Which is scarier?

I called her tutor and asked if we can go to the air-conditioned venue today, as she had a fall recently and doctor advised no PE which equates to no perspiration. I'm not saying that she perspires by the rainstorm in tutor's place but I needed a comfortable place for girl since injury is still a little raw.

Tutor was really concerned about her and asked about her. And then she asked me a question, if it was an accident or she was being pushed. I told her it was an accident coz she was in a rush.

After that I thought to myself. Which would be scarier?

The physical accident - push and settle hatred once and for all OR the tormenting mental bully she got over the years?? 

Her FIRST fall

As a SAHM, I've literally watched my two daughters "firsts". First roll over; first crawl; first word; first .... But I wasn't around today to watch my older girl's FIRST MAJOR FALL. Her first fall that requires stitching. OMG! 

But like my sister says, it's all part of growing up. Everyone will get their major fall. I got mine, all thanks to the evil sister who kicked me down the L- shaped stairs in our Telok Kurau house and it's a miracle I survived. Maybe that's why I'm abit crazy, I must have a hard hit on my head thus affecting my brain. 

Hubby received the news first, well actually they called me first but it has to be planned in such a way that I had to accidentally leave the phone in the car when they called. (I hardly forget to bring down phone from car) So they called him next. When I got back to the car, I was puzzled over at some missed call numbers, didn't know where it's from but looks like it's from Marine Parade area. But decided to call hubby first who left an urgent message. By then it was already close to 3.40pm, I was on my way to pick lil' one up from school. Information was disseminated as "Athena had a fall in school on the stairs". My heart missed a beat, I envisioned she had take a tumble down the stairs, an epilogue to her mummy's accident donkey years later. And maybe legs fractured? I cancelled lil' one's ballet and tuition and headed down to KKH. Meanwhile hubby was already near the hospital. 

When I saw her, I was so relieved she was standing and walking. But the blood on her white blouse. Oh my! Her precious B+ blood. Just words of concern for her and no chiding, no point to chide her coz she must have felt awful too. But I was wrong, my girl was still so cheery. Need stitches still 不拍死. I arrived at the time when the plastic surgeon (at that time I didn't know he was a plastic surgeon. All I knew was he wasn't in green scrubs, so he must be some specialist) checking on the injury and I looked, a gaping wound about 2.2cm. Eeks! It must be very painful. But she wasn't in pain at all.  Honestly, I can't remember what he told me and I didn't even know what questions to ask him.

I asked if I could stay with her inside as she is afraid of needles. They didn't allow, however I'm amaze at how cool and collected she was. While waiting for them to prepare the stuffs, she whispered to lil' one "sitting in the ambulance is so fun". The big-mouth girl had to spout out loud, "che-che said its so fun sitting inside". She then explained that it was her first time sitting in an ambulance (of course! How many times does she want to sit in one?) Asked her what was inside, was a paramedic inside as well? "Nothing inside. The last question I asked her was if the siren was blaring away. She said it wasn't. So I told her they probably felt her injuries weren't that serious. Her remark after that left me laughing. "Aiyoh! It's around 2+. There's no traffic jam at that time!" 
I sms-ed brother, and he came by after work to see her. The whole time we were laughing & joking as if nothing had happened. Lil' one was seen munching a muffin. I didn't know where she got the muffin from, but she found it fun to be walking around in the kids clinic. She gets to miss her taichi class and her tuition. 
   

These are pictures of her, taken after stitches were done

At one point she was also amused with the patient tag on her left wrist. I asked if she wanted to keep it as a souvenir, she was figuring out how to take it out nicely. I told her I have to snip it off, they make it in such a way that nobody can yank it off. In the end, she hesistated and didn't want to keep it. 

Sigh....I seem to forget that she's still a child though she looks big size.

She was still able to read her phone messages. All from her friends, classmates who are so concerned about her. And in such time, I saw her even reading her storybook. Not bad huh? 

After almost everything is settled, when she is not needed, hubby sent them home. While I waited for the medicine, settle payment and update their address. Made my way home after that, having to carry all the bags that were left in my car. However I get the peace..

*** The next day 23rd July ***

She went back to school for her practice. Asked her if she wanted to miss it but she said she can't, she needs to go. So I told her, we'll see how it goes in the night. I was watching out if she'll get any fever. Thank goodness nothing happened so we sent her to school. However she did mention that the school asked her to stop practicing about 15 mins before band ends.

