Goodbye 2015 and Hello 2016

A look back to the year 2015. 

Jan 2015: 

We went to Hong Kong. It was fun but tiring as we forgot Elva's stroller and carried her all the way. We took Cathy Pacific (first time), stayed at Royal Pacific Hotels and Towers (Jerlyn's company hotel - 5 stars hotel) eat dim sum, dim sum and dim sum. Overall we prefer Taiwan.

Feb 2015: 

We went Sea Aquarium. Elva saw many fishes (first time). I went for my occupational First Aid Course. It was tiring but I learn how to do CPR and use AED. We went CNY visit to our relatives. Elva was very happy receiving so much ang bao. Elva saw the Lion Dance (2nd time) and was not scared anymore. Elva also make her mummy cry using a torchlight to hit mummy head.

March 2015:

We went Trick Eye Museum (first time) with Huijun and Nicholas. Elva had fun with Kaden and Noah. Elva also went Science Centre (first time) with her school. We also thought on how to earn more money as the rising cost in Singapore is affecting us. We also need to start spending less. I changed job for the higher income and also to learn more things.

April 2015:

Elva having Seizure (3rd Time) after her Uncle Vincent Wedding. She recovered and now can strike conservation with me. New Job also make me busier with school assignments and presentation.

May 2015:

Elva started going playground with Kaden and Noah. They have become good friends and playground playmates. Mother's Day we went Vivocity indoor playground for Elva and Jolie to play. 

June 2015:

I went Bangkok alone (think my 11th time) for work purpose and misses my 2 darlings in Singapore. Everyday at Bangkok was working till late and did not go out much. I stayed at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel (5 stars hotel) 

July 2015:

My cousin Cyndi going to have her 2nd baby soon. She is 37 years old and she still going strong on having baby and taking care of 2 young kids at this age. We were thinking of having a 2nd baby so that Elva would not feel so lonely.

Aug 2015:

We went to Zoo twice as I got the corporate card from my company over the  public holidays. Elva did not manage to see her favorite animal Giraffe on the first time and it was very crowded on the first day. So we went back again on the next day just to let her see and enjoy. We bought a car (my 3rd car in SG) after long consideration and due to the work and stress and lack of sleep. Elva wanted white car so we actually bought a white car. Cyndi gave birth to a baby boy.

Sept 2015:

We went to my Malay friend wedding (first time) and it was very different from Chinese wedding. I think Chinese tend to spend too much on hotel and food. Malay wedding I felt it was quite good and better in terms of food and everyone get to take photos going to the Bride and Groom rather than them going to the relatives and friends. I also fixed my tooth filling, fixed our toilet bowl problem and the house air conditioning serving.

Oct 2015:

It is a sad month for us as we lost our unborn child as the heartbeat stopped during the 9th week of pregnancy. Life still goes on but it will be a sad memory for us. Elva went to her cousin 1st birthday (Zen's daughter Avery) and also went to West Coast Park to play with Jolie but splashed bubble water in her eyes. 

Nov 2015:

I went for reservist for 2 weeks instead of 3 weeks. I had fun in the Cohesion day at Mount Faber playing Arrow shooting game. I passed my IPPT (new system) and got $200. We decorated our Christmas Tree with Elva as now she know what is Christmas all about (presents)

Dec 2015:

We went to Gardens by the Bay with Huijun and Nicholas and kids for the Christmas Carnival (first time). Elva did not dare to take the Carousel (first time). We went to Star Vista and Elva decided to try on the Carousel this time. We invited lot of friends over to our house to celebrate Christmas. Jacqueline, Nicholas, Darren, Regina, Mingfeng, Ailin, James, Carol, Lili, Fabian, Linda, Teck Tong, Jiamin, Chee Shuen, Kok Keong, Hema and all their kids came. I went to my customer's annual dinner (first time) and it was quite happening. 

Overall 2015 is a year to forget and now I hope to look for a better 2016. Happy New Year to Everyone who read my post. 

Things to do

Leisure

• Going Holiday in Taiwan (Jan 2016?) No budget for Taiwan, Change to Bangkok
• Going Holiday in Australia - Uncle Mark's son wedding (July 2016?) no budget to go 

 Future Planning

• Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2016?) Not Done
• Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done
• Going for Phonics course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for ballet course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for Art Class for Elva (2016?)
• Going for Swimming Class for Elva (2016?)

 

Future Courses

• Going for FSM Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Class 4 license (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Taxi Driver Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for ACTA course (2016?)

