Trip to Desaru- our first day!

This would be our first trip together as a family to Malaysia. Its also CT's first time driving up there. So we were all pretty excited and probably nervous as to the safety aspect of it and whether we can find our way around. I also borrowed my friend's GPS for more security...just in case! We left Singapore at about 10am.

We first stopped at "Ah Soon Bak Ku Teh" (N1°29.323' E103°46.049') located at Jalan Keris 1 of Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru. I have a 'bad' habit of finding where are the good places to eat whenever I go for holiday so as to make my trip worth!


I like anything traditional and tasty! Here were the must-haves for any bak ku teh meal- the salted veggies and tau pok!


We also ordered yellow rice wine claypot chicken which was recommended from the internet. Caleb just ate this dish with rice which was good enough! It was so tasty as the gravy was thick and savoury!



And the claypot bak ku teh. Not the usual thick soup base but its still tasty and yummy!



Total price was about $40 plus ringgit! Will definitely be back again!

After lunch, we went to pump our CNG for the car which only costs us about 8 ringgit for a 200km long journey! Its that dirt cheap! We then made our way to Pulai Springs Desaru Beach Resort. It was about an hour half to 2 hours drive. Not that bad!

The kids were entertained by my netbook which I brought. And guess what? It actually fit in between our car seats. Great way to save money, instead of installing a DVD player in the car! The children were watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Moreover, we had the cable to plug the netbook into our car stereo system. So the sound was coming out from the car speakers. How cool! haha.



After a while, they fell asleep..how peaceful. Oh by the way, Danielle's 'new' car seat was bought from Salvation Army for only $12! It was supposed to be $16 as what the price tag stated but there was a further discount! What a steal! We just needed to take home and washed the covers and I sterilsed the plastic with dettol. Thats all! Its as good as new!



We arrived at the hotel at about 2pm. Caleb headed straight to the Kids Club area to play as it was right at the lobby!



We ordered a pool view deluxe room. Here's our view from the room.


The children slept for a while and after their afternoon nap, we went for a swim!


Caleb seemed to be more fearful of the water now than Danielle.




But I do not believe in letting Caleb's fears get in his way. Instead, I took him up to the waterslide and slide down with him.




I believe very strongly in facing up to your fears than to avoid it- the more my children is scared, the more I will do it with them until they are not afraid anymore. Seems harsh but they will probably thank me for them in future when they have learnt to enjoy every activity to the fullest without being afraid of anything.



As we were about to finish playing in the pool, it started to drizzle. So we hurried back to the hotel to bathe the children!


After a nice shower, we went for dinner at Sungei Rengit! Its a great place for seafood! I asked the reception and they recommended eating at Jade Garden Restaurant. It was about 40km to the destination- half an hour drive. Thank God the skies cleared...



As we headed to the restaurant, we saw a number of Singaporean cars, which probably reaffirmed that the food here was good and reasonable priced.


I found it rather interesting that Malaysia high chairs for kids look so traditional, unlike the Ikea typed ones found in Singapore.



We ordered 2 extra big lobster ( I ordered this because I heard Sungei Rengit is a place famous for lobster), home made bean curd, kurau fish and vegetables.



Because there werent a lot of us, the waitress suggested serving us few slices of fish instead of the whole big fish.



The highlight of this meal was really the lobster! It was so sweet and tasty!! I think just having this and veggies would suffice as the gravy went so well with the rice! Even Caleb loved it!



We ordered the food without a menu. That was a mistake as we didnt know how much each dish would cost us. We just assumed Malaysian food would be very cheap and there is no cause for worry. Big mistake. The lobster came up to be very expensive (according to my standard). I have never really ordered lobster before and did not know the market rate. So I was very surprised when the bill came up to RM$210 (that is S$100!!!)

Here's the break down of prices

1) Bean curd (RM $8)
2) Kurau Fish (RM $30)
3) Veggies (RM $6)
4) Big 1.2 kg Lobster (RM $144)
5) 2 cups of Lime juice (RM 4)
6) young Coconut (RM $4)
7) Towel (RM $0.90)

Its really the lobster that killed us that night. But still, I did not regret eating such a wonderful dish! Moreover, I heard that the price of the lobster was already considered cheap! Guess I was just not used to seeing such price coming from a "bigger version of prawn"!

After a satisfying dinner, we went back to the hotel where CT and I played darts while the children were playing in the kids club.I was so glad this hotel has kids club as its really a good place to dump our kids there where CT and I could be on our own.



After playing for a while, we went back and got ready the children for bed.


