EveryDay Is A Sunday

Dancing in the rain

2010-08-17T20:26:00.000+08:00

The sun was baking hot this afternoon. As I walk out of my office for lunch, I told my colleague that my evening run is going to be tough with such scorching heat.

It started raining in the late afternoon before my run. I thought luck was on my side, and I was wrong. Halfway into my run, it started raining cats and dogs. What a day!

As I run pass the Singapore Sport School, I saw the CISCO Traffic Warrants were still standing along the road in the rain with their luminous raincoat. For the passed days I can spot them at the crucial road junctions without fail, rain or shine. They must have been working very hard for the YOG, Bravo to them!

Fishing Trip 15 Jun 2008

2008-06-15T22:30:00.003+08:00

After a long lapse, I finally get another trip out to the sea for some catch again. We are back in Changi water with Uncle Chong’s boat. The weather was surprisingly good, it did not rain the whole day, it wasn’t too warm and there were breeze all day round, unbelievable.

Our initial intention was to bring our children along, but my sister in-law somehow manage to gather another 4 anglers for the trip in the last minutes, we have no choice but to leave the kids behind.

We got ourselves about $50 worth of live prawns, which turn out to be in surplus at the end of the day. My first catch, a palm size squid comes after waiting for one whole morning, after my lunch. Interestingly, half the catches were groupers, and many were caught in the morning. Nearly all the fishes hooked up were of good size.

This is one the best fishing trip I had so far, nice kakis, calm sea, no distraction from children, good size and numbers of fishes, very good weather.

1ST 10KM B4 40

2008-06-11T10:18:00.001+08:00

I have make history for myself last Sunday, the first time I ever run 10.5 km in my life. And although my timing of 1 hour 20 minute isn’t that fantastic, I am still very happy, since my family was there to give me the boost.

Running has never been interesting since my school days. Even in my army days, I have never thought I would be running this distance. My mentality was “I didn’t need to, I didn’t want to.” Then I changed my mind almost twenty years later.

This is a new beginning. I have a new vision for myself, I want to run a half-marathon, soon, hopefully by end of the year.

Connection In The Park Connector

2008-06-03T21:50:00.019+08:00

Since the media covers on the Southern Ridges few weeks back, I was hoping to check out the place with my family, but I seem to be more occupied after switching to a 5 days work week. My weekend now becomes very fulfilling with activities like cycling and running, with my gals of course.

I finally free a slot from my busy schedule last Sunday afternoon for this. We set off at about 1500 hrs from Telok Blangah Hill Park. It is not difficult to orientate ourselves in the park as there are sign boards all over the place, besides, the place was packed with visitors, so, getting loss is out of the question.

Henderson Waves was our first stop, we walk up a long stretch of slope pavement which my kids have fun running down later. We stay for about 10 – 15 minutes on the bridge to enjoy the views and take some photo before making our way towards the Forest Walk.

There are two ways to explore the little forest, one by walking on the elevated walkway which offers birds’ eye view of the forest, and the other via the trail at ground level. Both ways are good experience of the woods for my little girls. We took a 10 minute break at Alexandra Arch before we head back to the car park. My wife spotted this big spider near the walk way, definitely one of those biggest I seen in the wild.

I must say N-parks have definitely done a great job connecting these parks, the only disappointing factor would be I don’t see any chance of cycling through the parks any time soon, but I am still looking forward for the day to come.

Runway Ride

2008-05-29T22:00:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, I brought my two girls and my wife to the National Runway Cycling 2008 at Paya Lebar Airbase, which is a key event of the National Family Week 2008.

The four of us wake up 5am in the morning. My plan was to get out of the house by 6am and reach there before 7am in order to secure a parking lot. The biggest challenge come first thing in the morning, there is loading four bicycle onto my car, two 26”, one 24” and one 20”. It was to me tougher than riding 6km on the runway actually.

There are 3 categories in the event, 6km family route, 15km leisure route and 45km endurance challenge. Needless to say, all four of us took up the 6km family ride. The two girls were very excited in front of the runway, but the 6km was quite an endurances test for them on their 24” and 20”, we could see from their expression at the end of the ride.

The event was well organised, booths were set up by SAFRA, and a few well known bike shop and supplier. There are also performances that keep us entertained while we rest after our ride. We left around noon, where we headed straight home and slept through the afternoon.

