Wednesday, May 30, 2007
My Beaded Jewellery
I've recently picked up this hobby of making beaded jewellery.
So far I've been inventing simple designs on my own. Didn't go through much training, didn't really take up any course, it was just introduced to me and I fell in love with it. I guess the "artistic genes" still flow in my blood. Can't help loving it, especially a fashion lover like me.
I've just bought 2 books on beaded jewellery. Hopefully, I can improve my skills and create more complicated designs.
I'll post some of my works here. Give me your comments!
So far I've been inventing simple designs on my own. Didn't go through much training, didn't really take up any course, it was just introduced to me and I fell in love with it. I guess the "artistic genes" still flow in my blood. Can't help loving it, especially a fashion lover like me.
I've just bought 2 books on beaded jewellery. Hopefully, I can improve my skills and create more complicated designs.
I'll post some of my works here. Give me your comments!
Another pride and joy - Eston
I am now a proud mother of 2!
Estelle now has a little brother, Eston. He arrived on 11 May 2007, weighing 3.26Kg and is 49cm tall. He looks exactly like Estelle when she was born (Estelle looked very much like a boy when she was young) but the minute he opens his eyes, he looks different....
That completes our family - 2 lovely children - a girl and a boy. I may or may not have a 3rd child, but for the time being, our hands are really full with these 2. :)
In my eyes, Eston is the most beautiful baby boy in the whole world.
Mummy and Papa love you!
Estelle is 16 months old!
GOSH! You mean I've been away for ... 8 months plus?
That tells you how busy I am. Just look at the multi roles I'm playing - Mother, Daughter, Wife, Maid, and not forgetting a SUPER CAREER WOMAN! Haha, at least, that's how I see myself...
The photo in my lasy post is so outdated already! Estelle has grown into a beautiful toddler, no more a baby! Although frankly, my hubby and I still call her BABY...
My pride and joy!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Estelle with her wide grin
This was taken on the ferry back to Singapore from Batam. We had gone there to visit baby Zheng Yong. She gave me a spontaneous wide grin and I snapped the photo in time! (For those who don't know, Estelle grins like that all the time!) Check out her two little teeth.......
Shuyuan with Estelle
Had gone out for my annual meal gathering with my 5A5/2001 pupils (supposedly for Teachers' Day) last Thursday, 12 Sep 06. After that they came to my place to see my girl. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a group photo with them. Only Shuyuan had her photo taken with Estelle coz she was the only one who was confident enough to carry her. Both of them look great!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
My Class 2006
This is my current class of Pr 2.4 taken during Racial Harmony Day this year. They may be young, but they are far from being innocent...... A mischievous lot. Clever too. Most of the time they irritate me but they also make me laugh.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Teachers' Day
[Taken at BK Compasspoint with my class of 6A1/6MA1 2004]
Time flies. A quick count startled me. This is my 8th Teachers' Day! 1999 - 2004 were spent in Xinghua, and 2005 - 2006 were spent in Fernvale. I do miss my ex students (although when I was teaching them they drove me up the wall) but it gives me great satisfaction and joy when I see them growing up to be good and happy, and some of them are also doing well if not better than when they were in primary school.
This may sound cheesy, but I guess teaching is really a sacred job, because teachers get to participate in a child's growth, and leave an impact on his/her life, great or small.
Happy Teachers' Day.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Trip To Bintan - Estelle in her Swimsuit
This is taken at the pool of Nirwana Resort. We went there last weekend. Estelle experienced her first dip at the pool, in her very own swimsuit. Isn't she just adorable!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
A Mother's Wish......on Mother's Day
This is the first time I get to celebrate Mother's Day for myself. So, I must blog one entry to mark the significance of this day, or rather, Motherhood.
Being a mother is indeed not easy, but somehow, when you become one, you just rise to the occasion without realising it. It's amazing, but I guess women are created with the capacity to deal with the challenges.
Gone are the days when I can just laze in bed all day, with a mag in hand, a TV remote in the other, totally indulging in laziness and justifying it as my well-deserved rest from a hectic week at work. Gone are also the days when a phone call could send me jolting out of my bed, and after a frenzy of putting on make-up and hopping into my jeans, I would zoom out to meet my friends for coffee. Gone are also the days when I just drop everything and pamper myself with a spa treat topped with a rejuvenating facial.
Actually, being a mother doesn't mean you stop doing all these. It just means you put yout child as the centre of your activities, and all the other things you used to do, you plan them around your child's schedule. The difference is that the child has become the big rock, all others being the sand.
However, the "sand" has increased in big quantities, as in the following:
1. Washing of baby's clothes, towels, blankets, bedsheet, etc twice a week
2. Expressing milk every 6 hourly (procedure takes 45min)
3. Washing and sterilizing milk bottles
4. Preparing the bath water, bathing baby, clearing of bath equipment, dressing and massaging baby
5. Clearing and disposal of dirty diapers
6. Feeding, burping
7. Changing diaper
8. Coaxing baby to sleep
9. Cleaning baby at night
10. Ensuring availability of hot water
11. Monitoring usage and supply of baby's necessities
12. Packing stuff during outing
on top of:
1. Washing laundry
2. Folding clothes and putting them in place
3. Cleaning and mopping the floor
4. Washing toilets
5. Tidying up the place
6. Tidying up kitchen (sink, drainer, cabinets, fridge)
7. Washing sofa covers, bedsheets
8. Vacuuming the carpet
9. Tidying up study table
10. Shutting windows at night
11. Tidying up walk-in-wardrobe
12. Throwing the rubbish (Must walk out to corridor)
13. Clearing mails, sorting and filing
14. Boil water for drinking
15. Paying bills
16. Clearing up mess made by husband (put away his shoes, his clothes, skin of oranges he ate, tissue paper he used, his watch, his ring, his wallet, his socks, remote control, his bag, his EVERYTHING)
17. Taking care of husband (serve him drink, switch off tv for him, blah blah blah)
on somemore top of:
The one million, six hundred and fifty-seven thousand, nine hundred and severty-five things at work
and on even-somemore top of:
Taking care of myself in the following ways:
1. Eat nourishing food
2. Watch my carbo, fat and sugar intake
3. Lose weight
4. