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

Our 1st Picnic @ Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

Sorry guys for the very late post. Our very 1st picnic @ Jacob Ballas Children's Garden.

The attendees are Joanne and Lycia, The Loks, Joey and The Hons. We met at the entrance @ abt 5ish and choose a spot near the pond. By then, everyone were ready for the fun.

Our spread

The lovely princesses

Joanne and Lycia

The 2 'Js', Joelle and Joey.

The HONs would like to thank Joanne for inviting us to this wonderful outing and we look forward to the next one.