It's just different

Christmas, New Year, Mrs Neo's Birthday.

These dates usually see us in some places abroad. We love Japan, or rather, I love Japan and I made Mrs Neo like it with me. The plan for 2009 was a June - Hokkaido Lavender Trip and a year end west Japan trip across the holiday before we cover most if Japan and say byebye while we move on to another destination.

I guess Japan is shelfed indefinitely.

We did not even think about holiday. We have no time, no money.

Similac 1 is $42/tin. The boys, with a mix of breast milk, still does a tin per week.

So everytime I buy formula milk, it sets me back $160. Pampers around $50. New teats around $10. Domestic Helper $360. Water&Electricity $180. Blah blah blah....

All goes out to the boys.

We try to give them the best, within our means.
I guess all parents does that. It's a natural thing to do.

I only now look forward to bringing them to Thailand this December 2010. They will be 1year 3mths old by then. Everytime I go to Bangkok, I can't help but imagine and take note of where to bring the boys to buy toys, where Mrs Neo can do her shopping and which massage is the best for my Mum.

I'll be really looking forward to this trip.

As for now. All eyes and attention on the boys, watching them grow.

Everything else can wait.
Among all choices now. I place family as the top place.

Everett's First Flip

28th December 2009
7.08pm

I was there to witness it!
Cute!

But of course he end up crying as he did not have strength to flip back.

Friendly Daddy, always around to lend a helping hand.

Enzo's Feeding Teats - Sorry, sorry

We always blamed Enzo for being naughty.

Why?

Because before the 3rd month. His feed can be as long as 1.5hours long! He would suckle, play with the teats, cry, everything, except drink.

My mum was very angry with him and was always "scolding" him.

We had started both boys on NUK. A brand we decided to trust. The shape of the teat is special, a wave that is supposed to allow the tounge to roll and allow suction. It even came with a air vent system that prevents colic.

In a twist of event, after I arrived back home from an overseas trip, my mum suddenly ask if Enzo us having problem drinking. And that's when we all realised the problem. Enzo does not know how to suckle with that teat!

We changed it to a regular one and he drank 100ml in 10mins.

For the next 3 days. Mrs Neo, Mum & I kept saying sorry to little Enzo.

Parents watch out. There always is a reason to things, its important to find out why.

Sorry little Enzo!

YouTube, my new found friend

If you are a father of a new born baby, have wireless internet connection at home.

You should probably agree with me.

Night feeds can be very taxing, especially after a tiring day at work. The babies are tired too. But they are hungry and just need to feed.

This equates to a sometimes slow feed that may take up to 30minutes. Watching them suckle can really make me sleepy... gotta keep awake thpugh, to ensure that the milk is not leaking, blah blah.. and most importantly, that you never fall asleep and let go of the baby.

So now I watch YouTube! My recent nights was full of clips on UFOs and Area 51.

It results in a happy and full baby, and an alert daddy.

Takashimaya Christmas Sale

I personally always felt that Takashimaya is the place to be for Christmas.

its always filled with gift ideas and the sale is always on during this time.

We went over this morning and planned to get a thermal container for porridge for the boys.. They won't need it till 6,7months old. But since its cheap now, typical Singaporean style... buy first and keep.

So we got out favourite brand - 'Elephant Brand', from Japan. Comes in a compartment for porridge and two smaller ones for vege and fruits, so that it stays fresh and not get all mixed together. Got I think 15% discount. Shiok! Suppose to stay hot for 6hours.

I also got a new fragrance to replace my long love - Bavlgari, Extreme. I love the Extreme, but have been wanting a new fragrance for a long time. Today finally found a new one! It had such fresh scent and non choking effect (I'm not a fan of heavy musky scent), I love it straight away, nothing else the salesman offered was as good!

Mrs Neo paid for me. It's gonna be my Christmas present.

It's so nice I got straight the 125ml. Don't even have to try a small bottle. Got 50% discount somemore! Haha! Shiook man.

Can't wait to wear it on Monday...

The Pear & The Lizard

I was driving home yesterday evening and found a lizard in my car!

it was crawling by the side of the driver window.. and its in the car! I nearly freaked out! I was lucky that stretch of road had no vehicles and I unwind the window and used a paper to chase it away. Quickly wind th e window up and drove off.

But lizards have sticky feets. Apparently, it did stick to the car! I had this few small pieces of remnant pear that some inconsiderate neighbour threw and landed on my boot.

Today as I was waiting for Mrs Neo to get off work, I decided to use some water to wash it off.. when I popped the boot, the same lizard was there! Yes I remembered its color and size!

it was eating the pear. And while I tried to chase it away, it jumped into the boot! I don't know why buy I had a feeling or will do that. So bo bian la.. removed everything to find it and encouraged it out assuring him that its a better world out there.

Especially with the boys now. I have less time to wash my car. But I still keep it a point to keep it clean, dust free, insect free.

Tomorrow on leave. Have to find a slot while the boys sleep to go clean it up again.

Sorry guys, I wanted to take a pic of the lizard but it ran away ( I was glad it did ). But its not those single grey ones. It's those brown with black spots. Measure around 6cm long.

If you see him, tell him I don't miss him.

38Degree Water, Milk Powder, Milk Bottle & Me

I'm not complaining.

But during feeds, I tend to be awake for 40 - 50 mins. This involves milk preparation, the actual feeding, Burping and patting the boy to deep sleep.
Then washing the bottles.

I have alot of time on hand while doing that.

So usually I play a short game, check my mails on the blackberry, think of the things to be done at work later or just plan the day ahead.

Parents are such great beings. Being a father now makes me look at life in a whole new way.

When folks tell you school is the best, its true.

You're too young. You'll understand when you grow up. That's true too. I always thought I'm already a grown-up... many years back. Buy its only now. That I felt REALLY grown-up.

I guess all these sayings are true but if you are ready to truely understand it.

Signed,
Mr Electronic Neo @ 2.38am

Starhub Launches iPhone3Gs

It's here. One day earlier then it is supposed to be.
On official news, Starhub is supposed to launch the phone together with M1 on Wednesday (Tomorrow).

I'm not sure if M1 is launching it already, but i got an sms saying that the phone is out and i can
collect it if i want to from 3 locations.
(No. I did not bother to check where)

I bet the phone will shoot up to top 10 on cnetasia this month.

But i got the Hero already. No regrets after seeing how the iPhone interface is.
I am now in love with the Andriod Platform.
(Although it can run a bit faster... currently, it's not that fast yet. But bearable.)

Check out the prices and data plans:-
http://iphone.starhub.com/

Review - HTC Hero

Finally got the Hero after considerations between this and the iPhone 3Gs.

The white version of the phone, the first white phone i ever got is very attractive.
If i am not wrong, it comes with a Teflon coat at the back, only for the white.

The Andriod platform with HTC Sense did not come very user friendly on Day 1&2.

The instructional manual also explained minimum.
Just enough to get you started.

However, the (smart) phone, does a lot for itself. Upon the first power up, it tries to set you up with all your social networking applications - from Facebook, Twitter and of course all your emails.

HTC also allowed for a 7 page cutomisable screen. You can basically plug in any apps that you like in whichever screen that you deem suitable.

After a week now with the Hero, i must say this technology is coming to me. It's becoming very useful and friendly. Sort of a switch i had when i changed from Nokia to Samsung.
So now it's Samsung to HTC - with Andriod.

The only complaint i have is it's slightly slow processing speed and camera with no flash.

Overall, i would think this platform will grow and one day be among the top few.

3 Months Old

Mr Neo with Everett on the new playmat

3 Months Old - Everett & Enzo
(Look at their cute rumpers with their names!)

3rd Year

I didn't even have time to blog this down.

3years ago, we had our wedding dinner at Suntec City.
I woke up the next morning, hangover from all the drinks and i remember i stood along the window of the Conrad Bridal Suite.

Looking across to Suntec City on a Sunday morning.

It was peaceful. The breakfast arrived in the room. It was American style.
It cost SGD80 per serving. But was complimentary from the hotel.

