My Student's Wedding at Chijmes

On 8 August 2015 (8815), my Primary 4 Prudence 1998 student, Yen Ling invited me to be a witness at her beautiful wedding to Chen Heng Qing at Chijmes and the wedding lunch reception. 
I left for Chijmes early as it was raining heavily and I didn't want to be late for the wedding ceremony at10:30am. I was really lucky to get a cab at the first call. :) The perks of being early - I arrived at 9:30am, just in time to watch my student, Yen Ling doing a rehearsal. I was also surprised to see two more of my students, Ingrid (4P 1998) and Ying Ying (3P 1997). I had some photo opportunities with my students as well as around the wedding venue. 

The wedding rehearsal: Yen Ling and her father

My 4P 1998 student, Ingrid and I

My 3P 1997 student, Ying Ying and I

The wedding favour, a "Cute as a Button" soap

The wedding ceremony is beautiful. The bride is beautiful. 

The bride and the father of the bride

Prayer of Blessing

Marriage Vows

Exchange of Rings 

Signing of Marriage Certificate

Mr & Mrs Chen Heng Qing

Thank you speeches

Photo with the beautiful bride and groom 

I am really happy for Yen Ling that she has found her best friend and soulmate to accompany her in this life. Thank you, Yen Ling for inviting me. It is my great honour to see my student embark in the next phase of her life. I wish you and Heng Qing a wonderful and blissful life together!

A few photos of Chijmes before heading home. :)

Jubilee Weekend

Today is the start of the long Jubilee Weekend. 7 August has been declared a public holiday so that we Singaporeans can come together to celebrate Singapore's 50 years of independence on 9 August 2015. :) Many places are holding special celebration activities, e.g. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay area, the various museums and heritage galleries, and many others. 
It is going to be very crowded everywhere this long weekend, best to leave the car at home and take the public transport this weekend. :)

100%

I had 100% response rate (51 people) for the submission of the staff retreat attendance (and non-attendance)! :) I am in charge of attendance and registration sub-committee (one of three sub-committees) for our upcoming staff retreat. There were still a few missing responses by my first deadline on 5 August but I managed to speak to them in person today. The missing ones all responded today. :)  

Energise

To some, counselling is draining. But to me, counselling is energising. 
Perhaps it is the process of empowering counsellees to take charge of their actions and lives that makes counselling for me so energising. 

Approved

It has been approved! I will be lecturing and tutoring one of the undergraduate assessment course. Never imagine that I would one day teach adults haha. :P 

Tranquil

I saw this in a school library. However, this can also apply to life. 

Sunset

Botanical Inspirations: Orchids of Singapore Botanic Gardens & Their Heritage

I finally took some time out to visit Botanical Inspirations: Orchids of Singapore Botanic Gardens & Their Heritage at Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG). Since SBG obtained its UNESCO World Heritage site status, I haven't had the chance to visit it even though it is a 3 minutes journey from my front door to the entrance of SBG. :P 
Botanical Inspirations spans across two exhibitions: Orchids of Singapore Botanic Gardens & Their Heritage and Tropical Splendour - Plant portraits from Shirley Sherwood Contemporary collection. I am really happy that I took time to visit the exhibitions. The orchids are really beautiful and the portraits are life-like. 

Orchids named after VIPs and celebrities

Orchids named after the late Dr Goh Keng Swee and Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Singapore National Flower - Vanda Miss Joaquim

I should really take advantage of the SBG being in my backyard and visit it more often.