5 vs 53

What do I mean???

Though I'd been ranting about the high cost of health care in the States, this is one case whereby I regretted not bringing En for it earlier.....

Sometime in June, I decided to let En have her Pneumococcal n Hep-A vaccination at Parkway Pediatrics as I had heard from other mummies that the vaccination is very, very cheap (Hep-A is mandatory for admission into certain kindergartens in US). Yes! I paid US$5/ea for the injections. Everyone knows how ex it is to have Pneumococcal jab here in Singapore.

Today, I decided to bring En to CCK Polyclinic for her 2nd Hep-A jab. Apparently not many GPs offer Hep-A for toddlers. The wait was long as we didn't make an appointment. To make matters worse, this was by far the most traumatic vaccination experience for her over the past year. She struggled while the nurse was injecting the needle and had a needle scratch of 1.5cm on her left arm, besides being injected twice. She cried for the next 20+ mins or so and voiced her fear of future injections. The bill - S$53!

It was only with a Dark Choc Gelato that she finally calmed down....

Stress

A year away, I had quite forgotten what it's like to maintain an EXTENDED family life... Everything was quite simple, we plan our activities as n when we liked, had fabulous time with his colleagues, loads of breathing space n freedom. We just need to maintain the weekly call to our families, that's it.

The moment I stepped foot home, the reality that marriage entails 2 other families (besides our little one) smacked me right on my head. No matter how tired I was, there were obligations to fulfill. Besides, having to adjust to living together for 2 person of differing backgrounds is an ongoing task in itself. Now, it just seems more complicated than ever. Just 2 weeks into our new lifestyle (or should I say old... after all it had been like this before we left for our Freedom), cases of unhappiness had already sprouted (of cos not all with my ILs lah. Frankly, putting aside the initial few days, so far things had been going fine with them. Hope it continues...)...

Even though I'm blessed with a place to stay after selling our condo (thanks to the graciousness of my parents), somehow, the urge to have a matrimonial home is still strong despite the fact that market situation is expected to worsen, and we can bang on much better deals a little later. I guess I NEED that breathing space. Put fiery, sensitive, naggy, opinionated characters together, what do u get??? BOOOOMMMM!!!!! Explosions (sometimes it's the inate ones that's really scary n pressurising)!! Won't be surprised if I ended up with pre-natal (instead of post-natal depression ;p)....

It's stressful when u have to balance so many people's wants, needs, opinions, ideas etc... What about my own little family????

送老公上飞机

临晨两点多就起床，K也已与周公说bye bye。再也无法入眠（that's me, insomnia type ;p)，一直到了3.25am左右，便起来梳洗。小瓜也被我的抚摸弄醒，于是便决定带她一同送爸爸上飞机。

到了T1，足足花了45分钟左右才办完登机手续，班机虽然6点起飞，但5.05am就开始登机，结果连一家人一起坐下来吃早餐的时间都没有......

K的眼睛开始发红，接着泪水不由自主地落下。他之前一直取笑我，说登机时不要哭，也不太愿意让我送他到机场，所以我决定不哭的，他却先“投降”，害得我也掉了眼泪。虽然只不过是短短的3个多星期，但自我们在一起之后，也从没分开那么久，特别是有了家庭之后，这么说来，这3个星期还算是漫长的......he won't be around for my birthday, he won't be around for X'mas......

就这样，他带着不舍离开，我带着不舍目送他独自飞回遥远的美国......唯独小瓜，依旧non-chalent......

KJE, BKE, PIE - 3个人的路程，PIE, BKE, KJE - 两颗心的期待。

最后一天

今年的冬天来得比较迟。原本还希望在离开之前，能再一次经历在雪地里游戏、堆雪人、跟小瓜打雪战（上一次下雪，她要求出去玩，可是积雪不深，没让她出去）......可惜！

两个冬季，一样的离别之情，一样的依依不舍，不同的是，当初带着一股对未知的期待，而今则是对回家的期许。

有些人会说，兜了一圈，还不是回到原点。我却觉得这一年是我人生不可或缺的转捩点，不可多得的经历累积。真的没有后悔当初的决定。看到了孩子的成长，变得更独立、活跃、友善，真正过着独立的家庭生活，没有干扰。相信这将是回国后最怀念的一环......

还有就是由他州友善的居民，这里的购物环境（商场宽敞，任何东西买了不喜欢，都能随意退还，factory outlets-super 廉价名牌货），农场和活动空间，到处都是高山的自然景观，小孩的活动......

家，是一定要回的，但绝对会带着一丝不舍......