I still remember thinking, wah i spend so much money and now, everything is over.
The glamourous moments are done. Back to life.

3 years later, i am so glad that we now have a beautiful family.
Our boys are here and we are all happy.

Mr Neo: "Darling, here's your Anniversary Present"
Mrs Neo: "WoW! Don't tell me it's a.."

Mr Neo: "It's just chocolates, i have no time to buy anything else"
Mrs Neo: "Chey, i thought it's DSlite."
Mrs Neo: "But i love it anyway! Thank you!"

Mr Neo: "Haha."

I take back my words

So it's confirmed that I'm getting only $200 of Starhub Voucher.

According to them, the next grade is $500 which they give to customers with the expensive price plan. Me. I'm on Powertalk 300.

No point I get a higher plan as I travel mah. So roaming charges still apply. Why get so much local airtime them. I tried explaining this to the guy over the phone. But he didn't catch what I was trying to say I guess... They should based it on amount spend per month. Not on subscription mah.

End of the day, you want to reward ppl paying you more right? So if I am on the most basic plan, let's say $9.90, but I end up paying $900. Will I get $500 voucher? I should right?

But it's not how they work. At least that's not how the guy explained it to me. I feel like changing subscriber and taking all my services away. Yes... I know I am just one of their tiny micro percentage. Maybe 0.0000000002% affected if I part them. But should be more rationale in tabulation right.

I get so irritated when people tell me stuffs which end of the day is due to "follow the guidelines".

I set down the limit. If next year, they are still like this. I will port my number across to another vendor.

And for now. I just pre order an IPhone 3GS (White). I wonder how much it will cost though. It's really not my first choice. But the HTC Hero's - shape is not too appealing. Should it not come with that chinny curve. It top my list with Andriod OS and a phone not many own.

IPhone is just too common. But I am hoping, in view of it's popularity, there will be more apps, more updates, more hardware and more everything free or at a cheaper price.

Ohhh... Did I say I chosen the 32GB?
Heehee.

Starhub, now with IPhone 3GS

Yeah.

Now Starhub is selling IPhone!
I got an sms earlier saying that they are doing the pre order for the phone.

Got really excited and went into their website to see.
No price is there yet though.

I guess the marketing department is trying to gather feedback to see the amount of people who are interested before setting the price.

But come to think of it. I don't think i will be buying the IPhone anyway.
I want a Andriod phone. Just waiting for my contract to be fully termed and hopefully they send me a big voucher. I should be in the Platinium Club by then too.

So i am really looking forward to a big voucher.
If not... hai.

Singapore Airlines - SilkAir

I hope someone from SilkAir see this.

My last 2 trips into KL, i've been experiencing delays.
Last round, it was 3hours.

Now they tell me it's delayed for 30mins. But the plane is still now here.

Departure time is 6.05pm. Now is 6.15pm and the plane is not even here.
How to depart at 6.30pm leh?

Omg it's like dejavu. I have a feeling they will delay and delay so very slowly like the previous time.
Tell you 30mins, then 30mins, then 15mins.

Why must they do that?
Don't they have the information on hand? Tell the consumer the truth.

Don't make us sit here and wait. For something we don't know.

Somemore i am paying for a SQ flight, yet i am put on a SilkAir plane and last 2 trips into KL.
It's always delayed.

Omg. Please improve yourself.

Yes.... I know sometimes it's not up to humans, there are natural aspects.
But then. Tell the people the truth!

Tell them it's going to be delayed for "x" time.
Don't go with the 30mins, 30mins thing.

Fustrated.

Facebook - Part 2

I still can't make myself update my Facebook.

I tried. But when i am about to log in, i just can't give myself any reason why i would use facebook for.

Maybe i will try to update next year.
I try.

The Gardens Hotel & Residence, Mid Valley - Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur

Hotel: The Gardens Hotel & Residences
Star: 5*
Feels Like: 4*

Mid Valley, you get many things here. Cinema, Food, Shopping.
It's like a Mega Tampines Mall, if i try to put it simply.
I guess the location is great. You can stay in shelter and move from the hotel to the shopping mall all together.

This round, i am lucky enough to stay in their Executive Deluxe King. The top grade room.

Pro:
The size of the room is not huge, however, nicely spaced and clean cut.
For executive rooms, you get to do your check in on Level 29, escaping the reception on ground floor.
As this is my first stay in the hotel, i actually wanted to check in at ground floor and was literally queueing up due to the crowd. However, the bell boy was very attentive and picked up my name from my luggage tag and directed me to the top floor. Plus to him!

The washroom, comes with rain shower, which i love! Bathtub, Shower and the Toilet are all separated by glass. Which makes the washroom very pleasant to be in!

Toiletries are nicely placed and the wash basin are perfectly spaced to prevent splashing.
The hotel also offer laundry service of 3 pieces daily. Cool!
You get to choose if you wish to have breakfast in the executive area, however, that only limits yourself to American Breakfast or go ahead to the buffet breakfast where you get a spread.

The hotel uses pretty advanced system of wave card, so you do not need to slot in any card to get into the room, just wave the card and the door auto open. Quite impressive.

Oh yes, another great point it that, internet in the room is via cable. I prefer cable over wifi.
Personal preference.

Cons:
The executive breakfast served is very very limited. I settled for bread, butter, a piece of cake and 2 glasses of orange juice. Quite a waste for hotel breakfast i must say.
I had difficulty also trying to locate the safe box. I called the reception and i had to wait.
They lady did not know where it was too. Omg.


Overall i rate the hotel 8 of 10.
I would love to stay here again on my next trip.

Just across the coast

Malaysia.

Just across the border.
In comparison, i feel Malaysians are stronger, more independent, much more exposed then us.

My partners in KL, they all are not born here.
They came from all over the place, rent a house here and start working.

Away from home, not like us in Singapore, where we usually stay with the family.
We have friends (Malaysians) who come over to Singapore to work, which is even further away from home.

I do wonder if it's such a good thing.
Good in terms of experience i guess. Independent and all. A little like how Americans would do it i feel.

Makes me feel i am a mummy boy.
Heehee

Facebook

I recently discovered that i can use Facebook on my mobile!
They have a mobile version.

Well, yeah it might be around for a long time, but i just found out!
Duhz.

I am never an avid fan of social networking websites like Facebook and Friendsters.
I have those accounts for fun. I start them and like update them once every 6months i think.

For those whom tried to add me and i did not get back.
I'm sorry, i'll try to add you by 2010 ok.

But next week i'll be in Malaysia. Usually there, i have a little more time at night after my appointment. I'll try to set a night out to sort out and "learn" about this facebook thing.
I hope to set it straight, add my friends then i can use it on mobile!

I love anything mobile.

Grand Kemang Hotel - Jakarta

Hotel: Grand Kemang Hotel, Jakarta
Star: 3*
Feels like: 3+*

Situated right beside the CBD area, Grand Kemang is a newly re-structured hotel, standing 4 stories high. This is a non-smoking hotel. So all rooms are fresh and nice.

I was supposed to stay in a Grand Deluxe. But i checked in very late that night and all rooms are taken up! So i was upgraded to a Junior Suite. Wow great!

Pros:
The hotel is a very ideal location for business travellers. Right smack beside the prime area, offices are easy to access (At least for the office i need to go). Why is that important? Because traffic in Jakarta is worst then that of Bangkok. It's not too much to say 30times worst!

You can find food, eateries from the familar KFC, Burger King to Sushi, Noodles what ever you can think of.

The Junior Suite is well spaced and comes with a pillow menu. In the room you will find a whole setup for dinning area. Something like what you see in Billy Bombers, table of 6. Yup you have one of those in the room. Beside that, you have a 5 seater L shape sofa with a designer lamp hanging right above it (but the bulb fused already.. duhz), a nice working desk, a Queen Size bed, the regular TV and lots of space. I guess suites are all about space. The items in it. Sometimes i don't even have a chance to use it. Why would anyone want to sit in that table of 6 billy bomber style dinning area when you can get out of the hotel and have proper food?

