Nomads for now...a mum forever

2012-01-26T00:10:00.000-08:00

Going 'home'

Five weeks, seemed like a long time but all have come and gone just like that. It has been so GREAT knowing that family members are all doing well. Kids are sad but told them we will be back in another seven months and this time…for good. Phew! I told the spouse that I have no more stamina to do such trips any more and please let the company know. *Wink*

Final shot in that lovely, cosy house. An environment which made us pause and think about people who just live simply but happily. BIG thanks to Mr and Mrs Lim.

Came with five, returning with six

Heading back to foster home. The seven months will pass extremely fast as Kai is preparing for his iPSLE and we will be preparing for repatriation and I will be so busy throwing away, giving away and packing away things!

2012-01-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

Heading home soon

Five weeks have come and almost gone…so fast, just too fast.

Enough vitamins and books to last another seven to eight months.

Tomorrow, we will be doing more packing. Going down to the laundromat to do a one off HUGE laundry, then more packing. Having the final lunch with a good friend, then off to buy fixtures for the renovation then dinner with family…

Going to be another busy day.

2012-01-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

Reunion Dinner

Our very first reunion dinner, buffet style. It is the most ideal. You picked the food you like and sit there and eat and chat then eat again then chat again….. Reunion is a time for bonding.

The family – father, mother, yours truly, sister, first nephew, the son, second nephew, the daughter, the spouse, BIL, brother, future SIL (pray) and uncle!

I just have to shoot these very big, fat, juicy fresh oysters!

2012-01-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

Final 'loot' before heading home

Yes, we were at Bras Basah Complex buying books again. This is our second trip there. The first lot of books have all been read and now buying to bring back home. Thank God for second-hand bookstores. We bought a total of 37 books for S$38.00!

2012-01-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

This is why Singapore is still very safe

A Malay wedding is about to take place at where we are staying and I saw something really beautiful being set up at the open function hall.

Look at those chandeliers and plastic chairs beautifully done up.

These decorations were put on Wednesday night. Today is Friday. They have been left unattended for the past two nights and nothing has been stolen, nothing has been destroyed. If these were to be done up at my foster country, everything would have been gone by now.

I must say that Singaporeans are really a bunch of good people. They maybe selfish, self-centered at times, their values and morals are still pretty high when it comes to respecting each other and each other's culture. Such behaviour is taught by their own families and past down by their own families. Please, no party should take credit for that!

2012-01-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

Passion…Sacrifice

Came back at the right time, the hottest topic in town now is the debate on the Ministerial Salary Review. Words like 'passion' and 'sacrifice' kept surfacing. One party kept on talking about sacrifice and another party talked about passion.

To me, a person who praised himself as having made great sacrifices with his left hand and receiving millions with his right hand didn't really understand the meaning of 'sacrifice'.
Interestingly, last weekend, I read an article in the papers…

A single mum sold her private apartment in Katong so that she could send her son to London to do his ballet studies. THIS, I call passion and sacrifice.

In today's society, it is selling souls to earn money to buy the most coveted house and not giving up the house to allow the pursuit of passion. Not many parents would allow their kids to do what they love. Tell me honestly, how many kids love to go for numerous tuition, unnecessary enrichment classes….
The spouse was just telling me that his ex-colleague was having a tough time with his kid. He wanted his child to do engineering but the child's interest is in animation. In the end, the child relented. After the first year, he insisted on going back to animation, thus, wasting his one year in engineering.

I wish both mum and son the best in their pursuit.

2012-01-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

Still can make good friend

Read this…

I have known her for a long time in a mama forum. She is really a great friend. When I first relocated to USA. I was at PA, she was in Texas but we were connected. She was always encouraging, listening and helping. We kept in touch for the past many years, staying strong for each other as 'relocated mums'. Even the kids knew each other.

We finally met…
Yes, our friendship was started and built up in the cyber world. Amazing!
People often say that as one gets older, it is harder to make good friends. Proven not true.

You can see, extremely difficult to get all the kids to look at the camera and smile at the same time.

2012-01-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

What have we been up to….

After the kids have ended their immersion programme, we have been busy with going for lunch and dinner dates. Some days were packed to capacity but really, when you have been away for so long, meeting friends is such a joy.

Friends and food never fail

Wine appreciation…not for me. I didn't know wine also need filtering.

View from friend's place. Beautiful. Extremely rare sight in Singapore

We also managed to squeeze time out to do some little things such as…

The Terry Fox Run at East Coast with sister and family

Ann is definitely an animal lover. The latest addition to the family, 8 year-old Saffie. My sister adopted her, if not, she will be put to sleep.

Visited the Queenstown Library. A favourite hang-out place for the kids and mama when we were in Singapore…yea, down memory lane. (Try spotting Ann)

Saw a dance performance at the Esplanade! It was great energy.

Saw Narnia, The Exhibition. At the same time, visited The Shoppe at Marina Sands. Most likely to be a once-in-a-blue-moon place for us.

A friend brought us to this wonderful milkshake cafe. It is a small place which served fabulous ice-cream and milkshake. It is near the Tg Pagar MRT station, remember the old Traffic police station. Yeap, it's there!

Our 5 weeks home leave is almost coming to an end. Tomorrow, will be meeting a long time friend….meeting for the very first time. *Wink*

2012-01-10T16:21:00.000-08:00

A little girl with a BIG heart

It has been quite chilly the past few days as the Sun has gone into hiding. It has been drizzling every now and then. Familiar cold wind brushed on the skin. I packed Ann's jacket into her school bag and reminded her to wear it in school when the need arises.

She came out after school and the first thing I did was to ask her if she put on her jacket as it was really cold…

Me : Did you wear your jacket today? It was really cold.
Ann : Yes but I lend it to E because she was cold and asked me to let her wear.
Me : (My heart melted) So were you cold?
Ann : Just a little while only lah. When E was not cold anymore, she returned it to me. (Hopping and skipping away)

Am I raising a little Florence Nightingale?

2012-01-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

The beginning of a new day
I can safely say that scenes like these can only be found in Singapore.

Barely seven in the morning and most kids are already at school or on the way to school for those who live near their schools.

2012-01-09T00:45:00.001-08:00

What is great about returning home…
No matter how good life maybe over at the other side, there is one thing which it will never have…the company of families and good old friends. Some of these friends we have known for more than three decades. Yes, amazing. We started beings friends when we were still in our Secondary 1 uniform. Then moved on to pre-university, then the boys went to the army, some went to the university. Followed by marriage, babies, …..the next stage will be seeing our kids getting married.

With the kids, with the adults. No, we were not at Billy Bombers, we were at someone's home.

This boy with the specky… a future Math professor!

2012-01-08T07:57:00.001-08:00

Happy 18th wedding anniversary
Yes, another year has gone by, 18 years ago, on this day, I thee wed. We spend a wonderful evening with a happy and humble family over a simple meal. Nothing matters more than a meal with good friends.

"Newlyweds become oldyweds, and oldyweds are the reasons that families work." ~Author Unknown

2012-01-04T17:03:00.001-08:00

Melting away…
Has been HOT, HOT, HOT

2012-01-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

First day of school…
Kai and Ann were back in school for the immersion programme. I wasn't worried about Kai cos' he had spent one year studying in Grade 1 in Henry Park, three months in Grade 2, four months in Grade 3. So nomadic. I was really anxious for Ann cos, she has NEVER stepped into a Singapore primary school. Would the bigger class size be daunting for her, bigger school compound too much for her to handle….jitters, jitters, jitters

All ready for school, one in the morning session, one in the afternoon session.

Daunting…even for me

Like brother, like sister, both are readers. Ann with one of her funny actions. She loves school.

Ann really surprised me. She was even a buddy to a Grade 1 girl. The girl didn't have packed food with her, she didn't have money with her so Ann bought her chicken rice. She helped her to place the order, paid for it and carried the food to the table or the little girl before going off to buy her own food. So sweet.

Q-ing to buy food for the Grade 1 girl, bringing her food for her while the girl followed behind. Like big sister or not?

Off to buy her own food.

I was very proud of her.She displayed one of the values which I have been instilling in both of them…always have a big heart!
Yes, we all survived the first day of school. PRAISE THE LORD…Yipeeee!

2012-01-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

Nostalgic moments

Have you eaten such cakes before? These were the cakes which I used to look forward to eating them when I was a kid.

The very place where I walked some decades ago. So glad that I was able to bring my kids down mama's memory lanes.

2011-12-31T10:06:00.001-08:00

Third senior pastor

We were home on time to witness the installation of the third senior pastor of Grace Assembly, Rev Calvin Lee.

2011-12-31T09:53:00.000-08:00

Our temporary home

This will be home to us for the next five weeks. Very spartan but it was an adventure for the children.

Hall, dinning area leading to the kitchen

Bedroom one and bedroom two..yeap, that's all.

The apartment is located in an area where I grew up in. There are so much memories in every corner…

2011-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

It is a brand New Year

As I write, it is now 1 Jan 2012, 1259am. The spouse, the kids and I arrived in Singapore on 24 Dec 2011, 12 midnight. The past seven days have been busy with meeting family members, friends and of course eating…As we arrived very early in the morning, we decided that it was best not to disturb our very kind friends who have so graciously allowed us to stay in their apartment. So, we stayed a night at the Changi Village hotel and also a good way to start the homecoming. Changi Village is also a place so filled with childhood memories…

The colourful life of Singapore. So good to be home.

