Adventures of Hazel & Rachel

SIF Water for Life Project (Siem Reap)

2014-12-24T12:21:00.001+08:00

Not so much on the kids' adventures this time round, but a reflection of my volunteer trip to Cambodia - where we built and installed biosand water filters under the Water for Life Project, organised by the Singapore International Foundation. More details at http://www.sif.org.sg/programme_details.php?id=24

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Water is something we don't quite appreciate in Singapore and probably in developed countries all over the world. Clean drinking water is easily accessible at the turn of a tap, and cheap too.

Taipei and Cingjing for the kids

2014-12-04T23:51:00.001+08:00

Some friends asked for our 9D8N Taipei / Cingjing itinerary, so here's a summary of our trip, packed with activities for the kids and just one or two for the adults:

Day 1 - Ximending / Modern Toilet Restaurant / Ah Zhong Mian Xian
Day 2 - Songshan Cultural and Creativity Park / Wufenpu / Hello Kitty Sweet Cafe
Day 3 - Leofoo Village Theme Park / Huaxi Street Night Market
Day 4 - Houtong Cat Village, Shifen, Pingxi Old Street and Sky Lantern, via Pingxi Line
Day 5 - Beitou Thermal Valley / Public Hot Spring Pool / Beitou Hot Spring Museum / Maji Maji Square
Day 6 - Cingjing Sheep Farm / Little Swiss / Carton King
Day 7 - Feeling 18C Chocolate / Xinshe Castle
Day 8 - BabyBoss / Miramar Entertainment Par
Day 9 - Home Sweet Home

If you have any questions, post a comment and I'll try to help if I can.

Day 1 - Ximending / Modern Toilet Restaurant / Ah Zhong Mian Xian

First day in Taipei and totally shacked out by the early flight. Kena harassed by a taxi tout at the airport, who slashed prices by the second and then scolded us for wanting to take the airport bus instead.

Spent 45 hungry minutes searching for Modern Toilet Restaurant (Google Maps is no use man), and finally found it after asking countless people. Had fun eating shit though, lol.

Nothing much to buy in Ximending, but finally tried out the Ah Zhong Mian Xian.

Singapore Kite Festival 2014

2014-08-26T00:21:00.002+08:00

There is nothing, simply nothing, that is more free and liberating to run with a kite flying in the air. That simple joy, without a burden in the world, is priceless. And that, was exactly what our two babes experienced over the weekend at the NTUC Income Kite Festival.

Held over two days on 23 & 25 Aug 2014, the event was a mixture of street performers, food tents and all sorts of kites soaring over the Marina Bay skyline.

Children's Garden @ Gardens by the Bay

2014-08-10T09:14:00.003+08:00

Sometimes, some of the best things in life are free, such as the Children's Garden at the Gardens by the Bay. Its well-designed, with plenty of thought put into the various stations and with staff around to make sure everything is well taken care of. Really spoil market for a free attraction, but what joy for parents and their kiddos!

The Children's Garden is divided into two distinct zones - an Adventure Trail with more than 10 stations (its like... an obstacle course for kiddos) and a Water Play with plenty of space to run about. I think kids from 5 to 9 will enjoy it most, just make sure you go when the weather is fine.

(Actually, I don't think there's such a thing as fine weather in Singapore. When the sun is out, its too hot for the Adventure Trail. When its overcast, its too cold for the Water Play. When its wet, well, its outdoors so its pretty much no-go. Just go when you feel like it, heh.)

Balloon Sculpting Workshop @ Salvation Army

2014-07-29T00:10:00.003+08:00

A few days ago, we got a flyer sharing about a free balloon sculpting workshop held at the Salvation Army, which was just a block away from our home. So we signed the two girls up.

We had previously played with balloon sculpting on our own, learning mostly from YouTube tutorials to make simple stuff such as swords, flowers and various animals (mouse, dog, giraffe, etc... which mostly have the same structure, just with longer bodies or longer necks).

