Colourful

Lately, I have been seeing really beautiful sunsets. :) Today's sunset was a multitude of colours - blue, orange, and pink. 

Retreat 2014

Our organisation had a whole day planning retreat at The Elizabeth Hotel. For the first time, I am a member of the retreat committee. There were lots of planning involved in the days leading up to the retreat which happened to coincide with my pilot study data collection this week and there were lots of prep work for the pilot study too. You can imagine how flat out I was. Thank goodness my fellow committee members were understanding. :)
I was the facilitator and presenter for one of the break-out sessions as well as the photographer for the retreat. It was a fun experience. I enjoyed today's retreat as I felt that our retreat objectives were achieved and it has been a productive day. :) 

Me hard at work lol

Lunch at Modesto's

Option of Main Course: Penne Alfredo

Option of Main Course: Seafood Fried Rice

A group photo to remember this retreat :)

Counsellor's Out

Today is the last session of counselling because it is the last week of school. I hope the P6 counsellees will make good use of the June break to revise their studies in preparation for PSLE in September. 
In the meantime, the counsellor's out. :)

Pilot Study II

It is day 2 of our pilot study. I am glad that I could still silence the misbehaving students with a stare. :P

Pilot Study

Today is the first of our data collection for our pilot study. All went well. It is nice to be back in the classroom and be in front of students. I haven't lost my touch as a teacher. :P 

Backstreet Boys

My primary school student was posting on her facebook of her nostalgia about Backstreet Boy songs lol. That got me nostalgic too and started listening to my favourite BSB songs. :P Much to my surprise, my girls knew who the BSB are and could even sing along to the song I was listening to! I seriously swear that I have never in my life introduced them to BSB. My student thought my girls are so not their generation haha. :P Here are some of the BSB songs that are meaningful to me (memories of my love in Australia lol) 

Shape of my Heart (uploaded by BackstreetBoysVEVO)

As Long As You Love Me
 

 Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely
 

Happy Times

I attended a former NIE colleague, Michelle's wedding dinner at Hilton Hotel tonight. It was a good break for me away from the OT lately as well as a good time to catch up with colleagues and friends. 

The dinner menu and the little jars of honey as token of thanks from the wedding couple

The wedding couple

We all had a great time catching up with one another and over good food too. :)

Belated Mother's Day

I received this belated Mother's Day message from Juliane. I guess it is better late than never lol.  :)

Thank you!

Overtime

I have been putting in overtime at work despite being only on 75% workload. This OT can't carry on for long because I have my other part-time work to take care of. :( Going to have to stand firm about my work allocation. 

Beautiful Sunset

Yet another beautiful sunset. 

Star Constellation

Seeing stars lol. I used to be in the Astronomy Club in NJC and I continued with my star glazing when I was studying in Australia. :)

You Are Perseus

You are brave and impulsive, especially when it comes to protecting those you love. You act on instinct. You are very clever and get by on your wits. You don't need a detailed plan of action in order to succeed. You are a warm person, and you love to help others, especially when it comes to friends and family. You're happy to step up. You have a great life, and it's one that you're grateful for. You may feel burdened by your responsibilities at times, but it's a price you're willing to pay.

What Constellation Are You?

Survey Creation

Today I learnt a new skill. I learnt how to use Qualtrics, an online survey software to create surveys. It will take some time before I am totally proficient in using Qualtrics. But it is kind of fun and exciting. :P

New Novel

Finally, one of my favourite author has a new book out! 
The Kill Switch by James Rollins and Grant Blackwood
It is a Sigma Force novel featuring the two new characters who first appeared in the novel, Bloodline - Tucker Wayne and his military working dog, Kane. Can't wait to start reading it! :)  

Curbside Cafe Again

Needed a quiet place to work just for the afternoon as the girls were too noisy at home lol. It is back to Curbside Cafe. :) The staff has also taken to calling me "Cher" as I was Samantha's primary school teacher lol. (The owner, Samantha was my primary school student.) Eggs & Toast ($9) with Ham ($3) and Strawberry Milkshake ($9) fueled my brain as I worked. The portion was generous and filling. I loved the thick slab of butter on my sourdough bread. :)

Eggs (scrambled) & Toast with Ham (add-on) and Strawberry milkshake

The delicious Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie - Sam's own secret recipe!

Stomach filled + work accomplished = Happy Me!

PS. I packed home Sam's own creation - Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie to try. It is not overly sweet, moist and chewy. I really enjoyed it, well whatever was left for me as I had to share it with my girls. :P

Potential

The girls' exam results are back. Both girls are not maximising their potential. :(

Wedding Invitation

I have just received my first wedding invitation from my student whom I taught in primary school! :) This is so exciting! She is not the first of my students to be married but she is the first to invite me. I am really touched. My girls are also invited and they are very excited as well. :)

92 and Counting

I didn't realise it is only 92 days away to the first exam for PSLE 2014. A P6 counsellee told me during counselling today. Only three months to go! I think my blood pressure just increased. :(

Happy Vesak Day 2014

May this day of Vesak brings everyone a new spirit,  
A new beginning and a new prosperity  
Wishing everyone a very  Happy Vesak Day

Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar

I am always on a lookout for a good cafe where there's good food and drinks and more importantly, I can work. When my primary school student, Sam opened up Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar at Nucleos, I knew I have hit jackpot when I visited Curbside on Mother's Day. :)
The location is quiet, lots of natural lighting, nice big tables, power points around, and free wifi! All perfect for working. :) Food wise, the menu selection is not huge but my favourites are on it so no complaints from me lol. I love milkshakes and smoothies which are on the drink menu. More than enough for me. :)

As I worked, I ordered the Mother's Day special - French Toast with Summer Berries and Orange Yoghurt. I love french toast and the pairing with yoghurt was unique and tasty. For dinner, (yes, I worked till 8+pm) I had Mac & Cheese which was recommended by Sam. It was really yummy. 

