离开苏梅岛的那一天

12月24日圣诞前夕，我们即将在今天下午结束我们的苏梅岛之旅，回到现实的新加坡。

一早起来，发现有很多工作人员已经开始在泳池旁忙碌起来。他们沿着泳池摆起了桌椅。原来，他们正在为当天晚上的圣诞庆祝晚宴而忙碌。苏梅岛的许多酒店都规定住客必须参加酒店内的圣诞晚餐派对。可惜我们没有机会体会到这样一个party的滋味。

今天酒店已经为我们安排了专车，下午2:30接送我们到机场去。我们决定今天就把时间耗在海边，老公可以尝试在海滩上享受泰式按摩，我们也可以尽情徜徉在阳光下和海水里。

这次来到苏梅岛，发现有很多外国女生喜欢做天体浴。女生总讨厌晒太阳之后留下难看的bikini lines。所以在苏梅岛你就能看到许多外国女生爱把上半身的bikini脱掉，然后才做日光浴。我们的酒店里头就不乏这类作风大胆的外国女生。Err…… 其实不仅仅是‘女生’，老公去潜水的那天，我就亲眼目睹一位年龄老大不小的外国女郎，光着上半身，还若无其事地到处走动，让人一览她光秃秃的乳房，一点也不觉得羞涩。



 



 

回来后，在网上搜览，才发现原来苏梅岛是外国人公认的天体浴场，其中一个离岛南幽岛更是欧美人士首推的天体浴场，另一个因此而出名的是帕安岛。据说，当地有一种不成文的天体聚会，每个月的月圆之夜，帕安岛(Koh Phangan)都会举行一场大规模的Full Moon Party，世界各地前往旅游的人士，尤其是年轻背包族几乎都会去参加。整个岛上都是劲爆的摇滚，脸上、身上画着稀奇古怪泛光图案的男男女女，配着沙滩上的篝火，酒吧门前闪烁的霓虹灯光，再混合进浓浓的酒精味道，纠集成一种可以冲破一切黑暗、一切约束的自由张力。

老公之前也提过Full Moon Party，可是我不以为然。

所以，就凭苏梅岛“原始纯洁”的影响力来看，就足以成为众多逐滩客的首选。美丽的天堂岛，有安静的海滩，还有不甘寂寞的山，一块花布、一卷草席、一本闲书、一瓶清凉的啤酒，顶着40℃的高温，这就是“苏梅式”的悠闲，让人流连忘返。

苏梅岛第四天

昨天，老公大约4点钟回到酒店。一进门，看到他疲倦的样子，好心疼。他说耳朵有点痛，很不舒服。洗完澡后，他倒头就睡。

老公睡醒后，还是嚷着耳朵痛得很不舒服。潜过水的人都知道，潜水最难受的就属耳朵了，因为气压问题会让你很难掌握耳压的平衡。如果在潜水时没有做好耳压的平衡，最会导致耳朵痛和不舒服。我告诉他过阵子就好了，可是看到他一副愁眉不展的样子，我知道今天晚上不会有什么节目可言了。

我们到了酒店对面的意大利餐厅Prego用晚餐。餐厅的气氛相当不错，我点了一份龙虾意面，老公点了一份海鲜Pizza和Minestrone蔬菜汤。我的龙虾意面可口极了，Pizza更是香脆可口，可惜的是老公被耳疼折腾得一定兴致也没有，胃口也不好。晚餐后，老公害怕我生气还是坚持要到处逛逛。我知道他是疼爱我，知道我一整天什么事也没做，一点闷透了，所以会希望晚上能够到处走走。况且之前我就跟他说我想要去附近的市集买衣服。

可是，我知道他一定感觉很难受。耳痛的滋味我也尝过，心里会一直担心着是不是震坏了耳膜，会不会就此听觉失调。老公坚持要去售卖DVD的摊位看一看。

从DVD摊位走出来之后，我坚持要回酒店休息。于是，我们就缓缓地走回酒店去。

今天一早醒来，看看身边熟睡的老公，真希望他今天的耳朵和心情会变好，那么我们就可以愉快地出游去。老公醒来宣布说耳朵好多了！

早餐后，我们就准备出发，开始今天的环岛旅程。

第一站：Chaweng Viewpoint
我们开车沿着Chaweng的购物街然后转入苏梅岛环岛大路4169，再沿着海岸线一直走直到我们来到了Elephant Rock的Viewpoint。这里是Chaweng的最南端，可以在岩石上俯望整个Chaweng海岸线。我们下车拍了几张照片后，又再继续上路。车开了不远，我们就来到了The Cliff Restaurant。我来苏梅岛之前，公司有位同事向我推荐这家餐厅，说风景好、食物好、气氛好。可惜，我们并没有把它纳入在我们的行程里。

第二站：Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather & Grandmother Rock)
紧接着，我们来到了Hin Ta Hin Yai，也就是祖父母石。哈哈！可笑的是，我们看到了刻上Hin Ta Hin Yai字样的木牌，可是就没有看见石头。后来问了问，才知道原来必须往上走才能看到石头。可是地势不宜孕妇，我们只好放弃。

真正的祖父母石形状长得很像男女的生殖器：


 

第三站：Samui Zoo/Butterfly Garden
我们沿着4169穿过了Lamai海滩，转入了4170，直达Samui Zoo和Butterfly Garden。可是并没有找到所谓的蝴蝶园。于是，我们决定放弃，前往寻找Wat Khunaram (The Mummified Monk)。

第四站：Wat Khunaram
据说寺庙里的老和尚去世后，尸体腐烂的程度很小，因此信徒把他供奉在寺庙里，成为了一个肉身菩萨。

第五站：纳蒙瀑布Namuang Waterfall
苏梅岛上有好几个瀑布，旅游说介绍值得一游的包括Namuang 1, Namuang 2和Hin Lad。

Namuang 瀑布位于南部10公里的Nathon的Ban Thurian，这里有2个瀑布，Namuang 1瀑布有18米高，Namuang 2有80米高。

我们开着车，沿着山路向上，来到一处拥有另一个不知名的瀑布。下车查看，再问了问一对来自马来西亚的夫妇，他们说路很陡，不适合我，况且瀑布也没什么值得看的。

于是我们又继续上路，来到了Namuang 2。把车停好后，发现这里有许多游客去参观了小型动物园，观赏猴子和鳄鱼秀。还有许多游客排着队，准备骑大象。工作人员一直鼓励我们骑大象，老公指了指我的大肚子。工作人员说没问题的，骑大象会带来好运。可是我们还是不敢冒险一试。工作人员说要上到Namuang 2，必须步行差不多20分钟。想了想，我们还是决定前往Namuang 1，因为听说瀑布近在咫尺，无需步行太远。

我们开车来到了Namuang 1，还了20泰铢的停车费后，我们就步行前往Namuang 1瀑布。瀑布入口处有很多商店，主要是售卖一些手工艺品，还有许多小吃摊。

 

 

 
[肥皂雕刻]



这个瀑布真的不需走太远。瀑布前有个水池，有许多游客和当地人都在池里游泳、戏水。我们在瀑布边拍了几张照片，就离开了Namuang 1。

第六站：Paradise Park Farm
老公突发其想决定去看一看这个Paradise Park Farm到底是何方神圣。这是在任何旅游指南上都不曾看到过的地方，老公在地图上看到后，就决定要去看一看。我们沿着山路缓缓行驶着，在小小波折后，终于来到了Paradise Park Farm的入口。下车一问，才知道每人必须付300泰铢的入门费。想了想，考量了一下，我们决定不花那钱去看孔雀和猴子。把钱花在泰式按摩上肯定更加过瘾。

第七站：Nathon
旅游指南上说纳通(Nathon)是看日落最好的地方。记得我们拍拖的时候，每当我们出国到某个海滩岛国度假，你总爱和我一起看日落。可是这一次，看日落并没有被编排在我们的行程里面。

