Year end Musing

Its December and this has been a freaking upbeat year for me, family and business. So much so that I feel heavy heart pouncing every minute, jumping up at the slightest, overly paranoid at times. but amidst the negatives tat were mentioned, many good things befalled on me, family and business too. In short, it was and still is a highly exciting year.

Naturally, nothing can be as happy as giving birth to healthy and beautiful Gwen. I am thankful that the AFI episode was just a bad scare. But it did one thing good, cos I find myself loving Gwen a lot, a lot. Its indescribable and probably unmeasurable, the love I have for her. Thinking back, if I had been more head strong or insisted on working too hard, I could have lost Gwen, my little sunshine.

Daryl has grown steadily to become a doting and protective elder brother. Sometimes, I find it amusing, to see how much he adores his baby sis. At times, I get overly irritated at his protectiveness. I call it "Gwen-hogging". hahahaha... Either way, its his way of loving his little sis and I know for sure that someday, Gwen's horde of boyfriends will likely need to seek Elder Brother's consent before dating the Princess. hahaha... no more "Parental Objections"....

Being able to go on a trip with Daryl n Hb, was a highlight too. I refuse to compromise my love for Daryl, even thou Gwen came along. Havent we heard enough about siblings' rivalry? If I can have such a amiable relationship with my brother, so will my kids too. I also do not want Daryl to lose his "exclusive love" from Mummy Dearest, hence we planned the trip with Daryl in mind. I had to say, besides the annoying "Reached hotel by 8pm" ruling from Daryl (cos he wants to play his toys). it was otherwise a fun trip.

Family wise, we are getting more involved in my brother'customary wedding next year. All the procedures/customs etc... were reviewed time and again. I term this year as "Year of Abundance", cos we have been going out for good food almost twice monthly or sometimes more! I guess we all are abiding by the "Work hard,lay hard" rule. In this instance, we are stuffing our tummies hard too!

Well, down to work... its been so hectic and well... i cant think of any other word to describe. Its been a good year, with lotsa opportunities. And yes, we are grabbing every opportunity so tightly and dearly. i like to think of Leadz as a compact camera. Small and compact, yet so versatile and functionable. In short, despite working almost 7 days a week, we are happy. We understand the meaning of "reap what you sow" very clearly.

Well...... end of the day... it another 27 days to go before we officially say Adios, 2009. Hope all will be smooth operating all the way. HUAT AH! :)

Found a new website that gives free samples and after sampling, u write a review on it. Go chk out!

Some Serious Backdating - Gwen's Arrival

wooohooooo... boy!! i went MIA for the longest time! Realised my last posting was as wayback as in Jan!!! Ok.. its gonna take me ages to backdate all events and happenings during these 5 mths. Yup, by the time u are reading this, Gwen is 3mths old liao. :) Ok... sit back, relaz and enjoy.....

20th Mar - Eve of Gwen's Arrival

How can a workaholic like me stop work rite? So u've guessed it. I was scheduled to chk into TMC on the same day, by 6pm. And, the entire morning, i was in office and finally decided to declare the start of my maternity leave, at 1pm. Yup, Sel scolded me for being crazy. :)

I cant rem wat i had for lunch but i knw that i was too nua to go for a good meal. All i wanna do was to be admitted as early as possible, and nua in the hotel (opps!!!! no... i mean hospital) room. Was given an old single room since my designated room was not ready. Ok for us since we were pretty easy going. Hb took a nap while i was happily receiving and sending business emails! *Gasps* I was given a "written warning" (thru email) by Sean, to stop work and start restin for the midnight c-section.

Cam-ing while nua-ing the room,

My family members came to the room abt 10pm plus thou my scheduled ops was 12am sharp. Guess everyone was excited to meet Gwen. Daryl was such a sweetheart! Asked if i wuld feel pain if Dr Sim were to "cut" my stomach. Wahaha...

Was pushed to Ops Theatre abt 11.30pm. Dr Loo, the anesthesia, came and gave me the spinal epidural. Weird cos i gotta curl as curve as a prawn before he can jab me. At that moment, i fully comprehend the meaning of "Sending a chill down the spine". That was literal. Within seconds, i lose all touch senses down-south. My legs felt heavy and i couldnt quite make out if my toes would "crack" like how clay does. Dr Sim sashayed in just 5 mins before 12am. Her cheery "Hello! How are you?" made me felt so assured. It was an enactment of the happenings 6 yrs ago, when she delivered Daryl.

