Saturday, June 30, 2007

Amirul rode his 2-wheel bicycle for the first time today. It took me all of about 2 hours to get the young man stabilise & slowly gathering the momentum for his first ride. I have been pestering him to learn to cycle his 2-wheel bicycle for the longest time since he was 3 but he saw no urgency in it, therefore it was just left at that. So when his interest was rekindled and with determination & passion, it did not take him long to master the skill.That's one thing I learned with kids-do not ever force them to take up or hope that they will eventually like what you want them to do because in due time & the right moment, it will get to them eventually. And when it does, the end results are more than satisfactory. Not to be outdone is of course the little rascal sister who proclaimed that she too can ride her own 3-wheeler. Now that he's able to cycle, nonchalantly he asked, "So when can I drive Ummi??"

Friday, June 29, 2007

I have a confession.I am a sweet tooth junkie. I adore chocolates. candies, brownies, cakes, muffins...anything sweet that definitely can shake my endorphins. At least once a week I have got to have my ritual weekly fix of good ol' Cadbury Roasted Almond or my all-time favourite Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk. With 2 kids in tow, I try to 'slow-down' on these 'junks'{coz the 'excess' would take more time to burn if u know what I mean) as I do still want my kids to have good teeth & enjoy their daily healthy meals. But I love pampering them with Famous Amos's Chocolate Chip Pecan or even simple jelly candies from Mini Toons that always make my jaw hurts but hey, like they say no pain no gain right?
I remembered growing up in a quite neighbourhood at Depot Road where there was this bakery that sells super-delicious simple sugar-donuts that were just to die for. It was soft to the bite & the sugar just oozes away melting in you tastebuds. I was hooked. When we moved, I have never found a donut that tasted that good. Sure, Dunkin Donuts could satisfy my cravings but my search have yet to stop...until Vinco Donut came to Vivocity. It came quite close to the ones I used to have, soft & tasty to boot. It also boasts a variety of flavours including my current favourite 'Mochattio'. It is quite small when compared to the other donuts - like the Donut Factory at Raffles City, but so far, nothings beats the flavour & the joy of eating & relieving the good old memories of my childhood pleasure of Donut Eating...I have come full circle, & I am a happy indulging in my 1 dozen donuts for now...:)

Thursday, June 28, 2007

The Singapore Invitational Tournament kicked off at the National Stadium on Sunday with the Lions beating North Korea 2-1.

A total of four teams are taking part in the series - which the Lions are using to prepare for the upcoming SEA Games.

It was the first time Singapore fans saw the Lions in action after the recent Asean Cup competition.

And while they went on to be crowned champs in that tournament, the stakes were higher against the North Koreans who were former World Cup finalists.

Muhammad Ridhuan gave Singapore the lead five minutes before the break.

The visitors levelled through An Choi Hyok in the 59th minute, but their joy was shortlived as Indra Sahdan restored Singapore's lead in the 74th minute.

Singapore will next play Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Even though the Grand Old Dame was only about 1/6th filled, in the hot & humid night, we can't help but feel a lil bit nostalgic, knowing that it would be demolished soon. This is the place where we've grown thru the 'dating' times & eventually now with our kids in tow...

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Surf's Up is a highly animated comedy that delves behind the scenes of the high octane world of competitive surfing. It profiles teenage Rockhopper penguin Cody Maverick, an up and coming surfer, as he enters his first pro-competition. Followed by a camera crew to document his experiences, Cody leaves his family & home in Shiverpool, Antartica to travel to Pen Gu Island for the Big Z Memorial Surf Off. Along the way, Cody meets surf nut Chicken Joe, surf talent scout Mickey Abromowitz all of whom recognize Cody's passion for surfing, even if sometimes too far. Cody believes that winning will bring him the admiration and respect he desires, but when he unexpectedly comes face to face with a washed-up old surfer named Geek, Cody begins to find his own way, and discovers that a true winner isn't always the one who comes in first.

A truly enjoyable movie that we enjoyed right to the end. A must see for those of you big animation fan....

Thursday, June 21, 2007

I did a "Killing 2 Birds with 1 Stone" thingy today. I fulfilled the kids wishes to go to the beach and at the same time met up with fellow dear mommy friends to relax & chat away. So with 4 mommies & 10 kids in tow, we trooped down East Coast Beach and let the kids run free & play. Never mind that they do not have extra clothes with them, by the end of the day, they were all soaking wet with sand in their hair & feet. I think they had a great time going by their reluctance when its time to go home. Of course by then the mommies were relieved that they do not have to make sure time & again that they do not venture too far in the water or if they manage keep themselves dry.
Well its just midweek and its already packed with things to do & go and more in store for the rest of the week - you see we are sort of playing a 'squeezing-time-before-school-starts' kind of a challenge here, all before next Monday...