Mother's Day special - French Toast with berries and orange yoghurt with a Mixed Berries Smoothie

Mac & Cheese - really delicious and one is not enough!

My student, Sam and I (Yes, she remembers me lol)

Well done, Sam. Keep it up! Congrats too upon achieving your dream. I will be back soon. :)

Happy Mother's Day 2014

Happy Mother's Day to my mother, my family, my friends, my colleagues and my ex-students who are mothers in one way or another! :)
My girls got me cupcakes from Twelve Cupcakes. Sweetness. :)

Cupcakes from Twelve Cupcakes

My special Mother's Day cupcake - Rose on a Rose

I love my girls! :)

Downtime

I have been working late nights for the past two nights for work. I decided to take some downtime today to spend with my younger daughter, Juliane as she had some situation in school recently. Maybe I haven't paid her enough attention as it is Marieann's PSLE year or maybe I have been tougher on her as I think she is not  maximising her potential. Since Marieann would be out with her friends, it would be a good opportunity to spend some alone time with Juliane.
We decided to watch The Amazing Spiderman 2 at 6:40pm, Shaw Lido. Before that, we had an early dinner at Watami, Ion and a little walk-around before the movie. We both enjoyed watching the movie and even managed to catch the X-men Days of Future Past clip during the credit roll. :) For those who are still thinking about catching Spiderman 2, I would suggest watching it in 3D! :) It is an enjoyable movie for both the young and old. 

The Amazing Spiderman 2 - Official trailer 3 (uploaded by Mega Trailers)

As we had an early dinner, we were a little hungry when the movie ended at 9:15pm. We bought some food from the Isetan supermarket as well as from the Korean supermarket at Far East Plaza before we went home by bus. The queue at the taxi stand was too long lol. 
Although it was only 5 hours, we did spend some quality time together. Soon, it will be the June holidays. I shall endeavour to spend some quality time with both girls.

TV Spin-offs

There are a couple of parent TV series and its spin-offs that I watch and I personally think some of these spin-offs are even better than the original series that preceded them! :)
Star Trek: The Original Series and its spin-offs:
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Enterprise
Stargate SG-1 and its spin-offs:
Stargate Atlantis 
Stargate Universe
JAG and its spin offs:
NCIS
NCIS: Los Angeles
CSI and its spin-offs:
CSI: Miami
CSI: New York
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off:
Angel 
The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off:
The Originals

If I Die Young by The Band Perry

If I Die Young (uploaded by TheBandPerryVEVO)

Sun Rise

I seldom see the sunrise from where I stay as the sun rises from behind the other block of apartments in my estate. However, the other day I managed to catch the beautiful colours of the sun rising reflected in the sky, and the clouds.

Flora Soap

Glad to see the results of this blogthings quiz. It does reflect me accurately lol.

You Are Lilac Soap

You are a natural caretaker and multi-tasker. You are likely taking care of many people, creatures, and things at once. You are pure of heart, and your intentions are always good. You may try to mother others, but it's only because you care. You are brave and humble. You have the courage to take on any challenge, and you never brag about your accomplishments. You are good at perceiving energy and seeing how people actually feel. You are mentally free enough to see the full picture quickly.

What Scent Soap Are You?

Personally, I like to use scented flora soaps too. When travelling in Australia, I never fail to visit their crafts markets to buy hand-made scented soaps, either for self-indulgence or as gifts. :)

Early Celebration

We celebrated Mother's Day this evening with a White Forest Cake. The celebration is a little earlier than the actual Mother's Day which falls on 11 May because my mother will be flying off on Wednesday to Taiwan again to spend time with her family and friends. 

Happy Mother's Day in advance, Mother/ Grandmother.

Exam Week

Well, not exactly as examinations (exams) actually started last week with the the orals and the compositions. This coming week will be the main papers for English, Math, Mother Tongue and Science. I haven't been able to do much with the girls for this mid-year exams due to my untimely illness (still coughing :( ). Guess it is as good as any time to let go a little and let the girls take on more ownership of their learning. 
Perhaps thus, I will find a little peace and less stress... until I see their results! Lol. :P 
Good Luck, Girls. :)

Cat x 3

Cat, cat and cat. The cutie pies belong to my friend. :)

"Bow to me, Human!"

Stunned look

Caught you peeping at me

Back to my live "tv" - window

Sleeping like a baby

"Can't I sleep in peace?!"

Another stunned look lol