They do very carefully refresh your fruit basket everyday, sometimes there is even chocolates! My favourite white chocolate. And you get 8 bottles of mineral water free. Haha, if that is even a advantage.

High speed wireless internet is free for all rooms above deluxe.

Cons:
Other then just food joints, there is nothing near the hotel.
You get a Polo shop and a pub in the hotel lobby. That's it. There is no spa, no minimart, no nothing.

There is also no shopping centre to pass the night, no cinema, only cars and motor cycles.

The wash room, which is huge, however does not come with a standing shower.
I hate standing and showering in the bathtub. With that size of washroom. They can put a standing shower anywhere! But there is none.

The bathroom slippers, made with pvc, looks pretty classy. However, one pair had a cut, which makes me think its' worn by the previous customer. Minus points.

Overall, it's a nice business hotel. For leisure travellers, i suggest Hotel Nikko anytime.
For Grand Kemang. I will stay there again simply for it's location and also strongly because it sounds like a local hotel. I will never stand in JW Marriot, or for that matter any "branded" hotels in Jakarta! But the hotel is nice and clean - nothing short of a good night sleep.

I rate it 7 out of 10

Mercure Grand Mirama Hotel - Surabaya

Hotel: Mercure Grand Mirama Hotel
Star: 4*
Feels like: 3*

Surabaya - A city further away Jakarta, the 2nd largest city in Indonesia.
Weather here is extremely hot.
The Mercure hotel, a newly build hotel sit along a busy city side. There are no tall building around and the hotel stands 10 storey high.

Non-smoking rooms are from Level 4 - 6.

Pros:

The standard Accor group of hotels. Not the best in the range, but once you step into one of their hotel, it gives you a similar feel. This round i am in staying in one of their suite.
Cost = USD$130.

The room is neat, nicely spaced, there's a living space, a bed room area, dining and relatively large.
Before you even step into the room, they have switch the aircon on, turn both tv (yups, one tv in the living area and one in the bedroom area) on and was playing some nice music. There are DVDS for free viewing and the safe is one that you can swipe your credit card with to lock for extra security.

The suite is all located at the corner of the building, which i personally don't like.

Accor group of hotels are tied up with many cards, Krisflyer is one of them and you can earn miles for staying in this hotel.


Cons:

While all other servies are good, some interior finishings and details can be improved.

The hotel's bath robe seems very worn out. The material is the typical towel material. Sub standard for a hotel of it's class.

The "Do Not Disturb" sign is the regular hang outside the room type. For such a new hotel, i would expect a switch light instead.

This morning when the room service came to clean up the room, they removed on of the towel i used, but did not replace it. So i'm left with one hand towel instead now. I wonder why they did that.

The in-room internet is done via cable. Which i do not mind as long as it's fast.
But the point, is just beside the door! ........... So, i have to sit on the dining table beside the entrance door to work instead of the nice table in front.......... stupid.




There is no other shopping centre of any form of life at night.
There's KFC if you walk 10mins down the road, but i choose room service (remember i said the hot weather?). I would not recommend the hotel if you are here on a vacation. But for business trip, it works fine.

I rate it 5 out of 10 even in this suite.

It makes me smile

Identical?


Enzo with a cute kawaii pose & Everett stealing the punch


Enzo: Check me out with a funny face

10, 15, 20, 25, 30

Image used for illustration of bottle used only. Click on image to link back to website.

The easiest things in life, may prove to be the toughest.

Yesterday night, i tried to teach my domestic helper to prepare formula milk.
On the bottle, there is "20", "30", "40", "50", "100" marks.

She's unable to tell what is in between 20 and 30. (25)
She's also unable to find 60. (The mark after 50)

Mrs Neo and I keep repeating ourselves for at least 1 hour and still, she cannot apprehend.
Aiyoh. I still have yet to tell her the "1 scoop = mixture with 60ml of water".

Like that how?

Wendy - The Vet

Wendy & Liling came over to my house last night.

Chatted until 11+pm. Shag.
The boys were quietly asleep while we sat on the bed talking away.
*I was dozing off with the dim nightlight and i stop chatting after 1hour*

They love the boys, touching their little hands and legs, patting their body, feeling their soft skins.

And Wendy...
Mrs Neo and myself can't help but feel she's touching Enzo (She was sitting beside Enzo) as if Enzo was a little puppy.

Her pat, strokes to his chin and neck seems so... ermm vet like.

And so Mrs Neo goes.

Mrs Neo: "You are touching him like how you touch a puppy right? You think i don't know"
Wendy: "Errrhh. Heehee"

Ya. She is.

Hep B - 2nd Vaccination

Today, we brought the boys to the baby doctor to have their second vaccination.

Wah seh, the needle is so damn long and thicker then i would imagine it to be.
Felt like asking the doctor why he's using that. But...

Anyway, Everett & Enzo clearly forgotten the pain once they were treated to some milk after the jab. Ahh.. Babies. So easily contented. Such a joy.

I paid $180++ for the 2 boys. Cash.

Stupid! I can use baby bonus what. Aiyoh, heng the nurse told me man.
The next jab will cost $220+ each. So it's like $450? for the 2 of them.

Heng got baby bonus ah!

< Illuminator >

Casio - 2499 W96H (10Years Battery)

My new digital watch after my G-Shock fell victim from the uncle downstairs whom changed my battery and totally screwed up my watch.

Best of all, he told me "Rubber watches are like that one, very old liao right this watch?"
Pleaseee... It's a G Shock, it's suppose to be water proof lor. How can it leak water!
You damaged it! Still charge me $5.00!

And somemore is i buy from Japan one ok.

Hai.. what to do. I'm so cheapo to try to change it downstairs. If change at some big shop, at least they will do something. Now... Wanna complaint. What? Write email ah?
I don't even think, no i mean. He confirm have no website.

Even if he have. What?
Write email to complaint? He will probably be the one reading the email!
Cas' he's the only guy there. He's the boss. So he Ya Ya Papaya lor!

Anyway. I need a digital watch to see time at night. So it's safe to wear while carrying the boys.
Then i can sleep and wake up, not having to find a light to see the time.

I press and i know if it's feeding time or "carry baby, sayang time".

A real essential.
$18 only. Cheap cheap. Does the job.
Somemore says 10 years battery. Hard la, from the way i press to see time everytime.
1year i very happy liao.

Ant Eater

My mum, she eats ants.

And yes, it's true. She told me that.
I was discussing how my face, neck, shoulders, arm would get itchy everytime i feed the boys.

Especially! The hand that is holding the bottle. So, you can't scratch it easily.
And guess what my mum said.

Mum: "Ya, i hate it. Sometimes i use 3fingers on this hand to hold the bottle to scratch"
Mr Neo: "Ya i do that too, but some angle, it's hard to hold the bottle with one hand and carry baby"

Mum: "Sometimes it's little ants lor"
Mr Neo: "Ants? Where got ants in the house?"

Mum: "Got, little ones, very small, black ones, they crawl on my hands"
Mr Neo: "You sure? Where do they come from?"

Mum: "I don't know. But i hate them. So when i see them on my hands and i canot kill them, i reach with my tounge and eat them!"
Mum: "After that, i still try to bite them to kill them in with my teeth"

Mr Neo: "HAHAHAH, no you don't"

Mum: "Yes i do!" *And does a dry run to show me how she does it*

Pengs. Hahaha. My mum eats ants.

Light in the sky

There's always something shining in the sky.

When the sun goes down in the evening, the moon and stars come out to shine.
And who would say that the night is beautiful without the moon and stars?

Whatever life throws at you, there is probably a cloud with a silver lining, with light shining through. You just have to believe that life is indeed beautiful.

Everett went for his review and everything is aye okay.
Enzo, being his identical twin is stamped CLEARED too.

Okay boys, let's now focus on playing and growing up!

Congratulations Cheryl

You siezed the place of "Quitter No.21".

Well, i guess you didn't really want that position yeah?
But it was stuffed in your face, so what to do.