Two Wheels Adventure

2008-05-20T12:09:00.002+08:00

Nearly three months ago, I found a new reason to take my run more seriously. Running becomes a supplementary training for my new hobby, Mountain Biking. I brought my bike just two days before Chinese New Year, it’s a Scott Reflex 30.

When I decided to take up mountain biking, it appears to me that I will be doing slow trail riding with my family in the nature like what many did in the parks. So I went on to ride about fifteen kilometers of roads a few nights before to get me into the mood, and I thought I will be ok on the trail. But I was wrong. My first trip into the trail was shocking, my dream for the family ride got further, the stamina and skill needed to ride ten minute into the trail far exceed my fitness level. I felt like I am back to BMT training at the end of the trail, it was very "SIONG".

Nevertheless, I was determined to carry on with my new hobby, there is no turning back after throwing in close to a grand to acquire the necessary gadget. In fact, I even went on to get three more mountain bikes for my wife and the two elder daughters.

Last week, my effort is starting to pay off, I took my wife and eldest daughter to Gangsa Hill on two separate days, and they were coping well for a start. And although my big girl complains about the need to wash the bike after the trip, she is looking forward to the next trip.

Writing And Running

2008-05-15T20:30:00.000+08:00

It is been a long time since I last contribute to my blog, so much has happen in the last few months, I have even got a new job. Many time I wanted to start typing but it just don’t work out. I realize it is very much like running, when I stop running for a week or more, it become less enjoyable to start stepping out again. Nearly two year ago, I was busy looking for reasons to be excused from running i.e. IPPT. I was too tired after work, I need more time with my kids, and I have got asthma. Interestingly, after running for six month, I countered all the excuses myself, running actually improve my energy level, I got my wife and kids to run with me, and better fitness brings better health which help suppress my asthmatic condition. Anyway, I ran 8km in about one hour last night, I am happy I have made such progress. Next month, I will be doing a 10km run in the Saucony 100PLUS PAssion run 2008.

My Running Shoe

2007-11-15T18:51:00.000+08:00

I went for a run on Tuesday night. I have pre-plan the route with MapMyRun, a distance of about 2.8 km, which I only walk for 50m during the run to regulate my breathing. I am quite happy with my progress due to the fact that I started my first run a month ago with only 800 meters of running. Interestingly this is also the longest route I have run voluntarily.

Technologies these days are really of great help to many people in many ways. On measurement of running distance alone, other than using the internet to plan the running route, one can also use watches, mini gadgets or shoes with GPS or pacing software, these devices also have extra functions to measuring other figures like the speed and calories burned, and software to gauge your performance. There are also shoes to fit all kinds of legs, including flat-footers, clothing that are light and remove sweat from your body, MP3s to help you to stay focus and enjoy your run. Medical information on injuries, diet, types of foots, ways of running can be found on the web easily. The list goes on.

What use to be very simple only a decade ago is now a science subject. In my army days, we just put on our vest and shorts, and any fitting pair of the multi-purpose shoe and there we goes. Today, choosing my pair of running shoe alone took me more than one hour, this is the first time it is happening to me, and I used to think that only girls do that, silly me. The sale person first measure my foot, length and width, then they let me walk and run on the treadmill when they determine the type of foot I have, and my walking and running style. Lastly, they narrow down a few models of shoes for me to try on. Along the process, the sale person would explain what and why they checking or doing. And at last, I pay $140 for this Asics GEL-CUMULUS® 9.

Healthy Living

2007-11-11T23:00:00.000+08:00

While reading SgRunners few days back, I registered for a talk, as its title says “Fit for Running” the talk was meant to create awareness and prepare runners for the upcoming marathon event. I am not a marathon runner, but I still went on to attend the talk since I am almost 40 and have not been running for a long long time. Most of the subjects are quite dry, but I did the right thing to attend the talk. I learn to understand injuries, the preventions and managing them if it happens, I learn some techniques of strength training, and there are also what and how to eat and drink correctly for runners, lastly about the risk a runner face when running a marathon, why some runner died running. It was 3 hours well spend, at least I learn to run the right way, rather than sacrificing health for fitness.

Back home in the evening my wife suggested a family run, and so every member including my youngest daughter was at my usual running spot, and amazingly, she did 800 meters. Not bad for the first run of a 4 years old, really.

This is really one memorable Sunday in my life, not only did it motivate me to take a wider step in running towards my dream, it also marks a milestone in the family’s healthier lifestyle.