一切安好

浏览了一些过去的日记，不知不觉，选的都是一些感性或不太开心的回忆。现时今日，忆起往事，还是会掉眼泪，我想有些事，无论埋藏得多深，一旦触及，还是会痛。

或许近日来身体不太舒服，荷尔蒙有点失调（哈哈），枕边人也因为就快变成无业游民，态度较恶劣，导致我的心情也起伏不定，比较grey一点。

哎哟，don't worry lah,一切安好。Looking forward to going home. That's where my support base is.. hehe...

巨变

此时此刻，几个星期来的不稳定，终于有了答案。

一个简讯，打散了不知多少人的期待？摧毁了不知多少家庭的稳定？

接下来何去何从？

下雪天

刚才迈入秋的季节，怎的下起雪来了......

这个周某，因此哪儿也没去，却也不无惊喜。:)

Thunder Storm

The temp is about 14C outside. It's expected to be pretty cool (or cold) this couple of days.

We just experienced a thunder storm on Sunday. The sky was pretty gloomy and overcast. Suddenly, the wind started howling furiously (weather reports forecast the speed to be as high as 70mph. That's easily past 100kph). It was forecast that there might be hail too. Luckily this time round, we only experienced heavy showers. The good thing is, it past almost as quickly as it came.

The aftermath??? Snow-capped mountains again! Have not seen them for months.... K was lamenting the cold winter is coming soon (even though Autumn hasn't quite arrived yet ;p)...

Usana International Convention 2008 - Changing Lives

I would not have gone for Convention if I had not been in Utah. I would not have gone for Convention if K's stay here had not been extended. I would not have gone for Convention if I had not started my 3BCs which comes with free event passes. But somehow, there's a greater power out there and things just flow along....

I would have made the STUPIDEST decision if I had not gone for Convention.

I learnt that this is a business that has no discrimination - whether u're 18 or 80, whether u're blessed with health or disabled, whether u have no education or a PhD, whether u're white, black, yellow etc, whether u can speak English or not, whether u come from the slums or r born with a silver spoon, whether u're a widow with mouths to feed or a happily married taitai, this is a business for everyone, as long as u do not QUIT.

I learnt that I'm working with a company with conscience, one that not only takes from society but gives back even more - go green initiatives by changing the packaging of it's products and installing solar panels for 3rd phase of headquarter so as to cut down on environmental pollutions to truly fulfill their mission of providing True Health, working with Children's Hunger Fund to help provide food and vitamins to less fortunate children around the world, giving to orphanages and more.

I learnt that Usana's pay plan is indeed the Brilliant Compensation, the best I'd seen in my entire life! --Matching bonus that the company matches, up to 100% of your sponsored associates income who meet requirement, for 32 whole weeks (besides Singapore government's baby bonus ;p). That's on top of commissions you get from your sales volume. Profit sharing for Top 25 income earners etc. And they r here to stay. Am I hearing things???

I learnt how Usana's products made changes to people's life by giving them True Health and True Wealth - how an HIV positive lady who was in desperate need of building up her immune system through supplementation but had allergy towards binders used in common vitamins, that nearly cost her life found light through Usana's high quality nutritional supplements, through it, managed to build her residual income that allows her to prepare for the day she may not be able to work in a common job anymore and needing money for medical bills, how it took a 70 over year old mountaineer all the way up Everest, how Olympic gold medalists trusted their health and career with it...

Yes, I TOTALLY enjoyed Convention! It's Mind Changing, it's Life Changing and best of all it's FUN. From this day onward, I devote myself to sharing Dr Myron Wentz's vision:

"I dream of a world free from pain and suffering.
I dream of a world free from diseases.
The USANA family will be the healthiest family on earth.
Share my vision.
Love life. And live it to it's fullest in happiness and health."

My life changed and I wish I can help many others change their lives for the better. For if u knew what I know, u'll join me in a heartbeat.

Temple Square @ SLC

This is the second time En n I went to Temple Sq, the first for K. Our first trip was in Dec, with K's colleagues. This is the site where the Temple of LDS Church is. It's a historical ground for Mormons, where you'll find the Beehive House (where Mormon pioneer, Brigham Young stayed), Tabernacle, Salt Lake Temple, Joseph Smith Memorial Building etc. For more information, visit http://www.visittemplesquare.com/.

Pictures speak a thousand words.....








Though Beehive House looks small from outside, the interior is huge, with many rooms and the furnishings are really exquisite, with some being imported from France.

"Reading" Story

En's "reading" her Sophie book again...

If u're marveling at how she can recognise so many words at the tender age of 3, well, she simply memorised them (as with her other story "reading" episodes)...

Cottonwood Heights Outdoor Pool

Heard from a mummy here that Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center has a huge outdoor pool, so we decided to give it a try before it closes (the outdoor pools here generally close by 1 Sep Labour Day).

