I.love.shopping

J's first time in the supermarket trolley's hotseat. He's so curious even though it was 8 - 9 pm when we went diaper shopping... he was delighted whenever we passed him various objects to explore. I think he fancied the bag of chocolates most but obviously diapers were his main loot. I think this is a place where I can bring him to by myself! ;)

Pompeii

G is away for a business trip till thurs. Since I had been wanting to see the Pompeii exhibition, I decided to go with J (on my own). Turned out to be some adventure... First, I realised I didn't lock the car until we reached the gallery so I made a dash to the car and back in record time. Later, he didn't like the 3D documentary too much and began to fuss so I made a quick escape in the middle of it. On to the exhibits and after a while, he decided that it was time for his feed and I had to exit again to feed him outside. When I made it into the gallery for the third time, I managed to finish most of the exhibits and left for much needed food! Was disappointed with the service staff at the cafe but the museum staff was terrific cos by the time I left, J had fallen asleep in my arms and there was no way for me to carry the stroller down the entrance steps so they helped me do so, right to my car and offered to fold the stroller (which is not too straightforward). Next time, I shall go with G.

Getting ready...

with home-made taggies...

and booties...

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Dear baby,

Time really flies... you are 35 turning 36 weeks! Mummy is hoping for you to be patient and not rush into this world before you are full term at 37 weeks.

Meanwhile, we have been preparing for your arrival... your nursery is being sorted and mummy's hospital bag is finally packed!

We are very excited to meet you in a couple of weeks time!

Love,

mummy

Post-run babble

Took part in the Great Eastern 10km run for the second time this year. I enjoyed the company of R and M during parts of the run and was proud that I did not cop-out at the last minute despite having too little sleep the night before.

My timing of 1 hour 23 minutes is a good 10 minutes slower than last year's timing... a rather dismal showing though I was not convinced that I could do better since I hardly trained for this. I suppose this serves as a timely reminder to train harder for the StanChart half marathon in Dec...

Rooftop of the World

A long time since the last post... Went to Tibet with parents, in-laws and G for 10 days. Thankfully, the trip went well and none of us experienced altitude sickness. I guess taking 红景天 helped (found out about this thanks to OY).

Our journey took us to 西宁 (Xining), 青海湖 (Koko Nor), 塔尔寺 (Kumbum Monastery). I felt really happy travelling to 青海湖 as the canolas were in bloom and provided a sharp contrast to the blue lake.


The main part of our trip took place after we board the train that took us along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. In my view, the construction of the railway is no mere feat since the highest point has an elevation of 5,010 meter, and the oxygen content of the air is only 50 percent of low-lying areas! Mercifully, we 'survived' the small cabin space - 6 pax to a cabin!


At 拉萨 (Lhasa), we toured the main tourists sites including 布达拉宫 (Potala Palace), 大昭寺 (Jokhang) and 八角街 (Bakhor Street). I was touched by the sincerity of the Tibetans who would prostrate all the way from their hometown (many many months of foot journey) to reach Lhasa's Jokhang and Bakhor Street. Was told that the rich would have their folks waiting on them along the way but the poor would simply beg for their meals...

We also travelled west to 日喀则 (Shigatse) and the sights were amazing! We rode through/past so many mountains but this mountain range is considered one of the 'youngest' in the world and is still growing. Here is when I really admire our shifu for bringing us across all the mountains (and back) safely... We stopped by 羊卓雍錯 (Yamdroktso), one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams and shines with the most brillant turquoise colour. We also visited 扎什倫布寺 (Tashilhunpo Monastery) but I was more impressed by the scenery than the monastery ...


The trip ended in 昆明 (Kunming) where I met up with J, a friend whom I have not met in 6 years! She's returning to notthingham for PhD in October and I'm glad we had the chance to catch up!

Some firsts in this trip (even though I consider myself quite a seasoned traveller):

• Travelling with both sets of parents... felt that they overshopped but I guess it makes them happy too so maybe shopaholism is inherited?
  

• Surviving the longest train ride of my entire life by peeing just once in that entire journey (25 hours!)... Considering the amount of water I drink and that I visit the washroom at least 4 times in a workday...


• On a related note on washroom, this is the first time I experienced the full Chinese toilet culture...


• Seeing two arches of rainbow appear simultaneously at a holy place - the seat of the Panchen Lama... really a special moment that I will remember and treasure forever.


• Got to know a guide who would help his tour members refund overpriced items they bought...


• and I got a rosary (from the same guide)...
  


• and another (last but related to travelling) first for this blog - using Mandarin!

Raspberry dreams

My new GT2140! It was christened Raspberry during its round in the office and this was taken at Bukit Timah Hill by G:

Happy thoughts are ....

a surprise bouquet from G


a new arrangement



and the trip to Sabah in a few hours time! =)

A small Start

For gardening...
(the mint tea is so refreshing!)


For photography...

and a little more on the flowers of the week =)

Prototype

I created this over the weekend and had the pleasure of shopping for ribbons. Found one that matches our dress to be used for the actual wrist corsage =)

p.s. Plaza Sing is a heaven for ribbons!
p.p.s. Totally irrelevant but am thrilled to watch Federer win his 14th Grand Slam title =P

Feeling good...

... cos I made these! Gave one bouquet to a friend and the other to my MIL =)
Am experimenting now to make the corsages for a friend's wedding coming up on 21 June. Will upload the pics once they are readY!

My flowers of labour

Have been busy "pottering" for the past few weeks:

The different arrangements made use of so much chrysanthemums, cyprus sticks, coconut leaves etc that I was quick sick of them... but the good thing is that a new arrangement each week really brightens up the house =)

I dream that one day I would have a garden full of flowers and greens to choose from for my arrangements but I guess I have to start small... the plan is to drive to the nursery after hubby's CFA to start my plant collection although admittedly I may not have green fingers...

In case you were expecting pottery, I do have to say that I feel a shame for giving it up after learning it for 1.5 years. I dream of going back to it someday but its floral arrangement for now!