Nathon其实是苏梅岛最早最热闹最繁华的小镇，这里聚集了苏梅岛各个政府部门，也是苏梅岛的商业中心和最繁忙的码头，从这里可以搭船到周边的大小岛屿。

我们在这里选了一家面向海的餐厅，坐了下来点了地道的Tongyam汤、泰式炒饭和Pad Thai。

午餐后，我们开始探索这个小镇，租车柜台的先生告诉我们这里购物比Chaweng便宜。所以午饭后，我们展开了‘血拼’的步行之旅。

老公‘血拼’的收获还真不错，买了一条裤子、一个背包和几个DVD。天气热得不得了，走得不行了，我们决定宣布‘血拼’结束，继续开车前往下一个目的地。

第八站：大佛寺Big Buddha
我们开车穿过了Bang Po、Maenam和Bophut海滩来到了Big Buddha Beach。Lord Buddha15米高的金色雕像是苏梅岛受欢迎的景点之一。这次，我指定要到Big Buddha去，因为想为肚子里的小宝宝祈福，希望神明能够庇佑她健康出世、快乐成长。

我们爬上了层层梯阶，来到了大佛面前虔诚祈祷，然后再沿着大佛周围走了一圈，看一看Big Buddha beach周围的海景。

这里是我们今天行程的最后一站，从大佛寺我们就开车打道回府。

晚上我们决定要开车沿着Chaweng找间海鲜餐厅好好地吃一餐肥美丰盛的海鲜大餐，然后接着在Chaweng购物和按摩。

苏梅岛第三天

今天一早老公就出发去Koh Tao潜水了。出发前，他不忘再次嘱咐我不能独自踏出酒店以外范围。

老公走后，我辗转无法再次入眠，于是决定索性起身独自去餐厅吃早餐。一样的菜色，却勾不起像昨天一样的食欲。老公不在身边的感觉很乏味，做什么事都提不起劲。早餐后，我找了一个卧椅，就懒懒地躺在上面阅读。唉！一个人的时候，时间过得特别慢。老公说3点钟会回来。为什么总是不到3点钟？

阅读了一些有关于苏梅岛的资料，希望对明天的自驾旅程有用。

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
苏梅岛是泰国的第三大岛，总面积247平方公里，最窄5公里，最宽处21公里。苏梅岛上的干净、狭长白沙滩，是每个人梦想中的热带岛屿仙境。苏梅岛属于真正的岛屿族群，也是八十多个热带岛屿群中最大的一个，其中只有四个岛屿有人居住。看过李奥那多的《海滩》吗？苏梅的安通国家公园就象电影里头他最后找到的梦幻之岛一样。石灰岩洞穴、珊瑚礁岛林立，到处是色彩艳丽的热带鱼群。那里保留了更多自然淳朴的气息，因为20年前，苏梅岛还基本上是一片与世隔绝的世外桃源，因为开发的历史不长，所以，至今岛上还保存着一份原始风味。

苏梅岛上海滩众多，处处水清沙白，景致迷人。苏梅岛上可以潜水、潜泳、划独木舟、驾帆出海，享受海天一色的美妙景观。在欣赏苏梅岛海滩的美丽之余，还别忘了去探访椰树园、小渔村和美丽的瀑布，或是去骑一骑大象。苏梅岛的周边地区，还可游安通国家海洋公园、帕南岛、乌龟岛（倒岛）和南元岛。

查温海滩(Chaweng)绵延6公里，这个月牙形的海滩环境十分优美，也是岛上酒店和各种娱乐设施最多的地方。海滩沙质细密、海水温暖是这儿得天独厚的优势，海滩边上各式各样的活动十分绵密，水上摩托车、沙滩排球是最常见的。在沙滩上享受泰式按摩，每小时才250泰铢，更让人大呼过瘾。拉迈海滩(Lamai)位于查温的南面，也有不少娱乐设施。位于苏梅岛北边，两旁分别是湄南海滩(Maenam)和大佛海滩(Big Buddha)，长度只有2公里，这一条海岸线只有几间零落的小木屋和两三间中型旅馆，附近没有任何商店餐厅，美丽的椰子树后面是一片稀松的针叶林，宁静是这里最大的特色，偶尔只有几条小渔船经过，很适合寻找浪漫的情侣。

苏梅岛上的食品物美价廉，除了新鲜美味的海产外，各式各样鲜美的热带水果更是天然特产。在岛上逛街十分方便，一条50公里的环岛公路围绕着海岸线，由市中心那东(Nathon)连接各海滩，许多外国游客都喜欢搭乘由小型货运卡车改装而成的德士"松塔欧"(Song Taew)游览各处，既便宜又快速。我们则选择自驾环岛游透透。

倒岛（Koh Tao）：最佳潜水胜地
苏梅岛是一个由80多个热带岛峪组成的群岛，玩过了本岛，附近还有多个小岛可以前往，例如：距离不远的帕南岛（Koh Phangan）或外形像只乌龟的倒岛（Koh Tao），都是寻幽访胜的最佳去处。

倒岛是暹罗湾中最棒的潜水地点。海中丰富的海洋景观、不论是潜水或漂浮在海面上、甚至一早起床到海边丢面包喂鱼都是一种享受。

倒岛远离人群，常常能够享受到数百公尺沙滩只有一人独自拥有的奢侈。这里也是拿潜水执照的地方，拿到padi各级潜水执照的价钱比别处便宜，还包括住宿呢。这里比较有名的潜水地点大概有10个。

要前往倒岛的方法只有搭船，可以从苏梅岛或泰国本土的chumpon搭船去，如果从苏梅岛乘快艇的话，只要1个半小时的时间就能抵达。

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我想时间也应该1点多了吧？我到泳池里去泡了泡，然后就收拾东西回房等待老公的凯旋归来。梳洗完毕后，感觉肚子有些饿，于是打电话叫了一份炸鸡Room Service。

吃着炸鸡薯条，眼睛轮流看着电视和床边的时钟。哎呀！老公什么时候才回来！

苏梅岛第二天

一早起来第一件事就是翻开阳台的窗帘察看外面的天气。阳光明媚，太棒了！赶快叫醒老公！

梳洗完毕之后，我们就到餐厅去享用丰富的早餐。早餐的种类还很丰富，有西式的、中式的、泰式的还有日式的食物供君选择。顿时我的胃口大开，饱尝了一顿丰富的杂式早餐。=D

早餐后，我们先分别到潜水中心和租车柜台查问了一下。之后，老公建议我们出去走走，目的有三：（1）老公要到处查问潜水价格，（2）我们要去寻找烹饪学校，（3）随便逛逛了解周围环境。于是我们沿着Chaweng的购物街往下走。走了好久好久，走得我又热又累又有点烦躁。我们不知道走了多下里的路，直到我真的走不下去了，我们才程搭德士返回酒店。不过3个目的都达成了，可算是任务圆满成功。一个上午的时间，我们确定了接下来两天的行程。明天（星期六），老公将独自出海去Koh Tao潜水。星期天，我们则将自驾租来的轿车环岛旅游。

既然任务达成，接下来我们就能够自由自在的享受美丽的阳光和海滩了！我们赶紧回房换上了泳装，在接下来的几个小时里尽情的享受泡在海水里舒服徜徉的感觉。今晚，我们将回到吃早餐的餐厅享受酒店免费赠送的浪漫晚餐。哇！度假的感觉真得很好！

2007年圣诞之旅~苏梅岛

2007年12月20日的晚上，在飞机延误了一个多小时之后，我们终于抵达了泰国的苏梅岛。苏梅岛新的机场非常环保，没有冷气设备，具有浓厚的度假村设计风味。（离开的时候才发现，原来整个机场有冷气的地方是厕所，厕所空间宽大而且里头还设有大鱼缸，饲养着许多色彩鲜艳的小鱼类。）

我们在机场的会客处看见了写着老公名字的牌子，不过一会儿，我们就乘坐着酒店专署的小型巴士，踏上前往Amari Palm Reef酒店的路程。不过15分钟的车程，我们就抵达了下榻的酒店，对酒店的第一影响相当不错，服务人员个个亲切友善。老公的要求他们也都一一达成。

我们俩迫不及待打电话点了Room Service，因为肚子真的饿了。10分钟后，热腾腾的三文治和泰式炒果条就送到我们的房间来了！服务效率还真不赖！不知道是不是我们的肚子太饿了，觉得这一餐Room Service特别美味！吃完了宵夜，已经11点多了，我们轮流洗澡后，看了一会儿电视，就去见周公了。

希望明天天气晴朗，因为之前人人都说现在是雨季，而且11月份苏梅岛甚至淹水，导致许多旅客滞留机场。今晚抵达时，路地湿湿的，好像刚下过雨。虽然已经做好了会碰上雨季的最坏打算，但还是不甘心如果不能享受阳光、沙滩和海洋。

The perks of being pregnant

I always dread the time when it's end of the day and I've to make my way from Commonwealth back to Sengkang. It involves taking the East-West MRT to Outram, followed by the NEL to Sengkang, then the LRT to Renjong. I never look forward to the one-hour plus journey home.

