Taman Tasik Permaisuri re-visit

We brought along the kids to re-visit Taman Tasik Permaisuri which was once a place where Pei and I used to do brief walking and exercise after work. Our ex-office was located just a stone throw away. That was many years ago......

One of the main attraction was the lake. But we were there for another main attraction...... their extensive children playground were just fantastic. I can say you will not able to find this kind of varities of playground anywhere. And the kids just love it! The slide, swing, see-saw, suspended bridges and lots more.

Anyhow, it was also a family photo session time.

Putrajaya dragon boat festival

We didn't miss out the 1st ever dragon boat festival held at Putrajaya last Saturday.

First, the location was pretty obscure as the official website didn't provide any map. All it mentioned was Putrajaya Lake Garden. Soon I found out that it is held at Precint 6 beside the newly opened Pullman hotel, just nearby PICC (Putrajaya International Convention Centre). Second, even when we are there we have difficult time to find a good and decent signage to guide visitor there. Not really good first impression for an international event.

Anyhow, lets forget the shortfall but the family trip we had. 7 of us were there i.e. Silas, Rachel, little Sarah and my family. Overall we did enjoy ourselves. Suprisingly it is not the dragon boat race but a free horse ride that really trill us (kids and adults la). One thing for sure, the facilities there were good, with one grandstand for visitors, observation tower and boat deck. Under a shinny hot sun, our outing only last 1.5 hours. It's just very hot!

Horse riding for everybody!

Zoo Negara in poor condition

After reading a comment sent to The StarOnline about the poor condition of our Zoo Negara by a recent FRUSTRATED VISITOR, it further confirm my reservation about the once popular tourist spot. I have not been there for years......maybe more than 10 or 15 years! Just few days ago I listed down this place as one of the option for family outing. Looks like it will not be happening with that kind of comment.

There were news to relocate the zoo but until now still just talk. The location itself is not suitable anymore as it is surrounded by residential houses. I believe the place has been long overlooked. It needs a dedicated management to replan its overall improvement starting with a new location. For now my kids gonna wait for awile to find a better local zoo to visit.

This is what the comments given, "The animals looked under-fed, dirty and unhappy, surrounded by untrimmed bushes and uncut grass, incomplete renovation and expansion work, filthy walls and drains and other unsightly scenery".

Be strong and courages

All the family members - Yeh Yeh, Nai Nai, Su Su and Shen Shen turned out last Sunday to give a full support to little big brother Ivan for his 1st ever music class group performance. Ivan music school was one of the exhibitor for Kids Exhibition at Metro Point Kajang. His group being the youngest was the first to present their dance performance.

As parents we were also very excited about the presentation. We were there early to avoid stress of rushing. Furthermore being there early will provide sufficient time for Ivan to settle down and amble around. Prior to that, mummy already made a cape as required for the dance performance. There were many colourful and style cape seen that day when other parents dressed up their children. Mummy also busy dressing up Ivan as their are getting ready to start the show.

Ivan, being 'shy' somehow reluctant to join in as the children march up the stage. Both us of try to encourage him but he still refuses to. We also notice another little girl also refuse to go up. We were not really disappointed as we know his character. We were hoping for a sudden miracle of courage for him to join in the performance. Well, it was quite an experience for both of us. We believe our little boy will overcome it soon and out grown this 'shyness'.

Komuter extends service to Tg Malim

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) Komuter has extended its service to Tanjung Malim from June 1.

To promote the new route, KTMB will only charge RM1 for passengers travelling one way from Tanjung Malim to Rawang and other stations in between from June 1 to 7. This has indirectly covered the routes of the Komuter’s northern sector. The previous route, which was called Rawang-Kuala Kubu Baru, has now been changed to Rawang-Tanjung Malim.

So from now on it will be much easier to travel to visit my uncle at Tg Malim.......minus the comfort of driving own car. Bravo to KTM on the upgraded services.

Handmade drum set

As part of the preparation for Ivan's music class graduation presentation set to be held on this coming 20th June, one of the required accessories costume is a drum set.

Last week I managed to complete it after spending few days in the project. It take several stages to transform an ordinary used cookies container to become a drum. By the way, it was my first ever drum set made entirely from scratch given that I has no experience even from my school days. Except that I used to be a drummer long long time ago. It was fun.

How to make a drum set

1. Spray paint unto the used cookies container with a paint canister. Easily obtained from hardware shop or stationary shop. Recommend 2 coats, each after drying.
2. Glue various coloured ribbon unto dried surface to create the desire patterns with glue gun. The glue gun was fantastic and very useful but must be quick to apply as it stick and dry very fast.
3. Fix and glue unto the top and bottom of canister with a layer of foam. I was fortunate to be able to find it at a stationary shop. It produce a good snare drum sound. Again the glue gun came very handy to fix the foam firmly.
4. Apply and glue another layer of ribbon around the top and bottom of the canister ring as skirting to neatly cover the foam joins.
5. Finaly beautify the drum with ready made stickers of the desire patterns. And you got yourselves a drum!

Of course, all is not vain as Ivan was very satisfied with the end product. Nevertherless it made a happy father as well. Next is to see him used it during his presentation.

Special Parking Lots

A photo speaks a thousand words don't they.


In our house, there are 3 additional cars.......toy cars. The cars have a dedicated parking lot by making used of the children grandpa's aquarium storage space.

During busy day, all 3 cars will be roaming around the house from kitchen to living area. Pretty hectic scene with traffic all around. The busiest car is non other than Ivan's car. Did I mentioned also that the children like to swap their car among each other. Kids!

Re-positioning

Today my family starts a new chapter in our life as Pei re-position herself.

As of now her role will change from a working mom to stay-at-home mom (I don't quite like the term of housewife...... sound so mundane and less impact). Housewife gives me the feeling of the wife is taking care the house.....full stop and nothing else. There are much more that meets the eyes. A very powerful position to be as mother who choose to stay-at-home taking care of the childrens (first and foremost) next the career, business and thereafter the house. Not forgetting the husband also la.

She resigned from her current circular office job and worked her last day until 29th May 2009. She has been looking forward for this day for sometime already. She is definitely excited about it. It is role she feels fulfilling about.....especially when you are a mother.

This changes came as we feels we need to do more for our childrens wellbeing. Ivan is already 3 years plus together with Reanne who is growing fast passing her 1st year toddler age. Both are in a critical growing path. A period where sowing, cultivating and grooming need to be set as strong foundation stage for their future success. Not that we want to make them billionaire but more so becoming a successful person with good values and principles in their life.

Well like what they say, mother know best for their children. Frankly I agreed.

Lord, lead us here onwards. Grand Pei the wisdom, the know how and understanding to take this new role as she re-position herself today. Blessed her with joy and strength for the sacrifice she made and reward her with fulfillments as mother would.