Guard Mounting

2007-11-05T23:29:00.001+08:00

I planned this outing about 3 week ahead, not that I am too busy but because it only happen once a month. I also did not dare to keep my children inform worrying that they will be bordering me everyday before the event and worse if I have to postpone to the next month. Anyway, when I tell my friends about my plan, they all give a sarcastic smile and a very simple remark, “无聊”.

So, this is it, the Changing of Guard Ceremony at the Istana. This ceremony only happen on the first Sunday of every month.

There are people waiting at the place even earlier than us when we arrive at about 5 pm. I find a good spot for my family to view the ceremony before getting some drinks as we have to stand there for the next 45 minutes.

The old guards match to the main entrance and wait for the new guards’ arrival at 5.40 pm.

At 5.45 pm sharp, the Silent Precision Drill Squad leads the new guards match in with the company of the Military Band. The new guards then started taking over the duty from old guards.

The next thing is the rifle precision drill performance by the Silent Precision Drill Squad which last for about 5 minutes.

At the end of the drill performance, we come to the end of the ceremony as the old guards complete the handing over of duty to the new guards and match off with the military Band.

A New Dream

2007-11-02T22:25:00.000+08:00

I started running nearly 3 weeks back, I have not been excising regularly since my R.O.D., so what have trigged this sudden change in my lifestyle? It happens in the last swimming session I had with my elder daughter. As she is still a beginner, I encourage her to challenge herself by swimming the length of the pool. While pacing her, I found that my stamina had deteriorated to an alarming level.

I was a good swimmer in my polytechnic days, I pass my Bronze Medallion test and was a part-time lifeguard of the swimming pool in the polytechnic. Those days were tough, I trained for 8 hour weekly, minimum of 2 km for warming up and 1 km for warming down, but I was at the pink of my health. Though the traning was meant for more advance certification, the Silver Cross, (the test system for lifesaving course have change since then) I did not go for it because of my final year examination.

Now, I have got my wife and my daughters to start running with me. And to give myself some encouragement and determination to continue and excel further, I brought myself a pair of last season’s Asics Kayano from Royal Sporting House for $160, I know it is funny but this is the first time I spent this much for a pair of running shoe. In fact, I did some research and ask around for advice before throwing in my money. I was quite surprise with the recommendations from my friends, brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Fila were not in the list, instead the popular suggestion were New Balance and Asics. Interestingly, I feel that the money was well spend after just one run, beside being comfortable, the aches on my knee and ankles have subside substantially.

I am now running 3 times a week and have more confident with my improving fitness. Being a non-runner half my life, I hope that soon, I would be able to run a half-marathon, maybe even a full marathon with my wife and children.

The Third Terminal

2007-11-01T23:29:00.000+08:00

I was invited to an open house with my family on Sunday. It was a unique one, an open house of the Terminal 3, at the Singapore Changi International Airport.

The basic facilities were completed, but the whole place was undergoing renovation of the tenant’s shop lots. Being an engineering guy, the first thing I notice was of course the building services in the terminal. The roof of the building was covered with skylights which allow sunlight to penetrate and light up the place, there are very minimum light fittings in the main hall. Then there were air-conditioning outlet that is build very low above the ground, this contribute to energy saving since the system only need to cool the lower space where the human traffic is, rather than the whole hall which is easily 10 meters high. I also see more architectural features and lots of indoor plants at every corner as compare to terminal 1 & 2.

While my wife find the trip bore, I treat as just another family outing, the children and me enjoy ourselves take photo and playing catching in the big hall.

A Little Mishap

2007-10-25T23:26:00.000+08:00

I got into an accident last night, actually someone got me into an accident. The SOMEONE banged into my rear bumper.

I end up spending my whole morning to settle my car repair in his recommended workshop at Sin Ming Road. Today is a hot day, I waited for the boss of the repair shop for half an hour, then I waited for him to confirm that the SOMEONE is going to claim his insurance for one and a half hour, and then I waited for another hour for the replacement car to arrive. It was like a nightmare right after you wake up in the morning. So to keep myself busy, I started taking these photos in the vicinity, really wander who’s the owner.

Anyway, I finally got my replacement car, a Toyota Camry. Quite high tech compared to my car, it took me quite a while to figure out how to adjust the driver seat. By the the way, that SOMEONE is one of SIngapore's national triathlete, I certainly hope that this incident will not in any way affect his training or performance for any upcoming event.

