MacRitchie Tree Top Walk

Last Thursday was Labour May.... Darling and I organised a hike to Tree Top Walk @ MAcRitchie Reservoir. There were about 12 of us, including two children. We gathered early in the morning, 8am. I was surprised to see a big crowd at the reservoir when we reached! The entire park was pretty packed. Secondary sch students were there to kayak or jog. There was quite a huge number of senior citizens too! I was excited as we waited for the rest to turn up. It would be the most "exercised" week of my life, ever since school days!! Hahaha! :D Last week I started my kickboxing lesson, remember?

The whole journey went smoothly.... even the kids enjoyed themselves and did not grumble even a wee bit! They were waiting to catch sight of monkeys! We eventually did... when we were walking along a path after our break and the kids were still trying to finish their bread. Well, the monkeys smelt from far the fragrance of the hotdog bun and all scrambled up to us! The parents panicked and quickly kept the buns. That was quite an experience! ;)

If you were to look carefully around you as you walk thru' the jungle, you can actually spot many residents of the reserve! I even picked up a rubber seed.










It was simply amazing and interesting. Tho, I can't say the same about some of the people we met along the way. The runners simply rushed thru' the path. Tho some were polite to thank us for giving way, some shouted "excuse me" in such a manner as if we were taking up their space! So infuriating!! Perhaps there should be a running route reserved for jogging only, so that those who visit the reserve mainly for the purpose of admiring the nature can do so in peace and at a leisure pace.

At the end of the hike, we went for a good meal at Swensen's (another lousy experience @ Swensen's for me..again :( Well, but it was an enjoyable day for me :)

Colourful Lollipop that Darling bought for me at the end of the hike

My Latest Hobby

I've always wanted to sew bags - my favourite accessory, other than shoes! Didn't have a sewing machine and had been thinking of buying one. Now that I'm staying with my parents-in-law, I can use my mum-in-law's sewing machine! Haha!

Take a look at the very first drawstring bag I made for my Darling.

It's a very simple one, though.

After this, I've made a small carrier for myself and two little carriers for a colleague's daughters. Been wanting to make different kinds of bags but wondering what to do with them. The idea struck as I was sharing with her about my bag-making experience. She also suggested jotting step-by-step notes and pictures to upload onto my blog... So here it is! Here's how I made the carriers for her daughters.

Measure and cut the cloth

Next, iron the strap before sewing it. Ironing helps to hold the seam into place.

Sew the main carrier at the two sides. Then fold in the top before pinning the straps on for sewing.

And it's done!

And now, I'm in the midst of sewing a denim bag. The material is thick, so have to be exact and careful when sewing. I'm so excited and wish I've got more time for sewing. Have been to Chinatown to purchase more cloth! I wanna complete the denim bag!

I'm Exercising... Finally!

Yesterday was the first lesson in kickboxing. Yes, you didn't read it wrong... I've just joined a kickboxing class with my colleagues! I'm so proud to say that I've got good hand-and-leg coordination. I could follow most of the steps and stances. Though fumbled a little when I'm supposed to combine two different kinds of punches and kicks, alternating them within rhythm. I'm surprised at how simple it is to follow and the pace was fantastic! The one hour flew past! It was pretty easy and simple for first-timers. It wasn't very vigorous too. I don't feel any muscle ache..(yet), felt a tightness on my back thighs and calfs though. Looking forward to next week's lesson. It's fun and I get to exercise and perspire! Haha!

June Hols :)

Natas fair was just over. Have you booked for any tour? Darling & I went to the fair, with Australia in mind. Lo & behold, we found that going to Aust. is not cheap! Moreover, not all the meals are provided for...Hmm... that means more spending on food, less on shopping. So we decided to change destination.... China seems good :) We made a booking, thinking that our parents would be keen to go with us. Alas, his parents are tired of visiting China & Mum would just be back from the States at that time, so in the end, we switched to..... (drumroll pls) Mongolia! So exotic right? Hmm... how many of us have actually been to Mongolia? I don't think it's a popular tourist spot. Well, grassland, camels, desert, sand, etc etc.... Sounds like going back to ancient days, eh? Beginning to look forward to it....

Air Show 2008

Last Sat, I went to the Air Show of the year with Darling, Mum, Adeline, Bro & Daze and Bro's frens. It was an eye-opener. It was the first time for me. Been to the Air Force Musuem last year and I love looking at the planes! This time round, we could even watch performances by the pilots flying their aircrafts! It was truly spectacular!

We got complimentary tickets from Uncle Llyold (so fortunate!). We went early in the morning so that we could look at the aircrafts before the show. The place was really packed with people! We had to go thru' stringent checks before entering the exhibition arena. There were many aircrafts on display. Not just from the Singapore Air Force but also from the other countries. We talked to some of the crew, took pictures with them, even got a few souvenirs! Hahaha, it was really fun! We even saw Airbus 380! But what a pity that only invited guests could board it :(

Then Uncle called us and brought us all for lunch at the airbase restaurant, where the viewing gallery was. We had almost full view of the sky as we had lunch! Halfway thru lunch, the performace started. First was a treat by Black Knights....Singapore's very own aerobatics team from the Air Force. They put up a fantastic show! WoW! It was a one and half hour show....well, by the third team or so (they rest were soloist) it was pretty predictable (how else can you fly a plane?).... I still think that Black Knights were the best!

It was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.... Most probably won't be going for another, unless they include more treats next time.... How about going up on a plane?