My Story by Dave Pelzer

I chanced upon a simple white book one fine, sunny afternoon in Fully Booked High Street.  Itching for a new novel to read, I handled over my payment and brought this seemingly harmless tome home.  Little did I know that the story contained within would greatly leave me disturbed and reeling from the injustice of child abuse.

My Story by Dave Pelzer

TV Channel Surfing in Singapore

I'm ashamed to admit it; but I do watch a lot of television.  I know it's bad for my health, and I pray frequently that the Little One won't pick up the habit; but it's the only activity that can totally shut off my raging thoughts even for just a little while.

I'm the type of person who has a hard time shutting myself off mentally.  It's enough to drive me bonkers; but as long as I'm glued to the boob tube, I'm fine.  Keeps my sanity in check.  In fact, it's my stress-reliever after a hard day on the job.  So it isn't really a wonder that I'll be continuing my bad habit here in Singapore. 

Now unlike in the Philippines, we, for the meantime, opted not to have cable television installed for a number of reasons.  So for now, we content ourselves with watching shows at the local channels.  And believe me, there are some distinct differences one notices.

TV channel surfing in Singapore

James Patterson and Maxine Paetro's 10th Anniversary (Women's Murder Club)

The Madir always holds a special place for crime and thriller stories, highly influenced, I guess, in part by my lolo's (her dad's) love for the same genre.  Although she has her favorite authors, she still continues to search for writers (old and new) that can spin an interesting yarn.  In fact, one of her recent discoveries is the Women's Murder Club series written by James Patterson (with the help of a slew of other co-authors).


Feeling the need to read a new title, I came across the Madir's copy of James Patterson's (co-written by Maxine Paetro) 10th Anniversary, which she left during her last July visit here in Singapore.

James Patterson and Maxine Paetro's 10th Anniversary

Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

Note: By special request of fellow blogger, Sunset Goddess Manila.  P.S. My sincere apologies for the very late post.  L

I have green on my mind.  Fresh, cool green, that is.  And after going around Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, my thoughts have grown even a shade more verde.

The Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Chinese and Japanese Gardens in Singapore

One of the many things I love about Singapore is the fact that there are tons of lush parks scattered all around the island.  The Lion City actually boasts of being a country with at least 50% of its land area devoted to the preservation of its natural, green landscapes.

It also serves a higher purpose for it helps lower the temperature and provides cool, shady areas for the people.  I even find myself not so much bothered about the tropical weather here than when I am in the Philippines, considering that Singapore is actually located nearer the equator than we are.

I have a lot of fond memories centered around the parks here in Singapore -- morning jogs with the cool breeze fanning me down, nightly walks with the Husband after a tired day's work, and of course, our leisure weekend photo walks.  And one of our favorite places to stroll around is at the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.

Chinese and Japanese Gardens, Singapore

A Commune with Fine Feathered Friends at Jurong Bird Park, Singapore

Singapore may be a small country; but what it lacks for in size, they surely make up for in quality, kid-friendly attractions.

Having been a frequent babysitter to 2 cousins and a nephew, and now having my own daughter to torment (just kidding) too, I've always found it fascinating how they, at such a young age, are easily drawn to animals of all shapes and sizes. 

That being said, the Singapore Zoo (post about this wonderful place to be written soon) will definitely be a hit to the little ones.  But for those wishing to particularly commune with some of our fine feathered friends, then Jurong Bird Park is the place for you.

Jurong Bird Park, Singapore

HOT-KID Milk Beverage (A Singapore Beverage Post)

It's been a long time since I've had sweetened milk.  I've been drinking the low-fat variety for so many years now that even regular milk just doesn't taste as good as it was when I was little.

That being said, though, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to sample this little cutie one hot, sunny afternoon in Singapore.

A HOT-KID Milk Beverage drink

MM Fine Foods’ Corned Beef (A Singapore Food Post)

I’m not really a fan of corned beef.  The taste, the texture -- whatever it is -- it just doesn’t agree with me.  Unfortunately, it is the Husband's favorite breakfast (and lunch and dinner) staple and so have it we must at least once a week.

Good thing, though, that we have MM Fine Foods' corned beef here in Singapore.

MM Fine Foods' corned beef

Home Away From Home-lah

I have to be honest.  Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I’ll be living in a foreign country some day.  It was never my intention to migrate away from the homeland, much less try to raise a family in a place other than the Philippines.

Nevertheless, I was always curious as to how other people live in another country.  So in the hopes of helping out a kindred spirit, I’ll try to best explain in this post what are the usual views and conveniences we have here in our home away from home-lah.

The Madir and the Little One lounging by the pool.