tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79941674317893457162024-03-14T13:03:02.440+08:00Crazy chaos in our houseJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-78173305178324043932016-09-04T20:00:00.000+08:002016-09-04T20:00:44.054+08:00Rest in Peace to AnelenAnelen was our first helper in Singapore. We moved to Singapore in July 2009. Many families in Singapore have a 'live in helper' - often a helper from The Philippines who will live in and help out with - well basically everything. I decided on moving to Singapore that I would embrace this! When we first arrived, we had a babysitter Lorena who would come once a week or so to our serviced apartment. This was such a luxury - Gary and I had a 7 month old and a 2 year old and all of a sudden we had time to actually go out together! Even better, Lorena would iron all of Gary's shirts while we were out and the serviced apartment would be amazing to return to. Lorena asked us if we were considering getting a live in helper. She had a friend who had been working for an Australian family but the family were moving back to Aus so this friend was looking for a new employer. We met Anelen a short while later and arranged for her to start working for us in September 2009.<br />
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We moved into our first condo - Queens and Anelen moved in with us. She taught us how things worked in Singapore and very quickly became an important member of our family. When I look back at our time with Anelen, I remember her teaching Tara how to walk: "Don't crawl - WALK!", her dealing with both kids toilet training, basically, she was an amazing 3rd parent to the kids. We had many evenings of sharing a glass of wine together and chatting - I'm sure unconventional but it worked for us. I remember her dealing with the day that Alex broke his arm and Gary, Alex and I rushed out the door to the hospital - she took it in her stride and kept Tara amused all day.<br />
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We moved to Aspen Heights in November 2010 and Anelen took that in her stride too - I'm not sure we would have coped without her there.<br />
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In late 2011, Anelen's work permit needed to be renewed. They do a random sample of helpers who will need a chest x-ray. She was chosen to have the x-ray. The chest x-ray revealed some issues - it was initially diagnosed as TB. She had to go to a clinic to take some medication and deal with the quite strong medication. A few months in, another x-ray was taken to see if the medication was working. There was no change and so she then needed to go to the hospital for a biopsy to see what the issue was. Sadly, cancer was diagnosed. She needed surgery. Anelen went home to The Philippines to have the surgery in early 2012. We thought there was a chance she would be able to come back to Singapore but sadly this wasn't to be the case.<br />
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We have kept in touch over the years and caught up on the phone and on skype. We were all really sad to hear that she passed away last week in The Philippines. She is very fondly remembered by all of us. Rest in Peace Anelen. Thanks to all you did for our family. xxxJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-32957496066043305052016-01-06T05:23:00.001+08:002016-01-06T05:23:16.772+08:002015 Wrap Up
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s currently 9:00pm on New Year’s Eve – my 2015 wrap up is
well and truly overdue – normally I manage to get it out by Christmas but this
year it’s going to sneak its way into 2016. We are currently in Nottingham and
tomorrow morning we will head off to Penzance. I hopefully will get this sent
from Cornwall! Update – here it is January 5</span><sup><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and we spent a beautiful
2 days in Cornwall catching up with Harvey and Hannah-Jane – no time to sit
around at the computer! We arrived in Dartmouth on Sunday night and we have
another 2 nights here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 was a significant year for our family. We finished last
year with Gary between jobs having completed his contract in October. The start
of the year was slow job wise and although there were a few nibbles nothing
panned out in terms of a new contract. In March, Gary interviewed for a job at
the Playford council. Playford is an area north of Adelaide – a massive drive
from the Adelaide Hills – but having a job far from home is better than no job
so when an offer came through, Gary accepted the position. It was a contract
that was initially only for 3 months. As it turned out, Gary loved the job –
the work environment and the people so that was excellent. The commute was hard
work at over an hour each way – not ideal – especially when we live in the 20
minute city! The contract was extended for an extra 3 months with the promise
of a potential 18 month contract down the line. On the strength of this
promise, we booked our UK holiday – obviously with the nod from Gary’s boss. It
had been 4 years since we’ve been to the UK as a family – Gary has come every
year but we both thought it was really important for the children to see their
grandparents again, especially with deteriorating health for both of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In August, a job came up at Walkerville Council and I knew
the agent who was recruiting (this is Adelaide after all), so I dropped them a
mail to say that Gary was my husband and that I thought he had the right skill
set etc. A number of weeks later, they called Gary in for an interview (in fact
we had both written it off in terms of a possibility). The interview was
intense (over 2 hours!) and a week later, Gary was offered the job. He is now
the Finance Manager at Walkerville Council – much closer to home – and so far
he is really enjoying the job. It was a tough couple of years getting steady
work in Adelaide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My work situation has been quite steady – I have been at The
Beachouse for 18 months now and I still love it. My boss is fantastic – he is quite
entrepreneurial and always looking for new opportunities. My work is extremely
flexible and I now work a full day from home each week which provides more
flexibility in terms of the kids and schedules etc. In July, I completed study
to become a BAS agent – this was quite straightforward and nothing too onerous
at all but something that I thought could be great to start my own business
working from home, helping people out with BAS and bookkeeping services.
Shortly after I finished my qualification, I snagged a job – it was a bit of a
chance happening – someone put a post on Facebook asking for some training in
MYOB – I sent them a message and got the gig. As it turned out, their
bookkeeper then left so it has turned into an ongoing job – it’s a hair and
beauty salon in Mount Barker and I do around 4 hours a week for them – just
their payroll and BAS but I love it – it’s flexible – working from home and
helping people out in their own business to hopefully do things in a more
efficient smarter way. Ideally, I would love to get another 1 or 2 clients in
2016 where I can help out with bookkeeping, BAS and payroll for small business
but I expect this will happen as time goes on – I haven’t actively marketed my
business yet!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alex was in Year 2 this year. He was in a year 2/3 combined
class at Rose Park Primary and he seemed to really like it. Alex is quite
involved with his friends and friendships and these are really important to
him. I really liked his teacher – she didn’t seem to tolerate bad behaviour and
I thought she was really good – she had a massively challenging class with
mixed ages and a number of non- English speaking kids. Alex had a good year and
has now finished at Rose Park – he is heading to Pembroke which is where Tara
has been going for the past 2 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tara was in Year 1 this year and seemed to settle in well
with year 1. The resounding comment on Tara’s report card was that she has
grown in confidence. Tara is naturally shy but once she warms up, you would
never know it! Her teacher commented when she saw Tara interacting with Alex
that this was a side of Tara she had never seen before. We are trying to work
on her confidence and I think she is coming along really well. 2016 will be a
challenge for her as she is in a class without her best buddy from Reception
and Year 1. The great thing is she seems fine with this and we’re hoping that
it will build her confidence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One significant thing this year was the kids both started
scouts. They both initially begun in Joeys which is for 5 – 7 year olds and
then in term 3, Alex moved up to Cubs which is the next level up. Scouts has
been fantastic for both of them. Tara has grown massively in confidence – so
much so that at the end of year ceremony she was the Joey who along with a
Venturer (18 year old scout), carried the flag around the circle. Alex has made
a number of new friends and as scouts is run through the school (Pembroke), it
has been great for Alex to feel more comfortable about changing schools. He has
a couple of kids from scouts in his new class for 2016 so this should
definitely help with the transition to the new school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holidays in 2015 – we began the year with a week by the
beach in Normanville – a coastal town in SA – which was lovely. We caught up
with our long standing friend Fitzy and his kids along with Anita (over from
Singapore) and her brother Hobby. We spent Easter in Normanville again. On
Easter Sunday we headed off to a different beach (Second Valley) and ran into
people we knew from school – typical Adelaide – so we went for a cup of tea and
hot cross buns at their beach house which was great fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In July, we took advantage of the frequent flyer points and
flew up to the Gold Coast in Queensland. We
hired a car and spent 5 nights at Burleigh Heads – a beautiful part of the
world. I even got my bathers on and went in the water and it was only 21
degrees but after the Adelaide winter, it felt massively warm! We also got to
take the kids camping at Mount Remarkable, we have camped as a family before
but this was the first exposure real exposure to the Outback. We are hoping for
more camping in 2016.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our trip to the UK has been our big holiday this year. We
left home on Christmas Eve at 10:30pm – we then spent most of Christmas Day on
the plane. The kids were both great on the flights – although Alex probably had
a bit too much screen time! We spent our first night at the airport at Gatwick before
hiring a car and beginning our tour around the UK. This is very much a tour of
catching up with friends and family. After Gatwick, we headed over to the
Hilton at Cobham where we also stayed on our last trip. It was lovely to be
somewhere familiar and also not far from our old house in Walton on Thames. We
caught up with Clare and Nick – friends from Singapore on Boxing Day for a
fabulous meal. On the Sunday, we drove to Surbiton and caught the train to
London. We managed to catch up with Ann – an Adelaide friend who is also
visiting the UK. We then took in The British Museum – a fabulous exhibition on
Celts. We caught up with Liz and Mark on Sunday night at their house in Woking
for another great dinner. On the Monday, after visiting our old house in
Walton, we drove to Bushy Park for some exercise and a geocache along the way.
I then caught up with Mary – a friend from Singapore who is back in the UK now.
Another lovely catch up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Tuesday morning, we checked out of the Hilton and headed
off to Nottingham. The drive was good and we arrived at exactly our anticipated
time. We checked into our house in Sherwood which we got through Airbnb – it was
fantastic. It was a great location for visiting Ann and Jim (Gary’s parents)
and also really handy for the Sherwood high street. We stayed in Nottingham for
3 nights – we visited Gary’s parents each day and also managed to catch up with
Holly – Gary’s eldest sister and 3 of her children whilst we were there so this
was a fabulous thing. Tara turned 7 on New Year’s Eve and had her first ever
winter birthday. On New Year’s Day, we had a final quick visit to the nursing
home where Ann and Jim are. It was really sad to say goodbye to Ann – she and
Gary have always been close and she is someone I am really proud to call my
mother in law. After a teary farewell, we set off for our long drive to
Cornwall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had organised to call in to my friend Karen’s place in
Gloucestershire on the way – Karen and I shared a flat 15 years ago – actually at
the start of Gary and I being together so she was significant to both of us. We
met up with Karen and her husband Pete and their daughter Ellie. What a
fantastic visit – tea and croissants and non-stop talking! We then headed off
to Penzance. The traffic was very good and we made it in good time. We headed
over to Harvey and Hannah-Jane’s for dinner – Harvey and Gary were school
friends and have kept in touch over the years. On Saturday, we went back to
Harvey and Hannah Jane’s place in Penzance and they drove us around Cornwall.
What a fabulous day seeing the sights – St Michael’s Mount, Portlethen (massive
waves!) and then Falmouth for a walk and a bite to eat followed by shopping. We
then headed back to Penzance where the kids were able to have a spa! What a
fabulous catch up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Sunday morning, we checked out of our Penzance accommodation
and after a quick geocache we started driving to Street in Somerset to catch up
with Gary’s cousins. It was a bit of a crazy day – we got caught with roadworks
on the A30 heading out of Cornwall and we had tickets to Peter Pan at 2:30 in
Street. The GPS kept on changing times in terms of our ‘anticipated arrival
time’ – from 2:11 to 2:41 and we ended up getting there around 2:22 – not a lot
of time to spare but we made it! Jo and Sarah – Gary’s twin cousins had bought
us tickets to the Pantomime which Sarah was actually in as well as her 9 year
old daughter Megan. It was fabulous – such a fun show and the kids are still
quoting lines from it. After the show, we headed off for a meal with all of the
family – 13 of us in total which was fantastic. So good to reconnect with
family after quite some time. We then left Street and drove to our
accommodation in Dartmouth where we are now. It was a bit of a crazy day – we arrived
at Kingswear at 9:40 – those of you who have been to Devon will understand the
Devon roads – arriving at night was a bit of an adventure but we made it –
thank goodness for GPS. Yesterday (Monday) we had a family day and today we
drove into Torquay to catch up with Lucy – Gary’s sister. It was lovely to
catch up – I haven’t seen Lucy since Alex was 9 months old so nearly 8 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We now have 5 days left in the UK – we will head to
Hampshire on Thursday – we will hopefully catch up with Gary’s aunt and uncle
and also some friends from Adelaide and then off to Watford on Saturday to go
to the Harry Potter Studio tour. On Sunday morning we have Eurostar tickets to
Paris. We have 3 nights in Paris – our plans are for a day at Euro Disney, and
a day seeing the sights – Eiffel tour and maybe the Louvre – we will have to
see how the kids are travelling as we are staying out near Disney which is a
bit of a trek from the centre. We fly home on Jan 13</span><sup><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> from Charles
de Gaul and arrive back in Adelaide on Jan 14</span><sup><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> at 8:30. So far it’s
been a great trip and really important in terms of connecting with family and
friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My niece, Brigette has just moved in with us – she is from
Port Augusta and finished year 12 in 2015. She plans to go to Flinders Uni in
2016. I think it will be great having her there – the kids are both excited to
have a young adult staying with us. Brigette moved in just before we came away
and the poor thing has had to deal with one of our chooks dropping dead on her!
Fingers crossed she has a smooth 9 days till we get back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We plan to get a new family member in 2016 – a yellow Labrador
– he was born on December 9</span><sup><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and we will get him when he is 8 weeks
old so around the first week of February. We are all very excited to have him
join us – I’m sure this will be a great adventure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wishing all of our family and friends a fabulous 2016.
