Jackie has hated the neighbour's black dog since we moved in. Today I thought all was safe; (the black dog wasn't around) so I let Jackie out for a run.
In less than 10minutes I heard dogs fighting. I ran over next door and there was my Jackie above the black dog and biting his neck. Jackie looked like he was attacking to kill. I whacked him with all my might with a broom to no avail.
I screamed for Win to help. Win rushed over to join the drama. I ran back to grab the garden hose to spray at the dog. On the way; I screamed into the house asking Ing to be kind enough to help me.
Thank God the neighbour's son-in-law (not too friendly) was in. After all our commotion, he cooly climbed over his wall to the MIL's house and poured a pail of water on the dogs and disappeared. The black dog was bleeding. His earlier wounds around the ears looked real bad now. They broke a pot and soil was all over the porch.
Ing swept and cleaned the porch with Win's help; scolding the dogs all the way for disturbing her from her sweetdreams. I caned Jackie and sprayed more water on him and scolded him. When Win and Ing returned; he received further scolding. He looked really repentent. Anyway, he is grounded for life. No more running out (unless the black dog dies).
I was so horribly stressed. My whole body turned into jelly midway. I thought I would collapse and die. The dog has worn me out completely.
A perfectly quiet evening turned into a total drama. Funny how things happen sometimes. Now that I look back; it was kind of humourous (3 crazy girls screaming on top of their voices at the dogs).
After all has cooled, the other dogs from the neighbourhood dropped by the front gate to visit. Probably they wanted to check how their friends were doing. Both Jackie and the black dog are friends to the rest of the dogs but enemies with each other.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Think twice before flying Qatar Air
Finally on 25th November 2009, our visit to England came to an end. I was most eager to get to the airport and to get home. It was quite late before we were called to board the plane but half way through; we were asked to return to the waiting room. Due to some miscommunication, the plane was not ready for takeoff. We waited and waited and waited and was given some refreshments and waited.
Finally we were herded off to another gate to catch another plane which was scheduled two hours later than ours to Doha. We were assured that Qatar Air will honour all our connecting arrangements.
So off we flew to Qatar. After don't know how many hours flying, ( my sense of time all screwed up) we reached the Doha Airport at 2am. We were informed that our flight (scheduled 1.15am) had left without us. The whole lot of us were shocked. There were others going to Manila, Karachi .... who had also missed their flights. Worse of all, there were at least two desperate parties who needed to attend funerals.
After a long wait, we were issued tickets to our accomodation as our flight was the next day at 1.15am. Off we went to wait for the shuttle to send us to Movenpick Hotel. There was a group of very angry people who had been waiting for the more than 45minutes for their shuttle.
We waited and waited....after half an hour an upset Chinaman marched to the reception and called the hotel himself. He was connected to the driver and while he was talking a shuttle drove in. The driver gave some excuse that there was roadblock and had trouble with license etc...but it was all bluff. He seemed upset when Chinaman tegur him so he drove in a rather angry manner. (It's very rare to see my Chinaman upset but when he is.....)
We reached Movenpick in less than twenty minutes....grand hotel. I think all the hotels in Doha are more or less like this. Again we were the last to be given our room keys. We were each given a room as KC didn't inform them that we are husband and wife. Up we went to our rooms. I couldn't open mine and KC's room wasn't cleaned.
Down we went to complain. We were immediately issued new keys to two suites on the 24th floor!!!! When we opened the door to the suite, we were awed by the largeness and spaciousness. It was past 4.30am. We were dead tired. I didn't sleep a wink during the flight. We called room service for breakfast (they start breakfast at 5.30am) before shutting off for the day.
The suite and the treatment we were given in the hotel sort of made up for all the hassle. We were served hand and foot. There was so much food during lunch and dinner but by dinner time; I had not much appetite. I just wanted to get home.
Finally, finally at 11pm were we sent to the airport. Thank God; all went smoothly and right on time. I was informed by the air stewardess that such incident is a normal occurence for Qatar Air. So think again before you fly with Qatar Air. Not everyone may have the privilege of a suite.
Finally we were herded off to another gate to catch another plane which was scheduled two hours later than ours to Doha. We were assured that Qatar Air will honour all our connecting arrangements.