What a tiring but yet enjoyable day!

grown up

Its coming to the end of November and every year at this time, Vicky would be helping to put up the Christmas tree. However, this year is slightly different as Caleb wants to help!



He helped us quite a bit as he puts up the decorations onto the trees.



I had been thinking of bringing Caleb to catch a movie to see how it goes and moreover, its still free for him as he is just slightly below 90cm. So I felt it was an opportune time when Astroboy came out in the theatres.


So decided to catch that with him on a Saturday morning at Downtown East. He did well for most part of the show. He was sitting and watching for about an hour on the love seat in between CT and I.


After that, he started coming down his seat, laid on the carpet floor, climbed back on the chair and laid down as well, squeezed himself in between the seat and the wall to try to get to the row in front etc etc..

Thank God it was still manageable and he wasnt noisy. After the show, we had lunch there before heading back. What an experience! I dont mind bringing Caleb back to the movies again!

50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Tonight was our school's 50th year anniversary. The celebration dinner was held in Suntec City Convention Centre. Most of the teachers had our duties to carry out that night, but I was one of the fortunate ones without any duties. However, I still went early as I went with my colleague, Karen.

Karen was on duty and so I stayed with her at the door gift table to help her out. It was quite fun as we laid out the anniversary books and coasters for the guest who paid $150 or $200 ticket.

We were rather bored as most guests came late. So we started taking pictures amongst the teachers and students. Here's my colleagues with my vice principal (2nd from left), Ms Lena Seet.



We kept taking pictures after pictures...


Then my students arrived and wanted to take pictures with me. Some almost couldnt recognise me because of my new haircut! How interesting..

Here's Eunice from my Math class, 4E1. She is one enthusiastic girl. When the class would stand up to greet me at the start of lesson or thank me at the end of lesson, her voice would be the most audible! Very friendly gal!



And here are the boys from Sec 5N1 and 5N2 (Teng Hua, Daryl and Cavell). Will definitely miss teaching all of them.



The stage was done up quite nicely. Everything was good, probably except for the food! It was really bad. It was a 8 course dinner and they actually served Singaporean Fried Bee Hoon which was so hard and tasteless! Worst tasting noodles ever!



During the later part of the night, I was called out of the ballroom to take more pictures with my students. So its phototaking time once again!


They wanted individual shots and group shots. So my cheeks were kind of aching from all that smiling.

By the way, the dress I was wearing is my mother's. I didnt want to waste money buying since I knew my mum would have lots of clothes to try on. Moreover, she was happy to lend me since it was a very expensive dress (4 figure sum) and its more worth her spending that amount if it has been worn more times, rather than sitting in the cupboard. I like the back of the dress as its a little bare back..too bad no pictures to show.



Everything finished about 10 plus and by the time I reached home, it was eleven. What a tiring night! I am quite sure most are glad that this night is finally over!

Sharing food

Check out this video to see how Caleb feeds Danielle banana, how Caleb tries to communicate, how Danielle loves her food etc etc..

Holidays=more spending

I always feel that when it is during the holidays, I tend to spend more. I guess its because I have more time to look around and shop! And usually when you are relaxed and happy, you will tend to spend.

So today, I went to Plaza Singapura after school with the intention of buying some clothes for myself to match my new look. However after walking, I ended up buying stuff for the kids only. I got this for Caleb..It can be erased and used over and over again. Quite a ingenious idea for Caleb to practise writing.


As for Danielle, I got her a swimming costume, which keeps her warmer than what she has now. I figured this would be my Chrismas present for them. Couldnt wait for them to open it during Christmas day itself as I was more excited than them!



When Caleb saw Danielle in her swimming costume, he was whining to wear his as well. Monkey see, monkey do.


Merry Christmas way in advance to both my dear children!

It's baking time!

Today, the teachers organised baking session in school, taught by our very own Food & Nutrition teacher, Mrs Choo. She has been very kind to organise cooking sessions like these as well as boiling drinks like barley or green bean soup for the teachers.

Mrs Choo taught us how to make banana and nut cupcakes. I participated more for the fun of it as I knew I would be able to take back what I prepared. Moreover, I didnt have much things to do in school anyway.

Here were the things given to me...


It was easy and fun to make, especially when there were a number of us all trying to follow the steps and doing it together.


This is the outcome after mixing the flour with egg, sugar and butter..


Then I throw in the nuts, raisins and banana with milk





Put it into the cupcake wrapper and into the oven



What better way to spend our time while waiting for the cupcakes to be baked...take more pictures!


Here's the outcome of my cupcakes! So proud of my achievement as they looked so perfect!



