tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33610169670193961112024-02-20T22:13:26.829-08:00this and that from mamaYes, I am a mum. This is a place where I write about this and that.BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-31447671888510230632015-08-23T22:34:00.002-07:002015-08-23T22:34:42.253-07:00<span style="color: maroon;"></span><strong><span style="color: maroon;">No limits in life</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"><br /></span></strong>
<b>Today we had a lecturer who is visually-impaired. It was very painful to hear that he was not born blind. He had his sight until he was 17years old and lost it due to a ruby game. It must have been devastating for a young active man to lose his sight. From a world of colours and beauty, it became a world of darkness. Today, Mr Chandran is 81 years old and he has indeed accomplished much.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>He completed his studies at the London School of Economics, and later on, to earn a Fulbright Scholarship to do a double Masters at New York State University. He was the founder chairperson of Disabled Peoples' International, and also for its Singapore Chapter, the Disabled Peoples' Association. He was also actively involved with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, Singapore Anti Narcotics Association, with social work and counselling.</b><b> </b><b>Much like Mr Nick Vujicic, born with no limbs but he has gone one to influence so many people all around the world.</b> <b>Nothing can stop us if we have purposed in our hearts to do what we have set out to do.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>They may be handicapped but they are not disabled. Many around us are not handicapped but they are disabled. </b> <br />
<br />
<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:487cc3b0-23ec-472d-97de-c1457ce410f8" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div id="d036f28f-363c-4b1b-8d26-2ace005815be" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/M0T2twepn6w/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M0T2twepn6w?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-28067677658730771022015-07-20T23:54:00.004-07:002015-07-20T23:57:40.162-07:00<span style="color: maroon;"></span><strong><span style="color: maroon;">Thoughts…here and there</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
The final lap is really the toughest. Almost every Saturday is a full day school. Assignments to hand up every month. Therapies are no longer so straight forward. Practicum to do, supervisor to meet. So much to do, so much to complete but…<br />
<br />
<em><strong>“Life is an obstacle course. Neither moaning nor surrendering to depression can change things for the better. We have to roll with the punches, grit our teeth and carry on with life.”</strong></em><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<em>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------</em><br />
<b><em>“16 year-old Aloysius from Damai Secondary School committed suicide 3 nights ago in his family flat at Block 602, Bedok Reservoir Road, where he was discovered hanging from the ceiling by his distraught parents. Friends and relatives have all expressed shock at his suicide, with many wondering what drove him to desperation. Yet some classmates and friends of Aloysius have been blaming themselves for not spotting the tell tale signs of Aloysius' plans for suicide. According to a friend of Aloysius, the 16 year-old was not popular in school, although he had many friends outside of school. This is why Aloysius hated school and posted often on his twitter account about his feelings of loneliness in school. Another unnamed friend of Aloysius said that since February this year, Aloysius had started showing signs of depression, which may have contributed to Aloysius' decision to end his life”</em></b><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
I am blogging about this event because both boys are 16 year-old, both names start with the letter ‘A’. Both were lonely in school. Both vocalised their emotions on the social media. One caught the world’s attention because his expressions included that of a prominent person. The other one, caught the attention of his friends but no one did anything. He eventually died. It is so easy for us to point our fingers at young people and tell them to show respect and be mindful of what they said in social media. Maybe it is time we pay attention to the other four fingers which are pointing at ourselves. Why are they not able to bring their thoughts to a physical being and get help? Why do we sensationalise a piece of news on social media for one and not the other? What have gone wrong in society that young people can only turn to the social media to release their emotions?<br />
<br />
<strong>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------</strong> <br />
We wrapped up our session on Redecision Therapy (RT). Like TA, I find RT a very real therapy and one which can really help many people in need. It traced all the way to the client’s childhood. It is what we learned and experienced during our childhood years, that mould us and make us into who we will become when we become adult. So much truth in it. The kind of values we received when we were a child remained inside us. If they are good values, great! If they are negative values, it can create a lot of problems for us. This could result in marriage break down, depression, anger, anxiety.<br />
There are children who never feel that they are good enough because their parents have told them they are never good enough. Like a friend of Ann. No matter how good is her score, she is never happy because ‘mum says unless it is this, you are not good enough.’<br />
<br />
<strong>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br />
Finally, rejoice with me. We are now proud owners of a freehold office space which we have named it The Blue-Pencil. Meaning : to alter, abridge, or cancel with or as with a pencil that has blue lead,as in editing a manuscript.<br />
<br />
Yes, that’s my job. To help others help themselves edit their script! In the meantime, it is work and more work. <br />
<br />
<strong>------------------------------------------------------------------------------</strong> <br />
Wrap-up for this posting…no matter how busy, there is always time for friends, food and durian<br />
feast!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KHUqn78IaJY/Va3sDqkWb0I/AAAAAAAAKY4/KAcMFoxj1HI/s1600-h/cell1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cell1" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EaxCBvyjBm8/Va3sEUWyxtI/AAAAAAAAKZA/_luVQ0_eB2A/cell1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="342" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="cell1" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fu_In-VyDFA/Va3sFTqYOvI/AAAAAAAAKZI/7zJLvQvk4dI/s1600-h/cell2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cell2" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M_M6ex0MkUY/Va3sGEr8B9I/AAAAAAAAKZQ/OGUk4SybAPM/cell2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="338" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="cell2" width="454" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_tukT0qQMs/Va3sG0mXApI/AAAAAAAAKZY/pAiXXeGj4hI/s1600-h/cell5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cell5" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWhWTU_2KY8/Va3sHowKcoI/AAAAAAAAKZg/kcCd0vG9Ieg/cell5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="454" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="cell5" width="252" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GKkRSWzcbIU/Va3sIHSUXsI/AAAAAAAAKZo/R3312DY0P1I/s1600-h/cell3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cell3" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I7Uzf5MlDRg/Va3sIu2H6yI/AAAAAAAAKZw/a5hCCnJhx1g/cell3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="454" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="cell3" width="252" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-56603019717482102002015-06-08T02:58:00.003-07:002015-06-08T02:58:50.265-07:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">What have been happening?</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
The kids have finished SA1. I am a mum who does not really care much about marks but I emphased a lot on attitude. If you have studied hard but still remain average, I would think that you are just not academically inclined and must really work hard on a skill. But…if you have the I-don’t-care attitude and get bad marks….it is all about making a change. Kai continue to show average results. He is clearly an arts student. Double Math and double Science is just not doing him any good but will see. Can’t change now.<br />
<br />
Ann continue to hand up careless work. She did well but it could have been a better result if not for her carelessness. <br />
<br />
Kai has been selected to attend the creative arts programme camp at NUS. He was away for a good four days. I believe he is now a more matured writer after brushing shoulders with some of the finest writers from other schools and learning from some of the who and the who from the writing field. <br />
<br />
Good for him. I have decided to leave him. After all, he is already 15yo, he has to take responsibility for his own life.<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------------------<br />
I have started class. It has been hectic. Continuous weekend classes. Weekend class means full day from 9am to 6pm but it has been very enriching, learning new therapies. Although I must say that I don’t accept everything that has been taught but in life, we should just keep what is worth keeping. Last Saturday’s class was difficult to concentrate. It was the day where a group of primary school kids and their teachers were caught in the Sabah earthquake. <br />
<br />
----------------------------------------------------------<br />
The latest news was that six children and one teacher did not make it. It was heart wrenching reading the news. So painful that these kids are gone just like that. It must have been frightening for them. According to news report, may of them still have their harness on them. Imagine, the very thing which was to save them, killed them. Perhaps, they just don’t have time to react. You know, what is really painful will be for their parents to carry on with life without their kids. I think many will leave with guilt – that they allow them to go. Of course, no one is to be blamed but it is human nature to react this way.<br />
<br />
I told Ann, now you know why I don’t sign all the consent forms.BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-63259703891279713552015-05-06T21:13:00.000-07:002015-05-06T21:13:11.319-07:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><strong><span style="color: maroon;">Haven’t blog for a while…</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"><br /></span></strong>One event after another, life gets busier and busier. A stay-home-mum with no full-time helper is a very busy mum indeed. Each day just passes by with a blink of an eye. Finally, had my hair trimmed yesterday. <br />
