Tuesday 25 October 2016

Pasir Ris Swimming Complex

There's always some low cost and good fun within our hot sunny Island, and you do get more conscious about budget fun when the number of kids in the family expands. Or FREE fun if you have signed up for the activeSG membership (scroll to bottom).

Public swimming complexes have been around for decades. However, only 5 of these complexes consist of fun water activities for families. Mainly, Sengkang, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East,  Jurong West and Pasir Ris Swimming complex.

Some weeks ago, we explored the Pasir Ris Swimming complex. It has been around and added with fun water features since 2011. It's a shame that we only stepped in this recently.

What's in there?

Competition pool and Teaching pool


There was the typical scene of resident swim coaches conducting classes, but there's still ample space for individual swimmers. I love that the pools are partially shaded, which is awesome for the Mama who's often avoiding the sun. Pigmentation is a scare you know.

Jacuzzi



 A comfort pool for parents who like a little of relaxing effect. Js had much fun in here too.

Slides



This duo slides looks really fun eh? It's meant for those above 1.2m tall. I do find the height limit very much conservative as many kids below this height are capable and independent with these slides. I guess that's because the dip at the slide end is rather deep. Being tall or able to swim is crucial.

Toddler play


This is definitely the highlight for little swimmers or non-swimmers. It needs to be for children who are almost independent to play. Reason being, grown ups are not allowed to get on there for play or even to chaperon. Lifeguards are really onz and they would whistle you off if spotted. No idea why. And I don't think the structure would give way with a few grown ups on it. Having water fun as a family together would be nice.

Next to this, there's a wading pool for the little ones to water play.


Shower facilities are clean well maintained. I've such terrible memory that I can't recall if there was warm water for shower. I think there was. There's also a children's shower area with ample cubicles to shower down. Lockers are available too, if needed.


There really isn't much to whine or be unhappy about because entrance is only:
Weekdays:
$1.50 (18 to 55 yrs old)
$0.80 (1 to 17 yrs old and above 55 yrs old)
Weekends:
$2 (18 to 55 yrs old)
$1 (1 to 17 yrs old and above 55 yrs old)

Good and budget play isn't it?!! There are a couple of eateries within the Sports and  recreation centre, grabbing a bite after some work out is really convenient.


ActiveSG
Did you sign up for your ActiveSG membership? Register and get FREE $100 (limited period) credited to your account. This amount can be used to pay your entrances at swimming complexes! That's what we did. Other areas you can use, include gym admissions, ActiveSG programmes and activities, as well as facilities booking. You just have to benefit from it!

Good things much share, and this is why we are all so into ActiveSG. Our banners are up in some of the complexes!


'Ambassadors' we are! Ok, unofficial. It was a photography assignment we took on even before Juboy came along. And Auntie and Uncle were our 'mocked' up parents.

Let's try weave in an active lifestyle as a routine. Sign up for the activeSG membership today! FREE $100 credit which you can use to pay off 30% of the fitness programmes like parent-child zumba! 

Operating Hours

Daily 8.00am - 9.30pm
(closed on Wednesdays except public holidays)

Morning Swim:
Competition Pool
opens 6.30am on Fridays 
Slide operating hours: 8.30am to 8.30pm

Address

120 Pasir Ris Central
Singapore 519640

Tuesday 11 October 2016

Marriage with kids

10 years ago, the man and I made a dream wedding became a reality. On the 3rd year into our marriage we had our first born, on the 5th year our second born and this 10th year, our third born. In contrast to many long run marriages out there, we are shy of the many years mark ahead. But we celebrate and are thankful for milestones.


We are thankful how these 10 years of being married have made big differences to our lives and the innate part of us. All for bringing out the better and worse in us. The hard truth about being married with kids is that we don't revert to the same life as, just the two of us. Travels and dates are never easy and convenient the moment you start buying diapers.

Being in a marriage with kids is one ultimate test of a marriage. There is a dynamic change from being lovers to parents, and there are various decisions we make as parents to agree and disagree on the kids' growing journey. The newly added and re-distribution of roles, the constant fatigue, the stretch in finances and the many challenges the kids sprinkle into a marriage. Never ending surprises.

You would have realised too, what was argued in the past is negligent among the arguments of today. You get wiser in sifting out what to rake and what to slide. You know that less arguments means more time for bonding. Some days, the connection becomes just like instructions instead of meaningful communication.

Like many say, a good marriage is the best gift to the kids. Stay cautious not to cultivate a burn out marriage. After all, marriage is a longer journey than parenting the kids. If need to, take a break from the kids to get the flame burning!

  • Don't stop taking pictures as a couple
  • Don't stop taking pictures of each other
  • Don't stop the little acts we do before kids came along
  • Don't keep whatsapp and messages to just kids' conversations
  • Groom a reliable babysitter
  • Meet those eyes when communicating
  • Greet each other when home 
  • Say "Sorry"

Moving from couplehood to parenthood isn't all too daunting. It has however showed me more clearly whom I've really married 10 years ago. I can never be more grateful to God for sending him to me. I remember very vividly, the thoughts that ran through my mind just a day before our wedding. I analysed if this was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Not just as a couple, but also as the Dad of my future kids. He wasn't wealthy, romantic, a sweet talker or someone with special talents. And nope, we don't marry someone in hope that he will change for the better, because then, we will disappoint hard if he doesn't change.

I only knew he was reliable, responsible and extremely hardworking. Can't go too wrong from there, and so I said, "I do." You won't believe he keeps spreadsheets of our expenses like diaper and petrol!

There's no sure bet, but I scored it.



With no regrets I married this man and with no regrets we have 3 lovely kids.

I often tell Jazz, love is beyond being superficial. It isn't like how Anna met Prince Hans in Frozen, and decide to get married that soon. No. And I tell Jare, God sends you a wife to love and respect. Dad is a fine example, but you'll probably need to be more romantic than him. Always pray earnestly and keep God in the center of your decisions.

To my bro who's tying the knot end of this month, love and cherish each other. Wedding is just a day, but marriage is a lifetime. That's the focus. Don't take too long to enjoy couplehood because my kids will love to have cousins!

To my man, Happy 10th anniversary. We've aged, but I think we are looking graceful and glorious with the achievements this far. Thankful for you!

Everyone else, keep calm and keep producing! Kids are joyful.