Anyway...
Should i even say congratulations...

New Blog !

Going through pregnancy, childbirth and now caring for my boys was a learning process that never stops.

We get questions and doubts almost every other day.
What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong?

And most of the time, we google and try to find some answers. Although some of the times, answers are not readily available or even if you ask someone, their answer is vague and does not give you the definate reply you need.

So i thought, i do my best and blog down whatever i went through and share with the world what i have learn. To see if i can solve some of "whoever have questions" questions.

>> The Joy & Happiness Blog <<

Life

My World rotates around my family now.

Nothing in the world matters, all for them. Anything else can wait.
Everything is now back to normal.

Everyone's happy.

We wake up at night to feed the boys. As they lay on my hands, drinking the milk, i can't help but feel so happy. I'm tired, that's for sure, but they look so cute, trying to hold the bottles with their small hands, looking at you with their sleepy eyes.

I have no complaints. We have to treasure this moment and in fact, every moment watching them grow up to become young boys and then adult.

Everett & Enzo.
Maybe by the time you are old enough to read Daddy's blog, you may not understand the efforts we put in to give you guys the best.

Like i didn't know the efforts my mum and dad put in to raise me.

Until i became a daddy myself.
I love my life!

Incredible India

I'm still in Singapore. Never left for India for the Partner's Meeting.

Everett is not well.
So in times like this, family rides over work.

I have no passion, so it's impossible for me to find a dream job that combines work and passion.
I work for money.

The reason why i need money is to maintain the family.
The reason why i maintain my family is because i love them.

So India remains Incredible to me. I doubt i will ever visit that place.
Well, at least i got the Visa in my passport as memory!

And for my company, i think they are really great.

For me to pull out on the very last minute, absorbing the airtickets on SQ to Goa, the Leela - a 5 star hotel stay for a week, the Visa application, the meals, the transport, the everything and still wish my boy the best and ask me not to worry about anything else.

Everett, lets' get this over soon and everything will be fine.
Daddy & Mummy will make this as easy and smooth for you as possible ok.

Jia You!

Baby Shower

I had no time to blog this down until today. 9th October 2009.
(But i'll still back date it to 3rd October 2009 for simple retrival next time)

The Strok - Did babies ever come from the bird?
It's a cute image but not sweeter then the mummy whom carried the baby in her womb for 37weeks.

The day was full of excitement. Throwing a baby shower after a month states that the boys have grown up and are big boys already.

The resturant (Qian Xi @ Paya Lebar) turned our quite nice and cosy.
The cornered off VVIP Rm 1 & 2 is nicely enclosed and seperates us from the main hall.

The food, hmm simple and does the job i guess. Nothing fancy.
Well, for the price i am paying, i think it's reasonable.

The boys got lotsa gifts and ang baos, lotsa hugs from the guests.
I brought a cot for them to sleep on, but ended up not using it as they were carried by someone all the time.

The best thing of all is that, we had 80 guests.
80 guests = messy crowd. If we have had done it at home, i think it'll be a mess!
But doing it at the resturant means that someone is there to clean up the mess and end of the day, we just go back to our clean home.

Sweet!

I will start a new Label "Everett And Enzo" today, to document and blog down all their details now that they are big boys already.

Calculative Neo

Now, i am sitting in Subway, chewing my sandwich, at the airport, waiting for my flight out to Bangkok at 12.25pm. I have made this trip extremely short.

3Days.

Usually, i will do the foreign exchange at the airport, without thinking much.
I always thought, if i change S$1 = THB 23 at somewhere else and i get S$1 = THB 22 at the airport. Why bother to change elsewhere? The airport is convenient and i'll be here anyway.
What can you do with THB1 also?

Where as today, i looked into my wallet, i have THB 700. Not enough for 3days.
So i calculated if i change S$200 how much i would get at the airport and how much i would get
outside the airport.

The difference is THB 300. <- Equivalent to a free 1hr foot massage!

Save money, save money is all around my head. But i'm really left with no choice so i still did the exchange.

Even Subway seems expensive. My meal today cost $S9.10.
While i paid for it i thought, "Wah.. $10 leh. So expensive".

Worst still, i miss home already.
I miss my wife, my boys and even wonder if my mum is resting well.

Haha. Omg, it'll be a long 3days for me.

Can't wait to get back. But what to do?
Daddy have to work to earn milk powder money wor.

Next week have to travel again, following week have to travel even longer.

If i were any more rash, i might quit my job so that i can stay home to accompany the boys.

But that would be stupid.
I have post delivery daddy syndrome.

Baby Shower - Location Confirmed

If you are reading my blog.

You should be invited. Unless you bumped into this blog from somewhere.

After a frantic search for location, we finally landed ourselves at one.
Yes. I placed the deposit already. So it's confirm, confirmed.

3th October 2009 - Also the chinese date for Mooncake Festival.

Places were reserved everywhere. From the Aranda Country Club, Safras to Hotel, Hort Park Function Room, even the RC Centre / Community Centre just below my block is FULLY BOOKED.

I am so glad i found this place. Able to hold up to 100pax for buffet lunch.
We are doing the final count of people.

So do RSVP. Please do so in case it slip our mind while we change the diapers and feed the milk.
Not to mention the cuddling and hugging we have to offer our boys.

- - - - -

Location: Qian Xi @ Paya Lebar
Address: Tanjong Katong Complex, 845 Geylang Road, #04-09, Singapore 400845

Date: 3rd October 2009
Time: 11.30am - 2.30pm (Food is served at 12Noon)

Dress Code: None at all, just come, eat and have fun.

The X-Treme Encounter

Over Msn.
Jeremy - my new found best friend/new daddy.
I chat with him almost everyday now.

Mr Neo: "Yo bro, so how's thing going?"
Jeremy: "My girl just crap and puke on me yesterday all at the same time"

Mr Neo: "Oh. That's extreme. You mean you were changing diapers and she decided to crap while you burp her w/o diapers?"
Jeremy: "No. I was trying to burp her. She puke and her diapers gave way."
Jeremy: "There's too much crap and it fell off!"

Mr Neo: "Hahaha."
Jeremy: "It was extreme i tell you."

Mr Neo: "I've seen lotsa crap and milk. But not the same time."
Jeremy: "I tell you, it's extreme man. And it's all over me."

From The Land of Smile

A present from my Thailand Partners to the boys.

So nice of them.
I was telling them i was looking for it for Mrs Neo while she was pregnant to let her lie down and rest herself on this pillow.

Now, after the boys are born, the sales team brought these 2 for me.
Haha. I guess it's more for me to use then for the boys!

Similac

This is not an advertisement for Similac or Abbott.
The following is just my personal views and should not be treated as valuable informaiton.

I just got to know that Abbott have a reward program for buying their products.

http://www.abbott.com.sg/family/rewards/rewards.asp

A good offer i would think if you are on Similac and what's better then a little savings along the way!

Just to confirm

The boys are active and playing everyday.

I wonder why some people tell me that they feed every 4 hours.
The hospital told me every 4hrs, each time 30ml.

Or maybe that's just the first few days. I am not sure.
But even baby doctor says so before i told him how much they are drinking.

- - - - -

The boys are on 80~90ml of breast milk/feed or 60 ~ 70ml of formula milk/feed
and they feed every 2hours or so.

I thought there must be something we did wrong and i decided to confirm with 2 person.

First - My eldest sister. Who confirmed that they are as such for the 1st month and like to play and stay awake. Thus the need for confinement lady (and the amount they are paid) to take care of the new born. Hmmm sounds correct already. No matter what, she have taken care of 2 boys.

Second - Jeremy. Wife just gave birth to a girl. He confirmed his girl is doing 80 ~ 100ml of breast milk ever 1hour. Sometimes 2hour. As for formula, he has no idea as the confinement lady does that for him.

So in conclusion, feeding time of 2hours is very regular for the first one month as the baby starts to grow and feel hungry from staying awake.

The amount of milk to give really depands on the baby's appetite and should be given as per demand to encourage growth.