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Once again I turned the ultimate babysitter by stringing along 6 kids to the Night Safari. With cousins, nieces & nephew in tow, the kiddy bunch excitedly chatted and had to shusshed several times on the tram ride so as not to scare away the animals. Because flash photography was not allowed, the animal shots are mostly dark with exception of those I captured from ther sources. It was a wild & sweaty night for kids & adults alike and thank god nothing awry goes with my asthma-laden hubby who came prepared with his breath pump & all...

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Last Sunday, Nparks organised yet again one of its 'Performance in a Park'. This time its a 'Delightful Sounds and Enchanting Dances' - Experience an evening of Arumba music and traditional dances from various regions of Indonesia. So we brought our picnic mats ,kids with their skate-scooter in tow and light snacks to just sit back and enjoy the relaxing evening & entertaining performances.

As part of our 'Fill the School Holidays with Activities & Places to Go Plan' we brought the kids to Pasir Ris Park to check out the big eastern playround & the Gallop Stables. Unfortunately there's no pony or horses ride as the trainer was on leave :( so yet another chance to drop by this East-end yet again..:)But the playground was huge(just like that of West Coast Park) and we'd be sure to come back for more.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Dear Abah had an early Father's Day gift when Amirul baked him his favourite walnut & chocolate chip cake. With the help of Auntie Sha and asst Chef Mira, Abah was pleasantly surprised - although he knows from the ruckus happening in the kitchen, and Amirul made a Father's Day more special for his beloved Abah...
For my pillar & strength, suppport & the one who completes me,
To all, abahs,daddy, ayah,bak and fathers-to-be, and especially my Bak,
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Thursday, June 14, 2007

For the past few days, our lives have been dramatically altered by the arrival of this new addition. Very addictive. It makes small kids look very pro & adults look silly but hey its very fun and you get to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

Welcome to the world of Wii ladies & gentleman. Ok, for those of you vwho are like me, totally lost a few weeks ago,here's a little info wat Wii is all about.

"Pronounced "we", the Nintendo Wii is the newest game console to hit store shelves, and is the latest way to play from the company that brought the world Mario and other classic games. Wii intends on delivering a new gaming experience that can be picked up by anyone regardless of age or level of gaming ability. Here's the complete 411 on one of the hottest gaming systems of the year, the Nintendo Wii.

Nintendo Meets iPod

With a sleek white design that can be displayed either horizontally or vertically, the Nintendo Wii is an appealing and entertaining addition to any household. The system's style seems to borrow a lot from the ubiquitous iPod in delivering a clean look that anyone can enjoy, and in this the Wii delivers.

Unlike the PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii clocks in at a lower MSRP of $249.99. Also unlike PS3, the Wii is more available in stores around the country due to the fact Nintendo started producing units months before the launch! There's also one model, so no need to compare what value is the best because it all comes in the Wii package.

In the Nintendo Wii package, the sweet looking system is included and comes with one controller with a nunchucku attachment (more on that later). Nintendo also includes one game, Wii Sports, that contains five sports that will test your athletic ability!

New Way To Play

The main feature that makes Nintendo Wii stand out from the rest of the game consoles is the wireless Wii controller, nicknamed the Wii-mote. Nintendo wanted to develop something that felt like a remote control so anyone would intuitively know how to pick it up and play. But this is no mere remote! Since it can detect motion and rotation through a sensor bar that is included, players can the remote like a golf club or slash with it like a sword.

Using Bluetooth technology, the sensor bar can be up to 30 feet away, and up to four controllers can be connected at once. Sure to get anyone off the couch and playing, this is an innovative way to bring gaming to a whole new level and feel. However, if you want to play with a friend, be sure to pick up an extra remote since the console only comes with one!

To add to the gaming experience, the remote is equipped with a speaker, a rumble pack and also a port where additional devices, such as the included Nunchuk attachment, can be used. Shaped to comfortably fit in the palm of your hand, the Nunchuk has the same motion sensing abilities as the remote and also an analog stick used to aid in character movement within a game.

For instance, one hand will manipulate the analog stick that will move your character within the game, while the other hand containing the Wii remote will slash monsters or shoot enemies. And lefties needn't worry! Both the Nunchuk and Wii remote were built to be ambidextrous, so feel free to use it in whichever hand is most comfortable.""

So for the past few days we have been busying ourselves playing bowling, baseball, tennis, ping pong and race horses like a pro I'm telling you with just a flick of our wrists & eager expressions on our faces!

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Its our last night here...while I can't wait to be home, ironically I feel sombre at the thought of leaving this wonderful scenic place.Hope to be back here soon, its been an amazing week for us but we have to be home soon coz Amira misses her other 'friends' at home. For the rest of us, its back to the daily grind and more thoughts & ideas on how to spend the rest of the holidays.I'll update soon....back home...:)

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