First in 2017 II

After a sleepless night (because of my stuffy nose), I went to see the doctor in the morning. I have flu and also loss of voice and I was given two days of medical leave. My first medical leave for the year.
I really wanted to rest but had to deal with lots of emails which made me even more tired and sick. :( :(

First in 2017

My first illness in 2017! :(
I started having sore throat yesterday during the afternoon of Day 2 CNY. Took manuka honey but it was too late. I must have caught it from my older daughter who was ill since CNY eve. 

2nd Day of CNY 2017

Other than the tradition of visiting during CNY, family and friends visit us on the 2nd day of CNY 2017 for two other things:
Eat - Hockchew red wine chicken soup with me sua & Taiwanese braised pork bun (扣肉包)
Drink - Pu'er tea

Us on 1st day of CNY (Marieann is down with flu)

Happy Chinese New Year 2017

Here is wishing all my family and my friends (both in Singapore and overseas), my students and my colleagues (both present and past, in Singapore and overseas) a Happy Chinese New Year. May all enjoy good health, prosperity, success and great happiness!!

Happy Chinese New Year 2017!

祝新年快乐，万事如意!

(Image credit to dreamstime.com)

Chinese New Year's Eve 2017

It is the eve of Chinese New Year 2017. 
Time for our steamboat reunion dinner. :) 

Our own version of Lo Hei (seasoned seaweed, jellyfish and scallops) 

Starbucks Drink

Hmm, I haven't tried this drink from Starbucks. Should try it one of these days. 

You Are a Pumpkin Spice Latte

You are a down to earth and friendly person. With you, what you see is what you get. You may be surprised to learn how popular you are. People appreciate the simplicity and warmth you represent. You are sweet and welcoming. You have a little spice to your personality but not so much that it offends anyone. You have a subtle complexity that people appreciate over time. There is a lot more to you than meets the eye.

What Starbucks Drink Would Warm You Up?

CNY Goodies 2017

I have been receiving CNY goodies from colleagues and friends. Feeling much loved. :)

Childhood Memories: Viper vs Raider

"After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makshift fugitive fleet on a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth." 

I grew up watching the original Battlestar Galactica tv series and I loved it.

I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw the Colonial Viper and Cylon Raider in a toy shop. The toys sure brought back fond childhood memories. 

Anything Odd?

Can you see anything odd? My girl said I was evil. Haha :D

Juliane's Greens

Juliane came home with some seeds after attending a module in school. She planted them.

Chinese lettuce, spinach and kang kong

The plants are growing well. So another one takes after my mother who has green thumbs. :)

Secret Menu Starbucks II

The barista at Starbucks recommended me a secret menu drink, Blackforest Cake Frappuccino.

It was good, not too sweet!

SCGS Parents' Briefing 2017

I attended the Parents' Briefing for Secondary 1 students at SCGS in the evening. Lots to take in about school matters. 

Falling in Love

I am falling in love with this kitten which never fails to be excited to see me, both in the morning when I go to work and in the evening when I returned from work. 

Breakfast with Principal

Marieann's school had a Breakfast with the Principal session for the Secondary 3 students this morning. I was the earliest parent to arrive haha. Occupational hazard of a former teacher. 
Lots to think about for Marieann's future life options. 

Season's Greetings Presents

Presents from colleagues/ friends for the new year. Feeling much loved. :)

My New Year's Plan?

Based on Blogthings quiz, my New Year's plans revealed me to be thoughtful. :P 

You Are Thoughtful

You are a pensive and even philosophical person. You think about the meaning of everything. You're likely to be happy to spend New Year's Eve alone or mostly alone. You have your books and thoughts to keep you company. Your attitude for the new year is one of quiet reflection. Your new year will bring a lot of personal growth in your life, even without any resolutions!

What Do Your New Year's Plans Say About You?

Downtime

I needed some downtime after a hectic week. What is better than enjoying a Matcha Souffle?! 

Matcha Souffle from Hoshino Coffee

Secret Menu Starbucks

Tried these two secret menu drinks from Starbucks! I was just joking when the barista said she could make them!

The Shrek Frappe and Butterbeer Frappuccino

I loved the Butterbeer Frappuccino. :)

Deadline

Juggling and struggling with several deadlines at the same time is NO joke. :(

New Kid on the Block?

A new cat? Same cat?

Words of Wisdom

I accidentally found these words written by a colleague/ friend on her whiteboard when she left a few years ago. She has since returned last year to rejoin our workplace.  
Words of wisdom. 

