Happy 72th Birthday, Father/ Grandfather

Today is my father's 72th birthday. A close family friend brought a birthday cake for my father and they celebrated his birthday when the granddaughters came home from school in the afternoon. My brother and his family also called from UK to wish my father a Happy Birthday. I gave my father a red packet as his present so that he can go buy things that he likes or needs, most likely food lol. :P

Happy Birthday, Father/ Grandfather! Stay healthy!

Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?

I am a Strawberry classic ice cream flavour, according to Blogthings quiz.
Truth be told, I don't really like strawberry ice cream all that much lol. But the quiz result is pretty accurate! Yes, I hate being told what to do. Give me a guideline is fine but don't micro-manage me! Yes, I can be impulsive but I take responsibility for my own actions! Yes, I hate threats. I don't frighten easily with threats, instead I will fight back! 

You Are Strawberry

You prefer to live a life that's independent and autonomous. You don't like being told what to do. When others give you your freedom, you do amazing things. Being supervised only distracts and annoys you. You act on impulse and intuition. You don't like to delay gratification, and patience isn't your strong suit. You are primarily motivated by fun, but personal growth is also a motivation. You like to spread your wings and see where the world takes you. You respond better to rewards than threats. In fact, threats rarely work on you and just make you resent the threat maker. You want to have a meaningful life with good work and stellar relationships. If possible, you'd like to make the world a better place.

Are You Chocolate, Strawberry, or Vanilla?

That Stressful Time Again!

It is that stressful time of the year again. Starting from tomorrow, the girls will be having their exams. Why am I always the more anxious one about the girls' exams than they are?! 
Good Luck, Marieann and Juliane.

Plan B for Accommodation

There may be a minor change to our accommodation arrangement in Taipei this June. Originally, we are going to stay two nights at my eldest maternal aunt's place in Shen Ao, Keelung as it is much nearer to Jiufen (九份) and Shifen (十分), places that we want to visit. However, I just heard that my eldest maternal uncle-in-law just had a major op and he is now recuperating in Taipei as it is nearer to the hospital. It is unclear if they would return to Shen Ao when we are visiting in June. My mother can only find out more about the situation when she returns to Taipei the next weekend. Guess I better start searching for back up accommodations, most probably in Jiufen (九份). I actually don't mind staying in Jiufen for a night or two as we didn't get to explore Jiufen much when we were there in 2010. This time we want to explore it a little more thoroughly. :)

New Bird Flu H7N9

My family is watching closely how the events are unfolding in China with regards to the new strain of bird flu H7N9. To date, there are 109 reported H7N9 cases within mainland China, including 23 deaths. According to Keiji Fukuda, WHO's assistant director-general for health, security and the enviornment told a news conference in Beijing that H7N9 is "definitely one of the most lethal influenza viruses" that they have seen so far.
Actually, I won't be surprised if the numbers are higher than reported as mainland China is such a vast area and it would take time for numbers to come in. We also knew it is only a matter of time before H7N9 "flew" across the strait to Taiwan. True enough, the first known case of H7N9 was reported in Taiwan on Wednesday 24 April 2013 and the Taiwanese was working in China.  
It is worrying because my girls and I will be going back to Taiwan for a visit in June 2013. I think we better take the flu jab before we leave for Taiwan. Although the existing flu jab may not fight against H7N9, it would at least reduce the chance of catching flu. Better safe than sorry and better something than nothing at all.   

"Sugar" Addict

I installed Candy Rush Saga 48 hours ago. Now, 48 hours later, I am at Level 30! Haha. Guess it is confirmed that I am a addict to Candy Crush Saga. :P No, I am not the kind who play games or read while I am in the toilet. I can't multitask in that way lol. I only play when I needed a break. Serious! :)

Appraisal 2013

The once-a-year (much dreaded by staff) appraisal is here again. I had my work appraisal yesterday. Being in a new department and in a new position, I am now being judged against a different group of people and in a different job scope. Although my appraiser was changed to a different person at the last minute but I am more than happy with the feedback I have been given. :)

Turned

to the dark side! I finally couldn't resist and succumbed to installing Candy Crush Saga on my iPad. I have to blame my colleague who is always playing Candy Crush during lunch. I got intrigued by the game lol.

Mango

What island fruit are you? quiz from Blogthings. Definitely sounds like me lol. 