I used to always take the NEL to HarbourFront so that I can get a seat for the trip back to Sengkang.

But nowadays, I stopped doing that, I'll just board the NEL heading towards Punggol directly at Outram. The reason? Coz almost always, I will get a good samaritan to offer his/her seat to me. hehehe... that's the advantage of carrying a load in front of you.

Of course, I'm taking a risk. There's always a high chance of noone standing up and offering me his/her seat. But that's quite seldom now, since my bulch is one that you cannot ignore and pretend that I'm just being fat.

However, I do notice that more often than not, it's the ladies who stood up to offer the seat to me while the guys pretend to be sleeping or not noticing or reading papers. We are talking about abled, strong, executive-looking type of guys here. Somehow it confirms my long-standing theory that Singaporean men are simply no gentlemen and NOT gracious at all. Many times, guys will only give up their seats if they are alighting at the next stop. And they will hog on to their seats until it's almost time to alight.

As much as I appreciate how gracious Singaporeans can be, I must say that there were many times when I feel ashamed for them.

This morning, I was on the EW line to Commonwealth. One elderly lady boarded the train and was rushing towards an empty seat when an executive-looking man reached the seat earlier and sat down. Obviously knowing that the elderly lady wanted the seat, he didn't even bother to offer it to her. He was oblivious of the fact that he was a tall, strong, steady man versus a weak old lady. He sat down, pulled out his papers and started reading it, like nothing has happened. Bast***!

In another incident, I was also on the EW line when an elderly lady boarded at Tiong Bahru. All seats were taken, and noone bothered to stand up. So I stood up and offered my seat to the old lady. Can you imagine? A pregnant woman offering her seat to an elderly woman when all the other seats were occupied by young executives and many males??!! Ridiculous right? More ridiculous is, a couple of them alighted at the next stop!!!! Then why can't they get their butts off the seats slightly earlier???? What's happening to our people??

Another incident, it was this Indian lady, she places her paper bag on the empty seat next to her and ignores the fact that there were people who could use that seat. The irony is: she's reading the holy bible. Wonder what she has learnt from all those religious readings.

Peter Draws for Habitat for Humanity

“Peter Draw is the World’s Happiest Cartoonist” said children who have met personally with Peter. He will be drawing caricatures non-stop for 24 hours to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Singapore to help build homes for needy families.

Peter believes that drawing is more than putting strokes to paper, it can bring hope and happiness to children. He hopes to inspire children to realise their dreams through his caricatures with the theme ‘Because every dream starts from having a simple and decent home’.

Venue: McDonalds, East Coast Park

Date and time : 29 Dec 07 (7pm) to 30 Dec 07 (7pm)

Drop by at McDonald’s and support Peter. Do tell your family and friends about this and have all your faces drawn for a very meaningful cause!

Babymoon in Koh Samui

We just had a relaxed and enjoyable holiday in Koh Samui. The three of us. So laid back and therapeutic that we simply didn't want to come back.

I think little baby girl enjoyed the trip as well. She wasn't kicking as much when we were there, giving mummy her well-deserved rest. I guess she's contented with swimming, eating and basically doing nothing but lazing around with mummy and daddy.

However, once back home, she's back to her karate-kick self again. =)

I'm sure baby will be a travel nut like her parents.

OK, the little fella who has been making me puke, lose sleep, get fat and grow lazy is a girl!

Went for the scan on Monday, the sonographer said the little one is 80% going to be a girl. Other than that, baby is growing well. That's all that matter, knowing that she is well and healthy.

Her papa said that having the first to be a girl is good coz she'll know how to take care of her siblings in the future. Her great-grandmother said exactly the same thing. Her grandma said girl is good coz can dress her up prettily. Her grandpa was just simply elated on hearing that baby is well and healthy.

For me, this baby, no matter boy or girl, has become an important part of me. My love for her grows deeper by the day. I can't wait for the day when I finally can hold her in my arms. For now I will concentrate on taking care of myself.

Hmm.. anyone wants to contribute some nice female names for my little princess? Maybe I should hold a "Name-My-Princess" Contest. The prize? A kiss from the little princess when she arrives in April!

(ya.. can't see her face..)

Hello Mrs Alligator

I've been feeling like a tad reptilian lately. My skin has been dry and flaky. Ugly. Minus points in the self-esteem section.

I always feel that pregnant women are just plain ugly. They look fat and ugly. They walk uglily. My colleague coined all pregnant women the term "preggasaurus" - big, ugly, fortunately adorable.

WTE's Smart Strategies to Combat Dry Skin
What it is: The dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy membrane that now covers your body — especially your face (did somebody say leather?) — has taken over where your skin used to be.

What causes it: For some women, hormonal changes rob skin of oil and elasticity, which leads to that dreaded dryness.

What you can do: It may sound obvious, but too much washing with harsh soaps can dry out your skin. Switch to a nonsoap cleanser such as Cetaphil and use it no more than once a day (at night if you’re taking off makeup). Take care to keep your body well moisturized (especially in cold or windy weather) by slathering on moisturizer early and often throughout the day and before turning in at night. (How about a bedtime moisture massage from your man?)

Dry skin can also lead to stretch marks (sorry!) — you can't prevent them, but you can help minimize their appearance by moisturizing your belly (and your hips, thighs, and butt) as it expands. Lots of women swear by arnica oil, which you can get in any health food store.

What solutions are off-limits: Stay away from chemical-based treatments (e.g. peels), which can potentially be absorbed through the skin. If you’re not sure if a treatment is safe, ask your practitioner first.

What preventive steps you can take: When it comes to skin, you definitely are what you eat — and drink. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (soda and coffee don’t count) throughout the day. Also, be sure to include good fats in your diet (mono and polyunsaturated), which are found in foods such as olive and canola oils, nuts, and avocados. And although it may seem to make sense, don’t steam your skin — that can make it look and feel dehydrated. No rubbing, either; lightly pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer right away to seal in the water before it has a chance to escape. (Unscented products are best, since most dry skin is also sensitive skin, especially when it’s expectant.)

More smart strategies:
- Use a humidifier at night to boost the moisture content in your bedroom. (Hidden bonus: The white noise might help you sleep if you’ve been tossing and turning.)
- Don’t sizzle yourself! Bathe or shower in lukewarm, not hot, water. Hot water removes natural oil from the skin, making it dry and itchy.
- Limit showers to ten to 15 minutes. (Some water is good; too much is not.) Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp, to trap that moisture in.
- Add bath oils to your tub, but be careful with the slippery surface you’ve created. (Remember, you’re a klutz with a giant belly right now.)
- Avoid deodorant soaps, which contain ingredients that soak up moisture.
- Dab petroleum jelly or A&D ointment on problem areas (elbows, knees, heels) to seal in moisture and heal very dry skin.
- After washing your hands, immediately put on hand cream to seal in moisture.
- Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day.
- Treat skin to a hydrating facial mask once a week.

