Enduring appeal

Mama loves Audrey Hepburn and her movies. I remember we were watching ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ together back in Bukit Panjang. That was, well, way before Gabby was even an idea.

I’m not really into romance, but I was captivated by Audrey’s appeal and her sheer performance. She was simply stunning; she's sophisticated, yet refined and stylish. I believe that she’s the one who immortalized headscarf as part of the feminine garment which remains an iconic fashion to this day. This classy, enduring appeal was also adopted by Supermodel such as Kate Moss.

Well, we have our mini-version of Audrey here. Yes, it’s our very own Gabby 'Hepburn' Hon!

One fine evening, she woke up from her usual weekend power-nap and decided to turn her coverings into a head dress. We didn't reherse this, and I don't think she has met Audrey (yet). But any resemblance is purely coincidental.

Willingly, she became our ‘Supermodel’ for the evening and offers herself for some photo-taking opportunities. Strickly for my camera only...

Heh heh… My daughter beri cute leh! “Baba xi bei hao lian…”

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Stop and smell the flowers!

You need a break. Seriously, you do.

Not that it’s a lazy excuse to go a day without any activities. But it’s important that we take time out to rejuvenate and catch on with ourselves. It’s God’s way of telling you to completely rest and remain in peace. Trust God ‘cause He designed you this way.



Every day, we struggle to make our ends meet. We get quashed while rushing for the things in life: the train rides, the deadlines, endless meetings and conference calls, bills and more bills… Men~No~Pause…



Every year, Mama and I do our parts to remember and celebrate the important dates in our lives: birthdays, ROM day, and wedding day. No hassle, no bells and whistles, just the 2 of us. Our preference: We like it quiet and leave Gabby at the childcare center. “No phone calls please!”



But seriously, we need to take time out for ourselves. The chores of life can quickly make us forget who we are, and our mortal souls sank deep into oblivion. We must be reminded time and again that life’s precious and worth living for.

Understand this: when your elderly have passed on and all your kids have grown up and go about their own ways, you’ll be there for one another ‘til your ripe old age.

It’s worth a day’s off to take her somewhere nice and spend quality time together.

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I want 'phish'!

Koi Garden, Suntec City

Whenever we attend church on Sunday, one of Gabby’s diehard routines is to visit the Koi Garden at the basement of Suntec City. We would give her $2 to buy fish food to feed the fishes.



Once arrived, you will instantly notice that most of the fishes are pretty well fed ‘cause they look bloated, like they are about to give birth. But everyone is excited and they go into feeding frenzy. Well, the fishes aren’t complaining, and no one puts up any stop signs.



The Kois are friendlier than most other fishes I have known. In my opinion, they behave like most domestic pets; they are not shy and like to get very close to people.



It’s actually quite relaxing just by looking at the fishes. Their subtle movements, the sounds and the ripples of the water have calming effects on people. Generally, it sets one on a pleasant and soothing disposition, especially after a hard day’s work. Mama always wanted her own aquarium at home.

“Beri the good idea. But how much leh?” Something cannot be measured; it’s called Intangible Benefits – Relaxation, peace of mind, and soul at ease… yeahhh…


Something fishy here

Besides Kois, there are also different kinds of deep sea coral fishes available on exhibits outside Koi Garden (next to Tony Roma’s). They have these long, stretchy aquarium tanks fixtures that look like huge wall-mount Plasma TVs.


Aquariums: Hey, fishy fishy!

We have been there almost every week. Talk about weird, I have seen some strange-looking fishes and their bizarre behaviours.


Big Eyes Fish

No camera tricks or Photoshop touch-ups: Initially, I thought something was wrong with my lens. As it turns out, this particular fish has really huge eyes.

I don't know what's the scientific name for it, but it sure reminds me of the front cover of the alternative rock band Eels' Beautiful Freak album in the 90s':

Sleepless nights?

Tune in to this interesting MTV by Eels entitled "Novocaine for the Soul": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2yy141q8HQ&feature=fvst

Kinda like Cyclops (X-MEN) wearing huge magnifying glasses for goggles going on a deep sea exploration; in case it gets dark. Clearly a Fibonacci pattern failure.


Vertically challenged

No camera tricks or Photoshop touch-ups (part 2): Every week, I get to notice this particular fish’s interesting move: training for his vertical marathon. I know you won’t believe it; watch the video:


Fish enjoys vertical swim

Occasionally, he gets a little company. But, none of them are quite as persistent as this one. "Really committed to win nah!" "Never say die yah!"

I thought I was watching NEMO live. "I'm going to save my son!"

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I want toys!

The song remains the same: Every child loves toys.

Experts tell us that playing with toys is an integral part of children's development and learning process. Since children are natural learners, they constantly look for opportunities to absorb new experiences and stimulations in their daily lives.

Gabby has been toying with stuffs ranging from infant rattles to hula hoops to simple 6-to-12 pieces jigsaw puzzles.

Hula Hoops Fun with Fei Fei Jie Jie

After half an hour...