Her sense of responsibility and commitment is something I should be proud of.

 

The headache that comes annually

It's the time (yet again) I have this headache. Come every July, I'll have to wreck my brain on what to gift the teachers on Teachers' Day. Something practical; something handmade; something special. I must admit I'm really running out of ideas.

Sigh........ Ok I admit it's just me. Most parents won't be bother but buy gifts the day before Teachers' Day.

The list must be up of course. Used to get them involved in the process of making the gifts but I prefer them to take the time to study.

Then another headache, should we have any party for lil' one?  She's so happy that she didn't have to be in school (again) this year coz it's Project Click Day - a day where the kids do online work.

Grand Master Tan says there shouldn't be any form of celebration this year for our family. However the lil' one don't understand why; the man pampers on his lil' one and says to have one with the family. Thing is, the kids plus the birthday girl will be bored. If I hv a kids party, the adults will be bored. Should we have a party, all the planning and preparations should start NOW! Hmm....maybe I shall just quietly ignore.

Across the waters

This is the first time (ever!) we did not travel during the school hols. I'm so glad!

The man came back from Shanghai, so we need not make a trip up. With che-che needing to return back to school for the first and last week, we're left with only two weeks. Honestly, it's troublesome to  arrange for replacement classes when we go for a trip. Thus, the final decision was to stay in Singapore. I planned for a two nights stay in Sentosa though! Hub went to work while we girls had a good time getting our skins burnt!! It was a trip with no books and its only play play play. (Coz I usually do pack some work for them to do when we travel to Shanghai)

We went over waters 我们过水 (literally!)

On the 7th (Tues), we left the house with hub. He dropped us along the way and we walked to Sentosa dragging our luggage. It was really sweet of che-che to offer to pull the trolley for me at some point. It was 7plus, quiet and nice weather for a stroll. I had to do the most suaku thing with the only obliging (but getting to be not obliging soon) model. Take picture here; take picture there. 

Went to hotel first and dropped the luggage in the concierge and proceeded to the reception for an early check-in. 

The girls had a breakfast place in mind, Slappy Cakes. Che-che told us what we had to do. We ordered two bottles of mix and we were so full. We're not big eaters at all. It's quite fun and che-che made pancakes for me and lil' one. Nice to see them not fighting.

 Trypophobia!!

I remembered lil' one had one picture of her smiling at KZ and mom. Ahh.....I just can't recall her position and which side I took from.

Trying hard to recreate .... and hear her comment "cold! cold! the water is so cold!"

The only thing she loved. Sigh....... ok technically she's still 9. Still young

Went to the Southernmost point of the continent. Really or not?

We did the touristy thing, even joining a tour in Fort Siloso with four other Australians. The local guide commented that it's the first time he ever has a Singaporean on his tour. Well, I thought it'd be better to have someone bringing us around and explaining things to us. I have no inkling idea what was in Siloso and I must admit I really learnt something. The big girl was like "tsk tsk", abit showing off like she knows every thing. Well, she has to know everything coz she studied those in History lesson. My History lesson has gone down in history.Bleh! Though at some point I was regretting my idea to bring them to Sentosa, I could have done a staycation and idled in air-conditioned places. I was melting under the hot sun!

Sentosa has changed so much since we last went in 2007? We've been to Sentosa after USS began operations, but it's usually only RWS area we ventured. It must be God's plan for us coz just the day before, Underwater World announced that admission fees will be down to the previous fees. I had to bring them there, Aricia has no recollection of the place. Saw the turtles and they've grown SO BIG! Yah, my girls grew too!

Made two rounds on the travellator and we said our sayonaras to the fishies, sharkies wondering how long more they can live in Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. Though we were a little cooled down but we were too tired to walk anymore. We went back to the hotel, ready to get into our room and have a nice cold shower. 

Accommodation is in Hard Rock Hotel. The room is big, good for big families and can even lay tilam on the floor. However, there wasn't any sofa to relax. We had to watch TV sitting on the bed. I don't really like the room, they didn't even vacuum the carpet. Oh my! I can literally see crumbs on the carpet. I rate it 4/10. Staff friendliness 9/10. Once is enough. Won't waste the money to stay there again. The only good thing is we have  complimentary carpark coupon, so hub stayed at Sentosa with us, making his commute time to work shorter.

Compulsory stop over place. Dinner at Coca's. I really miss the chilli. Can we buy the special chilli dip?