So off we flew to Qatar. After don't know how many hours flying, ( my sense of time all screwed up) we reached the Doha Airport at 2am. We were informed that our flight (scheduled 1.15am) had left without us. The whole lot of us were shocked. There were others going to Manila, Karachi .... who had also missed their flights. Worse of all, there were at least two desperate parties who needed to attend funerals.
After a long wait, we were issued tickets to our accomodation as our flight was the next day at 1.15am. Off we went to wait for the shuttle to send us to Movenpick Hotel. There was a group of very angry people who had been waiting for the more than 45minutes for their shuttle.
We waited and waited....after half an hour an upset Chinaman marched to the reception and called the hotel himself. He was connected to the driver and while he was talking a shuttle drove in. The driver gave some excuse that there was roadblock and had trouble with license etc...but it was all bluff. He seemed upset when Chinaman tegur him so he drove in a rather angry manner. (It's very rare to see my Chinaman upset but when he is.....)
We reached Movenpick in less than twenty minutes....grand hotel. I think all the hotels in Doha are more or less like this. Again we were the last to be given our room keys. We were each given a room as KC didn't inform them that we are husband and wife. Up we went to our rooms. I couldn't open mine and KC's room wasn't cleaned.
Down we went to complain. We were immediately issued new keys to two suites on the 24th floor!!!! When we opened the door to the suite, we were awed by the largeness and spaciousness. It was past 4.30am. We were dead tired. I didn't sleep a wink during the flight. We called room service for breakfast (they start breakfast at 5.30am) before shutting off for the day.
The suite and the treatment we were given in the hotel sort of made up for all the hassle. We were served hand and foot. There was so much food during lunch and dinner but by dinner time; I had not much appetite. I just wanted to get home.
Finally, finally at 11pm were we sent to the airport. Thank God; all went smoothly and right on time. I was informed by the air stewardess that such incident is a normal occurence for Qatar Air. So think again before you fly with Qatar Air. Not everyone may have the privilege of a suite.
Day trip to Warwick Castle, Stratford upon Avon and Oxford
Took a daytrip tour to a few places out of London. A good way to sightsee if time is limited. Just need to pay money. A coachful of tourists from various countries.
Captured from the castle...the grounds around Warwick Castle.
I have to take this picture. I think she is Anne Boleyn; EdwardVIII's second wife. He had six wives altogether; beheaded two of them.
The Warwick Castle; since medieval times. Beautiful old castle. Need time to explore it; 1.5 hours just not enought.
Another view of the castle with the grounds around it.
This is the grounds around the castle. Big place. We only managed to cover a small portion of it.
The next stop was Stratford upon Avon; this is William Shakespeare's birthplace. Not very big but really old.
The Avon River.
Finally; we went to Oxford after passing through the gentle rolling hills of Cotswold.
The tour guide; Richard giving the background of the place. Lots of story. This is another ancient place...with ancient buildings.
This spot was where a famous protestant (don't remember his name) was killed (burnt on the stake or beheaded or how; I can't remember the story). Many died in such way during the religious upheaval. This place must be totally haunted.
Captured from the castle...the grounds around Warwick Castle.
I have to take this picture. I think she is Anne Boleyn; EdwardVIII's second wife. He had six wives altogether; beheaded two of them.
The Warwick Castle; since medieval times. Beautiful old castle. Need time to explore it; 1.5 hours just not enought.
Another view of the castle with the grounds around it.
This is the grounds around the castle. Big place. We only managed to cover a small portion of it.
The next stop was Stratford upon Avon; this is William Shakespeare's birthplace. Not very big but really old.
The Avon River.
Finally; we went to Oxford after passing through the gentle rolling hills of Cotswold.
The tour guide; Richard giving the background of the place. Lots of story. This is another ancient place...with ancient buildings.
This spot was where a famous protestant (don't remember his name) was killed (burnt on the stake or beheaded or how; I can't remember the story). Many died in such way during the religious upheaval. This place must be totally haunted.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Windemere, Lake District
This is a really beautiful English countryside. It has the mountain and the lake. But...but...but the weather was most unpleasant while we were there. The lakes overflowed and most of the low lands were flooded. It rained most of the time we were there. I was shivering almost all the time. But the scenery was awesome. We were really glad we made the hike up to Orrest Head first thing in the morning. It rained non-stop after that.
