A Late Post

Whoa, I just noticed I haven't written in a week. Still adjusting to the new clinic. With a different set of patients. The clinic assistants are nice which helps a lot. I love the shops/food stalls around though. There's everything you can think of. The only thing is it's far from the town centre so I can't go shopping when I'm bored.

Last weekend was busy. My dad, the kids's grandfather came down for a visit. He stayed with us too. And the boys had  a lot of fun. My sister, the kids' auntie was also there. It's nice that they got to know her too. Gabriel was a little shy at first but he warmed up to her as well. The only thing I kept forgetting was to snap photos. Sigh...

I'm still not quite all here. Must be the early mornings after the school holiday break. I have to wake up early to send the boys to kindergarten. My head is still in the process of catching up with the rest of me. Maybe I need to start taking more brain food.

Back to Work

We had a lovely week long break in Melbourne, Australia. Only just got back on Friday. I know I should have posted sometime during the weekend. But I spent most of it unpacking, cleaning up/uploading photos and sleeping. Suddenly been feeling exhausted after the trip.

And hubbie has disappeared to Indonesia for the week. Sigh... I'm glad we had the time together in Melbourne. It's was really nice to go back to all the places we've been when we were studying in Melbourne. Loads and loads of memories for us. And now plenty of new ones. Like when we went to the Yarra Valley to the wineries, and driving up Mount Buller.

The kids enjoyed themselves in Mount Buller, where for the first time, they've experienced real snow. Bryan had a lot of fun. He also learned more about the different seasons in the year and how to ski. I think it's a good trip for him too. Gabriel didn't quite like putting on all that snow gear but he enjoyed playing in the snow too.

But it's back to earth for everyone. Meanwhile, I've just restarted work in a new clinic. Nice place with nice nurses. It's not as posh as my old clinic. But comfy and cosy. I can definately see myself here for another few years.

Another Year Older

Had my birthday celebrations with the family last week. It was nice and cozy, a family affair. Seperately my best friends took me out for lunch. Even though we have our own families, it's nice that we find the time for each other. All girls need some time out with their girlfriends right?

The kids are home all day because it's the school holidays. So they are also up a little later than usual on weekdays. And that means I have less time for hubbie and myself after they sleep. That and for some reason, I've been more tired than usual. I've been taking naps over the weekend. Which is unusual for me. I hardly need naps. Maybe there's a bug going around at home.

So this post is a little late. I like to take some time once or twice a year to stop and think about what's been going on. Recent events happening around the world does make me worry a bit more about the family. I wonder if we'll be prepared in the event of some disaster. I've been making a point to keep extra supplies at home. Especially for the kids, their milk powder, diapers, etc. Maybe I should also expand it to include other necessary supplies too. Instead of waiting until things run out.

Otherwise, I really do need to start some exercise. I feel tired and lazy a lot of the time, which is not really good at all. It's been over 3 years since I had a good exercise program going. Sigh... The inertia gets worse as you get older I realise.

The other thing is my scrapbooking. Work's been picking up and I've only been managing about 1 page in a week. I really need a proper table to work on at home. I'm now doing it on my bed, on a table tray. Which isn't the best.

But I am looking forward to the coming holiday we've planned in Melbourne. With the kids around, I know I'm going to be busy looking after them. Should be fun anyway. I hope...

Happy 500!

I have just realised that I've hit 500 posts on my blog. That's quite an accomplishment because I don't blog everyday. Sometimes only a couple of times a week. But this blog is 5 years old. I didn't realise it would go as long. Going back to 2007 and one of my early posts, I did put in a To Do list. So lets see where I am with it...