After dinner, we wandered around trying to digest our food. It was the first time seeing USS in the night. We soon drew our attention to some loud noise and ran towards it. It was this electronic crane dancing with fireworks. I thought I've seen something similar like this before? Where was it? China?

8th (Wed) - USS

Before the start of the school hols, che-che asked when she can go USS with her friends. To save time, I asked her to go either on one of the days we're there. She will have her company, I will bring the little one around on my own. At first there were a few of them who showed interest but everyone is busy with either tournaments or banned (from going out too much during the first week of hols), in the end only one could make it. Another girl asked her to go the following week, I didn't allow.
Had Macs for breakfast and then we proceeded to USS. Got che-che an annual pass. Then her friend came and we went our separate ways. My girl is growing too fast; independent. Soon, she'll not want me anymore.
  

The rain brought much respite from the heat. I loved the cooling temperature BUT it's troublesome and most outdoor rides were suspended. We've been to USS 3-4 times already and this is the first time we encountered such thing. I asked one of the staff and he highlighted to me "lightning alert". It makes sense. But it'll be a luck thing, imagine a tourist coming all the way here and having paid so much and ..not like we can predict weather..
Oh my! I need to get my $74 worth. The lil' one is really a scaredy cat. (No Magic Mountain for her!)  We really can't take many rides so we left early as she wanted to play in the hotel swimming pool.

These are some pictures of her to show that she did go USS. 

I settled lil' one's dinner. While che-che had dinner with Vanessa in Vivo. And since her return time back to Sentosa is almost the same time as hubby coming back, I asked him to fetch her so that she don't have to walk back in the dark. 

It's our second and last night here.I'm thankful that I didn't have to work my butt off cleaning the house but it means that after this relaxation, I'd slog like doubly hard after that. 

9th (Thu)

Woke the girls up early to change into their outside clothes and passed hub the luggage. Wasn't sure if we would end early and head home ourselves, having the luggage out of our mind would definitely make travelling around easier. Had Slappy Cakes again and we went on to do some activities that were KIV-ed on first day. 
We went on the Luge, it's so fun. Lil' one is so cautious, braking intermittently and it's so noisy. The first time I asked che-che to go down on her own so I stayed with her watching out for riders coming from the back (just incase they can't brake in time) Staff happened to come down and assisted her. I had an idea what's the problem, she doesn't have the strength to hold on to same position for long so would let go thus stopping. Second time, undeterred, she wanted to go alone again. Che-che so kindly told me she would follow her and I can do the thrill of going down non-stop. I made an illegal stop by the side and waited for them, heard the irritating sound and knew they're on their way down thus managed to get some shots. Third time, che-che volunteered again that she'll follow her so I can make my way down fast. Wow! I thought  to myself, she's really so sweet. So I went down "weeeeeeeeee" very fun but still a cautious driver. After some time, I spotted che-che and was looking out for lil' one BUT she's not there. Then she came down and told me she kept stopping and she got frustrated so left her there. WHAT!!!! How can she do that? She's so 恨 to my baby; my darling; my precious (haha! Note all the endearing names). Should I go over and ask the 'tanned knights in shorts to rescue the princess on a luge? Would she be crying? Would she be frightened? Then I thought, maybe just wait a while. When she's alone, she'll be forced to be independent so it might be a good thing. About 5 mins later, we heard that irritating noise and relieved as she made her way down. I looked at her, no signs of distress, so didn't want to question her. I believe that leaving her alone should toughen her up a little. Fourth time we went, I asked her to sit with me so she can feel the thrill of going down quickly. Wah....I got one kiasi girl who kept telling me "not so fast mummy. Slow down" 

* eyes rolling * I brought my mother out; not my daughter. 

Had one last ride, coz they said if girl with me it's considered one ride. Che-che didn't want to go so I went my last ride for the day down really fast. Wheee...........FUN!   

Went on some 4D experience thingy. Told them we can skip Madam Tussauds coz no interesting people. I'd like to bring them to London's Madam Tussauds instead. As usual that scaredy cat girl, so afraid on rides. Buay tahan her! It was already close to 5pm, we decided to call it a day and asked hub if he could give us a ride back home from Harbourfont Centre.

Our short break has come to an end. The girls aren't looking forward to it though as it means it's work work work for them at home. 