Then of course, when back in Singapore, it's foodie time!

After so long, I finally got to taste char kuay teow with 'see-harm'…heavenly…(sorry, no pix)

Christmas morning breakfast. Simple but so satisfying…

Sorry ok…when food is this good, you just eat first and take picture later. Thank God for indoor cycling and Zumba class. Always good to have an exercise programme, so when gluttony sets in...have no fear *Burp*

2011-12-22T18:30:00.000-08:00

Home for Christmas…at last

Final count - five luggages, three big and two small *Gasp, Gasp, Gasp*

Look out for our adventure back home…one of the highlights, the kids are heading back to Singapore school *evil smile from mama*…(just ten days out of five weeks, not so evil lah!)
Here's wishing you, my faithful readers,

A Blessed Christmas and God's never ending blessings to you and all your loved ones in the New Year and many many more years to come!

2011-12-21T01:03:00.000-08:00

Why I like him?

I love Jamie Oliver. As a person who loves to cook and bake and basically experiment in the kitchen, I find his recipe extremely easy to follow and almost 100% successful each time I try them out. Although he is known as a celebrity chef yet he is very different from the rest. For one, he doesn't dressed up to cook even on National TV. Please tell me who dressed up to cook in the kitchen? He has a very strong voice for eating healthily and that does not mean expensive food. A cheap cut meat can have all the nutrients needed for a healthy body and he teaches his audience how to go about cooking it using the common ingredients found in the market. The way to healthy living is eating REAL food... period.

I think one of his biggest contribution to society is starting FIFTEEN, a cooking programme meant for training street kids in London how to cook and hence, able to get a job. Giving them a chance to survive in society using culinary skills taught by himself and his team. If more rich and successful person can think like him, the world will be a much better place for all, even the under privileged.

My collection of Jamie O's magazines and cookbooks

My little library of cooking books and magazines. I got to get a proper storage place when I go back home.

2011-12-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Notre-Dame de Paris

The Musical came to Shanghai recently and we all went to watch it. One of the finest musical we have ever seen and with great singers and actors. Their voices were fabulous, never heard anyone so good before. In a city where there isn't much to do, having good musicals coming to town is a great relief.

Ticket for the show Notre-Dame de Paris

Amazing chandeliers. The Chinese simply adores them.

This is the Shanghai Culture Square.

2011-12-21T00:41:00.000-08:00

Just about everything…

Haven't been writing for a while her cos' I have been busy attending Zumba classes. I must cos' I am going to feast! Busy with buying last minute stuff to bring home and of course packing, packing and packing. Thank God I am a type A person. A lot of stuff have been packed way ahead and yes, still packing. *Gasp*

The other reason is because I have been following the news of the big MRT breakdown back home! It concerned me greatly because my family depends on the MRT a whole lot. In fact, most of my fellow countrymen also depend on it. Prior to this biggy, there have been numerous minor breakdowns, a signal sent out to the people in charge that something was wrong, very wrong. But no one took it seriously and the system finally collapsed. The greatest blessing out of this was that there were no loss of lives.

I wrote in to the papers to question about the passenger limit and it was published…

Trains should have passenger limits

Published on Dec 20, 2011
SMRT says a train's back-up system, powered by a battery, should last 45 minutes ('Emergency power should have kicked in' and 'Don't break the windows: SMRT'; both last Saturday).
But if the carriage is packed to the brim, 45 minutes is too long to wait and that leaves the passengers with no choice but to break windows.
Staying calm and waiting for help will not keep people from suffocating. When the air is thin, even five minutes is crucial. We have always been told to think out of the box, and breaking the windows in times like this seems the wisest thing to do.
SMRT's senior vice-president for communications and services, Mr Goh Chee Kong, said the train was very crowded, so some people may have felt there was no ventilation.
Were the carriages packed beyond capacity so passengers could not feel the air coming from the ventilators? Are carriages too heavy, so the weight destroys the collector shoes?
Buses and taxis have a limit on the number of passengers they can carry. What about train carriages? Should there not be a limit?
Shirley Woon (Madam)

I contributed quite a fair bit to the forum page. How much of it will be read and action taken. I really do not know. But what I do know is that I speak my mind, I write my mind. At the end of the day, I will live with no regrets of what I should or should not have done.

p/s: actually one company which I wrote in to voice my concern some years back, actually took up my suggestion and made changes to the way they do things. So, don't think your thoughts are not important, they are and they do make a difference!

2011-12-15T02:18:00.000-08:00

Comfort food

We will be heading home for Christmas, according to Ann, another seven more days to go (she has been counting down). I have been working very hard to keep fit because, it is feasting time! Still, when we see food which reminds us of home, there is no stopping….

In a cold winter…a cup of hot milo with prata and curry…humble meal but enough to warm the heart. So far, I think this is the best prata in Shanghai!

2011-12-12T07:16:00.001-08:00

They will never get it

Kai is having his mid-year exams and Ann is having her continuous assessment. Kids will never understand why mama is so stressed when they are the ones taking all the tests and exams! Haiz…

2011-12-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

Real cutie

Bought some gold fish mould for trying out nian gao when I head back to SG. But before that, I must play with it….

These are yam agar agar with a layer of coconut sago. Of course, they are yummilious!

2011-12-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

Watching the kids in action

The school had an open house…to see what the kids do during their CCA class.

Ann is in the art class

Kai is in the ceramic class

Yes, both of them are very much into the art. I often remind the spouse, perhaps we should start an art fund!

2011-12-11T06:31:00.000-08:00

In her own world

I am very thankful that I have two kids who so love reading. I spend more time reading to Kai than to Ann. Reason is very obvious. Kai was the first child and apart from him, it was still him. Much time was spent going to the library and letting him explore the world of books. I sent and fetch him from school and the best thing about not having a car was that I was reading a lot to him on the bus, on the train and in the cab.

When Ann came, my attention has to be divided between the two of them. Many times, I regretted that I couldn't spend as much time with Ann. Having a brother who reads ferociously kind of influence her. She has also picked up the habit of reading. Yes, I am so looking forward to heading home, at least, there are a lot more books and more choices for them. There will be the library for them to spend the whole day there. At the rate they are going, there will be no more books left for them to read here and no more money for me to spend on myself. *Wink*

Ann in her own world. She didn't even know mama took her picture!

Nothing can do what a book can do. Lifts you out of your life... to a whole new world, whole new perspective... Dave Kellett

2011-12-06T22:10:00.001-08:00

(SCREAM….)

First visible white hair plucked out from my head. Age fast catching up…thank God there is this thing call HAIR DYE! And they come in beautiful colours.

2011-12-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

Phone call…

The one phone call which you do not wish to receive is the one from school…more so when you are in a foreign land. The school called and Kai was having pain in his throat. His molar is erupting and the gums are swelling so badly that it affected his throat.

Kids are forever our babies…teething never ends.

2011-12-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

Giving is always better than receiving

Often, the common complaint is "why must I give and give?" Think deep, think hard…it is better to be at the giving end than the receiving end.

The family was involved with the "Blessed to Bless" project. It was the time of the year where we packed some essentials for children in a migrant school.

It is really pretty upsetting to think that these are the people who have built this city. Yet, their children are not receiving the best from the city .What these children received are really the bare minimum.

So true

Old tables and chairs were being replaced with new ones. This is one of the better managed school but still in need of many things. These classrooms are freezing cold. I had four layers on and still feeling cold.

50 pupils in a class. That's their toilet. No doors. Beneath that, just a drain. Ok, you picture it in your mind

Basketball net, mend over and over again. Part of the school compound

Tuckshop and courtyard

Collecting the items to be packed into individual bags

All the volunteers

Kai and Ann doing their part. Precious lessons which they will never get to learn from school and textbooks

1,100 bags all packed and ready for distribution

This is home to most of the children

No latest tech gizmos but happy children, thankful for the education they are receiving now. After elementary school, where do they go from here? They cannot go to the public secondary school so what next? They are just thankful for the now.

One of the items was package milk. Yes, indeed blessed to bless.
All these set me pondering. A country that has so much yet giving so little. All are citizens of the same country yet all are not the same.

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."- Mother Theresa

2011-11-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

PSLE or iPSLE

Have been squeezing my brain juice, cracking my brain, analysing what is the best choice for Kai.

Logistically speaking, iPSLE is not the way to go. Travelling time to the exam center will take one hour on a normal day. If it is a jammed up day, it will most likely take more than one hour but less than two hours. If it is a not-moving-at-all day, it can take eternity to reach there. Yes, traffic conditions can be that bad here. It is a big risk to take. The advantage of taking the iPSLE is that Kai can approach the school of his choice personally, have a face-to-face interview and convinced that he is worthy to be part of the school.

Of course, taking the PSLE means that the traffic conditions are no longer an issue. It will be battle it out with everyone and may the best wins. I am quietly confident of Kai being able to produce good results. He is there and with his Higher Chinese training, I think Normal Chinese should not pose as a huge obstacle. But I am not telling him just in case he falls into the trap of complacency. He only knows that he is good but others are better. *wink*

PSLE or iPSLE? Actually, does it really matter at all. Hmmmm…..

