Run! Run! Run!
JuLiE
What: Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009
When: December 6, 2009
Where: Esplanade (Starting Point)
Padang (Finish Line)



 



                                                        *Running or sightseeing?


*Before running.


*Almost there!


*Wohoo! Congrats Ice!


 


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Italianized Japanese
JuLiE










Ronald and I planned an itinerary for the long weekend (November 27-29), and yesterday's schedule was at Liang Court to catch Astroboy Live. We came in just in time but the allocated space for the show was already packed. The hostess conducted games before Astroboy and Uran, his sister, came up on stage to perform a dance number. Unlike shows that we used to watch in Suntec / Marina Square, which were like real (mini) theatre plays, this was a complete waste of travel time. After the show was a photo op and that was it. At least Ice enjoyed the crowd participation during the games and I think he also somehow enjoyed the dancing. He was scared to take pictures with the mascots though so we had to force him to.






Anyway, after the show was dinner. We discovered an Italian Restaurant called Saizeriya Ristorante E Caffe at the second level. I would go for anything Italian at any day and I was surprised that Ronald gave in too easily (pizza / pasta is not really his thing). The place didn't exactly look classy, it reminded me of a cafeteria actually. Ronald disagreed. But it was too crowded and noisy too. 








When we checked the menu then we realized why a lot of people are dining here. The price list was pretty cheap for Italian food. We ordered Oven-Baked Escargot (SGD5.58), Spicy Chicken Drumlets, 5 pieces (SGD4.48), Pineapple and Bacon Pizza, 9-inch (SGD6.98), Pepperoncino Bacon Spaghetti (SGD5.98) and Seafood Pizza (SGD6.98). The drink station consisted of both hot and cold drinks for SGD2.58 per adult and SGD1.38 per kid. The price range is cheaper than that of Pastamania and just a little bit higher than a foodcourt's. The pasta had an ample serving of bacon but I prefer it to be a little bit spicier (it's supposed to be spicy to begin with). The pizza was thin crust and the toppings were of generous (enough) amount. It was good enough. The drumlets were very small and weren't spicy at all, which was okay because Ice wouldn't have eaten it otherwise. The escargot was in garlic sauce in olive oil and was actually nice. I didn't even know that escargot is snail and my first time experience wasn't bad. The drinks were value for money. I had two glasses of iced tea and two cups of cappuccino, which is normally more than SGD2.58. 




The restaurant also serves other stuffs like focacia, baked rice, steaks, oysters, salads and desserts and is definitely worth a second visit. But anyway, when we reached home, I searched the restaurant on the web and was surprised to find out that it was actually a Japanese restaurant chain that has about 750 outlets in Japan alone. It has expanded to other countries such as China and Taiwan too. Now I realized that we weren't imagining things when we thought that the service staffs were greeting customers in Japanese.


Where: Saizeriya Ristorante E Caffe
           177 River Valley Road, #02-22 Liang Court Shopping Center
When: November 28, 2009
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Eve of Eid-Al-Adha
JuLiE
Since today is a public holiday, Ronald and I were in a festive mood yesterday (last day of work) and so we went out for dinner and movie. 








Dinner at F.I.S.H. (Tampines 1) was very filling. F.I.S.H. is the Halal niche of Fish and Co that serves everything but pork (of course) and alcoholic drinks. I ordered Baramundi with Cheddar Cheese Crust plus Salad Buffet at SGD18.80. Ronald had Grilled Marinated Lamb Chop at SGD16.90. Then we had my proclaimed 'favorite cake' Chocolate Pecan Cluster at SGD6.95. The fish was okay but I expected more cheese because it said 'cheese crust'. It was a little malansa too but they provided lemon, which tasted good on the fish. It was served with potatoes and tomatoes. I liked the small potatoes but am not really a fan of tomatoes. The best part of my dish was the Salad Buffet! I liked it more than the meal. The variety wasn't really very big but it was still satisfying. And though it said no sharing, Ronald was sneaking some spoonfuls when the servers were not looking. The lamb chop was tasty but a little tough for me and the serving was small. It was also served with potatoes and tomatoes. Now come to my favorite part, the dessert! I really love that cake. It is a moist chocolate cake topped with chunks of brownies, pecan and lots and lots of caramel! Yummy. =)