The view from the peak of Orrest Head. Magnificent. You can turn 360degrees and still see picturesque views.
He made it....with his kingscout sense. Took me out of the track; short cut he claimed.
Typically English countryside.
We peeped through these on our way and spurred us on to the top to catch a better view.
This is walking/hiking through the English woods....a bit different from our Malaysian tropical jungle. (Amelia, you must do this hike if you have the chance; you would love it.....this place has lots of walks to do and we only did this).
The view from the peak of Orrest Head. Magnificent. You can turn 360degrees and still see picturesque views.
He made it....with his kingscout sense. Took me out of the track; short cut he claimed.
Typically English countryside.
We peeped through these on our way and spurred us on to the top to catch a better view.
This is walking/hiking through the English woods....a bit different from our Malaysian tropical jungle. (Amelia, you must do this hike if you have the chance; you would love it.....this place has lots of walks to do and we only did this).
Friday, November 20, 2009
Getting used to the food
This is baked potato with garlic and butter. You can have cheese; ham etc in it. It comes hot and real nice especially in the cold weather. I love the potatoes here.
This is a wierd thing with egg inside. The outer layer is quite nice. Nothing fantastic.
This is wildboar pie and it is cold. Having this for dinner is just not good...it's cold and a bit dry. This is one thing which I can't get used to ... having cold meals. It's ok to have the salad cold but to have pasta cold....doesn't do my stomach good.
Last few hours in Manchester. Don't know if I will ever visit this city again. Bye Manchester. Been great knowing you!!!
A walk to the Museum of Science and Industry
It was a real windy day today. So walking wasn't easy. I was almost blown by the wind a few times. Took the free shuttle till St Peters and raba my way to the museum.
This is the North Gate....some ruins left by the Romans about 2000years ago.
Awesome building that I passed by on the way there.
This is made from thistle. Interesting.
Interesting...I forgot to check what it is called. Just snapped the picture and moved on.
And while I was looking around this big museum which has a few buildings and sections; I bumped into something familiar. Look at the logo. It is the Commonwealth Game 1998 which was held in KL. I think this big rebana was presented to Manchester (need to check if the next game was in Manchester). And it was totally worn out looking; thrown into a pitiful lonesome corner in the museum without a label etc and looking totally out of place. I felt so sad looking at it because it's a misplaced piece of junk from home. Nothing to do with their history on industry and science.
This is the other ruin of the roman fort near the North Gate. This city is indeed a very old and ancient place.....dated back to roman times.
Passed by the Deansgate Hotel.
Saw this cute christmas tree. Decors such as this really brighten up the corner of the otherwise rather plain street on a dull and cold day.
Hah!! This is the G-Mex or Manchester Central where KC is attending the CIPD conference.
Today has been good as I have discovered the other side of Manchester. It's quite a small place and can be covered easily on foot. The best part is there is free shuttle within the city.
This is the North Gate....some ruins left by the Romans about 2000years ago.
Awesome building that I passed by on the way there.
This is made from thistle. Interesting.
Interesting...I forgot to check what it is called. Just snapped the picture and moved on.
And while I was looking around this big museum which has a few buildings and sections; I bumped into something familiar. Look at the logo. It is the Commonwealth Game 1998 which was held in KL. I think this big rebana was presented to Manchester (need to check if the next game was in Manchester). And it was totally worn out looking; thrown into a pitiful lonesome corner in the museum without a label etc and looking totally out of place. I felt so sad looking at it because it's a misplaced piece of junk from home. Nothing to do with their history on industry and science.
This is the other ruin of the roman fort near the North Gate. This city is indeed a very old and ancient place.....dated back to roman times.
Passed by the Deansgate Hotel.
Saw this cute christmas tree. Decors such as this really brighten up the corner of the otherwise rather plain street on a dull and cold day.
Hah!! This is the G-Mex or Manchester Central where KC is attending the CIPD conference.
Today has been good as I have discovered the other side of Manchester. It's quite a small place and can be covered easily on foot. The best part is there is free shuttle within the city.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sejarah - SPM
The history paper is finally over. What a relief. After months and months of preparing the students for the exam, it has come and gone. It is also a relief to know that most of the topics discussed and revised in class came out.
Now that it is over and done with, the next worry will come when the results come out. The question will be how many As and how many failures? Ooooo... the burdens of a teacher is never ending.