An accidental encounter with the OILS

It's been three months since I walked into the oily path. Well, if you don't understand me... playing with essential oils. I shall not divulge which brand I'm using here as I'm not hard-selling them but rather use them for personal use. This is a personal blog entry and not meant as a marketing platform for businesses. * I will not hesitate to delete comments if anyone is trying to sell their brands here. TQ. * 

COINCIDENCE OR FATE?

The uncanny thing about this is that I bought two of their blends for my girls when I read about it on the internet. And that was like 4-5 years ago? I was shipping them from the US all the time since 2011 or was it 2012? 

One day, Friend 1 was telling me she joined this company. And asked if I knew what essential oils were. Of course I did I told her, I mainly buy to make the house smell nice. And I used tea-light diffuser. She was surprised when I told her essential oils have been ongoing for a very long time already. She chuckled and commented she's the backdated one. And then she mentioned about the store bought oils I usually buy vs theirs. To cut the long story short, the next day she passed me a bottle of Peppermint. Che-che opened the bottle and immediately she took the bottle and claimed it's hers and then start putting back the bottles of essential oils she took from me. She told me it smells different and she likes it. Wow! I wasn't convinced and told Friend 1, who said she isn't wrong to like it coz it's natural and the rests are chemical laden.

Another time, I talked to Friend 2 coz once che-che told me she went to their house and saw so many bottles of essential oils around the house. I had no idea whether she was a fervant fan or just a passerby. I told her the whole story about how che-che is able to sniff that bottle Friend1 passed and friend was pleased that she has acute sense of smell. (I don't! Coz I kept asking "what's the difference. Isn't stronger smell better than the subtle smell?") Friend2 was so excited and really a guru, she started telling me what I can use with certain oil etc.. 

The next day she passed a bottle of Peppermint to my girl when I told her she likes Peppermint. Same thing again, she smelled and kaput the bottle and return me the first bottle Friend1 gave, saying that this is better. Again, I kept saying it smells just the same. Something must be wrong with my nose. She claimed it doesn't and she prefers this better. Then I took a look at the bottle. The label .... something is so familiar... I ran back to my room to take out the blends and checked. If only I can strike 4D as accurate as this. It's the same company! I asked Friend2, "you mean they have an office in Singapore now? How long have they been in Sin? I've been buying their 2 blends from the US all these while!" 

I guess it's just fated for me to bump into this company here. I did some read up on the companies as both friends are members of different company. Needless to say, my one and only judge, che-che, passed her verdict. She likes company 2 better, perhaps she was already accustomed to the smell since she used their blend for years? Even when we have two other oils from both companies to compare, she's still biased with her preference.

I decided it's no harm to join the company as I will need to get the oils. But I had many bottles of the other brands' essential oils. It'll be a waste to junk them away, as much as I would like to slowly get rid of chemical laden products in my home, I will have to do it progressively as I will get rid of them by using them in the toilet bins, toilet bowls. But ask me to drop the new oils into the toilet bowl? It's so .... wasted because they cost $$.

ONE MONTH INTO THE NEW PARTIALLY HOLISTIC LIVING
Che-che was telling me about her friend (her mother is Friend2) would always use oils in class in primary school. Their classmates didn't like it but they didn't tell her off and endured for the years they were together. Her friend would use this "weird smell in school but I'm so used to it." "She would also drop ### in the excursion bus such that the whole bus stank. When we went Malacca, we're the only group who didn't get any mosquito bite coz she protected us with her oils. During camps, she would go round the whole room and pour lavender." I answered, "isn't it good. She's putting all of you to sleep." "I don't mind, I love the smell of lavender and she did it to repel insects." Haha! Okay I have no complaints but I'd freak out if I found out my daughter is using oils like water. 
One day, a lady walked past us in Macs and immediately she told me "that's ###!!"  
I remembered her mom was telling me to get this ### which is really good. She started telling me what to do with the oils. It's really nice to have a learned person guiding me. I bought and che-che kaput from me (again). She helped herself to my bottles and put them in her room.          

ONE AND A HALF MONTH INTO THE NEW PARTIALLY HOLISTIC LIVING   
One day,I started with a little of that "gasping for breath" cough. That same bad cough which I got last year when I fell really sick during the impending move into our new home. I googled and decided to use the oils to heal myself. I was a little skeptical. Well you can't blame me, a person who believed in antibiotics to get rid of that sickness before I use TCM. This holistic living is a total different ball game from the two medicinal worlds. You can say I was sold into it because IT WORKED! I told mom I didn't go to the doctor but used oils. 
Then another day, mom came over and stayed. She suddenly felt feverish. I was a little hesistant to apply oils on mom as she is a renal recipient, and I really need to be very careful. But I decided to try on her somehow. IT WORKED! 

