Valentine's Day

It's funny how the hype of certain things die off over time. I remember how when we were dating, we will never forget important dates such as Anniversaries or Valentine's Day and the like. And the big hoo-ha that accompanied it should we actually forget that special day. Not that we forget them more now, but we both seem more "big-hearted" when it comes to what we have to do to commemorate those days. These days, a simple kiss in the morning from my dear, on our "get-together" Anniversary days are more than enough (Hmmm, am I too easily contented? Hee!)

I was just lying in bed on V day night, thinking about how we would always give each other cards, pressies and all on those important occasions (although the former was always more important) and how he did not give me any this time around. Then I just chuckled that I didn't give him one too, hehe... although I did prepare a nice and simple dinner at home, tried to add flowers for the setting and all. We both had our hand at making our dessert together, which was something I enjoyed, and boy was it a sinful treat.

Baked Salmon with Aglio Olio

Pancake with Mango & Choc ice cream

Weekday dinners

Mum is right when she said it's quite a headache having to think of what to cook everyday. Kudos to my dearest Mummy and to all wonderful chef-Mummies out there who whip up nutritious meals for their families as a daily affair. The inventory check, shopping list writing and actual grocery shopping is not such an easy task as many would think. 

As I am busy with tuition only theses days amidst some other off-on commitments, I get to have the mornings at home to myself; something I treasure dearly although it can get boring at times...hehe! But the me-time I get in the mornings are simply blissful and peaceful. Other than preparing materials for tuition, the other thing on my agenda would be the day's meals - lunch & dinner. Look at what I managed to whip up within 15minutes that day - nothing too fancy but was really pleased with myself coz I actually set the ingredients aside to make a soup dish but improvised on the spot coz of the weather and time constraints. 

You see, we were going out to jalan after dinner and if I were to make the fish with sze chuan soup as originally planned, it would take much longer; plus the weather was seriously too hot for a soup meal. As such, I decided that we would have something like what the Cze Char stalls do in Singapore, "Rice with Black Pepper Fish (& tomatoes) & an egg on the side" - fast and simple, yay! Way to go Angie! Haha self praise! :)

Things are coming along well...

... I think so, at least. I've survived one week of work - aka going to the Jeweller's on Tuesday and seeing almost all my students this week; next week would be the first session for one of my students as well as IELTs marking that will keep me busy busy... I'm glad to be kept occupied in the motion of things - so that my mind will not wander away and I will not harp on sad thoughts and feelings. I am quite enjoying the daytime I have all to myself at home; busy cleaning the house (there's always something to do around the house), doing daily chores like preparing dinner and also preparing for tuition. I have yet to cuddle up with a book and just laze the whole day - should try that one day, probably possible only on Mondays when I have the mornings to myself, and maybe Tuesdays if I don't go to the Jeweller's, will see... Oh did I tell you that I won't be taking any more new students, at least for the better first half of the year, am pretty happy with my workload and really don't wanna overtire myself or feel too stressed over work, just wanna concentrate fully (hopefully it'll be possible) on the most important priority in our lives at the moment.  

Singapore Galore!!!

It's been almost a week since we came back to Perth after our month long stay in Singapore. As much as I was real glad for the opportunity to spend so much time with my family, it was so much more difficult to say farewell and to get into the mode of things back here in Aussie. It was like a real long hangover for me... I did not start tuition till Monday and even then fortunately, am taking my time readjusting back. Guess it's much easier for Ivan since he was working quite a bit in Singapore too and all; oh well, call me sexist if you must, but I always feel guys adapt much quicker to situations - at least in our case. Can't imagine if I was in Ivan's shoes, having to return to work the next day and get things up and about. Kudos to your wonderful adaptability my dear. :)

Here are some snippets of the great fun times in Singapore - at Universal Studios to be exact. This trip was really eventful for we all had a fantastic time and mum and dad almost didn't want to join us even; with the Chan sisters' powers combined, we managed to convince them, hahaha! Well this trip was also "eventful" in the sense that we all took turns to fall sick after that. Dad was first to complain of tight chest pains (which we later equated to possible muscle pull at the Transformers ride), Adel started her long bout of coughs and was down with fever which was later passed, so much so that I stayed in the first day of CNY and didn't manage to go visiting with Ivan's family. After we went back to Perth, it was sadly Mum's turn to be sick. How about Ivan I'm sure some of you must be asking... well, he fell sick at the start of the trip and had to rest quite a bit too so guess that's why he was spared the germs and viruses the second time round.

Universal Studios Singapore!

A pity we could not capture the entire Hollywood signage...

Cheeky Charlie Chaplin

After "surviving" the Madagascar ride... we fell for the trick of the waterfall, were preparing ourselves to get wet already...

Back to the days of our childhood... merry-go-round/ carousel; this one's with the Madagascar characters!

Happy Birthday Ivan! :)

A birthday is not about adding years to your life, but rather, life to your years... 

Well Ivan was blessed to have so many people at his birthday party this year! :) Excellent company I must say with wonderful friends and family present. Special thanks to the chef for the day, mummy dearest, for preparing shiok laska, yummy fried rice rice, chicken wings..., Adel for the westernised muah chee, drinks and desserts; and not forgetting Mich's mum's addition of super homemade otah and delicious sago with gula melaka! :P Here's to many more great years ahead! Cheers!:)

Bye Bye CHANS! :(

My family left Perth to go back to Singapore this afternoon. The house is so much more quiet without them around... missing them lots already. Really wonder at times how I actually survive so long being apart from my dearest Mummy, Daddy and sister. Was just telling Ivan yesterday although they were only here for 2 weeks, it felt like a solid 2 months. Great times spent together indeed! We went to SupaGolf on Sunday and boy did Daddy have a good time, mummy joined us at the start and again at the end & had a wild of a time putting the balls on the green into the holes. The weather was a little muggy and the flies irritated mum so that she took a break in the shelter while we completed Holes 3 - 8. She even said she wouldn't mind coming back when the weather was much cooler, think Daddy would agree with her on this.

Poor Ivan with his tissue in his nose... he had his sinus at the start of the game. :(

Adel finishing one of her games, as the 2 guys give their nodding approval. ;)

Whoah, where did Ivan's golf ball go?

This is how you do it Baby! :P

Don't I like a typical seasoned golf player? Heehee, well I think I dress like one... ;)

Easily done - this is how you do it Ivan.... hehe! 

At the end of the rewarding exercise/ game. :)

One more for the camera, great pic Daddy! Good improvement! :)

Happy Birthday to me... :)

Well I'm into my last year of my 20s... not sure if I should be happy or sad... having mixed feelings I suppose. I'm grateful to our dear Lord for all the wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon me! Special thanks to my family and friends for all your love and support. I definitely would not have made it through the years without you all! :) Some pictures of the celebration in the weekend with our dear friends here in Perth. :) Missing my family lots during this time but am super duper counting down the days to their arrival here in Perth... yay! 

 Happy Birthday! 

Successful puff pastry aka Jester pie's Morning Glory - "Ivangie's Shining Glory"... hehe

I had to quickly blow the candles off before more of Joshy's extra "toppings" get into the cake...hehe kidding!

The Navaros, Leongs and Chan :)

With our dear friends, God daughter and Joshy  boy

The "Surveyors" checking out the plot that will be our home in 6months time (hopefully)

Yay, picture perfect, thanks to Ivan! :)

Check out the flowers  Ivan got me for my bday and the vase which we bought especially for it... hehe!