After dinner, we rushed to Tampines Mall to watch The Twilight Saga: New Moon. I like this better than the first one. Okay, I'm not gonna be a wanna-be critic of this movie at all! I just want to say that both Ronald and I enjoyed it. I like the characters, they're all beautiful! I also like the melancholic theme and the twists of the story. It is just ironic that some parts are rather slow paced but some seem rushed with no proper transition. Okay I'm stopping now... I will be soon reading the Twilight e-books stored in my laptop for almost a year already. I am convinced now that it's gonna be a good read. :) 


Where: F.I.S.H., #04-11 Tampines 1 (dinner)
            Golden Village, #04-17 Tampines Mall
When: November 26, 2009
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Exploring Pasir Ris
JuLiE


Except for the fact that it costs me around $30 to get home on a cab from a night out in the city, I think living in Pasir Ris is kinda cool. It is near Tampines where our offices are (Ronald's and mine). But unlike Tampines, which is too crowded, Pasir Ris is a rather serene place. What really makes it cool though is that family-oriented sites are very accessible.





Downtown East is a place that has everything. Okay that is a complete exaggeration but still, it is where theme parks like Wild Wild Wet and Escape are. It is also home to Ehub, a mall catered for the youth, that cannot be relied on for shopping but has other stuffs like a bowling alley, billiards hall, arcade, cinemas, restaurants and coffee shops. We usually bring Ice there to play at Explorer Kids. Ronald and I on the other hand normally catches a close-to-midnight show then stroll back home or drop by at the 24-hour hawker center for supper. 




Another cool thing is that Pasir Ris is near the beach! Beaches in Singapore are nothing to get excited about really. However, there are still a lot of fun things to do since they are not just beaches but also parks.  With Ice, an afternoon at the beach leaves him happier and more satisfied than an afternoon at the mall and not to mention that it leaves our pockets less distressed too. He can stay and play at the sand forever if we don't convince him otherwise. And if we do convince him, he'd play at the playground (Pasir Ris Beach Park has a BIG playground), or cycle on a rented bike (we haven't bought him his own bike yet), or fly a kite if the weather permits.




Cycle (or drive or commute) a little further North (I think) and you will reach Changi Village. I like this place. It is a rustic 'village' beside the beach where you can go for food trip (seafood especially) as it has big hawker centers. It also has some bars and pubs that you can go to if you want drinks after supper. A lot of shops selling bargain items are also in the vicinity. Go there on a Saturday night and your timing will be just right for the weekly flea market. The beach here (Changi Beach Park) is one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore. Sit at the beach and you will have a view of Pulau Ubin, one of Singapore's islands. Pulau Ubin is a different story all together. And if you want to go there, just board one of the the bum boats at the Changi Ferry   Terminal.                                                                                               








These, among other things, make me think that Pasir Ris is kinda cool. =)
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Shisha-ed!
JuLiE

Ambrosia is a Mediterranean Lounge located in Kampong Glam (Baghdad St.). They serve Mediterranean food, wines and other alcoholic drinks, and shisha. Like their neighboring stores and restaurants, they try to emulate the Mediterranean lifestyle, which is a balance of work and leisure / relaxation. The ambience inside the lounge is very laid back. You get to sit at the carpeted floor propped with pillows and eat at the low tables. And mostly, people go there (in that whole area for that matter), for the shisha.

















We ordered a kebab platter (SGD22+), pita chips (SGD5.70), pita bread (SGD3), an apple freeze (SGD6.50), a pail of heinekken (SGD28+), and a grape shisha (SGD21). The price range is on the high side as you can get shisha for as low as SGD12 from the establishment across it. 

But anyway, it was a nice way to relax after work. I was even thinking that if ever they had this in UP, nobody would have gone to class. Change the flavored tobacco to marijuana leaves and the future of the most intelligent (haha!) group of youth is doomed.