Oh no.. Daddy going to start travelling tomorrow again. Going miss my boys!
But have to work hard for milk powder and diapers money wor!

Wow. So Amazing

This morning Mrs Neo went on MSN and connected the webcam to show me Enzo in her arms.
Mum trying to put Everett in the baby cot.

Wah so amazing man.

We brought the webcam initially for us to see each other when i travel. However, we only did that once. Haha.

But now, it looks like we found a whole new reason to use this technology!

I had a headache trying to find a location for my boys baby shower!
3rd October 2009 = Mooncake Festival!

Everywhere also full house. 哇靠,靠,靠!
But seeing the boys made me so happy and everything felt worth it.

Now only left with 2 choices. I will not even want to post it here in case someone read and book the place! That's how difficult it is now to book a place for a simple celebration.

Why not do it at home, you ask?
Because we did not think a 3 room flat can fit in 80people, or maybe even more!

Heehee.

Level 10

My block at 10 storey high.

Ahh.. who cares, still got 2 years more.
Let's see if the boys are sleeping.

Record

I thought this may help me keep good track of where to buy things.
You may find it useful too!

Similac 1 - $39.50 @ Giant and Shop & Save
Fitti NB 52pieces - $15.80 @ Econ Minimart
Comfy Tissue x 5 box (200 pull) - $4.20 @ Convenient Shop Beside Wet Market

Till date, i have already brought 3 tins of Similac, 1 pack of Huggies, 2 pack of Tissues

You would have expected

A lot more post from Mr Neo.

But Mr & Mrs Neo, together with Mdm Tan (My Mum) + the domestic helper is so freaking busy.

Life goes on but with the boys, things speed up.
I can eat dinner in 3minutes.

I go home during lunch time and while taking the lift up, i start to unbutton my cuffs and some buttons of my shirt (i wear a tee inside so don't think i'm crazy).

Why do i do that? So that i can be faster lor. Must wash hands then can carry babies mah.

The same for in the evening. I pack up at 5.55pm.
Slaps down my laptop at 6pm.

Walks quickly to the carpark, power it up and off i go to help out.
I take a 5min shower, eat dinner straight after that, no matter how early that is and like switch to "entertain the babies" mode.

I used to have morning cough too. Now i don't.
Why? Cas i don't really sleep throughout the night mah. Hahah how to wake up and have morning cough.

I now am telling myself to take a break from work and life.
So i have 20mins to relax.

Yes, just 20mins. After this, it's back to typing my report and forecast.

New Position

Today i did a wonderful thing.

I help Marcus fill in a job reference form in the morning.
And at 4pm+ the same day, he got the job!

Yeah. The job search is over. The position looks promising too.

He says he will buy me a drink.
That's nice. But i wonder if i ever will have the time for him in the near future.

1hr 15mins more and i'm back to change diapers, feed milk and carry them to sleep!
Hooray! Parenthood!

I'm glad i'm a Father now.

I wonder if i am any older.... will i be able to take it anot.
Yippiee!

Hotmail

Today i set up the email accounts for my boys.

Have you ever tried to get a free mail and never get the ID that you want?

Well. Lucky me. Today i did it for them and have the 2 that i wanted.
Heehee.

everett.neo@hotmail.com
enzo.neo@hotmail.com

Relatives & Friends of Daddy & Mummy.
You all can email me ok. But i will only read when i grow up and understand how to use the computer.

Mediacorp TV

The car on the right hand bottom corner is mine.

It's going to be on TV wor. Mediacorp is shooting a drama at my block. From the lightings, seems like they will shoot something in the carpark tonight!

Mr Neo: "Lisa, they going to shoot my car, it will be on TV. You faster go down wash clean clean."
Lisa: "I don't want la."
Mr Neo: "Who give you your pay one huh?"
Lisa: "Heehee"

Hai... This domestic helper ah...
Well as long as she take care of Mum, Mrs Neo & the boys ok liao la.

Say Heeee!

Everett's grin

Back At Home

Last Night was life changing.

I always wonder why people can wake up at 6am and go for exercise, watch Channel News Asia, read the papers, slowly eat their breakfast.

I, for one, am a bad bad morning person.
I hate waking up early. No, i mean have problem waking up early.

Until yesterday.

Do you think babies are always crying? And having a baby means that you will not have enough sleep? Well. From my first time experience, i can tell you no.

Babies are not a chore.
Yes, they cry. But always for a reason.
Either they shit in their nappy, pee, or simply hungry or thirsty.

I have 5 sisters, each of them have their own children and my mum, takes care of some of them.
I would expect myself to be very good at doing all the "babies stuffs - change nappy, wash backside, blah blah...".

But, hai.... no lor.
But life have it's way, Mrs Neo & Myself learn extremely fast. We pick up many things we never knew how to do so quickly, i am amazed by myself. Simple things like picking up a new born may seem simple, but they are so soft and ewww... haha.

I can do it now. No problem. I learn it overnight.

My boys now wake up every 2hours in the day, 3 hours in the night. So effectively.
I wake up once at 3am and the next time is around 6am.

6am is morning already! I looked out and it was breaking dawn this morning. Thus, i only wake up once per night. But that's really easier said then done for a person who sleeps at 11pm and wakes up at 8.16am for work.

Everett & Enzo.
When you grow up and read Daddy's blog, remember to give me a ^5!

Day 2, Shoulder of responsibilities

Do you remember when you were in primary school, you hate going to classes.
Your parents would tell you that school time is the best time of your life.

And you don't believe.

Do you remember when you wish to buy this computer game and your Dad tells you not to
and try to explain that money is hard earned.

And you don't believe.

Do you remember when you were younger and Aunite and Uncle will tell you, "You'll understand when you grow up".

And you don't believe.

Do you remember when you are enlisted into Army and your Mum tell you to be good and brave and says that it's not going to be easy.

And you don't believe.

Do you remember before your marriage, your parents telling you that starting a family requires a lot of tolerance and love for each other. Along with a lot of money.

And you don't believe.

As i grow older, experience what life have in stall for me, i believe most of us, do truly then understand that what we were told are the truth. It's just that we don't believe.

Today, i learn to carry a new born from his bed and putting his down gently, taking care of his soft body and neck. A skill i quickly master and quickly need to master.
I learn to latch the baby on to my wife for feeding, i picked up the skill of wrapping their hands and legs with nappy to secure them.

As i type this entry, my blackberry gives a "ting". Another email.

Mrs Neo: "Now deardear's priority have changed."
Mr Neo: "Why?"
Mrs Neo: "Last time, once there is an email, you will walk over to see. Now you continue without even thinking"
Mr Neo: "Yes, my life have changed. There are more important things other then work now"

I hope my boss don't read this.

Everett & Enzo - Both pass motion today, and of course pee-ed.
Great Job Boys!

Daddy & Mommy Loves You Both!

Pictures!

Everett

Enzo

Everett (Right), Enzo (Left)

WAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA. SO CUTE ONE

Everett & Enzo

4th September 2009.

9.13am - Everett Neo
Weight: 2.65kg
Length: 47cm
Head Circumference: 33cm


9.15am - Enzo Neo

Weight: 2.38kg
Length: 46cm
Head Circumference: 32cm

Mummy, Everett & Enzo

Aiyooohhhh

Can't sleep.

Mrs Neo is on the phone with her GodMa.

Mr Neo is still having globus sensation.

We talk about today being the last day of our lovely dovely couple life. Tomorrow on, we will be parents of two cute boys.

By the time my boys are 21year old, i would be 50year old. If they both get married at 29, i would be 58years old.

Today is the end of what i thought was a stressful work life. Tomorrow is the start of a life of responsibility (and a more stressful work life, to earn more money).

Tomorrow, we will start a family. Me, my wife and my boys.

Sweeeettt...

The Details

3rd September 2009, 11.03pm.

Mrs Neo is thinking what else to eat before she starts to fast at 12midnight in preperation of the 9am C-Section.

