Happy Birthday Keane!

Today is one of the longest days in the year - 21 June. It is also the day that Keane came into our lives. Being our first-born, we as new parents didn't really know what to do with you, Keane. We were basically rather strict, weren't we? It's simply amazing when we look back at the past 11 years and see how much you've grown in terms of knowledge and maturity.

Thank you for sharing with us your love for books - I think Didi took an interest in Harry Potter because of your "influence". You have shown us that age is no barrier to understanding difficult concepts, and that knowing stuff is reward in itself, not for getting good grades nor for showing off.

Sometimes, I secretly wish I had your persistence and insatiable thirst for knowledge and life, and I especially yearn to have your good, even temper.

Dear son, we wish you health and happiness, and may you stay curious and kind always.

Love
Papa, Mama & Didi
21 June 2010

健身.宝迪.教练

这是我难得写的中文博客. 不为别的,只为我在宝迪认识的教练朋友们! (Lily - 这篇博客你一定要读!)

来苏州前完全不健身的我,在苏州最大的收获就是找到健身的乐趣. 日子久了,也认识了一群教练朋友. 想不到第一次来我家做客,也是最后一次. 很开心你们百忙中抽空来. 有缘相信上海会再见!

Bushy Group Birthday & Farewell

Yesterday met up with my "Bushy Group" friends. (Why are we "bushy"...haha that's a private joke..only we know). I always have a great time with this bunch of ladies. It was a farewell cum 1-month-early birthday celebration...deeply touched.

Seemed strange but we barely knew each other one year ago. Thanks to last year's International Day and countless Joget practices, we found that we could click so well! Now that I'm leaving, that's this "相识恨晚" (wished we had known each other earlier) feeling. But never mind, fate shall bring us together again, I'm sure.

Zern's Comic

The Ketchup Incident




From "Adventures of Bear Bear & Doggy"

Happy Birthday Zern!

Nine years ago on this day, Zern came into our lives.

We love you Zern for your "funniness", self-made jokes and riddles, self-published comic strips and self-invented gadgets...your easy-going ways and how you make us laugh without really trying. Papa and Mama are really blessed to have you. And Koko, well, he loves you the moment he sets eyes on you (see the pictures on top!).

Happy 9th Birthday, my dear son and many many more to come!

Lots of Love,
Papa, Mama & Koko
4 June 2010

Memories are made of these...

We gathered at a friend's place over the weekend to celebrate the son's birthday and housewarming.  For the first time, EVERYONE (including hubbies, children etc) made it.  This definitely called for a group shot!

School Photos

When you look at photos, you start to realise how much your children have grown.  These photos were taken by the School Photographer.

Keane says Zern looks like a "businessman in his suit".  A sign of things to come?

Busy again...

Today saw the negotiation on two properties we've shortlisted in Shanghai.  Both are at this townhouse compound in Puxi.  English looking, with lots of stairs, and gardens.  It'd be our first time staying in a house if so.  Well...here's a picture of how the area looks like:

I also finally got down to making the Chai Poh for the Zui Kuey sales on International Day. It's been a while since I made it and it's still amazes me how little is left after all the frying. The chai poh just shrunk like by half! This Friday, will be setting aside time to make the batter for the 150 rice puddings. The house will reek, ahem, be filled with the lovely aroma, of chai poh and rice flour for the next few days…

Home

With this move to Shanghai, it's another round of house hunting, negotiation, bargaining, buying furniture, appliances, lights and repairs to take care of. Not to mention, packing, throwing, unpacking.

Did it with this apartment two years ago, as if it's my very own home. But we're moving out after two years.

Suddenly feel like going back Singapore. At least, I know whatever I'm doing, it's for my own home.

International Day

8 May was International Day at the boys' school. It's the one event that brings all cultures and nationalities together.

This year, Singapore teamed with many other Asian countries and so we had a huge booth and probably the most variety in food. We call ourselves ISEAN (including India). There were fried yam cake, ou kuey, roti jala, ice kachang, indian desserts, filipino snacks, longan jelly, nasi lemak, go ngiang, and some food which names escaped me. And I sold all my zui kuey after much "lelong". We were all so busy trying to sell our food I forgot to take pictures of the food and the booth. Alamak.

The dance by the Asian booth, was as usual, one of the key highlights.