Proud to be a Punggolian

This morning, Punggol Waterway was featured in the Sunday Straits Times and I was interviewed and gave my comments about it. For those of you who have been following my post, you would know that I have always been proud of where I stay. Its akin to the Americans who are proud of the state that they live in. I will get a little put off by people who pass negative comments about my place.

Anyway, putting that aside, I really love the Punggol Waterway. It's rustic and scenic. Great place for Caleb and Danielle to run about as well!

I have stayed here for about 8 years and the joy of seeing stuff sprouting out has been pretty exciting...things like the driving range, fast food restaurants, Japanese restaurants, seafood restaurants, prawn fishing, the waterway

However, I am not sure if I would stay here for long as my dream has always been wanting to get a bigger place and practically, to be near my children's primary school as Caleb would be in Primary One in 2 years time. Its scary just thinking about it but yet, exciting as its another phase in their life and I would probably be all emotional about it when I see him don on his primary school uniform. But for now, its toying with the idea of a good school which will cause me to uproot myself from Punggol or a neighbourhood school and continue staying in Punggol.

Actually I have somewhat made up my mind (typical female) already but ultimately, I shall remain open to wherever God leads me as He knows best!

Lovely dinner...

Have been looking forward to tonight's dinner as it's my first time being invited to an ex-student's parent's house for a meal. I taught Hilary back in 2007 and 2008 when she was Sec 3 and Sec 4. This was the batch that I was quite close to as I took them for 2 years and moreover, they also saw me getting pregnant twice!

After Hilary graduated, I got in touch with her mum, Jane through Facebook. I have to admit that I was initially uneasy to add parents to my Facebook but then again, I have nothing to hide and my life is meant to be shared with others as I want to be as transparent as I can be just so that maybe somewhere down the road, people can be inspired by my life as that's how I want it to be- to be an inspiration to the people around me. So I added her and since then, Jane has been a source of inspiration to me instead as I saw how she have dates with her children one on one and how they all seem so close to her, including her hubby. When I saw all that updated pictures of her and the family and her status updates on her praise and love for God, I was amazed and inspired by the kind of life she is living and has as that was exactly how I envisioned my role as a wife and mummy when I got married and I first had Caleb. My aim was to have a family that is God-centered, to love and respect my husband, to be best friends with my children and to be a blessing to my friends as I open my house and invite them over for meals.

That was why a few months back, I actually approached Jane through Facebook to be my spiritual and prayer mentor. Anyway, I was so happy that Jane invited my family over to her place for dinner tonight. I have also always wanted to try her cooking as she keeps posting up pictures of her food she cooked in Facebook that I had to try it for myself! Here's what she prepared!

The whole table was practically filled with food! There was braised chicken wings, emporer's chicken, steamed fish, fish ball vegetable soup, braised broccoli with dried mushrooms, egg fu yong. Loved all of it!

Besides Hilary, I was happy to also see Wei Jun (who is dating Hilary) and Josha who were all from the same class. The thing about Jane is that she would always open her house for meals by inviting her children's friends over..so her children's friends automatically becomes her friends and they drop by her place all the time.

Anyway, during dinner, we talked about the past and we all had a great time reminiscing about it and joking around as well. After dinner, Jane still kept feeding us by giving us cakes, tea, ice cream, fruits etc etc..She is so hospitable. Reminds me of my mum. I also had the opportunity to play guitar with Jane's husband, Matthew who used to be a bassist in Riverlife church as well! Jane told me to bring my new Gibson guitar so that Matthew can play with it and so we played together and exchanged pointers. Very fun!

As for my children, they were entertained by the television as Caleb was watching Madagascar. Danielle has yet to enjoy watching TV..so she simply walks around and entertain herself.

It was a very lovely dinner and meaningful time spent with my friends. I feel so blessed to have friends like them who simply lifts your soul!

Day off

I do look forward now to my helper getting off on Sundays as I get to spend quality time with my children and cook for them. Yes, I know I can also do this when she is around, but its kind of different...

I remember the times when taking care of them on my helper's day off was trying and a test of my patience and endurance. But I am glad it gets better as they grow older and mature. It's definitely much easier now that they can entertain themselves by playing together.

Anyway, since it has been a while since I cooked, I prepared dinner for my family tonight. Simple food, straight from my heart..

Cooked black bean pork rib rice as well as fish soup with spinach and fish balls.

Glad everyone enjoyed the food. My little satisfaction I get from watching them finishing up all the food on their plates and bowls. ;)

Visit to Bishan Park

I have no recollection of when I have ever visited Bishan Park but nevertheless, CT brought the family there today and I have to say, it's nothing as I imagined it to be. The landscaping of the park was done up quite nicely. Though it was packed with people, the surroundings were still pleasant enough to enjoy.

Caleb and Danielle had fun running about and playing the sand at the playground.