胖、胖、胖！

女人对于怀孕除了喜悦之外还有一种莫名的担心！那就是害怕生小孩之后身材会变胖，身材走样变形！

最近越来越担心生产过后身材会走样。唉！虽然很清楚这可能是做妈妈必须付出的代价，但是想起来难免害怕。因此我告诉自己一定要下定决心，在生产不久后就把多余的体重和赘肉消除掉。

在许多网页上都读到玉米、红豆和薏仁是产后妈妈的最佳良伴。因为它们是温和有效的利尿剂，有助于排出多余水分和代谢废物。

产后瘦身食谱
1.冬瓜薏仁汤
【材料】 冬瓜250克 薏仁25克 鸡肉100克
【做法】 冬瓜洗净去皮切块，放入锅中加入薏仁(必须先浸泡半个小时以上)、鸡肉、水，先用大火煮开，再用小火炖40分钟。
【功效】
冬瓜-消小腹水肿。
薏仁-轻身益气、健脾利尿。
瘦肉-富含蛋白质且低脂肪。
此方可消产后小腹水肿。

2.鲤鱼姜丝汤
【材料】 鲤鱼1条 车前子10克 玉米须50克 姜丝、盐
【做法】 鲤鱼去鳞去内脏，切成段。车前子、玉米须、鲤鱼放入锅中，加适量水用大火煮开，再用小火煮熟，加盐调味。
【功效】
鲤鱼-利尿消水肿，促进乳汁分泌。
车前子、玉米须-利尿消肿。
此方可助产妇改善下半身肥胖兼具通乳作用。
适用对象 未哺乳妈妈
饮食注意事项 忌吃过于寒凉的食物。

3.荷叶知母茶
【材料】 荷叶15克 法半夏20克 茯苓20克 陈皮15克 甘草5克 生姜3片 知母15克
【做法】 将上列药物加水1 000毫升，饭前服用。
【功效】
荷叶-治肥胖，久服令人瘦。
半夏-化痰燥湿。
茯苓-健脾利湿。
陈皮-理气化痰。
生姜-利水消痒。
甘草-调合诸药。
知母-清热泻火，滋阴润燥。
此药茶对于产后虚胖有效。

产后减重茶
1.瘦身茶
【材料】黄耆三钱、茯苓四钱、纡、洛神茶五朵、清水1000cc、代糖适量
【做法】 将药材洗净后放入茶壶中，水煮开后冲入茶壶中煮五分钟后至出味成红色即可加入适量代糖，或放凉后过滤取汁，放入冷藏室冰一下，凉凉的喝更可口，也就是夏日的清凉、增强免疫力兼瘦身的清暑凉饮！
【服法】饭后饮用。
【不宜】月经期间宜减量。

2.清秀茶
【材料】粉紫色玫瑰五朵、桑叶一钱、新鲜薄荷五片、清水500cc
【做法】药材快速洗净后，以沸水将茶杯烫过，将药材放入杯中，冲入沸水焖五分钟至出味即可。
【服法】饭后饮用。
【不宜】肠胃虚寒者，容易腹泻、腹胀者宜减量。

3.活力饮
【材料】绿茶五克、何首乌、丹参各三钱、水2000cc
【做法】 将药材洗净后放入茶壶中，水煮开后冲入茶壶中煮五分钟后至出味，稍放温约八十度时，再放入绿茶后，即可饮用
【服法】吃饭前后当茶饮用
【不宜】腹泻者禁用

Teaching them right

Ever since our neighbours moved into the unit above ours, our mornings have been simply noisy.

Their little girl has a habit of waking up early in the morning between 6am and 7am, without fail, rain or shine, weekdays or weekends. She'll then start tromping, jumping, and/or running around, which will sound to me like there's a big-foot giant walking around the room upstairs. She is also fond of screaming and crying; and dragging something that sounds like a metal tin. To put it simply, she makes a lot of noise 7 early 8 early in the morning. Wonder if that's the reason why the little one in me will also begin to stir at around the same time.

On top of all that, since they moved in, I've had candy wrapers, wang wang biscuit wrappers, chocolate aluminium foil wrapper and even pencil shavings in my balcony.

This morning, she was first screaming then crying. I don't know why no adults in the same house manage to control her or at least reprimand her. How do parents actually teach their kids nowadays???

Sighz...

On another note, this morning on the MRT, overheard a mother asked her little daughter: "See, now the people in the train lesser, right?"

Hello, missus, it should be "there are fewer people in the train". People - we use fewer and not lesser. Think it's time you revised the countable and uncountable nouns.

Kickboxing at Golden Compass

Last Saturday, hubby and I went for a late night "Golden Compass".

I was fighting to concentrate on the movie because the little one in me took joy in practising kick-boxing. Ya, inside me. As the movie reached its climax and as the sound effects got loud and exhilarating, baby's kicks also got more intense.

I put daddy's hand on the tummy so that he can feel his little one. I guess the sound effects must have disturbed him/her quite abit. But the feeling of the little one moving inside me is pure bliss.

How do the movements feel like?

Little baby's papa has been wondering how it actually feels when baby moves inside me. I can't really put it into words.

Found an article where moms-to-be share their impressions of their baby's very first kick.

"I hate to say it, but it kind of felt like gas. This is my first pregnancy, so I had no idea what to expect. It was such a slight movement that I thought it could have been something I had eaten."

"It really did feel like butterflies in my stomach. It was the same feeling you get when you're really excited or when your stomach jumps as you drive over a hill too quickly."

"It felt like bubbles popping in my belly." --> Yes!

"It felt like someone tiny tapping on the inside." --> Yes!

"It was a light, fluttery feeling that lasted several seconds. It lasted long enough that I could tell it was made by something that wasn't a part of me before I was pregnant!"

"She was wiggling all over the place. It was like she was pushing my skin out from the inside or someone was lightly running her fingers along the skin from the inside."

"It reminded me of my grandparents' tacky aqua lava lamp — just like the bubble or "liquid bloop" that goes up."

"It felt like a strong pulse point, like when you get a twitch in your arm or leg, but much stronger." --> Yes yes yes!!!

"She poked and jabbed a lot. It felt like she was really bony, like she was poking me with a little bony finger."

"It felt like a ball rolling around in my stomach."

"For a while it was little flutters, then kicks and punches. Now it feels like he's using a roller brush to paint my insides!"

"It felt like how I imagine it would be for a goldfish in a plastic bag. If the bag was under your skin and the fish started to swim, the bag would move ever so slightly."

"It tickled somewhat. He must of have had an energy rush from the orange juice I had minutes before, because he was moving around for quite a while. I felt relieved to finally feel the reality of being pregnant."

"It did not feel like popcorn or butterflies! It's sort of like a pocket of gas moving, but in the wrong spot."

"When I first felt the baby move, it was like a little butterfly was in my stomach. Now it feels like an alien life force trying to beat my organs to a pulp."

"It felt like someone had their hand in my belly and moved it. Feeling it move was strange at first, knowing there's a living thing inside you that you have no control over."

"I had to lift the covers to make sure there wasn't a bug crawling on me. Then I noticed it was inside, not on, my skin."

"It felt like bubbles, like the fizzing of Alka-Seltzer when it hits water."

"It felt like she was trying to escape from my stomach."

"It was like a large minnow swimming around in a small fish bowl."

2008年出生的宝宝

农历戊子年乃土鼠年。

命理大师说：08年是千载难逢一个特别好的时期，首先从大的方面我们生活在太平盛世，整个社会形势比较好，这是一点。再者就是按三元九运，我们处在下元八运，在08年戊子年出生的孩子占有将心，这个将心在古代的时候专门表示领兵打仗，掌握行政至高权利的一种星宿，意味着08年戊子年出生的孩子有特别大的出息，成为人上之人成为领导。这两年一个是猪年，一个是鼠年这两年出生的孩子相当不错，整个运势会超过其它时期的孩子。明年不光是一个好年头，凡是明年出生的孩子天下没有穷戊子，世间没有富根生，不但主贵还主富。

在网络上看到一位准爸爸在新浪论坛上的帖子，以下转载：

“2008年是土鼠年，这年出生的孩子都得办满月酒！

最一开始我听到这个说法我也认为是胡说八道，但是前几天我独自一人到北京的某个寺去，偶然间遇到了这里的方丈，跟那的方丈聊天，他竟然在我未说明我的家庭资料的情况下说我明年家中会添丁，让我大感诧异，最吃惊的是他说我会生一个儿子，这个连我自己都不知道啊（前几天做B超刚知道的）！接着他跟我说明年是土鼠年，出生的孩子命本不错，聪明伶俐，有大富大贵之命，但却差在土上，很难破土而出。我还以为接下来他会让我在他那求些什么回去就能解除，可他没有，他说最简单的办法就是办个满月酒，越大越好，那样就会把孩子身上的土洗掉。这时我突然想到了前段时间听同事聊天时说08年出生的孩子要办满月酒这件事情。于是我问他这和土有什么关系，他说虽然他是佛教中人，但为了帮助世人，他也要熟知民俗，这是他认为最简单的解除办法。

其实我不想再这里说这些的，因为它必竟让人觉得有些封建迷信，但我发自内心的希望未来的一代能够有自己的一番事业，我反正暂且信之了，大家可信可不信！ 注：这个寺在北京非常有名，尤其方丈被喻为神人，凡过年过节的日子里那里几乎要挤破头，但也未必能见到方丈，我那天遇到方丈也纯属机缘巧合，所以我信他，我会在儿子满月时给他办一个非常大的满月酒！我愿所有08年出生的孩子都能大富大贵，所以我把这个消息告诉世人，愿所有08年出生的孩子们聪明伶俐，大富大贵！”

好像有感觉了！

今天早上6点多，我醒着躺在床上，突然感觉到肚子里好像有一个大泡泡从里头向上冒出。之后，又冒出了两三个小泡泡。哈哈！我真的不知道怎么形容那种感觉，不过我现在终于明白为什么医生会将胎动的感觉形容成bubbles。

Finally, I feel bubbles in my tummy!

