The tickles & tumbles, trials & tribulations of a 30-something on a quest to conquer the stove & scale iron-pile mountain while tending to a pet monkey, a guinness-guzzling buffalo, and an impossible derriere that no longer defies gravity. But THAT, is a different story...
This is a practical guide for babies, tots, kids aged 4~12, and the 'young-at-heart'.
In all my years of experience, I have found that in choosing your mode of transport, one should be astute - pick that which will heighten (literally) your senses, can extend to hard-to-reach places, provides comfort in wearisome situations, and possesses the ability to do 'dare-devilish' stunts.
Afterall, life is short (pun intended).
My personal choice is 'Model 32 XLman PappyRider' (pictured), with rotating base, adjustable breaks, powerful audio system that boasts a dynamic surround sound function, and personalised hand-clasped seatbelts. I recommend this not only for its reliability, but for its highly adaptable features.
I hope you will find this guide useful. And I hope you'll enjoy your ride as much as I have.
Happy perching!
** Being small and young-ish (or in some cases, delusional) has its perks so do milk it for ALL it's worth.
It was a Bank Holiday in the UK today. Zaneta, our friend from AllSouls, invited us to her cozy apartment at West Kensington for a friendly game of mahjong and dinner.
Hubs could hardly contain his excitement. And it was certainly NOT the delicious roast he was hankering after. I mean, just look at him - *roll eyes*
The Look of Love
We had a wonderful time. Danielle and I didn't play of course. Instead, we watched a Korean comedy, played with Zaneta's stuffed bears and 1 beaver, worked at her Dora puzzle, and she doodled A LOT. Others at Zaneta's were Alex and Alexandriia, Daphne and Colin. Lovely, jovial lot.
Just before dinner, Danielle invited herself (tsk! tsk!) into Lemuel, Zaneta's brother's room. I didn't know she was there till I walked past and heard soft strains of a guitar strumming and two voices - one young and somewhat high pitched, the other soft and mellow.
This is what I walked into -
Lemuel was singing a duet with Danielle! Besides her all-time fav, Baa Baa Black Sheep, she also badgered him into singing another favourite of hers. I promised Lemuel I wouldn't disclose its title as he 'has a reputation to upkeep!'. But here are some clues anyhew (heh heh) -- Mel's heard it and B's encouraged it!
I am well and truly sated. This weekend has more than made up for the outrageously baaaad spell of weather we've been experiencing in London. Am now convalescing nicely, having been administered a healthy dose of S-U-N.
In fact, I fear I am rather sun-burnt. Ouuueeeewch.
Saturday: We continued our 'historical palaces tour' (having visited the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hampton Courtpreviously) and headed to The Banqueting House, located at Whitehall. Unlike the other palaces we visited, this royal attraction was literally as its name suggests, a banqueting house/hall. We completed the visit in what, half an hour? I don't think we could gape at the (no doubt) beautifully painted ceiling or ornate chandeliers for longer. Was not a thoroughly wasted trip though, we learnt about the history of the place (hey, always good to know), and... bought a fridge magnet to add to our growing collection!
After Banqueting House, we took a walk over to the Horse Guards Parade located opposite. Am embarrassed to admit we acted unabashedly like a bunch of eager tourists and had our pictures taken with the horse and guard. Felt kinda sorry for the guard, like we 'cheapened' the dignity of his vocation. Oh well, click click.
Look Uncle JH, we're using the haversack u gave Cheeks!
As the weather continued to be lovely, we decided to take a stroll to South Bank, home to the world-famous London Eye. I simply love the energy the area exudes! We enjoyed numerous street performances but walked away far poorer as Danielle felt her moral duty to donate to EVERY SINGLE moving statue, busker, illusionist, musician, person dressed up as an ugly dog in sight! My daughter, the philantropist in the making.
Papa decided to take us to lunch at Ping Pong, a rather swanky dim sum joint. Had heard good things from friends so decided to check it out. Thought the concept was quite refreshing - dim sum with cocktails. Am thinking of bringing Mel and JH there when they visit! Oh yes! They're visiting in October! Can hardly wait! Hip hip hurrah!!!
Sunday updates in another entry. Time for some shuteye. Nighty night!
** Updated: Yes, B, will pray fervently that Jo comes round to the idea! :)
my cocktail - the Ping Pong tasted somewhat like a lychee martini
If you haven't jumped on the Simpsonize bandwagon. Heave ho, come on up here.