Please do come to visit us – even though Brigette has taken up residence in the
old ‘spare’ room, we still have numerous options for people coming to stay and
we love having visitors. The Adelaide Hills are beautiful – any time of year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apologies for the lack of photos this year – travelling has
made this so although I will try to update the blog with some photos when we
are back at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jo, Gary, Alex and Tara xxx</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-51864877055195947122014-12-26T18:55:00.001+08:002014-12-26T18:56:00.353+08:00Christmas 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00Pk1HuZw0ZfqrCOGSQZZtleFygaV_Qx-9SL0PNWueT7DQIDHhObUtYEp5ZCy4wqyMyFeve6R1908jr1vUrIkg8LolOmE26PFUQg3cv4B6NdJrzZSW65fKlv0uO2_ddijORXAIgwGyOob/s1600/2014_xmas_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seasons Greetings to all of our friends and family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I’ve just had a read of what I wrote for our 2013 news and
am trying to think back and reflect on what 2014 was for us. 2014 saw much less
adventurous travel than 2013 – that was always on the cards though with us
moving home! We still managed to get in a number of holidays and had a great
time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>This time last year we were living in a rental property in
Stirling and looking to buy somewhere. We had missed out on a few properties
but just after Christmas we saw a property that had been on the market for a
while but had changed agents. Gary had viewed it (in August 2013) but I had
never seen it. We checked it out on the net and then organised to come to see
it with a private viewing in January. We both loved the house and had a 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
visit on a 37 degree day in February where the wine cellar seemed to be a balmy
22! After some negotiating with the agent, we signed a contract in February
with a settlement date set for April. Finally after 6 months of intense
looking, we had found our family home! We are so happy to be here and to
finally unpack fully. The house is set on just over 3000 square metres of land
and is on quite a steep hill (where the garden is). We have grand plans in
terms of what we will do with the garden, and there is a bit of work to do on
the inside, but it is really liveable and will give us some projects to go on
with over the coming years when cash flow will allow it! We are all quite
settled here and really do feel like we have our home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><!--[endif]--></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>View from our balcony….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Responsible parenting – allowing the kids to climb trees in
gumboots….<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsFg9ZfQTvEZ0aBfjyhKsambJ8XNuFjmazl91zy5_QtR8QR6LAV5O1HI16ERNymxL42mMedIpBx9J1-OZhaKTn_NYMP3ck87RDczdFg5kdNMJYOHj64Vsh82yojfPiVBk_Z5iefNT9Dp_/s1600/2014_xmas_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsFg9ZfQTvEZ0aBfjyhKsambJ8XNuFjmazl91zy5_QtR8QR6LAV5O1HI16ERNymxL42mMedIpBx9J1-OZhaKTn_NYMP3ck87RDczdFg5kdNMJYOHj64Vsh82yojfPiVBk_Z5iefNT9Dp_/s1600/2014_xmas_4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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During the year, we had our first camping trip – just for 1
night, in February. The kids both loved it and are keen to go again. It did
seem to go well. We will get there again – there just seems to be so much on –
the issue of life – too many things to do and not enough time!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In April, we went for 4 nights to the beach – a beautiful
town called Normanville, not that far from Adelaide on the coast. We had a
great little apartment and had the pleasure of a visit from Leone and John –
friends from Singapore who now live in Victoria and were on their way to
Kangaroo Island. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In May, we had our first and only trip on a plane for the
year – we headed to Sydney to go to a family yoga weekend. It was a beautiful
and relaxing weekend – much enjoyed by all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In July, we went back to Normanville with the Walsh family –
we had 2 apartments side by side which was a fabulous trip despite it being
winter!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In August, Gary had a quick trip home to the UK to see his
family – the direct flight from Adelaide to London via Dubai working out really
well. The kids and I coped with Gary being away pretty well except for the fact
that we were late for school nearly every day – thankfully Tara’s class were
pretty relaxed about start time and also, we weren’t the last ones to arrive
(which made me feel slightly better!!) Gary managed to catch up with his
parents and his 2 sisters in the UK.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have a week by the beach planned for next week which
should be really relaxing too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The beginning of the year saw Tara begin ‘big school’ for
the first time. She had a great time and it has been amazing to see her
progress through the year. Alex finished year 1 this year and also had a great
year at school. Both kids seem to be really blossoming at school which we are
really thankful for. Alex turned 7 in July and discovered a new found love of
AFL (Aussie Rules Football) during the year. Due to the influences at school,
he decided to go for Hawthorn – I am still working on him supporting the
Adelaide Crows but he was delighted that Hawthorn won the grand final! Tara
will turn 6 in 1 week – she enjoyed doing dance through school and also joined
with me in supporting the Crows (that’s my girl!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00Pk1HuZw0ZfqrCOGSQZZtleFygaV_Qx-9SL0PNWueT7DQIDHhObUtYEp5ZCy4wqyMyFeve6R1908jr1vUrIkg8LolOmE26PFUQg3cv4B6NdJrzZSW65fKlv0uO2_ddijORXAIgwGyOob/s1600/2014_xmas_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00Pk1HuZw0ZfqrCOGSQZZtleFygaV_Qx-9SL0PNWueT7DQIDHhObUtYEp5ZCy4wqyMyFeve6R1908jr1vUrIkg8LolOmE26PFUQg3cv4B6NdJrzZSW65fKlv0uO2_ddijORXAIgwGyOob/s1600/2014_xmas_5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvo99UIqCnPqbIPzNRNb1kayTH4dPOzhgyI2qR9KKVVlLMxLzYskwTth7oKnMJ2zwNLp8cLwByMvOs5FK9KqvJG5jGjVz_yMCYdhlAEvUClgBrqREQWr0pDUWuE1fI7RjDngyyBZqS0d2/s1600/2014_xmas_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvo99UIqCnPqbIPzNRNb1kayTH4dPOzhgyI2qR9KKVVlLMxLzYskwTth7oKnMJ2zwNLp8cLwByMvOs5FK9KqvJG5jGjVz_yMCYdhlAEvUClgBrqREQWr0pDUWuE1fI7RjDngyyBZqS0d2/s1600/2014_xmas_6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> day of school – 2014 (for Tara).<o:p></o:p>
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My 1 year contract at my old job finished in July of this
year and I was lucky enough to find a new job which is part time – this has
always been my dream since having the kids and I was lucky enough to be offered
a new role at The Beachouse at Glenelg. It is a really flexible role and I tend
to work my hours around school hours. I work with an amazing team and have a
great boss, so I feel really fortunate to have this opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gary was working in a contract role till October and is now
on the lookout for something new. Fingers crossed something interesting will
come up for him workwise in the New Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We made our first foray into pet ownership in August getting
4 12 week old chickens. The ‘girls’ are now laying pretty regularly and they
are very confident – always looking for scraps and loving human interaction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am very grateful that we have all been very healthy this
year – long may it continue! I hope that your Festive season is a good one and
that 2015 is a good year for you all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love Jo, Gary, Alex and Tara xx<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-48752151625038966692014-01-01T18:17:00.000+08:002014-01-01T18:17:35.192+08:00Happy New Year 2014
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To our family and friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Belated Christmas and here’s to 2014! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A quick recap on our 2013. We started off the year in
Singapore, having received the news in mid November 2012 that Gary’s job would
be winding up sometime in 2013. This news was met with great excitement for us
as we both felt that it was time to come ‘home’. Singapore had been very good
to us and we had a brilliant 4 years there, but it felt like the right time to
move on. It was a fantastic experience – Asia for beginners and Singapore will
always hold a very special place in our hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since moving back to Adelaide, we have had a relatively busy
time. We moved back to our family home in Dulwich and knew that we would try to
sell it within 6 months. By the time we had moved in, and unpacked – in fact,
just 6 weeks after we had moved in, we had the house on the market and our
first open inspection. We were very fortunate in getting a number of offers
after the first weekend and we accepted one on the Tuesday. Settlement was set
for mid November. We then started looking in earnest to buy a new property – our
preferred location being the Adelaide Hills. We had 2 properties that we were
quite keen on and both got sold the weekend we sold ours. Obviously not meant
to be! We then bid at an auction in mid-October, but again, it wasn’t meant to
be. Time was ticking on, so we ended up getting a rental property in Stirling
with a 6 month lease. We are still looking – my biggest fear at the moment is
that we won’t find the right property before our lease expires – but hopefully
this won’t be the case! Moving isn’t that much fun, however, the kids handled
it with ease – in fact I think they are of the opinion that moving is something
that happens with a reasonable frequency – we hope we can dispel this notion
after our next move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So we have been in Adelaide for 6 months now and it is great
to be back here. I think all in all, everyone has settled in really well. Alex
started school 3 days after we landed – he came home on his first day beaming
from ear to ear and announcing what a great day he’d had. He did just over 2
terms in Reception at Rose Park Primary. His teacher Belinda was an absolute
superstar – she is truly gifted in her chosen profession and I think we were so
lucky to have Alex placed in her class. He really blossomed through the year
and has loved school so that has been a great start. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned 6 in July and is into Lego in a big
way as well as lots of imaginary play and Star Wars!<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;">Playing outside kindy.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tara started at kindergarten 2.5 days per week in term 3 and
also did 1.5 days in childcare. She seemed to enjoy both although kindy was a
definite preference and she also loved Thursdays which she called “Daddy and
Tara days”. She will begin school in January and I think is definitely ready
for the structure that will come with that. She turns 5 today – New Year’s Eve
and is very excited about her birthday, which we are also making a big deal
over. She ran into our room this morning shouting “I’m 5!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started work in June back at my old work – I was lucky
enough to pick up a maternity leave cover contract so that was fantastic
timing. I am there till the end of July and will see at that time if there’s
anything else available. It has been really nice being back somewhere familiar
– although doing a different role. Gary has been kept pretty busy running the
house, getting Dulwich ready for sale, and then getting us moved and settled
into our new temporary home. He has also been looking for work although not too
actively till the past month or so. He will begin a new contract role in the
new year, so life will change again, with 2 of us working and no helper at home
to do the cooking and cleaning!! We were spoilt in Singapore with fantastic
domestic help. It will be a challenge to juggle 2 jobs in Australia but
hopefully we will both have a degree of flexibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a few nice holidays in 2013. We started off the year
going to Bintan for 5 nights just before school started. It was a favourite
destination – January was our 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> visit there. We all had a
brilliant time and it was sad to leave. Alex got his first wobbly tooth whilst
we were there – it proceeded to be wobbly for 10 weeks finally falling out in
the last week of term 1! In January, I also managed a girl’s weekend away to
Bangkok with my friend Karen (Gary is so good to me, I am so very lucky to have
him) – (obviously Gary’s editing!!). Oh, how I do miss those cheap flights from
Changi! Karen and I had a brilliant couple of nights there, staying in a Club
room at the Novotel – we made full use of the bar and canapés on offer! Many
massages were enjoyed and quite a bit of shopping. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">February saw the Chinese New Year break so we used the
opportunity to come back to Adelaide and sort out a number of things. It was a
bit of a house swap as Allisa was in Singapore so we made use of her house in
Adelaide (and her car) whilst she stayed in our Singapore apartment. We then
got to catch up properly with Allisa when we got back to Singapore so all
around it was a win win situation. For Easter, Gary was off to Melbourne for a
course. I decided I didn’t want to be in Singapore for the long weekend without
him so researched cheap flights to go somewhere easy with the kids. We decided
on Hoi An Vietnam as the flight was reasonably priced and direct. The day
before we were due to go, Tara came down with a vomiting bug. The GP advised
that it was a 24 hour virus and not to cancel the holiday. The next day, Tara
was on the mend, but Alex had a fever. We got on the flight and by the time we
arrived in Vietnam, Alex was looking very pale – he then proceeded to vomit in
between customs and the taxi. Hmm, I was questioning my sanity in going away
with the kids by myself – but it ended up being a good trip – the kids were
both a bit tired – recovering from the virus but they swam every day and we had
a pretty low key visit – still fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gary finished work in April <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(April 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>) and then headed back
to the UK on the 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> of April for a couple of weeks to visit with
family. This was a fantastic trip and all rather epic. Family ties reforged and
old friendships celebrated! I had 2 of my nieces come to visit from Adelaide at
the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXfxghrQBDMQaRMqiZE7CZsiRG__fuwlOeD_sQWpn0ZmeuWo9brOQTJmMwWlzqC9yA5PU-aiMyto1MTiwnMXut4zFE9aJd2ydwjZvPAi5XFi0kSck_9_vmNtGJQUFa5AOKZ5vkBEVdbkv/s1600/2014_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXfxghrQBDMQaRMqiZE7CZsiRG__fuwlOeD_sQWpn0ZmeuWo9brOQTJmMwWlzqC9yA5PU-aiMyto1MTiwnMXut4zFE9aJd2ydwjZvPAi5XFi0kSck_9_vmNtGJQUFa5AOKZ5vkBEVdbkv/s320/2014_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1037" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Macintosh HD:Users:gary:Pictures:iPhoto Library:Masters:2013:05:06:20130506-203102:DSC_0113.JPG"
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gary, Holly, Lucy, Ann
& Jim – what a great family reunion!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In early May, just after I had finished work in Singapore,
we had the amazing chance to have a long weekend in Hong Kong without kids. We
met up with Adelaide friends – Natania and Colm to celebrate Nat’s 40<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
birthday. The Langham Place hotel was amazing and we had a fantastic weekend.
Thanks Nat for giving us the excuse and thanks Anita for helping out in
Singapore with looking after the kids – despite the fact we forgot to leave
spare keys with her (to some this would have been a drama but she just breezed
through)! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">May saw us packing up the apartment, saying goodbye to our
wonderful helper Marina who went to a new family (she is very happy there) and
heading to Changi for our last time as Singapore residents. We boarded our
flight to Yangon Myanmar and bid Singapore farewell. We had a great few weeks travelling
before landing in Aus. We had a week in Myanmar, a few days in Thailand
catching up with Gary’s family (Neville, Ann and Rachapon), and then 10 days in
Sri Lanka. The kids are brilliant little travellers – they are really very
adaptable and had a great time with all of the new experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7edlMm89gb7gYemAPLYYs-vVoS7jn3DmMdPaurKt6cv8CFlkPR_1dn2YvvKcVscuEKJ5iIwTa3nbcuAEJ9wPHdA7XI6s6Uq-i8pwo5K7mEFuVoH2TxraGm9AGK_9kzjxCNvh2zHxFyTm/s1600/2014_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7edlMm89gb7gYemAPLYYs-vVoS7jn3DmMdPaurKt6cv8CFlkPR_1dn2YvvKcVscuEKJ5iIwTa3nbcuAEJ9wPHdA7XI6s6Uq-i8pwo5K7mEFuVoH2TxraGm9AGK_9kzjxCNvh2zHxFyTm/s320/2014_4.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WFjOrmujHMWYvJGIY68Mgwigm0wsL5qynBqjYk23Ea3dEZwqf8DUtE4uwo51vXemOvWyphBRouK2ZRvzwL895XKneD0U2hku45FHN6tM26g8aQdXuwbcpcgiWWhzBEqIVkpv-AXVDF31/s1600/2014_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WFjOrmujHMWYvJGIY68Mgwigm0wsL5qynBqjYk23Ea3dEZwqf8DUtE4uwo51vXemOvWyphBRouK2ZRvzwL895XKneD0U2hku45FHN6tM26g8aQdXuwbcpcgiWWhzBEqIVkpv-AXVDF31/s320/2014_5.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Macintosh HD:Users:gary:Pictures:iPhoto Library:Previews:2013:07:22:20130722-145910:IMG_2387.jpg"
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<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Jo\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image009.jpg"
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;">Our last day at Aspen Heights…</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCp89XlGKcu0ebmC447C0UTzTjGFjYGvKp89tJBGc-Eqpbt2Kz4B0sKwQhdhUjStzaUtEA0YA0FvegcBhpvV8p5piVJelyDCoL5uWmrwxqLgcmBgMouNhDEcvxzrv2VNgoMIAx1EjOWho7/s1600/2014_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCp89XlGKcu0ebmC447C0UTzTjGFjYGvKp89tJBGc-Eqpbt2Kz4B0sKwQhdhUjStzaUtEA0YA0FvegcBhpvV8p5piVJelyDCoL5uWmrwxqLgcmBgMouNhDEcvxzrv2VNgoMIAx1EjOWho7/s320/2014_6.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1034" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Macintosh HD:Users:gary:Pictures:iPhoto Library:Previews:2013:07:22:20130722-100747:DSC_0131.jpg"
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<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Jo\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image011.jpg"
o:title="DSC_0131"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;">Posing with the locals – Yangon</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqv0tESol1sTKb_3jlAFYA1791FDDohIoAFKqj9P4VxEQ9Y6kSpuOE3qMHHo96HNjU0rEbAqeNrecEqCdiJW03CEuZoWqoWBaxSIrUbcBAMtnxXap3kn7QMstcyTgqz2fNiyQB5tVsjwV/s1600/2014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqv0tESol1sTKb_3jlAFYA1791FDDohIoAFKqj9P4VxEQ9Y6kSpuOE3qMHHo96HNjU0rEbAqeNrecEqCdiJW03CEuZoWqoWBaxSIrUbcBAMtnxXap3kn7QMstcyTgqz2fNiyQB5tVsjwV/s320/2014_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1033" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Macintosh HD:Users:gary:Pictures:iPhoto Library:Masters:2013:07:22:20130722-100747:DSC_0535.JPG"
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;">Myanmar – Lake Inle</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vL5SiL_BfSYxTG9YvRu0pCQBeX5Ux0VfbpafC00uSu8tx4HL7hqP3Y5TS6b9Yc-2Zx2c7SfnEa-UiSolj8GJ3jN2hYQquNUS37SDVM5k2lrrjCx7zlpmV37XJ7R0OcMkWA0xS8SJHomT/s1600/2014_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vL5SiL_BfSYxTG9YvRu0pCQBeX5Ux0VfbpafC00uSu8tx4HL7hqP3Y5TS6b9Yc-2Zx2c7SfnEa-UiSolj8GJ3jN2hYQquNUS37SDVM5k2lrrjCx7zlpmV37XJ7R0OcMkWA0xS8SJHomT/s320/2014_8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18e2_fGaRspihtQ_wwcHxgxczA-Jm1GXeDHpBbAH3KPFG9V2d6ahfh9ii7joKJ_vG-14q7NQMV-SwZX_zJQJ11ZFEc3aBuk0d-Yn56CY7JHjV5pkubVC-EQlBMegMoC8hyphenhyphen5ZyJv_Iew8X/s1600/2014_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18e2_fGaRspihtQ_wwcHxgxczA-Jm1GXeDHpBbAH3KPFG9V2d6ahfh9ii7joKJ_vG-14q7NQMV-SwZX_zJQJ11ZFEc3aBuk0d-Yn56CY7JHjV5pkubVC-EQlBMegMoC8hyphenhyphen5ZyJv_Iew8X/s320/2014_9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEn8r6JFzbVPTqn26CRIsX3tKiDPJzfH2YEbvLqVauWHK_ij58xzsjqlcasvXH-M2WbniKPK6mu8O-CVA6tXPZ99uGq15Bua4tzJE5CbEZOeFJEPkeuOehhO7FBryQ7bL3Q1gq3gOSyQX/s1600/2014_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEn8r6JFzbVPTqn26CRIsX3tKiDPJzfH2YEbvLqVauWHK_ij58xzsjqlcasvXH-M2WbniKPK6mu8O-CVA6tXPZ99uGq15Bua4tzJE5CbEZOeFJEPkeuOehhO7FBryQ7bL3Q1gq3gOSyQX/s320/2014_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Jo\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image019.jpg"