肚子紧紧的

今天，不知何故肚子感觉非常紧绷，抽紧、抽紧的感觉，左边还有一些些隐隐作痛。不知道是宝宝在动吗？

同事说，这是正常现象，因为肚子开始大了，肚皮就会感觉比较紧绷。上网查了查发现原来许多孕妇都有这种感觉。

今天也突然发现自己走路时，好像比较笨拙，而且两脚也比平时张开了许多。啊！救命啊！好难看啊！

感觉不到你……

我每天都非常期待能够感觉到肚子里的宝宝的移动，但没有。有点失望。期待得又有些担心。

我已经快怀孕20周了，可是为什么我还没有感觉到胎动？只是有时觉得肚子里像是有气，“嘟嘟”地冒几下，也不知是不是。难道你也像我一样不爱动，有点懒？

在某个网站上读到20周时的胎儿生长趋于平稳，这个时候妈妈应该把更多的精力放在营养上。不过切忌饮食过量，因为过量的饮食会增加生产的困难和痛苦，而且容易造成高血压、糖尿病等症状，同时对胎儿的发育也没有什么好处。因此，饮食要重质而非重量。

文章也说现在是最好的时候来进行胎教。闲暇时，应该多和宝宝说话，和它聊聊天。尤其是爸爸，更应该借机会让宝宝认住他的声音。

When will I feel it?

Last week, the gynae told me that I'll probably feel baby's movements in two weeks' time. From then on, I've been anticipating movements in my tummy.

I wonder how the feeling would be. Gynae said it'll feel something like bubbles in your tummy for a start. Bubbles? How does having bubbles in your tummy feel like??

I've read that many women have described the sensation as being like popcorn popping, a goldfish swimming around, or butterflies fluttering. And for a start, a first-time mom will probably chalk up those first gentle taps or swishes in the belly to gas or hunger pains, but once you start feeling them more regularly, you'll recognize the difference.

I'm really excited about it. Let it happen soon, please....

生男生女的征兆

妈妈起初认定我这一胎是个女儿。结果，爸爸和她打赌，如果是男的妈妈输给爸爸$50，如果是女的爸爸输给妈妈$50。

可是最近，经常有人说我这一胎一定是男的，因为我不长肉，不是向横发展，而是向前发展（就仅是肚子大了而已）。另一个说法是，因为我胃口不好，所以会生男的。种种的说法搞得我有点乱。对于这种种的道听途说，老公觉得很可笑，没有科学根据。

今天，妈妈陪我去复诊，她看了看我，突然说：“我看我的$50好像要泡汤了。”哈！她说现在再想想，又觉得好像是男的。

上网搜了艘，结果发现生男生女真的有很多不同的说法。

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
一、传统说法：
1、清宫表　按末次月经时间
2、尖肚子男，圆肚子女　
3、肚子小男，肚子大女
4、除了肚子身体其他部位没有发胖的，从后面看不出怀孕：男，反之女
5、脚不肿男，脚肿女　
6、反应不重男，反应重女　
7、准MM喜酸男，喜辣女
8、准MM变丑男，变漂亮女
9、准MM皮肤变黑男，皮肤不变女
10、胎动感觉拳打脚踢男，整个身体翻动女
11、比预产期早生男，晚生女
12、肚脐突出男，不突出女
13、B超显示宝宝脸朝外的男，面对MM的女

二、其它说法
1、肚脐以上妊娠线直、细，直达两乳间男，反之女
2、妊娠线偏左男，偏右女
3、胎动偏左男，偏右女
4、胎心140左右男，150左右女
5、怀孕期准MM勤劳的男，懒惰的女
6、准MM鼻子变大的男，不变的女
7、准MM喜食长条蔬菜水果的男，圆形蔬菜的女
8、准MM尿检偏碱性的男，偏酸性的女

三、国外网站的说法
1、孕期增长的体重主要集中在腹部男，集中在屁股和大腿的女
2、肚子形状像西瓜女，像篮球男
3、肚子靠上女，往下坠男
4、孕后乳房迅猛发展女，反之男
5、喜酸和咸食男，喜甜食和果汁女
6、卧室枕头朝北男，朝南女
7、以针引线悬于手臂上，线端作前后摆动男，作左右摆动女
8、脉搏左边强男，右边强女
9、胎盘前壁是男，后壁是女
10、胎动早为男（16W），晚为女
11、小便清的为男，反之为女

Erm……各有各的说法，答案希望能够在12月17日揭晓。

No chocolate for you?!

First, it was a KitKat bar. Then it was chocolate ice-cream. Somehow, baby seems to dislike chocolate.

But I chose to ignore that this morning when I made myself a cup of hot chocolate. I ended up with pain in my gastric and the chocolate water inside the toilet bowl.

Wonder if baby will really be hating chocolate.

穿不下了!!!

昨天晚上住在娘家，今天早上我打开衣橱，想要找一件合适的衣服穿上班，结果所有原本合身的上衣都变成了紧身上衣！唉，真的是身材不保啊~~~

幸运+幸福

最近，常会听到有关许多夫妻结婚后一直都尝试要怀孕，可是都失败了。其实，我周围的朋友也不乏这样的例子。

因此，我开始对能够这么快就怀孕了而心存感激。最近，我的胃口开始变好了，也没有之前那么地不舒服，所以我开始深刻体会到即将当妈妈的喜悦和幸福。宝宝是上天送给我们最好的结婚礼物。

我也开始计划和筹备宝宝的来临。是不是该布置一下婴儿房？该开始购买宝宝的衣服和所需的用具了吧？该给宝宝取什么名字？我已经开始自言自语地和宝宝说起话来了，也开始做胎教，每晚都播古典音乐和读唐诗300首给宝宝听。宝宝啊，你一定要是个健康、活泼、快乐的小宝贝。

Watch how little baby grow…

Went to the gynae that day for another ultrasound scan. This time round, the feeling is so exhilarating!

I can see baby’s shape so clearly! Its head, its little nose, its thumping heart, its arms, its little feet!!!

Seeing and knowing that baby is growing well, it makes all the discomforts worthwhile.

(you'll have to stare real hard to make out baby's head and body)

Another blackout

It’s very scary. I was really scared this time round.

I was on my way to work this morning. I woke up feeling alright, so I was quite confident that I could survive the MRT ride to work. I’m even brave enough to be lugging my laptop and a box of mooncakes with me.

All went well initially. The LRT ride was fine. I decided to take the MRT to Punggol in order to secure a seat and I did. I settled down comfortably. But soon, the nightmare started. The train got crowded as early as Sengkang. It got so crowded that I started to find it hard to breathe. I was fighting hard for some precious oxygen. In my mind, I kept telling myself “it’s alright, as soon as when most people alight at Dhoby Ghaut, everything will be fine.”

I started to count the stops - Potong Pasir, Boon Keng, Farrer Park, Little India… I began to feel sweat all over my body. At Dhoby Ghaut, the crowd cleared out, but I did not. My vision started to blur and I was sweating profusely. It lasted from Dhoby Ghaut to Clarke Quay to Chinatown. I’ve not have fainting spells that lasted so long. At Outram, I thought I am really going to faint. I imagined the people around me dialing for the ambulance. I held on tightly to the hand rail beside me for fear of falling forward.

I didn’t dare to alight at Outram, so I sat put and wait for the “clouds” to clear. It was only when the MRT pulled to a complete stop at HarbourFront that I felt my consciousness returning. I staggered out of the MRT and slammed down onto the stone seat on the deck. I sat for a long time. How long exactly? I don’t know.

