX0TMYAzFFTa-IcCJOPkAJXCWv5xquGttXU0DoGTzzbMX3tTVAdrBbCKzEnp675SskqaYdwrhw/s4032/IMG_5114.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyRaFxfRA_koY2Ucki7ppswHKIdfjjxRWXzLFT5Hz-A9zEwUbCT0fI-WF47psoHkYmKIidlncISNPvqZrOui6HbjObFx1W_9mfsKZGIz6vwuiAX0TMYAzFFTa-IcCJOPkAJXCWv5xquGttXU0DoGTzzbMX3tTVAdrBbCKzEnp675SskqaYdwrhw/s320/IMG_5114.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Yang's Sunrise Cafe started operations on Thursday. But the kitchen opened a bit on Wednesday as he served up egg mayonnaise in addition to scrambled eggs and omelette on toast.</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happily beating eggs</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PNH7ZLnt7pVHzUGy_05pQwKI7Bb2P7RWZ-RN4GbP8OhHpdrN6DV4Ys0ku1te9NWGcWSgAorOICHKuLFIm_TVeu3L8laRGFk5kWe8IvlNxE6CjejE4J4yoqaBHl10rEiSpWQf1vtFkjCNKeHn5QwgGSmqlERqUFTiLtZ_gVv5tXV-Z0W6pDAw-A/s3496/IMG_5138.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3496" data-original-width="2622" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PNH7ZLnt7pVHzUGy_05pQwKI7Bb2P7RWZ-RN4GbP8OhHpdrN6DV4Ys0ku1te9NWGcWSgAorOICHKuLFIm_TVeu3L8laRGFk5kWe8IvlNxE6CjejE4J4yoqaBHl10rEiSpWQf1vtFkjCNKeHn5QwgGSmqlERqUFTiLtZ_gVv5tXV-Z0W6pDAw-A/s320/IMG_5138.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He made jolly nice scrabbled eggs!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8tFlCLF3dOtPYZuR1d_WWgWEX4eABtRORPKSb-5PHQuzZYiMT-24aeU4xu__S6Bn5HJ2gxfYUYnIQKQoHaOPm8dGJKxDDNsVWNDkQdTzkpY0oEG3_V6BKXBYUQhJmnLgCALkyRE7X2a2KQrcdBUqbNyWSHnvCyv-4WBOtAqfYF826VVDTh2I2A/s4032/IMG_5140.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8tFlCLF3dOtPYZuR1d_WWgWEX4eABtRORPKSb-5PHQuzZYiMT-24aeU4xu__S6Bn5HJ2gxfYUYnIQKQoHaOPm8dGJKxDDNsVWNDkQdTzkpY0oEG3_V6BKXBYUQhJmnLgCALkyRE7X2a2KQrcdBUqbNyWSHnvCyv-4WBOtAqfYF826VVDTh2I2A/s320/IMG_5140.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yu's Eggs R Us ended the breakfast series on Friday. He lost one egg when he cracked it too hard! And he was just tall enough for the stove plus he found it a bit hot so sous-chef aka Mama helped a lot... He served up similar fare as Yang.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pushed a bit and... too hot!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-KmPlVNrEYqQ0tPMedgE0UMLibYxAOwNYTZtvcqXQQZ7aSaiy-mbayLXkSfkO3jchb7SXJT0CoV3-ep4WTwpeoQLys1HTDXcL2Kw4aZLuwOiqoSh8FDjfTHofW2w8oHVzv3QIDI-o_V-ZlvKI7L8G2I9UfLPMbbTfdWP6DiPYBxnJ_b1kz9jRw/s4032/IMG_5156.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-KmPlVNrEYqQ0tPMedgE0UMLibYxAOwNYTZtvcqXQQZ7aSaiy-mbayLXkSfkO3jchb7SXJT0CoV3-ep4WTwpeoQLys1HTDXcL2Kw4aZLuwOiqoSh8FDjfTHofW2w8oHVzv3QIDI-o_V-ZlvKI7L8G2I9UfLPMbbTfdWP6DiPYBxnJ_b1kz9jRw/s320/IMG_5156.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Papa and Mama rated the breakfast, and Yang scored 18.5 out of 20 vs. 17 for Kai and Yu! He won himself the first Master Chef Sito Junior title! And a whole bottle of Mentos candies while his brothers had a lollipop each.