Kai has been selected for the Author Mentorship Programme. He is a happy boy. The no students from the school has been selected for many years now and this year, two students are selected and Kai is one of them. Yay!!!<br />
School work has been getting heavier and tougher by the day. What are they looking for? The next Einstein ? Seriously, who in the world can solve some of these most ridiculous Math problems?<br />
I will be starting school again, this Friday. The schedule is scary. One step at a time, one day at a time, I will make it with the Almighty’s help.<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
My little prince <br />
<br />
Found this old photo of the spouse and little Kai<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lKj7t7tTCQw/VUrlnm_T56I/AAAAAAAAKWc/qM2Ns9N947c/s1600-h/DSC02545%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02545" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ib1bkspvOuI/VUrloqG0wuI/AAAAAAAAKWk/5-J8EzWgQTo/DSC02545_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02545" width="454" /></a> <br />
Kai was only about two if I am not wrong. Look at the little tiny man and his big papa.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6fHtC6Ofy9Y/VUrlpbAwT9I/AAAAAAAAKWs/TtMD50Acfw8/s1600-h/DSC02454%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02454" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7BVsuC7jhrs/VUrlp-JdHHI/AAAAAAAAKW0/XMJXW77RQCY/DSC02454_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02454" width="454" /></a> <br />
Kai and his papa. A little taller than his papa now. Miss them so much when they were younger. Don’t you wish they just don’t grow up. Impossible, deal with it, mama!<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
My thoughts on the boy blogger who was charged…<br />
<br />
I am really clueless as to what he is up to. Perhaps, he is out to prove something, I don’t know. I empathise his parents. To have a son of such high intellect and no fear for anything, not even the judge. I do not condone his actions but I think, the authorities should have handled it better.<br />
<br />
<em>“At about 6.10pm, Yee was brought to the bail centre, still handcuffed and with ankle restraints, accompanied by more than five officers. Youth and family counsellor Vincent Law posted bail for him.” (</em><a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/youth-counsellor-bails/1797756.html?cx_tag=similar#cxrecs_s" title="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/youth-counsellor-bails/1797756.html?cx_tag=similar#cxrecs_s"><em>http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/youth-counsellor-bails/1797756.html?cx_tag=similar#cxrecs_s</em></a><em>)</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
Seriously, in handcuffs and ankle restraints? I thought these are meant for hardcore criminals? <br />
Perhaps, I see the case from a counsellor’s point of view, to unlock this child, you just got to find the right keyhole and use the right key. I also don’t know how but I m sure there is a way of doing it. There is a need to trace his life from birth.BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-87532093407856999902015-03-29T20:55:00.002-07:002015-03-29T20:55:45.679-07:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">What a week it had been!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"><br /></span></strong>
I think this is going to be a long one…<br />
<br />
Our first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew has passed away. It was a week of mourning for Singapore and a week of history lessons for myself. I have finally learned so much which my textbooks did not teach me. I have finally understood the real meaning of rumours. Oxford defined it as a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth. All that I have read about him and his family on the internet were not to be taken as a fact. They were simply individuals’ perspectives and values. Live recordings can’t deviate very far from the truth.<br />
<br />
Even my father, who was not very much pro-government, in his current old age, agreed that without LKY, we wouldn’t be here. Of which, I must I agree.<br />
<br />
In the early 90s, when I was still with a publishing firm, the Indonesian and the Philippines offices were the most important offices for us. When the Indo and Phil sales managers wanted to stop print to insert a last-minute advertisement, no one dared said “no!”. Not even the GM. The reason given was always “you want your bonus or not?”. We, the operation side, would always be most unhappy. Stop print means delaying out-of-press date. Until year 2000 when I left to become a SAHM, no one cared about these two countries’ sales anymore. With the departure of their leaders, there goes the importance. Look around us, in this region, we have continued to shine. <br />
<br />
During my three years stay in China, every Sunday we went to church, we must produced our passports or copies of our passports to prove we are foreigners so we could attend church. I am glad, we didn’t have to do that here. I think, this in itself, is enough to be grateful for a leader who believed in racial harmony and free religion for all.<br />
<br />
One other thing which I have taken from this past week event was LKY’s deep love for his wife. I first got to know bits of it from his daughter’s writings in the Straits Times. In the Parliament tribute, Dr Ng Eng Hen related such a touching moment…<br />
<br />
<em><strong>In 2009, Mr Lee led a delegation on an official trip to many states of Malaysia. DPM </strong></em><em><strong>Tharman Shanmugaratnam</strong></em><em><strong> and I were part of it. The delegation was having dinner, when Mr Lee asked to excuse himself so that he could speak on the phone to Mrs Lee. Due to previous strokes, Mrs Lee could not speak but remained conscious and aware. Mr Lee had made it a routine to speak and read to her each night. He did not want to break this routine even though he was in Malaysia on a long trip. He asked the nurse to put the phone to Mrs Lee and spoke to her. He did this every night while we were in Malaysia. We stood aside to respect their privacy, but that image of Mr Lee, hunched over the phone speaking to Mrs Lee who could not speak back, will stay with me for a very long time as a simple but pure picture of true devotion.</strong></em><br />
<em><strong><br /></strong></em>
In the words of LKY when he gave his eulogy to his late wife… “<strong><em>you love the one you marry.”</em></strong><br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong>
Such devotion from a man with such a high status, I respect. If this virtue is rubbed onto every husband and wife, we would have very happy kids and happy families.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, this was a man of deeply-rooted values. A fighter for his beliefs right till the end. These words of his summed up why he did what he did…<br />
<br />
<strong><em>This is my country. This is my people. You will trample over us, over our dead bodies. We dug our toes in, we built a nation.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em><br /></em></strong>
For those who know me, you know I am one who will never Q for anything nor anyone. I don’t Q for even the best food in town. I don’t Q for kitties or doggies, I don’t and never will Q for any stars but last Friday, I saw myself Q-ing with the tens of thousands. It was very orderly, it was very respectful. It was very efficient. The system is what they called the chamber-system. From the city hall MRT station, we moved along slowly until we reached the Padang. Then we were asked to join the various chambers, there, we were told to sit and wait. It was about a two-hour wait. Then the long walk began from Padang to the Parliament House. Whoever came up with this was very clever. The walk took three hours, all in all, it was a five hours wait but I didn’t feel the wait was long because of the walk. We were moving and that really helped a great deal.<br />
<br />
In these five hours, people were looking after each other. We were given free umbrellas, drinks, food, boxes were passed around to collect rubbish. It was the Singapore I knew. The real Singapore is back. Not sure about others, where I was, I saw no new citizens. People around me were the born and bred Singaporeans. You just know it when you see one. Don't label me as xenophobic, I truely believe that the true blue Singaporeans will always rise up in times like this.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d8dyng4X0p4/VRjF1-ZgaHI/AAAAAAAAKJg/HacU1ijxyBQ/s1600-h/DSC_0661%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0661" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4x0W4Lifgtg/VRjF29L8JbI/AAAAAAAAKJo/-_qWGYrln9U/DSC_0661_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0661" width="139" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZF_ibFZVpqw/VRjF3vQLqCI/AAAAAAAAKJw/KfM467zcGN8/s1600-h/DSC_0663%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0663" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8T4ICCO5ybo/VRjF4TTdphI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/nb4Z0o7iISo/DSC_0663_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0663" width="139" /></a><br />
This was where it all began. Those were not litter. Cardboards for people to sit and wait. Bottled water for people to drink. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yUhq7-kdKCc/VRjF5GFEuPI/AAAAAAAAKKA/70-fN4Pz7oE/s1600-h/IMG-20150327-WA0011.jpg"><img alt="IMG-20150327-WA0011" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jt5QjmB4-Y0/VRjF5kFWF-I/AAAAAAAAKKI/FQWbcieOzU0/IMG-20150327-WA0011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG-20150327-WA0011" width="139" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8JnsCnspWOM/VRjF6Wr-AeI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/tN-HUhje3II/s1600-h/IMG-20150327-WA0015.jpg"><img alt="IMG-20150327-WA0015" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-63CIqpuTSL0/VRjF7JuEQAI/AAAAAAAAKKY/mhVIUKbnenw/IMG-20150327-WA0015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG-20150327-WA0015" width="139" /></a><br />
We were now behind the Padang. Yeap, free cold yoghurt drink for us. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QLYwQvKdwgo/VRjF7kuanpI/AAAAAAAAKKg/_sS9k4GAzxM/s1600-h/IMG-20150327-WA0017.jpg"><img alt="IMG-20150327-WA0017" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yQkNLFydx_Y/VRjF8fACRHI/AAAAAAAAKKo/HT2IbKKa7Fw/IMG-20150327-WA0017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG-20150327-WA0017" width="139" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ckOlRh3OsQ8/VRjF8zUIAsI/AAAAAAAAKKw/EuVHHZpTKZ4/s1600-h/IMG-20150327-WA0019.jpg"><img alt="IMG-20150327-WA0019" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AjIPnrG6UiY/VRjF9mGhVZI/AAAAAAAAKK4/eDoecC5MDWs/IMG-20150327-WA0019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG-20150327-WA0019" width="139" /></a> <br />