How well or haow badly the students do is totally depandent on the students themselves. As the teacher, I can do and remind them as much as I can....but whether they heed my advice, work on it and remember what they have studied is another matter.
Anyway....no worries till next year March!!!!!
Now that it is over and done with, the next worry will come when the results come out. The question will be how many As and how many failures? Ooooo... the burdens of a teacher is never ending.
How well or haow badly the students do is totally depandent on the students themselves. As the teacher, I can do and remind them as much as I can....but whether they heed my advice, work on it and remember what they have studied is another matter.
Anyway....no worries till next year March!!!!!
Christmas Market in Manchester
Visited the Christmas Market last night. The one near Arndale is pretty quiet. The stretch near St Anne's Square is like a real pasar malam. Totally crowded.
Big blocks of cheese on sale. Tasted quite a few types. Don't quite like the type where cuminseeds and sambal is added. Somehow cheese must be in its original; western taste.
People drinking beer like it's free....the bars are crowded. People just stand around, drink their beer and later return the glass. We moved out from there quickly...too crowded for me.
This is real....unlike what whe see in Malaysia; all plastic.
This is the tree, not just cuttings of it.
You won't see this in Malaysia. At the other end is the Pig and Bar. Saw two big roasted pigs on the counter. So geli.
Big blocks of cheese on sale. Tasted quite a few types. Don't quite like the type where cuminseeds and sambal is added. Somehow cheese must be in its original; western taste.
People drinking beer like it's free....the bars are crowded. People just stand around, drink their beer and later return the glass. We moved out from there quickly...too crowded for me.
This is real....unlike what whe see in Malaysia; all plastic.
This is the tree, not just cuttings of it.
You won't see this in Malaysia. At the other end is the Pig and Bar. Saw two big roasted pigs on the counter. So geli.
vanity
Today, a salesman tried to sell me salt from the Dead Sea. It is made in Israel. How interesting. He asked me if I am 26yrs old. Oh my goodness!!!!! I was totally flattered.
Had he been in Malaysia; and the tub of salt costs RM29.90 instead of 29.90 pound, I would have bought it straight away.
But of course I am very level headed. Such flattery is rubbish. I firmly thanked him and told him I'll think about it and walked away.
Actually the salt is quite nice to use. I remember using mud from the Dead Sea as mask (vancouver sis-in-law) gave and I found it very good.
Had he been in Malaysia; and the tub of salt costs RM29.90 instead of 29.90 pound, I would have bought it straight away.
But of course I am very level headed. Such flattery is rubbish. I firmly thanked him and told him I'll think about it and walked away.
Actually the salt is quite nice to use. I remember using mud from the Dead Sea as mask (vancouver sis-in-law) gave and I found it very good.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
a blend of old and new
Manchester and other places in England, I believe is very interesting. It has real ancient buildings and the most modern side by side.
I had a good walk today (though it was raining) to visit the Manchester Cathedral and the other old sites around that area. It was interesting to discover that the cathedral has been around since medieval time. That is ancient....Form 4 History has a topic on Zaman Gelap di Eropah....well this building has been in existence since then.
It's a pity the building is under renovation. Nevertheless as I walked in; I try to imagine the people who occupied the pews, who stood in the choir boxes ... those who sang or chant the hymnals. How interesting to be able to walk in past through this building.
Infact there are two pubs outside the cathedral which existed around that time too. It really gives me the creep when I walked the cobbled street last night thinking of the people who had walked up and down that street and into the pubs.
The modern face of Manchester is just near the cathedral. There is Arndale Center (a shopping complex) with the Wheel of Manchester in front and on the other side is the Urbis.
Infact throughout the whole city of Manchester, one is able to see the combination of both worlds; the old and the new. It is really great to see how the municipal has put great effort in maintaining and keeping the building. I think in M'sia; all that is left would be ruins like the A Famosa fort. (which is much younger than the cathedrals here).
I told Selena that Liverpool is more beautiful. I pull my words back. As I discover Manchester, I find that it is equally beautiful and interesting.
A blend of old and new. At the background is the Wheel of Manchester and also the Arndale Center.
This is real modern architecture; the Urbis.
The cathedral has been in existence since medieval time. This is as old as Robin Hood and King Arthur and knights of the round table.
