Durians with Fish

There is a very close bond between Hubz and my family. We contribute to the love in each other's lives.

He knows that my parents absolutely looove durians.

Apparently he had drove past Upper Serangoon and saw some really good ones on offer. He bagged back $30 worth of durians - 2 big bags for us, his family and my family. It was really a durian feast!

Dad was happy to be eating durians again, especially the mildly bitter and totally pungent ones. Mum (as usual) nagged about the smell in the house, but started eating, and soon you could see that she was savouring every single bite.

"Tomorrow you will get a big pomfret from me for your healthy cooking during the weekend," he announced. Hubz was happy too, he did something nice for my family, and he himself was able to cook a healthy meal for his family tomorrow.

Boxes vs Bags

Today we decided to go to the toy store.

Russell tugged at my sleeve, "Mummy mummy can I buy that?". He pointed at a bag full of building bricks.

Remembering how he used to make a mess of his toys and creating a walking hazard with his toy soldiers, I hesitated. Beside the building bricks stood a whole shelf of model kits. Hmmm, these boxed kits are neater, need more structure and use up less space. I longingly imagine the pre-toys toddler days...

And suddenly, I remembered the article that I've read that "everything comes in kits" which "limits both boys and girls". Well, I will want him to have fun with experimenting too. Have fun failing. So that in future, if he fails at anything, it will not be a "world comes crumbling down" event, but rather, nothing more than a little sting, which he can quickly get over and move on to the next step forward.

"Ok Russ, let's go get the bag of bricks!" He whooped in joy.

Cheers to the power of chaos!

Inspirations

• "Tinkerers Unite! How Parents Enable Kids' Creativity (22 May 2012), The Wall Street Journal - Life & Style @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303610504577418230462238156.html

Rainy Nights

The rain poured down, bucket loads of it. We stared out of the entrance in dismay.

"What shall we do?" I asked.

He gave an assuring smile. "Let's make a dash for it," he said.

I nodded in acquiescently - Getting wet in office clothes with inch-high office heels is definitely not on my list of favourite things to do on a rainy night out.

With my small pocket umbrella, we trampled along the pavement, taking great care to sidestep puddles along the way. Finally we reached the car.

He heaved a sigh of relief. "There, wasn't so hard, was it?"

I nodded miserably. I was soaked in my long sleeves and my shoes were soaking wet.

---

When we reached home, he went into the room and passed me a clean white fresh-smelling towel.

Even though he knew I didn't have a habit of changing from my work clothes immediately after reaching home most days, he nagged me to change out of my soggy clothes.

"Don't want you to catch a cold," he said.

Then to encourage me more, he added, "There will be something nice and warm for you."

I unwillingly dragged my feet to the room.

And guess what was waiting for me on the counter top when I came out? - A steaming cup of hot chocolate with cute little marshmallows floating on top of it.

I smiled.

"You finally smiled!" he said with a loving look of satisfaction.

 

---

Now, as I lay in bed watching the lightning flashes, I feel warm and dry. We watched the rain patter against the bay window, and felt safe and cozy in our own little nest. He put his arm around me and snuggled closely. With him beside me, and us covered in a thick fluffy quilt, I feel really loved.

Thank you for such an incredible man in my life!

Views From My Windows

We stay in a highrise apartment. Although modest in size (so that we can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying), we absolutely looove this place because of its incredible views! Take a look...

At night the fairy lights in the distance add romance to a special place...

When we come home, the soothing sound of the sea lull us into relaxed bliss...

Whenever it's about to rain, we can sit with a warm cup of hot chocolate by our window and watch the storm clouds approaching...

On days with clear night skies, our telescope will be placed in the balcony as we gaze for stars...

 

Day 1 of Inspired Living

Dear Blogary,

Many people may be asking, why would anyone start a blog? Well considering that I already do have a Nth number of other blogs, this is just yet another foray into the online writing world that I am doing.

Frankly I have no idea how long I can keep up this blog. After all, I did a few times in the past, so let's see k...

Why I started this blog?

• Because I needed to believe again
• Because I know the power of sending my wishes out to the world
• Because I needed an outlet to let out my thoughts.

Perhaps the main reason is because I feel so frustrated and stifled in my life right this very moment now.

• I work 11-12 hour days most days. Even though I do love my job : I love the nature of my job, I love meeting people and getting fresh ideas from them, I love the ownership and empowerment my boss gives me. But but but, I do still feel fatigued over the long hours, and I feel a teensy bit resentful that it is eating so much into my after-work life.
  
  
• Although I am progressing well in my career, I am still not yet a millionaire. As I move further along the coporate pathway, I find that I am more and more inclined to move away from the "dog eat dog" world, where I still think all the money and climbing lies. So does that mean I will never go back and be even further away?
  
  
• Despite being in my 3Xth year of life, I have still yet to buy a cosy nest for myself. Mind you, it's not because I cannot afford it ok. I've got friends and families who have jobs that pay less, financial obligations that were more, yet they've managed to own a $1m freehold condo in Guillemard, or a $800k freehold condo in Geylang, or even a $200k leasehold government flat in Sengkang.
  
  
• My weight has ballooned in the recent few months during and after my studies. I am currently >10 kg heavier than my lightest weight 7-8 years ago.
  
  
• Other than my weight, my health has started to get cranky. And worse still, coz of my job schedule, I don't have much time to exercise!
  
  
• After many years of trying, I still have difficulty talking to my mother. Grunts, whispers, and muffled conversations are all I get from her.
  
  
• My relationship is in shambles. The dream guy I married is now calculative, insecure, stagnant, dense, and most importantly, no longer loving.
  
  

Ok that's it. This will be my only negative posting in this whole blog. Of course there is no privacy in the blogosphere. I do not intend to tell you who I am. Of course, if you find out, it's another thing. Just keep it ssshhhhh that you know ok?