It was only until I feel well enough and confident enough that I can continue my way that I started to walk slowly out of the MRT station. I made my way slowly to the McDonald’s at HarbourFront Centre and got myself a hot drink.

Recuperated, I finally took a cab to office. Now I really admire myself for being able to pull that feat, all alone and with 2 heavy loads.

But the entire ordeal is really scary. What if I’ve really blacked out completely?

太早？

最近我常常会想：宝宝是不是来得太早了？当然，这由不得我们操控。G一直说早点有第一胎对我们是好的。那是因为他一直希望我们能有至少3个孩子。

我的个性不好，常会胡思乱想、杞人忧天。我会担心说自己有没有心理准备当妈妈。我会是个称职的妈妈吗？我和G真的知道、能够适应有了孩子后的日子吗？我们对即将作出的牺牲做好准备了吗？

我也很担心肚子里的胎儿，不知道它长得好不好？能够摄取足够的营养吗？万一胎儿的发育出现了问题怎么办？

我真的希望自己可以是一个糊涂的准妈妈，什么也不担忧，只是一味地开心地等待小生命的来临。我真的希望可以做个快乐的准妈妈。但为什么这么难？

Lazy bum

The pregnancy is turning me into the laziest person I’ve ever known.

I feel sleepy most of the time. And of those rare hours when I feel slightly more awake, none of the bones and muscles in me wish to move. I just love to tug myself warmly in bed and be immobile.

Even now as I sit at my desk, I’m counting down to the time when I can get home and hit the bed. Really bad.

There were many things I’ve wanted to do, or rather, wish I had the energy to do:
1) Pack and organize my things at home
2) Send our wedding photos to print
3) Go shopping for some maternity wear
4) Meet up with friends for tea
5) Go for a walk or cycling at East Coast Park

Hopefully, I will get to all these soon…

Heartbeat

Today went to see the gynae again. Dr Anna wanted to be sure that the foetus is doing fine as miscarriages are common during the first trimester. She checked for the foetus’ heartbeat.

As soon as she places the scanner on my tummy, we can hear loud thumping. 160 beats per minute! Wow! Amazing. Dr Anna said this means the foetus is doing well!

Only problem is… Mummy can’t afford to lose more weight.

Hubby gave his orders for me to eat, eat and eat.

Alright… will try my best.

呕吐的好处

近日发现原来呕吐是有好处的。

最近常常会感觉胸口发闷，觉得有一股胀气滞留在胃里，让我想要作呕。同时，头发昏、手脚发冷、昏昏沉沉的，全身上下难受极了。这时，最好的解决方法是钻进厕所里，朝着马桶猛吐，把胃里的一切掏空之后就会感觉特别轻松、舒服。

矛盾

即将要升级做妈妈的心情是……七上八下。

当我吐得死去活来、晕得只见星光时，我好想能够过一天“正常”的日子。

今天，胃口好象回来了、头也不怎么晕了，我反而担心是不是肚子里的胎儿出现了什么问题。

唉，怎么办？

眼冒金星

最近眼前冒金星、头发昏、头重脚轻是常有的现象。

那天上班的路上，在东北线地铁列车里，突然眼前渐渐变模糊，觉得喘不过气来而且不停得出冷汗，我知道自己快要站不住、要晕了，于是决定赶紧在下一站下车找个地方坐下来休息一下。我跌跌撞撞地走到车门准备下车，伸手想要抓住扶手，结果手竟停留在一位印度籍女士的肩膀。好尴尬啊！我赶紧将手移开，并匆匆下了车。一下车，我马上在最靠近的石椅上坐了下来，等到意识清醒了，才继续上班的路程。

同事一直说我脸和嘴唇煞白，没有一点血色，叫我一定要好好调养。一位同样怀孕的同事建议我买红枣泡水喝，可以补血补气。这个周末应该来试一试。

2人加一世界

最近相当享受二人世界。

只是10天前发现，我们的二人世界即将有新的成员加入。

这无疑是个意外的惊喜。我们俩都已经开始调整好心情，等待迎接这个小生命。而我也正努力学习习惯小生命在我体内成长所带来的生理和心理的改变。

生命真的很奇特、很美好。

Mrs Lee

It has been a long while since I last wrote.

Yes, the wedding is finally over and I'm now legally known as Mrs Lee. Sounded weird at first, but now I'm getting used to it and am secretly enjoying the sound of it. haha..

Soon, I'll be uploading the photos we took in Mauritius with some travelogue. Soon enough, I hope.

执子之手与子偕老

我希望我们以后也会有一张如此温馨的照片，它将远胜过任何结婚照片。

［转载］一直欣赏这样一种爱情：没有太多的轰轰烈烈惊天动地，有的是像流水一样绵延不断的感觉；没有太多的海誓山盟花前月下，有的是相对无言眼波如流的默契⋯⋯这该是一种“执子之手，与子偕老”的感觉吧。在陌生的人群中，在迷失和彷徨间，你却始终安详而从容—因为你知道，冥冥之中，自有一双属于你的双手，它们紧紧地握住你，陪你走过所有的阴天和所有的艳阳天，一生一世。

在我们平凡的生命里，本来就没有那么多琼瑶式的一见钟情，没有那么多甜蜜得催人泪下、痛苦得山崩地裂的爱情故事：在百丈红尘中，我们扮演的是自己，一些平平凡凡的生生死死的普通人。于是我们珍惜爱情，珍惜迎面而来的，并不是惊心动魄的感情。

在这种爱情故事里，男主人公和女主人公不一定是要一见钟情的，最初他们可能会陌生人一样擦身而过，像最平常的朋友一样，见面只打一声招呼，笑一笑，然后远去。之后有一天，在暮色里，你忽然发现她的背影竟是如此让你心动，一种让你心疼的怜惜就这样不经意地撞中了你。你这才发现，不知不觉地，习惯了擦身而过的她已经走入了你的生命，于是你们就开始了一段美丽的爱情。

爱情都是美丽的，虽然你们的爱情或许并不动人；恋爱中的人们都是美丽的，虽然你们或许都很平凡。舒婷描绘过这样一道风景：大街上，一个安详的老妇人和一个从容的老人微笑着，从不同的方向面对面地走近，走近；然后是微笑着，鼻间顶着鼻间地站着，双手紧紧地系在一起，身后西下的阳光把他们的头发和笑容染成一片暖暖的黄，身旁的人们被他们的幸福染成一片温暖。

起初你们还在怀疑这种爱情，因为它毕竟不像当初设想的那样完美、那样精致、那样浪漫。那只是淡淡的一种感觉，没有大喜也没有大悲，没有九百九十九朵玫瑰也没有魂断蓝桥—只是一种手牵着手，并肩漫步的感觉。他们说婚姻是一座围城，进去了的想出来；而你们就这样手牵着手，坦坦然然地一起走入围城里，互相扶持着，把许许多多毫不动人的日子走成一串风景。这么多年了，回忆起来，所有平凡的片段，所有曾抱怨过、曾怀疑过的时光其实是生命中最温馨的篇章；所有淡淡的日子，其实都是象“空山灵雨”一样，淡得韵味绵长。

他们说时间可以冲淡一切，可总有些东西是地久天长海枯石烂的。天上比翼，地上连理，总有一种爱情，是山一样执着，海一样深沉，天空一样广阔。在下雨的时候，你在车站孤伶伶地望着纷飞的雨线，你的心情是无可奈何的沉郁。这时从旁边伸过一把伞来，为你遮住了雨丝和阴暗的天空；你不用回头，便知道是如山如海如蓝天的他正站在你的旁边了，便有一种极温暖极踏实的感觉涌上心头：雨丝就让它分飞吧，天就让它阴暗吧，此时你已有了一把伞，而你的心情也因此而阳光灿烂。

他们说时间可以让一切蒙上灰尘，可总有些东西是历久常新的。牵在你的手中，所有的人生、所有灿烂或不灿烂的日子都变得崭新而明媚。时光它总是在不停地走，回首之时不觉以是满身尘垢；你却仍然愿意蒙上眼睛，毫不保留地把双手都交给这生生世世的恋人⋯⋯

执子之手，与子偕老。当你哭泣的时候，有人陪你伤心，倾听你诉说，为你抚平凌乱的发和憔悴的颜容，告诉你明天依旧阳光灿烂；当你笑容明媚的时候，整个世界都和你一起明媚，而他静静地站在一旁，微笑着看着你和阳光一般地灿烂⋯⋯

执子之手，与子偕老。这该是一幅两个人同撑起一方天空的风景，像两棵独立的大树，你们共同撑起一方天空，枝叶在蓝天下盛放，树根在地底下相互扶持。风也罢霜也罢，雨也罢雪也罢，执子之手，每一刻都是如此的美好，每一刻都是一首动人的情诗，每一刻都值得用所有的时光去回味—也许也不回味，只是紧紧握住你的手，什么话也不说，慢慢地陪你走过今生今世，来生来世⋯⋯

执子之手与子偕老

Today's photo shoot was tiring. It really wasn't easy being models. Certainly not as glamorous as it looks. By the time we call it a day at the Botanic Gardens, we were too tired to be overjoyed.