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

Christmas is coming

I have finished my reservist and passed my IPPT and was rewarded with $200. This time I had my IPPT in the new format, which I can say it is much easier to pass. But there is still a need to train yourself first. My upper body was aching for at least 5 days due to no training for the whole year.

We went to the NTUC Warehouse Club for Christmas shopping, everything there is in bulk like Costco where we went during our stay in Arizona.

We went to the Gardens by the Bay to meet Nicholas and Huijun and their kids. There is a carnival going on now and you can see the Christmas Tree and all the lightnings.

We invited Jacqueline, Nicholas, Regina, Darren and their kids to our house for Christmas Dinner. We bought Log Cake and Pizza Hut plus Jerlyn using the Airfryer to make more food for them. Elva was having so much fun with Ashton and Isabelle.

Things to do

Leisure

• Going Holiday in Taiwan (Jan 2016?) Postponed due to budget
• Going Holiday in Australia - Uncle Mark's son wedding (July 2016?) most likely not going 

 

Future Planning

• Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2016?) Not Done
• Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done
• Going for Phonics course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for ballet course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for Art Class for Elva (2016?)
• Going for Swimming Class for Elva (2016?)

 

Future Courses

• Going for FSM Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Class 4 license (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Taxi Driver Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for ACTA course (2016?)

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

Things to do

Things to do

Leisure

• Going Holiday in Taiwan (Jan 2016?) Not Done
• Going Holiday in Australia - Uncle Mark's son wedding (July 2016?) Going?

 

Future Planning

• Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2015?) Not Done
• Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done
• Going for Phonics course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for ballet course for Elva (2016?)

 

Future Courses

• Going for FSM Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Class 4 license (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Taxi Driver Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for ACTA course (2016?)

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

Sad Oct Month

Its been 2 months since I wrote my blog. Last month in October was quite sad for us so I will not elaborate here since it will make us even sadder. Moving forward, we hope we will have get what we wanted in the near future. Now we will focus more on our health and start nourish our body to prepare for it.

We went to my cousin Zen's daughter first birthday at his friend's Condo. Elva have fun playing with the cousins and having balloons to play with.

I did my tooth filling and it was quite ok. Dentist said that I have been brushing too hard. I need to brush more gently.

Elva went to West Coast Park and played sand with Jolie during the Deepavali Holiday. She also play bubbles but splash herself on her eyes instead, we quickly splash water on her to clear the soapy water away from her eyes.

Christmas is coming and we are getting ready for it. Elva have helped us to decorate the Christmas Tree when we bring out from the store room.

I'm going back to reservist again. It been one year again and I need to clock my IPPT again. I have started jogging but due to the haze worsening, I did not jog much.   

Elva had her first School Photo Taken

Elva had her first school photo taken for her class. She is now in Toddler class and getting more cheeky and mischievous. Elva also having skin problem like me, her skin is dry and always bitten by insects.

I went to dentist for my annual check up and dentist said that I need to do filling. I was supposed to do filling last year and I forgotten about it. Now the hole has become bigger and I have to fill it up quick.

We went to my Malay friend Zai's Wedding at NSRCC. James came over my house for breakfast and We went over together. This is the first time we attended Malay Wedding and also outdoor wedding. That day was very hot and Jerlyn and Elva got sun burn after that.  

We manage to get the Town Council approved contractor to come over and fix our toilet bowl pump. It has been leaking for few months and I have to switch off the valve every time the water is refilled.

We also managed to get the air conditioning servicing done. The contractor told us we just need to service the Master Bedroom only as the rest is still okay.

Today is Polling Day. May the best party win.

Things to do

Leisure

• Going Holiday in Taiwan (Jan 2016?) Not Done
• Going Holiday in Australia - Uncle Mark's son wedding (July 2016?) Going?

 

Future Planning

• Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2015?) Not Done
• Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done
• Going for Phonics course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for ballet course for Elva (2016?)

 

Future Courses

• Going for FSM Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Class 4 license (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Taxi Driver Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for ACTA course (2016?)

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

House

• Pack study room and Elva room (Not Done)
• Ask Jinson to finish fixing the rest of the house item (Not Done)
• Clear away some items from study room (In progress)
• Air Con Servicing (March 2016) Not Done
• Develop photos and hang up photos (Not Done)
• Study Room TV to fix up (Not Done)

Elva wants white

Elva wants white.

We bought a 2nd hand car to help us lessen the burden of our commuting to work everyday. Although it cost a bomb but our life have been tired out due to all the traveling. But we got to cut down on our overseas travel as now we need to spend wisely so that we will not over hit our monthly expenses. The car that we bought is white, the color that Elva likes. We have been asking her for 2 colors, black or white. She always chose white.