You Are a Mango

Like a mango, you are special and one of a kind. Most people immediately recognize your uniqueness. You are a passionate person. Some would call you an extremist... you definitely know what you like and dislike. You are stubborn and headstrong. You aren't easily influenced, and you don't waver. You love a good challenge - especially a mental one. You love to win, and you don't give up. You can be a bit moody and unpredictable. People know not to come to you at the wrong time. You may be standoffish with strangers and acquaintances, but you are sweet as can be with those you truly care about.

What Island Fruit Are You?

SCGS Family Day 2013

The sisters went to their school's Family Day at West Coast Park in the morning. Their father dropped them off at SCGS at 6.45am and they then took the transport provided by school to the park (and later back to school again). According to the girls, there were mass skipping, inter-class/ inter-CCA relays, mini fair, and prize giving. By the time, they arrived back home was close to 1pm.

The only souvenirs Marieann bought, the rest were food and drinks

Juliane started having a very bad headache in the afternoon and continued till the evening. We had to call in the family doctor. It seemed that she suffered a minor heatstroke. Sigh. Juliane was told to take plenty of liquids and was also given medication for her headache.

Honours Day 2013

I was invited to my counselling school's Honours Day 2013 to receive an award - Partners Award. This is my 10th year counselling in the school. I was really excited to receive the Partners Award which celebrates the close partnership that I have with the school. When I started counselling in the school and stayed on all these years, I was not looking for any award. Seeing the smiles on my counsellees' faces and seeing my counsellees' growth is the most satisfying reward/ award I can ever receive! 
As the school's invited guest, I was ushered to the Conference Room for some refreshments before the start of the Honours Day at 4.30pm. By 4.30pm, we were seated at the school hall and the Honours Day began first with the Principal's address, the address by Guest-of-Honour, the presentation of academic prizes followed by a short concert. After the concert, it was the presentation of awards to staff and partners, followed by presentation of Colours Awards and the Mother Mathilde Award. The event closed at 7pm. All invited guests as well as the parents who came to support their children were invited to buffet dinner. 
I enjoyed myself immensely because I could interact with the teachers in a relaxing atmosphere, the buffet was good, and I managed to see some of my counsellees in a different situation other than during counselling. :)

Concert

Honours Day programme book, a souvenir bookmark and my table placecard

I didn't post the photos of my award but I will get to it soon. :)

People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson

A new song, People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson. She is the best American Idol ever! :)

 (uploaded by kellyclarkson)


We come into this world unknown
But know that we are not alone
They try and knock us down
But change is coming, it's our time now

Hey... everybody loses it,
Everybody wants to throw it all away sometimes
And hey... yeah I know what you're going through
Don't let it get the best of you, you'll make it out alive
Ohh

People like us we've gotta stick together
Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever
Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten
It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom

Oh woah oh oh woah oh
We are all misfits living in a world on fire
Oh woah oh oh woah oh
Sing it for the people like us, the people like us

Hey, this is not a funeral
It's a revolution, after all your tears have turned to rage
Just wait, everything will be okay
Even when you're feeling like it's going down in flames
Ohh

People like us we've gotta stick together
Keep your head up nothing lasts forever
Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten
It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom

Oh woah oh oh woah oh
We are all misfits living in a world on fire
Oh woah oh oh woah oh
Sing it for the people like us, the people like us

Oh woah oh oh woah oh
You've just gotta turn it up loud when the flames get higher
Oh woah oh oh woah oh
Sing it for the people like us, the people like us

They can't do nothing to you, they can't do nothing to me
This is the life that we choose, this is the life that we bleed
So throw your fists in the air, come out, come out if you dare
Tonight we're gonna change forever

Everybody loses it, everybody wants to throw it all away sometimes
Ohh

People like us we've gotta stick together
Keep your head up nothing lasts forever
Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten
It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom

Oh woah oh oh woah oh
We are all misfits living in a world on fire
Oh woah oh oh woah oh
Sing it for the people like us, the people like us

Oh woah oh oh woah oh
You've just got to turn it up loud when the flames get higher
Oh woah oh oh woah oh
Sing it for the people like us, the people like us

Oh woah oh oh woah oh
We're all misfits living in a world on fire
Oh woah oh oh woah oh
Sing it for the people like us, the people like us