A CHILDREN’s Garden In Botanic

2007-10-18T17:44:00.000+08:00

I was very tired yesterday. I did not get enough sleep the night before, and what welcomes at my work site me was intense task to be rushed. I intended to write about my Sunday trip to Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden with my kids, but my memory had failed me, that was why I am only writing it today. I learn about the garden only about a week back, and since my wife have a weekend assignment (road show), the trip would keep them occupied for the weekend and also give them a break before they settle down for their preparation of year-end examination.

As I was not familiar with this area, I parked at the car park near the Singapore Botanic Garden visitor center. Following the maps and the road signs, we walk about 20 minute to the garden within the park vicinity.

The greenery is something children cannot appreciate, while I enjoy my slow walk toward the garden, my kids would hassle me about the long walk and keep asking me, “我们到了吗?” So along the way I would talk to them about the plants, and took photos for them to kill their boredom.

The place is quite well planned for the children visitors. There is a controlled entrance which is guarded, the guard is meant to ensure that children in the garden are accompanied by adult since the entry is free. There are children’s toilets and drinking points, and the canteen is right outside the garden with little chairs and tables.

The garden is separated into many stations like water-play area, cave, suspension bridge, tree house, maze, etc. With its size and the variety of play area, it could easily keep the children busy for at least half a day, especially the water-play area. As I did not prepare extra clothing for the children, plus the weather was very sunny, we left the place after only 2 hours. Now, things got tough for me and the children, they were too exhausted to take the walk back to my car but there are not alternative, so the daddy (that’s me) has to lure, encourage, push and pull them along.

This is a picture of my youngest daughter learning how to drink from the water point on her own.

On the way back, we pass by the big pond where we had an encounter with the black swan.

When we reach the visitor center at last, we took a rest before we goes off. And we manage to spot and snap a picture of a squirrel hanging around our rest area.

Crab Story

2007-10-11T13:44:00.000+08:00

How many ways of cooking a crab do you know? For most restaurants or coffee shops I know, it is normally about three to five ways. So it is going to be impossible to find one place that can cook your crab in say 10 ways, right? WRONG!!!

When I had my dinner here on Tuesday night, it was not so crowded, and I choose a smaller table right in front of the store, it so happen to be right in front of this light box which displays all the type of crabs they are offering. I came here quite often and never really realize they actually offer 16 types of crab dishes. If you are a crab lover, it is going to be tough on your pocket.

So far, I have only tried the Chilli, Black Pepper and Tang Hoon crab since it is the most common type of crab you can order anywhere without looking into the menu. But I will come back for more, some of them(the crabs) just look irresistible.

Family Day

2007-10-08T12:40:00.000+08:00

My wife’s company had their family day last weekend at the SAFRA Resort. So our family was there for the whole of Saturday afternoon and evening.

We started with a swim with the kids in the pool. It reminds me of the life saving trainings in my poly days, it was tough. We trained twice, a total of eight hours a week, swimming close to a hundred laps every session. But sadly, swimming one lap now feels like a marathon.

After the swim, the kids join in the tele-match, magic show followed by barbeque dinner. My elder daughter was enjoying chocolate fondue so much she didn’t feel the chocolate flowing out from her month.

Sinful Enjoyment

2007-10-05T17:32:00.000+08:00

My wife and I went for a walk at IMM few days back. We were feeling hungry when we happen to pass by this “Tea Room” selling Hong Kong food, which have a display menu showing something interesting, the price is reasonable too. The place looks quite popular as there were only few empty seats left. We decide our pick and my wife quickly take up a seat while I went on to queue ordered a ginger steamed egg, oyster beef with egg and HK crispy chicken with mushroom.

I collected my drinks and steam egg from the counter, then make my way to my table and wait for the main dishes to arrive. The steam egg was very smooth and soft, I can smell the fragrance of ginger as I put it in my month. Interestingly, this delicious dessert does not appear in the menu.

I took the beef rice while my wife had the chicken rice. Not only the rice was done in a different way but they also use different ingredients from what we have in our local food court. For example, the chicken rice was covered with molten cheese, and my wife described the rice as sinful. I didn’t understand the description till I tried the rice, it taste good in my month but at the same time, I started feeling very sinful as the molten cheese make its way through my throat.

The dishes also come with a soup as a set, which have included tremella(白木耳), red date(红枣), and papaya(木瓜). Well, whatever, it is really an enjoyment! I’ll be back, 湾仔香港奶茶店!