21st Mar - Gwen's Arrival

By then, i was shivering and teeth chattering. Hb came in and sat next to the ops table, in his Astronaut-turned-Clean Room suit. The entire crew got ready and Dr Sim started her "slicing act" at my bikini line. A shield was placed over my stomach and i culdnt see the process. Hb, tried hard not to see and kept talkin to me, holding my bottle warmers (cos i was damn cold - a side effect of the epidural) and my hand. I love the way I (as in ME, urs truly) was tryin to reassure hb that i was ok. GUess without my constant talkin, he would probably hv gone insane. Lol!!! With all the pushing (yes, c-sect still requires pushing.. but as in gynae literally pushing the baby from my tummy to down-south) and tugging, Dr Sim announced "She's out!". And my oh my!! Her 1st cries were loud!! Crystal clear!! At then, my tears flowed freely. After all the initial pregnancy scares etc.... it was finally over. My daughter has arrived to this beautiful world. Her loud cries assured me that she will grow up to be a woman of dignity and confidence.

The nurses and Dr Sim remained at the Ops Table, stitching me up. One nurse signalled to hb and instructed hb to take pic of the clock. Her birth time was 0005hrs on 21st Mar. Weighing at 2995g, Gwen was a little heavier than her brother, Daryl. Hb said he was further instructed to snip off the umblica cord. In 5 mins, she was brought over to me and at that moment, i was doin my thankful prayer in silence, thanking whoever who accompanied me past the stony walk to delivery. Dr Loo assisted to take pictures for us.. all these when Dr Sim was still stitching me. Was pushed bk to ward at 1.30am and my family members were already commenting my new girl's one tough cookie. Made them head home for a proper rest so that they can come over to meet Gwen 1st thing in the morning.

At 8am, when daryl reached, Gwen was brought into the room, and a proper introduction was made. Daryl had became a proud elder brother :) Me? I was happily enjoying my fantastic breakfast! Thru' out the next 2 days, visitors came and all exclaimed that Gwenie has a lot of hair. Hahaha... Was discharged on Monday since gynae felt that i must be doing damn well as I was up and walkin, laughing and eating and entertaining, within 12 hrs of birth. Wahaha!!!

Ok.. shall pen abt the discharge and Gwen's return to her home in next few days...

A good Start to 2009

Yes, its barely 1 mth into the new 2009, and i am all excited and geared up. For the start of 2009 has proven to be challenging and brought abt lotsa good news. It has also set my momentum running and adrenalin pumping like mad.

It was a bountiful 2008, and all the hard work had paid off nicely. Our employees were happy with their 1 month bonus despite bad times, and its only right to give them their dues. Afterall, when they are happy, we will be happy, isn't it?

Also, we are seeing more opportunities coming our way, and that led us to be so thankful and looking foward to better tomorrows. Of cos, it means we are getting busier. Am kinda worried cos i was initially planning to "retire" after CNY and recuperate at home, waiting for Gwen's birth. But i guess work is equally important, especially now that with Gwen coming along, expenses will confirm shoot up.

Speaking of Gwen, its like another 2 more months to delivery and i cant help but feel jittery. I am loving every moment she stretches inside me, or when she kicks when i playfully tap on my tummy. The feeling is beyond description. Especially now, when she is growing day by day, and woth lesser tummy space for her to stretch, all her little movements can be felt. I love looking at my tummy now. The anticipating moment to see my belly do the kallang waves! Hahaha, its shiok! There was once i saw the belly "fluttering" up and down, just like ripples in the pond. Amazing.

And Daryl has been very cooperative so far. Sometimes he will just spurt out all of a sudden, asking me if Gwen is hungry. Hahaha, that darling! Gone are the times when he would grumble if i ask him to pick or retrieve some things from far or from the floor. Now, he does these acts willingly. That pleases me a lot, cos he knws that its not convenient for me to do "acrobatic" acts anymore. Also, i am happy that i understand his character well. Daryl is like an adult, who refuses to be surprised by sudden change of plans. He prefers to be well-informed so that he can "plan". Which is a good thing, cos even before i was evem pregnant, we have been preparing him in case we got pregnant. Hence, he's taking the whole pregnancy in good stride.

Oh, its almost 2 wks into his K2 and i am extremely proud that he's been promoted to become his class monitor! I dunno if the school will swop the position on a monthly basis or will this be a permanent arrangement. Either way, it doesnt matter, cos i'm happy that he's first in class to be named as one.