There's me and Mrs Choo,my shi fu (teacher)!


Mrs Choo commented during the baking session that I am a good and quiet worker. Her comment kind of triggered me to think about myself and how I work..Indeed, she was right. During the whole time, the other teachers keep asking Mrs Choo to check their work and they go about talking and discussing on their outcome.

As for me, I was just quietly doing my stuff and concentrating. Her comment made me realised more about my myself and my working style-You just leave me alone and let me do my stuff...dont disturb me and I will be able to produce good work. If I have any questions, I will definitely speak up and ask. If not, dont bother me!!



Cant wait for my next cooking session, which will probably be next year during the holidays, when most teachers would be free and relaxed!

Ponggol Choon Seng Restaurant

Now that the students are having their holidays, teachers still have to report back to school for 4 hours from 8am to 12 noon. Its relaxing and quite fun actually. Today, we decided to have lunch together. It was actually a farewell lunch for 2 of my colleagues, Sherly and Alwin.

Went to Ponggol Choon Seng Restaurant for lunch, recommended by one of my colleagues. This restaurant was established in 1956 and was one of the best in the seafood business at the Ponggol End Jetty. They are famous for the chilli crabs and mee goreng.

We ordered a lot of food! It was a 8 course lunch, consisting of fried prawn pancake and ngo hiang



crispy baby squid, which was one of the best I have eaten so far as its not only crispy but very tasty as they added spring onions.


We also had Pipa crispy duck with po piah skin, 2 plates of vegetables (chye sim and brocolli) which was stir fried to perfection. There wasnt any gravy to the vegetables but when you put it in your mouth, it seemed so tasty and fresh! Seemed like a simple, non-complicated dish when you taste it but I dont think it is so easy to create such a dish with immense flavour, without having any sauce.

Then we had their famous mee goreng and chilli crabs


Initially, when I first saw the chilli crabs, I was a little disappointed as the sauce seemed oily and not the usual thick gravy. But then as I ate the crabs, I fell in love with the sweetness of the flesh...the gravy became secondary after that. In fact, the style of cooking, without corn starch in the gravy confirms how skilled and confident the chef is of his dishes.

We also ordered cereal prawns which was huge and succulent! I have to say, I seldom come out from a restaurant, enjoying every single dish that I ordered. Every dish was very enjoyable. I will definitely be back!



If you are interested to go, they are located at 23A-B, TurnHouse Road (Changi Chalets Locality)

Highly recommended book!

I borrowed this book from the library for the children. I chose it because it was from the same authors of "The Gruffalo" which I known it to be a very popular children's book. So I thought, this must be good too.



And when I was reading it to Caleb, I was so intrigued by it myself. First, there are rhyming words. So its very catchy to read and for the children to learn and follow reading it too. Secondly, the plot is very interesting and captivating. And finally, the moral of the story is one in which everyone, including adults can learn from- that is, to appreciate the things you have and not take things for granted!

So, I would like to highly recommend this book to all parents!

I definitely hope to have this book on my bookshelf for own my personal collection!

Flu Season

The flu hit Danielle first. Started with a fever, then cough and cold. Now, it has infected Caleb and Vicky. The children had a loss of appetite and kept vomiting out their food as probably that's one way of getting rid of the phlegm.

So I decided to call my mum and asked her for the Oregano plant which I know can cure cough.



So I boiled it together with the Chinese 'zhi ke' soup ingredients, which consists of the Orange 'biscuit', almonds etc.



It's tiring taking care of all of them..Glad I did not get the bug.

Caleb will be going to school!

Caleb will be going school next year and today, CT and I went for the orientation programme in his school, which is also our church. So Caleb is already familiar with the surroundings and atmosphere.

The Christmas tree in church is up already and it looks really nice.



We didnt bring Caleb along for the orientation briefing as we felt we wanted to focus and it would be rather distracting to bring him along. However, his sunday school friend, Ezekiel who is same age as Caleb, was looking for him to play together. Poor boy..he was all alone.

Initially, they were supposed to be in the same class next year in Pre-Nursery, but because the school bus doesnt come my place in the 1st session, I had no choice but to enrol Caleb in the afternoon session. I actually did feel bad for Ezekiel and Caleb for splitting them up but what to do? Anyway, they will still see each other on Sunday. ;)

I am pretty excited for Caleb to go school next year. I cant wait to sit down with him and see him do his work. I cant wait to teach him and let him have fun learning! It will be so neat to see him develop and progress each day as he learns new stuff.

Here's my big boy who will be going school next year! *sniff*