New Year's Resolution 2015 and so much more

We kept it simple for En Xi's 7th Birthday.  Just a simple stay at home cake cutting.

If you notice, Ah Zhor is carrying a broken arm.  She fell at home recently, but is all good now.

Your aunties and grand-aunties are all so nice, never fail to celebrate your birthday.

Another year has past and our 2014 resolutions were not fulfilled yet again.  Sometimes, you get the feeling that the whole New Year resolution is just a waste of time.  So, for 2015, we thought, it might be best to write down our resolutions on paper, laminate it and display it prominently in our bedroom.  We want to wake up everyday and be committed to achieving it.  Unfortunately, this proved to be extremely difficult.  Getting a 7 year old and 3 year old to patiently pen down their goals were not that easy.  Not to mention, the crazy Dec 14 and equally hectic Jan 15 to celebrate En Xi’s birthday, coping with En Xi’s Primary 1, adjustment to routine to be made, preparing for CNY, Valentine’s Day in early Feb 15 and the list goes on and on, blah blah blah.

Gong Xi! Gong Xi!

Ok, all these are excuses, so other than the perennial resolutions, I’ve 1 big resolution for 2015.  That is to lead a healthy lifestyle and train up for competitive track and field event, specifically 800m masters.  I signed up for SAFSA track and field meet and was scheduled to run on 25 Feb 15.  Trained hard for it and never felt better than before.  I almost felt 10 years younger and could feel the wind beneath my wings (erh, not quite actually). Looking through the 2014 results, made me confident enough that a medal finish is easily within grasps.  So, I did a time trial the week before the actual event.  Raised my arm and had a good look at my watch at the finish line.  I couldn’t believe what I saw.  I clocked an astonishing 45s off my personal best time.  How could this happen?  Everything felt right.  It was supposed to be like how I used to do it in my younger years.  The pace was right.  My heart pumped at the same intensity as before.  The lactic acid build up and fatigue was just about right at each phase of the run.  The stride was the same and I kicked at the same point that never fails to leave my rivals in my trail.  Perhaps, I’m just no longer 21 years of age and 36 years old this year.  15 years is indeed a lot of difference.  Still, I did not give up and told myself that it is because I’m not running with fellow competitors during my time trial.  And so, I patiently wait for the eventful moment.  Regrettably, I did not participate in the SAFSA 800m masters.  I suffered a severe strain to my right calf during the time trial.  How ironic.  Mental note: Edwin Ong is no longer 21 years old and have to read your body better.

Anyway, here's the Family Ritual Photos for 2014

2013 New Year's Resolution

As a Family:

1.  Venture into water-play at the beach, theme parks and zoo.

2.  Enhance sibling relationship through structured playtime.

3.  Build social and communication skills through structured games with other kids.

En Jun has started running and we think that we are ready for more adventurous stuff.  Lately, we started noticing the start of sibling rivalry and we do hope this can be addressed with more playtime together.  Lastly, to build confidence and various life skills, we will be getting both of you to learn how to play with other kids.

Daddy:

1.  Chart the family's journey by blogging and taking more photos frequently.

2.  Payback to the society and create awareness to my family through charity work.

3.  Start saving and stop squandering.

Mummy:

1.  Wake up earlier everyday.

2.  Start exercising.

3.  Cook more.

As a couple:

1.  To spend time as a couple without kids on the 4th of each month.

By the way, today is Lunar New Year.  Unfortunately, En Xi contracted HFMD for the forth time and will be spending time at home for this CNY.  Daddy and Mummy are taking turns to keep you company at home for the week.  No worries, it just means that we will be doing more arts and craft, drawing, painting and bonding more at home.  Get well soon, En Xi.  Today, you missed the Reunion Dinner at Great-grandma's place and your boyfriend, Glenn Ong kept asking for you and even drew a get-well card and a little present for you.

En Xi's Passport Photo (5 yrs old)