2011-11-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

Ondeh Ondeh

What is ondeh ondeh?
"Easy sweet potato balls with sweet filling for tea time. Serve while it is still hot and the sweet filling will ooze out as you bite into it." - All recipe. The sweet filling is palm sugar.

Why this colour?

I didn't use any colouring and pandan leaves are prized leaves, if I can do without them, then I will do without them. Grated coconut is unheard of, I have to make do with dried coconut. Really, nothing in life is too difficult. These are desserts which I take for granted when living in SG. Hop down to the nearest market and I can satisfy my cravings. Over here, everything is 'Made in Shirley's Kitchen'! A fellow mama commented that I can now open my own cafe. Yeap…selling quiche, durian puffs and nonya kueh…what a combination!

2011-11-28T01:38:00.000-08:00

写得真好！

今天我在电视上看到一个非常明智的广告。。。

“关注孩子而不要关住孩子”

写得非常好。
华文就是那么的奇妙。同样的读音，却有很大不同的意识。

2011-11-28T00:47:00.000-08:00

可爱的封面！

周末时，在这里是没什么好做的。我们就去狂书店。书店里，90％　都是华文书。我看到这本非常可爱的书。封面的吸引力超强，我只好把它买下了。

这么可爱的封面，真的无法抗拒呀！

里面

背面

与大家分享我最喜爱的几篇。。。

哈哈！

对了，把小孩当小孩而不是把小孩当baby!

读这篇时，我笑到眼泪都流了出来！

孩子的话语，我们应该听一听。

2011-11-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

Ann is 7 !

Ann is seven today. Yes, she is born on Thanksgiving Day and indeed it is a day to be thankful for.
When I saw myself almost hitting the big 4 and still no sign of baby number two, I had almost given up hope. I remembered telling God that He has to bless me with my second child before I turned 40…and He did. Since then, it has been a joy having her…and her brother.

Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. (I Thess 5:24)
召唤你们的上帝是可信的，他会为你们成全此事的. (帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:24)

Through the years…

Birthday celebration at Hooters!

Mini cuppies for her classmates and all kids love a goody bag!

Oreo birthday cupcakes. The teething birthday girl!

2011-11-24T00:30:00.000-08:00

Awful weather, awful feeling…
I really detest the cold. If I don't turn on the heater, I will be living in a fridge, more so in the day when I am all alone in the house with the kids at school and the spouse at work. If I turn on the heater, I get that nasty headache. AW---FUL!

Feeling safe behind papa (Shielding each other from the cold wind!)

2011-11-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

Kid says the darnest thing…again

Ann spilled her orange juice.
Me : Told you never to play while eating or drinking
Ann : Sor…ry
Me : Go get yourself another cup
Ann : (Brought out a new cup, about to pour out her juice)
Me : Why do you need a clean cup, you can use the same one.
Ann : But you say get another cup mah!
Me : Duh….

2011-11-22T04:57:00.000-08:00

Zumba

My indoor cycling has ended and I was reluctant to sign up again. You see, I have to sign up for a one year membership which will cost RMB7,700. I will soon be heading home in less than a year's time. Minus the Christmas break and Chinese New Year break and the many holidays in between, I will most likely be doing my cycling programme for just a few months.

A friend recommended Zumba and I decided to check it out. Oh, I love it. It is a holistic exercise. Not just great for the legs but the whole body. Zumba is dance cum aerobic. Movements include hip-hop, samba, salsa, mambo, martial arts, (phew, quite a mouthful) and some belly dance moves. Squats and lunges are also included. No need special attire, no need prior knowledge, no need to be shy. The best part…all for RMB50 / one hour session. Pay only if I attend the class. It is conducted by a non-local. How else to get such good rates. *wink*

So let me….Zumba!

2011-11-22T04:56:00.000-08:00

Everything made in China? Says who?

Someone once made this comment, goes something like this..."God made earth, everything else is made in China." Sure?

2011-11-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

Bad air

The weekends that just passed witnessed one of the worse if not the worst day in Shanghai. The air was so bad that the sun turned red. This was posted on the Shanghai Mama website….

Hi folks,

If you know me, you know that I'm not a doom and gloom sort. I don't like scare tactics.

But, the air quality right now is (or should be) headline news and tomorrow would be a day to keep the kids (and yourselves) from exercising outside. And a good day to break out those particulate masks if you have any (not the useless cotton types that the ayis have but the N95 ones made by 3M and that contractors tend to have). Particulate matter are tiny, hardly visible particulates in air that lodge in our airways, and cause respiratory distress, asthma attacks, high blood pressure, and strokes. More on PM here.

I'm measuring the level of particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5) right now on my porch in Changning District at over 600 micrograms/m3, and the less damaging PM10 at over 800 micrograms/m3. The international standards (24-hr period) are 35 micrograms/m3 for PM2.5 and 50 for PM10 (US EPA and WHO, respectively) . That means that right now, the air is approximately 17x worse than the standard.

Mind-boggling, isn't it? My wife's response was unprintable.

Even according to China's own China's National Environmental Monitoring Center website PM10 right now is around 550 micrograms per cubic meter (PM2.5 is not reported in China). China itself sets 150 as its national standard. So, by whatever standard, the air is quite unhealthy now. As a reference point, Shanghai air is usually around 80-150 micrograms. This is Beijing-bad.

Bizarrely, Shanghai's Environmental Monitoring Center site is currently listing today's overall average air quality as "Minor Contamination" . I don't play politics, but this is frankly misleading, since this is the source data that feeds a lot of websites with these air quality indicators applets that expats check out daily.

The way I found out about this is that one of my consultants called me this morning, while doing a testing and said the instrument we use to measure particulates was giving abnormally high readings. I troubleshot things with her over the phone, but couldn't really figure out what was wrong. Later today, back at the office, I checked it against a reference machine (a HEPA filtered air purifier) and got regular numbers (around 3 micrograms). Still, the indoor levels were extremely high. I checked the various reference sites and found that sure enough, levels have been between 300-550 ug/m3 (PM10) today.

More interestingly, I personally have been having some breathing issues -- shortness of breath, coughing, and today, a splitting headache. I really did not associate these with the air until today's events. So, I'm just like the rest of you -- even though I should know better, I don't always make the connection between health symptoms and ambient air quality. I smell smoke, so believe that soot is a large part of this. With the colder weather, coal-fired power plants are likely on overdrive.

2011-11-12T06:02:00.001-08:00

Bwahahaha…

Check this out, it is so fun... Jibjab

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

2011-11-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Thoughts…

As you know, the great firewall blocks off many sites and one of them is the Facebook. To get into it, I will need a virtual private network (VPN). So, I don't really go in often. Only when time permits, I will have a look and it is important to check in once a while cos' there are many friends in there who post very essential things and not just small talks.

I saw one of my many old friends in there. She posted her children's achievements and I was very touched. You see, they are not the ordinary parents who sent their kids to numerous classes to excel. Her husband is a preacher and she is his assistant. They have three kids. The eldest just ORD (term used to mean, one has finished his National Service) as a commando. Imagine, I carried this boy when he was only a baby. All three of them are very accomplished young adults. Their daughter made good short films of which, one was selected to be featured overseas. Husband and wife travelled extensively for speaking engagements yet three kids grew up to be fine young people.

Even among my friends, some of the most educated, most well-off, their kids received the most elaborate education, didn't even come close to any of these three kids.

What I am trying to say is that…sometimes, the best we can give to our kids is really to leave them to bloom under the guidance of God. Something, I am learning to do each day.

http://revgeorgeong.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=57

2011-11-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

Ann-gelina, Ballerina

She took it very seriously and I hope she will continue to be serious with it

2011-11-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

Make it special

When you think of pasta, the usual ones will be Spaghetti and Lasagna. Once a while, I like to make them interesting and the kids and spouse really love them.

These are Mezze Maniche (Man-e-kay) means short sleeves as in short sleeves of a shirt. (http://www.pasta-recipes-by-italians.com/pasta-shapes.html)

Very easy, just stuff your favourite meat sauce into them. If you like, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella and bake for five minutes.

"each dish becomes a creative expression of the heart, filled with kindness, compassion and love" no matter how elaborate or simple it may be. "Cooking a meal is a gift you give to someone including yourself." (Untangling My Chopsticks - Victoria Abbott Riccardi)

2011-11-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

Boys at work

The kids love the Ghibli Studio animations. They now have the full collection of all the movies except for a couple of them. When Kai saw a shop selling their jigsaw puzzle, he wanted to buy one to try doing it. Together with his papa, they started to work on it.

I must say that the spouse has a very efficient way of solving puzzles. He first helped Kai to gather all the pieces of the same colour and started working on them by colours. It was an excellent way of doing it. They had it done up in a few days.

The boys' finished work. They really felt very good about it.

2011-11-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

Always be vigilant

Received this in my email today…when the great divide is getting greater, anything can happen.

Security Alert Top
There has been another security alert issued this time by Concordia School which, again, is in Jinqiao, Pudong. It also concerns the apparent attempted abduction of students in the street. The police have already been contacted and it is unlikely that this was a misunderstanding. Please read the following email sent out to parents. It is recommended that parents remind children of safety practices when outside the home. And also that Ayis and Drivers are informed so that they too can help keep our neighbourhoods safer.