True enough, there are quite a number of pools there, including kids play area, slides and even diving platforms. Though it was a summer day, I wouldn't suggest those who are afraid of cold or have too little fats to insulate them to give it a try. Reason being, even though it's hot and sunny, the wind can be quite a chill.... K certainly didn't enjoy it..

What about En? She had a thing for the kiddy slide. She went on it for so many times, I lost count (of cos after the initial "I'm scared, I don't want episode").

Community Party@ Monarch Meadows Apartment

Ever wonder when my entries about FREE summer activities will end?? Certainly not yet!!! Haha ;p

Monarch Meadows Apartment held a Community Party on 13 Aug (6-8pm). It was a great opportunity for residents to mingle and mix and the best thing was, we got to have FREE food, drinks, snacks and plenty of playing for the kids!

Though En was kinda a scardy cat. She only got on 1 Bouncing Slide with a big koko.

Well, she climbed this ride about 3x but never went through with it...

Happy Family

Little friends

Beautiful summer evening...

Hail

Do u know what it's like when it's raining hail???

Sandy Balloon Festival

If I'm not mistaken, this should be the 2nd Sandy Annual Balloon Festival. We missed the morning events but decided to go for the evening session. However, the weather wasn't that suitable. Though it was rather rare to be caught in the rain in Utah, especially during summer...





Luckily, there's a Super Target nearby, so we decided to avoid the rain there. An hr or so past, luckily the rain stopped. We proceeded to the Carnival ground. There was a concert going on. This little gal of mine decided to show her stuff...

Finally the wind had settled enough for the balloon to fly! Phew, wouldn't it be a waste to come to the Balloon Fest with no balloon in sight??

While they were trying to inflate the 2nd balloon (which seemed to be in the shape of a dog), the wind started blowing furiously, so the task had to be aborted. They deflated the 1st balloon too, as it can be a potential fire hazard. There was a fire engine on standby. The crowd started to disperse soon after... our 1st balloon fest....

I Love SINGAPORE

It's the time of the year my beloved Homeland, the place I call HOME celebrates her birthday again. 43 years and she's grown better than ever. Even with the inflation, ever rising housing prices, how many places in this world can beat her stability and security?

Distance certainly makes the heart grow fonder.... even though Utah is beautiful and I wish I can spend more time here, however, deep in my heart, I know this will never be home.

I'm proud to call myself Singaporean. It's a blessing many can only wish for.

"We, the citizens of Singapore,
Pledge ourselves as one united people.
Regardless of race, language or religion,
To build a democratic society,
Based on justice and equality,
So as to achieve Happiness, Prosperity and Progress
For our Nation."

Happy 43rd Birthday
Singapore!

First Swim Lesson

Me: "Hurry n finish your breakfast. We're going to the pool with the indoor play area for swimming class."

En: "I don't want to go. I'm scared."

Well, En usually loves swimming. Just happened that her first experience at Dimpledell Pool was somewhat "chilling". Dimpledell pool is an indoor pool in Dimpledell Recreation Centre. It has a nice Children Play Area and a long slide for the older kids/ adults, swimming lanes, bridge and an area for water aerobics. However, the first time we went there was in Spring and the indoor temperature wasn't well-controlled. It was kinda chilly, even for adults. Very soon, En's lips turned purple and she was shivering badly.....

Anyway, we did go for class on Mon. The Pre-Guppies 1 class is small, with only 4 students and 2 teachers! All those who are thinking the fees must be super ex, well, we paid US$33.50 for 9 sessions. How about that? (This was my 3rd attempt at registering her for swim class. I woke up at 5.15am to register her online at exactly 5.30am when registration started. The Pre-guppies level always get taken up real FAST! I was the first haha.)

The little ones joined their teachers, Ashley and Diane in the Play Area. They were told to move to another section. Next moment, En was under water (trying to swim as if she had her floats on)!!! I was a little shocked cos she was scared to dip her head under water and would never try it. Phew, she quickly stood up, with a surprised look on her face, and started SMILING :)... Good start. No anxiety whatsoever.

It wasn't the case for one of her classmate. There was this Caucasian girl who was crying for her mum the entire lesson, even with the teacher carrying her. Nonetheless, En wasn't affected (though she was a bit KPO, always looking at the crying girl). This first lesson was aimed at creating water confidence. The kids were asked to run and pick their water toys at the side of the pool, threw them, then running in the water to pick them again. They were also introduced to paddling, kicking their legs. The teachers also carried them to the deeper end to get them accustomed to floating etc. Soon, it was time to go (the lessons are 30min long only). En thoroughly enjoyed herself!

It was shower time... Woow, COLD water.... En was struggling and crying to get out of the shower. But I had to shoved her back to wash away the shampoo (I realised on the 2nd lesson that if I had turned the shower knob more, warm water will flow. Silly Mummy! Sorry..). Finally it was over...