It does kinda look like me, ya? Yes, no, maybe? Methinks I can be a new character who sets up a Chinese takeaway next to Moe's tavern, or the new cashier at Kwik-E-Mart? Or, or...Milhouse's new crush? Haha!
** updated: And this is how Mel would look. I reckon she looks like a Hollywood Madam ala Heidi Fleiss ? Heh heh. It's the big hair, I tell ya!
Now Danielle is a three year old who lives with her mum and dad in a house with a little red door and a gate that creaks when you open it, and a pathway that is far too narrow for a big buggy to go through.
Everyday, Danielle looks forwards to walks with her Mummy. They talk, sing and see many interesting things along the way.
Yesterday they saw a bumble bee sitting happily on some lavender, growing rather unkempt in a house near Aaran's.
Danielle wondered what they would see on their walk today.
It seemed rather uneventful. The day was dreary and the clouds looked like they were about to pelt big blobs of rain on Danielle and her Mummy. So Mummy said, 'Alright then, time for home!'
Danielle was disappointed. She hadn't seen anything new!
All of a sudden, on the path near their house, Mummy spotted a little snail. He was brown and greyish and blended perfectly with the pavement. Mummy would surely have stepped on him if she hadn't been more careful.
Danielle had never seen a snail up close before. So she stooped to have a closer look. The snail seemed unperturbed by her peering gaze and continued his slow crawl over the uneven pavement.
Danielle was intrigued. Such a cute little snail. It would be nice if I could keep him, she thought. So she asked Mummy.
"Mummy, can I keep him?"
"You'd like to keep him? As a pet?" was her mummy's surprised answer.
"Yes, I'd like to keep him as a pet."
Mummy pondered for awhile, then shook her head.
"No, Danielle, the snail would prefer to be outdoors and be free. Then he can eat fresh green grass and crawl wherever he wants to. I think he would be happier outdoors, Cheeky."
Danielle's heart sank. But she knew Mummy knew best. She wanted the snail to have all the fresh grass he could eat too. And she wanted him to be happy.
Mummy saw the forlorn look on Danielle's face and said, "Perhaps you could give him a name? And whenever we go out for walks, we can call out to him. And who knows, maybe he'll visit us at our house one day?"
Danielle cheered at the thought.
"I shall call him Sidney. Sidney the snail."
Mummy smiled.
"Sidney, that IS a nice name, sweetheart."
"Yes, we shall look out for Sidney tomorrow, shan't we, Mummy?"
With that, Danielle took Mummy's hand and together they skipped home, their hearts bursting with joy that Danielle had made a new friend.
One of the reasons why I love living in this country is its steady proffering of activities for children and families.
Having thrown that party last Friday, Danielle's actual bday was spent rather quietly. Not wanting to waste a perfectly good day, I arranged for us, along with Yuki and her mummy and brother Kai, to visit the National Portrait Gallery . We were eager to check out the 'Charlie and Lola' exhibition that the Gallery had commissioned author/artist Lauren Child to create.
Her exhibition was, unfortunately, a bit of a letdown. It was confined to a corner and there was only 1 'Lola' display and 3 interactive game panels where kids could play memory games. Sheesh.
We decided to stay on for the Gallery's free family summer activities. That proved more interesting and rewarding. The activity of the day was 'Design and Create A Bag'. At 2:30pm, the children gathered at the information counter where they were handed paper and pencils. They were then asked to draw on both sides of the paper. What they drew would be the design of their bag. Later, the children were led to the basement where craft tables had been set up. They were provided pieces of cloth, glue and 'image transfer' liquid to help them with the next step of creating the bags! I thought this was a splendid activity for the kids to get creative!
yuki and danielle doodling
danielle's finished piece!
After, we adjourned to Leicester Square for 'bubble tea'. Yuki and Yumiko had never tried it so I thought it would be worth the introduction. As expected, they loved it! It was a sweet ending to a lovely day out.
+++++++
One last bit. I'm adding this as an afterthought.
. .
.
I no longer know how to deal with the anguish that comes with my period. If I could aptly paint a picture my heart - at that precise heartsinking moment - it would resemble a squashed tomato.
I am crushed.
You know the expression 'heartache'? I get it.
I suppose, for what it's worth, I should feel relieved that at least that proves I'm fertile. Yet, why has it been so difficult to conceive again?
I suppose God knows better than I do that I'm not ready? I don't mean to question but honestly, I wish I knew why.
In reading this, please do not tell me things I already know: not to stress about it, it will come, don't worry etc etc. I dispense such thoughts to myself daily.