Finally, the white tentage where bags were checked and the Parliament House.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, together, with the thousands of neighbours, I stood under the pouring rain and said my last farewell to a great fighter. (No pictures taken out of respect for the great man). This is an experience I would not want to miss.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, I felt a strange feeling. “We could always call him back to office but no, he died, at 91, there was really nothing else he could do.”<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-By-wALtUc6Q/VRjF-MAS62I/AAAAAAAAKLA/-VG0ik-ps5U/s1600-h/DSC_0670%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0670" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f8mjWzNcU5k/VRjF-rBL9kI/AAAAAAAAKLI/7O85xHzOQO0/DSC_0670_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0670" width="139" /></a><br />
RIP.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/99TIt4sSKBk/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/99TIt4sSKBk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-42480290486833730852015-03-23T00:51:00.000-07:002015-03-23T00:51:00.998-07:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">A short trip to Bintan, first and may be the last… (Part IV</span></strong><strong><span style="color: maroon;">)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
This was the best meal.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LznW330mRY8/VQ_Ej0UpYMI/AAAAAAAAKGw/e8yzvF8_I8Y/s1600-h/DSC024193.jpg"><img alt="DSC02419" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9dVw2hZqyYw/VQ_EkjmSnXI/AAAAAAAAKG4/AOgoKURBAZs/DSC02419_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02419" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-96byoIitR5Y/VQ_ElMduQkI/AAAAAAAAKHA/HLJdh5W4yQw/s1600-h/DSC024222.jpg"><img alt="DSC02422" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iLT-BTIgz0E/VQ_ElipBWpI/AAAAAAAAKHI/UyJGe_Ghoa8/DSC02422_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02422" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dm9IhC33p_I/VQ_EmeUmSyI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/12cN4QKeF14/s1600-h/DSC024202.jpg"><img alt="DSC02420" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P3WjsvW2iMA/VQ_Em5BxocI/AAAAAAAAKHY/LsI5fQaUeP8/DSC02420_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02420" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AKr2CjgPWdg/VQ_Enm496tI/AAAAAAAAKHg/2AS7wZU_ptQ/s1600-h/DSC024232.jpg"><img alt="DSC02423" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IbqYGO8BErA/VQ_EoKC_jRI/AAAAAAAAKHo/NhEueVw3ydc/DSC02423_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02423" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IvF9CLThd4g/VQ_Eo5ARHaI/AAAAAAAAKHw/QDNtcKix2fY/s1600-h/DSC024242.jpg"><img alt="DSC02424" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kitpkPalsvE/VQ_EpbqFQsI/AAAAAAAAKH4/mihOoMeAtEI/DSC02424_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02424" width="244" /></a><br />
Can’t get any fresher than this. Oh, we didn’t take the lobster. Too little meat for four of us!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SnD4V9tHgHE/VQ_EqG433lI/AAAAAAAAKIA/eukAmcTDEDY/s1600-h/DSC024343.jpg"><img alt="DSC02434" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--KdbQJcB_V4/VQ_Eqv3Tf2I/AAAAAAAAKII/QYkc2fHDcaE/DSC02434_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02434" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n3jaI6rOLgo/VQ_Erdd75xI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/ByEe-SJaN1g/s1600-h/DSC024362.jpg"><img alt="DSC02436" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ksE0OD6-lac/VQ_Er0U7uSI/AAAAAAAAKIY/4Ul5f91ETrQ/DSC02436_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02436" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7lJLBwG8Xmg/VQ_EsmXpC1I/AAAAAAAAKIg/nGvG8kiVyXw/s1600-h/DSC024372.jpg"><img alt="DSC02437" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s_HEZnUSRoo/VQ_EtKjLGhI/AAAAAAAAKIo/lSvZx6Vlptk/DSC02437_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02437" width="244" /></a><br />
There were crab, mussels and fish…sorry too engrossed with the food, forgot to take pixs<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bZi8tKwbO3c/VQ_EtqkuFMI/AAAAAAAAKIw/mKiOcsaQedM/s1600-h/DSC024404.jpg"><img alt="DSC02440" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-grxNYRbN22w/VQ_EuYo1PiI/AAAAAAAAKI4/vKJ168TPrvw/DSC02440_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="454" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02440" width="304" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RWAM8sx9HMw/VQ_EuwZ8EKI/AAAAAAAAKJA/NIYRpFEly0w/s1600-h/DSC024453.jpg"><img alt="DSC02445" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fKgYvNPDkA8/VQ_EvmhIxRI/AAAAAAAAKJI/uik-6HDF-2U/DSC02445_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC02445" width="454" /></a><br />
This is how you provide clean water for your customers to wash hands. Creative to the max!<br />
<br />
This place offers good and reasonably priced seafood but to get here, must pay S$50 taxi fare, so it is really expensive but good experience for the kids.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-43600220970887779522015-03-23T00:44:00.003-07:002015-03-23T00:44:52.397-07:00<span style="color: maroon;"></span><strong><span style="color: maroon;">A short trip to Bintan, first and may be the last… (Part III</span></strong><strong><span style="color: maroon;">)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
What kids really want and what they really need…SPACE!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AviFPhARjI4/VQ-fG32D9NI/AAAAAAAAKAc/0i6Ayo4ldzE/s1600-h/DSC02268%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02268" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b5ghfaPD21w/VQ-fHUKC4oI/AAAAAAAAKAk/-vpAYQTWbJY/DSC02268_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02268" width="164" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EXi1lNtxB7U/VQ-fH-dCgQI/AAAAAAAAKAs/fXZvJIOPF0E/s1600-h/DSC02269%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02269" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YcDsFkui2jo/VQ-fISLG6TI/AAAAAAAAKA0/lN-BRUu5t6U/DSC02269_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02269" width="164" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6BWJ4DVp5Zw/VQ-fJDCJUaI/AAAAAAAAKA8/cRoGzgaHW8o/s1600-h/DSC02270%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02270" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XHYRXouYbR4/VQ-fJuzIisI/AAAAAAAAKBE/ZTwaAJHfDn8/DSC02270_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02270" width="164" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XRpLyTu_UDI/VQ-fKBJ-WPI/AAAAAAAAKBM/5wQ8GSvfWs0/s1600-h/DSC02295%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02295" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aeGh5IgXlI8/VQ-fKr643DI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/0oL1o5Q7Syg/DSC02295_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02295" width="164" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z9w7ebCcZBE/VQ-fLH-IhZI/AAAAAAAAKBc/7VF7ah-cETA/s1600-h/DSC02296%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02296" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kyir5al5Dmc/VQ-fLnhWpiI/AAAAAAAAKBk/ewoPNlm_-fk/DSC02296_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02296" width="164" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AtZOlgGE43c/VQ-fMRaGUpI/AAAAAAAAKBs/j3LDnM9sl2o/s1600-h/DSC02298%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02298" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XeV5m6cp9-g/VQ-fMwL1e7I/AAAAAAAAKB0/i-RqUXOKvNQ/DSC02298_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02298" width="164" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp3lBV7OQL-o0TuL2uU4kuhGcW-DiA4xh2y6tHSp8lYgBYJdI-zswnnrJSIQq5HBy2cFYXDDCWcsYlic-ov7aTkRZZdWfkeoAMp8eghfs1Wv0JtwN-t95Jn9jUMtze78MSlxTRrP4_f0/s1600-h/DSC02475%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02475" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-apmhRFhKNv4/VQ-fN2mzJKI/AAAAAAAAKCE/w18Htkmyyrk/DSC02475_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02475" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AQIrnRWjVgY/VQ-fOia0StI/AAAAAAAAKCM/CEmQVFQNRPE/s1600-h/DSC02478%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02478" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f8ZnVeMSqZM/VQ-fPN6kBzI/AAAAAAAAKCU/xIxoQHGqJiw/DSC02478_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02478" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yowNGq9zGvs/VQ-fP9bZZxI/AAAAAAAAKCc/wrUg1A23zOg/s1600-h/DSC02479%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02479" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6aWMN9Z-VzE/VQ-fQcW-_rI/AAAAAAAAKCk/t5AajXk2fCQ/DSC02479_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02479" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g3cM8e3jbiE/VQ-fQzn104I/AAAAAAAAKCs/YT-W4n5JMG8/s1600-h/DSC02284%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02284" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--MHvHFRoMwY/VQ-fRrQlZNI/AAAAAAAAKC0/Jr0298FTweI/DSC02284_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02284" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpRiOvsneJb8X8Q21zOEq5pOn8VPSbLpqGgw_MflDvTg1v6jpWqpsh-a1MwSNb-ZcVSlw-DQhJNPhf9uvD0VntqraCP8YEVOYYGOZAUOb6oRL6w_1kfNS9O5uHTDEcfvI-QP9EZoteYE/s1600-h/DSC02292%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02292" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zuZkT7X47y0/VQ-fSjixaaI/AAAAAAAAKDE/WKCm8aLOjUk/DSC02292_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02292" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ntQvpRe1cu0/VQ-fTTzDWsI/AAAAAAAAKDM/QzM8s4X15BY/s1600-h/DSC02289%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02289" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-om1h4aeXsQk/VQ-fT-4gisI/AAAAAAAAKDU/IWP__GppiyA/DSC02289_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02289" width="244" /></a> <br />
