Tokyo Conference Trip 2018

I am off to my conference in Tokyo. Although the conference is from 22-24 August, I am going a bit earlier just to relax and to prep for my presentation. 
Departed Singapore at 0035am on ANA NH804 and arrived in Tokyo around 830am. 

Arrived at Shinjuku Washington Hotel around 1130am but check-in was only at 2pm so I went to Takashimya to pick up my Hello Kitty Taka card and shopped at Tokyu Hands lol.

From Tokyu Hands

Afternoon snacks - cream-wrapped crepes

I requested and got a room on the 23rd floor and a corner room right at the end of the corridor, away from the lift. Juliane and I had stayed in a similar room on the 21st floor during our trip in 2016. I requested for such a room again because it is quiet and I can see Mt Fuji in the distance.

My corner room, 2338

I took a nap before venturing out for a quick walk-around the area in the evening. Came back early to retire for the night. A new day tomorrow. 

Conference Trip

I have never left packing till so late. I will be leaving tonight for a conference in Tokyo. Thank goodness, I have travelled enough to know the usual/ standard things that I need for each trip. Managed to pack in 3 hours for a 6 days trip. :) 

Final!

I finally managed to finalise my conference presentation slides. I am usually still trying to finalise up to a day before my presentation. This is considered an achievement because it has been finalised a week before my presentation!  

Cosmos by Rian Gonzales

This lovely piece of artwork, Cosmos by Rian Gonzales is sitting in my office. I usually call it my green hair girl lol. 

It never fails to cheer me up with its vibrant colours and my favourite colour - green!

Unprepared

Attending a conference next Thursday and I feel so unprepared. Presentation is still work-in-progress. I have too many slides and trying to cut. 

Back to School II

Back in school again today at SCGS, my alma mater. 
Loved surprising my daughter and seeing the look of terror on her face! Hahaha. I think what tickled my friend most (who led me to my daughter's class) was what I said to my daughter when she stepped out of her class, "Where is your badge?!". :D Once a teacher, always a teacher. Certain things cannot be unseen. 
Never knew I missed teacher chat so much. Maybe one day I may just return to teaching. 

My girl and my former colleague, Mrs Fern

My former student! Now Mrs Ang teaching my girl Geography

Love the food, the chat and most of all, the company!

Back to School

I was back at SCGS today, not as an old girl, former teacher or parent but as a researcher. There are many hats I wear with regards to SCGS. :) 
I managed to meet two of my former teachers, Mrs Jean Chan and Mrs Quek and also my former student, Arlene Pang. :D I didn't meet my girl though lol. 
I will be back in SCGS again tomorrow morning. Maybe I can meet more familiar faces. :)

A Sobering Moment II

Death never fails to set one thinking about life. 
I came close to my own death back in 2006 where I nearly died from acute gangrenous appendictis with perforation and severe serositis/ pertonitis. I was in great pain for 4 days as the initial A&E doctor couldn't diagnosed what was wrong with me. A normal 40 minutes procedure turned into a 3-hours operation. I was lucky, I am lucky. 

Below is an excerpt of what I wrote back in my blog post from 14 June 2007: A Year Later 

"Work is longer than life. Treasure your Life. 
It is true, there will always be work but if there is no life, there's nothing. Work is only part of our lives. If there is something that you have always wanted to do, something that you have always wanted to learn, something that you have always wanted to say, PLEASE do not put it off to another day or time. Because you never know what life is going to dish up to you next, don't be caught short. Don't take life for granted. I am very lucky and very thankful. I am living on extended time. From now on, I will live my life to its fullest (within limits, of course :P). I am not going to take anything for granted." 

However, as time passed, I have forgotten to not take my life for granted. I have forgotten to enjoy life. I have forgotten. 

Now is a timely reminder to reflect on what I am going to do with the 2nd life I have been given back in 2006.

A Sobering Moment

I received sad news this afternoon that a classmate of mine has passed away. It took me a while to process the news and I am still processing it. Questions and thoughts like "What happened?! How?! Why?! Too soon! Too young!" came rushing into my mind.
It is indeed a sobering moment for me.
May she rest in peace.

My Mother's Mee Siam

My mother has just added mee siam to one of her dishes! 
She has been in Singapore since 1971, has had mee siam over the years but never had the chance to try her hand at preparing the dish. Finally, she managed to get the recipe off a friend and prepared mee siam for us. The verdict - YUM!

Happy National Day 2018

Happy National Day 2018!