Mr Neo is sitting on the bed. Nothing in his blank mind.

Counting Down

8hours to getting ready for deliver. 11hours to actual delivery time.

Cord Blood

The lady came over to my place to deliver the kits liao.

I also went to pump petrol. Can't imagine a situation drive halfway to hospital and i run out of gas.

Counting Down : 3 more days to seeing my cute twin boys.

Jeremy Lee - Recee Signaller

I always thought it funny. But my platoon mate's wife is also due to deliver on the 4th September 2009.

Although there's a bit of a show for her already, but everything is pretty much fine and under control. So if there is no hiccups, we will see each other at Thomson Medical on Friday.

My boys will arrive earlier straight at 9am, which his wife will start induction at around 3pm.
+8hrs (Approx) for the process, his girl may arrive around midnight.

I've been speaking to him a lot over MSN because of our wife's pregnancy. He's not changed a bit, so am I. However, i can't help but feel the commitment of a father to be from both of us seems to peek through once in a while.

The excitement, anxiety and everything one should have are on both of us, keeping us on our toes. We really do not know what will happen the next minute!

Always Ready!

Counting Down : 3 more days to seeing my cute twin boys.

Globus Sensation

Many people ask me if i am excited about being a Daddy.

Well, here the answer.

I'm having Globus sensation since last Friday.

Globus sensation is the feeling of having something at the back of your throat, which is really not there. But the feeling is real.

And the cause of this?
Stress & Anxiety.

Counting Down : 4 more days to seeing my cute twin boys.

Cordlife

A not so old system that sprout out from I don’t know where.
A technological advancement that is able to store, deep freeze, yet keep the cells alive for new born’s umbilical cord for an unlimited number of years.

The rationale behind this advance technology is great. Wonderful!
It’s a lifesaver.

But it cost money.

Mrs Neo & myself was catching up with a Poly school friend last Friday and we chatted about this.

Her comment was one that could tumble all rationale thinking.

“I did not sign that up for my boy. I brought insurance instead. So what if you have the cure, but no money to solve the problem? So we brought insurance and with money, we can buy the cure”

She’s not wrong. With US$ 28,000.00. You can openly search for a match in the world’s public cord collection and try to find a match.

However, there is no guarantee that you can find it.

The system leeches onto your fear and somehow assures you that there is a backup plan.Sort of an insurance, but not covering any monetary portions, but the promise of the cure.

I’ll be signing up with Cordlife for both boys. No reason why.
Both (Cordlife & Stemcord) are the same to me.

But I sign up with Cordlife, because it’s cheaper for the first year (As of current promotion). Annual fees are the same for both companies.

Counting Down : 4 more days to seeing my cute twin boys.

New member in the household.

The new domestic helper is quite street smart.
2nd Day at my place and my mum is chatting with her while preparing the vegetables, watering the plants together ...

Over MSN.

XueLi says:
ok..
i think now mama quite like the maid
nct says:
2days only like liao ah
XueLi says:
the maid hor. know how to setup chacoal sia
she say last time jurong ah ma oso got like tat cook
nct says:
she know or mama teach?
XueLi says:
i faint sia
tat jurong ah ma.. really like mama
hahaha
nct says:
hahha
XueLi says:
den mama let her cut veggie
let her fried fish
win liao.. she win liao.
hnahaha..
nct says:
win liao lor
XueLi says:
den i thinking.. lucky i got 2 Ace card
else she ask dear dear marry lisa how?
nct says:
then go jakarta
XueLi says:
hahahaha.

The 2 Ace Card Mrs Neo was refering to is our Twin Boys.
We like to say we have 2 Ace now, the biggest in BlackJack.

But i wonder how long/how well this helper can maintain her standard.
*cross fingers*

Seafood Paradise - Defu Lane Branch

Seafood Paradise - Defu Lane 10.

It was really my first visit there. And the first for everyone who went last night.

Here's the directions.
Turn right into Defu Lane 1 - 10 along Hougang Road.
Turn Left after a traffic light junction (near the bus interchange), into Defu Lane 10.
Do a right turn again and you will not miss it (On your left).

There will be 2 lighted (if you go at night) signs, typical "Zhe Char" pattern with pictures of fish and crab and the Chinese Name of the resturant, which i do not remember.

Among the industrial estate, the resturant, seems too plush and overly renovated.
*But i pulled aside the curtains while i was in it and revealed the not so nice wall behind. So please do not pull the curtains when you are there*

The dining ambience was superb, we reserved the aircon dining area as i thought the outdoor will be exposed to the harsh "industrial estate" enviroment. But i must say the outdoor is pretty nicely themed too.

Our orders were (as best as i can remember and i think i missed out one or two items):
1) Tofu (Said to be homemade)
2) Coffee Pork Ribs
3) Some sort of vegetables with thick egg & flour gravy - Nice!
4) Chicken, boneless, very crispy. I forgot the name - Super Nice!
5) Fried Squids
6) Fried Bee Hoon
7) Chilli Crab (1.5 of a crab) - Sebei Best
8) Vecemilli Crab (1.5 of a crab) - Surprisingly Shiok! but i still like Chilli Crab if you ask me to choose.
9) Small buns x 12
10) Rice

Total 10 people. It cost us (no, i mean my mother in law *clap* *clap*. Thank you Mummy!)
$288 (tax included). The 3 crabs cost $108 if i remember correctly.
So the rest of the food cost $180.

I felt it was pretty cheap for those large portion and told Mrs Neo on the way home.

- - - - -
Mr Neo: "Wah, darling. So cheap hor. I so full leh. It's $28.80 per person only"
Mrs Neo: "That's because you eat a lot. Not everyone eat so much like you ok"

Mr Neo: "Oh really meh... no wonder i feel it's very worth it. Eat until so full"
Mrs Neo: -_-"
- - - - -

But it is a place i would go again.
Next time i must eat the Seafood Fried Rice.

For a dining party of 3~4, i personally think i would order:
1) Chilli Crab
2) The crispy boneless chicken
3) Seafood Fried Rice
4) Vegetable.
5) Some soup


Here's their website : http://www.seafoodparadise.com.sg/
Try it!

Chalet

This weekend (starting from my Friday halfday work) Mrs Neo & myself finally started to prepare for the big day.

We went around shopping for the necessity and packed the one bag that everyones talk about.
The bag to grab when your wife is to be admitted for delivery.

Mrs Neo: "Okay, i got everything in the bag already, if i am about to deliver, just bring this bag and take my IC"
Mr Neo: "Okay. Got bring handphone charger?"
Mrs Neo: "Yes, i got extra one, so i put it in already"

Mr Neo: "Here (Passing a small bag), put this in also"
Mrs Neo: "Whats' that?"

Mr Neo: "My clothes la. I also must stay there one leh"
Mummy: "You can come back and change la. You have to send me here and there one you know, else how i go?"
Mr Neo: "I know, but i still must bring some clothes mah"

Mrs Neo: "Bring one set enough liao"
Mr Neo: "Cannot la, ok 2 top, one berms at least. Please..."

Mummy: "Like chalet like that."

Level 8, 16th August 2009

My block, standing at Level 8 on 16th August 2009.
Grown so tall already.

Can't wait.

Sneak Preview

I wonder how this fellow got the pictures, my guess is that he's the main contractor or some sub contractor working on the project.

But, it's a sneak peak at how my flat is going to look like!

Floor plan of unit 116 (2nd Storey)

Entrance to the flat

The Living Room is really quite small

The stories of daddy to be

I was speaking to my army friend on MSN. Her wife's Term Due is on 4th September 2009.
The date Mrs Neo will do her C-Section.

But his wife may deliver anytime now.
So it's a exciting period of time for us daddies now.

- - - - -

Jeremy: "I'm getting fat, after i start driving my wife to work"
Mr Neo: "What have that got to do with you exercising?"
Jeremy: "Well, i walk less. After i got the car, i don't walk to MRT. Which is bad. I'm so fat"
Mr Neo: "Then run when you get back home. Go for a jog or something"

Jeremy: "I can't my wife is due anytime now."
Mr Neo: "Yeah. It freaks you out right. Same here"
Jeremy: "I can't sleep at night, i keep thinking she will deliver anytime!"
Jeremy: "I use to go swimming twice a week. Now i don't"
Mr Neo: "Why not ?"