Dear Parents,
We wanted to make you aware of a report received by the school today involving students in our neighborhood and the response from Concordia.
Incident:
Sunday evening two students were walking on Mingyue Road near the Royal Garden complex. A white, 4-door vehicle pulled up and a man jumped out and tried to grab two high school aged students. Fortunately, the students were able to get away and with their parent’s assistance have been working with the Public Security Bureau (PSB).

I will of course update you if I receive any further information and again remind you and your families to remain vigilant.

Regards
Mr. Paul Friend
Headmaster

亲爱的家长，
我们希望知会大家我们知晓的另外一个发生在我们社区的学生事件，并且让你们知道我校将采取应对措施。

事件：
周日晚上两名学生在靠近浦东花园别墅的明月路上行走。一辆白色、四门的车子开过来，一名男子从车里下来试图抓住两个高中生。幸运地是，两名学生顺利地逃脱并且在家长的帮助下与已经警方沟通中。

准备
看起来充满自信
避免风险
决不假设事情不会发生在自己身上

Each time when such news are released to the foreigners, you usually have two very instinct group of people talking. One group, I call them the 'act-tough-hero' who will say things like, "nothing to worry about, everywhere you go, everywhere you live, there are sure to have cases like this". Another group will be the 'super-extreme-paranoids' who will worry and fear for every movement they take.

I wouldn't take it lightly. In fact, I never did. Every piece of news I received, I take it seriously but I will not allow it to mess up my life. Life still has to go on, kids still need to go to school, the spouse still needs to work and I still need to cook but I stay vigilant at all times. Although I have a helper and company's transport, I still make sure I fetch and pick the kids up myself. There is no proxy when it comes to the welfare of my children especially in a foreign land.

2011-11-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Reading…

It was the school Library Week and I have volunteered to be a guest reader for the kids. It was really great reading to the kids and you know something, kids loved to be read to. Reading by themselves is very different to have someone reading to them. Kai who is a reader and can easily read by himself, still enjoys having me reading to him.

I had six reading sessions altogether, ranging from grade 4 to grade 6. I started off at a grade 6 class. I chose two books to read. The Invisible Man by HG Wells and The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. Oh yes, I even did a magic treat. You should have been there to look at the kids' expressions.

You want to know something? The kids were captivated by Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. They were very excited and wanted to find out if Shylock actually managed to cut off the pound of flesh. Don't think Shakespeare is boring and the kids won't like him. Just make sure you don't give them the original, unedited copy.

Do read to your kids, even though they may not enjoy reading but they surely enjoy having papa or mama reading to them. You really don't have to restrict yourself to just story books. It could be your child's favourite magazine, an interesting article, an advertisement, road signs….anything that has words. The thing is to make it interesting for them.

Kai has assigned me and insisted that I should read one of his books, Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle. Fine, that will be my next book after I am done with my Mr China...A WallStreet banker, an Englishman, an ex-Red Guard and $418,000,000 disappearing, day by day. By Tim Clissold

2011-11-01T02:12:00.000-07:00

My two "dictionaries"

Kai : Mum, do sloths have tail?
Me : Erm…..(kids think mum has all the answers). Meimei, do sloths have tail?
Ann : Yes, a very small one
-----------------------------
Ann : Mum, 'alot' is one word or two words?
Me : Hmmmm….Kai, 'alot' is one word or two words?
Kai : One word. Many people make the mistake of thinking it is two words. Always spell it as alot and not a lot.
-----------------------------
There you have it, my two dictionaries. Ann has an almost complete knowledge of animals. She is just so into them. She has many books on animals and she reads them faithfully. Yes, you are so right that I go to her when I need to know anything about animals. Kai is like an online dictionary. You can hardly catch him with any word which he doesn't know. Even his school teachers and principal asked him for the meaning of words.

2011-11-01T02:09:00.000-07:00

Book characters

It is the school library week and the students and teachers and principal were asked to dress up as one of the book characters.

Make a guess

Ann - Elizabeth Allen, The Naughtiest Girl by Enid Blyton . My personal favourite when I was much, much younger.

Kai – Jack Frost, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, winner of the Carnegie Medal 2010.

2011-10-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

PTC again

The Parents-Teachers Conference was held last Saturday.

Every teacher told us that Kai is very bright, very intelligent. They all felt that they were not able to give him more to do. His English teacher even suggested that we exposed him to sec 1 work. They felt that he has "slackened" because he has already reached the level where he could no longer learn new things. They all enjoyed teaching him. The whole school knew him as a bright boy but a mischievous one at times. They gave examples, instances where he showed a high level of maturity. It was indeed a privilege to hear them say, "you guys have brought him up well." The teachers suggested that we put him in a good secondary school.

Should I take their words for real or is it among the int'l students, he is the best but back in SG, he is just the average kid? I think I would rather believe the former. I have a list of schools in mind ...

Hwa Chong Inst - there is a problem when it comes to Mother Tongue. It has to be taken as 1st language
Raffles Inst - distance is an issue
NUS Math & Science - his language skills will go to waste
Singapore Science and Technological School - too new, not tested
ACS (Ind) – haven't heard much

You know when you have such feedback from the school and in need of some advice from fellow mama friends, it is important to find the right ones to share it. Some mamas (I consider them the very immatured ones) would think that you are just bragging. The wise and sensible ones will help you to see things differently.

One mama whom I have known since the USA days wrote this
"Some parents are happy that their kids are at grade or above grade because that means the kids can focus more on other things - depth/breadth/current affairs/arts/sports.... there are so many interesting things out there! On the other hand, some parents are worried/concerned because they feel that their kids are not maximised."

Another one wrote,
"First, congrats on the teachers' views on your son! However, as you have discovered, it can be both a curse as well as a blessing as it can be a big responsibility.

There is something I think you should be aware of, and that is that being intelligent and getting good grades in Singapore are 2 different things. Singapore's exams test a fairly narrow range of skills and content, and sometimes, the smart kids find it too confining and aren't too motivated to do things the 'right' way and may not necessarily get top grades. Teachers in international schools probably make more wholistic judgements which count more in the long-term scheme of things, while Singapore sec school grades are more limited in scope. So don't expect your son to necessarily get top grades in Singapore school, and don't assume the teachers got it wrong if that's how it turns out.

I think trying to get your son into a school where he will be stretched is probably a good idea. But I don't really know if you should rely so much on the school to do the stretching. If you can find one, well and good. If not, it may be better to place less emphasis on school demands and do the stretching at home."

See what I mean, not your typical kiasu mamas. They are mamas who think out of the box.

As a parent, what do I really want for my child? I remembered many years back, my friend is a NUS professor. His son more than qualified to study in Raffles Institution yet he chose to study in Swiss Cottage Secondary School (SCSS). Most parents would think, even I asked him why did he allow his son to go to SCSS. He said that his son made the decision and if that made him happy, it would be fine with him. Today, his son is in his 4th year in the NUS law faculty.

As for now, I have come up with some stretching exercises for Kai. He has to read the Straits Times and give me the 'Why, What, When, Where, How' about the news and at the end of it, his views on it. He has already done two on top of his daily homework and is enjoying it. I hope this will keep him away from his mischief.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equally proud of Ann. Her teacher commented that she is among the top two, not just in her studies but also her social behaviour. A born leader. Kids just go to her for guidance. I was really pleased to see her composition, using phrase like "the crashing of the waves". That's very matured writing coming from a to-be seven year old. Just the other day, I heard her asking her brother, "what is its gender?" They were talking about some animals. Children at her level would have asked, "is it a boy or a girl?"

2011-10-30T07:26:00.001-07:00

The throne of my life

When He is seated on the throne of your life, you shall experience the inner peace amid the turmoils and heartaches.

So true.

2011-10-28T03:19:00.000-07:00

It is here and there…every now and then

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/photos/protests-in-china-1319760041-slideshow/
Perhaps, it will be wise to have some evacuation plans. Just like what my brother did when he was in Japan during the Mar 11 crisis.

2011-10-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful number, 45!

Yours truly is now 45! I have never had any issue with revealing my age. There is a saying "never ask a woman about her age." To me, that is so pas·sé . Out of fashion. Few weeks back, I had a conversation with a Chinese lady at the compound. We were talking about life and I revealed that I would be turning 45 soon. Her reply, "开什么玩笑!" I took it as a compliment.

When you have reached this stage, birthdays are often just spent with your family and loved ones. This year, the special day fell on a weekday, so it was just I, me and myself. It was a good time to be at peace with oneself.

The day kicked off with, as usual, breakfast with the spouse and sending the kids to school. After which, it was time at the gym. Perhaps, the secret to stay young *wink*. Then it was home…baking with Jacky Cheung. Yes, baking my own birthday cake with Jacky singing in the background. Some may think it is pathetic. To me, that's therapeutic…pure joy.

Ingredients : frozen durian from Malaysia. Durian puree + whip cream + heavy cream…sinful? But I just came back from the gym *smile*

Intense coffee and rich cocoa powder

Lady fingers, not the veg but some kind of sponge sticks and Baker's bitter sweet chocolate…heavenly

Durian tiramisu birthday cake. Hehehe...

Pure indulgence!

The day time….(sing it) All by myself….When night fell….

Isn't it pure joy to have some silence and sanity in the morning?