Where: Ambrosia Cafe
           19 Baghdad Street
When: November 20, 2009
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When Kids Talk, You Listen Part II
JuLiE



















I love Ice. He never fails to surprise me and brighten up my day. On top of that, I never get bored when I'm with him. I don't really know if I'm just biased but I really think that my son is smart. At 4, he is a good observer and he reasons out very well. He remembers everything you tell him so you cannot tell him something wrong or it will be used against you. Below are some amusing conversations with Ice that I can remember right now. It is just much cuter when you hear him say those in person.  

14/06/09 - While I was looking at photos:  

Mommy: I'm so ugly :(
Ice: Why? :( But I still love you Mommy...  

23/04/09 - While Ice was watching TV:  

Mommy: Don't lie down while watching TV Ice. 
Ice: But I'm sleepy Mommy. 
Mommy: I don't believe you, you just woke up. 
Ice: I don't believe you, I will lie down.  

24/11/09 - While Ice was playing with his pig toys:  

Ice: Giddiyap! Giddiyap! 
Mommy: Pigs don't giddiyap, only horses do. 
Ice: Remember mommy, horses don't talk? 
Mommy: Then who giddiyaps? 
Ice:Only the people. And kids.  

11/06/09- When I got home from work:  

Ice: Mommy! Mommy! I miss you!!  

26/11/09  

Daddy: Ice stay here and I'll comb your hair. 
Ice: Why daddy, because I'm not perfect?  

02/07/09 - When Ice was brought to the hospital in an ambulance for suspected case of swine flu:  

Mommy: What was the ambulance like? (Ice was with Ronald btw) 
Ice: Umm, it has something inside that you can lie on when you're dead. (The stretcher I suppose)  

20/08/09  

Ice: Mommy, what's next after Monday? 
Mommy: Tuesday. 
Ice: What's next after Tuesday? 
Mommy: Wednesday. 
Ice: What's next after Wednesday? 
Mommy: I don't know. 
Ice: Mommy, don't you need to go to school to learn that? Don't you Mommy?  

03/09/09  

Ice: *talks* *talks* *talks* 
Tita Lolit: Ice... stop talking... 
Ice: I'm not talking to you! I'm talking to myself!  

14/10/09 - When Ronald crowded into Ice in bed:

Ice: Daddy move!!! 
Ronald: Move where?!! 
Ice: Move to a new house!!!  

24/10/09  

Ice to Mommy: Arrghh! I don't like you!!! 
Mommy to Ice: Arrghh! I don't like you too!!! 
Ice: Mommy... are you just kidding?  


28/10/09 - a day after scolding Ice:


Ice: Mommy, are you still happy with me?
Mommy: Of course, why? *concerned face* 
Ice: Because I want you to be always happy.. But sometimes you're angry at me :'(  

02/11/09 - When Tita Yayet gave Ice a water pillow :  

Ice: Tita Yayet, why is this so heavy? You know how small I am right?  

13/11/09 - After the Parent-Teacher Meeting:  

Mommy: Ice, the auntie said you eat so slow. 
(The auntie is the one who cooks the food at school) 
Ice: That's not true!!! I don't want to see that auntie ever again!!! 

17/11/09 - Also after the Parent-Teacher Meeting:  

Daddy: Ice, teacher said you have to improve your Chinese. 

Ice: Chumpi chumpop! *pretending to speak Chinese* 
Daddy: What does that mean? 
Ice: I don't know, because I never speak Chinese.  

In November:

Ice to Tita Lolit: I have an idea, I will sleep for 5 minutes. 
(He only got up the morning after).  

In November - To wake Jacq up:  

Ice: I love you Tita Jacq!!!  

In October - While Ice was practicing his phonics at home:  

Ice: Wo- Wo-Wowit.. Wowit starts with W.
(He was referring to Tita Lolit's name)  

Tita Lolit: Spell panty. 
Ice: P-N-T

In November - While Ronald and I were fighting aloud:

Ice: Ssshhh! I can't hear my show!! (He's watching his cartoons)

In October - While having coffee at Coffee Bean Ronald excused himself to have a cigarette:

Ice: I wish daddy stops smoking. He doesn't know it's bad for him. *with a very serious frown*
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Life is Short
JuLiE
APOLINAR GONZALES






I can still remember my first job interview. I was fresh out of college and was way too eager to earn a living. He was the department head, the company's Vice President for Collections and Remedial Management. He had a nice smile but had a very hoarse and raspy voice. I later found out that he had a throat infection that has affected his vocal chords. Anyway, the interview went quite well. He asked me about financial statements and, thanks to my terror prof in College, I was able to answer accurately. There were some opinion-based questions that I answered lamely but I think I was able to redeem myself in the end. And so I was hired.