Jeremy: "I worry she'll deliver while i am swimming, then i get so excited i drown. Somemore i am so fat now."
Mr Neo: "Haha you're crazy"
Jeremy: "I don't want to be admitted to TTSH for drowning and my wife goes to TMC to deliver"
Mr Neo: "Hahaahaha!"

Jeremy: "So i am really fat now from the lack of exercise."
Mr Neo: "Haha ok, just be fat ok. Your little girl will come and make you run very soon."

Jeremy: "See you at TMC man"
Mr Neo: "Ya ya..."

I love my friends

Friend: ".. So where will you wife deliver?"
Friend: "Which hospital"
Mr Neo: "TMC"
Friend: "TMC? TMC is at which hospital deliver one?"
Mr Neo: "Thomson Medical, deliver at Thomson itself"
Friend: "No need to go Hospital one meh?"
Mr Neo: "You mean like SGH or something? I think people will go KK instead of SGH"
Friend: "I have a friend deliver at Raffles Hospital"
Mr Neo: "Oh yes, private hospital different, they can do everything"

Friend: "So TMC really just deliver there ah?
Mr Neo: "Yes la, so many people deliver there what"
Mr Neo: "Thomson Medical Centre leh, the one at Balestier there that one"

Friend: "OhhhH!!! I thought Traditional Chinese Medical"
Mr Neo: "Hahaha F**K YOU LA"
Mr Neo: "That one is TCM LA"
Friend: "HAHAHHA!!"
Mr Neo: "HAHAHHA!!"

21 days to Birthdays

With the C-Section Date set at 4th September 2009.

It's exactly 21days to the arrival of my Twin Boys.
It's so exciting and the feeling is simply indescribable.

Yesterday...

Mrs Neo: "I think i am going to give birth soon"
Mr Neo: "AHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! *Freaks out*"

Mrs Neo: "Heehee, maybe not yet la, Haha. Not so soon"

It's so exciting. You will never know when they will arrive.
We're going to be parents soon.

Many years down the road, we will sign consent form for our boys to go to the Zoo with the school.

So many things, so little money

I went over to "Platinum" around the city of Bangkok today.

This is the first I went to this place and wow its big man. If you buy 3pieces and above, they give you a whole sale price, which is quite attractive!

If you are thinking of going, it closes at 7.30pm. By 7pm, most shops starts to close and you will be happier to go early morning and walk slowly. I didn't get a chance to cover all floors because its just too big.

And yes, from the pictures, I brought a lot of baby clothes for my Twin boys! Heehee.

No money, else I think I will buy even more!

2010 In Camp Training

Today i got an SMS, it's from one of my campmates.

He's asking if i would be free 3th March - 20th March 2010 for InCampTraining.
Wah Kaus... Still so long, how would i know?

Somemore 18days sia.

So long.

Shiong...

Try this.

I got an email earlier today and i felt it was pretty interesting.

-----

How many minutes or hours do you need to solve the puzzle?
It is said that engineers take 3 minutes to resolve this, architects 3hours and doctors 6 hours.

Where do you rank?
If you can get what the 6th number is,
you'll be able to open the excelfile.

Once you discover it, put your name, save it and send it on.

So…what is the 6th number in this string of numbers : 1, 2, 6, 42, 1806,___???

-----

Well the excel sheet simply contains all the names of the people who solved the puzzle.

Feels like in camp training

The first 5 full days of travelling is taking it's toll.

I wonder why this extra one day is so dragging. I feel like i am booking into "camp" every Monday, and Friday night, i book out, spend time at home. Next week, i book in again.

Like that where got fun.

I shall make it a point not to do 5days travels.

19hours to my flight back!

Lost & Found

A&W!

How long ago did it go extinct in Singapore?

But I found it, in KLCC.
Wanted to have a simple O'briens sandwich actually, but this is too good to be missed!

I ordered, 2pc Chicken, the Black Pepper Supreme Dog, Strawberry Ice Cream Waffle, Fries and the all time Root Beer Float.

Wahhhhh... Shiok!

29years + 2 days old

It's always good to be friendly.

To wear a smile on your face everyday.
Yesterday when i checked into the hotel, the lady greeted me and wished me "Happy Belated Birthday".

I felt extremely happy over that.

Today was packed with appointments as usual. But the last one ended early as it did not seem like any sales will come out of the opportunity and i decided to conclude it short and sweet.

Having a chance to be back in the hotel early simply feels so shiok lor.
But the wireless connection in the room was as slow as you can imagine, i tried to start a webcam conversation with Mrs Neo and it was impossible! It's so slow it does not support such streaming demands!

Checking my replication history, it will take 58mins to send out 8emails (text only!).

Now i am sitting in the business centre, connection of 100mbps seems so fast lor.
The hotel is good, except the internet connection.

If cannot webcam with Mrs Neo, then next time how to see my babies!

Jordon Cheong

Congratulations John & Kim on your baby boy!

Today John called to tell me all about it. The epic journey towards child birth.

His description was quite detailed actually. From the rush to the hospital and the first boo boo till the water bag burst and the 8hrs in delivery ward.

His experience will prove very valuable to me Heeehee. I was telling him i'm glad that Kim delivered first so that i can learn from his experience.

John have grown overnight. His world now revolve around another person, Jordon.

Grow up well, Jordan and love your parents back.

Regards,
Mr & Mrs Neo

Happy Birthday

Today's my birthday wor...

I want to turn professional

Yes! I want to buy a domain name.

But first, i have to think of a meaningful name.

www.wah-lan-eh.com or www.wah-piang.com?

Pre Birthday Celebration

Friday, end of another work week.

Today, my colleagues celebrated my birthday for me, a chozs chocolate cake specially topped up with strawberries!

They are so nice. There was no strawberry cakes (which I like) so they ask the lady to top it with fresh strawberries!

And after the gynae appointment, with both babies doing well, currently at 1.7kg each - week 32. (Twins usually deliver with weight of 2kg+)

Mrs Neo and I then decided to spend some time ourselves, I decided she needed a massage and brought her to Kenko for a 45mins Foot + 45mins back&shoulder rub. 90mins of relaxation for her.

For me, I took the 30mins foot and 20mins palm. My palm hurts, especially the area around my thumb aches. As for back, since I just came back from Thailand and have full thai massage for 2hrs, I didn't need that.

Sitting here relaxing, I wonder what to have for dinner.

Still so clean!

Clean bah..

80,000km for mileage leh. 3yrs 3mths liao.
But inside bonnet cover also white!

Shell V-Power

Picture taken from Brunei


Check out the price of petrol!
$0.53/litre.

Full tank at 41.51litres at $22.00!

Ino Mobile - For your love ones

I got this phone for my Mum, it was during the IT fare, din't have time to do a review until today.

But here's the verdict and the pictures.

The features of the phone is simple. Call in, Call out, Sms, Radio, Torchlight.
Basically that's it.

But this is really elderly friendly. The number pad is HUGE.
Display the number in "dot matrix" style display. Even reads out the number you press to make sure you have the right button.

Everything is by a flick. There's total of 3 "up down" switch by the side.

1) Lock / Unlock
2) Torchlight On/Off
3) Radio On/Off

Here's the funniest / best feature of the phone.
There is a "SOS" button at the back. Depress if for 5 seconds and a chain reaction happens.

First it starts to sound a siren.
Secondly it send sms to 4 numbers (preset), stating an emergency.
Then it start to do a call, calling the first number (preset), if the first does not pick up, it changes and goes to the second.... until the forth, before it gives up.

How neat!

Ophs! Nearly forgot - Congratulations Kelvin

I didn't mean to forget.

But you are Quitter No.20

Our 2mths old Account Manager. Left us.
It's hard to sell what we are selling.

