TV at night

Its the end of an era.
Josh has been bugging me to get rid of my television set. Even I am inclined to agree. Its 10 years old, and the way technology is going, this TV set has to be a dinosaur. But everytime I try I just cant bring myself to take it out of its rightful position in my room, let alone dump it in the trash or by the roadside.




Flashback 10 years ago to 2002. I normally do not like to talk about the past, especially the bad times, but for this I will make an exception.

I just turned 16, and had just arrived in Australia as an international student, living in a hostel by myself. It was initially very lonely as I did not know many people (okay, anyone other than my rellies). Nights were almost unbearable because even though I tried I could not sleep, my mind would keep churning away...
In my 2nd or 3rd week living at the hostel I befriended this guy living downstairs, cant even remember his name. What is significant is that he had 2 television sets in his small dorm room. Yes, they took up nearly his whole desk. 2 TVS!!! He told me that the reason he had them was to occupy his mind while he slept so he wouldnt think too much and also abit of background noise while he went about his ways never hurt anyone. He was looking to get rid of one as he had no need for it any longer. Without hesitation I bought the 2nd TV off him for $100 and never looked back since!!

Bliss! No more thinking, I could just tune out to any programs, be it good or bad, especially at 2am! This same TV set has been with me since then. Throughout my 10 years in Australia.

I admit this has left a lasting impact on me, before I married Josh I always needed to have a TV in my bedroom because of the noise. When I was housemates with Joy even she commented on what a TV addict I was, because the TV was almost always on. The truth was that half the time I wasnt watching, just having the TV for comfort. The only drawbacks were the electricity bill and also im sure I could have gotten better results if I didnt have the TV at night, but I didnt care!!

Its only recently that I realised that I have no real need for the TV at night anymore - Josh is there for comfort and I can listen to his snoring if I really cant sleep. Besides, we do have a monitor that we hook up to the laptop to watch DVDs and TV if we really want (and do).

So this morning I unplugged it. Suffice to say its left a gaping hole in the room (check out the dust gathered!!)


The TV will be given to Josh to do what he wishes with it (ie, dump it). I guess its the end of an era. In a way it is fitting, because here I am ready to start a new university course as a full time student, once again.
I still cannot bring myself to do it.

Budget budget!!

As we are embarking on life as a poor, university student for at least the next 4 years, and mainly surviving on one income, it is inevitable that we begin a budget and undertake heavy scrutinizing of our finances (not that we weren't doing that before, mind you).

Hence, this year I have decided to write down all our daily expenses (inclusive of petrol, food, telephone and internet bills, entertainment.. you get the idea!)

This year is going to be fun. And I truly mean it. Looking for ways to save money, and provide for our family, and, call me corny, but the best part is we'll be in it together.

I keep thinking in the back of my mind that ..After I graduate we will be okay, and the life skills learnt in this lean period will serve for better stewardship over our finances when we have more.. but anyway, back to the present.

Jayden needed a haircut. His hair was simply too long. Thank God we have a family hairdresser, Josh's mum. She is really good at cutting Josh's and Joash's hair, so she offered to cut Jayden's too. What a lady!!!!!

Just before the cut..


With Grandma after..

With the Great-Grandparents

My last post was in October. Since then we have visited Singapore once again, this time with Josh. It was an awesome experience seeing and spending time with my family, and also seeing my brother get married to the wonderful Tiffany Seow.. Now that I have a kid of my own I treasure family time, especially because I know they are far and few between. What with Jeremy and Tiffany in Sydney, Rebecca, myself and Josh in Adelaide, and Mum, Dad, Samantha, Mama and Kongkong in Singapore.. it is hard to get all 11 of us in one country let alone spend quality time together...



This photo is taken with my grandparents (Kong-kong and Mama), outside Jacks Place, 3-4 hours before we departed back to Adelaide. We will miss you very muchly Mama and Kong-kong. Thanks for everything. I can honestly say that my grandparents are the worlds best. They have sacrificed so much for us grandchildren, and they love us so much. Each time we go back to Singapore they are always there with their love and support. It was them that financially supported Jeremy, Rebecca and I through our studies in Australia. It was them that never fail to ring or skype us and ask us if everything is going okay, or if we need money. They do so much for us and I know nothing I can do or say will be able to repay them. They are so loving toward Jayden as well.




Thanks Mama and Kongkong for everything. Hopefully we will see you soon!!

Restarting...

I have lost track of time - mainly because we have been so incredibly busy ever since we came back from Singapore in July.

If I could describe my life for the past 3 months (July to September), it would be a 100m dash. Things have slowed to a fast-paced brisk brisk walk - mainly because Jayden and Josh got sick, then I did. (I am close to coughing my lungs out as I type this). And I remembered my poor neglected blog.

Fast-forwarding to the present:
Jayden is now 9 months and 2 weeks old.
I have gone back to work 3 days a week.
I have started an ENJO business, and also do some bookkeeping on the side.
Josh is still really well.

Jayden is growing up waay to fast. He is saying "Da-da" now and clapping his hands when you ask him to. He loves giving "High-5s" and is nearly sleeping through the night (on rare occasions).

Milo and Charlie are doing good too.

I will attempt to ressurect my poor blog.

Singapore Happenings

We have been in Singapore for exactly 22 days, and I have been seriously loving every single bit. The days seemingly fly by, and it feels to fast for me because all we are doing are spending time with family and catching up with loved ones.

Even though I dont seem it, I am really grateful for each opportunity to go for lunch with my grandparents, or meet my mum for shopping, chill with Samantha at home, or even tag along with dad in the car. Even meeting up with friends like Jamie Amanda and Rachel are fantastic. I hope I am able to show my appreciation and love for my family as we enjoy our remaining time here.

Although being here is a constant reminder that I would love to live here and spend more time with my family, one thing remains that pulls us back to Adelaide Australia.

In Singapore we celebrated Fathers Day on 19th June, so Happy Fathers Day Hun!!
You're an awesome dad, and I think Jayden misses you more than you realise.
Sorry we couldnt be there, but we will be there on the 4th September to celebrate with you. You are the one reason why we cant wait to come back to Adelaide.

It is bittersweet. I dont ever want to leave here, save for seeing you.

Swimming with Uncle Jeremy and Tiffany

Jeremy, Tiffany and I took Jayden swimming before Jeremy went back to Sydney. His first time!! He was a real trouper, though he was fully obsessed with his little fish toy.




A week later Jayden went swimming with Aunty Rachel, Uncle Gene and Callum!! He absolutely loved the water, especially feeling weightless in the pool.

Away we fly

We flew to Singapore this week, leaving Josh behind. We will be here for 7 weeks, and will miss him tremendously.

On the upside, it was Jayden's first flight! And, we got to catch up with his great-grandparents, and lots of other rellies and friends. Not to mention the awesome food. And its only been 3 days so far, so here are some photos.