Have FUN At The FAIR

2007-09-29T15:42:00.000+08:00

I have been quite busy lately, and I was neglecting my children. I can feel it by their responsiveness when I talk to them. But I didn’t know what to do, it is men’s weakness, we are made to be less sensitive and reactive to such situation. Luckily my wife have the solution (she’s the patch to my weakness), she suggested a walk at the fun fair.

I can still remember the joy I have when my dad brought me to one, when I was much younger. That’s always one rule to follow, we are not allow to play any “dee kam” (game). His explanation was pretty simple, the game is the first step to the gambling world, so it is to prevent us from cultivating the risk taking habit in our life.

Now that I am a father, I too avoided most of the game unless with close guidance. But these days, the focuses of the fun fair are mostly on necessities and foods. This is the first time I actually tried the fried ice-cream (炸雪糕), price is on the high side in my opinion, but nevertheless, I got two for the two elder girls. The taste is rather interesting, the girls enjoy it anyway.

One store I wish to mentioned, I previously tried this one store selling Teochew meat puff (潮州香饼). As far as I know, it is the only one in singapore, maybe JB and Batam too. I like particularly the one with oyster, definitely worth chewing on.

Then, there were the fun rides, and my wife lures them into take up a new challenge, the Viking (海盗船). My two elder girls enjoy the ride but the youngest one was too afraid and has to drop out half way. But I am delighted that they have the ride, because I had my first Viking ride after the age of twenty. The evening has at least eased the tension I have build up in the pass few days, and I slept well that night.

Harvest Moon

2007-09-25T12:19:00.000+08:00

The Mid-Autumn festival falls on the fifteen day of the eighth lunar month, which according to the lunar calendar is also the exact middle of autumn. At this time, the moon's orbit is at its lowest angle to the horizon, making the moon appear brighter and larger than any other time of the year. In the Western tradition, it is also called the Hunter's Moon or Harvest Moon.

But today is also my in-law’s birthday. It is going to be a busy night though. I will have to attend the dinner, and then hopefully I will still have a bit of time to bring my kids for a walk. My wife have brought three lanterns for the kids a week ago, the two elder daughters got the traditional ones that uses candle to light up. I can remember that when I was much younger, this is a good time to play with fire, under the consent of my parent, I never fail to expend each of my lanterns.

According to a widespread folk tale, the Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates an uprising in China against the Mongol rulers of the Yuan Dynasty. As group gatherings were banned, it was impossible to make plans for a rebellion. Noting that the Mongols did not eat mooncakes, the advisor to the Chinese rebel leader Zhu Yuanzhang, came up with the idea of timing the rebellion to coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival. He sought permission to distribute thousands of moon cakes to the Chinese residents in the city to bless the longevity of the Mongol emperor. Inside each cake, however, was inserted a piece of paper with the message: "Kill the Tatars on the 15th day of the Eighth Moon." (八月十五殺韃子) On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), under Zhu. Henceforth, the Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated with moon cakes on a national level.

中秋佳节

2007-09-21T12:46:00.000+08:00

Mid-Autumn Festival is only less than a week away, my earlier order for two boxes of mooncake have been delivered, there were meant to be a gift for my mother and In-laws.

When I send a box to my mum’s place, she immediately cut out one for us to try. So far I have also tasted some from Goodwood Park and KLT 錦綸泰 in my office, comparing the price of this 大中国月饼 with many others, it is actually cheap and good.

The box is a very simple one unlike the rest which explain the price. At below twenty five dollar per box for the double yolk type, it tasted better than many selling above thirty, or even forty dollar. Anyway, this is one popular shop that is responsible for one of the long lines in chinatown year after year, and they has never disappoint me so far.

A Final Episode

2007-09-12T17:03:00.000+08:00

I don’t see my grandmother often, in fact not even a dozen times, and though I wasn’t very close to her, still it is a painful loss. The wake lasted for seven days in Batam. I was there only on sixth day due to my work commitment. It is been years since I last went, I realize only when I saw the age prints on the faces of my aunties and uncles. I couldn’t recognize them all, but they were happy to see me. They just hold my hand and smile and I can feel the closeness of our heart, the bond of our blood.