(Source: Image credit to Ah Guo)

Surprise Visit

A friend and ex-colleague surprised me with a visit today! We last saw each other last year when he came back to Singapore for a visit. We used to work together for a number of years before he went to Hong Kong to work about 6 years ago. 

It is really wonderful to see you and catching up with you, Barry! Maybe one of these days I shall visit you in Hong Kong. Keep in touch! :)

Trip by Ella Mai

A song recommended by my younger daughter, Trip by Ella Mai (uploaded by Gold Coast Music)

Starbucks Local Delights

Starbucks has recently introduced a series of local delights. I tried this cake and it was surprisingly, light on the stomach and delicious. It wasn't too sweet either. Went well with my Earl Grey tea. 

Starbucks - "Tok Kong" Nestum Cake

Know Your Ships?

How many of you know these ships and from where?! :)

Salted Egg Craze

continues. Another brand that has appeared in the market that sells salted egg potato chips.  

I actually like this particular brand as compared to the current popular brand that starts with "I". There is enough coating of salted egg on the chips but not overly so. You won't feel as if your entire tongue has been rolled in salted egg which is not a nice sensation! I also like the print on the packaging which looks like Peranakan tiles! If I remember my History correctly, Shi Le Po is one of the local Chinese names for Singapore used by the Hokkien-speaking ethnic Chinese in early modern Singapore. 
If ever I have to choose a local snack to represent Singapore, I will most likely choose Shi Le Po for its historical name, its Peranakan packaging design and for its taste. 

Walk in the Gardens

My friend, who is stationed in Myanmar for work, is back in Singapore for a short visit. We went to Singapore Botanic Gardens for a walk in the evening before heading for dinner at Cluny Court. 

The setting sun

Never knew monitor lizard could climb trees!

Hello from France!

I came home to find a postcard from France waiting for me. It's from a dear friend whom I meet once a year! A real wonderful surprise. :)

Starbucks Limited Edition Drinks

This has to be my favourite limited edition drink from Starbucks - Apricot and Peach Yogurt Frappuccino. Drinking it makes me feel healthy. Hope they retain it as a regular. 

Yummy Souvenir

Received this souvenir from a colleague. Thanks!

All Falls Down by Alan Walker

Another song by Alan Walker, All Falls Down (uploaded by Alan Walker)

Sunset

Hari Raya + Dinner

It is the once-a-year event that my girls and I wait for - invitation by my dear friend and ex-colleague, Rahidah to her place for Hari Raya. Unfortunately, both girls didn't go this year. But I could catch up in peace with my friend! 

Alone by Alan Walker

Really like the songs by Alan Walker. 
Alone by Alan Walker (uploaded by Alan Walker)

Faded by Alan Walker

Heard this song and really like it. 
Faded by Alan Walker (uploaded by Alan Walker)

Spiritual Flower

"Your Spirit Flower is the Daisy"

You value close relationships with friends. You count on your friends as much as they count on you. You are completely unpretentious and carefree. All you care about is whether someone is a good person. You are a natural counselor. You listen well and give out good advice when needed. You love all of life's simple pleasures. You find a lot of joy in a walk outdoors or a day at the park.

What's Your Spirit Flower?

Support Needed

When I arrived at school today for counselling, I saw many pairs of shoes outside a particular room. I was very tickled over what I saw but I didn't dare laugh as it was a serious matter for the students. 
That particular room is the prayer room. 
Examinations start tomorrow. 
Whatever helps the students to feel less anxious for the examinations is good with me too, be it emotional support from counselling or spiritual support from praying. 

Happy May Day 2018

Happy May Day 2018!

I shall try to catch up with my blogging. :D

Stress & Rest

I was really stressed in the day plus the library somehow brought on my allergic reaction, my nose started getting stuffy. Going to get some rest tomorrow.

Happy 77th Birthday!

Here's wishing my father a Happy 77th Birthday!

May you always enjoy good health and good fortune!

Midnight Mint Mocha

I couldn't resist any drink that has mint in it. Tried out the latest Starbucks drink, Midnight Mint Mocha. It was very chocolatey and minty! I could hardly taste the coffee in it so that is good since I am not a fan of coffee. :P

Preparation

This is going to be one of the high stakes presentation for me. My team and I have been preparing the presentation for a month now. It is now the final cut. 

Unwell

Woke up with a sore throat. Really worried as I have a high stakes presentation next week. No choice, better rest. 