I not only enjoyed the landscaping of the place, but also the dog park where many dogs gather together to mingle with other dogs. I love just standing there and view the different breed of dogs. So adorable. I was actually amazed how they were actually mingling amicably with one another and no dog was barking. Amazing!

Also during my visit there, I spotted a squirrel on the tree and running on the field.

After our visit to the park, we went to the nearby coffee shop for chicken rice! Had an amazing evening! Guess its more fun now that the kids are older and its much easier to take care of them as they are rather independent. So whenever I know of mothers with babies and young children who still wake up in the middle of the night for feeding or their child is always crying especially at night or when they are out, I tell them to hang on..its just a phase.

Taking the lyrics from a Guns 'N' Roses song, "All we need is just a little patience" ...how true.

Lunch at Peach Garden

Today, went out for lunch with CT's colleagues. I have gotten to know his colleagues since we were together in US for one year in 2005 when CT went there for work. Ever since that trip, CT has changed job a couple of times before returning back to this company, Tate & Lyle. This lunch was arranged so as to meet up with Bill and Cathy Skelding. Both of them have been very dear to us as they invited us to their house in Alabama and when they stayed in Singapore for a while, they also invited us over to their place for a meal. They also came over to my place for dinner before and to attend Caleb's one year old party.

Anyway, lunch was at Peach Garden, OCBC Centre.

We ordered a lot to eat..

The restaurant was located on the 33rd storey. So the view was good.

Definitely a place worth coming back again because of the great food!

Early Valentine's Day in Katong

Went on an early Valentine's date with hubby after work today. Decided to go 112 Katong, the new mall to take a look.

Moreover, since I grew up in that area, I have been looking forward to revisit the familiar surroundings again. Whenever I go Katong, it reminds me of the times I spent growing up in the swimming pool at Chinese Swimming Club, Amber Road. Remember taking the public bus to go for my trainings, going for dinner with my family after trainings, visiting Katong Mall with my mum, eating often along the road etc etc. Great memories...

Katong has this old charm which I am in love with...I am not sure if it is the nostalgic feeling, but it sure feels special visiting the place again and checking out the new mall which has many interesting shops in it!

Had Japanese Pasta and Pizza at Yomenya Goemon for dinner.

Food quite decent but probably wont go back there again as there is nothing too special about it.

After dinner, did some shopping before walking out of the mall for some more food! Bought the famous Katong rice dumplings, Kaya and sambal prawn rice rolls from Kim Choo Kueh Chang.

Then we went back to the mall for ice cream at Marble Slab Creamery. Strange enough, the first time that CT and I had ice cream from Marble Slab Creamery was in 2005 when we were staying in Mobile, Alabama. It was near our apartment. So we would walk or drive out at times for it.

Here's the photo taken in 2005!

And here's the one in Singapore in 2012!

Though it was a short date. We had a good time eating and simply spending time together. Will definitely be back again..maybe with our children as they have a water playground on the roof top of the mall!

The next day on Valentine's Day, CT surprised me with this on the bed.

Sweet and simple gift..was very touched as its not about the amount in a gift, but the small gesture and effort that I saw touched me and reminded me once again why I married CT. Thanks dear for being a part of my life. I love you.

Preparing for World Championships!

Having since joined Robotics as my CCA last June, I have been enjoying myself and continue to marvel at how my students could have so much dedication and skills to build a robot and run it. They definitely have my respect. This coming April, I would be going with them for the World Championships in Anaheim, California. Its exciting as I love competitions. It gets my adrenaline pumping especially since I would be competing together with them as a coach in the game.

Right now, we have been preparing for the competitions and the guys have been putting in a lot of effort by building their robots, thinking of ways to improve, and rebuilding them again from scratch whenever we think of something better. The fact that they have to rebuild again and again makes me feel tired for my students but in order to improve and to stretch our students' potential, we cannot be easily satisfied with its current performance and standard.

So far, we have been exposing the students to local competitions so as to help them cope with stress and pressure of the game. However, they did not perform to their potential as the nerves get the better of them. They are too used to practicing in school that when they go to other schools to compete, they fumble. Sigh...

Besides accompanying students for competitions, I have also been overseeing the renovation of our new robotics room. It was tough as they have been many hiccups along the way.

But finally, we are glad its done.

So with this settled, the students are finally able to focus on their construction and training for the upcoming competition in April. Really wish they would do well so that they can be proud of their achievements and their sacrifice would all be worth it!

Here's our world standings to date for robot skills

Morning exercise

Usually, Saturday mornings would be the time to do my marketing at Tampines Giant for the week's groceries. However, usually if we still have food in the fridge and just need a few more things, I would just go down anytime to my house supermarket down at my block. So, if that happens, our Saturday would be free and we would go out in the morning together as a family since the children all wake up early. Went to the Waterway again for some morning exercise. It seems to be our favourite haunt as its near our place and the scenery is fantastic. Love it! Brought the children for some fun in the water area at 8am in the morning.