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6YsfSZw1xaPoLDOQqpXbnii5mXUqNkvDAq-0VO-BY9Gmn9yc50-jWQAqphLALnqnDXJHhoLPsjhFkoMMwDj_NppT63Uv0038xXFJAwBJ4H1K1sWYCdkuPg7v2hSiYF8B8LMMSNEZCH96/s1600/2014_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6YsfSZw1xaPoLDOQqpXbnii5mXUqNkvDAq-0VO-BY9Gmn9yc50-jWQAqphLALnqnDXJHhoLPsjhFkoMMwDj_NppT63Uv0038xXFJAwBJ4H1K1sWYCdkuPg7v2hSiYF8B8LMMSNEZCH96/s320/2014_11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfMP3Our250gphhKlaCz6S3IC4K04Q2x1m2VWZqhgiSqvr33NKIN_D5w8SbRwHDjHEC3_GMgg7H7aPfmdYdMszgniaUr7kbFvZvFBbb1KvbNczOqGt23ERg6L39TVLRWNQkq7Jr6nUu42/s1600/2014_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfMP3Our250gphhKlaCz6S3IC4K04Q2x1m2VWZqhgiSqvr33NKIN_D5w8SbRwHDjHEC3_GMgg7H7aPfmdYdMszgniaUr7kbFvZvFBbb1KvbNczOqGt23ERg6L39TVLRWNQkq7Jr6nUu42/s320/2014_12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;">We climbed Sigiriya – Sri Lanka – well done to the kids!</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h_AzMf6SBtwXLqXxwPgTMmPKlKSaAAo1ymdLdvW4VqoOyl16qo4cyrgYPNnkxKg3PWh5-Msg7RG7IYMKwEd_iuWFNUxOhJGFx1vKvD1rpy3yJmfOUZstvsk9uxW7Um-lWOPOZzDcuB43/s1600/2014_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h_AzMf6SBtwXLqXxwPgTMmPKlKSaAAo1ymdLdvW4VqoOyl16qo4cyrgYPNnkxKg3PWh5-Msg7RG7IYMKwEd_iuWFNUxOhJGFx1vKvD1rpy3yJmfOUZstvsk9uxW7Um-lWOPOZzDcuB43/s320/2014_13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;">Galle Fort – Sri Lanka</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We now haven’t been on a plane for 6 months – an absolute
record! It has been really nice settling in though and I haven’t got itchy feet
(yet)! 2014 will no doubt see some less adventurous travel – we hope to take
the kids camping for the first time and will do a couple of driving holidays
rather than anything long haul. Depending on what happens for both of us
workwise, we may try to sneak in a family trip back to the UK to see Gary’s
family but this is all up in the air – of course we now need to consider school
holidays also.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hope that 2014 will see us settling down properly with
buying a new house (hopefully the house we will live in for many years) and
putting down roots in Adelaide. We had a great 2013 and as always we are
grateful for the support of our family and friends who make life a great
journey. When we get set up in our new house, we are hoping that it will be
somewhere we can have lots of visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzQDGKryQ65Go3FCOsqpTbJAyvZMysPDEeZvaBVopfCKlZyJgd8GrkmI85C7F_x1-OPoPbxUyYFqSHK9jgAtvt-iHeQpkWZUn4m5kFJIId67oTMiFbmROqS1F2InWdvrF8sZlJ35xWHHZ/s1600/2014_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzQDGKryQ65Go3FCOsqpTbJAyvZMysPDEeZvaBVopfCKlZyJgd8GrkmI85C7F_x1-OPoPbxUyYFqSHK9jgAtvt-iHeQpkWZUn4m5kFJIId67oTMiFbmROqS1F2InWdvrF8sZlJ35xWHHZ/s320/2014_14.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Legoland Malaysia – our
favourite daytrip from Singapore.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTzH4e2g01qBZ2YnMyYlIRh80fSzcCnqx_OlKleWAeo1Lx0ejqvramXGFN1LXiXkYtf38Wz1OaJaLLMv1daJinHBKATGmo62vSPomI_R4heyGK0wec-7wzgEt84rQK9L2MD3MSFnhm-iR/s1600/2014_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTzH4e2g01qBZ2YnMyYlIRh80fSzcCnqx_OlKleWAeo1Lx0ejqvramXGFN1LXiXkYtf38Wz1OaJaLLMv1daJinHBKATGmo62vSPomI_R4heyGK0wec-7wzgEt84rQK9L2MD3MSFnhm-iR/s320/2014_15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guess who loves roller
coasters? In fact, both the kids now love them too!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We wish you a safe and prosperous 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-43309663278571122732013-06-02T18:32:00.000+08:002013-06-02T18:32:03.740+08:00Journey to Inle<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Journey to Inle</span><br />
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Thursday May 23rd saw another early departure (better though at 6.45), for the short transfer to the airport for our 2nd Air Mandalay flight to Heho. At the airport I discovered the bank there (which I didn't notice on the way in), had better rates than the shop in town, but hey ho!</div>
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We put our bags through the x-ray machine whilst the guy operating it ignored the screen resolutely staring the whole time at our kids. We then waited for our flight to be called. This flight had 'free seating' and this time we had 2 stops before arriving at Heho, but both were very short flights - around 30-40 minutes each.</div>
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At Heho airport, the taxi driver said 25000 kyats to Villa Inle but then as we were getting in, informed us it would be 35000 as it would be an additional 10000 from the main town. We tried to find someone else, but to no avail, so decided we had to go with this. On arrival in town, it was more negotiation on the boat price. The boat price was going to be 15000 then unless we agreed to use the boat for an excursion the following day. With the kids with us, we were in the situation of needing to agree this without the power to walk off and check the competition. However, as I had read a bit on trip advisor, I knew the boat price he was quoting for the excursion was reasonable and so we ultimately agreed 55000 kyats for transfer 2 ways, use of the boat the next day to tour the lake and return taxi to Heho airport on the Saturday. I knew from trip advisor our hotel was charging $35 for a 1 day boat tour and $70 for airport transfer so figured we were doing ok with our man from Sons of Inle.</div>
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The longboat trip to the hotel was good fun, but I got slightly burnt due to leaving my hat in the luggage. </div>
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We checked in to Villa Inle and our room was stunning. It was huge with a freestanding bath in the bathroom, a rainfall shower and a large double and large single bed.</div>
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On our first day, we didn't end up doing much, apart from relaxing and exploring the grounds of the hotel. We were planning to go to visit Red Mountain winery but the hotel wanted $20 each way plus $20 per hour for the driver to wait. $60 for a 2 hour excursion wasn't striking me as great value so we declined this. The exorbitantly priced transport was an open air truck! I guess they have a captive market so can charge what they like.</div>
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On Friday morning we had breakfast in our room. There was a slight delay - some mixup with the ordering, however when it came, it was tasty and filling. We then headed to the jetty to meet our boat driver from the previous day. We went out on the longboat and after an hour stopped at a village. It was quite rural and we followed our driver through the village where we ended up at a house where some people were dressed up (seemingly in traditional dress). As our driver didn't have much English, it's difficult to say what the occasion was, it felt a bit strange with us sitting on the floor surrounded by locals. We ended up leaving there and heading back to the boat. Next stop was a weaving factory. We had a bit of a 'tour'. Some of the stuff they made was really lovely, but very expensive. I looked at a scarf and it was marked 100 - I later realised this was $100 US! We continued on to a place called the Inle Heritage Centre which had 36 Burmese cats and a lovely cafe. We had snacks and drinks and then sat out the rain (although we were travelling in monsoon season, this was our only rainy day and even then it was short spurts).</div>
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After this we headed back to Villa Inle for packing up and getting ready for our Saturday departure and dinner. It was a really nice relaxing day on the lake.</div>
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On Saturday, after breakfast we headed down to meet our boat driver to head back to town and to Heho airport. We had settled the bill at the hotel and then one of the staff was saying that we needed to pay for chips from the mini bar. We told her we hadn't had anything from the minibar. A few minutes later we were presented with an opened 2/3 full tub of chips. We again said we hadn't eaten them (and checked with the kids too). It was an awkward end to an otherwise lovely stay. We interrogated the kids later and I'm completely sure it wasn't them either. The chips were actually placed on a high shelf so it would have been very tricky for the kids to reach them. The mystery of the opened overpriced chips - they were $12!</div>
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Our boat trip back to town was good and the taxi journey was also fine. We got to Heho airport around 40 minutes before our flight and checked in. Our last Myanmar domestic flight was with KBZ and it was direct - what a bonus. The flight left 15 minutes before its scheduled departure time (everyone must have been there so why not?) and we were soon in Yangon again.</div>
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We caught a taxi to the Traders and checked our luggage in with the concierge. We then headed to the Yangon market, which was really good. Prices aren't stupidly inflated (for the few things we looked at). </div>
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Back at the Traders, we headed to the Traders Cafe for lunch - a buffet called 'Crazy Saturday', with kids' entertainment. What a great spread. The buffet included free flow wine - an added bonus we didn't know about before. We all had a nice time - Gary and I eating and the kids playing. We then headed by taxi back to Yangon airport for our 5.50pm flight to Bangkok.</div>
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Myanmar was an incredible place to visit. It is just opening up to tourists and I can imagine it will be very different in ten years time. The accommodation we stayed in was great. Relatively speaking, it's an expensive place to visit compared to other South East Asia destinations. However, I'm really glad we had the opportunity to visit and see it when we did. Thailand and Sri Lanka next!</div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-11089592008161198102013-06-02T18:29:00.000+08:002013-06-02T18:29:48.015+08:00Bagan - Temples Everywhere<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Bagan - temples everywhere!</span><br />
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On Monday morning (May 20th), we had a very early alarm call due to a flight scheduled from Yangon for a 6:20 departure. Thankfully, we weren't completely adjusted to the 90 minute time zone change so waking at 4.30 wasn't so much of a hardship, despite our neighboring room waking us at midnight when they rolled in. We checked out of the Traders and received 3 'breakfast boxes'. They were full of fruit, pastries, boiled eggs and sandwiches. No one was going hungry! The trip to the airport at 5am was quick and we checked in without any drama and sat down to eat our packed breakfast. No such thing as nothing over 100ml of liquids on this domestic flight - it all seemed very casual. Soon enough our Air Mandalay flight was called. We walked up and headed to a bus to take us to the plane. On the flight, we actually had assigned seats - something we didn't get on our other domestic flights in Myanmar. What we didn't realise was that the flight wasn't direct, so on its first landing, we got up until we were told this wasn't our stop. 20 minutes later we took off again and landed 35 minutes later in Mandalay. Another 20 minute stop - it was a bit like catching a bus or train. A further 25 minute flight and we arrived at Nyaung U which was our stop. Hooray!</div>
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We wandered out and got a taxi without an issue and headed on the short journey to our hotel for the next 3 nights - the Hotel at Tharabar Gate. We were very grateful to get straight into our room and rest a little - it was only 9am! Later that morning, we headed out for lunch to the Vegan restaurant "be Kind to Animals". Good food, but a little trickier for the kids - we ordered fried rice, but it was spicy. On the afternoon of our first day in Bagan, we went for a wander and were inundated with offers of horse and cart. One entrepreneur offered us a free ride back on the condition we use his services the next day. After a swim in the afternoon, we headed to dinner to a restaurant next door to the hotel. Then an early night for all! </div>
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On day 2 in Bagan, we decided we would take a horse and cart for the morning. After some negotiation, given how hot it was (we were melting the previous day), we decided we would take 2. We agreed a price of 10000 kyats each (I'm sure overpaying however as I've got older, my willingness to bargain has diminished!) We headed off to a number of temples. They were all pretty impressive. Alex and Tara particularly liked the old palace where they went up some stairs and found a viewing platform. Being low season, we weren't hassled too much by touts, however sand paintings were available everywhere. There were some very young kids selling too. The temples are plentiful (they are everywhere you turn) and also beautiful. It was a great half day. We finished our horse and cart tour at lunch and ate at Star Beam (very impressive bread). That afternoon we headed back to rest and go for a swim before dinner.</div>
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Day 3 in Bagan was spent resting in the morning. We ordered a taxi to take us into Nyaung U- the main town. We left around 11am, with the intention of exploring the markets - however, it was really hot already and we were all pretty hot trudging through the markets. We bought a couple of t-shirts for the kids (less than $3 each with no bargaining), and some mangoes for 200 kyat (around 20cents) each. We then decided we should get some lunch and headed to a place called Bagan Beach Bar. It was on the river (which was really low). It was huge inside, but we were the only customers initially (us and many flies). Food was ok, nothing to write home about. We then went in search of a taxi and found an old uncle with a taxi sign on top of his station wagon who would take us. No seat belts and the car had seen better days but we made it back ok - we had to stop for roadside fuel on the way. He was very friendly (as most Burmese are).</div>
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Later that afternoon, I went to go to the money changer at the local store that our horse and cart driver had taken us to the previous day. Tara and I were accompanied by a young boy who chatted to us the whole way. He told us he was 9 years old and learnt English at the monastery where I think he went to school. On our return journey he wanted to sell us some postcards. The previous day, kids at the temples were selling 10 for 1000 kyat (just over $1). My young friend mocked shock when I suggested 1000 and said no madam, these are 2000. I think he expected me to bargain, but the grin on his face when I handed over the 2000 kyats was worth it. He was very good company for Tara and I on our short walk and later on when we ventured out or dinner greeted us like old friends.</div>
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Bagan was a great place and somewhere I could see us returning to 1 day.</div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-22114743558390182972013-05-24T18:13:00.001+08:002013-05-24T18:29:24.799+08:00Myanmar Musings - YangonAfter a few emotional farewells, we left Singapore on Saturday May 19th, bound for Yangon - the first stop on our 3 week holiday before our return to Adelaide. We were at Changi with time to spare so grabbed breakfast at the airport (pancakes and milo for the kids, local coffee and kaya toast for Gary and I). Alex was impressed with the speed of getting his pancakes and declared it true fast food. Our flight to Yangon was good and we landed around 10 minutes ahead of schedule. First impressions were of friendly people - everyone was smiling.<br />
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We got a 'taxi' to our hotel. It was a sort of van, without working seat belts (a common theme here). The driver tried to sell us some tours for the next few days which we politely declined. As we got closer to Yangon centre, the traffic got much busier so it was a sense of relief to see The Traders hotel.<br />
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Check in was smooth and we were soon up in our room. We had paid for an extra bed - something that hotels here charge a lot for - in this case it was $65 US and when we arrived no bed was there, but it was soon delivered - along with an extra bottle of water and an extra towel!<br />
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Our travel agent arrived and I went to meet her and collected flight tickets etc which was all very smooth.<br />
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We ventured out for lunch and tried to find a recommendation from the LP - Aroma Cafe but it was closed, so we ended up at the East hotel - which was very pleasant. The rest of the first afternoon was spent at the pool and we went for an early dinner to Pa Pa Pizza, which was excellent.<br />
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On Sunday, after a fabulous breakfast at the hotel, we decided to try the LP Yangon walking tour. About 300 metres into it, Tara declared we were walking "so far"! Ah, the delights of travelling with kids. We stuck to the walk for a bit and then decided to take a look at the ferry. We were sent to a window / room for foreigners. The fare for foreigners was $2 US each way but they did a 'discount for the babies'. This meant the kids were free. One thing in Myanmar is they often refer to the kids as 'babies'. The ferry was very local but some fabulous photo opportunities. There were all sorts of vendors on there and some young boys tried to sell us all sorts of things. It was very interesting. Over the other side of the river, we got off and decided to go for a drink and a sit down to watch the world go by. Gary commented that it felt like a mixture of India and Thailand. I have to agree it did feel like that!<br />
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On Sunday afternoon, after a swim at the hotel, we headed by taxi to the Shwedagon Pagoda. It was very golden and very impressive. Tara and Alex were tolerant about their photos being taken numerous times. Tara especially is also getting a lot of people touching her face or arms, but she is very good with it.<br />
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On Sunday evening in Yangon, we decided to try a local restaurant recommended on Trip Advisor which was just across the road from the hotel. This was Takifuji - with some Western choices for the kids, and local food and beer for the adults, everyone was happy! We had a very early start the next day so headed to bed pretty early in anticipation of our 4.30am wake up call!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-29246760914954139292013-04-27T20:16:00.001+08:002013-04-27T20:24:40.990+08:003 weeks to go till we leave SingaporeAround about August or September last year we found out that Gary's department at work were being relocated and after some discussion, we realised that this would be the logical time for us to move on from Singapore. It has been an incredible place for us and I'm so glad we decided on a whim that an Asian adventure would be good for us. It has been, but it is time to move on. In mid November we received the letter verifying dates. By February I had given in my notice. It has been a long time coming and in some ways I mentally checked out of Singapore a while back. I feel like I'm serving the world's longest notice period (12 weeks). And yet, today, I was at the library choosing books and I realised that the books would need to be returned before their due date because we are leaving in 3 weeks. All of a sudden it is racing towards me and mild panic starts to set in. Will I get everything done in time? Of course I will! It's an exciting and daunting time, but I am looking forward to our next chapter.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-55390601853399988452012-12-24T17:35:00.000+08:002012-12-24T17:35:30.688+08:00Merry Christmas - 2012 in review from Singapore...<br />
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Christmas Eve 2012 - Singapore.</div>
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To our friends and family,</div>
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Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year or for
those of you who don’t celebrate – Happy Festive Season.</div>
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2012 has been a good year for us, with a few challenges
thrown in along the way to keep us on our toes (or on our crutches).</div>
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Highlights of our year – holidays! (as always). Alex and
Tara are turning into great little travellers. To prove this to us, on our trip
to China in September, we hired a driver to take us to the Great Wall. It was a
2 hour car journey there and 2 hours back – due to the heavy traffic in
Beijing. With just 2 transformers to amuse them, we managed the 4 hour journey
time without any whining. They are both troopers!</div>
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This time last year saw us celebrating Christmas in Siem
Reap Cambodia. Alex, Tara and I flew up before Gary as somehow he had forgotten
to book a leave day – so came up the following day. We all had a brilliant
time, and our tuk tuk driver was very pleased when my husband turned up, waving
and greeting him like a long lost friend. Kids are adored in this part of the
world, and the temples proved to be a tourist attraction for both the kids and
adults.</div>
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In January, Alex, Tara and I headed back to Adelaide for a
get together with the Leydon side of the family for a significant birthday for
my brother. It was a lovely time to spend with all of the family and for the
kids to reacquaint themselves with their cousins. Unfortunately Gary had to
work over Chinese New Year so couldn’t join us but we all had a fabulous time
catching up with friends and family. </div>
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In March, we went on a 3 week trip to England and France.