…and we tried new things<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZApWgFhtSY4/VQ-fUckGrSI/AAAAAAAAKDc/utd-ONkImsk/s1600-h/DSC02301%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02301" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KhR4_DqoW3A/VQ-fU1wWQbI/AAAAAAAAKDk/-2JXVs0y72g/DSC02301_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02301" width="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XH3JTC-Hy08qRwy9k5D3ezFX-5ogEomf2QSDWBjSdgtdRUT2w1kkMLJDVlT2JpSU5InPJrW25bYzvBU8zNmwoF57dRiNB8-i3DBJtxn29BwQJbyPRxP57yULf_9ZUFTK2QlEdhLzYSA/s1600-h/DSC02302%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02302" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHLUUXy-ix6SYoqvT1E_4SQcavlhzB4RW3-BrawDu2HRyKJiQD_4G685HbrASpZ83LjoUhHpxB7M3hxK9TeL1iOCcUHDhDOxEpmSTfDUqK9k3l3EuSNiC2O1PLe8PIfFcSJIi0YTNb-o/?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02302" width="244" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FEXKyiDRUmE/VQ-fWyT2p1I/AAAAAAAAKD8/UAMQhcS-W98/s1600-h/DSC02319%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02319" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KHMsSNhYANQ/VQ-fXcj6LJI/AAAAAAAAKEE/Mh4INRTriSw/DSC02319_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02319" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MgH4xZteR3k/VQ-fYBSGioI/AAAAAAAAKEM/YmIH48Xa7m4/s1600-h/DSC02371%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02371" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyTzxe9-6GJELBggdJma25dT6KyvwkDeOIdIH-HME0w0jnOnCKRBHQGplhj7TMalIAsKZG6d_dqOj9pru2feueg1G702pJn-48UOO0EH6exbAOXeVW8oxyC5An44-HkeeNeSH7UceQoc/?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02371" width="244" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLuZbFs-jofYSkxLX8rL6tpKYOAhYVmx1QRYyhFwBo8rn9jHHKKUoP_c8gC4NP8PhcIUCG1S1UOhPTWJOORurL-G9RmewUlfVgBXF3Rxwse6kery8qN43-XEJcUVzIS5ItFZb3DlXUw8/s1600-h/DSC02307%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02307" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QOdxxpeGv-Y/VQ-fZv9OOsI/AAAAAAAAKEk/o3EjNAb85eU/DSC02307_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02307" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tBpKv2mS6BY/VQ-faU398sI/AAAAAAAAKEs/JoLRTdrWrqU/s1600-h/DSC02364%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02364" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fbk4MfbyT1E/VQ-fa_ie4_I/AAAAAAAAKE0/WSuCie-xhuA/DSC02364_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02364" width="244" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hUHd38KlglA/VQ-fbh69CbI/AAAAAAAAKE8/T1SQ4kT-c0g/s1600-h/DSC02374%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02374" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fM-RnW1GXHg/VQ-fcIhr3AI/AAAAAAAAKFE/8BVU3NVRcIQ/DSC02374_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02374" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NGrddL1BbXg/VQ-fcgp7hkI/AAAAAAAAKFM/gbj6BjwSJwg/s1600-h/DSC02395%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02395" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QvpCLBzmU3g/VQ-fdAhK3wI/AAAAAAAAKFU/HONZIl19o9Y/DSC02395_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02395" width="244" /></a> <br />
Riding the ATV – All terrain vehicle. Steady or not!<br />
It was really exhilarating but rather dusty. <br />
<br />
Then, the ultimate challenge... parents vs children<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGA3qS9dHT6goGoXLOhZXjxAjwaw_AVNymskaFSs0KHa5H8mlqfuThvFy6nz_1hiNQkaBGn511wDhL7T9gXUOljzHDHm2UdNS8oOOaUL1yFx5rvNKMIfSPtnIdqYLcFkOvb6G64odKMM/s1600-h/DSC02502%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02502" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7wjRvbB4TX4/VQ-femHnYNI/AAAAAAAAKFk/Godl3VItgEo/DSC02502_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02502" width="244" /></a> <br />
Friends…<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MQTZka_qw9c/VQ-ffUksCEI/AAAAAAAAKFs/61Js-BOqQc8/s1600-h/DSC02512%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02512" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f12HH7TIGlA/VQ-ff9yhPiI/AAAAAAAAKF0/5ZGBNfq_CdE/DSC02512_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02512" width="244" /></a> <br />
Foes...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OTX5dZrcGKs/VQ-fgVJGQpI/AAAAAAAAKF8/UhZG9HGpHN8/s1600-h/DSC02513%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02513" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7AaMz5uyvhVOo0xOnyEhSKuM8MWsXvyPc11Mqqh_iDT7zs5sJaA8v05jsvgU1urYLGZbC_K0yjMg0jyrkVytEIUB65Ae5T4SCEMVrHx-hQ5p2nnRgASqlUoRPc6sjWjB3VyBauBG-_s/?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02513" width="244" /></a><br />
All pump up. Ready for challenge<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lFwDMPwXFMY/VQ-fhlseEGI/AAAAAAAAKGM/XrsRK2QjWSk/s1600-h/DSC02517%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02517" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ewSEi_knECI/VQ-ficPP5VI/AAAAAAAAKGU/0N5yTh6LejI/DSC02517_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02517" width="244" /></a><br />
The aftermath…final score 1:1BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-42474379514468034512015-03-23T00:42:00.000-07:002015-03-23T00:42:22.917-07:00<span style="color: maroon;"></span><strong><span style="color: maroon;">A short trip to Bintan, first and may be the last… (Part II</span></strong><strong><span style="color: maroon;">)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
Nature, when you don’t destroy her, she reveals her beauty to you<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AOqnmVhey6Q/VQ-Q-wWbMeI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/aqBL2_EPRYE/s1600-h/DSC02253%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02253" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wX4HW93tYII/VQ-Q_hi-U9I/AAAAAAAAJ-8/iMLFVI-uLAI/DSC02253_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02253" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uyuo5ln190k/VQ-RAE_IglI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/4h3XXKRfac0/s1600-h/DSC02254%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02254" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2XXWtqwkMkJ3xZAWHSQCNmbGzACF6ItsQjkBRIURWiQ5qhnK15rdVaKCvGWXcgAHrETeFKNycOKwPcA6d7yjjgOhI0jYMXdOy-Rj3PO2iZDfTnFzpDU-bQ6bMnuosDZQr53WBjcAvik/?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02254" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pr3ZtccJcPU/VQ-RBcUFECI/AAAAAAAAKAI/DmYVGHhoP2c/s1600-h/DSC02255%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02255" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWT32_0oulJ02wWTu6ukdjCRNUG8MEP9oaug5o8i2TyYDES4ljaNzNKQpZ7vvAEOCjFa3hdLTkvO55gxRaHDR9O6IIy0dyVZSAi2uVIdXrJKZ7UeJSn3WuCXZZVOrH8LWwrO3QzlBQlI/?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02255" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FqQPj5VrKhY/VQ-RCnnWc-I/AAAAAAAAJ_k/icYL7JXe4Oc/s1600-h/DSC02271%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02271" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cMhN1wu159U/VQ-RDCDwLBI/AAAAAAAAJ_s/l_zrWNgl8bY/DSC02271_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02271" width="454" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xmPbTr0oqw8/VQ-RDqtUSSI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/JkMYoZvJCrM/s1600-h/DSC02274%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02274" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sNp3MgD9kr0/VQ-REH9iujI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/1zyt9cNd39I/DSC02274_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02274" width="453" /></a>
<br />
This is so beautiful. I am not sure how it came about, could be from the sand dollar<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_dollar">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_dollar</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJysr5SbYrzIXgZ1KTXRvwUyYB9gw9n1hLI3azmHlrXSkV_RxznAVpyYQ_dCPTKJkEJvS4FEf7wa5XcyexGzUBMU4XP8qJt09wR2vWxj4pnBOtwuyylzpZtMB7okPQjzWpt8pc4qv1rk/s1600/DSC02499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJysr5SbYrzIXgZ1KTXRvwUyYB9gw9n1hLI3azmHlrXSkV_RxznAVpyYQ_dCPTKJkEJvS4FEf7wa5XcyexGzUBMU4XP8qJt09wR2vWxj4pnBOtwuyylzpZtMB7okPQjzWpt8pc4qv1rk/s1600/DSC02499.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-40306158550615067732015-03-23T00:34:00.002-07:002015-03-23T00:34:48.237-07:00<span style="color: maroon;"></span><strong><span style="color: maroon;">A short trip to Bintan, first and may be the last… (Part I)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />…I believe. It is expensive.<br />
<br />
We don’t usually go for holiday during the 1 week school break but this time, we decided that we all need the break. During the last December holiday, we were all so busy with the house, with my studies. The kids had their trips and camps. We thought a short trip would be good. Nearby place, cheaper (we thought) and shorter travelling time. So, Bintan, here we come…<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qclzbqAo5U8/VQ-K56UKjqI/AAAAAAAAJ78/PKYhaa6A89M/s1600-h/DSC02245%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02245" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wQEXWa4ai8E/VQ-K6gUV8eI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/wJM6Ia9gmh8/DSC02245_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02245" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K96tpr-0V6g/VQ-K7oxo8NI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/twndV8qKPSI/s1600-h/DSC02462%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02462" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f1N70pZab6M/VQ-K8LKyZrI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/BulY5MgMs28/DSC02462_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02462" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-69MIp4t8nGE/VQ-K8_H91YI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/4kD0ODlFp7E/s1600-h/DSC02470%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02470" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JvVkFcVx3e8/VQ-K9lgpCpI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/sk9GCx3bKfA/DSC02470_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02470" width="454" /></a> <br />
Beautiful place<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0S8uw7GJm0I/VQ-K-VGt7KI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/W6T-Bie8jnw/s1600-h/DSC02231%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02231" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HBwzf4Mpink/VQ-K-50jhGI/AAAAAAAAJ80/-hHBGFs6fAk/DSC02231_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02231" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q6QldOvleQk/VQ-K_mBaR_I/AAAAAAAAJ88/GcSHoRZ6UiU/s1600-h/DSC02233%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02233" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9h77nnHTDWo/VQ-LALEsyaI/AAAAAAAAJ9E/gYch2Mz87vI/DSC02233_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02233" width="244" /></a> <br />
While waiting for our room, we played pools<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq0aVTVtahRkQYGKBI85gQv0DOviIyxl3qINxuS-Y38KUrBZsalJpCrdPxzj1WkiFEO-ACEA2j1Zvjh8cpCQT7bG0i7Byi_yZJou2P-1op-IGTz7xynScbRhG-vEVbELvpJcMBbIxu4w/s1600-h/DSC02244%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02244" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tdP1z2mx9D8/VQ-LB10RLNI/AAAAAAAAJ9U/rMaRBTZ8c8E/DSC02244_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02244" width="454" /></a> <br />
Then to the beach<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8x227aTIldo/VQ-LCeIwZlI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/CGRYaAHn2OE/s1600-h/DSC02247%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02247" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LvzSFVInMcY/VQ-LDJ-o_LI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/1qavB1EQeyI/DSC02247_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02247" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IWItwDYW9wg/VQ-LD4HR4FI/AAAAAAAAJ9s/KxiljQk2JXI/s1600-h/DSC02248%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02248" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3SRmSQ52p9g/VQ-LEYPgkXI/AAAAAAAAJ90/Gt-7E4vK67Y/DSC02248_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02248" width="454" /></a> <br />
Jelly fish. I guess they are not poisonous. The spouse went to pick it up!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2CYgiwYyilY/VQ-LFFGh4LI/AAAAAAAAJ98/Nw7bP5i7UCY/s1600-h/DSC02264%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02264" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N1p-J4yyzjI/VQ-LGFxkEiI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/NFCNAc8Ggos/DSC02264_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02264" width="454" /></a> <br />
Me and my jelly fish :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8T_saomjYVnM0gHQ54VqwSARdYGkV0SPvlzPaXM1zaIp3aY9BACs0JgbJ-z4Y8DsAHlJuuFJvV3CtgdsmwJThwVyyRXsJo4i43VsW1V_SIttV6rI4fZGjcD11A0ld-Szuk6iH24K7k0/s1600-h/DSC02252%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02252" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xst4a_v_WuE/VQ-LHqwyk3I/AAAAAAAAJ-U/q2z8kpJ8-OU/DSC02252_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02252" width="454" /></a> <br />
See how tall they have grown!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jFz5id7W2AU/VQ-LI4Hwv-I/AAAAAAAAJ-c/1NN2OmO4HGQ/s1600-h/DSC02280%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02280" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OJXzAnB3-HU/VQ-LJySVjqI/AAAAAAAAJ-k/ynlM4ixr3O0/DSC02280_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02280" width="454" /></a> <br />
A family pictureBeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-81125212906786946962015-03-23T00:32:00.001-07:002015-03-23T00:32:09.207-07:00<span style="color: maroon;"></span><strong><span style="color: maroon;">This is the day – 23 March 2015 at 3.18am</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />I woke up at 4.30am because of my back pain and saw the news. The passing of the great man, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. As a little girl, I knew him through my father. My father never misses his great appetite for news. English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil, he watches them all. Don’t know whether he understands the Tamil news but he still watches them. Then there is the National Day rallies. My father never misses them too. <br />
<br />
I do not deny that this was a great man. I admire his courage to fight for what he believed in but sadly, he didn’t quite rub that on the citizens. Most Singaporeans have the herd mentality. Just follow, if the ship ain’t broken, why fixed it. That is why, sometimes, I feel that I am a loner. I don’t know how to function under red tapes and bureaucracies, systems and policies. Perhaps, he was too great a man. Would Singapore be much better if he had allowed more great men to work with him? I will never know, we will never know.<br />
<br />
While everyone was praying for speedy recovery, I said my short prayer of letting him go in peace. I prayed for God’s mercy on him. He never did believe in God but he said this in Dec 2005… “I believe a man or a woman who has a deep faith in God has an enormous strength facing crises, an advantage in life." So, even a great man like him knew that basic truth. Not sure if he changed his mind later in life.<br />
<br />
At age 91, he has lived a good life. I believe he ate well, we all knew that he exercised a lot and faithfully. He had the best medical care. I mean, who could afford having a mechanical ventilator since February? I think if they love him, pray and let him go in peace and he did today. All the great words about this great man. All the wonderful thank yous and gratitude uttered, why wait till the man’s final hours. Tell him while he was strong and alive. That’s why I always think eulogy should be done before the person passes on. I shall not mourn his death but instead will celebrate his life. Be grateful that I am around to witness the changes he made – the good and the bad. I lived through the 60s to the 90s and until today. The 80s were the best. It would have been better if he had kept some history for the younger generation to enjoy.<br />
<br />
No one is perfect as long as he calls himself human. <br />
<br />
<br />BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-56932366073191788482015-03-08T19:40:00.000-07:002015-03-08T19:40:02.460-07:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">What a promotion!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r2V48082p6Q/VP0HcvXxQGI/AAAAAAAAJ7g/1HjWwTaN5j4/s1600-h/DSC_0606%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0606" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Jl2pQGm89c/VP0Hdb5XQJI/AAAAAAAAJ7o/ix3wqWqQd54/DSC_0606_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="269" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0606" width="434" /></a> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;">We received this letter from Ann’s dance school. We are delighted and we knew that Ann is meant for the dance floor. She has skipped grade 3 to move on to grade 4 and now this. The amount of hard work she needs to put into this will be no issue for her because this is her passion but would she still have stamina for her studies? I am no kiasu mum but I think a good basic academic grounding is still a must. Decision time.</span>BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-4824938656070402012015-03-08T19:38:00.001-07:002015-03-08T19:38:46.725-07:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">Belated celebration</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
The son is finally back from his camp and we went on a carnivorous celebration. He simply loves it to the max!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m5cIVRTfiOE/VP0FqkvVj_I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/4x1EnfSgiVo/s1600-h/DSC_0609%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0609" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7d-K10n1kUQ/VP0Fr8HulgI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/BcEXAjoXRLE/DSC_0609_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="454" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0609" width="257" /></a>BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-90750400272188529422015-03-05T02:10:00.002-08:002015-03-05T02:10:39.003-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">Kai is 15</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
If you haven't been spending with your kids, please do so because you really don't have much time with them. I am glad I gave up my job to raise my own children. I think I have done the best I could.<br />
<br />
This is the second year that Kai is away for his birthday. The annual school camp just happen to fall on his birthday for the past two years, his teenage life has been really busy. The only school day that ends early is Friday. How he has turned out today was how I have taught him when he was younger. The foundation must be laid then not now. There isn’t any more time now.<br />
<br />
The other day, I asked him to use a word to describe his mum and this was what he said, "respect". <br />
<br />
Thank you, son.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NDxQ21EKQqw/VPgqqBpMFUI/AAAAAAAAJ6I/-X8jz20n49Q/s1600-h/P8060038%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8060038" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mCIhVBV5kqU/VPgqrIMQwGI/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/S8OVARLBfC8/P8060038_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="P8060038" width="184" /></a> <br />
Kai at 5<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6sPj6g_zmbg/VPgqr-34-jI/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/er2_5xN5nmQ/s1600-h/DSC02209%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02209" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_qk-1DgnFYI/VPgqs4aenEI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/saYuOdp0x4A/DSC02209_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02209" width="191" /></a> <br />
Kai at 15BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-81025427858630584882015-03-04T20:03:00.001-08:002015-03-04T20:03:37.147-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">...and it is a 'D'</span></strong><br />
<br />
25 Feb was D-day. By 8pm if I did not get a call from the school, it meant I have cleared my paper and no retake required. 25 Feb, 8pm, came and gone. Phew...I made it. I did not have to go through the agonising 3hrs 45mins to be exact.<br />
<br />
The letter finally came yesterday. It is a D - distinction! Woohoo......more than I ever imagine, more than I could ever ask for!!! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7F4fmPvax8-NP792Kk0l3083u_JqxUaZEXl4rj_rBMfA9tZuc772RhMpprm9829xFzMby199ZjgIRUsStEQpfJDi7bPoLvcI6Ej9-bSDaY7DAIILULQjGc50_D2R0w8JKXulxwduGBU/s1600/abundant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7F4fmPvax8-NP792Kk0l3083u_JqxUaZEXl4rj_rBMfA9tZuc772RhMpprm9829xFzMby199ZjgIRUsStEQpfJDi7bPoLvcI6Ej9-bSDaY7DAIILULQjGc50_D2R0w8JKXulxwduGBU/s1600/abundant.jpg" /></a></div>
BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-25911742479938024712015-02-25T19:54:00.001-08:002015-02-25T19:55:44.819-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">Blessed Lunar New Year</span></strong> <br />
<br />
It has been a super long weekend. Didn't do much except for the visitation and staying up watching TV and waking up late. Here's the annual family photo-taking. Wishing all of us a great year ahead. Always making time for families and friends. You know why Kai has to be seated? He is just too tall. If he stands, all of us will look like people from Liliput! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vu0TxZLv-0c/VO6WW9qxhPI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/3Q1ecxYqDCs/s1600-h/DSC02205%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC02205" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xnzEiCJ_c3s/VO6WXnAQD9I/AAAAAAAAJ5M/qODLFYViebw/DSC02205_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC02205" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-4428635278334359302015-02-08T18:07:00.003-08:002015-02-08T18:07:37.499-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">"Brain Dead"</span></strong><br />
<br />
After a long break of 15 years, I was back at the examination hall yesterday. 3hrs and 45mins non-stop writing. As one ages, toilet break becomes a must. No time to write still need to rush to the toilet. I now fully empathise with all school children who have to sit for essay exams, two in a day, over two to three weeks. If you think it is easy, go try doing one.<br />
<br />
Not just the bladder giving problem, the eyes also. You know, 'lao hua'. Wear my classes, head went dizzy, can't wear it for too long. Then there were the wrist and fingers, no longer write fast. If I push them too hard, they punish me, the writings become alien to me. So much to write. Case studies on a man who wanted to call it quits and a young child who has just been abandoned by mum. Demanding!!! How do you tell how you want to help them in 225 minutes! Brain went dead! I hope the markers are kind and could empathise.<br />