1. Have another baby Well, I did. His name is Gabriel and he's 2 years old.

2. Get that masters degree Hm... not quite but I did get my Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine.
3. Own a Volvo C70 in red.  Not when the COE is that high.
4. Renovate Bryan's room We got him a new bed, and decorated the walls with removable stickers.
5. Finish studying the Bible It's sort of an ongoing process...
6. Learn scuba diving Scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef. That's not going to be for a while. At least until the boys are older.
7. Learn to ride a horse. Nope, no time for that either.
8. Be a volunteer for Medicine Sans Frontiers Learn Japanese. New goal when the kids are older. Maybe sign up as a volunteer for the Red Cross. To help with disaster relief. It's always been a goal of mine.
9. Visit Italy, Japan, France, Switzerland, Africa, New York, Egypt, Israel, China, India, New Zealand, Maldives, Hawaii. Well, I'm no where near completing this. Not when half of the countries listed are probably on the travel advisory list.
10. Finish a 5km run. I can barely find time to do 1km. But I should, make use of the track nearby.
11. Take up dance classes I managed to do some Pilates between my boys
12. Perm my hair
13. Join the worship team in church Did that when I was younger
14. Have Lasix done so I don't have to wear glasses or contacts It's scheduled for the end of the month.
15. Retire in 30 years to look after my grandchildren. That remains to be seen. I do still want to keep practising though.

Looking back, 10 out of 15 isn't bad. It's been a fabulous 5 years. Some ups and some downs. But mostly ups. My family's been important to me. And a lot of stuff I haven't thought about doing like travelling, diving etc because of the boys. But I'm actually very ok with it. I'm happy to see my boys grow up first. Then we can do all that fun stuff together.

On Hindsight

It's nearing the end of 2010. Looking back, it's been a good year. I'm thankful for a lot of things this year. Mostly for a great family. Hubbie's been very busy this year but he's achieved a whole lot. Very proud of him.

My two boys are great too. Bryan's progressing very well in K1, especially in his chinese. He's very smart. And generally a very good boy. Gabriel's growing up too. He's getting better with his speech but he still gets rather frustrated when he can't communicate his wants. I think he's a bit more spoilt compared to Bryan and he does have a bit of a temper. But he's still the baby of the family. And everyone at home pampers him.

I'm happy with where I am mostly. The clinic is doing better this year. And it's still busy even though it's almost Christmas. I've also stopped half of my Saturday clinics to spend more time with the family. I'm generally rather busy. Barely have time to shop or do my own stuff. So scrapbooking's progressing slowly.

I'm not very happy with my fitness levels and not having the time to do any workouts at all. I much prefer running in the gym on the threadmill as opposed to running outside. But it means I have to find a good 2 hours to spare. Maybe next year, during Gabriel's afternoon naps. I still want to get back to running 3-5km each week.

Meanwhile, in 2011 we have a lot of fun stuff and little breaks planned already. And it should be an interesting year for Bryan who is going to be in K2 and has to prepare for Primary One. Gabriel is starting school too. And I hope he adjusts well.

But to everyone else, a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

The Season of Advent

Or 'What Christmas Really Means'.

In December, when I look around. There's Christmas decorations everywhere. The Christmas trees, bright lights, the Christmas sales.

But I wonder how many people out there walking around ever think about the meaning of Christmas. The reason for this celebration.

I know my boys think about the toys they'll be getting. Most of us with a full time job think about the end of the year and the vacations they've got planned. Mothers think about the family dinners and get-togethers.

Christmas is about all those things. But it's also about a baby that was born, who changed the lives of so many. He gives us meaning and purpose. And opened the way for us to reach God personally.

I wonder what Mary thought about when she realised her child would be the Saviour of the world. How do I know what my boys will grow up to be? How do I know the choices I make for them will be the right one? Or does it not matter? Will the Lord guide them to the right path anyway?

The Long School Break

It's the school holidays now for Bryan. And the holidays started out with his cousins staying over the weekend. They had a lot of fun. Mostly in front of the computer and the Wii. Even though Bryan is a good 5 years younger than his cousins, he got along quite alright.

I've planned some activities during the holidays for him. Just to fill up his time and get him to do something other than watch tv. I think he needs to get out of the house and have more outdoor time. He'll be busy with Chinese camp and the church Christmas performance. And of course activity books.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for the end of year sales to start. I need to get the boys clothes for the new year, Christmas presents, etc. Singapore's slowly getting into the festive mood. With all the Christmas decorations going up. It's almost my favourite time of the year!

It's October

Doesn't time just fly? Just the other day Gabriel was learning to walk and talk. And it's now already October. Gabriel turns 2 this month. And it's nearly the end of the year 2010.

We have accomplished much this year. And there's so much more coming. Bryan's learnt a lot this year. Like swimming, where's he's already gone up a level. And then there's Chinese. Which he's picking up fast. And in school too, Bryan's kindergarten concert is end of October.