Hula Hoops Fun with Fei Fei Jie Jie (Part 2)

Lately, she's into Hot Wheels race cars. Kinda remind Zena of her toddler days. When she feels like playing them, she'll empty them from the ziplock bag and lay them nicely on the bed, like a display artist at work.

So, we did what every parent could, to help her out with the collections. She has about 12 vehicles to date. Quite impressive for her age (I only wish they were all real ones... dah...)

We often take her to the toys departments at shopping malls and various Toys-R-Us outlets. Most visits will take 45 mins at the least. She enjoys herself thoroughly, and conveniently forgets there are 2 'bodyguards' hanging around her that wanted out.

Gabby At Toys-R-Us

Well, there's no 'return policy' for a real kid, methinks. "Ah girl, faster grow up and get married lah! Mama and Papa want our lives back ahhh!"

Before I can finish thinking, she held up one toy that she likes and say: "Baba, pay money!"

Ouch...

Toy Blender

Toy Clock

When I see you smile

Gabby Smileys

"When I see you smile
I can face the world
Oh oh
You know I can do anything
When I see you smile
I see a ray of light
Oh oh
I see it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
Oh yeah
Baby when I see you smile at me"

Remember this big 80s hit by the band Bad English? (dunno why they called themselves by that name, dah...)

Anyway, in those days, you get a handful of really good rock bands (e.g. Bon Jovi, Skid Row, Aerosmith, White Snake, Def Leppard, and many others). But, they pretty much look the same; long messy hair-do, leather jacket outfits, and write tons of really great ballads that made them rock legends.

I'm not a huge Bad English fan, but this particular song hit me like a sledgehammer, even to this day.

"Sometimes I wonder
How I'd ever make it through
Through this world without having you
I just wouldn't have a clue

Cause sometimes it seems
Like this world's closing in on me
And there's no way of breaking free
And then I see you reach for me

Sometimes I wanna give up
I wanna give in
I wanna quit the fight
And then I see you, baby
And everything's alright
Everything's alright"

Often in our lives, we come to breaking points where we wonder: "What's the meaning of it all?" "Why have I worked so hard but gathered so little?" "When is this big break really going to happen to me?" I must admit, I have asked those questions countless times in my life.

Like the stocks markets revisiting their highs and lows, we let our daily toils and spins take us on a roller-coster ride. I have my fair shares 'cause I have been there many times too.

But everytime when Gabby and Zena smile and laugh while having fun, I took visual snapshots of that moment in time and commit them to memory. It reminds me that in times of my vulnerabilities and sadness, I have my love ones to turn to for strength and support.


Gabby Smileys with Helmet

Tune in to the following links for the song and lyrics:
Bad English - When I See You Smile - Lyrics
http://www.lyrics007.com/Bad%20English%20Lyrics/When%20I%20See%20You%20Smile%20Lyrics.html

Bad English - When I See You Smile - MTV
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2lb78_bad-english-when-i-see-you-smile_music

Show me the money!

Gabby n her Ultra-piggy bank

The importance of savings

When I was younger, I often heard stuffs like that from my parents and the elderly. But never really take their advice to heart. I used to play deaf when they start their 'nags'. This went on into my teenage years and persisted well into my adulthood.

It didn't border me until we got married, owned a house, and kids 'suddenly' appeared. Then, we started asking the obvious, history-repeats-itself question: "Where did all that money gone to?"

I think to myself: Yep, its the movies I have watched, CDs and DVDs I have bought, toys and posters I have collected... and the list goes on and on. I admit, bulk of these stuffs are totally unnecessary and useless today. Its taking up space and in the end, I have to get them out of my way. Zena said this in a funny, canto-style tone: "They are preventing earth from turning!"

Ok baby, I get the point...

I once heard this wise saying: "What is the point of using money you don't have, to buy the things you don't need, and impress people who don't even care?!" - Sounds a lot like my parents breathing down my neck, but it sure makes whole lotta sense!


We often run to paid seminars, buy self-help books, tune in to professional advice and talkshows for the very thing that our parents and the wise elderly are saying for free.

So, as a responsible dad, I did the absolute necessary thing... to teach my daughter on the importance of savings.


Gabby completes her round of savings

I want to go playground!

Lately, she loves going to the nearby playgrounds after school. With all that energy built up after lunch and a power nap in the afternoon at school, she is eager to work it out by climbing and running it off.

Zena, now into her 3rd trimester, often joke about this: 'Are you a boy or a girl?', 'She like monkey right?'

But we just love watching her having fun.

Blessed 2010!

Hi there!
It's good to be back on the blog again. We have been 'away' for a while, for no particular reason. Just taking time out and play lazy, taking a break from the digital world.

Well, what can we say, time flies, Gabby is 3 years 1 month old now. We have taken time out to throw a mini celebration at her day care center. It's a surprise party we have planned with the school teachers. She is really delighted celebrating her 3rd birthday with her classmate friends and teachers.

It's a joy to see them sharing these precious moments together. It's the little things that make life wonderful.

Lion Dance

Recently, Gabby's into lion dance. Probably due to the chinese festive new year season and their frequent showing up at the shopping malls and nearby retail stores. She gets to see them more often. Everytime she hears the drumming starts, she will shout 'lion, lion'!