Australia 2019 Day 3 - Phillip Island

Today was a very fun-filled day. We checked out, collected our rented car, and set off from the hotel and drive towards Phillip Island. We had already planned much to see and do. Firstly, was the wild pelican feeding, followed by checking into our new lodge at Ramada Resort. From there we went to the Koala Conservation Centre, followed by the Churchill Island farm. We then ended off with the Penguin Parade, and then had a very local dinner (laksa and mee goreng). It was such a packed day and we were so tired out by day's end.

Australia 2019 Day 2 - Yarra Valley

This was probably the day I disliked the most. Primarily because I ended up with a massive headache. We signed up for a wine tasting trip that took us to four different wineries to taste wine. It was relatively straight forward and hassle-free in that they picked us up from the hotel, and then drove us all over the place. It was all fun and good until the headache from too much wine creeped in. Caused me to sleep early that night.

Australia 2019 Day 1 - Melbourne

And so our family holiday began. All it all a very fun experience and it was my first time in Melbourne. Weather was very nice and cold. Lots of winds. We took the red eye (midnight flight) and arrived at 9am in the morning. Luckily everyone got a bit of rest. We checked into The Marriott Melbourne, and napped a little bit more, before coming out to explore the Queen Victoria Market and then had our dinner at a restaurant called Trunk which was beside our hotel. A generally easy day to start the trip off.

Just Back From Melbourne

Quick pit stop post that I haven't had much time to post because we were on a family trip to Melbourne.

It was really fun and I thoroughly enjoyed all the family talks and intimate chats.

Didn't want to come back because it was so relaxing and the weather was so cool.

Will post more details and upload photos soon!

The Midnight Run

These runs are really so therapeutic.

It is an opportune time to think about life, think about how its going, think about what troubling you, think about how you can make things better for yourself, etc.

On top of that, I need to look after my own health as well.

Unfortunately I will miss the OSIM Sundown Half Marathon that I signed up for, as it clashes with the family holiday, so I'm giving my slot to my colleague.

That said, a normal 10km run is still easy for me :)

SuperPark Singapore

So I took the chance when wifey was overseas, to bring the kids to SuperPark Singapore, at Suntec City.

Luckily I was kiasu and decided to buy the tickets online a day before, because the morning we got there, the full day tickets were completely sold out!

We made a decision to wake up bright and early to go there early to enjoy the place while it was less crowded. My kids are becoming very good planners.

Upon arriving, I realized that every parent thought of the same idea because it was the Hari Raya long weekend.

SO DAMN CROWDED.

My daughter immediately wanted to go to the bouncing area. Boy, she can queue all day to bounce and land in a pool of foam cubes.

My son was more into the pick-up football and basketball games through out the time we were there.

As for me, I was into the penalty kicks station and the baseball station.

Funnily enough, there were enough stations to play with, coupled with intermittent queuing to keep us there from 9am, all the way to evening 6pm!

We actually spent THAT long there, only coming out for meals three times. The first time was in the morning where we tried several stations already and decided to go for an early brunch and ate noodles. The second time was around 2pm when my kids wanted Ilao Ilao ice cream. The third and final time was around 4pm when we really got hungry an ended up eating Umi Sushi.

All in all the kids really enjoyed themselves, while for me it was so-so but I had my phone to entertain me.

I think we will definitely be back. Very much recommended if you have kids above 5 years of age.

Here are some pictures.

Fatherhood Reflections LXI - At Peace Lately

Lately I find myself at peace, without the baggage of pain, hurt and resentment from the weeks’ past.

Not really sure why.

Maybe I have reached another stage of getting over things and looking forward, instead of inward.

I still behave as if things are normal and do my best being a good father. Yet I must not forget the circumstances that have gotten me here today.

I believe in maintaining being the better self. I will be me, and I will strive to be a better me than what I thought I could be, not for anyone, but for myself, my parents and my two lovely kids.

I believe in living a life of positive and meaningful relationships. And living for the greater good and the bigger picture of what makes sense. And to live a happier and more fulfilling life for myself.

Maybe things may change further in the future, but I shall live and prosper with whatever lousy hand that I've been dealt now.

Towards a brighter and happier future for me.

Pokemon Center @ Jewel

Wish I had pictures.

We were there on Friday night and thankfully there was no queue.

But oh my it was SOOOOOOooooo crowded.

And everyone was limited to buying only 5 of a single item.

Who is buying that much Pokemon plushies?!

Anyway I almost bought a really cool Machamp action figure but finally decided against it.

Watch Yourself

Somehow, this spoke to me about the state of my life right now.

Lagoon Satay Beehoon

One of my favs whenever I eat in Lagoon Food Center.

This satay beehoon has been around for a very long time.