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok that was a very filling week, full of toast and eggs haha! And after that, we started having kaya butter toast quite a bit coz must use up the kaya! Yu didn't like it as much (Yakun better) so he had cheese on toast.</div><div><br /></div><div>But we're not done yet! The following week, Master Chef Sito made radish cake! He used the radish I used for soup - no waste! And it turned out fabulous!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happily panfrying Chinese sausage, dried shrimps and a fat scallop</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU555Cjtxtc1y7k0DnYdPiY6nMvzutW1BB8KyvxDvTruxnZXnQJrarm8dxZ3MDrb93VXEYp6pPKwAmzEpsSLOYrExhNTYwm2LXXLKwLFQ_nK5gLm-JWDS7jorGXYqLTOnJhggmauDt-AbN9_Osq7ZZW93uPFGxJw4dbZ7QBHEGcGdffRVsseFkuA/s3539/IMG_5230.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3539" data-original-width="2654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU555Cjtxtc1y7k0DnYdPiY6nMvzutW1BB8KyvxDvTruxnZXnQJrarm8dxZ3MDrb93VXEYp6pPKwAmzEpsSLOYrExhNTYwm2LXXLKwLFQ_nK5gLm-JWDS7jorGXYqLTOnJhggmauDt-AbN9_Osq7ZZW93uPFGxJw4dbZ7QBHEGcGdffRVsseFkuA/s320/IMG_5230.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The steamed version with homemade sauce</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit22HM2kv3vIqyhB5iJ-JuDMXbJzxwUlLOSNIvqaNyE2eQmw2rRxlCH_cUujjnJryw6d8WZLJEIW-GqWRiHT89Qnqz3lAfewPMPVwMhA_zeRxxDOF17Aka_d7_quSdCouWrnNGE_3wQW4UOYUGkz2KiEfwd_r5Z_t0sClNr2FqRHYeTdesgzJTrg/s4032/IMG_5236.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit22HM2kv3vIqyhB5iJ-JuDMXbJzxwUlLOSNIvqaNyE2eQmw2rRxlCH_cUujjnJryw6d8WZLJEIW-GqWRiHT89Qnqz3lAfewPMPVwMhA_zeRxxDOF17Aka_d7_quSdCouWrnNGE_3wQW4UOYUGkz2KiEfwd_r5Z_t0sClNr2FqRHYeTdesgzJTrg/s320/IMG_5236.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we panfried it for dinner!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwMw6VSHzAE7fM-pwJB0en_45z2-7_AOR-RPHUMnrogjSZ3THuzQ6pfR_wrPINF2BKuQEE-brOgNIxhYv7PAF0-T9rYjnTMnBOvjgURFeEhIGeW8Q6TJAjNYYhlMJAU2EIXn8OHHhWf9tQxMIuwhBvcIiD05vezE2Xgte632v4VW1QIiJHwaS4w/s4032/IMG_5242.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwMw6VSHzAE7fM-pwJB0en_45z2-7_AOR-RPHUMnrogjSZ3THuzQ6pfR_wrPINF2BKuQEE-brOgNIxhYv7PAF0-T9rYjnTMnBOvjgURFeEhIGeW8Q6TJAjNYYhlMJAU2EIXn8OHHhWf9tQxMIuwhBvcIiD05vezE2Xgte632v4VW1QIiJHwaS4w/s320/IMG_5242.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Actually, we cooked very little during school holidays. Most of the time, we pack or eat out. And we eat a lot when we eat out *.* Don't dare to weigh myself!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-75267099965965991832023-12-06T17:05:00.002+08:002023-12-12T14:59:57.329+08:0014 years since our last proper danceWe have known each other since 19yo, i.e. 24 years. That's more than half our life already.<div><br /></div><div>We have been married for 14 years. That's more than the time we know each other.