TWO MONTHS PLUS INTO THE NEW PARTIALLY HOLISTIC LIVING
I have a lot to learn, it's so interesting (like taking up a third language) but I really have no time to read up on more. However, there's one oil which is indispensable - Lavender. Lil' one is slowly loving it and would allow me to apply it topically on her. Whenever she feels itchy, she'd ask for the anti-itch spray I prepared. Also ask to apply the oil neat on her. "mummy mosquito bite me. Put lavender." 
Something which I need to remind myself. I need to read up before I apply any oils topically. Obviously I don't and a funny mistake I did was to put two drops of peppermint on my hand and rub her scalp. It's refreshing! Her eyes started to get smaller and she kept rubbing her eyes. "I cannot open my eyes.." Haha. Should put it in her mouth so she won't be able to open and talk, right? Then I read "Peppermint is a hot oil. Be careful when using on children."   
I do find myself reaching out for the oils more now. I mean, this is not as hard as cooking right? I get the feeling, then think a certain oil will help to remedy. Nobody suffers from inhaling wrong oils as compared to eating horrible food. I was angry with the girls once, really angry. After scolding them, I went to my room. 
I felt horrible and applied an oil on myself. Not too long after, I felt so much better, I didn't have that feeling of something gripping my heart.
The oils will change our lives, slowly. 

Looking forward!     

 

Rescue my face

It's a love hate thing I have for winter. I love the cold but I need to wrap myself up like dumpling. Added on the fact that I'm no longer young, I have to be more protective of myself. Thus restricting my movement. (I feel more cumbersome with my winter wear)

One thing I hate is how the cold winds will affect my skin. Usually I'm without makeup back home but when it comes to holidays in winter countries, I tend to put makeup to cover and protect my face. I'm not sure if my thinking is logical but....it's also more likely I'll appear in the pictures too so I need to look good.  I have a 3 min hydrating mask I bought from my beautician in my travel toiletries bag.

Back in the apartment, I will have to be extra hardworking and put on facial mask, at least twice in any holiday. Back home, I can count the number of times I put on mask (those big piece face mask) at home with one hand. So with holidays, probably I felt a little relaxed to start remembering to pamper myself, I'll usually pack 1-2 inside my toiletries bag.

Last winter (2014), I was caught unaware how bitterly cold Shanghai was. So bad that the usual hydrating mask I have didn't work and I had dry; itchy; flaky skin. Sephora was near where we stayed, so I dropped by one day to get something for my skin. According to the SA, he said it's the best

but truth be told I hated the biting sensation, maybe it was that Alguronic Acid?? What the heck is that?! My skin didn't feel any difference but it felt more itchy. I was "slapping my face" almost the whole time. I looked embarrasingly like a lobster, my face was ... unsightly dark pink. Perhaps call me a pink snake coz I was like shedding my skin. Think that gave you an idea of how hideous I looked. 
Amazingly my face 'healed' when I returned back to Singapore, I didn't have to deal with more 'shedding'.   

2015

This winter (2015), I was doing some reading up in the apartment in Shanghai. Note the difference in year 2014 and this year, hubby told me about a free VPN I could use from iPhone. It wasn't enough so I paid to upgrade the data. Both years we headed to Japan from Shanghai for a short break, this year I decided that my skin was about to "give way" again (not so bad coz winter was slightly warmer than last year's) so searched on recommendations of facial products I can get in Osaka. Magazines; bloggers; product reviews. I finally had some ideas and products to look out for.

Going into any Japanese beauty store is an experience not to be missed. I simply love it, however I have to be sure I clutch onto my purse tightly as I may end up buying more than what I need.

And you know what? Within a day! Yes, I'm not bragging it's really within a day. It wasn't dry anymore and it did seem that moisture from the lotion and cream was absorbed quickly into the skin. My skin felt supple and hydrated, got that "poing poing". And the best thing is that I didn't have to use alot. I needed only a small drop.(I bought the toner; lotion; facial wash; moist mist. Notice I didn't get serum and the basic set is good enough for winter country I layered my face like kueh lapis without that greasy feeling. It's that great!    

I then felt so cheated that my pricey Dr Grandel can even lose out to affordable brand like Hada Labo. It lives to their line "one drop locks an ocean"

Let me introduce to you : The Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Acid range (not the full range I bought) for hydration.