I'm not fishing for sympathy votes here. I simply wanted to air this coz writing out my misery is the only way I can look at my whining and moping 'in the face' and tell myself to 'get over it!' and... 'don't worry, it will come'... See? :)
Writing this blog has been a journey for me. So if this were my travelog, I think I should record the pitfalls as well, don't you?
I've been thinking how I should describe our first SUKA (Singapore UK Association) event. I'll try to be succinct so here goes:
'We met a whole lotta other Singaporeans on Saturday. Organised by STB, the event was a jazz cruise down River Thames. Finding it somewhat Bri'ish, I decided to localise it in my mind and imagined us 'dayung sampan-ing' down the murky Singapore River instead. As a show of patriotism, we turned up in the designated dress code. Guess?
model citizens!
I was sure none of us would be caught dead in the same hues back home. But here, safe under the blanket of obscurity, we let loose and showed how innately Singaporean we truly are. Repressed kiasu-ism broke loose from their restraints, and there was a mini scramble for the FREE NDP goodybags. We met the High Commissioner, tried to outbeat a cackly brood of Singaporean tai-tais in trivia questions - Name 3 movies 'Singapore' was mentioned??! Wah lau eh. We shot dagger looks at the luckydip winner who won an economy flight home on SIA. We clinked glasses, sang 'Happy Birthday, Singapore' and stuffed ourselves silly with bday cake. But the BIGGEST letdown? Not being able to makan local delicacies. Side dishes of kueh and measly currypuffs didn't quite cut it. Was it a 'Uniquely Singapore' event? Not quite.'
Sure, gloat. But you ain't seen nothin' yet! She plays with yers, she sleeps with mwine! Bah!
She REALLY, REALLY liked your gift, Aunty B! Thanks for being ultra sweet and spoiling her with it!
But. I'm convinced this is your 'evil' ploy to sign her up for 'Shopaholics Anonymous', wield a bag ala 'broken wrist', start indexing her clothes, know her hmmm, 'Kickers' from her 'Clarks' and God forbid, think Ken is swoon-some!
Hmph. I'll be sure to send you the (thick wade of) receipts for any additional paraphernalia desired! So there! :P
It was brilliant. At least I thought so. It far surpassed my expectations. And I'm really really Really glad Papa and I decided to do this for Cheekyboo.
The hour before the party went by like a whirl. With threatening weather, a thousand and one things to cart over to the Common (mini-compo! lootbags! helium canister! picnic food!game props!etc etc), worrying whether I'd allocated sufficient setup time before the 1st guests started trickling in, getting Makiko & Dan from the Tube station (it was their 1st time at Clapham, see) - I had no time to think whether the party would be a success.
I simply hoped for the best. And I continued to trust that God would deliver good weather.
Despite the heavily overcast skies.
I was blessed on both accounts.
By the end of the party, I received hugs and compliments from mummies and kids alike that they had had a great time. Which I hope they did. But I can't say for sure, can I? :) Perhaps that was just the polite thing to say? But no matter, coz I think Danielle had herself a truly wonderful time.
And I hope I did her proud.
Because, heck, I was proud of me. Especially becoz I had to fly solo.
Papa was unfortunately detained at work. I had initially entrusted the role of 'Game Master' to him, but by 3:30pm when my Right-Hand Man was still nowhere in sight, I decided to take matters in my own hands and start the games. On my own.
And that's what I did. I started the session with a couple of songs:
*dennis thinks I should explain that Zubeyde stood up and walked off becoz she had to go after 2YO Yasmin who had wandered out of the circle.
We played games:
By the time Papa FINALLY showed up, we were well into our 4th game. I'm glad he didn't miss the entire party! Hurray!
Pass the parcel
Playing musical shapes
hot potato game
After the last guests said their goodbyes, I collapsed in complete exhaustion. After a week of frenzied planning, brainstorming, researching over the internet - all that culminated to this one, singular moment - it was Finally over.
Danielle was high on adrenaline, cupcakes and strawberry milk. I was high...because I felt so very blessed that God presided over the whole event. And I was humbled again. The week had been plagued by dark clouds, drizzles and heavy downpours. We only had that tiny fraction of a chance that it wouldn't rain. Still, we took our chances, continued to have faith, and you know what - NEVER DOUBT GOD. HE NEVER FAILS!
Nary a drop of rain was in sight. There were even bouts of sunshine! Hallelujah!