Everyone called him Boss Poly. He was very cheerful and approachable. He loved to joke around, but when it comes to work, he was serious indeed. He was the first manager who believed in me (he IS my first manager). He commended me for being 'articulate', which I never really saw in myself. And I appreciate that he has empowered me by assigning me tasks that are outside my job scope, like handling training and presentations. I looked up to him as a mentor but I also treated him as a friend. I shared personal and family issues with him, which I don't just to anyone. He was a good listener and adviser.



Then I have decided to move to Singapore with Ronald. I gave him a touching resignation letter and he gave me his friend's contact details in Singapore. He might be of help in my job hunt he said.



After two years I found out that he was gone. He suffered from cancer that I never knew he had. It was very shocking for a good man with a wonderful family to leave that early. I was not there in the burial. In fact, in the years that I spent in Singapore, I rarely kept in touch. I found an email that I thought I sent him before but it turned out that it was still in my drafts folder. I visited the office twice but we were not able to chat that long. And that time I told myself that in my next visit I have to give him something special. He appreciated simple things like ballpens, keychains or whatever souvenir or memorabilia. But I never had the chance. And I never will.



FRANCIS EVAN DOLORES



When I was new, the department was brusque-looking, heavily-built male dominated. Amidst that, he was a soft and quiet guy who just came in a few months before me. As I got to know him, I found out that he was sensitive as well. He came from a broken home but was very close to his siblings. He was responsible and quite stingy as he would save up for stuff like his bicycle or his dog. Our department seminar at Baguio was his first visit to the place and he took lots of pictures. He was addicted to photos even when digital cameras were not yet the trend. He was also addicted to basketball, singing and his guitar.



We travelled together in Cebu (work-related) and I remember his good-natured complaints about me being hungry all the time and how long it took me to get ready. On one of our night outs with our Cebuano colleagues, he seriously sung his heart out. We were not really close but when I was already here in Singapore, we'll have a chat whenever we see each other online.



Next thing I knew, he was already a husband and a father. He moved to the Regional Office in Nueva Ecija (I think), which is his wife's hometown. I saw his pictures on Friendster and he looked like a happy dad.



He died in December 2008, just a few months ago. Tin, an ex-colleague, told me and I thought she was playing a prank. It just wasn't possible, he was only a year or two older than me and he just started a family. He was shot on the head by some guys who watched him since morning. His face was unrecognizable they said. Very tragic.



PROF REYNALDO REINOSO



I was a freshman in UP then and as we know, UP is infamous for its weird students, weird professors, weird everything and all in the guise of "academic freedom" . This history professor was one of the living testament to it. He was bias against 'fair-skinned' and/or Chinese students. And though I look very tan now, I was much fairer at that time plus my surname says that I am Chinese. So the math says that I was one of his 'favorites'.



He would usually call me in recitations or just mention my name whenever he talks about China or Chinese. Take note, he calls me 'Julie Ann', not 'Julie' or 'Ms. Cheng', or just 'Cheng' but 'Julie Ann'. He would say that the Chinese have invented the gun powder but instead of making weapons to enforce power, they made lots and lots of firecrackers. And when he says 'they' as in the Chinese, he would say 'ang mga kamag-anak ni Julie Ann' ('the relatives of Julie Ann'). He wasn't really insulting, rather I found him quite amusing or maybe annoying at the worst. Anyway, he barely let me pass his subject though I really, honestly believe that I should have had a higher mark.



In 2007, he died of cancer.



JEMALYN LACADIN



I was an active political student leader when I was in UP. I was convinced of the chronic crisis and the rotten system and that something has to be done. We brought most of our battles to the streets and even to the Congress. But some of us chose a higher level of struggle, with arms instead of placards.