Gabriel is growing up too. He's learnt to walk, run, jump, climb. He's learning many more words too. And he's becoming more vocal too. He can feed himself and drink from a cup. He also tries to dress himself and undress himself.

Before long, they'll both be in Primary School and then picking a career, university... Sigh...

Friends for Life

Just a shout out to my best friends. For 14 years we’ve known each other. We have seen each other grow up from being awkward teenagers, to mature to women, wives and mothers. Even though I was overseas for a large part of the time, we’ve always kept in touch.

They were always there when I had problems/issues in the past. They’ve never pushed their views on me or on each other. They’ve never judged. But they’ve always been true friends. Even though we each have our own families/jobs, we make the effort to catch up once in a while. I’m honored to be part of their lives and I hope I’m able to be there for them in the same way.

As their birthdays are coming up. I just want to wish them a very happy birthday and I hope they have a very blessed year ahead.

Happy Daddy's Day

Just a post of appreciation to all the important men in my life.

To hubbie, who has been a good father to our 2 boys. Even though he's tired after work, he still spends some time with the kids. He lets Bryan especially play with his phone/computer and sometimes lets them watch their own programmes on tv in our room. He makes it a point to try his best to be there for Bryan's school activities. And loves to hear about Bryan's day. He lets Bryan choose what to do on a Sat morning, usually swimming. Even though he'd rather be sleeping in.

To my dad, who has introduced the world of nature and outdoors to me. He's made it a point to show that life is not just about studying or working. But we always have to stop and smell the roses. And enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful world that God made.

To my father -in-law, who has been very accepting of me into the family. He is a good and wise man. He also loves his grandchildren a lot and it shows when he plays with them and spends time with them.

I wish them all a long, happy and blessed life. I will always cherish our times together.

Starting a New Chapter

So I received a letter from ICA to re-register for a new IC. Just another reminder that it's my big three-oh. Do I feel any different? Not really. It's just another birthday. Although, I see fine lines and I feel my skin becoming drier. Sigh... the beginnings of aging.

The past decade has been very fast paced. From graduating to starting work. From being a houseman to anchoring a clinic. And all the other trials in between. Moving back from Melbourne to Singapore. Studying for my post-grad diploma. Then there is the getting engaged, the wedding preparations, to having a baby. And then two.

So now, I've pretty much ticked off most of my important 'To Do Before 30'. I'm settling into motherhood. Things are quite smooth sailing. I love my hubbie. I love my kids. And I love my job. I also need to work on a new 'To Do' list. I'll be focussing a lot on my kids and making sure they are ok in school. But I wonder if I should have more career goals? Spiritual goals? Hmm...

After the Procedure

I had to have a minor operation to remove an impacted wisdom tooth. And my dental surgeon gave me a whole 5 days at home to recover. Which I did. For the most part. With having 2 kids, it's not so easy to rest and recover at home in peace.

The operation went smoothly and was fairly fast. The only thing I was quite traumatised with was the sound of the drill. Now this is not the usual dental burr that the dentist uses when cleaning your teeth. This is the bone drill. Which sounds exactly like the electric drill, probably feels like it too. My jaw aches just thinking about it. I'm glad the LA worked very well.

But I'm much better now, and going back to work. Which I actually look forward to. The quiet office, the aircon and sometime to myself. For some part of the day at least. It's been so hot in Singapore lately, by the end of the day, with my painkillers wearing off, the heat and a whole day of being patient. I get a bit crabby.

A Sleepy Weekend

For me. I was dozing off while watching the kids play. They do quite ok together. Each will use the lego blocks for different things. Bryan to build houses and towers. Gabriel to hold and try to stuff it into his other toys.

Then they had a great time with bubbles. Me blowing bubbles until I felt really giddy and had to sit down. Both boys were running around catching them. It was such fun!

But that made me sleepier at night. And hubbie put on the Hurt Locker, which was ok, not exciting enough to keep me awake through the whole show. Perhaps I need to try sleeping early. 6 hours of sleep is clearly not enough.

