Playing by the Rules

A quick post before the Oscars when my fingers will not be able to keep up with the red carpet commentary that I just know will be spilling out of me.

We were in Singapore recently and with kids in tow, we of course could not escape hanging out at our usual haunt. This was one I had never been to before and was particulary handy because:

a) it's in the Botanical Gardens. Nice walk with baby in stroller in tranquil greenery - check.

b) it's right next to a cafe. Having a cosy tete-a-tete with best friend whilst keeping an eye on the kid - check.

Now, this playground had some rules. Clearly, they know who's the boss.

Fragrant Harbor

In 6 months' time, I would have lived in Hong Kong for 7 years. I'll be able to get permanent residency.

When my then boyfriend-now husband and I decided to move to Hong Kong almost 7 years ago, we said we'll be here for 2 years. When we arrived, we kept meeting expats who said they've been here for 10, 12 years. I remember thinking there's got to be something about this place.

At that time, I didn't think I would be having my kids in Hong Kong. And that my kids would be Hong Kong citizens. I'll like to think that's pretty cool, that for the rest of their lives, wherever they go, they'll have a part of this city with them - that they'll always indentify themselves with this place, somehow, in some way.

They'll never be able to run for the US Presidency but oh well.

I remember when we first got here and went to the bank to open up an account. We were attended to by an earnest young girl, probably fresh out of university and all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. 

She asked us, 'Do you have any ghosts?' 

We were genuinely taken aback and went 'Huh?'

Again, 'Do you have any ghosts?'

'Uh what do you mean?'

'You know, long term ghosts, short term ghosts'.

'OHHH. Yes, yes of course we do'.

From Drab to Fab

I've been trying to spruce up my son's bedroom. Make it look fun! Like a happy kid's room. 

Which isn't easy when painting the walls is not an option, and hanging up paintings is just too much of a chore. Our walls are made of heavy-duty concrete, virtually impossible to drill through, and requires nothing short of an industrial-strength power drill wielded by no less than a professional handyman.

Enter my sister, who had quickly dressed up her baby girl's room up and turned it into spinning yarns of gold with none other than...wall stickers.

These wall stickers are so easy to use and such a quick and simple way to completely transform your room. I don't know why I never thought of this before and why it took me this long to figure it out. The stickers come in individual pieces, and there are endless possibilities on how you can put them together.

I used RoomMates Peel and Stick Wall Stickers, and had a fun afternoon getting crafty. 

A lone Dr Seuss painting sitting somewhat forlorn on the wall, now instantly perked-up by a cheery family of alphabets.