Maybe your choice is correct.

But seriously, in this bad market condition. I wish to truly say - "All the best".

Try It!

I saw this off the internet again today.
It's one of those funny things that goes around and around. But it amuses me once again.

Try it!

- - - - - - - -

This is hysterical. You have to try this. It is absolutely true. Iguess there are some things that the brain cannot handle.

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT ?

You have to try this please, it takes 2 seconds. I could not believe this!

This will confuse your mind and you will keep you trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can't. It is pre-programmed in your brain!

1. While sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your righthand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so.

- - - - - - - -

Twitter

i'm on twitter.

but what is this supposed to be for?
seriously i can't figure it out.

seems like a live chat to me.

http://twitter.com/wahkaus

I could use a little more...

Who will hate having money?

I could use a little more savings here and there, everyday!

Here's a website i chance upon, which i find is really nice.

http://www.greatdeals.com.sg/

Upgrade of Status

Finally, the long awaited day arrived.

I wonder why she wanted to keep the wedding studio shots till the actual day to even let me have a glimpse. But yes, the big day is today and i finally got to see the photos. It looked great, however i wonder how the portrait looked like.

The lunch banquet at Marriot saw a group of my ex-colleagues, it's really fun to meet up with familiar faces. The food was great, i took pictures of them all.

Terence looked like he's damn stress, losing serious weight.
Marcus looks almost the same, one month into job hunting, which is really not a long time.
Boon, i have not spoke to him for a while after leaving the Singapore market came with his 11yo son and he's forever so busy with project installations.
Siti, Phyllis & Jocelyn shared our table too.

I talked Felicia into touching Mrs Neo stomach, which i guess she didn't really wanted to get pregnant so soon, with a funny expression on her face. Hahah.

But yes, Congratulations, Johan, Felicia.
You make great couple. Please enjoy life together, have a great honeymoon and we'll be neighbours across the TPE in 2 years time.

My favourite picture

Jakarta Hotel Bombing

Dealer in Indonesia: "Morning, this morning there is a bomb in the hotel"

Mr Neo: "Really. How bad is it? Pls update me before i confirm my tickets"

*10mins*

Dealer: "It's a small bomb. Don't worry, please continue trip and come over"

*CT checks the net. Yahoo's home page "Devastating Bomb, 2 hotels. 8 Dead, at least 18 injured"*

CT emails boss "I'm writing to update that i will replace my Indonesia trip with Malaysia "

Parentcraft Lesson

We took up Parentcraft Lessons and are going every Sunday from 4pm - 6pm to pick up some skills like, changing nappy, showering the babies, dressing the baby, feeding milk, breastfeeding, pacifying the baby, diet, the things to use, the things to buy and such.

We actually stated lesson 4 - 6 first and will follow up with the 1 - 3.

Why?

Because we started too late lor. Haha. Mrs Neo & I always thought we have plenty of time.
So we registered so late, the lady told us, it's better for us to go for the last few lessons first. If we wait for the new lessons to start, Mrs Neo may feel to heavy to go to the lessons.

It's really fun to see everyone trying to learn with the dolls they let us try with.
Of course when our babies are born, they move and it will not be as easy as the doll to handle, but it really is a good learning process.

Less then $150 i paid, for all 7 lessons.

Good to know.

The Empire Hotel - Brunei

Hotel: The Empire Hotel
Star: 5*
Feels like: 6*

If you always thought that Bali is the place to be for beach relaxation.
Let me change you mind.

The Empire Hotel, parked right by seaside promises, peace and total relaxation.
A private beach. Enter a lobby with 4 side full glass allowing maximum natural lighting.

Huge lobby floor, allowing you view 2 floors up, 2 floors down. The sheer amount of space they envelope you with will put you into a mind softening mood. I stepped in and felt like reading a book and have a cup of long black coffee.

I'm not kidding. The dome shaped ceiling echos the grand piano that is playing, instead of the regular piped in music. Nothing here is regular.

The hotel is a nominee for World Luxury Hotel.
Step in and never worry about having a room, that is not having a sea view.
Because all rooms are facing the sea!

The Empire does not give you a second choice, enter and be pampered.

There is even a president suite, with a swimming pool in the room on the top of the hotel.
Full glass, panaromic view of the whole area.

This hotel is my 1st choice for beach relaxation.
W Hotel - Walkerhill in Seoul, remains the best Classy hotel. Although i am not a Seoul lover at all.

All these enjoyments for less then S$300 a night! (Off peak).
Did i pay S$600 or S$800 for MGM-Macau?!

I am really in love with this place.

View out of the window. And i hate myself for taking such lousy picture.
It looked really, really, i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e.

This is the place to be.

The Rizquin International Hotel / Brunei

Brunei is a huge country, however very lightly populated. Very rich in oil though.
The country is dry, sun seems more brighter compared to Singapore.

Flying into Brunei, i sat next to a local whom ask where i was staying put.
I told him The Rizquin and he told me that's a great place to stay.
A 5* hotel, the top hang out place for youngsters during the weekend.

I felt pumped up and ready to check in.


Hotel: The Rizquin International Hotel
Star: 5
Feels like: 5


Pros:

There are no high buildings in Brunei.
The road signs are green with white letters, very much similar to that of Singapore.
Honestly everything look so Singapore.

The hotel thus stands grand and tall in city centre. Details to the hotel were elabroate.
Colored glass, high celings, european style lamps and the use of expensive hard flooring overwhelms you at the reception.

Just when i thought that was plush, i went into my room.
Seriously i stood there and wondered why they have to go to such great details? It's not easy to put into words the decorations.

All i can say is, it's grand. Gold and red carpets are everywhere. TV is huge, toilet is spacious.
They have nothing but space.

Nearby, just across the street you will find rows after rows of fine resturants (reasonable price too, due to the local market there). So there is never a worry that you will not like the food there. There's everything you can think of!


Cons:

The hotel is tied to a shopping mall.
Sort of a Mid Valley (KL) type of concept.

But, the shopping centre sucks. There's nothing there.
Really. Nothing.

I rate it 8 out of 10.
It's great. But there have to be a better shopping mall.

Duhz

Sometimes work can drive me crazy.

Colleague's SMS: Can you check for me "Item" if have 3 sets in store?

Mr Neo *Hmmm why ask me when there's 2 customer service sitting outside?
(However, goes to check)

Mr Neo's Sms: No, Don't have.

Colleague's SMS (After 10mins): Ask "Name of CS" to help me arrange, i want to collect tomorrow at 9am. Thanks.

Mr Neo's SMS: Done, Next time please give "Name of CS" a call direct or SMS her directly, no point going through me. It's better for you to give direct instructions. Thanks.

Colleague's SMS: I already sms her, thanks. Cause you are in office mah, then i am in meeting so unable to call. Anyway it's ok liao. Thanks.


I really feel like replying...

Then if you can SMS, you should SMS the CS mah, you SMS me, ask me tell the CS, for what?
You like chain reaction ah?

Kaos.

Domestic Helper - 'Da Know Hows

With my Twin Boys arrival, we started looking for a domestic helper.

Not really started looking, but we went to the agency that serviced most of my family and that's about it.

Employing a maid is like a game of luck. You can try 50 agencies and still end up with a screwed up experience. Thus, i decided not to keep myself so busy and commited to this one agency.

I'm doing a video conference interview with two maids this Saturday.

But! TA DA!

Check out this website!
http://singaporemaid.blogspot.com/

A lady wrote her experience on employig domestic helpers and the contents are hyper awesome!

There's even some links to time schedule you can set aside for your helper if you think they lack self-discipline. Even translated into Malay! Wow Wow WoW!

But one key point that she kept pointing out is -
"Always remain cool and composed, talk to your maid in a way you wish your boss will talk to you. If after serveral attempts and it does not work, change the maid"

I think that is very important. The domestic helper should enhance my life, not make it miserable.

Like i always tell my Mum, "The maid only earns that few hundred dollars, while we all earn more, so discount abit on her performance also la"