Inside the cathedral are very old and torn flags. I think they represent different kings and his army at different stages of the English History. This is indeed a country rich in history and culture which will just disappear if not preserved and protected.
I had a good walk today (though it was raining) to visit the Manchester Cathedral and the other old sites around that area. It was interesting to discover that the cathedral has been around since medieval time. That is ancient....Form 4 History has a topic on Zaman Gelap di Eropah....well this building has been in existence since then.
It's a pity the building is under renovation. Nevertheless as I walked in; I try to imagine the people who occupied the pews, who stood in the choir boxes ... those who sang or chant the hymnals. How interesting to be able to walk in past through this building.
Infact there are two pubs outside the cathedral which existed around that time too. It really gives me the creep when I walked the cobbled street last night thinking of the people who had walked up and down that street and into the pubs.
The modern face of Manchester is just near the cathedral. There is Arndale Center (a shopping complex) with the Wheel of Manchester in front and on the other side is the Urbis.
Infact throughout the whole city of Manchester, one is able to see the combination of both worlds; the old and the new. It is really great to see how the municipal has put great effort in maintaining and keeping the building. I think in M'sia; all that is left would be ruins like the A Famosa fort. (which is much younger than the cathedrals here).
I told Selena that Liverpool is more beautiful. I pull my words back. As I discover Manchester, I find that it is equally beautiful and interesting.
A blend of old and new. At the background is the Wheel of Manchester and also the Arndale Center.
This is real modern architecture; the Urbis.
The cathedral has been in existence since medieval time. This is as old as Robin Hood and King Arthur and knights of the round table.
Inside the cathedral are very old and torn flags. I think they represent different kings and his army at different stages of the English History. This is indeed a country rich in history and culture which will just disappear if not preserved and protected.
Cooooold Manchester
It's my fourth day in Manchester now. I must say that the weather doesn't suit me too well. It's just too cold at this time. I was shivering most of the time today except when I am in a building. I can imagine if Lyn is here she will be totally frozen as she gets cold hands and feet all the time. Maybe I need more time to get used to the weather.
People move around very fast here. I guess it's because it's cold; that is why they move fast.
At this time of the year, the sky turns dark fast. I'm typing this at 5pm and it is totally dark outside like 8pm Malaysian time. I suppose if I visit in summer it will be a totally different story...how interesting. Maybe I may have another chance to visit when the weather is warmer.
Yesterday we visited Liverpool. We went to the waterfront and the wind was blowing. My knees were shaking and my hands could hardly hold the camera. I had four layers of clothing on.
On Friday, we will be visiting Windemere which is located in the Lake District; northern England. We plan to do a lake cruise. Oh dear....I can imagine the amount of shivering I have to go through. I think I need to bring the red wine in my bag.
Cold as it is, this has been a most relaxing time for me except when I fell ill on Sunday due to wrong food. Anyway that was cured with a glass of red wine.
People move around very fast here. I guess it's because it's cold; that is why they move fast.
At this time of the year, the sky turns dark fast. I'm typing this at 5pm and it is totally dark outside like 8pm Malaysian time. I suppose if I visit in summer it will be a totally different story...how interesting. Maybe I may have another chance to visit when the weather is warmer.
Yesterday we visited Liverpool. We went to the waterfront and the wind was blowing. My knees were shaking and my hands could hardly hold the camera. I had four layers of clothing on.
On Friday, we will be visiting Windemere which is located in the Lake District; northern England. We plan to do a lake cruise. Oh dear....I can imagine the amount of shivering I have to go through. I think I need to bring the red wine in my bag.
Cold as it is, this has been a most relaxing time for me except when I fell ill on Sunday due to wrong food. Anyway that was cured with a glass of red wine.
Monday, November 16, 2009
left behind
I was at KLIA last Saturday and saw a woman at the opposite terminal...running. After a while she rushed back again....there was nobody at that terminal. Obviously she had gone to the wrong gate.
Not long after that, she came rushing up the terminal we were at. She met a guard and then turned away, crying. She had missed her flight.
I hope this will never happen to any of us....missing whatever we had been preparing for all the time or all our lives. What if we miss the Lord's second coming because we are too busy pursuing life on earth to remember Him?
Not long after that, she came rushing up the terminal we were at. She met a guard and then turned away, crying. She had missed her flight.