After landing at Heathrow, we got the hire car – Gary did a fantastic job of
navigating us onto the M1 and driving to Nottingham to pick up Ann who joined
us for a few nights in a cottage near Chesterfield. What a gorgeous part of
England to visit – we had a great time. We then dropped Ann back to Nottingham
and headed to Glastonbury where we managed to catch up with Sarah, David and
Megan (Gary’s cousin Sarah) and Holly (Gary’s sister). A lovely few days there
before we headed to Gatwick for an overnight hotel stay before our early flight
to France. </div>
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We had a wonderful week skiing in Tignes – it was the first
time Alex and Tara had seen snow. They both did ski school and really enjoyed
it! On our last day skiing, I managed to fall over (spectacularly) and tear 2
ligaments in my left knee – my ACL was completely torn. Not the end to the
holiday we had envisaged – me on crutches and in a brace. We managed to make it
on to our flight back to London the following morning (a few tense moments when
we thought they weren’t going to let me on the plane due to needing to keep my
leg straight), and then to a lovely hotel in Surrey for a few nights where we
caught up with Mark and Liz and their girls Rachel and Gemma. Gary did a
fabulous job of managing me on crutches or in a wheelchair and 2 kids who got
tired of carrying their bags on the way home. </div>
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In July, Gary went to Sydney for a course and I had a couple
of days in Adelaide and then we all had a lovely few days in Bintan – the easy
getaway from Singapore – being just 45 minutes on a ferry.</div>
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In September, we had a great week in China / Hong Kong,
including some drama before we got Chinese visas as Alex’s Australian passport
had less than 6 months and the Chinese embassy refused to put his visa in his
British passport so off to the Aussie embassy to get an emergency passport we
went. Beijing was great and actually really easy to travel around, despite
language barriers. Hong Kong was a lot of fun, especially visiting Disneyland
and Ocean Park.</div>
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In November, we had a long weekend in Bangkok where we
caught up with Gary’s family – Uncle Neville, Ann and Simon. A great time was
had by all.</div>
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Other highlights of our year – Alex started at ‘big school’
this year – he began at Avondale Grammar School – which is a small
International school based on the Australian curriculum here in Singapore. He
loves school and took the change in his stride. We bought a car after 3 years
of living here – it has been brilliant to have freedom to come and go as we
please without relying on taxis. Yes, they are stupidly expensive but ho hum,
it’s been great!</div>
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Tara has really changed from a toddler to a child this year;
she looks so different and is such lovely company (except when she is fierce
Tara). Alex and Tara seem closer now than ever before and are good friends who
generally like playing together. Alex is devoted to Lego, Star Wars and Ninjago
this year while Tara is starting to make real friendships and is becoming the
resident TV addict (taking on that role from Alex this year). She also loves
Lego as well as dolls and strollers.</div>
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Lowlights have been surgery. I had my ACL repaired at the
beginning of June and had to wear my brace again / use crutches again for a
time. Gary had to have surgery on his shoulder in October to repair a tendon
that he tore in a freak fall on a wet path. Ouch! We are both recovering well –
Gary is now able to drive again and is slowly getting back into exercise. We
have been keeping the orthopedic surgeons / physio in business.</div>
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We had Ann come to stay in August and my nephew Daniel came
to stay a couple of weeks ago on his way to Vietnam. As always, it’s great to
have visitors.</div>
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I have had to do a little (Gary says seemed like more than a
little to me!) travel for work this year, which has been quite fun really. I
got to go to London in February for a conference as the project I’m working on
is global with key stakeholders in Europe and North America. It was fun to be
back in London for a few days including drinks on Valentine’s Day with Molloy!
I have been to Shanghai 3 times, Bangkok once and then Sydney last week (great
for a spot of last minute Christmas shopping!) Probably no more travel for me
now, which is also good.</div>
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2013 is shaping up to be another big year. I am already into planning our holidays - we have Bintan, Adelaide and Vietnam in the frame and hopefully some further afield later in the year.</div>
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Anyway, enough words, time for the photos! We wish you
health and happiness in the year ahead and hope that our paths will cross
again in 2013.</div>
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Christmas Lunch 2011 - Siem Reap - Cambodia</div>
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Hong Kong Disneyland - September 2012</div>
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Alphabet Playhouse End of Year Concert - November 2012</div>
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Loving siblings.</div>
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All the grandkids - Leydon side - January 2012 Adelaide</div>
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With our cousins</div>
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With Auntie Holly - Glastonbury - March 2012</div>
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Skiing - Tignes - France - March 2012</div>
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First day of school - April 2012</div>
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Universal Studios Singapore - July 2012</div>
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Tiananmen Square - Beijing - September 2012</div>
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Great Wall of China - September 2012</div>
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Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-54383579750364959632012-06-24T15:18:00.000+08:002012-06-24T15:20:33.444+08:00Excursion to the Botanic GardensAlex has been going to 'big school' for a term now. He will turn 5 at the end of July so we made the decision to send him this year - we would have sent him in term 1 except that we had a 3 week trip away in the middle of the term, so we elected for term 2. He has been going to Avondale Grammar, a small international school here in Singapore. It's Australian based, but has a mixture of nationalities attending. He has really loved it and I think we made the right decision to send him now.<br />
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On Tuesday it was his first class excursion. They were heading to the Botanic Gardens - specifically Jacob Ballas - the Children's garden. I volunteered to be a 'parent helper'. Although I work full time, I do get pretty generous leave allowances here. We get 25 days annual leave as well as 6 'childcare' days, which is awesome - you can take them for pretty much anything. Technically, because I'm not Singaporean or PR, I'm not eligible for 6, but as my company doesn't discriminate, we get 6. This is for anyone who has kids under 7. So, I booked my day off work with my childcare leave allowance and headed to school to accompany the class.<br />
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What a great day we had. Alex caught the school bus in and I left home 10 minutes after him just beating him to school. I met him at the front of the school and he very excitedly grabbed my hand and took me to his classroom.<br />
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We had a really fun morning. We got onto the bus at school. I had been assigned to look after Alex and Ollie. Ollie is this gorgeous little boy who was so sweet and affectionate, holding my hand as we went around the gardens and slowly warming up and chatting more and more. After touring around Jacob Ballas, we went to the nearby lake to a gazebo to sit down and have morning snacks. Then we sat down and listened to a story told by one of the teachers and then the children were able to do rubbings and colouring in. We headed back to school around midday and I dropped Alex and Ollie back to the classroom then headed off to do a spot of shopping (shoes at Takashimaya!) before going home to Tara to spend the rest of my 'childcare' day with her. Alex got off the school bus at 3:20 and we all had a lovely afternoon playing together.<br />
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Working full time can be difficult with young kids, but I'm very grateful that my work is quite flexible allowing me to work from home a bit and also to have days off such as these. I do really enjoy working and I think that I am probably a better Mum because it helps me to value those special moments that I have with the kids. I think they appreciate me more when I'm around too. I know that everyone is different and what works for some people won't work for others, but I like the balance of our lives. Our next holiday is in Bintan in 4 weeks time - I can't wait!!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-43853508549153340122012-06-12T22:46:00.001+08:002012-06-12T22:52:04.819+08:00Post ACL surgery - 8 days on.So last Monday June 4th, I had my ACL surgery. I was really nervous about it before hand. I didn't sleep well on the Sunday night. Early on Monday morning, I grabbed a taxi to the hospital and checked in. The ward staff thought I was scheduled for 9am surgery but when they realized it was 8am, there was a mad rush. I sadly had to remove my nail polish that was only a day and a half old! Then I was wheeled down to theatre. It reminded me of when Alex broke his arm as it was the same hospital and theatre area. I spoke with the anaethetist and signed my life away and then I was under (after the doc drawing with magic marker on my knee), I was relieved as I wouldn't want them to get the wrong one!
I woke up in recovery around 11 and was desperately thirsty. I have a recollection of them giving me a syringe of water! I was wheeled back to my room - private room and loads nicer than Mount E where I had day surgery in Feb! I was so tired, I kept thinking I should call Gary but the urge to sleep was overwhelming. I eventually woke up at 1pm. No pain! Excellent! I had a sandwich and a cup of Milo and then a bit later the surgeon came in. He said the op had gone well and I would be free to go after the physio came. The physio arrived a bit later. She was this tiny young girl. She went over a few exercises, put my brace on and it was time to try out the crutches. I didn't realize my leg was still very numb, I stood up and went sideways nearly bowling the poor physio over! Whoa, that wasn't supposed to happen. Take 2 was a lot better.
I got home around 4pm and spent a very comfortable night in my own bed. Yay for day surgery. On Tuesday, I was hobbling around with my crutches. On Wednesday, I went to get the bandage off and they redressed all of the wounds. I was slowly getting feeling back but I think the anaethetist was a bit heavy handed! On Thursday I went to see my physio. He had me off my crutches that morning. On Friday, I was walking a lot more and reasonably well.
Today (day 8), I got a bit of pain and stiffness in my knee. I think this is normal, also my hamstring is a bit sore. But it's not at all bad. I was so worried about how I would cope post surgery, but it has been way better than I expected. I am so glad! So now it's the long rehab. Exercises every day and no biking for 6 weeks, no running for 5 months, no skiing for 8 months. Hmmmm, I wonder if trapeze would be allowed when we go to Bintan in 5 weeks?Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-40908224132389876962012-06-03T11:28:00.000+08:002012-06-03T11:28:22.281+08:00SurgeryTomorrow (Monday June 4th), I am scheduled to have surgery to reconstruct my ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in my left knee. It's now 10 weeks since my skiing accident and my leg is in a pretty good condition. The worst thing is that for the past 10 days or so, I have been suffering from lower back pain (I'm guessing caused by walking strangely due to wearing a brace for 8 weeks). This has impacted on my exercises that I have been doing to strengthen my knee. Hopefully the surgery will be successful and then I will be on the road to a full recovery. I have a great physio who specialises in knees and ankles. I am feeling pretty nervous about the surgery but am also very keen to get it behind me so that I can start the proper rehabilitation. I am hoping that there's not too much damage to my miniscus as this will mean my rehab is much quicker. My surgery is scheduled for 8am tomorrow. I need to be at the hospital at 6am (groan). I am not looking forward to going back to being on crutches and wearing the brace. However, hopefully it will be short lived. I am also not at all good at being housebound. I go a bit stir crazy. Hopefully I will only be on crutches for a few days and then getting back to normal. I am working from home for the rest of the week and will get out on Thursday to see the physio. Yay - an outing!!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-9759991774413893842012-06-03T11:05:00.001+08:002012-06-03T11:05:07.566+08:00Europe 2012 - getting back to EnglandOn Sunday March 25th, we set out very early (our transfer was 6am and it was daylight savings morning so really 5am)! We set our alarm for 5am, but our iPhone updated the time and after getting up and dressed (which was kind of difficult with brace etc), I realized our mistake. Thankful we hadn't woken the kids up! I hadn't had a lot of sleep given my leg was braced and pretty swollen. We had a tense moment at Chambery airport when being asked if I could bend my leg. I managed to convince them that with an aisle seat I would be fine to let the trolley past. Phew. We had a good time getting to the plane, in a wheelchair and getting a hydraulic lift (Alex joined me). The flight was fine and when we arrived at Gatwick, I was told assistance would be arriving. Assistance was a wheelchair for 100m and then a motorized trolley. I was allowed to take 1 child with me, so Tara and I got on. What an amazing service, the lady who drove us was lovely - a volunteer and just so friendly and accommodating. We were driven to passport control and then met the boys at baggage reclaim and then we all got a ride to the car rental area! It was an excellent service. We picked up our rental car and drove to the Hilton hotel in Cobham in Surrey.<br />
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Gary dropped me off at the door of the Hilton - we arrived around lunchtime. I went in hobbling on my crutches with both kids. The check-in staff told us our room wasn't ready yet as they had been full the night before. The manager at the desk then looked at me and said, "You look like you could do with a drink, come to the bar with me" and she took the kids and I to the bar and told the bartender to get us what we wanted and she would sign the bill. She got the children 2 activity packs with colouring etc inside and it made me feel like crying - it had been such a journey to get there and everyone had been so kind. With the accident happening less than 24 hours prior, we hadn't really had a chance to process it all but she was so lovely and accommodating.<br />
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When Gary and I lived in England we had a house in Walton on Thames and this was one of the reasons we had chosen the Hilton at Cobham. As it was lunchtime, we decided to go to one of our favourite pubs for lunch. We drove there (got a little lost) but managed to find it ok and as it was Sunday lunch the place was heaving. Luckily we did manage to get a table and we had a gorgeous pub lunch at what used to be called "The Oatlands Chase" but had changed its name. Again, on leaving, Gary went to get the car and people were helping me out - opening the car door and just being so kind.<br />
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We drove back to our hotel and got our rooms, only to find out that they were on the 2nd floor and there was no lift!! I had a chat with the front desk staff and they offered us a room on the ground floor but unfortunately the ground floor had no interconnecting rooms so we decided we'd give the 2nd floor a go. I very quickly learnt how to get up and down stairs with my crutches. The rooms were lovely and it was nice to be able to relax and collect ourselves for a while.<br />
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On Sunday night we caught up with some old friends Mark & Liz and their 2 daughters, Rachel and Gemma. We went to an old favourite restaurant - Pizza Express. I was delighted that they still had my all time favourite pizza on the menu - Veneziana. The kids had a lovely time and it was so nice to catch up with old friends - now in a very different situation with 4 kids between us!<br />
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On Monday, we had a lovely day exploring Surrey again and just chilling out. On Tuesday, our flight was at 10:30pm so we asked the hotel if we could have late checkout. They told us it was 10 pounds an hour after 1pm and we organised to have the room till 4pm. They didn't end up charging us the extra 30 pounds which was again, so nice of them. We had a nice easy day and then at 4pm, checked out and drove to a nearby playground we had seen earlier in the day. The kids had a brilliant time playing and then we went to another of our favourite pubs on the river for dinner before driving to Heathrow. It was a lovely relaxing few days in Surrey despite me being on crutches and leg in a splint.<br />
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Gary did the drive back to Heathrow - our trusty GPS got us there without an issue and we managed to check in without a hitch. Gatwick definitely wins the prize for assistance. Heathrow was a lady with a wheelchair who was very kind. In Singapore we had a guy who crashed me into a number of objects and was going so fast that poor Tara was running to try to keep up. Eventually Gary asked him if he could take the hand luggage and Gary pushed me. The guy was a bit clueless. Anyway, we made it back to Singapore in 1 piece.<br />
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A big shout out to Gary for managing 2 toddlers, 2 heavy suitcases, 4 items of hand luggage and a wife on crutches. What a champion.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-70649988690718053162012-05-27T10:13:00.001+08:002012-05-27T10:13:44.088+08:00Skiing in TignesEarly in the morning on Sunday March 18th, (our 6th wedding anniversary and UK Mothers Day), we headed on the shuttle bus to the airport and checked in for our flight to Chambery. I've never seen so many kids on a flight. The plane was 80% families with young kids. The flight was uneventful (good) and we arrived at Chambery but then had to wait for all the other flights to arrive to get our transfer to Tignes. Overall, it was a long travel day with a 2.5 hour bus ride but everyone travelled well. We checked into Chalet Corniche - our home for the next 7 days. It was very nice and the kids were very excited to see real snow. We went to hire skis and boots and lugged them back to the Chalet. The company we travelled with Espirit Ski, had a great schedule of kids dinner at 5:45 and then cocktails and hors d'ourves for adults at 7:30. A baby sitter sat outside the kids bedroom listening to ensure they stayed in bed (was never a problem with our 2)! What a great setup! We had a fabulous week. The kids went off to childcare in the morning and had a 2 hour ski lesson in the afternoon. They were exhausted each night and slept really well, whilst both being keen to go back the next day for more fun. We went to the Tignes swimming pool one afternoon, which was great - having a dip whilst looking out the window at snow covered mountains.