I could see from far the lantern were red signifying longevity. The Chinese believes that if one hit the age of seventy, or has five generations under them, then one is consider to have enjoyed longevity and the death is not a sad event. The setup was more or less similar what we have in Singapore. Unlike here, there are some restrictions to be followed very strictly, one of which is all forms of gambling activities are not allowed, this included manjong or card games which the authorities in Singapore would not enforce most of the time, so we could only spend the night chatting or sleeping.

After midnight, it was consider the seventh day, everyone have to kneel around coffin to wake the decease up for a shower, change to her new cloths and take her meal, we then burned the paper house, car and money for her to bring along before she move on to her afterlife.

The next day which was the last day, I found out that Band is also in the restriction list. We went through the Buddhism ceremony, before the coffin is transfer to a van, a police petrol car would clear all traffic lights along the way and escort the convoy non stop from the funeral parlour to the crematorium.

I was told that the crematorium uses kerosene and not gas. After a short prayer, the coffin was send into the funnel. The memorial tablet was then brought back and setup in one of the uncle’s house. The ceremony is then considered as ended after we change into our daily clothes. In Buddhism, the living is supposed to let go the sorrow and move on as death is just part of life.

My aunty drove us to the jetty after a short rest, where we book the 5.30pm ferry to Singapore. It was full of people that were there for the “Batam one day tour”, we could see many tour guide holding the little flag, shouting all over the place. Thanks to the human traffic on this last day of the school holiday, our ferry was late for one hour. The sky was almost dark when the ferry left for Singapore, I took some photo with my K810i to kill my boredom along the way.

When the Rasa Sentosa Resort came in view, I know home is near, I am back in Singapore. Each time I attend a funeral, it keep reminds me how importance and precious life is, I must learn to treasure the times I have with my family even more.

GIANT's Birds

2007-09-08T10:20:00.000+08:00

While shopping in Bukit Timah giant last weekend, my little girls were having fun running around, chasing after birds in the supermarket. This makes me remember when I was a kid, whenever bird lost their way and land in my house, my siblings would close all the windows, and tried to hunt it down. Birds have always been a fascinating animal to children, due to the fact that they can escape trouble by simply flipping their wings. Anyway, though the children enjoy marketing this time round, I certainly hope that it will not cause any kind of health issue here, I can still remember the impact of bird flu.

Hey, Botak! Are You JONES?

2007-09-07T17:41:00.000+08:00

This is one botak that changes the face of western food in coffee shop here, the introduction of restaurant standard dining in coffee shops, at affordable price.

Years back when I was younger, steak in coffee shop would mean two pieces of meat grilled to medium or well done, served with baked beans and coleslaw. And it never filled my stomach enough to last a soccer game.

Then, things are different here, the foods are served in good portion, with side dish and the right sauces. You can complain about your steak not been medium rare, you can eat half your serving and ask the waiter to pack it for you to take away, without getting that funny look, without question from them.

They have been around for a while, with a good reputation on their food and services. It is quite amusing to see a hawker stall with business volume capable of sustaining more than ten staffs. My dad was a hawker, I know how difficult it is to achieve that. Anyway, though they may not be serving the best food around, but I must say that it is more than value for money, and so far, I really enjoy the food.

Farewell Dinner

2007-09-07T11:08:00.000+08:00

Had dinner at River City Restaurant last evening, another colleague is leaving again. The restaurant is located in Excelsior Hotel along Coleman Street, and it come under the umbrella of the Starling Group of Restaurants. Parking and transportation in this location is not an issue at all.

As there were more than fifteen of us, we go for the “Eat all you can” alaka buffet. The food was average, and I have no complain about the service. However, there are a few dishes that are worth the price tag. The restaurant was not very clouded for the evening, making the serving much faster than some Zhi Cha Stall in the hawker centre, and more comfortable too.

Indian Roti

2007-09-06T13:19:00.000+08:00

I was dragging my feet home last evening, exhausted due to previous late night, then my wife release a bad news to me. Oh, it is not really a bad news, she has promised my girls a satay treat for supper. Well, a promise is a promise, anyway, I hate to disappointment my girls unless necessary.

Satay Club would be a good choice, it is a pity I don’t know where it moved to when Sembawang Shopping Centre is demolished. So the next on my list, only about fifty meters away from the Shopping Centre along Sembawang Road, D’Rubinah Restaurant, it is actually a coffee shop beside Mobil Station. Parking space in this area is limited, but driver have their way around.

