Chinese New Year Week

Its CNY again, but this year is so different from the rest...
A quiet week of family time for us. Some tears at the temple when we offered prayers to our ancestors , and to dad....but mum got happier in the following few days. Having elder brother, myself and the grandchildren around her really added warmth and comfort at home.
Glad that Yinghong and Tingqi enjoyed their outing to Night Safari, and the adults were happy to watch TV most of the time.. hee :)
Was a good thing I suggested going to ShinYeh in Liang Court for lunch on Monday. We had such a fun time, and walking around clarke quay without the usual crowds was a relaxing experience.

Food for thought...

Heard this on the radio today :
"If you love BECAUSE of differences and imperfections, not DESPITE of them, then you have found the one.. "

...

think that is very true.
Was talking to mum , and she said there is a difference between the chinese word "Teng"(Adore) and "Ai" (Love)...
"Teng" is intense and unconditional, simply a strong feeling that does not need any justification.
"Ai" is an intense emotional attachment, affection, and can be dependent of factors.

I think... a relationship can last forever with someone you "teng", not "ai"

I would think if you adore someone, it will last a long time..., while love can be very draining, and may change or wither..

mmm...

Back ... in order...

Hmmm.. finally back to my blog, which I have been neglecting.
Life is slightly back in order now, (along with a couple of kgs more on me too!!!) and I must say I had a marvelous new year weekend surrounded by family and good friends!
Ying Hong turned NINE on Saturday and she had such a good time with her friends at her party. And me... a great afternoon visiting Siewtin's home, and on to a great evening with a simple yet splendid dinner (thanks to Jackie's excellent culinary skills) with fantastic company! Couldn't have asked for more... hope every day in 2010 will feel as good!

1st day without maid...

We survived our first day without our trustworthy domestic helper!!!
Ying Hong cried at the airport, bidding her beloved Auntie goodbye at the departure area.
She was keen to help with Laundry and dishes in the evening, turning out her dad's pants to dig out coins, paper, etc before putting into the washing machine.. and said it was fun doing household stuff.. so proud of her.
These few days she will be spending her day in mum's place, with her hamsters tagging along (mum freaking out!).. haa.. what holiday fun for her.
And then soon we will be off to our holiday in Japan!!! yippie!

Sumptious movie.. Julie & Julia

Just watched "Julie & Julia" (dvd of course, and technically I have not "watched" cos I am still watching it now) . It's so enjoyable and inspiring.. 2 women who were hard working, passionate and determined, gave all their heart to doing something --- cooking --- and were rewarded in the most deserving ways, and proved that with a will, everything is possible.
That's the way to live...

Changes..

I am so lucky to have a wise and loving mum. She is so right about one thing.. we often ask for commitment before we willingly commit. How many of us can love unconditionally and give selflessly out of love.
From now.. will just stop asking for commitment from others. Will let go, and just focus on how to grow myself into a better version of me.
Am glad mum was able to join Yinghong and myself for tea just before we started shopping at "Tampines One". YingHong was so happy to see "popo". And of course, she was delighted with her macarons, and the raisin bread.

New discoveries!!!

Thanks to Alicia and Joyce, explored 2 F&B outlets and they are both superb!
KPO (Killiney Post Office) is super cool.. love the ambience, and food! An ideal chill-out place.
"District 10" cafe also have surprisingly good quality food.. yummy! Ying Hong loved her Spaghetti Carbonara. Will definitely return..