making it easier to keep in touch with family and friends

Sunday 24 December 2017

Happy Christmas 2017

Tis the eve of Christmas 2017
Illustration by Ah Guo

Saturday 23 December 2017

Change

Brought the girls to the hairdresser's to get their haircuts as school is reopening soon, in another week's time. I decided to do something different with my hair haha. 
Can't really tell what I did to my hair, right? :P

Friday 22 December 2017

Happy Winter Solstice 2017

Wishing all who celebrates a Happy Winter Solstice 2017! 
I woke up early to cook tangyuan for my kids. I am not my mother so I bought the tangyuan packets from supermarket rather than make them from scratch as my mother would. :P 

Wednesday 20 December 2017

Big Move

We have to move office due to some restructuring of office space. 
I went back to move today. I had lots of stuff because I have stuff since 2004. It was really bad for my back as I was moving on my own even though I could use the trolley for the moving back and fro between the old and new office. There were others who enlisted the help of their RAs. Personally, I don't feel right doing that as it is my affair, not my RAs' business. I have moved most of the bigger, important stuff into the new office but there is still more nitty-gritty stuff to be moved. Need another few more days but right now, I need to rest my back. Really feeling my age! :D     

Tuesday 19 December 2017

Winter/ Spring Cleaning

Took advantage of my leave to do some winter/ spring cleaning of my room! 
I seriously need to reorganise how I organise things! At least I still have time before Chinese New Year in February 2018 haha.

Monday 18 December 2017

Nitty Gritty

On leave. But back at work  to do more nitty gritty administrative matters.

Sunday 17 December 2017

Take Leave?

I have a few outstanding writing tasks. Thinking of taking leave to write lol. 

Saturday 16 December 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Besides the original Star Wars (Episodes III to VI, 1977 to 1983), I like this new Star Wars (Episode VIII) the best because of my childhood heroes. It is hard saying good-bye to Luke and Leia in this movie (it was good-bye to Han Solo in the last movie). It is the end of the chapter for the old guard of Star Wars. Thank you for the wonderful memories!

BB-8 (to Poe): *nervous beeps* translates to "I've got a bad feeling about this."
Poe (to BB-8): "Happy beeps here, buddy. Come on. We've pulled crazier stunts than this."
Leia (to Poe): "Just for the record, Commander Dameron, I'm with the droid on this."

Yoda (to Luke): "The greatest teacher, failure is." 

Yoda (to Luke): "We are what they grow beyond. This is the true burden of all masters."

Holdo (to Leia): "May the Force be with you, always."

Leia (to Poe): "She is more interested in protecting the light than seeming like a hero." 

Luke (to Leia): "No one's ever really gone."

Kylo Ren (to Rey): "Let the past die. Kill it, if you have to. That's the only way to become what you are meant to be."

Luke (to Ben Solo): "The rebellion is reborn today. The war is just beginning and I will not be the last Jedi."

Luke (to Ben Solo): "See you around, kid."

Rey (to Leia): ".. it wasn't sadness or pain. It was peace and purpose." 

Friday 15 December 2017

Last Christmas

The song, Last Christmas has a special place in my heart. I first heard it when I was in Europe for 3 weeks in 1986. I like the original version by Wham. Over the years, there have been different versions of Last Christmas and I like Ariana Grande's version. 

Last Christmas (uploaded by ArianaGrandeVEVO)

Thursday 14 December 2017

Programme Schedule

I am involved in the programme sub-committee for another international conference that is happening in early January 2018. All I can say it is a nightmare scheduling the programme. We had extremely late, and incomplete data to work with. Other than that, still had to contend with colleagues who only knew how to talk but nowhere to be found when work needs to be done.

Wednesday 13 December 2017

Runnin' (Lose it All)

Heard this advert song at the cinema when I watched Thor a while back.