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have not danced to a full song since 14 years ago, when we danced at our wedding :p</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These days, we just sit around, eating :p</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zrFp_MesMFJ59irTTeSb9IaMzvjSL4_-8MxROcLbUzGkJs-xiRj8IYHm6AXs457Gkyk9TPk2teqzgl42CacgUZyrzOfQ0cJCYIEzDFv3GT9YvAo8Fvr1bEMt0sdGlJN2rUAKCIvXYFWkXAPZdg98h7l_LOC42L7aKcaWnNmd7lYz1U7HCIhfvQ/s3088/IMG_5130.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zrFp_MesMFJ59irTTeSb9IaMzvjSL4_-8MxROcLbUzGkJs-xiRj8IYHm6AXs457Gkyk9TPk2teqzgl42CacgUZyrzOfQ0cJCYIEzDFv3GT9YvAo8Fvr1bEMt0sdGlJN2rUAKCIvXYFWkXAPZdg98h7l_LOC42L7aKcaWnNmd7lYz1U7HCIhfvQ/s320/IMG_5130.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids too, eat and drink</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLsJ0eBL-hFlMzEP1cyDuS95nrmTvvKjQCb9LKV4qI9CMCS3aEvaY3b1iCEIIJh_hvTgSTo-u1yItnsBAPdQB0swcomS4WspjXUHbyYZRhz7D4g2XmWlXBH-fvqWQw9t0RcZcvw5qVqAhSF_VtCELgDH81XE-7tbejLrxuxSu9yKI-NmNkroOtw/s4032/IMG_5129.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLsJ0eBL-hFlMzEP1cyDuS95nrmTvvKjQCb9LKV4qI9CMCS3aEvaY3b1iCEIIJh_hvTgSTo-u1yItnsBAPdQB0swcomS4WspjXUHbyYZRhz7D4g2XmWlXBH-fvqWQw9t0RcZcvw5qVqAhSF_VtCELgDH81XE-7tbejLrxuxSu9yKI-NmNkroOtw/s320/IMG_5129.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Since last year, we have been spending this day with the kids. Quite nice since they're bigger now and can enjoy some of what we enjoy - like BBQ! Also must take every chance to tell them that 没有这天就没有他们!Haha!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9659503.post-47871405505995164392023-12-02T14:43:00.005+08:002023-12-12T14:59:29.656+08:00Kids, daaash!<a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2015/12/will-you-march-with-me.html">Kai</a> and <a href="http://gnoofyem.blogspot.com/2017/12/run-yang-run.html">Yang</a> went for the StanChart Kids Dash when they were 3yo. But I forgot to register for Yu when he turned 3yo - tickets were sold out by the time I remembered, oops... And that happened to be 2019, the last time the event was held and physically, no thanks to COVID.<div><br /> So this year when the event was to be held properly once more, I made sure I registered in time, and this time for all three of them! And I kept their school shoes for this day - dumped all this morning!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">On our way for an early dinner yesterday</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YWJsoGEstAVJ-uSEqa_DTUe8V2i40tN25AjcCJ_HCztdVBE_obRvJO6QbDuW6zJGLDzX53inrZK8DuF5cG3qdXQbTtpZmeQdJQRvp896KsLMlWGfh2Cd1N_Y8HXZq0P4s3OTw6-AApknVOS8igrvC5lKevjkjZcs1CL4lZUfhqAr6FET3rWxrA/s4032/IMG_4974.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YWJsoGEstAVJ-uSEqa_DTUe8V2i40tN25AjcCJ_HCztdVBE_obRvJO6QbDuW6zJGLDzX53inrZK8DuF5cG3qdXQbTtpZmeQdJQRvp896KsLMlWGfh2Cd1N_Y8HXZq0P4s3OTw6-AApknVOS8igrvC5lKevjkjZcs1CL4lZUfhqAr6FET3rWxrA/s320/IMG_4974.