Well, actually the birthday dinner was held two days earlier at my favourite restaurant

A Spanish restaurant along the Bund. It is a pretty pricey place so the family only come for special occasion. Pricey but money well-spent. In a country where food scare is a way of life, paying premium for premium food is every cent well-spent. Food is good, ambience fantastic, service impeccable. What else do you want?

Nice right? The best thing is that they welcome kids. This is something which SG fine dinning restaurant must learn from them.

Enjoying their dessert. Passion fruit sorbert for him and vanilla ice-cream for her. Verdict – Ann said, "this is what I call, a real ice-cream". Homemade ice-cream from the restaurant, no brand.

Stroll along the Bund ... By the way, the lights in the background…they are not always turned on. It was turned on to celebrate my birthday. Believe?

Birthday present from the spouse. Samsung Galaxy Tab hand-carried from SG to here. Useful for scribbling all my daily notes and weekly sermons. Reading up on my latest news, "chatting" with my mama friends... But before I can do all that, I must first learn how to use it. Anyone out there has a Guide for Dummies, please leave a line.

See, it has ChannelNews Asia apps. My favourite Jamie O as the wall paper. That's about all that I could to with this tech gizmo.

Birthday greeting from the son. A treasure hunt, in search of my birthday gift from the daughter.

A treasure box of all her handy works. So sweet.

Then….Now. I can still remember vividly, dressing up and getting ready for that studio shot with my sister. Cute or not? Happiness is having wonderful memories.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Ps 139 :13,14)
我的肺腑是你所造的；我在母腹中，你已覆庇我。
我要称谢你，因我受造，奇妙可畏；你的作为奇妙，这是我心深知道的。(詩篇 139 : 13, 14)

2011-10-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Poef or Berk?

I am feeling disgusted…
I bought them from a reputable supermarket. The packaging said it was BEEF. Came home, felt them, smell them…yes, they were beef. The moment I cooked them, they became these

Do they look like beef to you?

Then I remembered reading these some time back…

An additive that lends pork the taste and appearance of beef has turned up in Shanghai after media exposed restaurants in Hefei, Anhui Province, using it. The beef extract additive is sold in Shanghai and used in restaurants to make fake beef, local media reported. Cooking raw pork for about 90 minutes with the additive gives the meat a beefy flavour. A 500-gram bottle of the beef extract sells for 20 yuan ($3) and is enough to flavour about 25 kilograms of pork. Pork is about half the price of beef, which means potential savings of over 1,000 yuan per 25 kilograms of meat if the substance is used. The additive is widely used to give instant noodles a beefier flavour, Fang Youzong with Advisory Committee of Shanghai Food and Drug Administration, told the Global Times.(The Global Times)

Of course I threw them away.

I am glad that I have been feeding my family with more homecooked meals than outside food. Kai is extremely sensitive to food taste. He will definitely be able to tell the difference but Ann, she is very much a foodie and an adventurous one too. I really have to educate her more. The school cooks their own lunch and they do have beef every now and then. Pray, pray, pray!

What do you call such hybrid? Poef or Berk?

"For the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10)
贪财是万恶之根。有人贪恋钱财，就被引诱离了真道，用许多愁苦把自己刺透了。(提摩太前書 6:10)

2011-10-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Book Review

On our way to Hokkaido, the spouse saw this book at the airport. It was screaming "BUY ME! BUY ME!" Interestingly, such a book with such a title, selling in China. We decided to grant its request and it opened our eyes to a whole new world. It enlightened us to all the problems we faced while living in China.

It is 245pages thick, I shall not talk about the whole book but share with you some of the experiences which I could relate to the writer's own experiences.

1) Sample. They worked best with samples given to them. So true. When I first arrived, I was told that tailoring is cheap and good here…BUT you must provide the samples. I have tailored a dress from scratch. I had to have it altered. I gave them an old dress and told them to follow exactly. It came out perfect. (Please read what I am not writing) *wink*

2) Changing the specifics. They love to make changes without first informing you even if you are the paying customer. A friend went to custom make some curtains. She chose the fabrics, the design and paid the deposit. On the day of delivery, the staff came to her house to put the curtains up. She was shocked! The fabric wasn't what she had chosen. She called the shop, the owner told her, "we ran out of that fabric you wanted so I chose this one which is much better than yours."
Just like what the author said. He was helping an importer who manufactured body wash. His job was to make sure they follow the order. While spot-checking, he realised that the lavender body wash did not smell like lavender, it was almond. He asked the factory owner why the change. "Oh, the workers and I felt that almond smell better than lavender!"

3) Nice on the outside, poor on the inside. The author stayed in a 5 stars hotel, among the finest in the city. He woke up one day to find the flush system was not working. Even after calling to have it fixed, it was still not working… I had my fair share of experiences. Perhaps, some of you have read it in my much earlier post in 2009/10. Our first rented house was supposed to be the finest, choice of top executives but, things were slowly falling apart. First the pipe in the kitchen then the air-con then the roof then….

This is a great book to read, sometimes it makes me cry because the things they do are just so funnily-incorrigible. Sometimes it plunges me into deep thinking…
"When an importer told a retail buyer that an item was quoted at US65 cents and Made in USA, the buyer figured it could be purchased somewhere else cheaper. When the same product was quoted at US65 cents and was said to have been made in China, the buyer figured it could not be found for any less."

So, you see it is all a mind game.

Title : Poorly Made in China
Author : Paul Midler
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

2011-10-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Inflation or …?

My 2.5kg of brown rice was RMB49 and now RMB80! Is this inflation or what? Can you enlighten me?

2011-10-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

潮州家族 - 好戏！

这部连续剧讲述的故事从40年代跨越到90年代，在大时空下以一个极其大家长似的潮州男子蔡庆阳（曾江饰演）的打拼史为主线，多个悲伤爱情故事为副线，展现一个大家族的兴衰起伏爱恨情伤。

这是一部新加坡经典老片。在1995年播的。近年来，都没有好戏看，在网里找到了这部戏。开始看了就不能停下来。戏里的演员都是势力派的。演技高级。郑惠玉、周初明、洪慧芳、陈澍承、曾慧芬、朱厚任。。。等。全班人都把角色给演活了！

有水，有田，才有米。有人，有爱，才有家。好一句话。

李维松作曲，歌神，张学友唱的主题曲，　把这部戏弄得非常好！一个字　：赞!!!!
现在要看这样好看的戏，难了。悲呀！

跟你们分享吧！潮州家族

2011-10-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Her first published work

Kai came home with a Chinese book. A collection of Chinese essays done by students in school.

Love the title, love the cover

I was flipping through it and reading some of the essays and chanced upon a wonderful piece…

On closer look, it was written by none other than my…

…little princess. You should have seen the big sweet smile on her face when I read it out loud

That's why I love this school. They have very special ways of encouraging and motivating students. Why only the best of the best deserved to be published. Even simple writings deserved a space in a publication. So going to miss everything about this school.

2011-10-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Cold fermentation…bad choice

Read about using cold fermentation to raise a bread dough. Decided to try it out…bad idea. But then, never try, never know. Never fail, never succeed. *Wink*

Cranberry cinnamon roll and a braided loaf. Looked good on the outside but the inside…

Too dense, not at all a bread. Reason…suspect the temperature in the fridge was way too cold, it killed the yeast.

I shall stick to warm fermentation. However, the spouse loved the cranberry cinnamon roll.

2011-10-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

Today, I have a sad boy

Kai came out from school, looking rather sad. He said he may have failed his Chinese test.
I could understand his feeling. I know he has been trying very hard, studying very hard. Chinese, being a language paper, studying hard is just not enough. You need to have a wide vocabulary to do well. Take the comprehension paper for example. Knowing the textbook in and out will not help you do well in comprehension. This is Higher Chinese paper. It is tough. Sometimes, I can't even read some words.

"It is ok, my son. You have done your best!"

2011-10-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

Near accident

Today the car almost knocked down a biker. It wasn't the driver's fault. In Shanghai, apart from dare-devil drivers, they also have hell-riders. They just simply don't care. Yes, I repeat…"DON'T CARE". This biker just came out from behind a bus and ride straight onto our path. The driver jammed brake and thank God for safety belts. Always, always belt up, even seated behind.

2011-10-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

A very short trip

So, it was the Golden Week in China, we decided to have a short holiday in Hong Kong (HK). In all our past holidays in HK, we have always avoided staying in the city as we very much preferred the outskirts lifestyle. This time round, we decided to go for a change. We chose to stay in the hearts of the city. One other reason was because we needed to replenish the cod liver oil for the children.

I have always booked our accommodation through reading reviews from the Tripadvisor. It has never failed me. The comments were real, honest and not sugar-coated. This time round, I booked the CHI Residence at Shanghai Street, HK. It was really a great location. Within walking distance to the Temple Street night market, the Ladies' Street night market, Fa Yuen Kai, food streets and all the shopping malls. Do I need anything else? From the airport to CHI, it just took us 20mins to get there. Cab fare HK280. The Airport Express train would cost more and it wouldn't bring us to the hotel. All in all it would cost us about HK450. Sometimes, it is always good to check. The train may not always be cheaper than the cab.

The entrance of the hotel. Actually it is more of a mini service apartment. What is this? The lift shalf. So cool, isn't it?