I order only 20 sticks of Satay with one Naan, just enough to ease the crave for a family of five. The Satay stall hides at the back of the shop, which is the end of the alley, but the taste is good and the meat is tender as compared to many others. The Naan here is cooked in a Tandoor, and it comes in a few flavors, garlic, cheese, honey, etc. They also sell roti prata too. For taste above average with good variety of Indian and Malay food, this is the place.

Super Long Weekend

2007-09-04T17:27:00.000+08:00

Last weekend was a super long one, not the long weekend that last for three or five days, but one that exhausted me more than other days. I completed a home project which I wanted to do three years ago, held back due to my busy schedule. I wanted to erect some racks in my storeroom and get my barang barang organized. I could not hold back the project any longer because I am starting to have problem closing the door.

I choose GORM system from IKEA, and went down last Monday to get the parts. In fact, I did the measurement and planned the rack configuration two months back, but IKEA did not have all the parts I needed. There are a few reasons why I like to buy their furniture. First, I get to shop at a big and nice place, a place you could find practically all your finishing needs and ideas. The prices are quite reasonable unless you are into quality of material. It gives me a sense of satisfaction when you look at the finished products. And finally, I get to do some hands on work as a form of exercise which I need.

It took me nearly eight hours to clear my storeroom, tear down the fixed shelving, clearing the debits, alter and assemble the racks. By the time I was ready for a shower before bed, it is already 2.30am. The next morning, I was surprised that we discard the unwanted stuffs and repack the storeroom in only four hours flat. Anyway, it was not time to rest, like I say earlier, it is a “long” weekend. I still need to bring my family out for grocery shopping and then dinner at Ah Mah house.

The Little Princess

2007-09-04T12:59:00.000+08:00

This video clip was taken when she was one, and until today, my wife and I still enjoy watching it. Since young, she has been our most cheerful girl, she's the apple of our family. Then, time flies and ... ...

Today, she has grown up, still as cheerful, still the apple of our family, but a little spicy. She is attending school now and learning tons of new skills. And she would show off to us at home when she is in the right mood. She seems to be much easier to handle than my two older daughters, and sometime I would wonder if it is because of her easy-going character or due to the experience we had learn from her elder sisters. Anyway, the joy and satisfaction you get when your child hit her milestone is something words could not describe. All my three daughters are attending school, is it their achievement, or mine? Whichever way it is, I am proud of them.

猪, 我来了!

2007-09-03T11:18:00.000+08:00

Lunch on Saturday is never an easy decision for me, there are simple too much good food around this vicinity. But since my colleagues have been talking about Bak Kut Teh for the last few days, we somehow did not give much thought about other food. This is one store I have not visit for a while, nothing wrong with the taste but rather the availability of choice we have, Eng Kee Bak Kut Teh (永记肉骨茶). The store is situated at Ang Mo Kio Street 32, Block 341, parking is a breeze in this area.

We practically order every single dish on the manual except the tea, these include the pork rib (肉骨), trotter (猪脚), intestines (粉肠), liver (猪肝), deep-fried breadstick (油条) and Stewed vegetables (菜尾). The trotter is one of the best I have tried so far, the tendons is soft enough to give you the "melt in the mouth" feeling and yet the meat is still tender at the same time, very good balance that very few hawker store could achieve. This time round, I also get to try the intestines, which was out of stock during my last three visits. My only disappointment would be the liver which is not rare enough. I have also notice that the price have went up too.

Flying Our National Flag

2007-08-31T21:31:00.000+08:00

I took a photo of our Chinook flying our national flag last year.

This year my daughter drew a helicopter instead during her art session in nursery. Our schools seem a little out of touch these days. But the massage is the same,

We are Singapore,
We are Singapore,
We are Singapore,
Singapore…an.

Happy Teachers Day

2007-08-31T12:03:00.000+08:00

My daughter is proud to celebrate Teachers’ Day today, and no, she is not a teacher, but due to the fact that she making muffin for her teachers rather than buying for them.

Come to think of it, I celebrated Teachers’ Day as a student for more than ten years, but I only know that it was done to show appreciation to our respectable teachers. Today, almost twenty years after I left school, I found out where and how it got started.

"National Teacher's Day history is quite interesting. Read on to know about history and origin of Happy National Teachers Day.

In 1944, an Arkansas teacher, Mrs. Mattye Whyte Woodridge, corresponded with political and educational leaders for a national day honoring teachers. She also wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, who persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day in 1953.