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, I just wanted to show the back of their tee :p I was rather upset on Thursday when I collected the race packs, as the tees were all quite small. I followed the sizing at registration and measured their chest size. Don't remember there being age recommendations. Then when I saw the tees, Kai's was for 5-6yo!! </div><div><br /></div><div>I managed to exchange Yu's for a slightly bigger one. Kai and Yang just had to make do as there were no bigger sizes to change for. I guess better than nothing coz I remember last time, there was no exchange booth at all.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Canton Paradise!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLLbXjRKaWCKySjle6G0YU0aduoCv20nzgBnnQfdNDOMsPMBAjYsTHPPJ7lUopYStLUQNFl91ZWxzN0zA4Ly7UyjPjU4i4N5VqxVp2EB1IzJtMaKW66aA0Z3Jy9nipWW3TZNDQtxKMNI0ZLPxgOy_785e5V3ABhi9ENmzoq9FIQHfZ-AVdTIV_w/s4032/IMG_4975.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLLbXjRKaWCKySjle6G0YU0aduoCv20nzgBnnQfdNDOMsPMBAjYsTHPPJ7lUopYStLUQNFl91ZWxzN0zA4Ly7UyjPjU4i4N5VqxVp2EB1IzJtMaKW66aA0Z3Jy9nipWW3TZNDQtxKMNI0ZLPxgOy_785e5V3ABhi9ENmzoq9FIQHfZ-AVdTIV_w/s320/IMG_4975.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yu was so busy 埋头<strike>苦干</strike>开心吃-ing that he didn't pose for the shot! </div><div><br /></div><div>We had wanted to check out the new mall which opened yesterday but Yu had to poop for a long time right before leaving the house so we had to head for dinner first to avoid running on a full belly later. So we came back after dinner to check out the mall - not all shops were ready yet but it looks quite nice! Looking forward to full opening...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Standing in front of spanking new mall</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RWIoIRGmYGwwaOuHVT7zOxBy5EW9TDD3jmidRmycv3HE_405wvqUT8c3B-q1xqFZ-KtYyudy2Whg7WpylFH7EOBSX0hjmbdj_0qg4keimFYA7OHlAGK45gImCJVXImjoOF4Nt84LOaC374xmEv9tlcW7BPZreJqb9DWIRe1i14UG52vum1Ti5A/s4032/IMG_4976.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RWIoIRGmYGwwaOuHVT7zOxBy5EW9TDD3jmidRmycv3HE_405wvqUT8c3B-q1xqFZ-KtYyudy2Whg7WpylFH7EOBSX0hjmbdj_0qg4keimFYA7OHlAGK45gImCJVXImjoOF4Nt84LOaC374xmEv9tlcW7BPZreJqb9DWIRe1i14UG52vum1Ti5A/s320/IMG_4976.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All ready to dash!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqah46GeTYTN1lt0iOqI2cY7Gt1dP2XfKQeGNaJIzPdrJw5nyqpDAB2C9cOOEfj1QKNZbSiT6MQpZCV5N-zt2UIbzNYv8EQjRBMGOJoPKJFjxc-4vkFYwUq0a-0saWtTGNVQDrrh98URWCkL6vR3w3ZynFfdYt222QkUA19puUfkFh5DKmGzYurg/s4032/IMG_4977.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqah46GeTYTN1lt0iOqI2cY7Gt1dP2XfKQeGNaJIzPdrJw5nyqpDAB2C9cOOEfj1QKNZbSiT6MQpZCV5N-zt2UIbzNYv8EQjRBMGOJoPKJFjxc-4vkFYwUq0a-0saWtTGNVQDrrh98URWCkL6vR3w3ZynFfdYt222QkUA19puUfkFh5DKmGzYurg/s320/IMG_4977.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had bibs too</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NzMHKtWqRYOCpiVJUbm4_2Wtwi-3YNj9M3HbDlLHFI7QpGF1zFOcIuo5s1qXS5U_Ks7OSyr9YeAsmQ1kbh3L_mFE3AgI7mwbcXauRWAhqWhA_rqdfWufPAh4rg6MEoT7PQ-XIEShMUY-iGAE-JJsKa0pNENz5iF8PngeTtdkdkASq7VtzOb1Rg/s4032/IMG_4979.