Working has not be so smooth after I changed job. It might be this is a big international companies so a lot of expectations from the management. After 4 months, I felt tired and restless as there is always no support from others and things is always pushed to me. Maybe I need a vacation to rest my mind and come back with a fresh mind.

Recently there is a bombing at Bangkok, it make me think about how lucky I was as I was at that area 2 months back. If it was happened 2 months ago I might be nearby. Always do not take life as granted. Live your life to the fullest. Enjoy your time with your family when you have time. I always look forward to come back home to see my wife and daughter after a stressful day. This makes me happy.

Things to do

Leisure

• Going Holiday in Taiwan (Jan 2016?) Not Done
• Going to Zai Wedding (6 Sept 2015) Not Done

 

Future Planning

• Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2015?) Not Done
• Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done
• Going for Phonics course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for ballet course for Elva (2016?)

 

Future Courses

• Going for FSM Course (Oct 2015?) Not Done
• Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Class 4 license (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Taxi Driver Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for ACTA course (2016?)

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

House

• Pack study room and Elva room (Not Done)
• Ask Jinson to finish fixing the rest of the house item (Not Done)
• Clear away some items from study room (In progress)
• Air Con Servicing (Sept 2015) Not Done
• Develop photos and hang up photos (Not Done)

Elva went to Zoo twice

Elva went to zoo twice.

Elva went to zoo twice because she did not manage to see her favorite animal giraffe on the first time. We went to zoo as I had free pass from my company. The first day we went with xuan xuan and her parents. The first day was a public holiday and was very crowded. We did not manage to see much animals and shows too, but both the little girls were enjoying playing at the water theme park. It rained too. So we decided to go zoo again on the next day, and let Elva to enjoy the process. The second day was much better with less crowd, and Elva manage to see all her favorite animals.

I went to meet up with my university classmates at Westgate for dinner. It was great catching up and complaining about work and other stuffs. I was too tired and was not concentrating after the dinner while they were chatting. Luckily Matthew send me and Zai back to Bukit Panjang.

We were thinking about having car again as tiredness has make us thinking if we can really continue sending Elva to school and go work in public transport. We were also thinking when we are having the 2nd child, how can we cope. But the most important thing is still the cost of the car, how can we manage with 2 children, 1 car and all the expenses.

Things to do

Leisure

• Going Holiday in Taiwan (Jan 2016?) Not Done
• Going to Zai Wedding (6 Sept 2015) Not Done
• Going to Zoo with Elva (Nov 2015)  Not Done

 

Future Planning

• Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2015?) Not Done
• Plan to buy 2nd hand car (2016?) Not Done
• Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done
• Going for Phonics course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for ballet course for Elva (2016?)

 

Future Courses

• Going for WSH Level D course in SP (Feb 2015?) 26 Jan 2015 to 29 June 2015 Done
• Going for FSM Course (Oct 2015?) Not Done
• Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Class 4 license (2015?) Not Done
• Going for Taxi Driver Course (2015) Not Done
• Going for ACTA course (2016?)

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

House

• Pack study room and Elva room (Not Done)
• Ask Jinson to finish fixing the rest of the house item (Not Done)
• Clear away some items from study room (In progress)
• Air Con Servicing (Sept 2015) Not Done
• Develop photos and hang up photos (Not Done)

Things to do

Leisure

• Going Holiday in Taiwan (Jan 2016?) Not Done
• Going to Zai Wedding (6 Sept 2015) Not Done
• Going to Zoo with Elva (July 2015) Not Done

 

Future Planning

• Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2015?) Not Done
• Plan to buy 2nd hand car (2016?) Not Done
• Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done
• Going for Phonics course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for ballet course for Elva (2016?)

 

Future Courses

• Going for WSH Level D course in SP (Feb 2015?) 26 Jan 2015 to 29 June 2015
• Going for FSM Course (Oct 2015?) Not Done
• Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Class 4 license (2015?) Not Done
• Going for Taxi Driver Course (2015) Not Done
• Going for ACTA course (2016?)

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

House

• Pack study room and Elva room (Not Done)
• Ask Jinson to finish fixing the rest of the house item (Not Done)
• Clear away some items from study room (In progress)
• Air Con Servicing (Sept 2015) Not Done
• Develop photos and hang up photos (Not Done)

Elva is 30 months old

Elva is 30 months old. 

Its been 2 months since I post, I was busy with work and school until there no time to blog. Sleeping was my priority. 