She was the paper's editor-in-chief. She was soft-spoken but her words are of value and substance. She was one year my junior but I learned a lot from her. We used to spend days and nights organizing activities and engaging in educational discussions. And though it was a very tiring and stressful environment, it was satisfying as well, and honestly, a lot of fun.



Then she decided to commit herself to the people's war, through armed struggle. I haven't seen her ever since but I heard that she was still 'fine' and that she was leaving a mark as a political officer among her ranks.



She died in an encounter in 2008. Her face was unrecognizable they said. I couldn't help but feel abashed because as she has risked her life for the ideals that we both believed in, I am now living a rather apathetic life.





LIFE IS SHORT. TOUCH AS MANY LIVES AS POSSIBLE. DO WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. FULFILL YOUR DREAMS. LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST.
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The Knot
JuLiE

How do you not give up when things don't work out?
How do you go on and keep the fire burning?
Keep the love alive..
Keep the love growing..
Love.. It's why you're there in the first place.
It's all about compromises.
Being ready to loose.
To be wrong.
To forgive and forget.
It's all about infinite second chances.
Only if you are willing.




*photo borrowed from riveroakdiamonds.co.uk
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As a Caterpillar Metamorphoses
JuLiE

If anyone knows me most, it would be my family. That is why when I last saw my dad after almost two years, I believe him when he said that I have changed a lot. He said that I have been succumbing to the pressures of life that I started loosing myself. He noticed that I was no longer the confident, headstrong and decisive woman that I used to be. And that I was better off when I was 19 than now that I'm 26.

I know deep down inside that he is right. I indeed lost myself. My craving for excellence was erased by conceding to mediocrity. I am unsure of everything now. And for a control freak like me, everything that I have no power over stresses me out. That equates to me being very stressed now.

I am in a low-down when I confided to a friend what I am going through. Then I realized that I shouldn't be feeling bad about myself at all. More than anything, I know that I have everything I could ever ask for (i.e. Ronald, Ice, a so-far-stable job). I may be struggling but I think I am doing a fairly good job. Aside from that, I realized that I am indeed lucky to have found a true friend who keeps me sane and lifts my spirits when I'm down.

Anyway, for those who might be in the same boat as I am, I just want to share what my friend had to say:

..."I've been thinking a lot about what you told me and I wish there was something I could say to you that would make everything seem right. The truth is, I haven't known you as long as your Dad and your friends back home and I wouldn't presume to know you any better. What I do know is this, you can never be the same person you were at nineteen. Those were probably the best years of your life and some of the most care free. Please don't get me wrong, I know school can be tough but you never had to worry too much about some of life's greatest hurdles, managing a home, raising a son and keeping your partner from going insane with his fair share of problems. A mother's job is 24/7 and if that doesn't take up all of your time, a husband and the home will...

...I've worked with you from day one and I've seen you take on your fair share and more. I watched you grow from strength to strength in the department and I've seen what you're capable of. You haven't been home in quite a while and it's understandable that some people may see a difference in you, but it wouldn't be a just call until they've seen you at work, until they've experienced first hand the rat race lifestyle that is Singapore. You still embody those traits that your Dad speaks of. It's just not as obvious for you, but you're making a mark in the RAC and that takes more than you think...

...You have to remember something, motherhood changes a woman. She becomes a little softer, she has to, raising a child makes it necessary or the bond will never grow. She learns compassion and empathy, she needs to or she will never see through her childs eyes. She learns to love, she must, or she will never fulfill the needs of her husband and her child. The changes you've gone thru don't make you a weaker person, the changes and decisions you've made only serve to make you stronger. You will be decisive and headstrong when you need to be, just not all the time. You're only 26 darling, your time to make your mark will come and I know you'll be ready for it when it does. Your Dad has to realize that the headstrong nineteen year old Girl with nothing ahead of her but her ambitions and the world, is now a Mother and a Wife, a Woman with a career and a home, a Woman who's managing to keep it all together in a foreign country...

...Trust your instincts. Listen to what your family & close friends have to say but don't be too critical on yourself for what they think. I know you as well as I possibly could in what little time we've had. You're soo much more than what you're giving yourself credit for. You're soo much more than what your Dad said you are. Cheer up!"...