Runnin' by Naughty Boy ft Beyonce, Arrow Benjamin (uploaded by NaughtyBoyVEVO)

Tuesday 12 December 2017

Claims

Another day spent on the administrative aspect of research work - preparing claims. 

Monday 11 December 2017

Emails

After two weeks away from the office, I spent the whole day clearing 200+ emails and archiving the important ones. Not the most exciting part of research work.  

Sunday 10 December 2017

Missing Starbucks

I was surprised during my recent trip to Australia that there is no Starbucks in Canberra. No, I am not a coffee drinker. I am only more interested in the kinds of merchandise that the Australian Starbucks carries. :P

Saturday 9 December 2017

Unwanted Guest

After my shower, I found an unwanted guest in the bathroom.
A centipede! 
How in the world did it get here?! We are staying on the 9th floor! 
What happened to the centipede? 
I killed it.  

Friday 8 December 2017

Perfect

Heard this duet when I was in Sydney.

Perfect duet by Ed Sheeran and Beyonce (uploaded by Play Music)

Friday 24 November 2017

BtVS Fangirl!

I am undeniably a BtVS fangirl! 

Thursday 23 November 2017

Chanced Meeting

I was at a school visit to present the findings of the project to the school leaders. It was by chance that I found out my long-time friend and ex-MOE colleague, Rahidah is teaching at the school. 
Had a quick meet-up and chat with her after the meeting with the school leaders. 

Wednesday 22 November 2017

Liu Sha Buns

Liu Sha buns or Salted egg custard filling buns - either you love it or you dislike it.

Tuesday 21 November 2017

Timely

Just as I was preparing the slides for my AARE 2017 conference presentation, a timely article appeared which could help to strengthen my argument. :)

Monday 20 November 2017

Decision: Star Trek or Alien?

I saw these two t-shirts. I love them both but am torn between which one to get! 
Both appeal to the geek in me. One is in my size, Small and the other is Large. Needed help to decide and sent help request via Facebook... 
Friends and relatives chipped in with the decision-making. Now I know who are Star Trek fans and who are Alien fans lol. 
In the end, I went with Star Trek because it probably won't freak people out and it is in my size lol. :D

Thursday 16 November 2017

Surprised

A colleague surprised me with a belated birthday present. It was really unexpected and I was really touched. Apparently she had it with her for a while, but we kept missing each other because of our busy schedules. Thank you! It is really sweet of you, Monica. :)

Wednesday 15 November 2017

Happy Meeting

I met up with a former student, Vanessa. 
It was really great catching up with her and knowing that she is doing well and following her dreams!
I am really happy and appreciative that my former students are taking the time to meet up with me. :) 

Tuesday 14 November 2017

Sleep

needed in large quantity!

Saturday 28 October 2017

Class of MLS038 2017

MLS038 had its last class on 26 October. This bunch of teachers (HODs, Subject Heads, etc) have been most wonderful, fun and generous. Although I was teaching the class about student-involved assessment, I thoroughly enjoy learning from the teachers through their experiences and their sharing! I wish them all the best in their journey into student-involved assessment.

Thursday 26 October 2017

Early Birthday Surprise

A surprise from my colleagues and friends! 
Thank you!

Sunday 15 October 2017

Star Wars Galore

It's a dream come true for Star Wars fans on Fox Movies! Continuous screening of Star Wars movies from Episode 1 all the way to Episode 7 at one go from early morning to close to midnight! 

Monday 9 October 2017

Starbucks' Mr Vampire Frappuccino

Mocha sauce and whipped cream at the bottom with chocolatety cereal and
strawberry puree and whipped cream on top

Sunday 8 October 2017

Starbucks' Mrs Vampire Frappuccino

  Mrs Vampire Frappuccino - mocha sauce and whipped cream on the bottom with sweet vanilla mixed in and topped with strawberry puree and whipped cream

Tuesday 26 September 2017

Someone lost a Pet?