I hope this will never happen to any of us....missing whatever we had been preparing for all the time or all our lives. What if we miss the Lord's second coming because we are too busy pursuing life on earth to remember Him?
Friday, November 13, 2009
A wounded soldier
I had the most horrid week for the year 2009! Misunderstandings, unmet expectations....it all boils down to human factor and how unkind, impatient and egoistic the human nature can be. How I have tread through 2009 as gently as I could and on tiptoes sometimes so as not to step on anybody. Sad to say; my final week in school is filled with drama day after day.
Besides stepping on people's toes; the untimely passing on of Loges' mum also kind of disturbed me.
Then the medical report that came in sent me through an emotional frenzy and psychologically I may have thought I am not too well. Anyway, I'm coming to terms with it and it's just a small matter.
Meeting the fifth formers for the last time on Thursday made me real sad too. I've gone through ups and downs with them this year. There were those who had been wonderfully good and those who drove me up the wall. Finally when it came to blessing them; it didn't matter a single bit who they were and had been but the most important was the love and forgiveness that flowed through amongst us and the best wishes that we could bless them with. I'm going to miss them terribly....they had spurred me on in giving my best to them and to persevere in my profession.
Now...I am ready for my break, to take leave from the hurt that had been inflicted, to stay away and be refreshed again. In due time, the wound will heal and I have to return to be injured again the following year.
As KC always puts it whenever we share of our difficult days at work; we are like wounded soldiers; seeking refuge in the comfort of our home and loved ones and best of all to be carried in the arms of our beloved Shepherd.
Besides stepping on people's toes; the untimely passing on of Loges' mum also kind of disturbed me.
Then the medical report that came in sent me through an emotional frenzy and psychologically I may have thought I am not too well. Anyway, I'm coming to terms with it and it's just a small matter.
Meeting the fifth formers for the last time on Thursday made me real sad too. I've gone through ups and downs with them this year. There were those who had been wonderfully good and those who drove me up the wall. Finally when it came to blessing them; it didn't matter a single bit who they were and had been but the most important was the love and forgiveness that flowed through amongst us and the best wishes that we could bless them with. I'm going to miss them terribly....they had spurred me on in giving my best to them and to persevere in my profession.
Now...I am ready for my break, to take leave from the hurt that had been inflicted, to stay away and be refreshed again. In due time, the wound will heal and I have to return to be injured again the following year.
As KC always puts it whenever we share of our difficult days at work; we are like wounded soldiers; seeking refuge in the comfort of our home and loved ones and best of all to be carried in the arms of our beloved Shepherd.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tribute to a mother
Sangeetha and Logeswari's mother passed on last night. She had been battling with cancer since March (it was a recurrance). Her condition must had been very bad and at the very last stage I believe both her girls spent a lot of time caring for her.
Logeswari is sitting for her SPM exam come next Tuesday. It is not going to be easy for her as she suffers this great loss. Everyday will be a reminder to her of her mother who is no longer with her; who will not be able to rejoice with her success and comfort her when she is disappointed.
I don't know Loges' mother but as I blog now; I believe I echo her late mother's heart. In the final moments when she finally let go of her family(I was told that she struggled in letting go); with a smile on her face; it was with the confidence that her two girls will be able to move on and do well.
So to Loges, there may not be much time for you to dwell in your sadness; great as it is because I am sure your mum expects you to move on and work hard for your coming exam. You had done well in school for the past 5 years...persevere on and don't let this opportuinity slip by. You are who you are today because of your mother; don't let her down. Take courage and be focussed. You don't have to put a brave front; it is okay to let go and cry if you want to.
Sangeetha, you have done great doing your medical course. Don't give up. When you return to campus to catch up with all that you have left behind, give your best as a tribute to your late mother. You are a reflection of your mother and she is with you in your heart and memories to remind you to do your best.
May the two of you be blessed with peace and comfort.
Logeswari is sitting for her SPM exam come next Tuesday. It is not going to be easy for her as she suffers this great loss. Everyday will be a reminder to her of her mother who is no longer with her; who will not be able to rejoice with her success and comfort her when she is disappointed.
I don't know Loges' mother but as I blog now; I believe I echo her late mother's heart. In the final moments when she finally let go of her family(I was told that she struggled in letting go); with a smile on her face; it was with the confidence that her two girls will be able to move on and do well.