<br />
After that, it was back to the role of being a mum. Frustrations and stress but I guess Ms Pol was right. We mums, who stay at home, tend to do too much, give too, care too much, love too much. So much so that we are often taken for granted. It is a thankless job, it is a job we choose to do and so have to accept whatever that comes with it but it is also a job where we can put an end to it. Time to back off. Time to release the string. Time to move on to the next chapter. BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-86165574896868249312015-01-29T17:44:00.002-08:002015-01-29T17:44:18.030-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">Happy, joyful, a sense of satisfaction!</span></strong><br />
<br />
B and J are my first two clients. I counselled them last year and after five sessions with them, I am really happy with their progress.<br />
<br />
B is now independent. He can manage his emotions, his feelings. He is motivated to do well for his coming 'O' levels. He has gone back to church. He told me that going to church helps him to feel a sense of calmness. He told me that he does not get into trouble anymore.<br />
<br />
J is autistic. It was rather difficult talking to him at first because he was always, I mean always talking about his computer games and all the fighting, battles, killing. All I did was just listen. I guess no one wanted to listen to all his talking and here I was, all ears, listening to what he wanted to say. On the fifth session, I told him if I could now talk. That was when I was allowed into his inner circle. <br />
<br />
J taught me what it takes to look beyond a person's shortcomings. When the masks are off, a beautiful person emerges. I pinky word with J, that he must always learn self-control and promise that no matter what, he would never hurt himself.<br />
<br />
J said : "I hate pinkies" (but gave me his pinky finger) Haha!<br />
<br />
J isn't the most handsome dude, not your goody good boy but I think he surpasses some of the most handsome, good dudes I have ever seen in terms of personality and character. <br />
<br />
I didn't teach them to be better but they taught me how to be better... a better therapist. Thank You.BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-78972200349829635572015-01-19T02:11:00.003-08:002015-01-19T02:11:35.797-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">Listen to that gut feel, it is always almost 100% right</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"><br /></span></strong>
I just need to let this out...<br />
<br />
In 2012 when I first came back from Shanghai, found out that my friend had throat cancer. He was feeling down.<br />
<br />
After a full cycle of radiotherapy, he was up and running again. I saw him a few months later, he was back to his usual self. Then we each went on with our lives...<br />
<br />
Towards end of last year, I kept having the thought of calling him to ask how was he doing but kept pushing it back. House renovation, shifting, studies, I just did not make that call. Over the last weekend, I found that he has passed away and the funeral was over. He had a relapse and suffered for 8 months. Chemotherapy didn't help. He basically gave up.<br />
<br />
Never put away time spent with people. Things can wait but not people. I wonder why I allow doing to take over being this time? I spent a lot of time telling people to spend time with people. I read a lot about people who live with regrets because they didn't make that last call, say that last wish, eat that last meal...in spite of all these knowledge, I didn't act on it. I should have gone up to his office when I was just downstairs, I should have, if only…ask all I want, nothing could turn back the clock.<br />
<br />
This friend was just a contractor but I have known him since Kai was eight months old. He has been doing all my homes. I call him a friend because he was such a trustworthy person. How trustworthy? I could renovate my house from Shanghai. I lost a good friend, a good person, a good contractor…a very rare find.<br />
<br />
You may think that I am being silly but I guess that was how I was created, perhaps, this episode would make me an excellent therapist in future. Perhaps, this was the episode I have to go through to emerge an excellent people helper.<br />
<br />
This is how I feel and therefore who I am. You can be passive but I am passionate.<br />
<br />
Sigh.... always, always listen to that little voice, that gut feel is always right.<br />
<br />
Do what I want, say what I want but always act responsibly.BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-74687930838097444292015-01-19T02:08:00.003-08:002015-01-19T17:09:20.582-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">What she did last December</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
A peek into what Ann was up to last December.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k5NJqNFl7dY/VLzXBydh5xI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/LraoZGyH1_g/s1600-h/DC14_113%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DC14_113" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JHCArzQwuuk/VLzXC6HZWQI/AAAAAAAAJ2s/o_8NnvrBwWI/DC14_113_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DC14_113" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HqMeoiMkkVw/VLzXDTzcOMI/AAAAAAAAJ20/MnGVEJuce00/s1600-h/DC14_172%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DC14_172" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vpT00Qtx5Pw/VLzXEM65yhI/AAAAAAAAJ28/y7KIO-zg6Hc/DC14_172_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="164" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DC14_172" width="244" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hX-UJ4ic8wc/VLzXEs0rLBI/AAAAAAAAJ3E/_61EGlOaXjU/s1600-h/DC14_124%25255B7%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DC14_124" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9LeyaxMqHpw/VLzXF7hzHTI/AAAAAAAAJ3M/p5a8HqmrAWY/DC14_124_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="317" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DC14_124" width="154" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MjgecLaMroEKwqAk4UYkxhAKlEfrTOwZua7G55rsDzLDRZW0sXfBLFLDen9piw2GOPtTCzKw60jFtZhKGLUamcByq-s3ck0gWwt4AREMt_s-tuAqXHXZS9Yr2sGrVD2iSJYBaoVj0nE/s1600/DC14_227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MjgecLaMroEKwqAk4UYkxhAKlEfrTOwZua7G55rsDzLDRZW0sXfBLFLDen9piw2GOPtTCzKw60jFtZhKGLUamcByq-s3ck0gWwt4AREMt_s-tuAqXHXZS9Yr2sGrVD2iSJYBaoVj0nE/s1600/DC14_227.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
To pursue the path of dance is not easy in Singapore but if that is where her talent lies, she has my strongest support!BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-81492975650528201772015-01-12T01:32:00.003-08:002015-01-12T01:32:43.255-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">We were back again…(Part 3)</span></strong><br /><span style="color: maroon;"><br /><span style="color: black;">Sight, sound (oops, you cannot hear) and food.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: maroon;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-toRnA44o5zc/VLOByUDZp2I/AAAAAAAAJz4/2CCBaU_PoPI/s1600-h/10841519_10204535949111222_422690290_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10841519_10204535949111222_422690290_n" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZjGKCXcmVZk/VLOBzAa2AhI/AAAAAAAAJ0A/ElEsusKOpFM/10841519_10204535949111222_422690290_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10841519_10204535949111222_422690290_n" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hHOEhMicpSU/VLOBzp6q8jI/AAAAAAAAJ0I/QkedzckRGyQ/s1600-h/10867132_10204539433558331_2020124706_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10867132_10204539433558331_2020124706_n" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0p7tiLuRGFk/VLOB0E55cvI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/21Hj7CphMLY/10867132_10204539433558331_2020124706_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10867132_10204539433558331_2020124706_n" width="182" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2sNzm1t7lZs/VLOB0yhKToI/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/H98LhQng3WA/s1600-h/10877786_10204529463109076_1960756929_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10877786_10204529463109076_1960756929_n" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a1U5zInRek8/VLOB1Y97XRI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/ymHyFnjEfa0/10877786_10204529463109076_1960756929_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10877786_10204529463109076_1960756929_n" width="139" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1Odn73dAFVY/VLOB1whO3II/AAAAAAAAJ0o/juAC7LvO4wM/s1600-h/10877823_10204529418387958_1339816405_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10877823_10204529418387958_1339816405_n" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpi3m-VAuayZKOE3I9WJWGGkoiDMruZuR4MuI3SISzOwOuXl_9YU_SPA0xIUnkpXrBrx7jFi8gb9A3JaeeB8HACmUPRxqRKMjVtSPeOcTuqWkFI5iruxSsKDDioGCw6x1iatpsedzZ9g/?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10877823_10204529418387958_1339816405_n" width="139" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G9yywuUZ1og/VLOB3f1-kfI/AAAAAAAAJ04/VxxdxTt8i_I/s1600-h/10881284_10204529394587363_1889038462_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10881284_10204529394587363_1889038462_n" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0ZDZi65Ovjw/VLOB35KVIeI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/-pBhLcHElRM/10881284_10204529394587363_1889038462_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10881284_10204529394587363_1889038462_n" width="139" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6ZlJn54az7Y/VLOB4uNXaoI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/s68JHbnb52M/s1600-h/10884932_10204529450908771_825845079_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10884932_10204529450908771_825845079_n" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D9VxococoIM/VLOB5O9uoII/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/sLOsJPt3TA0/10884932_10204529450908771_825845079_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10884932_10204529450908771_825845079_n" width="139" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: maroon;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tnBvI4HpUNM/VLOB5v7LZyI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/sBgARvJlMoc/s1600-h/10888094_10204536035313377_97692293_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10888094_10204536035313377_97692293_n" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yx8zrFt9ADI/VLOB6MKMJzI/AAAAAAAAJ1g/SzbvNOmu3So/10888094_10204536035313377_97692293_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10888094_10204536035313377_97692293_n" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UlEeRB5qZc4/VLOB6-DRrkI/AAAAAAAAJ1o/_bugVFOvZ3U/s1600-h/10893781_10204539397717435_870667391_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10893781_10204539397717435_870667391_n" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-33g5n_d0aro/VLOB7bNFCVI/AAAAAAAAJ1w/m6bwcgfeFBg/10893781_10204539397717435_870667391_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10893781_10204539397717435_870667391_n" width="184" /></a> </span><br />