Gary and I got our 'ski legs' back (it was our first ski holiday in 5.5 years). Despite doing a black run on the first day (by accident - misread the map!), we had loads of fun and the snow was a delight. On our last day skiing (Saturday 25th), we took the kids in the Gondola up aeroski to have a hot chocolate at the top. What a beautiful place. We then took them down and played in the snow which was exhausting. We dropped them off at lunch time with the childcare team and we went off for our final afternoon's skiing together. We went on a couple of lifts, did a few smooth runs and were heading down on a blue run. I was pointing completely downhill and had the thought that it was a bit further to the bottom than I had originally thought so I'd better put a turn in. I went to turn and obviously misjudged, it went wrong, I crossed my skis and ended up with both skis and 1 pole up the mountain. My initial thoughts were "well that was silly, and I've slightly hurt my knee, I don't think we will ski much more today, what a shame". There was a lovely older French couple who stopped to help me as Gary was down the bottom of the mountain. They rescued my skis and pole and helped me up. I was explaining my knee was a bit sore but I thought it was alright. The man looked at my ski and it was slightly broken. He was able to fix it but warned me that I shouldn't ski much with it as it needed to be looked at. I then tried to clip into my ski. I put my toe of my boot in and went to push my heel down. My whole left leg went to jelly and collapsed underneath me. I freaked out a bit with that and realised I couldn't walk. The kind French couple helped me out, he skied to Gary holding my skis, she took my poles and I slid down on my bottom. We explained it all to Gary and then asked the French couple to call mountain rescue for us. What a saga. Ski patrol came very quickly. I told the guy what happened and he immediately said "ligaments". I was a bit puzzled as I wasn't in much pain but he said it was most probably torn ligaments and sometimes they weren't immediately painful. The ski rescue medic then came to take me down to the bottom. Whee, off in the sled I went, with my leg in an air cast. We were met at the bottom by the ambulance who took us to the Tignes medical centre. Gary skied down and met us there. I was examined by a doctor and he confirmed after x-ray 2 torn ligaments. Once Gary arrived at the medical centre, he was given the pharmacy shopping list and after a while, he was back with a brace, crutches, pain killers and DVT prevention injections. Wow! What a spectacular end to our holiday.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-25626525230133667592012-05-26T18:24:00.001+08:002012-05-26T18:24:44.404+08:00Our European holiday - part 1 - EnglandWe last went back to Europe 4 years ago when Alex was just 9 months old. During that trip we found out we were expecting Tara and although we had a great time, it was hard work. So it was with both excitement and trepidation that we prepared for our European holiday. The one thing that concerned me the most was the 14 hour flight and how the kids would manage. Having done the trip by myself just 4 weeks earlier (for a work trip, therefore at the front of the bus), I was nervous about the long flight. Also Gary had been ill for a few weeks before we went with a hacking cough and the cold also was a concern. We left Changi around midnight on March 10th. The kids were troopers, mainly excited about the trip and both were asleep as soon as we boarded, before the plane had got in the air. Alex desperately tried to stay awake but tiredness won out. So far so good. I managed a bit of sleep on the plane as did Gary, but it's still a long flight! We landed at Heathrow in the early hours and got to the car rental around 6am. That was all very smooth although a bit daunting leaving in the dark and wet. However our trusty GPS managed to navigate us onto the M25 and the M1. Both kids got a bit more sleep in the car and the drive to Nottingham was pretty good. We were at Gary's parents place by 8:30 even after a coffee stop. We picked up Ann and continued driving to Chesterfield in the peak district. Jet lag was kicking in fast, so it was great to finally arrive at our 3 bedroom cottage. What a beautiful place. We stayed at Cowclose Barn and it was superb. Comfortable, warm, welcoming - a freshly baked cake to welcome us. Ah, England!
We had 3 nights in the Peak District and it was lovely. We had a trip to Chatsworth House (farm animals and great playground) and generally enjoyed catching up with Ann and having family time. On the Wednesday we drove Ann back to Nottingham and headed off towards Glastonbury. The kids were troopers in the car - iPads helped! We checked into our home for the next 3 nights and caught up with Holly - Gary's older sister. We also were fortunate to spend an afternoon with Gary's cousin Sarah, her husband David and daughter Megan. The kids bonded immediately. What a lovely few days. On St Patricks Day we headed off again to Gatwick. We checked into the Marriott at Gatwick airport and were ready for our early morning flight to France the following day.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-18048594431415721892012-01-02T13:48:00.011+08:002012-01-02T14:05:03.426+08:00Christmas Newsletter 2011Singapore Tales – 2011<br /><br />Dear Family & Friends,<br /><br />Well, where did that year go? I find myself at December 31st, looking back on the year that was and wondering about how quickly each year now passes by. And having just re-read my 2010 newsletter (sent on Christmas Eve – I’m slipping), I commented on the same thing! Here in Singapore we have had a good year and we are very thankful for a number of things, mostly our health and for the love and support of our family and friends.<br /><br />We have had a number of fun family holidays this year. We dubbed 2011, “The Year of Club Med”. It wasn’t intended that way, but it started out heading to Bintan (Indonesian Island 45 minutes ferry ride from Singapore) in Feb 2011 for a long weekend. A few people from work had mentioned they enjoyed Club Med so I checked on the internet, found a deal and booked our weekend. What a weekend we had. The kids both went for mornings to “Petit Club” where they do all sorts of activities, drawing, swimming, nature walks etc. Gary and I enjoyed our mornings “off” with yoga, Thai boxing, lazing on the beach etc. It was a brilliant 4 days so when it came time to book our next holiday, we decided to try Club Med Phuket, (again – got a great deal – I am an accountant after all). We went to Phuket for a week in May and again, a fabulous time had by all. We then managed to dash back to Bintan for another long weekend in September and then had a week in Cherating Beach Malaysia in November. It was a year of holidays that were about rest and relaxing – not something we’ve focused on much before, but having 2 active toddlers makes this much more of a focus!<br /><br />I also had a long weekend visit to Adelaide in August to help my siblings clear our Mum’s place (Mum has now moved to assisted accommodation). Thanks to Gary for taking all of the childcare (and to Anelen!!) I also managed to sneak away in late October for a ‘girl’s weekend’ in Phuket with Karen & Rachel. What a fun time and yes, I know how lucky I am to have an understanding husband (who is looking forward to a couple of trips away by himself next year - edited by Gary) as well as a great helper! Our latest holiday was our Christmas trip to Siem Reap. A Cambodian Christmas was different, but we all had a great time. It is the most underdeveloped place we have visited (as a family) but still quite touristy and this obviously makes it easier to travel around. We spent Christmas Day visiting Angkor Thom and then had a traditional Cambodian Christmas lunch (fried rice, satay and ginger pork) which was enjoyed by all. It was a really lovely family Christmas.<br /><br />The kids were rather captivated by Siem Reap, so many things to see that they have never seen before. They loved the tuk-tuks but felt Mummy and Daddy should not off been holding on to them quite as much as they were! (Alex’s comment “It’s not so much fun when you put your arm around me”).<br /><br />In 2012 we are looking forward to a return to England (first time since 2008) in March. We will be in the UK for a week, before heading to Tignes for a ski holiday (I hope the kids like the cold!) and then back to London for a couple of nights before our return to Singapore.<br /><br />Both of the kids are doing really well and enjoying their life here in Singapore. They are attending a kindergarten / nursery school called “Alphabet Playhouse” which is a couple of hundred metres walk from our condo. Tara began the year going 3 mornings a week and then went to 5 mornings when I returned to full time work (in June). She loves her teacher and seems to be learning a lot, they both pop out with Chinese numbers and songs on occasion. Alex has made a number of new friends in his class and seems to be really enjoying his time at nursery. He had homework every weekend (something Tara was a little upset to miss out on) and has made great progress in writing and colouring this year. Alex turned 4 in late July and till the day of his birthday declared he was “3 and a half”. Tara is much the same, I told her this morning that today is the last day she can say “I’m only 2 Mummy”. Tara is turning 3 tomorrow and very excited about her birthday.<br /><br />Work wise, we have had a year of stability with our jobs – Gary having just started his new job at Credit Suisse in November last year has now been in the role for over a year and feels part of the furniture. Gary travelled with work to Pune, India a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed his time there. My job at Diageo has been the same this year, but I’m very happy to say that as of Jan 16th, I am moving to a new role that will hopefully be a lot more interesting than my current role. After two and half years here we feel like we are finally on the right ground work wise, up until now either one or both of us have been at least unhappy and at times furious with our employers. We are looking forward to what will certainly be a challenging but hopefully also rewarding 2012, both of us doing things we are interested in.<br /><br />We are now truly settled into our home, we moved 14 months ago and are still happy and enjoying our home on River Valley Road. We just discovered a few new bars on the river a short easy walk from home. We spent a rather relieved lunch there a few weeks back, one of the few times when I’ve sunk a couple of pints at a lunch in the last few years! (Gary)<br /><br />We have had a few visitors this year. Gary’s Mum was with us for the start of the year and then just after Ann left, Roger came over from KL in February. Allisa came for a week in March, shortly after Roger’s departure. We caught up with Paula who was visiting Singapore in June where we discovered a fabulous Japanese restaurant (must go back). My brother John, his wife Jenny and their 3 girls were in Singapore in July. It was fantastic to spend time with them and for all of the cousins to be reacquainted. Gary’s Mum was back in July for Alex’s birthday and Gary’s birthday in August. We also had fleeting visits from my nephew Daniel (actually this was late 2010), Tricia, Jim & Tegan, Ann-Marie & Ross and my cousin David. We love seeing people here and being able to show off some of what Singapore has to offer so if you are calling through, do let us know!<br /><br />All in all it’s been a good year where we have found some stability to see us through the next few years here, although a few unexpected challenges came our way in the closing months just to keep us on our toes.<br /><br />I hope that this finds you all well and happy and hope that 2012 is a great year for you all. <div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> 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mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Calibri;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few pictures of our year (not in chronological order!!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment--></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoULccSvmECU2-dSz5PKsu0bI21Nn7skFDXNc55RHE1xxRG1GEunvJPTx9Aky1QDeq-G1lbZcJ4MLRs3rLtC8GdD1RvPWzqUATO3QapGCI9l4C7wEyrqedYpLnKAqjDNlMGdj9SRwz6zC/s1600/2011_9.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoULccSvmECU2-dSz5PKsu0bI21Nn7skFDXNc55RHE1xxRG1GEunvJPTx9Aky1QDeq-G1lbZcJ4MLRs3rLtC8GdD1RvPWzqUATO3QapGCI9l4C7wEyrqedYpLnKAqjDNlMGdj9SRwz6zC/s320/2011_9.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692909849835001010" /></a><div>With cousins from Adelaide - July 2011<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Awrd7LcCnLmIjKcy-GEA0Dey1zQqbY1YZnPlSawLKsHinXVEDglNwqDg5Voohd4epUqakmsb5L-u-upWhSJXBrxhY8OrqVff7hZZJce8jKIRrV9O74URqTYNpTVQwpi0HgDeeRwlzf3y/s1600/2011_8.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Awrd7LcCnLmIjKcy-GEA0Dey1zQqbY1YZnPlSawLKsHinXVEDglNwqDg5Voohd4epUqakmsb5L-u-upWhSJXBrxhY8OrqVff7hZZJce8jKIRrV9O74URqTYNpTVQwpi0HgDeeRwlzf3y/s320/2011_8.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692909772639122562" /></a></div><div>Swimming in pool at Cherating Beach Malaysia - November 2011<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMuqIHqwMtALo_wl9wINl65G_wVpzRvdC1lReyctNuwALv0IYXIe2JOlFce5dWaVCgdPA1RsOSnWpwGsZBamN8FoQ83IS2DA1-JsSxi6wQXeFDLbrDLbNaorTOqgHvsj3yDrdZYiRVSMe/s1600/2011_7.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMuqIHqwMtALo_wl9wINl65G_wVpzRvdC1lReyctNuwALv0IYXIe2JOlFce5dWaVCgdPA1RsOSnWpwGsZBamN8FoQ83IS2DA1-JsSxi6wQXeFDLbrDLbNaorTOqgHvsj3yDrdZYiRVSMe/s320/2011_7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692909705859906162" /></a></div><div>On the beach at Bintan - Indonesia - September 2011<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKUi5tac8BYSmLZWFfxp6BpgUFfclpDyzzqNrSuMNeO2Zeakg7X_YtJQ3rFM2MGEqqHqlU8u1GcQF4XuGCVCF313k5RujWh_Aif3iFTXxDDfWws7_cka_fcWl7M9ANo9oiGBRWKZWZPAo/s1600/2011_6.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKUi5tac8BYSmLZWFfxp6BpgUFfclpDyzzqNrSuMNeO2Zeakg7X_YtJQ3rFM2MGEqqHqlU8u1GcQF4XuGCVCF313k5RujWh_Aif3iFTXxDDfWws7_cka_fcWl7M9ANo9oiGBRWKZWZPAo/s320/2011_6.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692909629323378242" /></a></div><div>Christmas lunch - Siem Reap - Cambodia - December 25, 2011<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkF0g6hAhd62qXbSmqtfn4de0yWqs8f-1L41zaqpJYsNICSLaL7JpsNzbL6U4EpYr_f_SsIGaiuCMqGWzctTLH3R1obwyqPAJzgHcVk34u_ZZNCMrYXB-GXTwjujr-hvLh8PYyxm2S7a3y/s1600/2011_5.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkF0g6hAhd62qXbSmqtfn4de0yWqs8f-1L41zaqpJYsNICSLaL7JpsNzbL6U4EpYr_f_SsIGaiuCMqGWzctTLH3R1obwyqPAJzgHcVk34u_ZZNCMrYXB-GXTwjujr-hvLh8PYyxm2S7a3y/s320/2011_5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692909548733403442" /></a></div><div>Elephant Parade - Singapore Zoo - November 2011<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHeK84jJWuVtSaVMuqqr0CoGsy2n2jox4mif6j2Q3scyOJLTwZjCNaFZExRbDGg2c4w2tSmyZcCW2UW_4sDoyVqzliosZjwO1L7QQbG88eDSBe8Tr-5PYqheszDaY5D_QgrDrlCo1U-zw/s1600/2011_4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHeK84jJWuVtSaVMuqqr0CoGsy2n2jox4mif6j2Q3scyOJLTwZjCNaFZExRbDGg2c4w2tSmyZcCW2UW_4sDoyVqzliosZjwO1L7QQbG88eDSBe8Tr-5PYqheszDaY5D_QgrDrlCo1U-zw/s320/2011_4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692909471226843858" /></a></div><div>With Granny Ann at Jurong Bird Park - Singapore - August 2011<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE7Iu-hKfXTfxOuwVTMFtxKo4ELJDcrVotF_wPBc1d0WZaoXNL-enpVTR-BJ03gx4p-xIaPxJ4zPSkUJeuSwAn1YeG9VKdU93oWdbdvWfUZt4HjQbUMYUA0OcGm-2_pwkRnkpHF3Kr4_k/s1600/2011_3.