Its almost CNY and I think preparation's almost done. Reunion dinner has been booked at ChongQing Hotpot again! hahah... but we are dining on the eve of CNY eve, cos on 25th Jan, we are required to work. And for the 1st Day's steamboat dinner, we have almost bought most of the food, leaving the meat and vegetables till nearer CNY dates. Seafood's well stocked up. I think i have almost 2-3kg of prawns all neatly froze in the freezer.

HB likes to think i am mad, for i simply crave for CNY songs!! Hahaha. . . .whats new? Music brings about good mood and isnt that nice? Not only me, but Daryl is loving all the CNY MTVs too!!! hohohoh. . . .

ok, Hb's on his way to pick me to Ikea Tampines and Giant. Oppsss... i guess i will be splurging on CNY goodies again! :P

New Addition to Yeo's Family

On this 30th Dec 2008, my family welcomes a new family member, that is my sister in law, Leah. After some years of datings, tiffs, and loves, the handsome couple pledged in front of their loved ones, to remain in love and unison, whether in times of sickness or happiness.

The solemnisation was held at Ritz Carlton's function room, followed by a sumptous buffet lunch at the Green House Cafe. Nigel is really good friend, to take up the position of designated photographer. I sponsored the photography session for dear bro, since they also have other monetary commitments. I've been thru it, and understood just how much expenses was incurred.

It is an amazing feeling, to see dear bro, standing in front of the JP, back facing us, the audience, in one of his most solemn moments, listening attentively to the JP and her speech, promising to love and honour his wife from this day onwards. What a beautiful feeling it was, to witness a couple in love, go thru one of the most important phase in their relationship.

I duno if its purely overwhelming or pregnancy simply drives one's hormone's upside down, but i thot i detected a tear drop, hovering dangerously in my right eye corner, threatening to drip anytime. Yet, my mouth could not be closed cos i was smiling smiling away. Gosh, if witnessing a marriage can deduce me to such stage, i wonder how i will react perhaps 25 yrs from now, when Daryl meets his Ms Right, and go thru the same phase as his uncle. I must be mad!!! I am thinking abt things that may or may not happen, 2 decades from now!!! OMG!

Daryl, had been very cooperative! No nonsense, no misbehaviour and best of all, was on his toes all the time. He looked exceptionall suave, with his white long sleeve and kaki long pants. I supposed a belt and a tie will complete his gentleman's look, but that will be too overkilling. He's only 5, and a 5yo should not be made to dress as if he's 25yo, agree?

Talking abt Mum and Dad, both seemed cordial and almost nervous. Dad was his usual quiet manner, making very little small talks, and mostly the guardian for Daryl. Someone has to keep him on his toes, ya? Mum? beneath the modern dress up, a floral blouse + pants, her newly bought Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpectual DateJust (Jubilee Bracelets), and her bling bling diamond ring, she was simply nervous, twitching her thumbs. Hahaha, what a sight!

From this day onwards, every end of Dec, will be a romantic affair, for 3 couples. My parents and bro + wife, share the same wedding anniversary, and myself n hb, is one day earlier. Fantastic or coincidence? You tell me. Hahaha

BackDating As Usual

Firstly, MERRY XMAS and HAPPY BOXING DAY!!!

This whole week has been tiring but fun! But, i also realised that facts from pregnancy books are true! That all energy will vanish the same instant one hits her third trimester! OMG, I am beginning to freak out.

On Monday (22/12), we had a rolling good time at Sunny Island, Sentosa, for my maternity shots. We met Nigel and family at Ridout Macdonalds for breakfast before we convoyed to Sentosa. Once we hit the island, we proceeded straight to suss out spots for our shooting. In less than 10 mins, i can feel my makeup running! I was sweating buckets! We also had Sakae Sushi for lunch and New Zealand Natural Ice cream for desserts. Both Daryl and Trevor (Nigel's junior) had such fantastic time too! Ho ho ho. . . .We were done at Sunny Island by 3pm, and headed to Vivo City to chill out till abt 6pm, before we said goodbye to Nigel and family. Then my family of 3 dwelled n shopped more till 8plus. By the time we reached home, i literally snored on the bed, the instant i hit the sack.