Elva has grown up a lot, getting more curious at stuffs, talk a lot now. She is the gem in the house, laughter, anger and sadness all were contributed by her. Having really brighten my day, makes me eager to go home and fetch her from school although I could not make it some times due to work.

My new job is quite tiring, need to put lot of time and effort in it so have to sacrifice some time with Elva and Jerlyn because of that. 

I went to Bangkok for a business workshop in June, was quite tiring actually. I did not have much personal time there. But I met some new colleagues form different part of the world which I felt quite enriching as I can get to know different work culture from their countries.  The workshop was fun and it really bond us as a group when learning, but the challenge is how to bring back the learning back to Singapore where people does not appreciate what you are giving training. Maybe I still got alot to learn when comes to giving training. 

Elva told Jerlyn that she wanted a sister or a brother. I wonder if she is really lonely at times where no other kids playing with her. Singapore is known for its difficulties in raising kids due to the higher standard of living and not enough child care centres and teachers to take care of the kids. If so, how can we have another child? This kind of situation does not help much when we want to think for another child. My sister Cyndi she is having her 2nd child at the age of 37. She is more financial stable than me, that why she can afford to do that. But she also took many years of hard work to become financial stable. If we are not financially stable now, are we able to survive with 2 kids? Our mindset and planning needs to be strong. 

Its been one month since last post

Elva is 120 weeks old.

I was busy with my new job and didn't have time to write the blog for almost one month. Everyday was so tired and was not having enough sleep due to work and study.

Nowadays we started going to the playground with Huijun's sons Kaden and Noah. Elva likes to play with Kaden as there is someone who can communicate and play with her. We also met ZQ and Aor once near our area and their son Ashton also join in playing with them.

Mother's Day we went to vivo city to let Elva and Jolie play in indoor playground. It was not cheap as Elva needs to pay $25 for 2 hours for her age to go in. Then we went to Hong Kong Kim Gary for dinner. 

Leisure

• Going Bangkok Holiday (End 2015) Not Done
• Going to Albert Wedding (30 May 2015) Not Done
• Going to Zai Wedding (6 Sept 2015) Not Done

Future Planning

• Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2015?) Not Done
• Plan to buy 2nd hand car (2016?) Not Done
• Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done
• Going for Phonics course for Elva (2016?)
• Going for ballet course for Elva (2016?)

Future Courses

• Going for WSH Level D course in SP (Feb 2015?) 26 Jan 2015 to 29 June 2015
• Going for FSM Course (Oct 2015?) Not Done
• Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done
• Going for Class 4 license (2015?) Not Done
• Going for Taxi Driver Course (2015) Not Done
• Going for ACTA course (2016?)

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

House

• Pack study room and Elva room (Not Done)
• Ask Jinson to finish fixing the rest of the house item (Not Done)
• Buy a shelf to store notes and books and documents Done
• Clear away some items from study room (In progress)
• Go IKEA buy book cabinet Done
• Air Con Servicing Done
• Ceiling Fan Servicing Done
• Develop photos and hang up photos (Not Done)

Elva knows how to speak few sentences in one shot

Elva is 116 weeks old.

Elva getting smarter and smarter every day. Now she can strike a conversation with me and Jerlyn and understand what we are saying. 

Work has been busy with training, observations, investigations, outfield attachment with technicians and lots of reports.

School has been busy with presentations and assignment. Everyday seems like so busy with not enough rest and time for my family. 

Leisure

-Going Bangkok Holiday (End 2015) Not Done

-Going to Albert Wedding (30 May 2015) Not Done

-Going to Zai Wedding (6 Sept 2015) Not Done

Future Planning

-Plan for early critical illness policy for me (2015?) Not Done

-Plan to buy 2nd hand car (2016?) Not Done

-Check insurance investment (2015) Not Done

Future Courses

•Going for WSH Level D course in SP (Feb 2015?) 26 Jan 2015 to 29 June 2015

•Going for FSM Course (Oct 2015?) Not Done

•Going for Lead Auditor Course (2016?) Not Done

•Going for WSH Trainer Course (2016?) Not Done

-Going for Class 4 license (2015?) Not Done

-Going for Taxi Driver Course (2015) Not Done

Others

-Pay income tax (before 15 April 2015) 

• Done 29 Mar 2014
• Done 3 Apr 2015

House

-Pack study room and Elva room (Not Done)

-Ask Jinson to finish fixing the rest of the house item (Not Done)

-Buy a shelf to store notes and books and documents (Not Done)

-Clear away some items from study room (Not Done)

-Go IKEA buy book cabinet (Not Done)

-Air Con Servicing (Not Done)

-Ceiling Fan Servicing (Not Done)