These last two pictures reminded me of China.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EMmuhAHZ82M/VLOB8MssUtI/AAAAAAAAJ14/lzXsZL7A4aY/s1600-h/10866940_10204539401317525_439024550_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10866940_10204539401317525_439024550_n" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8tGdYfFyXww/VLOB8vqeTNI/AAAAAAAAJ2A/ObBTQp0WpEk/10866940_10204539401317525_439024550_n_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="420" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10866940_10204539401317525_439024550_n" width="454" /></a><br />
This coconut is to die for. Coconut ‘flesh’ buried beneath with coconut ice-cream, topped with roasted coconut shavings, peanuts, corn. Sedap!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yBIewHJvxNI/VLOB9NW3F1I/AAAAAAAAJ2I/UlA9tufx3zE/s1600-h/10887926_10204529401467535_2091874468_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10887926_10204529401467535_2091874468_n" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z7YXyadfZ8M/VLOB96q853I/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/TwgBxMg7ygc/10887926_10204529401467535_2091874468_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="804" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="10887926_10204529401467535_2091874468_n" width="454" /></a> <br />
Go Malacca, must not miss chendol!<br />
<br />
That's all folks!BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-63071763997894499232015-01-12T01:31:00.001-08:002015-01-12T01:31:35.056-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">We were back again…(Part 2)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: maroon;"><br /></span></strong>One of the highlights for this trip was going inside a submarine. Seriously, how many of us have the chance to get inside a submarine. It was a great experience for 3 ringgit, thanks to my nephew who did a search and found this <a href="http://amazingmelaka.com/2012/01/submarine-museum/">Submarine museum</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s009YlJrK5E/VLN95lblm8I/AAAAAAAAJxU/GZlLJzrAuxI/s1600-h/DSC_0412%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0412" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aCWU7oJgujY/VLN96NujseI/AAAAAAAAJxc/zmLRSREZygA/DSC_0412_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0412" width="139" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CuGlTHwi00oaMy-Teqf9ttrgSgFt0N7rCmQ0DvwpMpYclNqfgWGAtmrbBWh5hnroQWk7vz02dNIZVZ9YHx6Qe8bAA06vvvj7aWd_S5O-eps1JdzPrUf3Gf2cLIH_Pv9v52QmC5c9Cmo/s1600-h/DSC_0418%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0418" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ATgSqoWcqfQ/VLN97ZCzStI/AAAAAAAAJxs/i8hiPEpa3-o/DSC_0418_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0418" width="139" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oY_XmhH1aeU/VLN98Pc7UgI/AAAAAAAAJx0/51VFe1WV5Rc/s1600-h/DSC_0425%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0425" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mur5IOLPnsM/VLN98qCtVFI/AAAAAAAAJx8/SrBz9sXCpYI/DSC_0425_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0425" width="139" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qQGPY_DJ_uc/VLN99PHM44I/AAAAAAAAJyE/ZtICE3XDLf4/s1600-h/DSC_0426%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0426" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g9bZljaN96M/VLN99pL4RNI/AAAAAAAAJyM/VibjDwWGF_A/DSC_0426_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0426" width="274" /></a><br />
The only nice place to sleep is the top bunk<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DETEtn4TtjA/VLN9-E65a6I/AAAAAAAAJyU/wSrHiTLZQEA/s1600-h/DSC_0427%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0427" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2v11prWmVLQ/VLN9-87XFLI/AAAAAAAAJyc/sKEPiozy7sc/DSC_0427_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0427" width="139" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mh8QfrrseEo/VLN9_X6tpRI/AAAAAAAAJyk/k0Hs6Z70Sjw/s1600-h/DSC_0434%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0434" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCNqvz6ZzrXdKzXbZ8275NbFDnaAkKsWnsn7dmNNJXHTJYu9o5K4zwbtWtlamLOZWhvjELjGk-ApNRfod7tN82Q8OdKJOYkNBOhT5JhtwMoL1Nb2uisjGxeynheFU23zAar4oz2IBg6Q/?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0434" width="139" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_YivjP6ZQqY/VLN-AmnTtGI/AAAAAAAAJy0/97t-PAKGem0/s1600-h/DSC_0432%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0432" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gpzrpg32r_w/VLN-A_E352I/AAAAAAAAJy8/_8zo0UKEamc/DSC_0432_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0432" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-asuW9H2XehU/VLN-BsInP7I/AAAAAAAAJzE/hh4WrMeIbZU/s1600-h/DSC_0433%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0433" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2hWcIaaxAA0/VLN-CTu-tRI/AAAAAAAAJzM/kXpLSMc-_uI/DSC_0433_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0433" width="244" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S9SsZXGistk/VLN-C2dlnwI/AAAAAAAAJzU/36AgWFf6Xqc/s1600-h/DSC_0413%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0413" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t9pbvlxrUOI/VLN-DYOTQTI/AAAAAAAAJzc/cL7rAvzBvCM/DSC_0413_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0413" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FoPZP1W4Fco/VLN-D9NolvI/AAAAAAAAJzk/2QiCtbakKjo/s1600-h/DSC_0430%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0430" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rvMzl67jfE0/VLN-EhPElMI/AAAAAAAAJzs/eEg9V5DUCMQ/DSC_0430_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="139" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0430" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
Conclusion, I won’t survive for long. Too claustrophobic for me but it was a great experience!BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-39983174819069493062015-01-09T01:20:00.004-08:002015-01-09T01:20:44.949-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">We were back again…(Part 1)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"><br /></span></strong>
We went back to Malacca once again during the school holidays. Never get tired of the place.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bqNfm9t-ucw/VK-bPJ2Y2VI/AAAAAAAAJts/PkYNE63o3yc/s1600-h/20141227_090131%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20141227_090131" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5xQluSBoxsQ/VK-bP-iXfjI/AAAAAAAAJt0/nlGsQZQjrNo/20141227_090131_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="20141227_090131" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UWT0bGNcr8o/VK-bQaBfS4I/AAAAAAAAJt8/1IjKzCIqaf8/s1600-h/20141227_101106%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20141227_101106" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BtXyPK41Sk8/VK-bROXOF9I/AAAAAAAAJuE/1Hu6gAeEgcY/20141227_101106_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="20141227_101106" width="244" /></a><br />
Good old coffee shop<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6TZzd2XCcyid4SNmMZRERJx3VgoK0jZN1_rcET9Q_X_mZM0JRjhQf_2VWmnpSaDb4YyQlvlTErKtDVVvngaE77qwFp4zozYu1PaI-r3lDogP2jLL9jQUo2jNVCi-dw4R5FpNiH2VI-0/s1600-h/20141227_101115%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20141227_101115" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zlK5mMWookk/VK-bSW8DSrI/AAAAAAAAJuU/JQ6KrrwXBeQ/20141227_101115_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="342" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="20141227_101115" width="454" /></a> <br />
Toilet!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--OmPbimKKWs/VK-bTGVsoiI/AAAAAAAAJuc/i2zkk_z8CgQ/s1600-h/DSC_0379%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0379" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xrb8k-u47Sw/VK-bTvuF4HI/AAAAAAAAJuk/wx49SahQF-Y/DSC_0379_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0379" width="454" /></a> <br />
Tikum-tikum<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p8KPFujqidE/VK-bUUPpw3I/AAAAAAAAJus/ybvwGzHZbmM/s1600-h/DSC_0380%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0380" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bh0iCLSTN4E/VK-bVPHyF5I/AAAAAAAAJu0/nIZtjm6nd5I/DSC_0380_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0380" width="454" /></a> <br />
Using cans to decorate the cafe<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NdPguxYHAiI/VK-bVv5EN7I/AAAAAAAAJu8/yFSICM0u82Y/s1600-h/DSC_0382%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0382" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YFC89YQYVGU/VK-bWR_44uI/AAAAAAAAJvE/Z7dytJIUSfU/DSC_0382_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0382" width="274" /></a> <br />
Nice leh. Love it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkZPq5hcBVmE7UmwYQLIJshEVsycU8G2NjwF3hFnSYx_Zp4pYL9C4ijWhmKiYPWQ4-UOmaUwL_AMdqkGBPopDoLiHVEUYqBsyQAJjUw_V2H7DeMWZkqNkfyYhIEYlv2neWrI_7cmWmc8/s1600-h/DSC_0407%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0407" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uFLFbP51wQ4/VK-bXgUNnmI/AAAAAAAAJvU/qniI-ZLFQHY/DSC_0407_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0407" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7-ouKKbgiGA/VK-bYt5g6xI/AAAAAAAAJvc/6pFNyCapJ8s/s1600-h/DSC_0409%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0409" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8eMRSGapVRo/VK-bZK-U6wI/AAAAAAAAJvk/fgSxt0EkfUY/DSC_0409_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="246" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0409" width="454" /></a> <br />
Old fashion coffee shop with old fashion dim-sum. Superb!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-63asFL5MJ3Q/VK-bZsY01sI/AAAAAAAAJvs/61qj-2YTV-Y/s1600-h/DSC_0387%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0387" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oQ_CtSyj7Cfi5hOWbxulItJAZWo9DKn6bddlW7DOJIvne2Cs_e6wQwJXMa-CWmhuW15DWiQd-97n1LApw9v7F0oIpTFQkzWIO4H02jDxNOE8stvcMbTeHkv-IG4CbYvah7CjHOd_c0c/?imgmax=800" height="458" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0387" width="454" /></a><br />
Looks like a pot of plant?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qt6BEAchS6o/VK-bazNt9PI/AAAAAAAAJv8/x74co1T0-YE/s1600-h/DSC_0388%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0388" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NDplvB-8z4M/VK-bbu1orSI/AAAAAAAAJwE/IuO7RGWv6Ng/DSC_0388_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0388" width="453" /></a> <br />
