So smiley

(Having fun at the Changi Airport)

Mei Mei is one gal who is definitely different from her jie jie. While Atria seldom cries when she was much younger, mei mei is one who screams at the top of her voice. But she is also much more smiley too.

When mei mei is in a happy mood, she is really soooo adorable. Loves the way she likes to interact with people and her eyes will grow wide with delight. She is also easily excitable haha.... I love her smiles too. Always make my heart melt even though I am super stressed with her constant high pitch screaming :(

With her along, I was initially worried whether I will be able to spend equal time with both of them. Since Atria is also rather attention seeking at the moment. I am very grateful to my mum who is always there for us (even on weekends when either the hubby or I need to work sometime) and is showering mei mei with all the love when Atria cling to me. The hubby also played a huge part too. Without his support and being so hands on, I will not be able to juggle my work and family till now.

Time passes so quickly. Mei mei is already coming to 15 months. She is walking rather well now. And its seems like yesterday when I delivered her at home. ...

Hard Work Paid Off?

(Working really hard at home)

About a month ago, I spent the whole of youth day holiday and burnt several nites of midnite oil to complete an assignment at work. I was thinking was all this hard work worth the effort? Or is it just going to be another complete waste of my precious time? Well, I got the answer 2 days back.

At the beginning of the workshop, I was still rather apprehensive about myinterpretation of the assignment given. Has I interpreted it correctly? Is it detailed enough? Can I defend my case? I was worried sick about some of the sections that were not done by me (as we divided up our portion to work on it) and how am I going to present it when I am not even convinced myself. My worry and fear was aggravated by the fact that I saw my other colleagues shot down flat by the consultant (who of course were supposed to help us).

My group presented last during the workshop. We were not even sure whether we get the chance to present. But I am so glad we did.

The hours spent on working on this assignment paid off. My work was given the thumbs up by both the consultants. I am so happy!!!

This is a defining moment to me. Haha... As I mentioned earlier that I really needed a booster in my work.. and I think this is it! I just needed the affirmation that I can do my job well. I needed it badly as I just switched my portfolio and was at quite a loss to what to do. Woah! This assignment allows me to tell myself the big YES, I can do it! Ha Ha Ha...

I am still on cloud 9. But for how long will this booster last? I really dont know. With so much changes happening in my workplace nowsaday, I really dont know. I just wish it will last for as long as I need it.

My Superhero

(some rare moments of fun @ Mac with all her gor gor)
(Gor Gor entertaining her)

(My superhero - Look at her big swollen eye)

2nd Jan 2011.

Atria had such bad eye bacterial infection, coupled with prolonged high fever. (more than 10 days). She was admitted to KKH. As a mummy, I was so super worried about her. The hubby was outstation at the moment. I felt so desperately alone.

My dear Atria did me proud. She did not cry or even made the slightest sound while the nurses get the plug (for IV) on her. I named her my superhero. With the plug on, she was rather limited in the movement and was slightly affected by it. But, she still behaved exceedingly well.

We stayed there for a total of 4 days. She was totally bored as there is nothing much to do there. We must say big thank you to all the aunties and uncles who came and showed there support and they also brought games and videos to entertain her (also relieving me so that I could go and bath or have a short break) :)

Atria survived the ordeal, which I am glad. I learnt so much from my girl. The little ones have such extraordinary strength that the parents cannot imagine. They have grown much stronger (not without the trauma etc) after all these challenges. As parents, we have so much to learn from them. And I am still learning from them every single day.

Singapore Arts Museum

(Laying the track for the trains - note the tracks are not connected haha..:)

(Busy at work)


(Permission Train Station - That's the station name according to Atria :)

We made a trip down to the Singapore Arts Museum last sunday after looking at my sis photo. This is our 2nd trip there and compared to the 1st, Atria had really grown up and enjoyed the museum activities much more than the previous time. I can still remember she even cried at one of the station due to the fear of the scrotch tape :(

Most of the activities were fun and engaging but she had a blast at the Glass Hall when she was allowed free play with all the available materials. Well, she spent most of the time at fixing the train station and laying all the track. Guess she was inspired by the Thomas & Friends train set that her Yuhan jiejie showed her the previous day. When asked what's the name of the train station, she gamely said "Permission Station!" Hahaha... what was taught in school did sink in her i guess :)

We spent quite a fair bit of time at SAM, cos we also happened to meet my sis and my nephews whom Atria is rather close with. They played and Mei Mei also had her fair share of play "walking" around at the Glass Hall. Well, she could not appreciate most of the activities yet but did have some fun at the Dearest Mummy section.