Anniversary No 6

At the Le Amis. I liked the chandeliers. The food was very unique. It's all nicely presented and tatsted lovely. Even the bread was soft and warm and very yummy. There was pink champagne and strawberry tiramisu. As a lovely surprise, the restaurant presented us with a chocolate cake at the end. Hmm.. Yumm...

We had a fantastic time. It's a rare occasion that we have dinner without the 2 kids. And after that, we even had time to catch a movie. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HUNNIE! Here's to many more years of happiness ahead!

Busyness

It's been a busy few weeks. Bryan's started kindergarten and taking the school bus. He's such a big boy now. But starting school = catching bugs from friends. And he was sick last week with a sore throat and fever. Gabriel meanwhile, is still nursing a cough.

Meanwhile, I'm still feeling fat from the Christmas/New Year food. I've only managed to go on the stationary bike once. Starting an exercise routine is not easy. There's always excuses... Too tired, the Australian Open is on, need to sync iPhone, etc.

Not a good sign for the year?

Happy 2010

This post is a few days late. That's because I'm still recovering from the trip and the sleeping late processing photos and what not late into the nights.

But we had a great time on New Year's Eve with a few friends. Hubbie blew up the pool that day and Bryan especially had a great time. Gabriel didn't mind playing in the shallow part, catching balls and returning them to Bryan. They enjoyed themselves a lot.

Looking Forward

It's almost the end of 2009 and about the time to take stock of things. It's been a pretty good year for me. My main accomplishment is taking the GDFM exams and passing them. While taking care of 2 children and holding down a full time job.

Other than that, I'm putting more effort into my scrapbooking this year and the layouts and mini-albums are turning out very well. It's very therapeutic and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a creative outlet.

The only thing I would like to do more of is exercise. I've not stepped into the gym for almost 2 years. Although I've managed to get back to my pre-pregnancy size/clothes, I still have residual baggage in certain tummy areas. I just need to tone up a bit.

So next year, while I'm cruising along with my job and family, I am going to find some time to go to the gym. I want to be able to do a 5km run at least. That's going to be my main goal for next year.

I'm very proud of my two kids. Bryan has learned to read and write fairly well. And Gabriel has learned to walk and taking to solid food very well. Both are very good kids most of the time.

Next year is going to be an interesting year for Bryan. He's going to start Kindergarten. And it's going to be a bit more intense in school. He's also going to start taking the school bus home from school. So he needs to be a bit more independant too. I think he's growing up nicely and I don't think he'll have much problem.

Gabriel meanwhile will be learning to talk and maybe even start a weekly playgroup. Sigh... my boys are growing up too fast...

Strawberries (and Cream)

Gabriel simply loves his strawberries. He'd insist on eating them himself. And make a complete mess of himself. He'd get strawberries on his shirt, it drips down to his pants. Not to mention his strawberry covered face and hands, where he has picked and mashed the strawberries to bits.

I'm generally a fairly neat person and I have to resist the urge to insist that I hold the strawberries and feed him bit by bit. So I snapped a few pictures instead. I had a major cleaning job to do once he was done. It's a good thing he doesn't mind cleaning up.

Missing Hubbie

On a much more miserable note, hubbie has been called back to do his national service. It's a 2 week stint. And a stay-in thing. Which means he doesn't get to come home at all! !@#%*! It's really annoying because it disrupts our family. And his job. He doesn't get to call home often or check emails either.

Sigh... It's going to be a long two weeks.

Sentosa

So over the weekend, we were in Sentosa to celebrate birthdays and have a look at the Amara Sanctuary Resort over there. Since we were already there, we decided to have a look around. There's lots and lots of construction going on there. With the IR (integrated resort) coming up. And adventure parks springing up everywhere. It all sounds very exciting.

But I was actually quite disappointed. Sentosa used to be a quiet getaway with lots of lush greenery and nature trails. It had a simple monorail system and a few lovely attractions.

Now it's getting very overcrowded. The nature trails are gone or disrupted. The monorail system has been removed and replaced with a high tech one with so few stops. The quiet beaches are now dotted with restaurants, and other activities. What used to be a ferry terminal is being replaced with upcoming roller-costers and hotels and massive entertainment complexes. All in the name of attracting more visitors to Singapore.

I'm sure the kids will love it when they are older. But it's such a shame really. I would have liked to share Sentosa as I knew it with my boys.