My Dec.24-29 Christmas Holiday

Christmas day just passed by. Hope you all had good memories tagged along with it. Given that I'm not with my son, my celebration was not perfect and ideal. Still, it was indeed very memorable since I'm sorrounded with people who cares. I'm so lucky that even if I'm away with my family, I strongly felt their love even on the simpliest "happy holidays" phone greeting.

December 24:

I woke up on the right side of the bed and started my day jolly. I was on a very nice Christmas spirit mood as I gave away personalized cupcake gifts. However, morning itself I started to felt sad and empty when I saw via webcam our new Manila house. Imagine this scenario - all my close relatives are there... my mom was busy cooking food for the eve's thanksgiving dinner... to top it all, my son was roaming and dancing so happily around the christmas tree... You can't help but cry right? I lost control and burst into tears - though with the consoling help of my office buddies (thanks alot guys!!!) and my mom & son's soothing sweet messages, I manage to get back on track and have fun.

4pm when we started going to boatquay for our office Christmas dinner - food was good and tequila was again unlimited. I got a very cute santa claus soft toy on the exchange gift activity. We finished around 8pm and I headed back home to change clothes in preparation for my evening party. A friend pick me up at 10pm, we thought of going clarkquay but since we can't get a decent parking - we headed of the city and went Chijmes.

Roaming around city on Eve of Christmas

Chimes until 12midnight

After 2 hours of soft acoustic music, we transfer St. James Powerstation. Too many crowd at the main club so we opted to stay at firefly and novida - we dance our heart out! It was already 2am when we went Starbucks ECP to cool down and unwind over a cup of coffee.


View of Novida from Firefly 2nd floor

Signing off by a cup of Starbucks coffee...

December 25:

Remember the "Yes Man" movie of Jim Carrey? Well, someone promised me that he will be like that on this day. Hehe...

Me: Can we eat chicken tikka and prawn masala for lunch?
Friend: Yes

At Banana Leaf Apollo

Me: Can I have unlimited ice cream both on Vivo City and Sentosa?
Friend: Yes


This is actually my third ice cream for the day

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Me: Can we cycle and roam around sentosa?
Friend: Yes

At Imbiah lookout

At the beach station

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Me: Can we have dinner and cocktail at Clarkquay?

Friend: Yes

At Ras - Essence of India

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My final question.

Me: Can you still be my Yes Man until December 2009?

Friend: Ah.... Uhmmmm.... Yes????

Me: Hahahahahaha! I'm just kidding, don't worry :)

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December 26:

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I was in Genting at 7am. Very bad news - no available room. Tried calling my friends who were there since Dec.24 but all are not answering thier mobiles (either they are sleeping or they don't want me to share a room with them :P). I was so tired and no proper sleep yet so I decided to go down KL and call a friend who is based there.

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My friend fetch me at Ancasa hotel and offered me his room for the rest of my stay. I had a decent rest until early afternoon. Started to prepare myself as I will meet some of my Malaysia officemates for dinner. Andy fetch me at the condo I'm staying and treated me for dinner. Then went office gusthouse to meet Anwar and his family. After a short chat and lots of picture taking, I left at around 10pm. I need to rest early as I want to follow my Singapore friends in Genting.

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At Malaysia office guesthouse

December 27:

Initial plan was to go genting, follow my Singapore friends and stay there until Monday morning. But when me and my friend reached the bus/ skyway ticketing station, the next available trip was at 4pm already. Waaaaaaaaaa! So we decided to book for tomorrow instead then just do city tour and mall hopping for this day. We first went to Sunway Lagoon Themepark and Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall. Wow! Almost all stores are on 50% to 70% off - too tempting not to take a look. We also played archery there - of the 16 arrows i had, 2 were bullseye, 5 were cherry (2nd best spot) and the remaining 9 are either on the floor or on the other lane hitting paper. Hehe...

At Sunway Lagoon Water Themepark

Archery at Sunway Pyramid Mall

Had KFC hot and spicy chicken lunch then went to Midvalley Mega-mall. Watch Beverly Hills Chihuahua (yes, it's still open in Malaysia cinemas). It was an ok-ok movie, you will appreciate and understand the characters of the film if you are maybe an animal lover - or moreso, if you belong to the elite owners of pet who won't trade anything less for their top-breed possesion. Story is entertaining and some scenes are really cute, but not enough reason for me to highly recommend it to friends. Played bowling after wherein I lost more than 20 points (can you imagine that???). Lastly, we played snooker which again I lost twice.