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NzMHKtWqRYOCpiVJUbm4_2Wtwi-3YNj9M3HbDlLHFI7QpGF1zFOcIuo5s1qXS5U_Ks7OSyr9YeAsmQ1kbh3L_mFE3AgI7mwbcXauRWAhqWhA_rqdfWufPAh4rg6MEoT7PQ-XIEShMUY-iGAE-JJsKa0pNENz5iF8PngeTtdkdkASq7VtzOb1Rg/s320/IMG_4979.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I even wore my old Ekiden tee from 2013 - 10 years ago! - and my running shoes. But nope, didn't intend to run and didn't run :p </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry, Yu had to tiptoe coz I forgot the selfie stick!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTt3h-zsMqZ0vxwlyG6StrGzaZFUl3WuIvHfAoSGEInF_gZlbLP3aWakymbKgL0NK2HhfzOe_He_vBGL7Ocgf-bkwxahim6AUFyHEUm-AEQZcoVefdkOa5hcnwD1et4ekiW-zKc6s6_dfaIOtqTkzLcmuReBRQ_Q8IbTHGKCHjDUOdRtNCOXPyw/s3088/IMG_4980.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTt3h-zsMqZ0vxwlyG6StrGzaZFUl3WuIvHfAoSGEInF_gZlbLP3aWakymbKgL0NK2HhfzOe_He_vBGL7Ocgf-bkwxahim6AUFyHEUm-AEQZcoVefdkOa5hcnwD1et4ekiW-zKc6s6_dfaIOtqTkzLcmuReBRQ_Q8IbTHGKCHjDUOdRtNCOXPyw/s320/IMG_4980.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was a very nice carnival inside, with music, games and snacks. So we were quite occupied while waiting for our turn. Kai could go in with his brothers instead of waiting for his age group. </div><div><br /></div><div>But when we came out, we had to show the parent's bib corresponding to Kai - I didn't see this in the guidelines and FAQ at all. We flashed our family photo. There were kids in a pen waiting for their parents to pick them up with the parent's bib, macam animals in cage *.*</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peanut butter ice cream which mostly landed in Papa's belly, while queueing for popcorn</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwxo2FfPtR4xS4-8lh1tffW27zV44T_81UDfSELV3U5TlHSlLy1DufFiFhpK2Q2Ut50j6HHQNDljbPkhtYgEjnZSeN-4yxBjzAQdcWjxQickuA348DDP7Jk6G1rDyuOlLKfZi-POAdxoBVbwTYWo51XrMfrC2LVhTyGoGs7ny4aopO1NZa3z5Ug/s4032/IMG_4982.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwxo2FfPtR4xS4-8lh1tffW27zV44T_81UDfSELV3U5TlHSlLy1DufFiFhpK2Q2Ut50j6HHQNDljbPkhtYgEjnZSeN-4yxBjzAQdcWjxQickuA348DDP7Jk6G1rDyuOlLKfZi-POAdxoBVbwTYWo51XrMfrC2LVhTyGoGs7ny4aopO1NZa3z5Ug/s320/IMG_4982.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, we set off with the boys. In the past two times, only I went with the runner as it was - and still is - one accompanying parent per child but this time, we had more kids participating! Sito went ahead with them but as it was a U-turn, I turned early - went under a loop barrier to wait for them :p I totally missed Kai and spotted only Yang; Yu spotted me.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All done and got a medal each!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFM3JjJUGhfZQVleuNNmXE2RK0H8dTChQZDFWOINdQ0YpRV54bXa63N1L5BVl_F63v7-HxQXWzXKDolm6rhvLvCK7drUWaJVCgzoinTZ67B52itj3iEOyP4aMLquLDPLqveacVcnpAykzfVR2w8y9enZTCPka8nepSIwj-vcXpdHSmQ5m6FzRmQ/s4032/IMG_4998.