Hazel loves twisting the balloons and that little daredevil is very proud of herself for not being scared of bursting balloons. Rachel, on the other hand, is terrified of bursting them and previously would not really try twisting it.

The City @ Liang Court

2014-07-13T17:15:00.001+08:00

Tucked away into a corner of Liang Court, The City bills itself as an interactive learning playground where young children can try out different adult roles and professions in a fun, safe environment. That sounds promising, but what a disappointment it proved to be.

We had been to Kidzania in Bangkok, where there are staff in every station to guide kids through the different roles, be it a policeman, a pilot, delivery man, etc. It was as close as it got to the real thing and the kids learnt a lot through the realistic simulations.

The City is on the other end though. It consists of a few playrooms whose themes revolved around a supermarket, a clinic, a makeup room and a "superhero" room filled with foam bricks. The toys are not well-maintained and for a considerably new indoor playspace, the equipment were pretty worn. Staff were manning the reception and just generally playing with the kids.

The two kids had fun on their own though.

KidsSTOP @ The Singapore Science Centre

2014-07-03T00:07:00.000+08:00

My company had a corporate membership card to the Singapore Science Centre and so we popped by last weekend. And discovered a whole new indoor playground that mixes science with games.

Educational and fun at the same time, we took the opportunity to teach the kids why certain things happen the way they did - like gravity. But mostly it was them running around in circles trying the different stations.

16 things we remember about Hong Kong

2012-10-01T00:30:00.000+08:00

(1) It pays to do some geographical research before you book a hotel, and not just opt for that swanky location in town. Three out of the four main places we went to were in Lantau Island - Disneyland, Ngong Ping and the airport. The other place we went to was Ocean Park, which was in Hong Kong Island but also in the south. On hindsight, we should have booked a hotel in Lantau Island and make it our base, which makes it easier to travel to and from the airport as well. Instead, we booked a hotel in Kowloon, supposedly the happening place for shopping, but we ended up travelling long distances every day. In Singapore's context, its like staying in Orchard Road while travelling to Science Centre, Jurong Bird Park and Tuas Second Link.

Premium 'service'

2012-03-06T08:41:00.001+08:00

I'm writing this even as I fumes, sitting next to an inconsiderate expat who cross his leg. Not much choice, seeing that this is one of the the last remaining seats on the premium bus.

(I see a lot of anti-social behaviour on this particular route which serves mainly locals and expats working in CBD. Hogging 2 seats, placing bags on the other seat, etc. But that's a story for another day.)

The story goes back in time though. Just 10 mins ago, got bumped off an earlier bus. Bus driver politely asked me to alight and wait for the next bus since no standing is allowed on premium bus services. He proceeded to 'refund' my fare of $3.80.

What my blog is about

2012-02-24T16:05:00.000+08:00

Found an interesting tool - a word cloud that analyses your blog/website and determines what are the main topics.

And so it seems that I've been talking a lot about Rachel, Hazel, Jeannie and surprisingly pineapple. Must be the CNY pineapple tarts.

Create your own word cloud at http://www.wordle.net/create

No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

2012-02-03T09:28:00.001+08:00

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed.
One fell down and hurt its head.
Mummy called the doctor and the doctor said.
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

Two nights ago, Rachel jumped down from the bed. She didn't hurt her head, but she did hurt her arm in the process. It didn't swell very much but she refused to lift her arm.

Pineapple Tart Day

2012-01-15T23:42:00.000+08:00

Every year, my aunt will bake pineapple tarts for the whole extended family. This year, Jeannie helped out too, kneading and baking the entire day, along with my mum and another aunt.

First day of school!

2012-01-03T21:52:00.003+08:00

Today marks another milestone of sorts - Hazel going to K1 and Rachel switching over to Cherie Hearts from NTUC First Skool.