Reached home at 7pm. Meet another common friend together with his wife 8pm for a local chinese food dinner - steamed fish, tofu with minced meat and yang chow fried rice. So yummy!

So big cinema house at Midvalley Mega-mall

Me and my friend's bowling score

Pretending I'm good at snooker - hehe....

December 28:

Wake up early so as not to be late to our genting bus/ skyway schedule. Place was so cold and foggy. It actually rained heavily late afternoon, which resulted for the themepark management to close the outdoor area for a number of times. I made the most of my all-park ride bracelet - even the very simple kiddie rides I qued. Again, I imagined my son was with me. I know how my son will react once exposed to rides, clowns and toys. Visualizing my son's excited and hyper face made me smile - don't worry Zy, mommy will prepare and plan well for our Dubai trip next year.

I enjoyed the token game booths alot. I played almost all of it - shooting, toss the coin, catch the fish, etc. So after spending 36ringgits on tokens, I finally got one medium-sized prize. Haha! Aside from the indoor and outdoor park rides, we also tried the casino slot machine (which needless to say I never won).

Boarding Genting Bus
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Skyway transfer
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Outdoor park

Indoor park

Archery again at Genting

With my prize from the token game booth

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Went back KL at 11pm. Watched several episodes of "desperate housewife" together with my friend's fellow housemates then went to sleep at 2am.

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December 29:

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Had a McDonalds breakfast meal at Puduraya. Catch a bus back to Singapore at 9am and reached home by 2pm. Now, back to reality - since I was out the whole weekend, need to laundry my clothes and clean my room big-time. Waaaaaaaaaaaa!

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Hey, any idea how can I spend my New Year holiday?

My Dec.19-21 Weekend Escapades

December 19-21, last weekend before Christmas 2008. While Baby Zyrus is busy with his christmas shopping spree and attending various christmas party, Mommy Ybeth entertains herself by meeting friends and dining out. For this festive season, since I can't resist eating alot - I'm allowing myself to gain weight maybe for a maximum of 3 kilos more. Whew, just enjoy and burn all those accumulated fats on gym after. Hehe... Sharing to you my last weekend escapades.

Friday:

Had a very nice lunch out with Leya at Asian Kitchen Raffles MRT. Then did a little of window shopping around the place. Left office at 7pm and went straight to Swensen Tampines Mall for a dinner with a friend and his family. It was actually his dad's 60th birthday - it was fun eating out with them. They seems to have a nice bond and closeness with each other. His parents, even if on the senior years already are still affectionate with each other - such a lovely pair. Then, went to Century Square to watch Twilight movie. I thought it was a horror movie, but turned out to be a classic romantic story with a twist. It was about a vampire and a mortal's undying love for each other, together with the conflicts revolving around it. Quite ok but I'm not all praises for it.

While waiting for my beef fried rice at Asian Kitchen

Saturday:

I'm cleaning my room early morning when my mobile rang.

Me: Hello....
Friend: How about we start our day with breakfast?
Me: Need to laundry my clothes. Will meet lunchtime right?
Friend: I know a place where they serve cheese prata. We can try for breakfast if you want.
Me: (eyes became bigger) wow! I'm actually missing that already. Ok, let's go there. (big smile).
Friend: Pick you up after in an hour.

My teh and cheese mushroom prata breakfast

After eating we went to ECP for a little walk stroll. The place is actually very relaxing - so windy. May sound corny to say but staring at the crystal blue sea will make you forget your worries and stress. While looking at families doing their camping, I remember the last time me, my mom and my son went there. Reminiscing how my son used to play with his plastic toys and made sand castles... How we use to try kite flying but never succeeded... How we use to lay on the grass while eating ice cream together... Such precious memories... I miss you so much my son!

ECP Parking on a saturday morning (seafood center side)

Then we went to Century Mall for my usual window shopping. But with all the sale and promotions around, how can i resist not buying? So I end up buying 4 dresses, 2 casual shorts and 2 high-heeled sandals. Hey, I also deserve some christmas gift for myself (though I always reward myself every weekend, hehe..).

Computing the 30% discount

My saturday purchases....

Went back home at 5pm and prepared myself for a special evening activity. 7pm I was at the Drama Center Theater to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was my first time to watch a stage play here in Singapore - and I enjoyed it alot. The one who portayed the queen was very effective. His (yes, he is a guy) comic act, powerful voice and strong evil laugh were all so convincing. Given the extravagant costume, the creative production set-up and artistic sound effects - I will give the overall performance 10/10. All praises for the show - it was very interactive and alive from start to finish.