Extracted this from their website : 

13. What is the difference between Hyaluronic Acid and Super Hyaluronic Acid?

1g of Hyaluronic Acid is able to hold up to 6Lof water. Super Hyaluronic Acid has double the moisture retention capacity of Hyaluronic Acid, providing your skin with more moisture retention ability.

14. What is Nano Hyaluronic Acid?

Nano Hyaluronic Acid is another excellent ingredient that is newly added for skin hydration. The molecule size of Nano is 15-25nanometer is extremely fine so it can penetrate easily into the innermost layer of the skin.

This is what I bought for use in Osaka and Shanghai. Pictures are taken off from a website, the ones I bought are in Japanese.

Moisture Mist - which I brought out with me to hydrate my skin throughout the day. However I must admit whatever I put on my face in the morning before leaving the hotel was sufficient. Since I bought already, I shall try to lighten my luggage load. I was hesitant to buy another bottle as I have the habit of not putting any lotion or toner back home. And if it ran out before I left Japan, I'll buy another bottle to last my remaining stay in Shanghai. Only one bottle and I merely sprayed a few times. Somehow I feel it did its job of hydrating my skin on the go while my face is exposed to the weather elements.   

Toner - Feels this was doing its job, I didn't need the lotion at all. Or perhaps my skin feels superbly absorbent to anything since I hardly put on any. 

 Lotion 

I noticed there's the green colour range as well but this is more hydrating and I'm basically using it for winter. I'm not sure as I've not checked out the stores in Singapore if they carried this range, anyway whether they have it or not, it's cheaper to get it here.

I bought another one - Premium oil Jelly 

which even more hydrating (for severe winter) coz it has a layer like Vaselin. When you're desperate, anything oily is good.  

I even got the facial mask. This mask - can do. 

I read up reviews on another mask so decided to try this out. The only thing I hate about this mask is that the they are not individually wrapped, which means taking them out nicely without creasing the next piece is a challenge itself. I prefer individually packed masks. Just like Hada Labo, this Lululun mask comes in many different colour packaging for varied usage. Do not be deceived by the watery feeling, eh... it's watery to me coz' I'm using a collagen hydrating mask at home which is starchy feel. One piece and I've got Pacific Ocean on my face. I read another review about a gold colour packaging mask but I only saw it in the hotel shop, can't find it in the stores. Too pricey. Never mind, still got chance to go Japan to stock up. 

I'm back to being pweety again. 

Year end holiday

Made our trip to Shanghai for a family reunion. Spent our time nuah-ing away. And the best part is I was able to contact the world via VPN on my phone - NETPAS. My life saviour!! Can't imagine me being Facebook-less.

Just outside our place. Christmas decorations up along 南京西路

As usual, we went out for more family dinner treasuring every time we can get. The girls' favourite Singapore restaurant, western food at  静安. Not forgetting once we went over to spend our weekend in Pudong side.

It was really cold this time and I just want to spend most of my time cuddling in the bed. Can I have such holiday where I can totally do nothing? Where I don't have to take care of the girls? Wanted to bring them to 静安寺 and 豫园 but thought we still have next June. Procrastination!

Unfortunately too, this trip che-che had a bout of cough just before we left Singapore. It was the first time I brought them to a really nice International Hospital in Xuhui. I remember sourcing around for International schools and most campuses were in Minhang and Xuhui. As I got down from the cab, staff came up to me and then ushered me up the lift. Woah! Talk about good service! The building is big and clean. Thank goodness I didn't have to struggle to try to listen to the highly accented mandarin. The doctor spoke good english. Medicine --- sachets like given in Ma Guang and a mix of western medicine. Paractemol bottle in Chinese (Somehow it scares me if they're fake medications). I know if I stay on any longer, I'll perfect the art of speaking tok-kong mandarin

This time round, we also travelled to Osaka and Kyoto. 

Osaka - a place I've been to a few times but there's so much changes. I'm trying to recall where we stayed (perhaps it was Hyatt Regency?) and what was the name of the mall we used to walk across for our lunch. I remember the huge spotlight in the night in the - port? Pity though our night-stops were really short, no time to venture out although I remembered Freddy, my Chief Steward, always talked about going to Namba Station. It was a surprise when I realised the hotel hubby booked is current hotel for SIA cabin crew. Just coz' our room was in the same level as the crew lounge. The girls thought I was able to go into the room and (hopefully) find some familiar faces. I explained it's impossible as the night-stop is short, every crew will make their time fully utilised in Osaka, nobody cares about the crew lounge. 
A trip to Japan is not complete if you haven't been to the castles. Truth to be told, it's actually my first time stepping into a castle.