This morning, both were very excited about going to school together and taking the school bus together. Heard from their mummy that Hazel took very good care of Rachel, reminding her younger sis 'Don't always say no huh', 'Must tell teacher if you want to go toilet huh', etc.

We are quite glad that Rachel managed to settle in quite well. I think it helps that Rachel is familiar with Cherie Hearts, as she has been there a few times previously when we brought her to her older sister's school events. Rachel didn't cry the whole day too, even when she came back alone on the school bus.

2012 New Year Resolutions

2012-01-01T23:35:00.006+08:00

Resolution #1 - Leave office by 6.30pm

Ever since I took up my current job at WDA, I have been consistently leaving office at 7.30pm to 7.45pm. With the 50 min travelling time, I have not been able to reach my mum's place early enough for dinner. Most times, Jeannie have got to pack food for me and bring the kids home herself.

So my first resolution is to leave office by 6.30pm, latest by 6.45pm, on a regular and consistent basis. This way, I am able to reach my mum's place by 7.30pm for dinner, before bringing the kids home. The missus has been very understanding, but the kids are our responsibilities. Kinda unfair for her to shoulder most of the things.

Sunny Day @ Pasir Ris Beach

2011-10-16T16:39:00.000+08:00

Nice sunny day after what must have been days of dreary weather.

So we brought the kids out to have some sun.

Rachel, Upsized!

2011-10-07T12:16:00.001+08:00

Today is Children's Day celebration, and the two kids got to dress up for school.

Here they are, in two very pretty dresses given by their aunt as Children's Day presents.

DIY Lantern

2011-09-14T09:00:00.000+08:00

Hazel's DIY mid-autumn lantern in all its different hues

Hazel's teacher gave her (and us) homework over the weekend - to make a DIY lantern from recycled materials. Best lantern will get a prize.

That set off the competitive streak! Ok, the gloves are off! We are going to outdo all the other parents and we shall make the best lantern EVER!

Hazel turns four!

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000+08:00

Birthday Celebration Part 1, with a party at her nursery along. Cake was from Pine Garden, with 'Vanilla and Strawberry Jam' for the top layer, and 'Hazelnut Chocolate Crunch' for the 2nd tier.

Party packs for the little ones

2011-09-09T00:51:00.000+08:00

Hazel is having a birthday celebration at her childcare centre yesterday and we prepared party packs for all her friends. The pink bags are for the girls, while the blue ones are for the boys. (Stating the obvious.)

She's a happy girl. She has been so looking forward to her party, and has been counting down since four weeks ago.

Tonight, she was so excited that she couldn't sleep, she can't wait to give all her friends a present each tomorrow.

But I think we might have bought a bit too much stuff. They could barely fit into the party packs.

Happy Teachers' Day from Hazel

2011-09-01T10:20:00.002+08:00

Hazel reminded us a few days ago that she wants to give presents to her teachers for Teachers' Day.

So this morning, we packed her off to school with her cargo of Kit Kat bars and nice, pretty bookmarks - with a reminder that its for her teachers and not to share with friends.

We are quite glad that she is so willing to share and has a spirit of giving.

Lizard Soup for the Soul

2011-08-18T16:39:00.001+08:00

My mum happily prepared a big pot of chicken soup for dinner a few evenings ago. Just as she lifted the lid to stir the soup, something jumped out and disappeared.

She stirred the pot, and lo and behold, she scooped out a dead lizard! Of all the household pests, my mum fears the lizard the most and she was freaked out. Despite that, she bravely disposed of the offending carcass (no choice, she was the only one in the house) and had to pour the whole pot away.

On hindsight, that is better than drinking the chicken soup halfway and then discovering the lizard's body. That would be damn gross.

By the way, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, lizard soup is purportedly good for lowering blood pressure (source) and in India, its a “stress busting” concoction being tried out by some students ahead of the board exams (source).

Oh, remember the 'something' that jumped out? That should be the lizard tail, which by now has not been discovered yet. Time to call in the CSI.