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE7Iu-hKfXTfxOuwVTMFtxKo4ELJDcrVotF_wPBc1d0WZaoXNL-enpVTR-BJ03gx4p-xIaPxJ4zPSkUJeuSwAn1YeG9VKdU93oWdbdvWfUZt4HjQbUMYUA0OcGm-2_pwkRnkpHF3Kr4_k/s320/2011_3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692909383048517538" /></a></div><div>With Captain Mark - Phuket - Thailand - May 2011<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpob3ZD-65Lp4wCbq9UbUgjU14tG7WrJtmcpcVsnY3kn1WMgcPOH15oepLbpb2Jmn_hyphenhyphenlOnsvdUZvheXFbrJVxG2D6OJcitySILMZpmNC_nFW8juldSCCypL8zgYBu32YeZewW5WLkPSpS/s1600/2011_2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpob3ZD-65Lp4wCbq9UbUgjU14tG7WrJtmcpcVsnY3kn1WMgcPOH15oepLbpb2Jmn_hyphenhyphenlOnsvdUZvheXFbrJVxG2D6OJcitySILMZpmNC_nFW8juldSCCypL8zgYBu32YeZewW5WLkPSpS/s320/2011_2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692909108707640354" /></a></div><div>With great friend Lilah on Alex's 4th birthday - July 2011<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_oULq8utXaItgjNj2VOT3oFw3jCIbEKkMCtWeqfruYZiYofqWrBYhmKqDVdW2TEIcZth9l3noUDPjVS0iv7TcpKR9_upzx4nW_3_erYii64eVkTGfELrLG9uurEcxcf-YjK3l_fVRd_V/s1600/2011_1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_oULq8utXaItgjNj2VOT3oFw3jCIbEKkMCtWeqfruYZiYofqWrBYhmKqDVdW2TEIcZth9l3noUDPjVS0iv7TcpKR9_upzx4nW_3_erYii64eVkTGfELrLG9uurEcxcf-YjK3l_fVRd_V/s320/2011_1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692908972859364978" /></a><br /></div><div>Watching a monitor lizard at Cherating Beach - Malaysia - November 2011</div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-60361592831130174672011-12-31T12:58:00.002+08:002012-01-02T13:48:18.977+08:00Christmas Newsletter 2010Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all of our friends and family.<o:p></o:p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here, I find myself at Christmas Eve already. How did that happen? Where has the time gone? My goodness, what a year 2010 has been.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We began the year with Alex starting at the local kindergarten across the road from home 5 mornings per week for 3 hours. This was great for Alex who enjoyed the stimulation and going to ‘school’ with other kids from our condo. He had a lovely teacher Miss Leong and enjoyed learning Mandarin and lots of other bits and pieces. He went to True Way for the whole year and in 2011 will be attending a new pre-school close to our new place called Alphabet Playhouse. He is looking forward to starting again in the new year and hopefully it will be a good environment for him. Tara will also begin in 2011, 3 mornings per week. Hopefully she will enjoy this too. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A month ago, we moved house. We are reasonably settled into our new place now and have met a few other families living in the condo. Our new place seems very family friendly. They actually put on a Christmas party for the condo kids a couple of weeks ago and it was manic!! There were so many kids there. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In February of 2010, we had our first visitor for the year when Roger came over from Malaysia for a few days visit. It was fun to have him stay with us and we enjoyed catching up after many years. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In late February, I decided to dip a toe in the water so to speak and look into the possibility of going back to work. My ideal was to get part time work – but I soon found out this is not very common at all in Singapore. I ended up taking a 6 month contract role that was full time with Diageo. I began work in March and it was a bit of an adjustment (I think more so for me than for the children!) It was great to get back to work, I realized I missed the mental stimulation, but I also missed the kids a lot. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had a short trip to Bangkok in late March and visited Gary’s uncle & aunt. It was fun taking the kids to visit relatives they hadn’t met yet. It was lovely to catch up with Neville & Ann again too.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In April, we had our first family holiday and went to Bali for 10 days. It’s always insightful travelling with kids and hindsight is a wonderful thing. We had a lovely time, but would probably do things a bit differently next time. However, it was a relaxing break and time away. When we got back to Singapore, we caught up with Nat, Colm and their 2 girls Orla and Niamh who were on their way to Ireland. It was lovely to catch up with friends from Adelaide. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In June, we had our first trip to the emergency room with Alex – he freakishly broke his arm whilst running down the corridor at home on a Friday morning. It was very traumatic, but as nearly 3 year olds do, he really took it in his stride and adjusted to his cast in no time (which was only on for 3 ½ weeks!)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In September, we had a holiday back to Adelaide. Again, a learning experience travelling with children (always pack spare clothes not just for the kids was a big lesson after Tara vomited over me as the plane was landing in Adelaide). It was nice to be home and to be able to catch up with friends and family. It was also nice to cool off a bit and experience some cooler weather!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After we returned from Australia, I started working 4 days per week as my 6 month contract had finished and I managed to negotiate 1 day off per week. It’s really nice having that balance. I don’t know how long it will last, but I am enjoying it while I have it!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In November, we caught up with our friends from London / Australia Karen & Tom and their boys Thomas and James. They are moving to Singapore in the new year and were here taking a look around. It was great to catch up and will be very nice to have some old friends moving over here too.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gary got a new job at Credit Suisse and started at the beginning of November. He is enjoying being back in the banking world. Aside from work, Gary has been quite active with dragon boating in 2010. He took part in a couple of races and we are both training (me on a much lower scale), but it’s great fun and a good team environment. We are paddling with the Singapore British Dragons – a great bunch of people.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Alex and Tara are doing really well. Tara will be 2 on New Year’s Eve and is talking a lot now. Communication is a great thing and I think she enjoys making herself understood with words! Alex is such a chatterbox and amazes us with some of the stuff he comes out with. He is excited about Christmas this year, much more so than in the past.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This year for Christmas we are joined by both of our mothers. Ann (Gary’s Mum) has been with us for a few weeks now and in January will go to Thailand to visit her brother & sister in law. My Mum arrived yesterday from Adelaide and will be with us till Tara’s birthday.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sorry this is a short, very abridged version of our 2010. Time has just got away from me completely. I wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX6scKCRy-6Gf3uexQl0lEoK8Dio3cWzZJ3m6g9fPZ4Vj2XbJm7KHJfXXsCVolgqvb29-gLOyrpDe-9wbF6HcY7EB0WJnOAMdG5WqnOsnEA6yV-4yDa9xWw_R_mPACWIBgRT4DG7zfAhu/s1600/2010_7.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX6scKCRy-6Gf3uexQl0lEoK8Dio3cWzZJ3m6g9fPZ4Vj2XbJm7KHJfXXsCVolgqvb29-gLOyrpDe-9wbF6HcY7EB0WJnOAMdG5WqnOsnEA6yV-4yDa9xWw_R_mPACWIBgRT4DG7zfAhu/s320/2010_7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692906313351596450" /></a><div>At the Monkey Temple - Ubud - Bali</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgPIltYxlqBKG_U4DUTHOPyM5OxptEoZzdhJy5D_6dIEY2PkPtBXM13lQhcgoCeN-_zU60IYJyAbnFtblmHVHkkdg4KWEidUugeleyQoW1nTtmjtDPCAWDuGg6PIGM_9rm3E7Wu3m88s6/s1600/2010_6.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgPIltYxlqBKG_U4DUTHOPyM5OxptEoZzdhJy5D_6dIEY2PkPtBXM13lQhcgoCeN-_zU60IYJyAbnFtblmHVHkkdg4KWEidUugeleyQoW1nTtmjtDPCAWDuGg6PIGM_9rm3E7Wu3m88s6/s320/2010_6.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692906309502606802" /></a></div><div>Feeling the cold on Glenelg Jetty - Adelaide - September 2010<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkuFtT7qDJoZSKToGP4EfmkRVR9q-QMs24TdqHn9TfnS8opQcrCBGA4z0Myl3O1H05RnGcSNRbGGa40Eh3zuE0TOkRYUyqBaAxyCXL98oyVkDMp3onVVrYFOc2KX3VPLpdxgbsdJ3fHzY/s1600/2010_5.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkuFtT7qDJoZSKToGP4EfmkRVR9q-QMs24TdqHn9TfnS8opQcrCBGA4z0Myl3O1H05RnGcSNRbGGa40Eh3zuE0TOkRYUyqBaAxyCXL98oyVkDMp3onVVrYFOc2KX3VPLpdxgbsdJ3fHzY/s320/2010_5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692906305731189634" /></a></div><div>Why let a broken arm stop you from having fun?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTXGGM_4NUMlV10qSHvEiQQc3uXUjVK9Kp9EqsCfYYN7fF-3v18hLlV3_ycDEM_OO4hZweDbY5UEFDGmF9EMR13ZnMRfSO_ts-sTdPQmJPEGqUis7honanaK8qKWlVWawEUk9cu2R1Yki/s1600/2010_4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTXGGM_4NUMlV10qSHvEiQQc3uXUjVK9Kp9EqsCfYYN7fF-3v18hLlV3_ycDEM_OO4hZweDbY5UEFDGmF9EMR13ZnMRfSO_ts-sTdPQmJPEGqUis7honanaK8qKWlVWawEUk9cu2R1Yki/s320/2010_4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692906025024492642" /></a></div><div>Tara & Alex at Hort Park<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX3xzNOQreTtNFd2AQEZwkayJUVOpeBlY__En_OheHBLd1AN7s8RmVzJC0bfCR4-m2D3_xJvx0Uje-Apxry7WqDqkJ10MIuogkhd-pqKXO0lmv4oQJWIY02l6Iycwr9xOn4wllCWXC7_Z/s1600/2010_3.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX3xzNOQreTtNFd2AQEZwkayJUVOpeBlY__En_OheHBLd1AN7s8RmVzJC0bfCR4-m2D3_xJvx0Uje-Apxry7WqDqkJ10MIuogkhd-pqKXO0lmv4oQJWIY02l6Iycwr9xOn4wllCWXC7_Z/s320/2010_3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692906023167210322" /></a></div><div>Gary performing for Divas Dragonboating comp.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zB6fJRMzhDEQq3QxdC-QHP2r2voJo4g9IEjKUMYA4C2vWC7hCDKLAg25tpr9GMiQP2VIn4oTa9yZreHGodK79WCuHHQojLlxJQCFNnVHW3knTOLI_3OsBPbDsEFvdRyZMguWiIOctuNM/s1600/2010_2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zB6fJRMzhDEQq3QxdC-QHP2r2voJo4g9IEjKUMYA4C2vWC7hCDKLAg25tpr9GMiQP2VIn4oTa9yZreHGodK79WCuHHQojLlxJQCFNnVHW3knTOLI_3OsBPbDsEFvdRyZMguWiIOctuNM/s320/2010_2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692906020240491474" /></a></div><div>Theo, Alex & Tara at Hazelwood Park - September 2010<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTv53fXZX3-zdGARIOgss4DaMQzlbLlnIXA3eGqPffcFbo1caGZEbpiL5DZD2SFRdkbnvBRxU1bIqQTuTswZcLys-AqLcP3nYP7LEI7N6F6gjD790f1bxddQvbItHMCueqnmmwIIVnLEN/s1600/2010_1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTv53fXZX3-zdGARIOgss4DaMQzlbLlnIXA3eGqPffcFbo1caGZEbpiL5DZD2SFRdkbnvBRxU1bIqQTuTswZcLys-AqLcP3nYP7LEI7N6F6gjD790f1bxddQvbItHMCueqnmmwIIVnLEN/s320/2010_1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692905601761224642" /></a></div><div>Tara waiting for cake on Daddy's Birthday - August 2010</div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-25707371918450399302010-06-05T14:22:00.003+08:002010-06-05T14:44:32.694+08:00Wow - I've been so lax.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyp7Gtu3dGUHPf4h0HelmVnlwEvM6MEZbSbQuv8bElBzn-dGJIdMuXs3A-8b4A1v2EFXfSNZtgS8w5XDXtRSntFu5bEbEQFmtlxLQHdE78XwmVXrDPgw9LyHNA92ysSYDV1Y5HTcCuiFx/s1600/P1000767-copy.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyp7Gtu3dGUHPf4h0HelmVnlwEvM6MEZbSbQuv8bElBzn-dGJIdMuXs3A-8b4A1v2EFXfSNZtgS8w5XDXtRSntFu5bEbEQFmtlxLQHdE78XwmVXrDPgw9LyHNA92ysSYDV1Y5HTcCuiFx/s320/P1000767-copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479175604193879250" /></a><br />Well, I just looked and it's been 3 months since I posted on here. How slack of me. What can I say - we've been busy!! Life is good, can't complain. I won't try to go in to all we've been up to over the past 3 months as that would send everyone to sleep. <br /><br />Our life in general. My babies are growing up so quickly. Alex will be 3 in 6 weeks time and Tara is 17 months now. They are generally getting on pretty well together with the normal sibling stuff. It's lovely to see them playing and laughing together. They both light up my life. If I call Alex my baby, he says "I'm not a baby, I'm a boy". And to "Little Alex" he says, "no Mummy, I'm big Alex".<br /><br />We have had some fun outings of late. Tomorrow we are going to see the Wiggles in concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. That should be great fun - Alex has been a fan of the Wiggles for a while now and Tara loves to dance around to the music. <br /><br />Gary and I are both dragon boating now. We joined the British team and it's a lot of fun. Gary has done a couple of races. Tomorrow (after the Wiggles), Gary is participating in the Queens Commonwealth Games Baton run or something like that where the British team accompany the Singapore national team in taking the baton between the Merlion and the Singapore Flyer. I hope they don't drop it!!<br /><br />We had a great family holiday in Bali in April. 10 days of relaxation. Learnt a few more things about travelling with kids too. It's always a learning experience.<br /><br />We spent a weekend in Bangkok with Neville & Ann in late March. It was lovely to see them again. We also had friends from Adelaide (Nat, Colm, Orla and Niamh) come to visit for a weekend in April. Fun times and a lovely dinner out at the Fullerton hotel. <br /><br />I have been working for a couple of months now and love some parts of it, others aren't so great. I wish I could find more of a balance with time in the office vs time with the kids, but hopefully that will come. The good thing is that the kids seem to be coping really well with everything. Our weekends were always family time and fun time with the kids but now they are even more so!<br /><br />I went to the cinema on Monday night to see "Sex and the City 2". Lame movie, but the cinema was great - we went to Gold Class which is lounge seats and waiter service. Awesome!!! I will take Gary to experience this sometime soon too.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-7434467900282243632010-03-14T13:38:00.006+08:002010-03-14T19:50:12.885+08:00Where did the last month go?Wow, it's been a month since I last posted here. So much seems to have happened - life is busy but good fun.<br /><br /><br /><br />Today, I did my first ever 'fun run' in Singapore. It was only 5km but wow, it felt like longer. I have been running at the gym generally 3 times a week for the last few months and I am feeling relatively fit, but the thing that I didn't take into consideration was how much the elements when running outside affect you. However, I managed to do it in around 29 minutes, I was hoping to be under 30 so felt good about the achievement. I have signed up to do a 10km run in May - but it is at 4pm on a Saturday!! Not sure if this is a sensible time to run in May. Oh well, I think I will concede that if I am tired, it's ok to stop for a bit and walk.<br /><br /><br /><br />Alex has finished his first term at nursery and is on 'school' holidays this coming week. We have planned a few fun things - catching up with friends, going to the zoo and maybe the science centre too. He seems to be really enjoying his time at nursery and I am very grateful for that. It is incredibly handy as it is just across the road from us.<br /><br /><br /><br />My big news is that this coming week, I will return to work after a nearly 15 month break. I had started to look for some part time work at the beginning of the year. Part time work is very hard to come by in Singapore - it's not really something that people do in my field anyway. I had talked to a few people and 2 weeks ago, a recruitment agent called me to talk about a contract role for maternity leave cover. It is however full time (but for a 6 month period). I had a phone interview the following day and this seemed to go pretty well. The next day they arranged to have a face to face interview last Monday. This also went well and on Tuesday morning I was offered the contract. I am excited and nervous about it. I will miss the kids loads, but they are both in great routines at the moment. Tara has good morning and afternoon sleeps and Alex has 3 hours at nursery in the morning followed by an afternoon sleep when he comes home. I suspect the person who will have the most adjustment is me - the kids will probably take it in their stride as they do most things. I have explained to Alex about Mummy going back to work and he seems fine with this - although he did suggest that Daddy could then stay home with him. Did Gary put him up to this?<br /><br /><br /><br />I think (just depending on the paperwork) that I will start work on Thursday. It will be a relatively soft start as we have a long weekend in Bangkok next weekend (pending the protests being safe!) and then from Easter, I am off for 3 weeks due to Anelen going on home leave and our family holiday in Bali. So, it should hopefully be an easy transition. I am really looking forward to going back to work - I hope it lives up to my expectations!