Once you enter, was the mini kitchen. Fully equipped. On the right was the bathroom

Bedroom and a living room. Very comfortable for 2 adults and 2 kids

Outside the apartment, the hustle and bustle of a Hong Kong street. The surprise….

The street was lined with lots of shops selling baking/cooking wares. I was the happiest of all and guess what I bought…

An old weighing scales…something fun for the kids

Just five minutes walk, the food street

The colourful streets of Hong Kong

Ondeh-ondeh? No, not the norm…it was filled with durian! Never miss the food of Hong Kong!!!

When you have kids going to Hong Kong with you, it cannot be just food and shopping. You must always include some other activities. The Hong Kong Museum of History is an interesting place both for the adults and children.

Descending into His –Story

The early Hong Kongers, the boat people. Peng-Cai was already existing in the past. It was a big dish shared among many people. Now, this poor man dish has become an expensive dish for the Chinese New Year. How ironical!

Do you know what this is? This is a mountain of paos (buns).

This is how they look like. It is a kind of festival called the Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Outside an old house. Inside an old bus. Driving the old bus

The spouse is very interested in anything historical. This is an old pawnshop

The old postal office and all the PO boxes. I think red is nicer than silver, agree?

Old provision shop and tea shop

A tailor shop….a Woon tailor shop? That's my surname up there.

Typewriter and that must be a quarter for workers.

Look at how they store their utensils and that was how the kitchen looked like in the past

Outside a cinema, "buying tickets for a movie". Do you remember that clock. Looked like the one hanging at the Golden City cinema in Queenstown

Before the movie, must buy titbits. Oh, I so love that old fridge

After movie, supper time of course! I still see some of the tea houses in HK using these seats

So nostalgic. That was an old calendar. The date was 23 April 1966. I was still in my mum's tummy!

From the past, we went to the present. The Hong Kong Science Museum. This was very exciting for the kids as there were lots of hands-on activities.

Now who's on TV?

These are my favourites

2011-10-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Golden Week?

It was the Golden Week of China. I do not really enjoy public holidays here. They are just too long (I thought summer vacation just ended?) and having no places to go. Ok, perhaps, I should say that there are places to go BUT there are just too many people. The last I want to do for a holiday is to have people pushing and shoving me around.

One thing which I cannot understand is that why do they need to extend a three day holiday to a five day holiday and have people going back to work and students going back to school for the weekends (Does not apply to International schools). Tell, me who will be really working on a weekend. This is the most absurd practice. Not long ago, there was an article on this practice in a local magazine. The writer was saying that making people go back to work on weekends is a waste of company's overheads. The lights are turned on, air-con running and what do the staff do? Surfing the net, checking emails, chatting in the pantry…busy with every other thing except work. I have to agree.

2011-09-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Make kueh

I am never into kueh making. I think it involves too much work, too much time. I am one who must do it now and see the result. Cake making is much easier. Measure all the ingredients, throw them into my beloved mixer - A KitchenAid Artisan bought by the spouse. (It has faithfully followed me from the US to Singapore to Shanghai….) and viola, out comes homebaked cakes.

A good friend bought me The Wesley Methodist 125th Anniversary book. It was a great idea to compile all the heirloom recipes to commemorate this special occasion. I saw a recipe for a nonya kueh and decided to have a go at it. It turned out very well but I believe with freshly squeezed coconut milk, it would have turned out almost perfect.

I fully understand why homecooked meals are always the best. Likewise for homemade cakes and kuehs. Just can't do the short-cut way.

I think I am slowly morphing into a very versatile baker. The good old traditional cuisine should never be lost to modernization. Perhaps, I will do my own cookbook. Sorry kids, no diamonds as heirloom but just a cookbook.

2011-09-29T20:22:00.001-07:00

Ann says…

"Mama, recess is paradise."

2011-09-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

Durian this and that

We bought the frozen durian from a Malaysia restaurant. Ate whatever we could and the left-overs went to making these…(what do I do when kids are in school? Bake lor!)

Durian cake…

Durian puff and durian éclair

See the durian paste oozing out. Delicious! Now, who says durian is smelly leh?

Vey proud of myself for being able to whip out a good choux pastry. The last time I did it was when I was still sweet 16, doing Home Economics in SCGS. Decades later, I still have the skill. Not bad, not bad. Wonder if I were to run cooking classes, would there be any students coming?

2011-09-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is autumn?

Last week the temperature was still 36 deg C. This week it has dropped by 10 to 20 deg C. Have been busy packing up the summer clothes and getting winter wear ready for the family. So much thoughts…this is going to be our last winter here. Did I say "last"?. Yes, last winter. Time just pass so quickly. I thought I just kept the winter clothes and heaters and now, they are getting ready to come out.

Days with me are numbered and days without me will soon be gone my friends. Are you popping champagne or out come the tissue?

2011-09-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

Another writer in the making?

Ann was creating her own poems…

They are so funny but I must say coming from a six year old, they are a job well done!

Ann was born end-November 2004. That made her a year-end baby. While her peers who were born in the earlier part of the year, were almost turning eight, she was not even seven yet.
International schools follow the USA school year that means, the school term is half a year earlier than ours. That means Ann is in P2 at six years old!

2011-09-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Protest at the airport

The spouse came back from Beijing and said that there was a protest going on at the airport. The people were protesting about the airport being built very close to their homes and it noisy and destroying their environment. That's the problem I see in this country. The welfare of the people is completely ignored in their quest to be super (sounds familiar?). Just like the lead poisoning case. How can approval be granted for factories, involving in highly toxic manufacturing, to be set up in residential areas?

2011-09-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Kite flying…again

Ann wanted to fly her kite again. In fact, the night before she was praying, "God, please give me good weather for flying my kite, amen." So cute, so adorable. Just melt you away. We decided to go again in order not to disappoint her. It was a much better day to fly the kites. Wind was much stronger and this time, I brought my camera. The last time, the spouse used his iphone to take those pictures.

After church, we headed down to the square again..

Much nicer pictures. Ok, who needs iphone?

Kids do the darnest thing!

Do you see the little boy in the red jacket? Wherever the kids went, he followed them. He just wanted to be part of the fun. I guess being an only child is lonely. (China practises the one-child policy)

I snapped more pictures of him. I will do a collage and bring down to the square again next week to give it to his mum, who is a kite seller.

Ann took this lopsided picture, just before we left. Cute right?

This could be the last time we were flying kite for the season. As we were leaving the square, we felt the wind was turning a little cold. That marked the coming of the bitter cold winter…

2011-09-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Where art thy soul?

Plant closed after high lead levels in 25 kids
By Cai Wenjun and Xu Chi | NEWSPAPER EDITION
2011-9-16 01:41

Production at a battery manufacturing plant in Shanghai has been halted after dozens of children living nearby were found to have high levels of lead in their blood.
The Shanghai Johnson Controls International Battery Co was the major discharger of lead in Kangqiao in the Pudong New Area, the city government said yesterday.
The Shanghai Xinmingyuan Automobile Accessory Co in the same area was also ordered to cease lead-related production.
A staff member at the Johnson Controls plant, operated by Johnson Controls Inc in the United States, said the plant was shut on Wednesday.
The children's high lead levels were discovered during routine check ups for kindergarten recruitment, an official of Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau said.
The Pudong government launched an immediate investigation and arranged for health officials to conduct wider checks on children in Kangqiao.
So far, 25 children in Kangqiao have been detected with excess levels of lead in their blood…(Shanghai Daily)

Kangqiao, Pudong New Area was where we used to live. In fact, we stayed there for a year before moving out. Thank God we moved out.

When I was living there, I had often felt very uncomfortable with seeing smoke coming out from tall funnels. These funnels stuck out from factories lying all over the district. This district is very popular among locals and expat families. In fact, one international school is located in the area.

Sadly, this city is so focused on money-making that moral values are fast eroding. I fear for them and the lives of the billions staying here. I honestly feel that they are toying too much with Mother Nature.

2011-09-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

God helps those who turn to Him

The spouse and I have made the decision to return to Singapore. The main reason is to provide a better environment for the children to grow up in and to give them an opportunity to build strong lasting friendships. More so for Kai who will become a teenager very soon. Above all, that's HOME!

Looking at my own life, friends that have been with me through the years are those whom I have known since I was in my teens. Today, we have our own lives, our own families yet, we know that in a part of our heart, there is always a place for each other. That's exactly what I want my children to have. Good, solid friendships and the only way is to invest time with people around them.

When THE decision was made, the openings given were 1) stay in Shanghai 2) return to USA. These were the locations with job openings for the spouse. We prayed together as husband and wife. We prayed together as a family. We made known to the children our decision and what may come with it. Kai was older and he understood the issue better than Ann. He asked his papa what happened if there was really no job in the SG office? "I will look for one elsewhere." That was his papa reply to him. Kai's eyes lit up. Yes, a child-like faith. A son, putting his trust in his father.

We have seen God's faithfulness in our lives and even in the lives of our family members. Like Kai, we are putting our trust in our heavenly Father.

"I tell you, do not worry. Don't worry about your life and what you will eat or drink.
And don't worry about your body and what you will wear. ..
Look at the birds of the air. They don't plant or gather crops.
They don't put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them.
Aren't you worth much more than they are?

Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the wild flowers grow.
They don't work or make clothing.
But here is what I tell you. Not even Solomon in all of his glory was dressed like one of those flowers.
If that is how God dresses the wild grass, won't He dress you even better? …

So don't worry. Don't say, 'What will we eat?' Or, 'What will we drink?' Or, 'What will we wear?'
People who are ungodly run after all of those things.
Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them.
But put God's kingdom first. Do what He wants you to do.
Then all of those things will also be given to you.

So don't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself..." Matthew 6:25-33

"所以我告诉你们，不要为生命忧虑吃甚麽，喝甚麽；为身体忧虑穿甚麽。
生命不胜於饮食麽？身体不胜於衣裳麽？
你们看那天上的飞鸟，也不种，也不收，也不积蓄在仓里，
你们的天父尚且养活他。你们不比飞鸟贵重得多麽？

你们那一个能用思虑使寿数多加一刻呢？
何必为衣裳忧虑呢？你想野地里的百合花怎麽长起来；
他也不劳苦，也不纺线。
然而我告诉你们，就是所罗门极荣华的时候，
他所穿戴的，还不如这花一朵呢！
野地里的草今天还在，明天就丢在炉里，
神还给他这样的妆饰，何况你们呢！

所以，不要忧虑说：吃甚麽？喝甚麽？穿甚麽？
这都是外邦人所求的，你们需用的这一切东西，
你们的天父是知道的。
你们要先求他的国和他的义，这些东西都要加给你们了。

所以，不要为明天忧虑，因为明天自有明天的忧虑；
一天的难处一天当就够了" 。馬太福音 6:34

Without looking for a new job, the spouse now has to decide which offer to accept and all are based in SG. Our God is GOOD!

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Ps 37:4
要以耶和华为乐，他就将你心里所求的赐给你。詩篇 37:4

2011-09-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

Well done, my son!

The spouse and I were there yesterday to see Kai received his awards for best in English and Science. It was good that the spouse took half the day off to be present. It meant a lot to Kai. At the end of the ceremony, he came up to his papa and said, "thank you for coming".

That's the way, my son. Knowledge is important, gratitude is more important. I see that the decision to be a stay-at-home-mum is finally seeing its rewards. *SMILE*

Some things don't change

Kai - 2007 and 2011. Every where he goes, a book goes with him. Nevermind if his surrounding is a big chaos as long as he is in a world of words!

Best in English

Best in Science

Sharing his joy with his parents, sister and fellow winner - best in Math

His trophies. What do they remind you of…Star Awards…红星大奖？I thought so too.

I gave Kai a final goal as he finishes up his primary school education…to have a clean sweep next year. (Last year) I can see that he is very motivated.

You are not running alone, my son. Mama will be pacing you.

2011-09-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Sign of maturity

"Mum can you revise with me on algebra?"

That was from Kai. In the past, I was the one who was asking him if he had revised for his test and exams. His reply had always been "I already know."
Yesterday, he asked me to revise with him for a Math test that was coming.

Sign of maturity. Taking responsibility for his work. *SMILE*

2011-09-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Go fly kite

Yes, literally, we went kite flying. Offices and schools were closed for the mid-autumn festival. We took the opportunity to fly our kites. Nice cool, windy weather. Most ideal!

That was how high they flew!

At the square, we saw a man selling sweet potatoes. The foodie in me just has to check them out!

A big cylinder, with charcoal at the bottom and wire gauze on top. Sweet potatoes placed on the gauze, roasting away. Weighing the sweet potatoes to see how much it cost. Two for 6RMB.
Nice. Reminded me of school days where we had overnight b-b-q at East Coast park. Those were carefree days…stayed awake the whole night, chatting away.

2011-09-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Spot the difference

What can you see?

Can you see anything wrong?

Ok, enlarge to see clearer…

Spot on! The fence on your left is white and the fence on your right is wooden brown. This is our rented house and the management came to change our fence last week. But they stopped after changing one side. When will they finish the other side? You guess is as good as mine. Oh well, it is not my house, I am not going to fret over something like this.

2011-09-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

"Mama saved us"

Ann came home from ballet class and told papa, "mama saved us."

Ok, this was what happened. I brought Ann for her ballet class and we were trapped in the lift. It just refused to move. I pressed 'door open', it refused to open. I pressed 'door close', it refused to close. There was just a tiny gap between the two doors. It just refused to shut tight and the lift was jammed. Ann was frightened realising that nothing was going to happen. Well, we are in China, aren't we? So, nothing surprising.

If I pressed the alarm, we probably would still have to wait for half an hour or maybe two hours before help arrived. Guess what I did, I pried open the door with my two bare hands and … it opened!

China…the land of many adventures!

2011-09-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

我写得没错吧！

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese millionaire Su builds skyscrapers in Beijing and is one of the people powering China's economy on its path to becoming the world's biggest.
He sits at the top of a country — economy booming, influence spreading, military swelling — widely expected to dominate the 21st century.
Yet the property developer shares something surprising with many newly rich in China: he's looking forward to the day he can leave. By LOUISE WATT - Associated Press | AP – Wed, Sep 7, 2011

Leaving China

2011-09-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

My first corn bread

I baked my first corn bread. Not too bad for a first-timer. Of course, those from Cracker Barrel were much better.

Very pleased with myself. Another healthy bread for the family!

2011-09-07T21:35:00.000-07:00

Letters from School

Kai was ecstatic when he came out from school yesterday. He handed me two letters…

He has topped his cohort in Science once again and the icing on the cake…also in his English. *Smile*

Well done, my son. A pat on my shoulder too. I have been watching his English like an old naggy woman. While he is very strong in his content and vocabulary, his grammar has always been a problem. Like most boys, they just dislike rules!

He has studied very hard for his exams last year, although he complained that I was very strict with him, he still did all that I have asked him to do. He even managed to get a 'C' for his Higher Chinese. To me, it was an achievement for someone who didn't even know what 公主 (princess) means?　This year, it will be just as disciplined as he reaches the finishing line.

It was a wise decision on his part when he decided (yes, he made the decision himself) on the Shanghai Singapore International School. At least, he is able to know where he stands when he gets home. These awards will definitely come in helpful when he returns to Singapore to start his secondary school life.

Hmmm...perhaps, I will cook his favourite steak this weekend.

2011-09-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

"God doesn't help those who don't help themselves"

Someone made this statement recently. The family actually had a discussion over dinner one day.

This statement is so very wrong but it has been repeated so many times, many have just quote it as a truth… THINK. If we can help ourselves, God will never be able to come into the picture.

I really don't blame people who misunderstood this statement. In my teenage years when I was a student leader, I used to use this phrase too until I was opened to a new understanding by a pastor.

If we can help ourselves, we will never go to God, so how then does God come in to help us? The very fact that we stand helpless and surrender all, that's when God is able to be God in all our situations in life.

2 Timothy 1:9
"…not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before ages began."

Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen"

Looking at all the miracles of God…did the people or were the people able to help themselves….

Matt 14 : 15 –18
As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, They do not need to go away. (Here, we see even God did not want the people to go and help themselves) You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” He said. And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Mark 4 : 35 – 41
That day when evening came, He said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

There were many, many more miracles performed by God in the past, even now. But notice, the miracles performed were at those times where difficult situations were faced by the people. In the above examples, the crowd who has nothing to eat, the disciples who were caught in a storm. The healing of the leper, the healing of the blind man…they were all in an unfavourable condition. Remember the Sunday School song we used to sing….

He's able, He's able
I know He's able,
I know my Lord is able to carry me thru.
He heals the broken-hearted
He set the captives free
He makes the lame to walk again
He cause the blind to see….

So, don't sit and laze around and pray that God will rain notes and coins from heaven.

Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 6: 6 –11

You still need to work, you still need to study but when faced with difficulties, don't try to be god. Let God be God!

2011-09-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

A great divide indeed

Yesterday, we went to check out a new supermarket in town. I love to visit new supermarket. This is to check out their products and also to compare prices. With so many fakes, it is always good to check out new products in the city. This supermarket is located in a mega mall. It is very new, some shops are still not opened. This is a city of many new things. So many malls are still new, so many empty shops, so many have also come and gone. The most recent one is a Breadtalk outlet which have vacated spot at a popular mall. There was once a Sake Sushi outlet at a popular hang-out place, it has also left.

I have been to a couple of new malls located in prime areas but they are often half occupied.

This mall is situated in a developed (matured) area

Everyone just want to come here to have a share of the big pie. At the end of the day, whether one gets to have a taste of it, is really anyone's guess.

Back to the new mall. While walking and observing the new mall, we came to a corner where they were having a "decorate a cupcake" session for children. It was a free session (anyway, nothing is for free, there must be some gimmick). All you need to do was to register (ah…personal information given out) and collect a big cupcake (they were bigger than those which I baked). The child would then take the cupcake to a mini table, together with all the other kids, they would decorate the cupcake with everything that was available on the table. There were Pocky sticks, colourful sprinkles, chocolates, cookies etc…. Yes, basically using food as toys. I have no idea what did they do with their cupcakes after the playtime. I was too disgusted to stay for long. Of course, I did not allow Kai and Ann to participate. I would gladly allow them to eat their own decorated homemade cupcakes!