Today, we took another step closer to becoming man and wife.

Looking at the photos we took today. Quite 'mood' I must say.



Preparing for the day...



Starting off casual with photos taken along everton road.



My man in uniform.



Do we look good together?





Mood hor?







Inside National Museum





Shall we move on to Botanic Gardens?



Finally, our last stop of the day - the Botanic Gardens.

Butterflies in my tummy

I had this little counter on my iGoogle that counts down to our wedding. Today it reads 60 more days.

Yes, 60 more days!!!!

Then I refer back to our 'To Do' list. Gulp!! If my forehead had been a LED screen, it will flash 'PANIC'.

I guess it is common for brides to have those pre-wedding jitters. I'm having that now. Our pre-wedding photo shoot is less than 5 days away. Andrew told us to just go in and have fun. I wish I can be as relaxed as he is.

This is only pre-wedding jitters part 1. I'm sure more will come along the way as we count down the days and the minutes.

Knowing me, my mind loves to roam wild. Might get cold feet, I guess. But I know I can always count on G to ease those jitters away. They'll go away once I see G's smiling face and know deep down inside that I'll be happy. Truly happy.

Wedding Checklist

[Updated on 12 June]

Wedding outfits:
1. Wedding gown – DONE
2. Evening gown – WIP
3. WG shoes – DONE
4. EG shoes – PENDING
5. Accessories – DONE
6. Veil – DONE
7. Suit – DONE
8. Shirt – DONE
9. G’s shoes – DONE
10. Dad’s suit – PENDING
11. Mum’s outfit – WIP
12. Wedding rings – DONE

Actual day wedding reception:
13. Dinner menu – PENDING
14. Lunch buffet catering – PENDING
15. Guest list – DONE
16. Wedding card – WIP
17. Wedding favours – PENDING
18. Entertainment – PENDING
19. Wine – PENDING
20. Guest book – PENDING
21. Music – PENDING
22. Designate tasks – PENDING
23. Programme rundown -  PENDING
24. Emcees - PENDING

Others:
25. Florist – WIP
26. Hair & makeup – DONE
27. Actual day photographer – PENDING
28. Pre-wedding photo shoot – DONE
29. Honeymoon – PENDING
30. Registration with ROM – DONE

Looking at the number of pending items… do they spell “panic”? Erm… I guess, maybe?

数字缘分？

那天闷得无聊，脑子开始漫游，游啊游的，不知怎么的会开始做起算术来了。

你的生日：８X１８＝１４４
我的生日：６X２４＝１４４

诶？巧合？

我们的纪念日：４X１０＝４０
我们以后的结婚纪念日：８X５＝４０

哈！好巧吧？

就当作是选对日子好了。宁愿相信我们是相配的。

旅游后记

从马六甲回来后又病了一场，是因为旅行之前的那场病还未痊愈。

昨天庆祝我俩２周年纪念，但病得一点胃口也没有。浪漫的意大利餐厅、微柔的灯光、色香美味的意面，但就是没有勾起我的食欲。看着你吃得津津有味，非常享受，心里很甜蜜、很开心。

谢谢你的红花朵和小猪抱枕，晚上抱着它，睡得特别香。

*oink oink*

游记（五）～享受

到底什么叫做享受？

和三五朋友举杯畅饮、促膝长谈；还是和情人知己烛光晚餐、对眼相望？

这天晚上，与爱人和朋友面对着大海、迎着海风、吃着美味的海鲜—这就是享受。

游记（四）～童心未泯

还记得小时候曾去过的博览会吗？小时候，每当爸爸妈妈带我到博览会时，我就特别兴奋。因为我觉得博览会好神奇、非常多姿多彩；除了可以乘坐机动游戏车之外，还可以玩许多许多tigam游戏赢取奖品。

记得当时就叫我向往的就是那灯火璀璨、高得好像可以碰到天空的摩天轮。我喜欢在地面抬头看它的灯火闪烁，也喜欢看它缓缓地转动、看着乘坐在它上面的小孩欢乐的笑脸。

这次到Port Dickson，发现这个宁静的小镇也有个博览会，就坐落Central Market。感觉很复古，一时间小时候的记忆又回来了。

所以，给妈妈打了通电话。

游记（三）~Port Dickson

Port Dickson位于马来西亚德森美兰州，从新加坡出发也只需3个多小时的车程。Port Dickson拥有全长18公里，以木麻黄、椰子树、棕榈树、榕树等绿饰的沙滩。海滨路大部分都是沿着海边而建的。我们从马六甲原本就是希望能够沿着这条海滨路到Port Dickson。可是结果为了要还违规停车的罚款，折腾得在马六甲团团转。



还好后来我们总算得以沿着这条海滨路回到马六甲。蔚蓝的海景、具有浓厚马来风味的村落、现代化的度假酒店、贩卖椰子汁和甘蔗汁的小贩等相映成趣。 我们所下榻的Corus Paradise Resort相当漂亮，既可以轻松地在泳池里戏水，又可以在海滩上漫步。Resort也有位旅客准备各种水上活动，如：水上摩托车、香蕉船等。我们可以成天泡在泳池里，不觉烦、不觉累。蔚蓝的天、炎炎的夏日、清凉的池水，简直太完美了！

除此之外，从我们酒店房间望出去的景色更是相当怡人，叫人流连忘返。除了……房里出现的那三只蟑螂。

游记（二）～天空

坐在车里，我总是喜欢抬头看着蔚蓝的天，总觉得很舒服、很自在、很逍遥、很没有约束。我们总喜欢到比较落后的地方旅游，因为可以远离城市的尘嚣、喧闹和压迫，好好享受一份难得的恬静和朴素。

 

试问我们在新加坡，何时有时间抬头欣赏天的蓝？你可知道同样的一大片蓝天，在不同的地点、从不同的角度看，会展现不同的韵味和魅力？

都市人，是时候放慢脚步，静心去欣赏和享受蓝天和白云了。

游记（一）

我们真的很喜欢自由自在地自行开着车子旅游。这种旅游方式既写意又有趣，一路上不仅可以看尽人事物，有时还会有意想不到的际遇。

 

这次趁着假期，我们和D夫妇一起开着我们的车子，去了一趟road trip。这次的旅行非常愉快、也颇为刺激，一路上我们收集了满满的旅游记忆：青油油的田地、蔚蓝的天空、被交警拦截被罚、违规停车被抄牌、Port Dickson酒店遇到的三次停电、马六甲看的电影The Reaping、马六甲鸡场街上吃的香炒菜头粿、马六甲吃晚餐结果遇到停电变成了浪漫的烛光晚餐等。

一车满满的开心记忆，另一次欢快的旅程。

Wedding venue

Received a piece of good news yesterday. ACM is now available on our wedding day!!

Yippee!!!!

House reno

After going to some 12 renovation companies and receiving quotations from 9, we finally selected and confirmed the interior designer for our new place.

I must say this does feel like a big load off my shoulders. Felt relieved and settled. I think our new place is in good hands and I can't wait to see the furnished place by May/June!

My gown

Ok.. finally settled on the gown design... going for first fitting on 29 March. I'm so excited!!

It's probably going to look a little like this.



Silhouette: A-line
Neckline: Sweetheart with lacy shoulder straps
Waist: Basque
Train: Semi-cathedral
Fabric: Organza, satin & lace

Now I need to find a pair of 1-inch heels to go with it...