After SAM, we went over to Raffles City for a very late lunch before heading back home. After almost the whole day out, we stayed home and enojyed a quiet night, "recuperating" before work starts again the next day.

Hmm... I would say that with the gals growing up day by day, bringing them out is getting easier (Still can remember the initial periods of handling both gals out :( I am really looking forward to more outdoor activities for the 2 gals, as there is the time we can spend some quality time with them.

Exploring Changi Airport

(At T2 Gallery. Mei Mei at the half crawling learning to walk stage)

(Mei Mei attempting to make the move to stand up)

Since having mei mei, T2 and T3 have been one of our favourite hangouts. Not only becos it is airconditioned (to avoid the unbearable heat), it is actually quite friendly for kiddos learning to walk and still in that half-crawling-going-to-walk stage.

Almost every other week, hubby and I would bring our 2 gals to T2 or T3 for either breakfast or dinner. We used to hang out at T3, but due to its recent closure (for renovations), we had to turn our attention to T2,w hich is not too bad too.

We were at the Gallery one of the weekends, and Mei Mei then was learning to walk and still half crawling. Well, Mei Mei is one gal who is rather different from her jie jie. She is definitely more gung-ho, and won't take no for an answer (or else, she will scream her head off!!) She is now coming to 15 months and still not steady walking on her own yet. Well, we will see how and when she is ready to move on from here.

You make me Smile

(Use my favourite twine to embellish the LO and some hidden journalling too.)
(Love this tag. Hand stitched by Amy Tangerine from SC June Kit)

(The whole LO. Using mainly June Kit from SC, with some other embellishment)

She make me Smile.

Finally managed to complete a layout after a long time.

Been trying to scrap more regularly. Currently, I can only scrap while my 2 girls sleep at nite. And that is only when they sleep early and I dont have mountain of work to be done for work. So that gives me about 2 hours every nite to scrap before the fatigue overtook me and I need to crawl into bed.

Well, this photo of Atria was from a long time ago, before Mei Mei comes. Remember we were at Labrador Park just spending some quiet time together as a family. Loves her smile and her curly hair. Such rare moment to capture her shot. (She refused to look at the camera most of the time)

I am contemplating whether should I cut her hair cut since I love her curls at this length, but on hindsight, the messiness that accompany this make me think twice. Hmm... still thinking.

She is special...

(At the entrance of USS. Atria just woke up after her nap...)

I loveeee these photos of Atria with her papa. Potrays such closeness between "my papa" (that's what she said of her papa these days) and her. Love it!!!

Atria has a special place in my heart. Really special place...

Hubby and I tried for a couple of years before Atria came to us. And as a child, she really gave us a hell of time (from her birth to her frequent night feeds, heart murmur problems,... and the list goes on), but we are superly happy to have her with us. She has brought so much joys and happiness especially to me, (although there are times of anger, frustration too... ) and she is the core of what I do now... my source of inspiration....

She is growin up so fast .... i just hope i can have more quality time to spend itwith her....

She is special to me.

Scrap Blogs

I started to surf scrapblogs rather frequently after I took up scrapbooking 1 year ago. These scrapblogs are not only a sense of inspiration for me, they also give me very interesting tips and techniques relating to the scrapping world.









I must say I scrap in isolation. No crop parties, crop buddies, no time to attend classes (I would love to if I have more time). I pick up scrapbooking techniques through youtube and all the scrap blogs that I surfed.









One thing that I notice is all the different scrappers that I chanced upon, knew exactly where their supplies came from, such as the brand name, which collection etc. I am amazed. I never really notice which paper did I use, which brand they come from. I only knew the paper match layout.









I am just wondering: is it important to know which brand, which collection the paper or products are from? Would I take note of all the supplies that I use? I realise that on most of the layouts, I handmade a number of the embellishments (to save costs), probably that is the reason why I never take notice of all the supplies I use.









Just some random thoughts about scrapbooking.

It's here!