As for the new supermarket, sorry, it has been strike off from my list. Reason? Let's put it this way, I would prefer to bring my money to somewhere more deserving *wink*

After the visit to the new mall, we headed for our usual book supplier. We were surprised to see his wife instead of him. She was carrying two babies in her hands. One on each hand and at the same time running the book business. We knew she was pregnant but didn't know that she was having a twin. Was very happy to see her. The twin was a boy and a girl. Asked her where was her husband, she said he had gone to collect more books to sell.

They are people from the poorer province who have come over to the big city to work hard and hopefully to have a better life.

I asked dh, how much could they earn to support themselves and now with the twins? He said and I agree, we really do not know. Will their kids be given the opportunity to be educated and thus, break away from poverty? What really sadden me a lot is when I see those who live a comfortable life bargaining with them over 5 RMB (S$1). Oh, come on, give these people a break. I also cannot imagine if the officials come at that moment…would she be able to save her wares with two babies in tow?

Franklin D Roosevelt the 32nd US President, said it so well…
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have enough. It is whether we provide enough for those who have little."

Yes, CHANGE must take place!

2011-09-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

矛盾的人生

里面的人拼命跑外面，
外面的人拼命跑里面。

里面的人拼命学英文，
外面的人拼命学华文。

里面的人把生意往外做，
外面的人把生意往里面做。

里面的人说外面好，
外面的人说里面好。

这不是矛盾的人生是什么？

（雲莉玲作品 1/9/2011）

(I got the inspiration and words while washing dishes after dinner. Yes, believe it! That's the magic of LIFE )

2011-08-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Good bake, bad bake

Even the best chef in the world has his good and bad days….

Burnt, sunken cupcake

Nicely baked banana bread

Life is such, you win some, you lose some ; you succeed, you fail. The most important thing is never … lose heart.

2011-08-31T23:02:00.000-07:00

The irony of life

I talked to a father the other day. He is a born and bred local but both sons were born in Singapore. His wife is a Singaporean. He asked me…

Father : Heard you are going home

Me : Yes, by the end of the school year, will be heading home

Father : Good, go, go home. This is not a good place for kids. Singapore is very good. Clean air, clean water, swimming pool so clean…everything is clean. Here is terrible.

Me : So, are you making plans to move to Singapore too?

Father : I have my business here, making plans to move in three to fours years time…when my elder one finishes his P6….

--------------------------------------------

Yesterday, another father came to talk to me. Ann was in the same class as his daughter last year but this year, they split. His daughter was rather sad, she and Ann are very good friends.

Father : My wife told me you guys are going home

Me : Yes, end of the school year (maybe I should start wearing a tag to say when I am going home)

Father : Oh, next year

Me : Yes, three years is pretty fast

Father : So, on contract term?

Me : Yes, any plans to move for your family

Father : No, there are plenty of opportunities here. Singapore, good place for retirement

Both are fathers, men of the house, leader of the family. One, born and bred here but waiting to leave for a better quality lifestyle. The other, true blue Singaporean staying on because there are more opportunities (as in market is bigger). Both are businessman but their objectives in life are so different. One, a local, wants to get out. One, a foreigner, wants to stay put…..
but yours truly, a foreigner wants …. HOME.

Like what I always say..."what do you really want?"

==================================================================

These were in the papers yesterday

A 10 year old local kid flung five new born kittens to death…(makes me feel sick to the core)

How are kids being raised these days?

I fully agree with the researcher of the local juvenile delinquency…
"…the real reason behind the action was caused by too much of an emphasis on academics. Both parents and schools are so concerned about pushing children to achieve high grades that they have neglected to teach kids the importance of compassion and sympathy for others." ~ Sun Baohong

However, in another section of the same newspaper….

Four-year-old kids are being taught sex education in kindergarten?

A ten-year-old is too young to understand about killing five living things but a four-year-old can understand sex education. Ridiculous!!!

荒诞无稽!!!

2011-08-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

Extra, extra, read all about it!

Little Ann came out with her own newsletter…

The Nowhere News? Bwahahaha

My favourite one is Odd, 13 day-old, the tree frog *smile*

2011-08-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Mr and Miss fix-it

The spouse wanted to reward them for their last school year good results. They didn't know about it and were very surprised. What surprised me most was that they picked the Bandai Gundam Model kit. Kai has done a few of them and he really enjoyed it. Little Ann?

This how they look like when taken out from the box. See how small are the parts.

Instructions and a little help from her ko-ko, she finished most of it by herself.

Tah-dah…..a girl Gundam.

Motherhood is really not for the wimp. Apart from doing all that are needed to be done by a mum, I also have to help fix toys. Those tiny nuts and bolts needed to be fixed into position. Ann just doesn't have enough strength yet. Me, with my failing eye sight , handling such tiny, weeny bits is not easy. I better seriously and courageously consider doing lasik for my eyes.

2011-08-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Cooling-off Day meal…

Made these wonderful pasta "bags" on the Singapore Presidential Election Cooling-off Day.

What a cool dish *wink*

2011-08-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

Singapore 7th President….

Just came back from the Singapore Consulate-General office in SH after casting my vote for the 7th President of Singapore. God knows best…may the RIGHT man wins!

2011-08-24T02:51:00.000-07:00

Feeling sad….

In the car, on the way home after picking up the kids, I saw this…

A Chinese man was on a motorbike. A dog, pretty big dog. I am not good with the different breeds. It looked like a smaller version of an alsatian. The dog was chained and the chain was attached to the motorbike. Yes, it was a chain, those thick metal chains. The rider was dragging the dog along. The dog was in agony. The big chain was pulling down his head, his legs could hardly moved. I was angry, I was sad, I was wishing the dog would gather enough strength to give him a good bite!

What is so great in a place where the hearts of men are down in the drain!

2011-08-21T22:27:00.001-07:00

A deafening silence…

Summer vacation has come and gone. Kids are at school, the spouse at work. Oh, this deafening silence will have to get use to it again. It is back to me, my little cottage and my duties. Sending kids to school, marketing, running errands, getting dinner ready, finishing all that needed to be done so when the kids are back, they can have my time…

Alone but never lonely.

2011-08-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

It's a curry day

Some background to this wonderful day of curries. Cook a pot of curry
To show my solidarity, I too cook, not one pot but two pots of curry together with tumeric basmati rice.

Sedap! Delicious! 好吃！

2011-08-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

A game of chess

I learned to play chess during summer and got thrashed twice by my wee little six-year-old princess, Ann. Oh, how embarrassing but you know something, I love this game! It is about getting yourself into the right position, sizing up your competitor and see them fall one by one. Great strategy game.

We had an old plastic set which was almost 10 years old. Went out with the kids and bought this for S$20+. Neat, isn't it.

A good friend from USA was in town for business and Ann had a game with him too but he proved too strong for her. However, she got precious tips from him. Anyone game for a challenge with mighty Ann now?

2011-08-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

Today…

Bringing the kids to school in five mins! Another brand new school term and their final school years in SH! Meeting new friends, new teachers…some will be old familiar faces, it will be so comforting to meet them again. The kids so look forward to it. Busy time for me again, preparing Kai for his final year in primary school. Here we go……

2011-08-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

Play Angry Bird with your kids…

Your kids love to play with Angry Bird on the iPhone or iPad? Take that one-eye monster away, still can play you know…

2011-08-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

Trusting Him

Has been pretty anxious for the past months. Some issues at home have been pretty unsettling and always sitting at the back of my mind. Some people seek peace in Yoga, some meditation, some in temples. For me, I have always turned to Him. Some are skeptical…"religion is religion, what relationship!" If you have come across such a person, my advice to you is don't try debating with them. You can argue till the cows come home, they will still insist they are right. The best is to LIVE it. *wink*

The issue was so big, it will take a miracle for some form of intervention to happen and miracle did take place.

In the midst of this situation, I was reading a book "Growing deep in faith". How timely. The author wrote, "He is the God of the Already". Meaning, He already knows, He already been there, done it and He already has an answer.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8,9

耶和华说，
我的意念，非同你们的意念，
我的道路，非同你们的道路。
天怎样高过地，照样我的道路，
高过你们的道路，我的意念，
高过你们的意念。- 以赛亚书 55:8,9

2011-08-15T19:12:00.001-07:00

Good-bye to another one

Another neighbour goes home. Yes, like what I said, no matter what, this is only a pit-stop not our home. I have met a Singaporean family who has lived here for 15 years and still eventually goes home. No matter how good this is, it is not home. No matter how bad that is, it is still HOME.

2011-08-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Pixar comes to Shanghai
Yes and the spouse was very nice to take time off to bring the kids to see the exhibition before the summer vacation ends.

Sorry, no pictures from the exhibition itself because no photography was allowed. I don't have the habit of doing sneaky jobs on people's art. Caught a couple of them snapping secretly. Sometimes, we must learn to respect others' works. If you read the information given, it takes plenty of man-hours just to do one finished art. Kai was once again inspired!

2011-08-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

"Momliness"

To walk out of the house, I must always make sure that I am neat, presentable and comfortable. It has always been a rule in my life….it need not be luxurious, it need not be glamorous and above all, it must not be an over-kill!

Once a while I will ask the kids "does mummy look ok?" Yesterday, I did the same thing and Kai gave me one of the darnest sentences a kid can ever give to his mum….

"You're radiating an aura of momliness"

2011-08-11T19:39:00.000-07:00