A scene from the stage play

Snow White after biting the poisoned apple

Then went to arab street for an authentic persian dining and cocktail. Love the ambiance and the thrill of low-sitting style eating. Barefooted and sorrounded by lots of ethnic pillows and carpet - pecfect! Most of all, the chicken kebab was so good! It was so flavorful and tender... craving for it again....

will try this hoka thing next time

Everything about saturday night was wonderful, loved every minute of it. Thanks my B - you rock! :)

Sunday:

Attended early mass with a friend at Holy Trinity Chruch Semei. Then went to a nearby hawker for an ordinary lunch. Reached home at 2pm - did my laundry, stayed online until 5pm and started to get ready as another friend will pick me up at 6pm for an evening bustle.

I'm not a fan of golden village cinema - I'm loyal to cathay and century shaw, but this time we decided to watch the day the earth stood still (for the 2nd time) at marina square for a change. I must say, I'm impressed. Though the screen was a little small compare to others, the interior and seating style were elegant and spacious.

Going home after an ordinary lunch

10 minutes before the cinema door opens

After the movie, we drove all the way to east coast road corner joo chiat since I'm craving for a real hainanese chicken rice. We went to this open restaurant called five star - wow! lots of customers even at 10pm. We ordered thier famous chicken rice of course partnered with liver, gizzard and kangkong sambal - i was in the mood to eat that even my friend won't believe that I ordered extra rice.

try thier chicken rice if you are near east coast road

My plate after 20 minutes. hehe....

Went home at 11pm. Folded my newly washed clothes and iron my tomorrow's office dress. Ending my day blogging all my great weekend activities. Hope you enjoy yours too.

Happy Holidays!!!!!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Christmas Qoutes:

"It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one's fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit."

"It comes every year and will go on forever. And along with Christmas belong the keepsakes and the customs. Those humble, everyday things a mother clings to, and ponders, like Mary in the secret spaces of her heart."

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness."

"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas."


Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!!


Lovelots,

Mommy Ybeth and Baby Zyrus

My December 5-8 Long Weekend Holiday

Aside from frequent overseas calls and longer webcam bonding with my son, I normally make myself busy every weekend by meeting friends and roaming around. Otherwise, I will die of boredom and loneliness if I won't do it. So last December 5-8 were also one of those days where I leave home early and go back late night... expect that for this time, it's longer because Monday is a public holiday. So just thought of sharing to you my fun and jam-packed long holiday.

Friday:

I left office at 7:30pm. I catch a cab going home, change clothes and went Holland Village to meet several friends at holand village for dinner and cocktail. I'm starting to love the serenity of the place. It caters for a more matured professionals and the ambiance is very relazed. It's not as crowded as clarkquay since most of the restaurants offer alfresco dining. We choose italian cuisine for our dinner then transfer to a bar nearby for our regular casual drinking session (hehe...).

all-set for my friday night-out

Saturday:

Clean my room and laundry my clothes early morning. In my quest to find what to wear for the evening office bbq party, I went Tampines Mall at 11am and ended up buying 3 dreasses and 3 blouses. Whew!!!

My all-of-sudden impulse shopping

Had a mega mac lunch at 2pm with a friend then went to watch Madagascar 2 for the second time around. The animated movie was worth watching. Alot of funny scenes - from the plane crash to the volcano offering, two thumbs up entertainment. So, to the young and child at heart, I highly recommend this film.

My saturday and Sunday movie tickets

I went home at 6pm to prepare myself for the evening office party. Wearing a white blouse and a black short, I catch a cab and went Tanamerah Condo. I arrived when most of my guy officemates were busy preparing the bbq pit. As expected, unlimited food and drinks! Grilled sausages and chicken legs goes well with non-stop tequila shots! Wow! 10pm when we started going up to my boss flat where we again drink and party until midnight.

With my office friends

After my favorite bingo game (though as usual I never won)

Sunday:

With another friend, we went to Novena church and attended the morning mass. Then proceed to orchard for whopper burger combo meal lunch and movie. I again watched an animated movie, Bolt. Another quality film. The bonding between the girl and the dog will touch your heart. So many funny scenes also. And alot of learnings about friendship. The one that really made me pause awhile and think is what "Rhino, the Hamster" said - "when you know your friend is in trouble, whether he ask you for help or not, you will follow him and offer your company". True enough right?

Novena to Orchard MRT travel

Had little strolling at orchard road after. I'm amaze how lovely, colorful and alive the place is at night. You can really feel the spirit of Christmas which made me feel a little sad realizing I will again celebrate December 25 without my family and my son around. Ohhhh life.... So before I got depressed, my friend call a cab and drop me off ECP.