And all I can say was 'thanks'. =)




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Distressed Love
JuLiE
How do you make it work without loosing yourself? 

How far would you compromise?
Especially when you used to feel good about yourself. 
Especially when you loved who you are. 
How much would you allow yourself to change? 
When you realize that who you are is not good enough. 
How long will you stay? 
But you know that that is not even a question you can ask.






*photo borrowed from photobucket.com/images/sad%20girl
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When Kids Talk, You Listen
JuLiE






-When Ice came home from school:




Mommy : Ice, did you finish your food at school? (He refuses to eat what they serve at school so he brought some oreos)


Ice : Yes. My classmate want some.

Mommy: So did you share?

Ice : No.

Mommy : Why not?

Ice : Teacher said eat first then share.

Mommy : Oh, ok..



-Following day:



Mommy : Ice, did you finish your food at school?

Ice : Yes.

Mommy : Did your classmates ask from you?

Ice : Yes

Mommy : Did you share this time?

Ice : No. Because teacher said don't share.

Mommy : No, teacher said eat first and then share.

Ice : Yes.. But then it's no more.



-While taking a bath with Ice:



Ice: Uh oh.. mommy, something's missing.. where's your birdie?



-At a friend's wedding party, Ice was playing with a newfound friend, Marcie, who was just turning two at that time:



Mommy ; So, what's the name of your friend?

Ice : I don't know

Mommy : Why didn't you ask her?

Ice : Because she don't know how to talk.



-At the same party:



Ice : Mommy she said yes! (with a gleeful smile)

Mommy : Huh? What did you ask her?

Ice : I ask her if I can take her home with me. =)



-Before going out:



Mommy : Ice, hurry, we need to dress up now, we're going out.

Ice : Mommy why do we need to dress up? So that people will not see us like this?



(Made me realize how pretentious we all are.)



-Last year, when Ice was still in pre-nursery:



Mommy : Do you know the names of your classmates?

Ice : Yes (then gave me a Chinese girl's name).. I kissed her (in a sad tone)

Mommy : Ha? What did she say?

Ice : She said no (with a sad face)

Mommy : What about Sarah (that's the only name I remembered)? Did you kiss her too?

Ice : Yes (still in his sad tone).

Mommy : Why did you kiss her?

Ice : Because she's my favorite (still in his sad tone).



-When I was joking that I have a baby inside my tummy:



Ice: Mommy how does baby go inside the tummy?

Mommy : Hmm.. we'll ask daddy later.

Ice : You put it inside the mouth and will go down to the tummy? Like that?



-While putting Ice to sleep:



Ice : Mommy I don't want to sleep because sleep means close your eyes. I don't want to close my eyes because I can't see anything. I just want to rest.



(After a few minutes he was already asleep)



-Ice and I have this game of impersonating each other. I would act as Ice and he would act as Mommy. Meanwhile, I am working on shift so there are times when I am asleep at daytime instead of playing with him as he would prefer:



Mommy (as Ice) : Mommy I want toys! I want toys now!

Ice (as Mommy) : Remember you have many toys?

Mommy ; Mommy I want to play outside now!

Ice : Maybe later..

Mommy : I want now! I want now!

Ice : I'm going to sleep (walked to the room and pretended to be asleep).



(Fine, my son sees me as someone who does nothing but sleep).



Ice (to Mommy) : You're my best friend in the whole world! (with a very big hug)



While playing with Ice after my night shift:



Mommy : I need some rest or else I'll get sick.

Ice : Sick? Like me?

Mommy : Yes...

Ice : Then who's gonna take care of me? (with a sad face)

(And so he agreed for me to sleep.)




Ice: Tita Jacq, I wanna lie down on 'my' sofa
Tita Jacq: Then lie down..
Ice: But daddy is there.
Tita Jaq: Then lie down with daddy.
Ice: But he's too big.
Tita Jacq: Then tell him you wanna lie down on the sofa.
Ice: But he never listens, remember?





Note: Ice is not yet that big on tenses and sentence construction but he more or less already speaks proper English =)

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