The news that I am waiting for arrive this morning. Well, not unexpected, I did not make it. But strangely, I am not that affected about it. I don't really feel very saddened by the news that I was not successful. Perhaps, it is a blessing in disguise.

After the interview session about 3 weeks ago, I already had the "not-so-good" feeling about it. I was thinking hard about it, maybe this is not really my cup of tea. Having to adapt to a totally new environment is rather difficult for me (like I said, I am reluctant to) at my age now.. hahaha...

Well, just hope everything will turn out fine no matter what lies ahead.

Changes

I am anxiously waiting for some news to arrive. This is the final week which I will receive the news and it will determine the journey ahead.

I am reluctant to make much changes to my work for the past decade. Comfort Zone? I guess so. Human beings are reluctant to change, and so am I. However, with the influx of "initiatives" and "changes" in my work environment, it is seriously time for me to make that reluctant move.

It is a BIG step ahead for myself. Totally not me at all. But I am glad in a way that I did try. Well, the long awaited change might not happen ultimately, but I just do not want to regret in the future.

I am not too sure whether the change will be good or for the worst. Difficult to tell in these times. I am just hoping for the better.

Well, lets just hope whatever news that I will receive will be "good"!

Hoping...

Finally... Its over!!

Last week was a super crazy week at work. Had to deal with all the other peripherals and yet neglected our core business. Last minute additional job assignments (that was not stated in the job spec) and had to deal with all sorts of complaints and requests. Hate this kind of feeling. Felt so lousy at not doing my job right. Brimming with lots to comment on during the AAR.

Well, I am still glad that the major event is finally over. Been talking about it since long time ago and nothing concrete was planned until Feb this year. At least its THE Event of the year, and we should (I hope) we will be able to take a breather finally.

Somehow I don't feel that super excited this time. I used to. Alwyas have the tingly feeling especially during this kind of major events at work. But somehow or rather I kinda lost the feeling. Why? I had a chat with one of my closest colleagues, who, coincidentally also felt the same way as me. Strange. Which led me to rethink about the importance of LEADERSHIP and all the others that come along with it. Wah! What a big word.

I had never had much interest in LEADERSHIP. I am always a reluctant leader, being pushed to be. But this major event and all the other mini ones that came before this, really forced me to think carefully about it.

If I was given a choice again, probably, I will not choose the route I am taking now.

Can I turn back time?

I want to SCRAP!

Since I started scrapping last year, my whole mind seems to be totally consumed by it. Is it normal? Or am I the only one who feels this way?

I am not the super creative kind of person. In fact, I failed Arts while I was in Primary School. But I know I like craftwork. I am always interested in learning new craft such as knitting, cross stitch, clay modelling etc. But apart from a few of the cross stitch pieces that I successfully completed, I have not much luck in the other areas.

But scrapbooking is totally different. Through scrapping, I find an avenue to create something that I like and am totally proud of it myself. I never thought I can do something like scrapbooking. Though my layout is not fantastic still, but I really like what I have created. Not only does it allow me to create something, it also helps me to preserve the sweet memories of those dearest to me (since I am also rather lazy in arranging photos for photo album)

I wish I can scrap more often, but so far I can only do so while my gals are sleeping. I am hoping for the time to come when I can have more time of my own to scrap. For now, whatever time I can steal to scrap is precious to me.

I wanna scrap!!!

1 week down

It had been a crazy week at work. Had to deal with so many last minute changes while meeting the almost impossible deadline. All because of a major celebration at the end of next week. Somehow, the celebration doesn't have anymore meaning to me. Why so?

To deal with all the ever increasing tasks at hand, colleagues and I went out to have a "feast" on Fri noon time. Ya.. its really a feast for surviving the week with no major "injuries". Ha Ha... well, we kinda of decided to have a "feast" every Fri to last till the end of the year.... This is the bonding we have in times of "crisis" at work??

While dealing with the ever increasing tasks at hand in preparation for the celebration, we somehow neglected the core business we are in. Are we then shortchaining our customers? What is really at stake? I wonder...

I used to be really motivated about work... but somehow I kinda lost the drive this year.... Initially I thought its because of the long break that I took, but it had been half a year, and I still did not get the motivation back. Was it because of the portfolio that I am handling now? I am not too sure. Or can I blame it on my RO for not nurturing me? I do not know. I just hope I can find my motivation for work, in whatever job that I am doing. Wish me luck.