In the late 1970s, the National Education Association (NEA), its Indiana and Kansas state affiliates, and its local affiliate in Dodge City, Kansas, lobbied Congress for the creation of a national day celebrating teachers. Congress declared March 7, 1980 as National Teacher's Day. But it was declared as National Teacher's Day for that year only.

NEA and its affiliates continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985, when NEA and the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May. The NEA Representative Assembly then voted to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher's Day. Since then, National Teacher's Day is celebrated on the Tuesday of the first full week of May.

This is all about the National Teachers' Day origin.

This article is extracted from here."

I have some friends who teach, it is not an easy profession, especially in Singapore today. I wish all teachers a Happy Teachers' Day today, but be happy all year round. Happy Teaching!

Durian Marathon

2007-08-29T23:16:00.000+08:00

Our plan last week to invade a durian store this Friday meet a little hurdle, a few of us could not make it. But the crave for the king of fruit is just unbearable, so we decided to bring forward the adventure.

We decide on 717 at Yio Chu Kang Road to have our dinner last night.

It was crazy, I couldn’t believe that five big guys actually have problem finishing just six durians until I foot my bill. The durians weight more than 2 kg each, my goodness! We also take away some durian puffs from 727 to treat our fellow colleagues which did not join us.

And how can I forget my family, I brought two durians back. My youngest girl was so delighted and dragged me to take a photo of her with the durians.

Chinese Fast Food

2007-08-25T13:39:00.000+08:00

Had my lunch at Shunfu Hawker Center today. We walk all the way into the hawker center and stop right in front of this store, Lai Heng Fried Kuay Teow.

We were there just before the crowd arrives. We made our order and the old lady speaks into a microphone like what they do in Burger King. We then proceed to about three tables away from the store. And there comes the surprise, the old lady is standing right behind us hold two plates of fried kuay teow as we were sitting down.

At $3 per plate, it certainly taste much better than many others, the cockles were of good size and they are fresh. All five of us emptied our plates.

But this is not good, I am spoiling myself, after last night's big feast. To make things worse, I still have to accompanying my wife’s friend from Hong Kong to try some nice food tonight. I will have to lighten my diet next week.

Firework On 18 Aug 2007

2007-08-20T12:06:00.000+08:00

We set off to Marine Square at 1900hrs to avoid traffic jam in this area. From previous experience, the only word to describe the human and car traffic in this area is PACKED.

We initially intent to view from our usual spot - the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, but this time round, the police have banned all public access. With the gallery covering almost the whole of Marina Walk, the next best place to watch show would be below the bridge. We reach the spot at 2020hrs, there will probably less than 50 other waiting before us. I guess many have actually got tickets to enjoy the show at the gallery, or at the Esplanade. The show started with the performance of remote control kite at 2100hrs which last for 15 minute follow by the firework. I took a video clip of the firework.

On our way back, we drop by Marina Square 7-11 for a drink. And I was approached by a Vietnamese tourist asking for help to catch a cab to their hotel. Apparently, our Call-A-Cab services here is not very user friendly for these group of people, the queue were long and they could not make oversea call for a cab with their mobile phone. Anyway, we managed to get them 2 cabs within 30 minutes and send them back to their hotel, Hope they enjoy their stay in Singapore.

Fishing Trip 11 Aug 2007

2007-08-14T09:59:00.000+08:00

This time round, I join my wife where her company organise a boat trip on Nelayana. Along with 9 other staff and family, we board the boat at the yacht club near West Coast Park. The weather was good, a little breeze and not so sunny. We decided to bring only my elder daughter to be fair. The boatman brought us to the southern side of main land where we could see the skyline of Singapore.

This is my catch of the day, biggest so far for bottom fishing.

And of course, my wife also has a great time fighting this one.

This one was too heavy for my girl to handle, so I have to help her reel it up and hold it for her photo session. In fact, it is the second biggest among the trip.

And these are the effort of twelve anglers, including my family.

Fishing Trip 29 Jul 2007

2007-07-30T09:36:00.000+08:00

Was looking forward to this trip since three weeks ago after booking with the boatman, and at last the day comes. This time round, my second daughter is with us. The catch is fairly good, me and my daughter got three each, while my wife got six.

The fishes were shared among 7 anglers on the boat.

Fishing Trip 23 Jun 2007

2007-07-10T10:40:00.000+08:00

This is my first boat fishing trip with my OC. The fishes were shared by seven anglers at the end of the trip.