The Three AmiGohs

There seems to have been a technical hiccup sometime at the start of January 2010 where the Amigohs.com website went down. Not being in Sydney, I wasn’t able to reboot the DSL modem which was the problem. I am now back and everything is back online. Apologies!

I’ve just implemented a new site theme at Monica’s behest. At the time we talked about it, I was hesitant to change what I thought was a nice slick theme. However Monica found this current theme and it quickly grew on me. Let us know what you think!

It’s Ivan’s 31st birthday today. I baked a lemon and yoghurt cake and we went out for dinner at one of the local sushi train restaurant that has recently opened up. Linden was busy munching on the celery sticks and playing with the tupperware whilst we were eating. It was a quick but enjoyable meal. After we put Linden to bed, we had cake and tea for dessert and just relaxed

A very Happy Father’s Day to Daddy Ivan

Linden gave his Daddy a coffee mug with the cutest finger painting design ever. And I made buttermilk pancakes with whipped praline butter, served with fresh strawberries for brunch. It was scrumptious if I say so myself Uncle Jon was in town, so after a very satisfying brunch we went to Manly for a late lunch (we had fish & chips of course) and a stroll to Shelly beach. It was a very nice day out, couldn’t have ask for better weather. Daddy Ivan was one happy chappy!

Pancakes for Father's Day

Linden and I came back from Perth last Monday night, we were greeted by a big, broad smile on Ivan’s face at the arrival gate. BIG family hug!!!!

Despite the gloomy Perth weather; raining for about 10 days in a row, our spirits were high because we were surrounded by family, ate delicious home cooked meals, relaxing and being pampered by Gong Gong & Por Por (my parents). And yes, Linden took advantage of this every waking moment With the exception of sleeping at night, he was always held in someone’s arms, he even took naps (one too many) in Gong Gong’s arms. My dad just cannot resist holding Linden and did so every opportunity he could

It was raining so much and often hard during the first week, Linden and I stayed indoors, keeping dry and bathing in the warmth of the wood fire. We did manage to go out for dinner a couple of times though. It felt good to back home and especially wonderful for my brother, sister and everyone else to finally meet Linden. He was such a good boy, so open to everyone he met, using their arms as a ‘jolly jumper’ but most of all he enjoyed being the centre of attention, my parents referred to him as the VIP guest

On Sunday, I took Linden over to see his Mah Mah and to meet some of the extended family and Linden’s second cousins – grand uncle Geok Hwee, Anne, Joe,  uncle Jon, Cody & Makayla plus their kids – Dylan, Jordan, Noah and Charlotte (who is about 3 weeks younger than Linden). Charlotte, who is nicknamed Charlie is very adorable, she looks at you with these big, beautiful eyes and you can’t help but go all mushy inside. As the only girl and with three older brothers, I can just imagine how spoilt she is and so she deserves to be. It was good to see the three boys, the last time I saw them was at our wedding a couple of years ago, they’ve changed so much, I hardly recognise Noah. He is such a cute little boy and also very talkative indeed.

The weather was still miserable by the second week, there was however a couple of days of sunshine here and there so I took the opportunity to catch up with some friends. I even had a girls night out on the Saturday before we left, it was nice to have dinner and catch up with the girls.

I must admit, the two weeks went by very quickly and as always it was sad to leave and say goodbye

Have just finished posting Linden’s month 6 pictures. Link is HERE or navigate to the pictures section of The Three Amigos!

I’ve just finished a hot shower after returning home from Japan. It’s been a tremendous 11 or so days; the experience reinforced my fascination with Japan, it’s people and culture. The 48 other participants in the FBC.AU2009 program (Future Business Counterparts Australia 2009) were great companions and some good friendships have developed. I suppose its what happens when you throw a bunch of strangers together in a foreign country with a different language.

We all learned a lot about Japan as a trading partner, the state of politics, economics, business etiquette etc. The whole experienced exposed us to numerous Japanese businessmen and political figures. Industry heavyweights such as the chairman of Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi, as well as political representatives such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered presentations and attended receptions where we got the opportunity to talk with them first-hand. But to get the whole picture of the Japanese psyche, we did not neglect the “play” side of things. We immersed ourselves in karaoke charged with the courage-imbuing properties of sake & shochu; partook in various types of Japanese fare from the traditional (ramen, yakitori), to the unique (raw horse meat – “basashi”), to the modern (MOS Burger).

There was so much more to the trip – more than can be put in words – and I came back missing Japan, yet still inspired to be somehow involved with Japan in the future. For now I’m going to enjoy the comforts of home and my family!

I dropped off Monica and Linden at the airport this morning. They were off to Perth to spend time with family as I will soon be in Tokyo, Japan! It was a little quiet and lonely in the apartment this afternoon and evening. It felt as if Monica and Linden were on a really long nap as I sat watching movies by my lil’ ol’ self. I miss them already and it’s only been half a day. How will I manage when I’m away for 2 weeks!?

Final day at work tomorrow and I think I will start getting excited about my Japan trip. I actually have to pack; normally Monica does all the packing as she thinks of everything. It’s something I definitely take for granted. Anyway I think I’m all good. I have enough socks, underwear and the all important facemasks

Now I’m just waiting for my iPhone to get the new firmware update, sync up my tunes and all should be just about done.

I took the day off to help celebrate Monica’s birthday. Hope you like your flowers, presents and a day at the movies watching Angels and Demons!

This is a retrospective post but still important to record. On Mother’s Day this year, Linden and I woke up early to do something special for Mummy-Monica. The plan was simple: cook up some delicious French toast!

Linden hopped into the Baby Bjorn baby carrier and strapped me in, behind him. He then ordered me around the kitchen preparing eggwash & pumpkin bread, all the while peering at the cooking with a scrutinising eye. The French toast ended up being perfect under Master Chef Linden’s guidance.

Mummy-Monica enjoyed a delicious Mother’s Day breakfast prepared by her 4 month old – what a story!