Arrived at the park at 8:15pm. Met Leya and his buddy Eric for another dinner and cocktail as a farewell treat to a very good friend. So to you Mr. M, all the best and goodluck on your future endeavors. We will surely gonna miss you.

Monday:

I woke up because my mobile is ringing non-stop.

me: hello.... (sleepy mode)

friend: hey! i discover a new restaurant. i know you will like thier chicken curry and mutton briyani. it's just three 293 bus stops from your place. you wanna have lunch there now?

me: hmmm.... your treat???

friend: hahaha! of course.

me: ah ok... then, let's go. plus order me chocolate ice cream for dessert ha...

friend: ok, i'll pick you up at 1pm.

me: hey! that's an hour from now. can it be 2pm?

friend: i need to be at the datacenter at 4pm. just brush your teeth, don't take bath yet.

me: waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Waiting for bus 293

My friend was right. The food was excellent. It's just another indian muslim shop but because of the reasonable price and accessibility, I appreciate the place very much. Then we went Tampines mall and I did my weekly grocery shopping - both toiletries and the usual comfort food - pringles and nachos. Going home, my friend suprise me with a late (in fact very late) birthday gift. I opened it once I reach my room and was so suprise - a victoria secret fashion bag and body mist cologne spray! Love it!!!!

My super late unexpected birthday gift.

I spend the rest of my monday folding my clean laundry clothes and ironing my office dress. Then had a light dinner or gardenia bread and tuna mayonnaise spread. Then stayed online and chatted with my son and my mom.

So until my next long weekend......

On being Thirty Something...

Last November 23, I celebrated my birthday and turned 31 years old. Good wishes started pouring in Saturday night itself up to when the clock strike 12:00 midnight. 7:30am when I received my much awaited family call – my mom was teary eyed while saying how lucky she is for having me as a daughter; my siblings teasing me for being old already; and most especially my son who showered me with “I love you” and “I miss you”. Then, I spend the whole Sunday meeting friends by batches – 1 brunch at Swesens Tampines, 1 early lunch at Café Cartel Plaza Singapura, 1 late lunch at Hooters Clarkquay, 1 afternoon snack at The Pump Room Clarkquay and 1 BBQ dinner party at Rica’s flat. It was such a blast! I can’t obviously mention names one by one, so let me just acknowledge everyone in general. My sincerest thanks for all the personal and phone greetings, my gratitude for the friendster and multiply website birthday comments and my appreciation for the tons of offline chat messages I got. Kisses and hugs to all of you guys!!!

I can proudly say that I know myself better now. As years passed by, I was able to form beliefs that will guide me on my day-to-day survival. Past experiences taught me a lot. Sharing to you some of the learning I lived by:

- I’ve learned that happiness is subjective and there’s no such thing as a “guilt-free life”. That what might make me happy may mean suffering for someone. Sometimes you need to be strong and care less for others in order to be happy. It’s ok… life is never fair anyway.

- I’ve learned that no matter how advance and modern the world could be, Single Parenthood is still a norm deviant. That some people will forever condemn me for being one. That there will always be people who thinks I’m pathetic and may pray for my soul because they believe I’m a sinner.

- I’ve learned that life is a never-ending story. That friend/s and love ones may come and go. I’ve met a lot of different people along the way – some even created a deep impact in my life. Regardless of their intentions, don’t forget them. Especially the people from your past. For there will always be a reason why they didn’t made it in your present and future. Or for some, there will be explanations why you are still holding on for so long.

For the past 31 years of my existence, I had more than enough share of life’s triumph and shortfall. My life is a perfect combination of mess and order. Looking back, I’m surprise as to how I was able to surpass those challenges I encountered before. I can say that I’m more fortunate compared to other people same as my age. And this I owe to some significant person/s who served as my inspiration and played a big role influencing me:

- To my Father: Thank you for cultivating principles to me since I was young. Because of you I learned the importance of dignity and honor. I’m sorry if there were so much word left unsaid, hope you’re happy as to where you are now. Forgive me if it will take forever to forget you Dad.

- To my Mother: Thank you for supporting me and being with me with all of the major decisions I made in my life. I want you to know that I will forever be with you. I will take very good care of you and the whole family even if it will mean forgetting my own happiness. Our family means a lot to me than anything else in the world. With you rest my comfort zone.

- To my Son Zyrus: Thank you for coming into my life. You are my one and only treasure. You made me complete. I’m fulfilled because I know I have you. You mean the world to me. I love you so much my son. I’m sorry that I can’t provide a perfect traditional family set-up for you. I’m so sorry that you lack a father figure. Hope that in due time you will understand.