So to Loges, there may not be much time for you to dwell in your sadness; great as it is because I am sure your mum expects you to move on and work hard for your coming exam. You had done well in school for the past 5 years...persevere on and don't let this opportuinity slip by. You are who you are today because of your mother; don't let her down. Take courage and be focussed. You don't have to put a brave front; it is okay to let go and cry if you want to.
Sangeetha, you have done great doing your medical course. Don't give up. When you return to campus to catch up with all that you have left behind, give your best as a tribute to your late mother. You are a reflection of your mother and she is with you in your heart and memories to remind you to do your best.
May the two of you be blessed with peace and comfort.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
40plus
Once we cross over figure 40, the body starts going downhill. This is my experience. My first problem is my weight. With the same amount of food and exercise, I keep putting on weight. Will start to have my mother's body shape. How dreadful.
Yesterday I met the gynae and found I have problem that most ladies have at this age. Will tackle it in December. Anaemic problem is slightly worse this time. Maybe that was why I just drove into the parking lot pole one afternoon. Get giddy and tired easily.
Kind of frustrating as I find it hard to accept that my body is changing and slowing down. I don't feel that old yet. Hmm...maybe it's all in the brain. I want to believe I am still young. How like my mother who can't accept that she is old.
OK....I'm off now to do my twisting for 15 minutes and run on the treadmill for minimum 35mins. Must try to hit 4km.
Sigh...why am I working myself so hard and not see results?
Yesterday I met the gynae and found I have problem that most ladies have at this age. Will tackle it in December. Anaemic problem is slightly worse this time. Maybe that was why I just drove into the parking lot pole one afternoon. Get giddy and tired easily.
Kind of frustrating as I find it hard to accept that my body is changing and slowing down. I don't feel that old yet. Hmm...maybe it's all in the brain. I want to believe I am still young. How like my mother who can't accept that she is old.
OK....I'm off now to do my twisting for 15 minutes and run on the treadmill for minimum 35mins. Must try to hit 4km.
Sigh...why am I working myself so hard and not see results?
Monday, November 9, 2009
Gratitude is not dead
Last Friday, 5Zeta invited some teachers to their class at 9.30am for a surprise. Many thought they were having a class party. We were wrong.
The class organized a thanksgiving session for the teachers. Larrissa gave her little mini speech; thanking the teachers blah blah blah. They recited a funny poem which they wrote on the blackboard. Then they went on to sing a song to the teachers.
The most touching part was when they personally thanked the teachers. Each one said a few words to one or two teachers who taught them from Form 1 - 5. I was touched to be remembered as I taught a handful of them when they were in Form 1. So full was their hearts that many couldn't hold back their tears as they thanked the teachers.
To be thanked in this manner is a pretty rare thing nowadays. This is my first experience where the Form 5 actually make effort to organize a thanksgiving like this. Many would just focus on their revision during this time and some would disappear from school till exam starts.
The only time they probably will meet the teachers again is when results come out. That also if the results are good.
So to the 5Zeta girls, I'm so glad to see that the attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving is still alive in all of you. As you give thanks, God will bless you mightily in all you do. May you never run out of thanksgiving. Give thanks in all circumstances; no matter what.
All the best in your SPM!
The class organized a thanksgiving session for the teachers. Larrissa gave her little mini speech; thanking the teachers blah blah blah. They recited a funny poem which they wrote on the blackboard. Then they went on to sing a song to the teachers.
The most touching part was when they personally thanked the teachers. Each one said a few words to one or two teachers who taught them from Form 1 - 5. I was touched to be remembered as I taught a handful of them when they were in Form 1. So full was their hearts that many couldn't hold back their tears as they thanked the teachers.
To be thanked in this manner is a pretty rare thing nowadays. This is my first experience where the Form 5 actually make effort to organize a thanksgiving like this. Many would just focus on their revision during this time and some would disappear from school till exam starts.
The only time they probably will meet the teachers again is when results come out. That also if the results are good.
So to the 5Zeta girls, I'm so glad to see that the attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving is still alive in all of you. As you give thanks, God will bless you mightily in all you do. May you never run out of thanksgiving. Give thanks in all circumstances; no matter what.