I was also blessed with friends like Sam, Makiko and Yemi who helped with setting up. Without them, it would not have been as smooth-sailing.
But most of all, a bigThank You to my dearest friends (you know who YOU are!) for praying for us. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Now here's a thought. Danielle's full name is Danielle FAITH Chan. Isn't it befitting therefore, that on her bday, the BEST gift given to her - dappled with dancing clouds and rays of sunshine - is the beautiful miracle of Faith from God?...
Success, Team Chan! (just look at the clear blue sky? I mean, seriously?!!! God! Awesome!)
* Now that I'm a 'veteran' at throwing kiddy parties, with 'glowing creds' to show for, I'll gladly help organise parties for your lil' tykes ... NOT! :)
++++++
Party Stats: No. of children at party:14 No. of games played: 5
Pass the parcel
Musical Shapes
Musical Statues
Tug-of-War
Hot Potato!
No. of songs sung: 2
If you're happy and you know it
Row row row your boat
Fastest moving party food: 1) Cupcakes, 2) Chicken nuggets, 3) cocktail sausages Slowest moving party food: Carrot sticks Total number of guests invited: 22 Number of guests who turned up: 22! Everyone turned up! Number of blunders: ONE! I forgot to bring out the bday cake! *slap on head*
It's 5:27pm now. At precisely this time tomorrow, we should be saying our thank yous and byebyes to the big and little people who turned up for Danielle's party-do. Kinda like the end of a chinese wedding dinner, sans the inebriated, staggering guests?
I hope?
Hopefully, we'd have had an uproariously wonderful time at the party. And more importantly... beautiful, glorious weather!
With less than 24 hours to go before the actual event, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I've been running all sorts of errands - picking up cupcakes, buying party grub, making thank you cards, making animal masks, sun visors, filling lootbags, wrapping up prizes, and drawing up a list of things I have to do just before the party tomorrow.
cupcakes for danielle's party
our handmade 'Charlie and Lola' thank you cards
I'm really, really putting in effort for this. And I'm beat. I can't wait to put my feet up, and soak in the long bath tomorrow evening. Till then, keep us in prayer! :)
animal masks Danielle and I put together, craft pieces from YellowMoon
... it would be good, sunshiney weather on Friday, 17th August.
I didn't mention Danielle's party will be held outdoors at the Common, did I? We thought that that made sense as it would give the kids unrestricted open space to prance and run wild (and me less cleaning to do!). In any case, I doubt our lil' house can accommodate the 20-odd guests we've invited.
So, dear friends, just a little prayer will suffice. Please pray that Danielle has a wonderfully SUNNY 3rd birthday outdoors, with her little friends, their mummies and daddies, and Papa and Mummy.
Cheeky and I have said our prayers. Now all we have to do is to have Faith and.. get ready the sun-screen? :)
I'd love to tell you why but I'm feeling rather uninspired and lazy. Perhaps when I'm able to draw inspiration somewhere, somehow, sometime - then I'll try to come back and edit this post. But for now I'll let the pictures do the narrative: Buckingham Visit 2006 Buckingham Visit 2007
Darn, I've caved in to write some bits here. Itchy fingers.
Hey, I think Dee's wearing the same shirt on both occasions! What are the odds?!!
We visited the same state rooms, saw the same marble statues and ming vases, and coloured a picture for the Queen in the kiddy area, just like we did in 2006. What's different: 1) MIL not with us, 2) This yr's exhibition features the diamond wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip, not an exhibition of the monarch's state gowns, 3) we ate strawberry ice cream in 2006, vanilla in 2007. And oh, Danielle's no longer in the buggy. She walked the entire grounds with us. There!
Now,
HARD ROCK CAFE!
piling on the calories with every creamy sip! And I wonder about the ever-growing arse...
oh yeah, re-living the good ol' days
HRC London - our 1st visit!
If there was a 'tradition' Dee and I observed to commemorate ourluurrv (oh I didn't just type that out, did I? Here, throw on ye thermals!) - this, would be it. A visit to HRC (any where in the world) to tuck into neat parcels of buffalo wings, and slurp on a tall glass of strawberry thickshake. (A good thickshake should be 'stiff' and best consumed with a spoon. If it isn't, send it back to the kitchen to have it thickened. Demand it!)
Onto more inane news... Dee is absolutely addicted to Facebook. For those who've joined this network, do me a fav, PleasE humour him by adding him to your list of 'Friends', then join his food fight, send him a plant, and maybe, 'chest bump' him, OK?