- To Zyrus’ Dad: You will forever remain as my son’s father, and for that you will remain special to me. I’m very grateful that because of you my son came to existence. Thank you for all those memories. It is actually you who taught me that there’s more to a relationship than love. You taught me that love is not enough reason to hold on.

- To my Singapore Boss Rita: Thanks for being my surrogate mother here in Singapore. You play a big part as to why I survive being away from my family. I’m sorry if most of the time I’m weak. Thank you for uplifting me when I’m down, I owe you a lot.

Being 31, I’m not perfect. I made a lot of wrong decisions in the past and stand up on principles I thought was right. I still have a lot of pains and difficulties I need to surpass. So many grief and wounds still not healed. It will definitely be a long journey. But looking back, I’m happy with what I am now.

There will always be pride and joy on being Thirty something…

Zyrus Angel: Baby no more....

I'm so inlove with the tag "Mommy Ybeth and Baby Zyrus". I'm so used to addressing him like that. But now, as my son turned 5 years old last week - my little Angel is baby no more. I will forever treasure those moments when he was just a little infant fully dependent on breasfeeding. How I use to stare at him when he was in deep sleep, softly touching his cheek and smooching his tiny lips - thinking that this was the boy who use to move and kick around my womb. Then toddler years came - when he started to go primary school and meet friends. Such an active little boy that won't get tired singing, dancing and talking. I'm so proud of my son. He is growing exactly as what I expected him to be.

Even though his party celebration was last November 16, his real birthdate is November 14. Last friday, I managed to make his day very special - from the time he woke-up, up to the time he fell asleep.

I made a birthday breakfast for him. I prepared a strawberry chocolate pancake and designed it with a funny face (colored candy chocolate for the eyes, scoop of butter for the nose and slices of fresh strawberries formed as lips). Thank God it tasted good. He had his beakfast in bed and I served it together with a colorful ballooon bouquet. Once done, we went together to the living room where all of his gifs from family and very close friends were properly displayed. He was so suprise and happy seeing all of those wrapped boxes. He opened one by one while lively birthday songs were being played continuosly.

Lunch time came and we went to his favorite dining place. My son loves thier fried chicken so much that if he is in the mood, he can finish 3 pieces on one sitting. After eating, I suprised him with a small chocolate cake. I love how all the waiters sang birthday song together while serving the cake. More than that, the restaurant gave Zy a free ice cream sundae as a gift. Heartfelt thanks Max Restaurant!!!!!

Inside the car while going home, I blindfolded Zy when we are near. The major suprise was his small "Winnie the Pooh Pajama Party". It was held in our new house' 3rd floor rooftop. Mama Lola handled the venue decoration and foods while Mommy Ybeth was in-charge of hosting and other party activity. We invited all our neighbor kids and advise them to be on their pajama/ sleepwear. My son was all-smile when he saw all those kids waiting for him. He immediately went to his room and change clothes.

Zyrus' Suprise Pajama Party

The party was very informal - just little kiddie games and balloon twisting. Major activity was the cupcake decorating, where all kids were given a set of one cupcake, mini-marshmallow, colored choco candies and pre-packed icing. The kid with the best decorated cupcake wins a prize. We ended the party with a classic storytelling - Cinderella and the 7 Dwafts. Incorrect choice of fairytale story, because it was so classic that all of the kids knows it already. Very funny how kids corrected me several times because I'm telling some parts of it wrongly (haha).

Mommy Ybeth looking for the best decorated cupcake

Then sunday came - the much awaited party of my one and only son. He choose Bob the Builder as his party theme for this year. This party was 5-months in the making. He was very much excited on this and fortunately it was a big success (whew!). Even up to now he is saying thank you to me non-stop. Just knowing how happy he is - is enough reason for me to be fulfilled. The monetary investment, stress and tension planning his party were all worth it. Sharing to you several unofficial photos (official photos and video will be release in 2 weeks):

Welcome to Zy's Bob the Builder Party

Mommy Ybeth and Baby Zy with Bob the Builder

Message for Zy - this is the time I started to become emotional

Whew, I'm a mother of a 5 year old boy. Hope that I'm propoerly giving justice to this very noble role. I love you so much my Son. You are my world. You are my everything. No enough words to describe how much of me belongs to you. I said it before but I will say it again, you put color and direction in my life - I became very sensible once you came. If I am to bring back time, I will still choose the same path the led me to having you.

So, until your next birthday my very own Bigboy......