Lizzie as a Mummy: Trying to Work in Singapore, NOT!!!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Trying to Work in Singapore, NOT!!!

The first night in Singapore was spent recuperating in bed. I don't know what happened to Aiden, but he definitely made the flight to Singapore a very unpleasant experience. We nearly missed the flight (what else is new), and I was so looking forward to resting in the plane. Aiden was fine when we boarded the plane, he started exploring the pocket in front, the retractable table, looking out the window. Then a mat saleh gentleman sat beside us. Aiden started looking at him curiously, even smiling at him. He was still okay when the plane took off. But the minute the plane was in the air, Aiden turned to look at the mat saleh, and started wailing his lungs out. I politely asked to stand and spent the whole flight standing with the flight stewardess at the back - even sitting in the toilet on the toilet bowl when my legs felt like they were going to give in. Then it was time to land, so of course we had to go back to our seats. Aiden saw the mat saleh again and started screaming and screaming like there was no tomorrow. The flight stewardess tried to console him, the mat saleh tried to look away, I tried to calm him down - but nothing worked. Some of the people in the plane even turned around to look. Malunya Mummy!

The first day in Singapore, was of course spent at Orchard Road. No pictures because I was too busy shopping. Arms are still sore from the shopping bags. But today I finally mustered up the drive to work. Yes, work.

Weekends are generally quiet where we are in Singapore. Padahal, Hubby's crib is actually on top of a small shopping mall. There's a Burger King, a Watsons, a Coffee Bean, a Seven Eleven and multiple other restaurants, kiosks, laundrettes, printing shop and offices. And they allllll close during the weekend! (Okay, except for the 7-11 and the 24hours McDonalds right across the road, but that doesn't count!) To get food and such, we would have to walk either to the nearest FairPrice (like Giant lah) or hop on the MRT to more busy and family oriented areas. And jangan harap to get nasi berlauk over here. When Hubby is out at work, I would just munch on bread. No wonder I lose weight whenever I am in Singapore.

But this time around, we needed to find some porridge for Aiden. He's old enough to communicate his dislike for Nestum and Mummy is hopeless at cooking, so Daddy brought us to the train station! Not any train station, but Keretapi Tanah Melayu.

Did you know that the land where the station is plus the railway track towards Johor - all belongs to Malaysia? Prime land, since it is right smack in the middle of an area full of offices, business and such. This place is also of prime importance to Hubby since this is where he frequents for lunch, satisfy his cravings for Malay food and most importantly, where he can puff Malaysian cigarettes and not be penalised by the Singaporean police! (They are very anal about people smoking only Singaporean purchased cigarettes.) But recently, there was news that this train station will be relocated to Woodlands, and the land handed over to Singapore. Such a shame!

Malaysia, Truly Asia!

They even had a replica of a homestay kampung pondok.

Quaint, but just nice. After all, the train only heads towards one destination - Johor!

Model tak berbayar, with bubur ayam in hand.

It is hard walking in peace when you have a paparazzi as a husband. Now I know how celebrities feel! *chewah*

Then off we went to Hubby's office, in hunt for an internet connection so that Mummy can log on to the VPN network. I promised my boss that I was going to work during the weekend, so here I am honouring my word! But guess what? I could not log on because of the million and one security settings that the Dutch Oil Company implements on all its company issued laptops!

Mummy on the phone with the IT helpdesk while Aiden squeals for attention.

Aiden playing with the stroller wheels.

And got into trouble with Daddy, the designated babysitter.

Aiden throwing a tantrum.

At this point, Daddy was this *showing tiny gap between my thumb and forefinger* close to losing his patience.

Then it was time for some office fun with Mummy!

One, two.....

threeeee!!!

After spending nearly an hour with the IT helpdesk, I finally gave up. Well at least I tried! Work was just going to have to wait until another internet connection is secured. So, to Vivo City we went for more shopping!

Another milestone for Aiden, his first time in a bus!

Traffic jam in Singapore.

Ready to start shopping!

Upon arriving at the mall, we were greeted by a huge stage - they were looking for the cutest baby in Singapore! To enter the 'beauty pageant', babies and kids were asked to complete 4 different games/tasks and then pose as king/queen, complete with robe, crown and sceptre! The cutest baby pose will get to compete in the finals on Sunday.

Aiden completing game number one - jigsaw puzzles!

Aiden at game number two - place the plush animals in the box.

Aiden at game number three - and then we found out that to qualify, we need to be Singaporeans. Sheesh!!!

I was so confident that Aiden would win, hands down! So we left disappointed and started shopping. I finally found a Gap store in Vivo, where I went crazy shopping spree for Aiden's clothes. They were all 30% off, and plus an additional 20% if you buy more than 5 items. Which therefore makes everything half price! Daddy was so excited with Aiden's new clothes that he insisted that we dress him up with the outfit of his choice.