<br /><br /><br /><br />I am trying to think of what else we have been up to over the past few weeks. 2 weeks ago, we had our friend Roger (from London) come to visit from Malaysia. Roger was spending some time in KL and decided to pop over to Singapore for a couple of nights. It was lovely to catch up - the last time we all saw each other was around 6.5 years ago at a bbq we had at our house in Walton on Thames!<br /><br /><br /><br />We have moved Alex into Tara's bedroom at night. This seems to work really well - Tara loves the company and Alex loves the audience. Alex still naps during the day in his own bedroom (in the big bed) and this setup seems to be working.<br /><br /><br /><br />We went to the zoo a few weeks ago. This was the first time we have been in a while and we ended up at Kidzworld (as we inevitably do). Normally Gary will go in the water with Alex and Tara and I will play a little on the side. I decided I should probably get wet and let Tara embrace it a little more. She loved it. She was so excited going down the slide, she was racing around all over the place. Alex now loves the big bucket of water that dumps down on top every few minutes - he used to be quite scared by it. How things move on! We think for Gary's next family day, we will go to have breakfast with the Orangutans again - we did this for Alex's birthday last year and it was fabulous, but I suspect both the kids will get a lot out of it now.<br /><br /><br /><br />Last weekend, we re-visited Queenstown fire station with our friends Francesca, Lilah & Isaac (from our condo) and Rachel & Sennen. It was a great time. Alex loves the fire station - they have open house on a Saturday morning and it is such an adventure with the kids. Alex and I got to drive around the yard in the fire truck and Alex got to hold the fireman's hose. He was also delighted with the coming down the pole! A fun time!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-XlaRcDb2TaMNZC3ysh7f818xz8CrHDqh0lLBLf7MIdlwRQYgCfZufaqYlchDhDkI4FiKiL1fWkqdEPLHNJbKg8B9HXYKM83ijySUhLNu1W_FWmXBuTxgiQuPjs9_1THS2RfCEADzY1r/s1600-h/P1000614.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448447525208423426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-XlaRcDb2TaMNZC3ysh7f818xz8CrHDqh0lLBLf7MIdlwRQYgCfZufaqYlchDhDkI4FiKiL1fWkqdEPLHNJbKg8B9HXYKM83ijySUhLNu1W_FWmXBuTxgiQuPjs9_1THS2RfCEADzY1r/s320/P1000614.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6sdTzfjfGwObe08076SBN6n0VkOpqZNwKM6_K_aCb724EYAhEJfRGSxahmAUQi8Ys88YLEkWHy-69PmhhOBXJdi_dJyx70Qmt7sidcvWGKMKJosWeDGi54b-ZLj8duzUttiN6ESfZsC5/s1600-h/P1000602.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448447517432307746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6sdTzfjfGwObe08076SBN6n0VkOpqZNwKM6_K_aCb724EYAhEJfRGSxahmAUQi8Ys88YLEkWHy-69PmhhOBXJdi_dJyx70Qmt7sidcvWGKMKJosWeDGi54b-ZLj8duzUttiN6ESfZsC5/s320/P1000602.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUFun8oUtZRH4WeGOnPmJhUDNZ0BaOf6fBbp5qg3hGMtT-kxyxNd0XqvArimrZCweieUyJcvb2Hs4BnbWgzTGNXsBJwophy5q_LVb0GLDXLux78gMw6WJ-2_n7MULc24K6pqxHwo_m-87/s1600-h/P1000605.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448447503495865170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUFun8oUtZRH4WeGOnPmJhUDNZ0BaOf6fBbp5qg3hGMtT-kxyxNd0XqvArimrZCweieUyJcvb2Hs4BnbWgzTGNXsBJwophy5q_LVb0GLDXLux78gMw6WJ-2_n7MULc24K6pqxHwo_m-87/s320/P1000605.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, our last month has been full of more Singapore adventures. The kids are both growing up quickly - but at wonderful stages. They make me smile every day (which helps to make up for the other times when they make me crazy!!)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I will definitely try to keep up my blog with my return to work - just need to make time for it like everything else. Just to finish, a short video showing our baby girl in her glory - she loves meal time and was rather cross when I told her it wasn't dinner time yet......</div></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyUHCyw208c8i1AmL2YKjfnIrX1V_9CCB1GDsrrLOLW1_cDo5gpgdBLpw_yiERKc5RjQgiL2v6WWOKwMkoR3A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-10392499967785979952010-02-16T14:10:00.004+08:002010-02-16T16:22:08.596+08:00Chinese New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t-asaqIJ3Daw5AZEZFmXiVg4xeu9Hn2nKUbXLXDOSdUGW6wufca8eD1JYdOPwao8tTQmrKXNUluOGG8JHdKjIVbUKIlZLdt7Y5AjNStLx7LfOFpBn1Vi00tkSyDhc7a4I-o6UUPJw-6Y/s1600-h/DSC_0020.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438750784139469058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t-asaqIJ3Daw5AZEZFmXiVg4xeu9Hn2nKUbXLXDOSdUGW6wufca8eD1JYdOPwao8tTQmrKXNUluOGG8JHdKjIVbUKIlZLdt7Y5AjNStLx7LfOFpBn1Vi00tkSyDhc7a4I-o6UUPJw-6Y/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp-vbxdimiEMPV0hzNx1RPltSDv5EVhhue20stQWtN8E9lIxvnNEBV4glJZ0DONTkGdXYbFHkoL5fLv9ZAu2_Ld0y3A0ce4rBSOZHLOvYQUq4kEfL-1z12Vv71m6i61GyyV5Bo6OrqCFC/s1600-h/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438752126792849314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp-vbxdimiEMPV0hzNx1RPltSDv5EVhhue20stQWtN8E9lIxvnNEBV4glJZ0DONTkGdXYbFHkoL5fLv9ZAu2_Ld0y3A0ce4rBSOZHLOvYQUq4kEfL-1z12Vv71m6i61GyyV5Bo6OrqCFC/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This past weekend, we have celebrated our first Chinese New Year in Asia. The best thing about it has been a 4 day weekend, it has been great having 4 days of family time. Alex had a celebration of Chinese New Year at kindy on Friday. Instead of his normal sports uniform they all dressed up in special clothes which were either their countries National dress or Chinese outfits. We decided against the National outfit and went for the simple red outfit that had a Chinese flavour thanks to our friend Mona. Actually the photo above of Tara is not in CNY dress - just a fun outfit we picked up for Tara.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6cphMVEFJIQStSO7mpil7YNHJj1gJFdxkkH6tiw5gYjZlQYDYw-pdXkl9qil0CKr_kMiiBotVVWG6KdlV5HAPtMrnLxDqkGXlKlG5XjAQc9BCcnrfGKpEbEK4biN9m4xpsstf3nR3UX7/s1600-h/P1000568.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438750775733684914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6cphMVEFJIQStSO7mpil7YNHJj1gJFdxkkH6tiw5gYjZlQYDYw-pdXkl9qil0CKr_kMiiBotVVWG6KdlV5HAPtMrnLxDqkGXlKlG5XjAQc9BCcnrfGKpEbEK4biN9m4xpsstf3nR3UX7/s320/P1000568.JPG" /></a><br />These are some of the other kids in Alex's class. Ji Wong is in traditional Korean dress. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DilEhs1qO7VkuIHKQcf1Ju-_wa9BcdR0O5gc6fzzSFOorGIz-XJj3WXB328uA8r6VveWK7O2dvSL-aGf3hOVJ0FxV4l9KA1SwTKjDCJQw_I0tCmNIhc9vAjaxF6OGgo4kloqOOFZz8hk/s1600-h/P1000559.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438750770649268178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DilEhs1qO7VkuIHKQcf1Ju-_wa9BcdR0O5gc6fzzSFOorGIz-XJj3WXB328uA8r6VveWK7O2dvSL-aGf3hOVJ0FxV4l9KA1SwTKjDCJQw_I0tCmNIhc9vAjaxF6OGgo4kloqOOFZz8hk/s320/P1000559.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />On Sunday we went to Sentosa for the first time. I can't believe we haven't been there before now. Actually we did attempt to go there one weekend, but the queue was ridiculous so we canned that idea then. We went with Alex's friend Lilah and her family. Alex was very excited to be spending the day with Lilah and they had a fun time together. We went to Underwater World which is the Singapore Aquarium. Firstly we went to see the Dolphin Show and then went around looking at various fish etc. You know the day's a hit when your 2 year old walks around saying "WOW". He had a fun time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uR4K3zyx0-fh7mcwxf8wz4q-HDLbcA47ia4FXlzruBh2NV0hJ5N8GbE2AbMjf2DWxSPBlNlpNNj5mNQQBYJtzsBsyau384u7H_39e32dLpG-gLT8tqM_fMWgctGp-G746NFmOlazPAe-/s1600-h/P1000579.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438752133674717042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uR4K3zyx0-fh7mcwxf8wz4q-HDLbcA47ia4FXlzruBh2NV0hJ5N8GbE2AbMjf2DWxSPBlNlpNNj5mNQQBYJtzsBsyau384u7H_39e32dLpG-gLT8tqM_fMWgctGp-G746NFmOlazPAe-/s320/P1000579.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yesterday we went to discover a new playground just down the road for us. It is an 'adventure' playground, probably better for older kids, but Alex had a ball exploring and running around. Tara enjoyed it too - she flaked out on our journey home.<br /><br />Alex has decided - with no parental consultation :) that he is giving up his afternoon nap. For the past week, he hasn't napped at all, except for when he is taken out in his stroller after nap time. I don't know if this is a conscious decision on his part but it does seem to be. I am not ready for him to give this up so we are persevering with it a little longer. If he does give it up, we will have quiet time every day. Tara on the other hand seems to have turned a corner with her daytime sleeps. We can now put her in her cot and close the door and she takes herself off to sleep. What a result. Hard to believe that a few weeks ago, Gary and I were taking it in turns to walk her around the carpark here to get her to sleep.<br /><br />Alex is doing pretty well with his potty training. Accidents are reasonably few now and he seems to have embraced this new phase which I am grateful for! He does like being a 'big boy' and I wonder if this has something to do with the refusal to nap.<br /><br />We have booked a long weekend to Bangkok to go to visit Gary's uncle and aunt who live there. We are excited about going to see Neville & Ann as we haven't seem them for 3 years - I was 15 weeks pregnant with Alex last time we were there. It seems like an eternity ago! We will just have 2 nights in Bangkok so a short visit but hopefully the kids will do well with this.<br /><br />Now, the ironic thing about this is that as I've been writing this, Alex has been in his bedroom and for the first time in more than a week, has actually gone to sleep in his bed in the afternoon. That is good news!! Tara woke after 45 minutes, cried a little, didn't get any attention so gave up and went back to sleep. Ah, loving the serenity.<br /><br />Happy Chinese New Year everyone - here's to the year of the Tiger.....Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-86225045787965169622010-01-31T10:50:00.003+08:002010-01-31T11:57:39.176+08:00JanuaryI am sitting here in a very peaceful apartment. It's 10 to 11 on Sunday morning. Tara has gone for her morning nap. Alex and Gary have gone to the airport to take Ann to her flight home to the UK. I feel I should be tidying up a bit, but that will wait!! We have had a really nice January. When I last wrote, Ann was just coming back from Bangkok. She arrived back in Singapore on Saturday Jan 16th, 2 days after her birthday. For Ann's birthday, we bought her tickets to the musical "Merchants of Bollywood". It was a fabulous show - we went on the Saturday night and we all loved it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZIjGylFg3z08EG5DYzutx0TA2MG4OOKgDTjUhI7DncwAtDsJ-CHLVGrFBZs-1wm62jeuEdkqnycU62FIluh9et8KgoHCw5nH6WavjQKdufcmjoGJdWWi44DctPNKvm5n2uPCOnvgCnnP/s1600-h/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432745220958330018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZIjGylFg3z08EG5DYzutx0TA2MG4OOKgDTjUhI7DncwAtDsJ-CHLVGrFBZs-1wm62jeuEdkqnycU62FIluh9et8KgoHCw5nH6WavjQKdufcmjoGJdWWi44DctPNKvm5n2uPCOnvgCnnP/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is Alex helping to blow out the candle on Ann's birthday cake (icing was melting a bit!!)<br /><br />A couple of nights prior to that, Gary and I went to the Indoor Stadium to see Green Day. It was an excellent concert - we weren't the oldest ones in the crowd and the stadium was a fabulous venue. I have just subscribed to Time Out and look forward to knowing what else is on in town so we can go along!<br /><br />In the past 2 weeks, Alex has been enjoying his school days. His potty training has come along very well (thank goodness) and we even venture out in taxis now. Yesterday, we went to the zoo. On the way home, around 10 minutes from home, he announced he needed to go to the potty. Aaagggghhhh, Gary and I kept him occupied, and also used bribery (if you do hold on, you'll get a treat when you get home). Thankfully, we made it!! I'm sure the day will come when there will be an accident in a taxi - I hope we have an understanding driver.<br /><br />Tara is doing really well - developing so quickly. She understands so much, she is very co-operative and will try to get me a tissue or something off the bookshelf when asked. It's lovely to see her understanding as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelyAoAiTlfZoAP6HWJrHDM5d1GZI5oP94qIRy9tq8Fp99KmiuqCHBcLi8M_ggevvfqNiflNO2N5xjJg88o0oOCCldsWHykCCcl2M7RCku2umvWIiP2Kg_YHCGrdj96-rrRbQ1NYro4LyK/s1600-h/DSC_0046.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432745205597165410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelyAoAiTlfZoAP6HWJrHDM5d1GZI5oP94qIRy9tq8Fp99KmiuqCHBcLi8M_ggevvfqNiflNO2N5xjJg88o0oOCCldsWHykCCcl2M7RCku2umvWIiP2Kg_YHCGrdj96-rrRbQ1NYro4LyK/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" /></a><br /><br />One of Tara's favorite things to do is to climb in the stroller when it's not in use!<br /><br />Our house has had a little sickness over the last couple of weeks. Gary caught a very bad cold and hasn't yet recovered 100%. Alex is also coughing and sneezing and I have had a sore throat that I can't seem to shake over the last couple of weeks. Fingers crossed, we will all feel much better soon.<br /><br />We have had a lovely time with Ann whilst she's been here. The kids have loved having their Granny here - Alex has been sharing his room with Ann and has jumped into her bed on most mornings before coming to visit Mummy & Daddy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher3wd7Cdw3YbIDhyNolYiWBn_Rdq5o7Tk4qV_L7k3NJoWCTfzd-OLZFXS5NLRqHtsOlBj6dgjGoqY1vgvbapDNIYDoqsbkSH9Qt8_4CFSmLHQb2qfWxF5y-fxUHSKhozMbNLzm1B9LXyl/s1600-h/DSC_0085.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432745183030625106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher3wd7Cdw3YbIDhyNolYiWBn_Rdq5o7Tk4qV_L7k3NJoWCTfzd-OLZFXS5NLRqHtsOlBj6dgjGoqY1vgvbapDNIYDoqsbkSH9Qt8_4CFSmLHQb2qfWxF5y-fxUHSKhozMbNLzm1B9LXyl/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEj4Crx78hhzWWq8RC-r38Z3dwHsYBC9gg3QS8IM3SSCa648MCmyPxuztFt4KinErjhjHa_hace7VZ-9lldz3Py0QN8-fQy5hy9dX8JUyEe8tvild_JDP76E3CHHvIDlwWQ4ifPL3VJsjO/s1600-h/DSC_0083.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432745170397102002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEj4Crx78hhzWWq8RC-r38Z3dwHsYBC9gg3QS8IM3SSCa648MCmyPxuztFt4KinErjhjHa_hace7VZ-9lldz3Py0QN8-fQy5hy9dX8JUyEe8tvild_JDP76E3CHHvIDlwWQ4ifPL3VJsjO/s320/DSC_0083.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ann and I went to Johor Bahru - just across the water to Malaysia last week for a morning's shopping. Fabulous shopping over there, I managed to get a pair of shoes, a handbag, shorts and a dress! It is a fun day out - especially as this time we didn't take either of the children with us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNVu9RY-ZiPQyEYd5QjnwCN0Qlp4A1YQvPDl4cmjnactsUf65-DeHs4Inwp8sHnaMM5zKfwz_n6hgfgapY-MXqOSyoKnqmuOlQfnzxo9j_xynJ0g70NevyuYOKNeh04EsSsKCaHhEUxoU/s1600-h/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432745193034719714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNVu9RY-ZiPQyEYd5QjnwCN0Qlp4A1YQvPDl4cmjnactsUf65-DeHs4Inwp8sHnaMM5zKfwz_n6hgfgapY-MXqOSyoKnqmuOlQfnzxo9j_xynJ0g70NevyuYOKNeh04EsSsKCaHhEUxoU/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We had a lovely dinner at home last night for Ann's last night. Anelen cooked a rack of lamb and we had a 1998 Mildara Cab Sauv. Then I cooked a lemon delicious pudding and we had a glass of sticky with this. Yummm!!<br /><br />I have managed to fit in 2 climbing courses in the past few weeks. I did the Level 1 toprope system course, and also a course on basic climbing techniques. Loads of fun -I'm really looking forward to going climbing with Gary now. Gary has started to go dragon boat racing with the British team. He has enjoyed it, but says it's pretty physical. I'm looking forward to going out too, but not too sure whether I might be a better spectator rather than participant! I have gradually got back into jogging. I need to find a 10km run to do now so that I have something to work towards. So far, I have run 8km and that felt pretty good - it's great to finally have a base back as I used to love jogging but then didn't do a lot of it in the past 3 years with pregnancy etc. It's great to get back into it.