Wedding March-in Song

WHEN YOU TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME (Diana Ross)

I wanna call the stars
Down from the sky
I wanna live a day
That never dies
I wanna change the world
Only for you
All the impossible
I wanna do

I wanna hold you close
Under the rain
I wanna kiss your smile
And feel the pain
I know what's beautiful
Looking at you
In a world of lies
You are the truth

And baby
Everytime you touch me
I become a hero
I'll make you safe
No matter where you are
And bring you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me

I wanna make you see
Just what I was
Show you the loneliness
And what it does
You walked into my life
To stop my tears
Everything's easy now
I have you here

And baby
Everytime you touch me
I become a hero
I'll make you safe
No matter where you are
And bring you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me

In a world without you
I would always hunger
All I need is your love to make me stronger

And baby
Everytime you touch me
I become a hero
I'll make you safe
No matter where you are
And bring you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me

You love me
When you tell me that you love me

Dreaming up the perfect dress

Ok, this is what I've dreamt up.

Now keeping my fingers crossed that it'll be something I'll look good in.

Resort Anchorvale

We've come up with a new theme for our house - RESORT.

Both of us love to go on a carefree, relaxed holiday at a beach resort, so we want to include that into our new house. The purpose is to create a tranquil, relaxed, comfortable environment, where we will want to run back to each day. A tranquil retreat that exudes charm and serenity. A place where guests will feel the desire to "check in".

Hmm.. now it's in our hands as well as the ID's hands to create that atmosphere.

Opened

Haven't got the chance to upload the photos we took at our new house.

Anyway, we did a simple ceremony for our chateau's opening. Grandma and Mum were around to guide us through the simple process of throwing rice mixed with salt and tea leaves and G shouting "Huat ah". Quite orbiang, but funny.

Yesterday, we went back again to check defects. 2 window handles were broken and our main door has dents on it. Other than that, everything looks quite in place.

Now the problem is... I'm not very sure now if the designer's proposed plan layout is going to work for us....

Official "Opening"

We've selected 13 Jan as the day for our Chateau Anchorvale's official "opening", guests-of-honour would be Granny and Mum. =D

Will be holding a simple ritual of splashing rice, salt and tea leaves around the house... hehe.. but somehow, I'm feeling pretty excited about this!

Perfect 10

我们似乎和数字10很有缘。

4月10号开始拍拖。

1月10号领取新屋钥匙。

hmmm...　可惜婚期不是在10号、房子也不在10楼。

不过还是希望婚礼和新屋样样十全十美，而我们的未来更是十分完美、甜蜜。

We got our keys!!!

Finally.

It felt like a rather long ordeal. After a lot of signing and signing, we were handed a bunch of keys, but still short of 4.

Don't ask me why. It baffled us as well. How can HDB get us to go and collect keys to our house when the keys are not with them? At least not ALL the keys were with them? And it scares me a little thinking that my house keys were floating around, probably changing from hand to hand?

Venues

hmm.. running through the possible wedding venues in my head right now...

1. ACM
2. SAM
3. CHIJMES
4. Raffles Hotel
5. Oriental Hotel
6. Fullerton Hotel
7. Goodwood Park Hotel
8. The Legends @Fort Canning Park
...

Wedding

hmm... I think maybe the wedding preparation journal should go into this blog as well rather than creating another different blog for it.. dun think I've time to maintain 3 blogs.

Anyway, not much have been done. We visited 3 bridal shops in JB on 2 Jan. Think so far only Elegance seem to make the mark. We've also walked into Double Up at IMM. The auntie who served us was so tickled by G.

I already have a good idea what is required.

Outdoor/Indoor Photo Shoot:
- Venue: Desaru / Kota Tinggi / Pulau Besar
- 1 X 15R Album (at least 30 poses)
- 1 X 8R Album (exact same photos as above)
- 1 X 10R table top photo
- 1 X 8R table top photo
- 100 4R photos (10 poses)
- 3 Wedding Gowns & 4 Evening Gowns
- Bridal bouquet
- Accessories
- Hair & make-up

Actual Day:
- 1 WG
- 1 EG
- 2 Men's Suit
- Hair & make-up
- Bridal bouquet
- 6 corsages
- Bridal car decor
- Ribbons for accompanying cars

Was thinking of a modular system, meaning, doing photo shoot with a JB shop and rent AD gown from Singapore bridal shop and look for MUA myself.

Guests wise, we are looking at around 200+ people. Need to source for venues now.

Knowing what we want

IDs have commented that it is good that we know what we want. Actually we do have a good idea as to what materials we want for our house, but when it comes to the exact theme/design/colour scheme, we are abit lost. But I'm sure we'll get it figured out along the way.

We have almost decided on the following:
- Homogeneous tiles for Living & Dining plus Store
- Laminated flooring for new Reading area and 3 bedrooms
- Homogeneous tiles for Kitchen
- Pebble wash for balcony and main entrance foyer
- Hack away Study walls and make into a cozy reading area
- Cement base for cabinet, fridge and washing machine
- Main entrance foyer shoe cabinet, mirror panel and divider
- Simple wall feature for plasma/LCD TV
- Feature wall at Store with door to Kitchen
- Kitchen cabinet with solid surface top
- Reading area book shelves
- Wardrobe at all bedrooms
- Revamp master toilet
- Shower screens with kerb for 2 toilets
- Master toilet vanity cabinets with mirror
- Painting & false ceiling works
- Piping
- Casement windows at Service Balcony
- 2 toilet doors
- 3 bedroom doors

Hopefully that's about all.

Think we'll go for earthy tones, clean lines and a contemporary, modern touch.

Proposed layout

This is one of the proposed layouts.

ID Search Part 1

I have not set foot inside IMM for the longest time ever.

But now it is fast becoming a regular hang-out because it is where a lot of IDs congregate.

To date, we have received quotations from
1) Future Home Innovation
2) Decormark
3) GPlan
4) Despirit
5) Jin Soon (a neighbourhood contractor at AMK)

We have also visited Space Vision Planners and were quite impressed with the ID we met.

We are now waiting for quotations from
1) Spacious Planners
2) Edgeline Planners
3) Intradesign
4) Wideangle
5) Rezt n Relax

Hopefully, we will be able to make a decision and go with any one of these IDs.

Our new house layout

Flat Hunting

I was flipping through my old diary and realized that we started our flat hunting as early as July last year.

Our first appointment with Johnny the housing agent was on 29 July 2006 and we actually went to HDB a week earlier to make enquiries. The decision of where to live was not difficult. It was unanimous that we were to pick Clementi, to be near to my parents. After that we viewed houses in Clementi, Sunset Way, Queenstown, Strathmore.. went to see new flats in Jurong West and even Sembawang.

We exhausted almost all possibilities but still could not find an ideal unit. We even tried balloting for a Redhill unit but failed.

Then finally in November, we came across the HDB walk-in selection for Sengkang. We brought my parents to see the Sengkang flats on 18 Nov, then decided to go ahead with it. On 20 Nov, we had a nerve-wrecking experience at HDB trying to select our flats. Before that my mum was monitoring the teletext for us everyday. We had wanted the #14-24 unit, but just before we were to select our unit, it was taken up. So we settled for #13-24. G was hesitant because of the number 13, but because I like it, he gave in to me.

But that was not the end. We went through quite abit of trouble getting our salary certification documents to them. The first batch of documents got lost in the mail and G had to personally deliver the second set of documents to HDB to play safe.

Finally finally we are pronounced the proud owners of the executive flat end December and would be collecting our keys on 10 January!

2007的第四天

今天已经是新的一年的第四天了。很惭愧，从旧年跨过了新年，却没有灵感，也没有特别感觉——那种兴奋得必须写些东西的感觉。

可是又不愿意没有及时在新的一年，为我的博客日记增添新的篇章。

erm...

第一次在New Year's Eve看到烟火；很璀璨、很震撼，这样迎接新年的方法很不错；但美中不足。hmm... 是种缺陷美。*嘻嘻*

第一次穿婚纱的感觉，没有想像中的兴奋。又是另一个缺陷美。

第一次（也是唯一一次）买结婚戒指的感觉，没有想像中的浪漫。也是另一个缺陷美。

所有有缺陷的美加在一起，还是挺美丽的。

我必须对这美丽心存感激。