Avengers: Infinity War

This is one movie that I must not miss on the big screen! I will find the time! 

The Funny Reality

There is a reason why I love working with students. This simple drawing by one of my counsellees is why! It is the reality but I couldn't stop laughing. 

Back to Back

I had back to back meetings today. 
First meeting on campus (1030-1230pm) and then running off to a school meeting in Toa Payoh area (2-3pm) and then back to campus for another meeting (4-6pm). Really exhausted by the end of the day. 

Comfort Food

I had a much needed break with this sumptuous asparagus rice with cream sauce (vegetarian). Sometimes, all that one needs for a break is just comfort food. :)

Souvenirs from NYC

Some colleagues came back AERA 2018 Conference in New York City nd got me these sweet souvenirs! 

Goblin's I will Go to You like the First Snow

My younger girl, Juliane requested for me to put this up. 

I Will Go to You like the First Snow by Ailee (uploaded by TamTam Lyrics)  

Goblin's Beautiful

A song request by Juliane from Goblin 
Beautiful by Crush (uploaded by xFictionShadowMV5 xtvN)

84th Singapore Company Girls' Brigade 8th Enrolment Service @SCGS

I attended Juliane's 84th Singapore Company Girls' Brigade 8th Enrolment Service @SCGS. I feel really proud to see how she has grown over the past year. I also managed to catch up with my ex-student who is now Juliane's Biology and Girls' Brigade teacher! 

Juliane (front row middle) performing the winning marching drill with her team mates

My ex-student, Arlene

My ex-student who is now Juliane's teacher

Mid-Week Respite

A much needed mid-week respite - Mango Bingsu! 

饮水思源

I saw this in a school I visited today, 饮水思源. 
It has a lot of meaning for me personally because my mother always taught my brother and I since young that we must always 饮水思源 which literally means when we drink, we must think of its source. In plain words, it means that we must be grateful for our blessings, never take things for granted and never forget one's origins. 

Apologies for the Silence

I have been very busy at work since my work portfolio has expanded and have not been updating my blog regularly. :( Sincere apologies. 
I must find time and get back to my blogging as it is a form of me time for me. I need to take better care of myself! 

Singapore Laksa Potato Crisps

I saw this and decided to buy it to try. 
It isn't spicy and taste really like laksa. :)

Friday the 13th

Whether it is a lucky or unlucky day, it is up to one to decide how to make the most of the day. 

Self-Care

I will take this to heart.

"You Could Practice More Self-Care"

You would like to practice self-care more often, but it's hard to find the time! Try giving yourself just a few minutes every now and then. Even taking a few deep breaths can help. While you may not have the spare time to take care of yourself, you don't have time to be stressed either. Your happiness, health, and well-being matter. So try to put yourself first a little more often.

Do You Practice Self-Care?

Imagination vs Reality

Students never fail to amaze me. Sometimes they are really smarter than adults. 

Just Curious

... how many people still play Candy Crush?

"Smiley Face"

Miss Sherlock

I heard there is going to be a new Sherlock tv series from Japan on HBO. Judging from the trailers I have seen so far, I can't wait for it! Miss Sherlock and Dr Wato-San. Brilliant! 

Netflik

Have been hearing about this for the longest time from colleagues about all the amazing shows. But do I have time to watch tv?! 

Sakura

This is the closest I will ever get to see Sakura. To be more precise, a piece of sakura floating in my latte! 

Sakura Shiratama Latte & Matcha Kuromitsu Latte

The Plaid Test

Nothing wrong with being conventional.

"You Are Conventional"

You are organized and productive. You know how to spend your time wisely. Following the rules feels natural to you. You can't imagine living outside the law. You don't really appreciate strangeness. You feel put off by eccentricities. You would rather follow the straight and narrow, even if it's a bit boring. There's nothing wrong with boring!

The Plaid Test

New Hobby?

Hmm, time to try a new hobby?

"You Are Photography"

You are a very observant person. You can't tune out the world around you, so you pay careful attention to it. You prefer to be the one who blends into the scenery, so that you can totally appreciate the scenery. You tend to see things that other people miss. You have an artist's eye. You can turn anything into art. Photography is the perfect hobby for you because you can just hang back, watch, and create.

What Hobby Are You?

Goblin's Stay with Me

Goblin's Stay with me by Chanyeol & Punch. Maybe I should watch the series from first episode to the final episode. 
(uploaded by CJENMMUSIC Official)

April Fools' Day

Some of the news will be fake news today. Haha.