My fav pics... (the rest in facebook as usual)

On Xmas Eve (24/12), hb went office to settle some stuff, while i busied myself in the kitchen, marinating my chicken legs with thyme leaves, ground black pepper, salt and dark soya sauce. After hb's back, we went to Hougang Point to collect my free Jolly Sakae Sushi Platter, worth $49 (Free from Harvey Norman, when we bought ourhe 42" TV). Then its off to Nik's place for our xmas celebrations! For once, no booze (unless u term beer as that. But that to us, is plain water!!). All the men, Bert, Nik, Mike, Fatboy and HB went to Sembawang Shopping Centre to do their groceries leaving the women folks and kids at home. By the time they came back, i was almost famished!!! I am impressed with our men! The food they bought were good! Bert did his debut Dried Laksa, which proved to be very yummy!!!! My marinated chicken leg was grilled to perfection, tender and moist! Unlike previous years, no gambling and heavy boozing, cos everyone's either taking care of our young ones, or din want to risk being interrogated by the traffic polices. All no stamina to wait till countdown, and left by 11.30pm. Hahaha, we admit we are old! No more stamina left.

On Xmas Day (25/12), we met up with Tunseng, Gladys and Dennis for makan. Both Tun and Gladys flew back for their health checks as well as to visit friends. We went to Huang Jia at Leisure Park for a sumptous lunch. It was like we had booked the place all to ourselves. Throughout the 2 hrs lunch, there were no other diners, and we sat ourselves comfortably right in the centre of the restaurant! So much so for being centre of attractions! lols!!! After lunch, we had coffee at Coffee Bean. Time passed so fast, with everyone updating everyone, since the last we catched up together was almost 4yrs ago, before Tun and Gladys left for Shanghai. After sending them off, we proceeded to mum's place, to nuaz and to have our steamboat dinner. All of a sudden, it feels more like CNY than Xmas!! wahahaha, we were playing MJ while waiting to dine. We had fun dining and talking. Decided that this year's reunion will be a dine out affair, since i dun think by then, i will have the energy to do the food preparation and cleaning up. Goodie! Its gonna be at Chong QIng Magical Hot Pot again!!! ho ho ho!!!

Ok, will blog again soon!!

Counting down to ... ...

Falalalala.... its year end!!! This is my favourite time of the year. Somehow, days pass just so easily during this period, with excessive shoppings, parties, family outings and so many festivities to look forward to! Me love December!

20th Dec
AW x'mas gathering at East Coast!!! We had it last year at Sentosa. And this year, i suspect it will be a small intimate affair since most will be overseas for holidays or personal engagements. Nvm, we'll still enjoy ourselves anyway!

22nd Dec
My "mega-photoshoot"!!! Hahahaha, yap, Nigel has been so sweet! Cant tahan my pestering and decide to go a free maternity photoshoot for me. We have decided to go to Sentosa, with our families. Thats killing 3 birds with one "shoot". One, i get to do my outdoor shoot(something that i regretted not doing when Daryl was in tummy). Two, I have my closest kins to give me the support (most like to help me produce my mega-watt smile). Three, the kids get to play with the sand, sun and sea (provided weather will be kind).

24th Dec/25th Dec
If bert and rest are still gonna be in sin, (assuming they cant bear to leave us behind to go for their kukup trip), we will have our yearly xmas party with lotsa card games and booze!!! I love love love our parties!!! But i am so gonna miss my booze! honestly!

29th Dec
My 7th wedding anniversary!!! Hahaha, ya, i know i just blogged abt my 8th anniversary, but that was the ROM anniversary. 29th Dec is our customary anniversary. But, think we will skip the celebrations cos the next day, will be bro's ROM date. We can celebrate with free meal at the Ritz Carlton!!! wahahaha... Am thinking what should i be receiving for my anniversary pressie? Maybe, i'll ask him to pay half for my diamond earrings. kekeke.... Ya, me has been no good. Too much splurging! Dun dare to list out my expenses for this year (cant resist nt to blog: 2 holidays, diamond earrings, Spa package, new TV, new sofa, LV wallet (hb's n mine) and LV bag, diamond ring for mum and a half-sponsored Coach Bag for her). But i promised myself already, that after 5 yrs of prudence and all, this shall be the only year that i will spend. Anyway, i got what i want, all in 2009. kekeke.... i shall stop.


30th Dec
Somehow, this December is special! Besides having Gwen (lying contentedly in my tummy) around, my family has a new addition! Hahaha.. no, no, no, not another baby. My "baby" brother (he is 29yrs tis yr), is gonna move into another phase in his life - to be someone's husband. He will be having his solemnisation at Ritz Carlton, followed by buffet lunch. Well, i am determined to be a good sis! Hahaha, shall be sponsoring his photography. Well, this same day, is my parent's wedding anniversary too!! 32 years of marriage! Amazing!! Having gone thru all the storms, our family came out much stronger than before!!!


These are what i am looking forwrad to now. 31st Dec is gonna be another long blog. I guess i wun write abt it yet.... counting counting counting down!!!!!