CT cycled and met us there, while I drove the children.

While the kids were playing, I went around admiring the flowers..

After that, I exchanged with CT and cycled home while he drove the children back. It was fun as I always wanted to explore with my bike. I stopped many times to take pictures and I enjoyed myself!

There's my rockhopper bike in the picture below which I bought it when I was still studying..which costs me $1k!!! Yup, I was THAT crazy about cycling in the past. (Reminds me of my midnight cycling days in Uni)

On the way home, I also took pictures of the design of our Punggol flats. This is one of my favourite HDB design in Punggol!

And this is the worst! The design is so old..like any old flat in Singapore! I still cant believe they would have this kind of flats in Punggol and will be surprised if people buy this!

I really enjoy looking at property and so I wont be surprise that maybe sometime in my life, I would do something related to property as a job!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today's CT's birthday and to celebrate his birthday, I purposely knocked off straight after school to go to the market and buy groceries to cook dinner for him. CT is a very practical person and he has mentioned before that he does not really want any presents. So I thought, the most practical way is through his stomach!

Cooked sirloin steak, creamed corn soup with fresh flower crab meat, stir fry veggies and crispy pork belly..Also went to buy a cake for him for the kids to enjoy as well!

When I got home, the kids actually prepared cards for daddy. All thanks to my helper, Wina who initiated it!

Here's what Danielle drew for daddy!

She actually drew all that but my helper held Danielle's hand to write those words.

Here's what Caleb did..he did all these all by himself.

Very impressive and proud of them for drawing so well!

I have always wanted my kids to grow up appreciating people around them, not taking anyone for granted as well as to treat people with love and respect. And I know by insisting this, it will require a lot of effort initially. Its the same as teaching my children manners. Its tiring to always reminding them to say, "please" and "thank you" and to call people when they see them or before they eat..It's very trying but I know all this effort will be worth it when they grow up to be respectful and loving.

“Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” - C. Everett Koop

Parents, treat this as your calling..don't give up! The result will be well worth the effort you put in now!

Yet another festival...

This year, Chinese New Year falls on 23rd January..so it feels like I just celebrated Christmas, then there was New Year and now, Chinese New Year. One after another..Frankly speaking, the thought of it makes me tired.

I do not like festivals for the fact that there is just too much eating and too many people. (I do not like gorging myself with food and I simply hate crowds)

However, festivals like these bring people together which is why though I do not look forward to it, I appreciate it. That is why in my own selfish mind, I wish I could just go on a holiday during Chinese New Year and flee away from all that visitations, but yet on the other hand, I force myself to stay in Singapore as I think that Chinese New Year is only once a year. How often do I get to some of the relatives? And because I appreciate family ties, no matter how much I want to get out of the country, I choose to stay and spend time with my family, relatives and friends.

On the first day of Chinese New year, always made it a point to eat rice with vegetarian chup chye (Cantonese Style). I would cook it every year for my family's breakfast. But this year, my mum cooked so much that she gave me some the night before to bring back home. Visited my parents after that to serve tea and to thank them for bringing me up. Its so old fashion but I like it as I want to show my appreciation to my parents and I think serving tea is quite significant. Will def want to instil that in my children.

We also managed to skype with my bro and his family in New York.

Even my dog, Ashley skyped as Janine missed Ashley alot.

First day of Chinese New Year is always the most busy day as we go to 6 houses for visitation..all my husband's side. And this time round, I was the driver as we took my brother's car for visitation since my mother-in-law came with us. So drove from Simei to Tampines, back to Simei, then Pasir Ris, then to Choa Chu Kang and then to Yio Chu Kang...from late morning all the way till 9pm. Exhausted but I have to say, I felt accomplished after that as it was a huge task which I never thought I would survive! Because every year, CT would be the one driving and I would probably sleep in the car during those long journeys. At our last house in Yio Chu Kang, we always have dinner there and the signature dish would be the pig's stomach soup which is the best I have tried so far as the black and red pepper corns my relative used is so fragrant and power! So at least, something to look forward to after all that visitations.

On the second day of visitation, we just go to one house where all my relatives gather. So it was a relaxing time. For this house, I called my relative, the 'carrot cake' aunty as she would pan fry yam cake and carrot cake for us. Its always so good and that would be our lunch for the day. The kids loved it too. After that, they would just spend the whole time playing outside the corridor!

Really hope they will all grow up playing with one another and maintaining that close relationship. My uncle also mentioned that when they are gone, its really up to our generation to maintain all these and we cannot stop meeting up. Yes, I totally agree and I will definitely love to do that as relationships are hard to come by and when it comes by, we have to treasure it and make the effort to sustain it. Definitely cant wait where our children stay together with their cousins for overnight camps like how I used to do that with my cousins.