  

  

The highlight in Osaka is USJ. 

Che-Che was excited with Harry Potter theme park area and then talked about going to Orlando next year. Hmm....we shall see. As usual, I have my company for roller coaster rides while the man brought lil' one along with him at one point. He being the "I don't like theme parks" kind, I should be thankful that he even brought the lil one on her kiddy Hello Kitty rides. Making sure he don't miss anything, I also had to be considerate to ask him what rides he wanted to take. We went on two rides as a family. The Superman and Back To The Future. The lil' one came out "stunned like vegetables" and was so quiet as compared to her chirpy self before we sat on the rides. I guess she wanted comfort so I carried her (and she's so heavy - laden with layers of winter wear) and she was a baby leaning on me. Ahh.... I miss her being a small baby. 

Kyoto is beautiful, I'd love to be back again. Went to a few temples, Gion and even made an appointment for a makeover session for lil' one. I couldn't recognise her as she walked down the stairs in her tight kimono and hairdo, then i recalled not seeing any young kid upstairs earlier on. The moment she opened her mouth - confirmed chopped it's my girl. This would be the only time she'll listen to me and oblige me with this makeover thus I treasure the photo-taking moments with her. Walking in small steps is a big challenge for my chor-lor girl  

Stayed in an onsen hotel, not as authentic as the ones in Hokkaido as the busy street is right outside the hotel. We get to sleep on futon, have some boring breakfast. Of course the stay would be incomplete without a trip to onsen. Needless to say, I'm always the one having to drag two kids with me, I don't even get to relax. I think we spend more time washing ourselves before and after the dip, rather than the dip in the hot steamy water. Nothing compared to the sulphuric / metallic smell ones in Hokkaido so don't feel that the hot water is doing any good to me here.    

And I HAD TO continue my hunt for Haagen Dasz ice-cream. Every time the girls want to stop by Family Mart, I'll head to ice-cream section followed by che-che. She's also beginning to love the stick HDasz ice-cream. Lil' one will go to where they sell oden oden and starts speaking so loudly that she's hungry ..... did I mention that she really ate alot this trip. I wonder where the food went to? Fortunately we were on F&E, we were able to stop any time we want.
This mochi ice-cream has got to be my favourite! 

Well...... kinako mochi is my favourite!! I shall find the recipe and Meidi-ya here I come!

We spent about a week in Japan, with a heavy heart we returned to Shanghai. Back to the pollution and ...... my goash! I feel like I was in mini- China in the airport. You get to see their ugly behaviour. Shouting and jumping queues. Good thing, they thought we cannot speak chinese coz we were speaking in english all the time, and when they tried to be funny, I turned and said I understood every single word they said. They shut up after that. On the day we returned, hubby ordered 外卖 from various places. Food and drinks were delivered to the apartment as we arrived. Wasted no time and ate; washed up and ... I was the ah-sum doing the laundry. I think we overworked the radiator. It was spoilt!! Freezing cold in the apartment. Spent most days tucking ourselves under the duvet, I was really so tired to bring them out. Ahh.... I don't even want to go out for breakfast, something which lil' one would ask daddy to do. I just want to continue hiding under the warm cover and sleep. 
Ha! All the 3 lazy girls in the family. 

We flew back on 23rd. At the boarding gate, the 3 of us were making a fool of ourselves. The staff was saying something in chinese so quickly that none of us heard properly what she said, so we were speculating. Then one nicely dressed lady turned and told us what's being said and asked if we didn't understand chinese. I said yes we understand but she spoke so fast and she used a few unfamiliar words so we didn't quite catch what she said. Turned out it's the queue for upper deck and we're on the right queue. Had a conversation with a guy behind us and he asked lil' one if she's sat on A380 before, she was candid to tell him she sat twice already but this is the first time she's sitting upstairs. Then I told the guy how she cried when she noticed everybody else walking up the aerobridge while she was walking down the aerobridge. Guy told us "We are now the upper class people." Pun intended. With that, we bade goodbye. 

To think that lil' one was so excited about A380 aircraft.... she dozed off on flight and refused to walk around the upper level! 

Till then.....Shanghai see you next June!