All the best in your SPM!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Cross stitching
Exam is over and the long break is about to start. What to do with so much time in hand? The kids decided that they want to do cross stitch after they found my file of cross stitch patterns.
Dan learning to tie a knot.
Starting off....had to teach him slowly; pull in and out; up and down; hold firmly to the needle etc.. He learnt pretty fast and finished the first part in no time.
The dolphin which Dan is making. 
Dan learning to tie a knot.
Starting off....had to teach him slowly; pull in and out; up and down; hold firmly to the needle etc.. He learnt pretty fast and finished the first part in no time.
The dolphin which Dan is making.
This is Lyn's pattern. Not much cross stitching but lots of back stitches. Looks quite nice.
Going to Ikea one day to get frames to frame the cross stitches up. I believe the kids would enjoy this project especially if they get to see the results fast. So small patterns like this should be ok. Hope this holiday would be a fruitful time where the kids will enjoy doing things like this instead of just going online.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Shawn and Reinee's Wedding
It was an absolutely hectic day. Started the preparation last night when Joshua CG got together at the Youth Center to blow balloons and decorate the place. We didn't have enough ribbons; so we sent Lyn and Jason over to Terminal 1 to get them.
I took care of the coordinating the food. As usual, the caterer came late but not as bad as Ai Ping's wedding. Food was good....simple and delicious for a reception like this.
I really don't know what happened in church. Managed to catch some pics before the service started. The bride was very punctual.
Dinner was in Nilai. Great food. Supposed to be a Foochow cook from Bukit Pelanduk. Everything was great except for the sweet glutinous rice dessert. Totally disappointed. My sis does it better with lots of fruits and nuts.
Emily and Joshua as the flower girl and page boy.
The runaway flower girl. She didn't walk down the aisle when the time came.
I took care of the coordinating the food. As usual, the caterer came late but not as bad as Ai Ping's wedding. Food was good....simple and delicious for a reception like this.
I really don't know what happened in church. Managed to catch some pics before the service started. The bride was very punctual.
Dinner was in Nilai. Great food. Supposed to be a Foochow cook from Bukit Pelanduk. Everything was great except for the sweet glutinous rice dessert. Totally disappointed. My sis does it better with lots of fruits and nuts.
Emily and Joshua as the flower girl and page boy.
The runaway flower girl. She didn't walk down the aisle when the time came.
The balloons we put up at the Youth Center. Kind of cheered the place.
The flowers in church. Simple and lovely.
The flowers in church. Simple and lovely.
Reinee and Shawn. May God bless them with a strong Christian family life.
Friday, November 6, 2009
spring cleaning
It's the time of the year again when exam is over for the year and books are returned to school. We clear out the study room. Books for the present year that will no longer be used for the next few years are thrown out to old newspaper. The shelves are rearranged to prepare for space for books that will be used for the next year. What a lot of work and mess as the picture shows.
Dan biting on an apple as he cleared his shelves. He suggested to continue the cleaning the next day; I almost blew my top. I took over and he sweated in fear (literally) as I started throwing a lot of his rubbish which are memories to him.
The mess on the floor as the kids threw books, bags, toys etc down from the shelves.
This is the mess before the cleaning up. I wonder if other kids are as untidy as this. I clean, they mess. Why am I still cleaning up after them?
Lo and behold!!!! The transformation. A pat on my back.....what wonders I have done. (How long will this lasts?)
This is Lyn's shelf. She has emptied and arranged the bottom shelf to welcome her F2 books. The mid and top shelves are untouched. All story books which she thinks are best left alone. I commented on the middle shelf....isn't it difficult to look for books if arranged that way?
Dan biting on an apple as he cleared his shelves. He suggested to continue the cleaning the next day; I almost blew my top. I took over and he sweated in fear (literally) as I started throwing a lot of his rubbish which are memories to him.
The mess on the floor as the kids threw books, bags, toys etc down from the shelves.
This is the mess before the cleaning up. I wonder if other kids are as untidy as this. I clean, they mess. Why am I still cleaning up after them?
Lo and behold!!!! The transformation. A pat on my back.....what wonders I have done. (How long will this lasts?)
This is Lyn's shelf. She has emptied and arranged the bottom shelf to welcome her F2 books. The mid and top shelves are untouched. All story books which she thinks are best left alone. I commented on the middle shelf....isn't it difficult to look for books if arranged that way?
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