I saw this box by the vet clinic. It seemed someone has found a lost hamster and kept it in the box. The kind person hopes that the vet would be able to help the lost hamster as well as to reunite it with its owner.  

Saturday 23 September 2017

Throwback to 1970s

A photo of my mother with my brother and I from 1970s. I cannot remember where it was taken, the Esplanade maybe? 

Thursday 21 September 2017

MLS038 2017

Today, I started the second run of my in-service course, MLS038: Student-Involved Assessment. A total of 27 teachers enrolled in the course. Just with this first session, I could tell that they are a wonderful bunch of teachers! 
Photo taken by colleague who happened to walk past my class

Wednesday 20 September 2017

Wall of Encouragement

This is the wall of encouragement by the students from the other levels for the Primary 6 students who are taking their PSLE in early October. 

Tuesday 19 September 2017

Double Trouble

This pair of playful kittens often greet me when I leave for work. The ginger will nibble on my pinkie while the grey tabby will swipe at my pinkie.

Monday 18 September 2017

Shortbread Scottie Dogs

I received this box of pure butter shortbread from a colleague who attended a conference in UK. Yum!

Friday 15 September 2017

Grumpy vs Happy

Community cats - can you guess which cat is which?

Wednesday 13 September 2017

Books on Virtues

I accidentally found these stash of children's books on virtues - honesty, love, friendship, hope, courage, and respect. Reminds me of my childhood. 

Monday 11 September 2017

First Visit

This is the first time I visited Physical, Sports and Outdoor Education Branch since I left MOE. I was there attending a seminar and managed to meet up with some ex-colleagues from MOE. 

Saturday 9 September 2017

9/9

I always like the number "9". 

Thursday 7 September 2017

R & R

Did some R & R. Not rest and relax but reviewing and reading. I was reviewing the reviews I have received as a book review editor and as a break from reviewing, I was reading my favourite genre - supernatural in Chinese language. :) 

Wednesday 6 September 2017

Gudetama Mooncakes

This is the first time I bought mooncakes because of its cute factor. :D Bad influence by Juliane who loves Gudetama haha. Not sure of its yummy factor but I can use the box! 

Tuesday 5 September 2017

Wall Art

Book shelves and window

Monday 4 September 2017

Clean Record

A notice was sent by the Singapore Traffic Police to my brother. Surprised, I opened it. 
It was a notice to commend my brother for having kept a clean traffic record for the past 5 years, 2012-2017. 
I burst out laughing. My brother has been in UK for years, with him last in Singapore in 2002.

Saturday 2 September 2017

Friday 1 September 2017

Cafe in Goblin

I saw this cafe and didn't even realise the significance even with the poster of Goblin out in front of the cafe. Only when I sent the pics to Juliane because I thought she would like the cute stuff at the counter and she told me. Then I realised hahaha.

Thursday 31 August 2017

IPS Forum

I was invited to the IPS Forum on Parents and Schooling. I attended the forum both as a parent and as a researcher. Learnt a few interesting thing. 

Wednesday 30 August 2017

My Neighbours

I was greeted by this sight on my way to work. :) I need a cat!! 

Tuesday 29 August 2017

Fake News

I experienced for myself the negative impact and consequences of fake news. An Australian wrote a report about the conference of which I was the deputy chair and made many inaccuracies in his report. Both MOE and NIE gave a response to that fake news.

Monday 28 August 2017

Game of Thrones S7E7

OMG! What a blast watching this final episode (E7) of Game of Thrones S7! It is a good 80 minutes long! Questions, answers, more questions! Monday will never be the same again. 
It is going to be a long "winter" till GoT S8. 

Sunday 27 August 2017

Diet

My blood sugar level must be high again. One symptom is that my wounds are taking a far longer time than normal to heal and there is also scarring. Need to start watching my diet again as there is a history of diabetes in my family and I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic a couple of years back. But I have been very slack in watching my diet and eating healthier choices. :(

Saturday 26 August 2017

Ondeh Ondeh Cake

Ondeh ondeh, the classic Malay kueh which are traditional green-coloured balls of rice cake filled with liquid palm sugar (gula melaka) and coated in grated coconut, has always been a favourite dessert for my father and I. (Yes, we both have sweet tooth!) 
Now there is also ondeh ondeh cake which I can indulge in! 