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFM3JjJUGhfZQVleuNNmXE2RK0H8dTChQZDFWOINdQ0YpRV54bXa63N1L5BVl_F63v7-HxQXWzXKDolm6rhvLvCK7drUWaJVCgzoinTZ67B52itj3iEOyP4aMLquLDPLqveacVcnpAykzfVR2w8y9enZTCPka8nepSIwj-vcXpdHSmQ5m6FzRmQ/s320/IMG_4998.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Macam playing pub game, with drink in hand!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMDlS2SKmZqUTG_k2vZir3wwGhc3vr5A81YaI8UZq9qyA1HSCa6tqLLOHi2Tldw9bUxt9t6q1XjApHhnrdGq0Yzi8m7RiyFILixhTPdJDv3wX6F7bsmVnS-Fkfm54Ld7NfRhQo8NI-CvOznKRh9aoM-Yu6wYqVTJwCFjkvq1wkBIG_20GXo_mBw/s4032/IMG_4999.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMDlS2SKmZqUTG_k2vZir3wwGhc3vr5A81YaI8UZq9qyA1HSCa6tqLLOHi2Tldw9bUxt9t6q1XjApHhnrdGq0Yzi8m7RiyFILixhTPdJDv3wX6F7bsmVnS-Fkfm54Ld7NfRhQo8NI-CvOznKRh9aoM-Yu6wYqVTJwCFjkvq1wkBIG_20GXo_mBw/s320/IMG_4999.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Besides the medal, the kids were given snacks and drinks at the end of their run. The boys decided to play more games after their run. There were so many game booths!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last ones to go for basketball as the booth was closing - do together!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3atnRqYglbk5oMLb-_-k46w0D34wAQh7-0HBsfGfYXHDU6mhatDjjIbCk2Dbocbbx7Gmj0vJIMtaX3DD99kHYsc4ryUVkdKkDs-HxxRSlVc9YdYPK7ltCfyxpWFituCZWcK2EOlF4nByE1L73GyhNkBAP0t4MXu-bLQf95Z6WWgb-q4iVCajNA/s4032/IMG_5044.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3atnRqYglbk5oMLb-_-k46w0D34wAQh7-0HBsfGfYXHDU6mhatDjjIbCk2Dbocbbx7Gmj0vJIMtaX3DD99kHYsc4ryUVkdKkDs-HxxRSlVc9YdYPK7ltCfyxpWFituCZWcK2EOlF4nByE1L73GyhNkBAP0t4MXu-bLQf95Z6WWgb-q4iVCajNA/s320/IMG_5044.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They also got the very last cotton candy so must share</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10gPG1ktF64SHS_T5GLp2Kiv6ETUkwfGZYOgmnmc1emlsHyCrxPi3IbvnwvjAg-wPmtGz_RBFldGZimUyim3xlBRZWBpnw1loajQ1-GHbqCEb9vWprBCjurkryA2H0Gt4P3WcRZBjndo9MhNeqw_18gVXk0NK4hnSnYIz5h_jkfhAA4a-llkHkQ/s4032/IMG_5049.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10gPG1ktF64SHS_T5GLp2Kiv6ETUkwfGZYOgmnmc1emlsHyCrxPi3IbvnwvjAg-wPmtGz_RBFldGZimUyim3xlBRZWBpnw1loajQ1-GHbqCEb9vWprBCjurkryA2H0Gt4P3WcRZBjndo9MhNeqw_18gVXk0NK4hnSnYIz5h_jkfhAA4a-llkHkQ/s320/IMG_5049.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bye! We had fun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj840RGMTjGI4Z2NUzJqduyurU7D6mv8SXxSacIb8hSrOReU7m3au0jfaqqtNb6KJw0h9W5zhL9H0jcYgXx8I2DplsKDA-JeQqjwxESyRW0uEmYqEZ-1kzY04BqO7uplhtOElPTixiK18JiyD7hDU40KRjIP2cunsm2o4rz3cfHjoeLxirYH950aw/s4032/IMG_5052.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj840RGMTjGI4Z2NUzJqduyurU7D6mv8SXxSacIb8hSrOReU7m3au0jfaqqtNb6KJw0h9W5zhL9H0jcYgXx8I2DplsKDA-JeQqjwxESyRW0uEmYqEZ-1kzY04BqO7uplhtOElPTixiK18JiyD7hDU40KRjIP2cunsm2o4rz3cfHjoeLxirYH950aw/s320/IMG_5052.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>This is probably the last Kids Dash for us. Glad it was a fun one!</div>mfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16101209418485769780noreply@blogger.com0