It is chocolate ice-cream with oreo crumbs and mint leaves. So clever, so creative. Malaysia boleh!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e3f9fj-5SCw/VK-bcMAkn4I/AAAAAAAAJwM/67ryPIYnLNc/s1600-h/DSC_0395%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0395" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1i_GjrjDLTU/VK-bcpGMpuI/AAAAAAAAJwU/KU7w4pl65Wg/DSC_0395_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0395" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pZ9JXN1k86s/VK-bdXiU-0I/AAAAAAAAJwc/uRA3ug82csM/s1600-h/DSC_0393%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0393" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g3JHDUL3CVc/VK-beLFPkZI/AAAAAAAAJwk/9puavK5bGhM/DSC_0393_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0393" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CNrA5kQcHQs/VK-be9D9AcI/AAAAAAAAJws/InB6F_io-ro/s1600-h/DSC_0394%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0394" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kI1g4aEfYaA/VK-bfiXdqgI/AAAAAAAAJw0/KUiJ00XckrA/DSC_0394_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0394" width="454" /></a> <br />
This is what I always mean, you must keep the old things with character. Can’t ‘cookie-cutter’ everything.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z-k9qDY2cgE/VK-bgIFD28I/AAAAAAAAJw8/M9Kg6t1xXEs/s1600-h/DSC_0411%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0411" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GF_8B6Ma85E/VK-bgz9Qf3I/AAAAAAAAJxE/A0vRiHbXqPs/DSC_0411_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="804" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0411" width="454" /></a> <br />
Nyonya kueh galore! Every piece hand-made. No kidding.<br />
<br />
How can you get tired of this place?BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-86583210374348807532015-01-02T06:23:00.001-08:002015-01-02T06:23:50.456-08:00<span style="color: maroon;"></span><strong><span style="color: maroon;">First days of schools</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />Forever, my baby<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oAcrd3AZOy8/VKapbqUwK_I/AAAAAAAAJsA/_gllQqqLYHA/s1600-h/P1020051%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1020051" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FEFzp3jfF-M/VKapcaKwbbI/AAAAAAAAJsI/QVtMTubfcyw/P1020051_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1020051" width="139" /></a><br />
First day – P1 HPPS<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vBPgvq9aE_c/VKapczbUCII/AAAAAAAAJsQ/zbkwDlr71c4/s1600-h/going%252520to%252520school%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="going to school" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TYogXKsoxJo/VKapdpx9ZJI/AAAAAAAAJsY/KpTrHe686WY/going%252520to%252520school_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="going to school" width="124" /></a><br />
First day – G2 Alburtis Elementary School, PA<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MSEyTCwBek0/VKapeDXsyQI/AAAAAAAAJsg/iSUgvTCIDcw/s1600-h/DSCN7991%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN7991" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o6gZ7cbin9g/VKapepbf3WI/AAAAAAAAJso/sYz-msoBtvo/DSCN7991_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSCN7991" width="171" /></a><br />
First day – P4 Shanghai Singapore Int’l School<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CmP0waXccRQ/VKapfcybB9I/AAAAAAAAJsw/3QbrWyxD_cg/s1600-h/DSC05966%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05966" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gB2pdzMyD5Y/VKapfzrhsdI/AAAAAAAAJs4/Jo2KcI8E_eg/DSC05966_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC05966" width="164" /></a><br />
First day – P6 HPPS immersion programme<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2_vWKgXT3_E/VKapghcpDMI/AAAAAAAAJtA/lfHjIEP3Crc/s1600-h/DSCN3212%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN3212" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VCdbzwXwJI0/VKaphYd18II/AAAAAAAAJtI/sWAOtt7shSc/DSCN3212_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSCN3212" width="184" /></a><br />
First day – Sec 1 GESS<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wKLkpKCZ9vo/VKaph68QsiI/AAAAAAAAJtQ/nZA_5dNv5ek/s1600-h/DSC_0458%25257E2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0458~2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-90lRCSp3ZEI/VKapi2LJW2I/AAAAAAAAJtY/r5gU3jtaTHE/DSC_0458%25257E2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="419" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0458~2" width="184" /></a><br />
First day – Sec 3 GESS.<br />
With his long legs, he is so happy to be able to wear long pants!BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-7486179167420589322015-01-01T06:06:00.002-08:002015-01-01T06:06:45.939-08:00<span style="color: maroon;"></span><strong><span style="color: maroon;">Believe in yourself…it is a must</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />This posting should have been done last year but then it was such a busy year and then I was off for a short vacation before the crazy schedule starts. This was the best Christmas gift I could ever give to myself.<br />
<br />
When I received my Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) assignment, my heart sank. I only managed a Pass (P). Doubts flooded my mind. Am I good enough? Did I study the wrong course? Have I done enough? Reading through my essay, over and over again, I just could not accept this grade. This was just not my performance. I decided to do something which I have never done before – appeal for a re-grading, a re-marking for my assignment… <br />
<br />
So, I wrote to the director of the institution… <br />
<br />
<em>I am writing this email to express my disappointment with how my SFBT assignment was marked and graded. I was marked three grades below my usual performance.</em> <br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>I am not stating that I am a super student and therefore deserved a better grade but from a High Distinction (HD) to a P? If I am a poor performer, it would have reflected in all my past assignments. I felt that the marking was not impartial base on the comments given by the marker. This is the first time I am appealing for a relook at my grading in all my years of studying as I believe this is due to the marker’s values towards SFBT.</em> <br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>From the comments given, it seemed like I was expected to quote from preferred sources. An example,</em> <br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>“According to Corey (2005), SFBT focuses on what is possible and has no interest or little interest on understanding the problem itself.”</em> <br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>If I gave an argument and used Corey to support my point, why was it not accepted? The comment given by the marker was “not true”. The marker’s comments reflected in my essay came across as being myopic.</em> <br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>In my many months with the school, I have been taught to be a counsellor with an open mind. Dr C said that I need to put down my values, beliefs, norms and cultures to accept others. Likewise for a marker, to be able to grade a piece of assignment fairly, it would only be right to have an open mind to accept other opinions if they make good sense.</em> <br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>I am not a SFBT intern, I do not know enough SFBT practitioners and studies in order to quote them all in my essay…</em><em>Dr L, it would greatly be appreciated if you could relook at my paper. If after a second opinion and found that I truly deserved a P, I rest my case. </em> <br />
<em><br /></em>
When the re-grading came back, I scored a Distinction (D). The result arrived on 23rd Dec. What a great Christmas gift!<br />
<br />
What have I learned through this? <br />
<br />
No one can put me down. I have to protect myself, I have to speak up for myself and above all, I must believe in myself because no one will if I just keep silent and accept the label others have placed on me. Be faithful, be fearless!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxG8zyzjXx4SxnYfIzsZQkG2NeKsAiouTYISih1-NHpmYTx4LC8UdmkLVzI_w4I-fkBbzffMrY28PcST0u7mKaHpjpQXku-yZAc1I2y7x-5g6nC-aH32_JIzWTQ8xGk-72TqiG_S9778/s1600-h/believe%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="believe" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3wfzG_c_Dik/VKVT9EgosiI/AAAAAAAAJrw/SYf6H-P6-Bs/believe_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="believe" width="439" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361016967019396111.post-86874966158259081382014-12-19T00:06:00.003-08:002014-12-19T00:06:29.934-08:00<strong><span style="color: maroon;">Finally, a first taste of an empty nest</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: maroon;"></span></strong><br />We saw off to his BB mission trip to Cambodia. He went there to teach them first aid, paint the school and basically do some community work. I pray that he will bring back some precious lessons he has learned.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RrxeQaHPAQ0/VJPX3sL1PpI/AAAAAAAAJoo/Q9npdEXgAq0/s1600-h/DSC_0347%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0347" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mNE4ZTQMaPs/VJPX4R5wpEI/AAAAAAAAJow/QUU31PgYvRU/DSC_0347_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0347" width="454" /></a> <br />
Try spotting him<br />
<br />
The next day, Ann was off for her annual dance camp. Something she always look forward to. Four days three nights of nothing but dance, dance, dance!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ycqOfPvWvJlO5Z8YwMG0D0cjPGPbWTiioDVe-thz1WGBhzHvZNN3YKVe_gik4vpimu2Iks5zBpdgq_aNrzZQAhFWHwfXtKEPGnD7NhUx6ejuMNuJTADHnIehv3MQep5gqsvzRyzQ-TQ/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ycqOfPvWvJlO5Z8YwMG0D0cjPGPbWTiioDVe-thz1WGBhzHvZNN3YKVe_gik4vpimu2Iks5zBpdgq_aNrzZQAhFWHwfXtKEPGnD7NhUx6ejuMNuJTADHnIehv3MQep5gqsvzRyzQ-TQ/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzyriqqyP7ffLTaxBgT1g0SF_0HbiUxPuf0R4oc0p7kDrckJei16V699iFGIpZ8JTiBxEf3d85u7qryBw5-fyldOAbEw7EIe8fnl0g91jq5Tfu9RmqJVrQY5OnVum7aeY_s-D6nYA98M/s1600/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzyriqqyP7ffLTaxBgT1g0SF_0HbiUxPuf0R4oc0p7kDrckJei16V699iFGIpZ8JTiBxEf3d85u7qryBw5-fyldOAbEw7EIe8fnl0g91jq5Tfu9RmqJVrQY5OnVum7aeY_s-D6nYA98M/s1600/dance.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Start of the camp</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That night, after class, the spouse and I went for late night supper after 14 years. We went back to the same old place for our teochew porridge. Nothing has changed except that food tasted much better 14 years ago!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-VNvji2VhncomQxjfe_qj0nFQ4Iq-jjafdjty7vd_eaiLE1OPL1KOgxwo2EhrXmbb6jlpVYTpvactN9tfZG6ZUgtVFvTGEku9NuhbszA5NfVQDLVTmtz2qztb6WW8cNnvTuy-G2ujCA/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-VNvji2VhncomQxjfe_qj0nFQ4Iq-jjafdjty7vd_eaiLE1OPL1KOgxwo2EhrXmbb6jlpVYTpvactN9tfZG6ZUgtVFvTGEku9NuhbszA5NfVQDLVTmtz2qztb6WW8cNnvTuy-G2ujCA/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />BeLivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494630609758348473noreply@blogger.com0