On the way for lunch, En said she will definitely want to go for swim class again.

P/s: En's only guy classmate was a Chinese boy. His mummy was a native of Wuhan but she had already stayed in the States for 10 yrs. They just recently moved to Utah. So we made some new friends.

During her 2nd lesson, En was introduced to partially submerging her face into the water. We tried it at our apartment pool the next day and she did it! I bobbed her whole head into the water for 4 times! Yeah! That was awesome, my little baby!

We had gone for 3 lessons so far... it's just getting better.

Park Silly Sunday Market @ Park City's Historic Main Street

Park City - The PLACE that gets me really excited!! Why??? Bcos that's where the factory outlets r - CK, Osh Kosh, Gap, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, COACH, Aldo, Nine West, Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Fossil, Gymboree, AE, Aeropostales....... discounts, discounts, promo, promo... now u know y we ran out of drawer space ;p

Don't be mistaken, that's not all of Park City. This is where most of the Ski resorts are located. We are talking about the official location of the 2002 Winter Olympics k! That doesn't mean there's nothing to do during summer (besides outlet shopping).

There is ONE thing that can only be found during summer - Market Place. Farmers' markets, artist markets, weekend markets.... So here we r at the Park Silly Sunday Market. It opens from mid June to mid Oct only. The stores feature many unique items like bags made from recycled material, hand crafted bibs, handicrafts, unique children's clothing, art work etc... of cos there must be food - BBQ stores, beer....

Movie in the Parks

Yes, summer is HOT!! However, it's also the time for many activities, some unheard of in Singapore, for e.g. Rodeos (we'd been to 1, however, we weren't prepared for the cold. Rodeos usually starts at 8pm. When we saw the locals showing up with blankets, quilts, fleece throws etc. we were truly caught off-guard. Besides the location was 2 hrs from home... so we left abt an hr plus after event started. Too COLD!), farmers' markets, fairs, city days and FREE movies in the parks!!!

Just went for one at Monarch Meadows Park, within walking distance of our apartments on Fri. Movies usually starts at dusk so we brought our fleece sleeping bag, which can open up to be a throw, water n snacks with us. There was already a moderate gathering there, many brought quilts, pillows, blankets, chairs, even air mattresses!!!

We met K's colleague and she had her little gal who was same age as En with her. Well, En was in her generous mood and shared her shrimp crackers down to the very last bit... so proud of her generosity :).

The movie we were watching was Waterhorse. En commented we tried to catch the show, but it had already ended (which was true. We did try to catch it at Cinemark 24. However, they had stopped showing the movie). Sometimes I do marvel at her good memory...

As the movie started, the smell of buttery popcorn started filling the air. Initially, I thought it probably came from people eating popcorns around us. Then I realised there was a snack vendor at the pavilion besides the playground.. Too bad, we didn't have any $$ with us..

It was a wonderful feeling, sitting under the starry night sky... taking in the night breeze, just relaxing... It's very different over here in Riverton, or generally Utah, as there was hardly any streetlamps, even in the parks. Because of the darkness, the sky always seem particularly filled with stars. It's almost quite impossible to have such starry nights back home, not even at East Coast.... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Midway through the show, the screen toppled hahaha... Well, it was actually like a blown-up kind of screen. This was quickly resolved as the men in the audience went to help.

Well, we didn't stay through the show as En needed to wake up early for Gym next day. To me, that wasn't important. This was a life I'd never get to experience back home, truly a relaxing, family time.....

Go Wild Animal Planet Expo @ SLC Liberty Park

Ahhhhhhhhhh.... here's me posting about the beauty of summer AGAIN (minus the stuffy nose, itchy throat, coughing etc... sigh, it's the season with highest level of pollen etc in the air, so my allergic rhinitis is here to visit again)....

Animal planet held the Go Wild Expo to create awareness of the wildlife and to inculcate value of environmental protection. Needless to say, they brought in some exotic animals that can be found in the wild, as well as well-loved domesticated pals like dogs n cats. Animal shows, stage activities, kids play area, mist spraying tents, games stand, food kiosks.... u name it, they had it.

Best of all, FREE stuff again - face painting, game booths, shopping bags....

Animal friends



I'm on top of the world!


Can I win that Panda........................ YES!



How I got my Fairy Face




New friends (Dad bought Doggy n En won Panda)



More pics...



We waited for about an hr before En got to paint her face. Free mah... But Dad took a longer time buying snacks -- 1 1/2 hr!!!! My wallet, hand phone, $$$ etc were with him. Getting worried, I approached a staff, who pointed me to the sheriff for help. In the end, who assisted me??? Member of public who lent me his phone to contact K.... Gosh, strange world. The people you were expecting to be of assistance “无能为力”, while someone who absolutely had no obligations lent that helping hand... Geez...