Oh woah oh oh woah oh
You've just got to turn it up loud when the flames get higher
Oh woah oh oh woah oh
Sing it for the people like us, the people like us

Mozzie Attack

Before attending my management council meeting in the evening, I went to have another look at the fencing at the back of my estate which would be discussed at the meeting. I swore I was only there for less then 10 minutes and to my horror, I discovered that I have no less then ten mosquito bites on each leg! It was a rather wooded area with trees but I wasn't the only one there as there were other people walking around too. It seemed as if the mosquitoes agreed to attack only me! Sigh. Not only are the mosquito bites darn itchy, they take a long time to heal. Due to my pre-diabetic condition, the bites would remain angry red blots on my skin for close to a week before fading off slowly. :(

Meow III

More photos of cats I have seen around Singapore. :)

Curious Cat: What you doing?

Curious Cat trying to get a better view of me taking photo of it lol

Curious Cat wants a close up lol

Technically this is still a cat, a cat statue at Peranakan Meseum lol

"I could almost blend into the background"

"You walk your way, I sleep my nap"

Learning Journey to Assumption Pathway School

Our department organised yet another learning journey for us. :) This time we are off to Assumption Pathway School (APS). Mr Wee, the Principal, gave us an overview about the school and took time to answer our many questions. I think most of us are not familiar with APS and we definitely seized the opportunity to ask questions. :) After the presentation, we went on a tour to the different facilities in the school such as the Apple lab, the cake kitchen, the Student Wellness Centre, and The ART (Assumption Restaurant of Training). 

The old wing of APS (but with lots of character)

The new wing of APS (houses general office, canteen, etc). The logo and motto of APS painted on the road.

See the mural on the 2nd floor? It is the reproduction of an APS student's creation!

Students in the Apple lab, attending their Desktop Publishing and Design course

Students in the cake kitchen, working towards a Cert in Baking Practices. They are making chocolate chip cupcakes. Smelled really delicious!

The colourful and cheerful Student Wellness centre (counselling rooms). I don't mind working here lol.

After the tour ended, some of us remained to have lunch at The ART where the students took care of the waiting, and cooking. We ordered the 3-course set lunch ($12) which came with a soup (and garlic bread), a main course, a dessert with tea/coffee. I thought the soup and the main were really good. My colleagues and I also had a good time chatting over lunch. :)

The ART serves both Western and Asian cuisines. The food is really delicious and the prices are really reasonable. What more can you ask?! Drop by here for lunch if you are in the area. Open to the public 12-2pm weekdays.

Al fresco dining at The ART. The ambiance is really relaxing.

Al fresco dining (facing greenery)

Soup of the day - Cream of Broccoli. Home-made and really tasty!

My main course - baked fish with cheese crust. Perfect!

Despite being on a different pathway from the mainstream, the students are no less talented and no less unique. In fact, I think the APS students may, in many ways, be more resilient and courageous when faced with challenges in life as compared to the "strawberries" that we have in certain mainstream schools. I wish all APS students the Best.

Char Siew and Roast Pork

My mother invited my paternal uncle and aunt as well as their children and spouses (that is my cousins and cousin-in-laws) for a home-cooked dinner. As my cousins are meat-lovers, my mother decided to cook char siew and roast pork among other dishes.

Home-cooked Char Siew

Home-cooked Roast Pork, just out of the oven. The crackling is to die for lol :P

Char Siew and Roast Pork, nicely sliced and served with pineapple sauce.

By the end of dinner, the whole dish was almost gone lol. Yes, my mother's char siew and roast pork are that delicious! :) 

Install?

I have been receiving invites from my friends on Facebook to play a certain game. I have resisted installing it for the longest time as I have my fair share of games that I have been playing with such as Mahjong Smiles HD, etc. That certain game is Candy Crush. As I was milling over if I should install it on my iPad, I decided to ask my girls. I was extremely surprised by their answer. 
"NO!" was what they said. I thought they would probably jumped at the chance to play a new game on my iPad. I asked them, "Why not?". Both my girls said, "Why must  follow and play something that everyone is playing?". Ok, that is a good answer for me. The reason why I have been resisting too is because everyone is playing it and I just can't see the appeal of being one of the masses lol. It is the same reason why I refused to get an iPhone!
I am glad to know that my girls take after me - they won't be blindly following the crowd/ trend lol. 