Korean Food & Dessert

It is a sign. :)

Inspiring Learning through Self-Assessment

An article about my Self-Assessment workshop at the 3rd Assessment Colloquium was published in SingTeach. :)

Inspiring Learning through Self-Assessment @ SingTeach, Education Research for Teachers

Japan Trip 2016 Updated! Finally

I have finally updated and uploaded all the blog posts for our Japan Trip 2016. 
For the ease and convenience of your reading, here are all the links for each day of our Japan Trip 2016. Enjoy. 

Japan Trip 2016: 2-14 Dec 2016
Japan Trip 2016: Day 1 2 Dec 2016 Fri
Japan Trip 2016: Day 2 Part 1 3 Dec 2016 Sat - Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Japan Trip 2016: Day 2 Part 2 3 Dec 2016 Sat - Tokyo Tree, Sumida
Japan Trip 2016: Day 3 Part 1 4 Dec 2016 Sun - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Japan Trip 2016: Day 3 Part 2 4 Dec 2016 Sun - Shibuya & Harajuku
Japan Trip 2016: Day 4 Part 1 5 Dec 2016 Mon - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Japan Trip 2016: Day 4 Part 2 5 Dec 2016 Mon - Ginza & Tokyo Station
Japan Trip 2016: Day 5 6 Dec 2016 Tues - Tokyo DisneySea
Japan Trip 2016: Day 6 Part 1 7 Dec 2016 Wed - Shirohige's Cream Puff Factory
Japan Trip 2016: Day 6 Part 2 7 Dec 2016 Wed - Temari no Ouchi Cat Cafe
Japan Trip 2016: Day 6 Part 3 7 Dec 2016 Wed - Mitaka Forest Ghibli Museum
Japan Trip 2016: Day 7 Part 1 8 Dec 2016 Thurs - Owl Cafe, Harajuku
Japan Trip 2016: Day 7 Part 2 8 Dec 2016 Thurs - Meiji Jingu, Harajuku & Shibuya
Japan Trip 2016: Day 7 Part 3 8 Dec 2016 Thurs - Ronppongi Illumination
Japan Trip 2016: Day 8 Part 1 9 Dec 2016 Fri - Nozomi 317 & ibis Styles Kyoto Station
Japan Trip 2016: Day 8 Part 2 9 Dec 2016 Fri - Nishiki Market, Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 9 Part 1 10 Dec 2016 Sat - Nijo-jo Castle, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 9 Part 2 10 Dec 2016 Sat - Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 9 Part 3 10 Dec 2016 Sat - Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 9 Part 4 10 Dec 2016 Sat - Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 9 Part 5 10 Dec 2016 Sat - Ramen & Starbucks, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 10 Part 1 11 Dec 2016 Sun - Teramachi-dori, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 10 Part 2 11 Dec 2016 Sun - Arashiyama, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 11 Part 1 12 Dec 2016 Mon - Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 11 Part 2 12 Dec 2016 Mon - Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 11 Part 3 12 Dec 2016 Mon - Gion & Hanamikoji, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 11 Part 4 12 Dec 2016 Mon - Pontocho, Kyoto
Japan Trip 2016: Day 12 Part 1 13 Dec 2016 Tues - Nozomi 124 & Shinjuku Washington Hotel
Japan Trip 2016: Day 12 Part 2 13 Dec 2016 Tues - Shibuya & Shinjuku, Tokyo
Japan Trip 2016: Day 13 14 Dec 2016 Wed - Narita Airport & Home

We are definitely going back to visit Tokyo and other parts of Japan in the near future. 

Holiday Presents

Received plenty of presents from friends and colleagues during this holiday period, from their travels. :) Mostly from Japan! I am getting a message here! :P

Sec 1 Orientation Concert

I attended Juliane's Secondary 1 Orientation Concert this evening. Now I know why she has been so tired for the past week, often sleeping not long after she arrived home haha. The girls really put in effort for the concert and look like the girls are bonding well within their classes and as a Sec 1 cohort.

Sugar Overload

Right Here Waiting

He is always there waiting for me when I come home. He is such a cutie. 

First Day of School

It is Juliane's first day of school as a secondary school student! I don't believe how fast my girls are growing up.

Happy Birthday, Marieann!

Today, as you turn 15, I realised how fast you have grown up! For me, you are still the little girls of my eyes and you will still be for a long time to come. You know I love you and I will be there to suppport you in whatever you do. 
Have a wonderful day and I wish for you to fulfill all your dreams and goals. 
Happy Birthday, Marieann!

Happy New Year 2017!

Happy New Year to all my friends (both in Singapore and overseas), my students (both in Singapore and overseas, both present and former), my colleagues (both present and former) and my family (both in Singapore and overseas)!! 
May all have a wonderful year in 2017 full of love, laughter, brightness, good health and hope! 

(Image credit to Studio Ghibli)