We scold harder, she cries louder.

2011-08-17T10:26:00.005+08:00

Rachel threw the mother of all tantrums this morning. Refused to brush her teeth, refused to change into her school uniform, refused to go to school, refused to wear her shoes, you get the drift.

She must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed.

We tried cajoling her, tried telling her nicely, tried scolding her, tried putting her onto the 'naughty' chair, tried showing her the dreaded cane. Nothing works. We scold harder, she cries louder.

As a result, Jeannie couldn't send her to school as usual cos of the delay. I literally had to force her to wear her school uniform and shoes, and carried her all the way across the Bishan Park to her childcare centre.

She was bawling all the way, and I was fuming mad all the way.

Parenting Guide on Toddlers

When I reached home, I found a booklet by the Children's Society on my table - Parenting Guide on Toddlers. It was given by Hazel's childcare centre and its as if fate has decreed that I should read it, given what happened this morning.

In the section on "My Child Throws Terrible Temper Tantrums", it advises on what to do: "Remain calm and stay in control. Scolding and shouting at your child will not help."

How to remain calm with a bawling kid? The adults need to go to work, Hazel's school bus is waiting and Rachel is still kicking and screaming. In the heat of the moment, how not to scold and shout?

Still... I recognise that maybe I should try a softer approach in future. Now that I have an opportunity to cool down and reflect on the events this morning, the advice is really quite practical and logical.

Sigh... I shall resolve to stay in control in future.

About the Book

A disclaimer first, I have no vested interest in the book. It happened to come in useful when I had a toddler situation.

Anyway, among the other topics are "my child won't sit still; fussy at mealtimes; rough; etc." Quite a useful read for young parents out there. Here is the link for the booklet:
http://www.childrensociety.org.sg/services/other.htm

They also have a booklet on "Parenting Guide for Babies".

Splash Out @ Sembawang Shopping Centre

2011-08-16T15:52:00.003+08:00

The weather is hot, the sun is blazing and we are in need of some cool relief. So we brought the kids to this free outdoor waterplay park at Sembawang Shopping Centre.

Kaoz, the two of them can really run and run and run and run! We spent an hour there and the two of us were already tired, but the two kids are still running from corner to corner, splashing water from station to station. And then repeat. Again. And again. And again.

Not too bad, although its a bit out of the way. The place is well designed and water is coming out from every imaginable sprout - from the ground, as a fountain, as a water mist, as a showerhead, etc. Plus there is also a dry version under the shade.

Can consider bringing hyper kids there to expend their energy. Guaranteed to have a good afternoon of sleep afterwards.

I think its a really smart move for Capitaland to build these in their malls to attract whole families who will inevitably dine and buy stuff there. There are a few of such waterplay parks in their malls around the island too, such as NEX and IMM.

The bystander that became a photography subject

2011-08-15T15:55:00.004+08:00

Last month, while on a business meeting at the Singapore International Water Week, I ran into an ex-colleague. She had helped me out numerous times as a model for my photoshoots before and this time, the roles were reversed with her looking for a delegate to take photos with her polytechnic student volunteers.

With just one line "Its time you repay me!!", I became her "delegate".

Sigh, I've always been behind the camera, whether as an amateur photographer or getting colleagues to pose for magazines and newsletters. Apart from my own wedding shots, I've never been the model, not with that kind of pock-marked face, double/triple chin and long horseface.

Its kinda awkward pointing to non-existing objects, smiling at no one in particular and looking meaningfully into the distance. With a crowd watching and with the camera flash. This is karma man...

I hope I didn't traumatise the polytechnic student in the shot....

There goes the other clan elder

2011-08-12T16:35:00.002+08:00

And so the other clan elder is leaving for pastures anew.

With one already transferred to another team, there leaves two who remains in the coop.

Nothing is constant, except change. Good luck everyone!