Friday 25 August 2017

Yummy Souvenir

This is my favourite kind of souvenir! A friend/ colleague came back from a work trip in the Philippines and gave me this! Not the most healthy but MOST YUMMY! 

Thursday 24 August 2017

Facilitation

I attended a full day FGD session today. It is, by far, the best FGD I have ever been involved in. Everyone had a chance to give their views via post-its! A big thank you to the professional facilitators! 

Wednesday 23 August 2017

Coral Vine

Since young, I have always enjoy looking at the coral vine. It has small, adorable pink flowers borne in panicles. It is the only kind of pink that I can tolerate lol. 

Tuesday 22 August 2017

"Spooky" Month

Today is the start of the lunar Hungry Ghost month. 

Monday 21 August 2017

Ikea's Game of Thrones

Ikea has a real good sense of humour! Ikea's version of Game of Thrones lol.
Ikea's rug that doubles up as a fur cape
A perfect Hodor. 

Saturday 19 August 2017

Weekend Work

I seem to be catching up with work during the weekend. Don't think this is a very good work-life balance. :(

Friday 18 August 2017

Better Latte than Never

Nothing better than a latte, besides a peach tart. 

Thursday 17 August 2017

Video Coding

We started work on the coding of the lessons for feedback and a fruitful discussion on refining our coding scheme.

Wednesday 16 August 2017

Origami Decor

What a simple but beautiful idea for decoration. 

Tuesday 15 August 2017

Pokemon Go

I still haven't catch on to the game, Pokemon Go. I saw this Pokemon but I don't think "it" is in the mood for Pokemon Go. 

Monday 14 August 2017

The Eclipse Test

"Your Unity Eclipses Your Fear"
You are a warm and friendly person. You have an underlying need to connect with the world.
You crave the company of other people, but you also are drawn towards animals and nature. You don't like to feel isolated.

You believe that we all have more in common than we realize. After all, we all do sleep under the same sky.
You are generally able to put differences aside or address them constructively. You are a consensus seeker.

Sunday 13 August 2017

Horror Marathon Weekend II

I think I have never watched so much horror movies and tv series in one go! And from all different countries, both Western and Asian. What a Thrill!

Saturday 12 August 2017

Horror Marathon Weekend

Let the horror marathon weekend begin!
Since Starhub is offering free viewing of channels for a week, we are taking this opportunity to catch all the horror movies and tv series on Thrill. :) 

Friday 11 August 2017

2-in-1 Sunset

Two set of colours in one sunset - orange and pink

Thursday 10 August 2017

Retreat, Celebration and Farewell

It's timely for a mini-celebration with my RAs as we accomplished milestones within two of my projects - completion of data collection and completion of preliminary data analysis. 
I booked the four of us for a soap-making workshop at Soap Ministry. It is nice to be away from the office for a while and it is great for team-building and bonding as well, not that we need it much lol. 
All excited to start our soap making!
Hard at work trying to blend two essential oils
Going nuts blending scents
Cheryl pouring her soap mixture into the molds
A wefie while waiting for the soaps to harden
Our own customised soaps
We had lots of fun at the soap-making workshop. It was "difficult" too as we had to make decisions on what herb, what essential oil and what molds to use. We asked plenty of questions and we learnt lots too about the different herbs and essential oils and their benefits.
Besides it being a celebration of hard work, it is also a celebration of friendship and farewell lunch for Cheryl. We had it at our favourite Swensens.
Our favourite Earthquake sundae! 
Thank you, Cheryl for being part of our team. It has been a blast and we welcome you back anytime! We wish you all the best. Keep in touch! :)