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-36218723896984122172010-01-13T20:53:00.002+08:002010-01-15T19:29:46.460+08:00School DaysWe are only 2 weeks into the new year, but it feels like ages. We have had a really good 2 weeks and been very busy! 'School' started on January 4th here in Singapore. We were trying to get Alex enrolled into the local nursery which is just across the road from our condo as a friend of his from the building was going to be attending there. On day 1, they told me they were full but that we could probably get a space, they just needed to wait to see if they had any places that weren't taken by people who enrolled but then decided for one reason or another not to send their kids there. On Thursday I went over to enquire again and found out that Alex could get in, so that was very exciting as he really wanted to go to school with Lilah - his little friend from the condo. So, on Friday, he got dressed in his brand new sports uniform (which is for Fridays and excursion days) and Gary and I took him across to school. As Gary and I were checking to see he was ok, he was firmly engrossed in a project with ice cream sticks, so I'm sure he was fine. He seemed to have a lot of<br />fun.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOMTc1raUPVc0fvLCHp_m-OS1tOa7dtqF-kiosgz2MaLOf8BdK-vnRMlQm542hoDyqebF4W9L8tpz1VBe9Ly6r4K332uj_VClZnNYh8Ymw3gQkRuMpoLLs2m7zII7v2gaXHKQnBLL0jjt/s1600-h/DSC_0057.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426926448982154610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOMTc1raUPVc0fvLCHp_m-OS1tOa7dtqF-kiosgz2MaLOf8BdK-vnRMlQm542hoDyqebF4W9L8tpz1VBe9Ly6r4K332uj_VClZnNYh8Ymw3gQkRuMpoLLs2m7zII7v2gaXHKQnBLL0jjt/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This week has been his first full week there. He goes at 8:30 in the morning for 3 hours. Every day when I pick Alex up, he is very happy and seems to really like it. I say, "What did you do today Alex?" "I played". "Good, did you learn Chinese?" "Yes" "What did you learn?" "Chinese". OK - he is having fun and likes his class and his teacher - he informed me on Monday that he needed to go to school to see 'all of my friends' so it is really nice that he seems to enjoy it. They do learn Chinese every day as well as English. There is a mix of nationalities in his class, a few of them also live in our building so that is really nice for him.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAp4U4ccb5Ar1G9Xe6YQuO96ZeiyAxqNDPD4uaonqdBtfj8mhxa5nDvr39SumCQk5YxrDZcYf2iS2jQoEOfJ5R3rPSU8ohMrY8r1U9Ge2cRHzGYwqx-61gEhACOonAHtux19fN75Y_na1r/s1600-h/DSC_0060.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426926460946532898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAp4U4ccb5Ar1G9Xe6YQuO96ZeiyAxqNDPD4uaonqdBtfj8mhxa5nDvr39SumCQk5YxrDZcYf2iS2jQoEOfJ5R3rPSU8ohMrY8r1U9Ge2cRHzGYwqx-61gEhACOonAHtux19fN75Y_na1r/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Tara has gone from crawling a lot of the time and walking some of the time to walking pretty much all of the time. I am still surprised to see her walking - she however is delighted with herself and is learning to move quite quickly. She delights in her brother and yesterday when Alex was asleep and Tara should have been asleep, she went and banged on his door. She has taken to nodding and shaking her head, in answer to all sorts of questions. She has an opinion on everything. I was having a joke with Alex telling him he had to eat vegemite as he's Australian. Now if we ask Tara if she's British - she will shake her head and nod vigourously when asked is she's Australian.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xd94iJFGMlYId6AdsSYxcbJeTTjMTNb2tYKlGWxh819SzIq-Q_gTPEkiRgvJN0BHAvEytr7b33s2o4EntCpa1cXdDRn49VqAXXBY3K4wqA2RgXtx81UF8mO0GXLjponydaKGtwhfRqY5/s1600-h/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426926467639336418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xd94iJFGMlYId6AdsSYxcbJeTTjMTNb2tYKlGWxh819SzIq-Q_gTPEkiRgvJN0BHAvEytr7b33s2o4EntCpa1cXdDRn49VqAXXBY3K4wqA2RgXtx81UF8mO0GXLjponydaKGtwhfRqY5/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Ann is due back from Bangkok tomorrow - she will be back with us for 2 weeks before heading back to England. Alex and Tara are looking forward to seeing Granny Ann and especially to helping her eat her birthday cake.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-35824082344358067092010-01-02T07:20:00.003+08:002010-01-02T07:52:44.218+08:00It's 2010 - Happy New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO18fBEUU1gVBfzaUkBf6c1Ag6edIFHUzPkcax01TCQIoLhJ537RC7kCU0wdmQceSi8IRyUrpS_nHjp2QtCFpFqg7zd1ZowecO6ubSJ80UGMpczBCGv-M8-xDue-BOtveGTTObJ4NTZha/s1600-h/DSC_0006.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421921288781606226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO18fBEUU1gVBfzaUkBf6c1Ag6edIFHUzPkcax01TCQIoLhJ537RC7kCU0wdmQceSi8IRyUrpS_nHjp2QtCFpFqg7zd1ZowecO6ubSJ80UGMpczBCGv-M8-xDue-BOtveGTTObJ4NTZha/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It's Saturday morning - 7:20am - I am sitting here with both kids playing on the lounge room floor. It's been a good new year so far. It was Tara's first birthday on Thursday. She enjoyed the cake and us singing to her. She also enjoyed seeing friends and family on skype - she is quite good at waving and blowing kisses now. Gary had a half day on Thursday so got home around 2pm which was nice.<br /><br /><br />Sometimes, I find it hard to believe Tara is 1 already. It is a beautiful age, learning to walk and talk. She is very happily walking around 50% of the time now. When Alex started walking within a week, he was walking pretty much all of the time, but I guess as Tara is an earlier walker, she still alternates between crawling and walking. She is very much into climbing now too - she can make it onto the couch which can be an issue and kind of means someone needs to keep an eye on her all the time. When Alex was this age, we had a playpen! She is also learning to talk. She says 'ba' repeatedly (ball) and 'ma' pretty much means food or milk.<br /><br /><br />Since Monday, we have been attempting potty training with Alex. I have to say it's going better than I expected. He has been happy to hop on his potty for the last few days and gets excited about what goes in to it! Our biggest challenge now is timing. He gives about 2 seconds notice of needing to go. To deal with this, he has been running around naked at home and this works quite well. But as soon as we put pants on, we seem to get accidents again. I'm sure it will work itself out though.<br /><br /><br />Alex is very into Bob The Builder at the moment. He knows all of the characters and loves putting on the DVD's which we use to help him to sit still when we want him to sit on the potty especially. So, yesterday we were watching a DVD and he says "FARK saves the plane". I said "Pardon?" "Yes Mummy, Fark". "Really?" Hmmm, I am trying to supress my laughter and saying to Gary, have you heard this? "Alex, who saves the plane" "Fark". Very earnestly. Hmmm, not Muck? "No Mummy, Fark". I have to watch this DVD again and work out what he is trying to say and then correct him!! We are very careful with language in front of the kids and I'm pretty sure he is trying to say something else but has got a little confused and struggling with the pronounciation!<br /><br /><br />New Years for us was a pretty quiet affair. We hung out at home and had a bit of an Indian feast. Anelen and I cooked a couple of things from our "Taste of India" cookbook. We had a glass of champagne (Mumm '99) to toast the New Year, but we were asleep before midnight!!<br /><br /><br />I love watching the kids interact these days. This morning, Alex and I were up in the lounge room around 6:45. Then Alex heard Tara make a noise and he says very excitedly "That's Tara". We were in the middle of using the potty for the first time today so thankfully Tara was patient and didn't require immediate attention. We then went to get Tara up and Alex says to her, "Sorry Tara, I haven't got your milk yet, I'll just go and get it" and he trots off to the fridge to get Tara's bottle for her. They are just starting to chat and interact a lot more which is just beautiful to watch. As I currently have Tara climbing up on the couch beside me, I think I'd better sign off now. Here's a couple of photos of Granny Ann (Gary's Mum) with the kids. Ann has been visiting for the past few weeks and on Monday went off to Bangkok to see her brother Neville. She is back with us in 2 weeks time for another 2 weeks.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtGnvqcsy61wtkzCMbKBBljPlhPXU1w9ItY7lTRS7A8UjM8CabtDLNsp_h54G9iXOSN2YVZ21OQnqO10TT63mGnuFK6rlW07lQhxTX-MWP05JPGFemCMkVp8-2Tda_tS22Zq5lXREM3KB/s1600-h/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421921299354983858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtGnvqcsy61wtkzCMbKBBljPlhPXU1w9ItY7lTRS7A8UjM8CabtDLNsp_h54G9iXOSN2YVZ21OQnqO10TT63mGnuFK6rlW07lQhxTX-MWP05JPGFemCMkVp8-2Tda_tS22Zq5lXREM3KB/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8cLuC0v1wMsBsdMkQYD7hYHkqV10isf8hG4feTy0JLJGIUfsx-B5S8ktUXYx8leYEWIQITujq6OjkoibRwk_XJpXd7iCJI7Vc-sfA8mpPUsdlPwINONNIs9uu1Ja-0lq4d3x8SRGEthk/s1600-h/P1000499.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421921304711918642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8cLuC0v1wMsBsdMkQYD7hYHkqV10isf8hG4feTy0JLJGIUfsx-B5S8ktUXYx8leYEWIQITujq6OjkoibRwk_XJpXd7iCJI7Vc-sfA8mpPUsdlPwINONNIs9uu1Ja-0lq4d3x8SRGEthk/s320/P1000499.JPG" /></a>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-20187230303632534812009-12-11T15:04:00.003+08:002009-12-20T15:19:35.011+08:00Saying goodbyeOn November 30th, around 7:20pm Singapore time, Mum phoned to tell me that Dad had passed away that night, around 3 hours earlier. Dad had Alzheimer's diagnosed in 1998 and for the past 5 years, he had been living in a nursing home. In some ways it wasn't a shock - we had expected the news for years, but the reality was that it still did rock me a bit. That Monday night was spent planning our trip back to Adelaide. At first, I suggested to Gary that I go out on Thursday night with the 2 kids and that he join me on the weekend. Gary then suggested that I go with just Tara and he come along 2 days later with Alex. This is what we did in the end. It was actually a really good way to go and although it was quite expensive to fly out for a short time, I'm really glad we did all go. In a really short time we managed to catch up with lots of family and friends.<br /><br />The funeral service was a really fitting tribute to Dad. There were a lot of people there and all of the family were able to be there. I know that Dad would have been very happy with it. The burial was at the cemetery and Alex enjoyed throwing rose petals on to Poppa's coffin and saying "Bye Bye Poppa". Tara enjoyed struggling with me continuously trying to yank her hat off. Alex then had a blast chasing his cousins around at the rooms after the burial where we had a light lunch.<br /><br />My brother John did the eulogy for Dad. It was really lovely and I asked him if I could post a copy of it here. Here's a link to it:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/19885987/?key=MjAyMTFhNDIt&pass=YThhNS00Yzk2"></a><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/19885987/?key=MjAyMTFhNDIt&pass=YThhNS00Yzk2">http://www.docstoc.com/docs/19885987/?key=MjAyMTFhNDIt&pass=YThhNS00Yzk2</a><br /><br /><br />Here's the last photo I have of Dad. It was taken on July 5th, a week before we left Adelaide.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilloxU-_T96cbCPbiBtTPjqkqLAQQoqEjX1XswPSb5GVUr2iiovXjdUrm0Wq_jRkpIYZUb42ZWKccabXdcTFsDzpfyqDxQqeXJ1lViyofB10c4rN4vIQ0R0LFay98V4Rr-6DDmptVz8Jc6/s1600-h/2009+07+05_0207.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417213103083139410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilloxU-_T96cbCPbiBtTPjqkqLAQQoqEjX1XswPSb5GVUr2iiovXjdUrm0Wq_jRkpIYZUb42ZWKccabXdcTFsDzpfyqDxQqeXJ1lViyofB10c4rN4vIQ0R0LFay98V4Rr-6DDmptVz8Jc6/s320/2009+07+05_0207.JPG" /></a><br /><br />On the Friday before Dad's funeral, Mum had arranged for me to go to see Dad. In his coffin, he looked really peaceful, and a lot better than he does in the image above. I'm really grateful that he is finally at peace. He was a wonderful father to me and I am privileged to have had such a great Dad.<br /><br />Dad, I love you and will miss you but am very glad you are now at rest. xxJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994167431789345716.post-61941610608508938432009-11-27T06:50:00.002+08:002009-11-27T07:27:17.225+08:00ThanksgivingAs yesterday was the US Thanksgiving day and I have a very close connection to the US through my year as an exchange student there (22 years ago!!), I wanted to write about being thankful. As I write this, it is 6:51am and I have my 2 beautiful cherubs on the lounge room floor, playing together. For some reason, they are both waking earlier these days. I fear our 7am sleep in days are over. Ho hum, we will just have to get to bed earlier. I am so thankful to have Alex and Tara in our lives. They light up my world and I cannot imagine life without them. <br /><br />Tara is on the verge of walking and talking. She stands independently (very wobbly) and walks with the aid of a finger, a trouser leg, pretty much anything. She says "Dada" and "Mama" a lot and is at a beautiful stage of life. So much will change very soon. She is just 5 weeks away from her first birthday. She recently weaned herself. Yes, I did think this was supposed to be my decision, but I am very grateful that I was able to nurse both my babies and I guess that by 10 months, she had received the goodness from it. <br /><br />I receive a weekly email every Wednesday telling me how old Tara is and what she is up to this week in terms of behaviour etc. This week said "Your baby is 47 weeks old and all of a sudden is showing fussiness where she would previously eat foods without any bother, she is now showing her opinions". Yes, Tara had obviously read this one before - she is definitely acting this way. She is a very opinionated 47 week old! <br /><br />Alex is starting potty training. I had initially thought we would leave it till after Christmas and we haven't started it fully, but are trying it out. He has a sticker chart which he currently has 7 stickers on. He does really well at telling us when he needs to go, but it is often at the time of going, rather than waiting till we make it to the bathroom. However, we are making progress. I think it will be a slow process though. Yesterday at the zoo, we had 4 visits to the toilet - the first 3 produced nothing and the 4th one (when Gary was on duty) produced the business on the way to the toilet in the nappy. Oh well!! :) He is also quite funny with his announcements - seems like we are always in a taxi when he announces very loudly "I'm doing a poo". I usually say something like "It's ok, you have a nappy on" or "See if you can wait". The other day we caught a taxi and the guy had quite long hair. As we were climbing in Alex announces very loudly "It's a LADY!" I quickly said "No Alex - say hello to Uncle" to which he obligingly said "Hello Uncle".<br /><br />The past 2 weeks Gary has been on holiday. We have had a really nice time - had a few outings - went to the Bird Park and to the Zoo. We had our first barbie last Sunday - it was a success (lamb chops and sausages). Life will return to 'normal' next week when Gary goes back to work. Gary's Mum will arrive in Singapore next Friday and she will be with us for 3 weeks before heading off to Thailand to spend a couple of weeks with her brother.<br /><br />I am thankful for my family and friends - I really am very lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life.<br /><br />I am also thankful for my wonderful husband who is currently making me a cup of coffee. I love you Gary.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00403249948022286643noreply@blogger.com0