Milestone

I presented at MOE today, as Dr. Wong. It is a milestone for me in my career as a researcher. :)
After my presentation, there was a dialogue with the MOE personnel. I am happy that it was a fruitful dialogue even though it means that there is going to be more work coming my work. :) 

Prepping

I have a presentation at MOE tomorrow. I have prepared the slides but I need to rehearse the slides so that I can commit what I want to say to memory without referring to my notes. I also have to prepare for questions that might be raised at tomorrow's presentation. Getting really nervous and anxious. :S

Curious

You Are Curious

You see the world as full of possibilities, and you're sometimes overwhelmed by all the opportunities out there. You want to learn and understand as much as possible. You are an armchair anthropologist. You love to travel, and when you aren't able to get away, you are traveling in spirit...sampling new foods and art. An adventurer like you would be happiest visiting Greece, Argentina, or Turkey.

The Still Life Test

One day, I really hope I can travel to Greece and Turkey. :) 

Free!

After work, I took the train home. As the train was leaving Buona Vista station, I saw the longest queue ever at/ outside Rochester Mall. I wondered what's going on. It was only when I reached home that I realised it was Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day and there is a Ben & Jerry's outlet at Rochester Mall. Remembering how long the queue was, I wondered how long each person has to wait just for a free ice cream cone! I think I would rather pass lol. 

Learning Journey to SOTA

This is my second learning journey since I joined the new department. This time we are off to SOTA. With one "stone" (visit), I managed to kill three "birds". As an educator/ researcher, I wanted to know more about the uniqueness of SOTA. As a mother, I wanted to know more about SOTA as a potential school for my daughter. As a counsellor, I wanted to know more about SOTA so as to give information to my counsellees who are interested in going to SOTA.
The presentation of SOTA started at 9am but ended late, close to 10.45am. Although the presentation ran overtime, it was really interactive and educational. We were also shown the pottery studio, the dance studio, the "field" on the 11th floor, the art gallery and the concert hall.

The rooftop "field"

Students' works currently on display at the Art Gallery. Wonderful works!

SOTA Concert hall

It was almost 12 noon when we ended our learning journey, an hour overtime lol. But I didn't mind because I really learnt a lot about SOTA.

Wrong Number!

I first received a sms in the wee hours of the morning which I chose to ignore because I was too sleepy to reply. The sms was in Malay so I knew it was sent to the wrong number, my mobile number. But later in the morning, I received two more smses back to back from the same number. I immediately sent back "Wrong number" in order to alert the sender that he/ she had been sending smses to the wrong number. He/ she came back with a "Sorry". However, in the afternoon, he/ she started sending me smses again! Sent back another "Wrong number". Stopped for a while and then the smses started coming again. Tried to ignore it but the constant sms alert from my phone was driving me nuts! I finally sent back "STILL SENDING TO THE SAME WRONG NUMBER!".  It finally stopped. Thank goodness!! I received close to 20 smses from this "wrong number". Sigh. 

Life Goes On

If my girls thought that they would get a break from their Saturday routine because I am not well, they were wrong, very wrong. Despite still recovering from my illness, I supervised my girls as they did their homework. Sorry, kids, there is no escape. Life goes on.

MC Day 2

Another day of rest. Itchy throat. Coughing.

MC Day 1

Slept most of the day as the medicine made me drowsy. Some sniffling still. Throat not as painful but starting to cough.

Red Throat

I woke up with a very painful throat. I had to cancel my counselling as my throat was very painful even when I drank water. I really had no idea how I had a sore throat. I was all fine yesterday and today... sigh. 
I went to see a doctor in the afternoon and was given medical leave for the next two days.

Notice

I received notice that the presentation to MOE is set for next Friday. Unfortunately, my boss cannot make it so I will be presenting instead. Wish me luck.

Can I Play a Prank on You?

Who in the world will ask for permission before they play a prank? My daughters did. 
It is April Fools' Day today. They asked me and I gave them a killer glare. That pretty much stopped them in their tracks in pulling whatever prank they wanted to pull on me. 
Not long after, I heard my mother saying, "I am Ah Ma (grandmother), I am not easily fooled!" Guess they tried to pull a prank on my mother and didn't work out either. It must have been a really boring April Fools' Day for my girls lol. :P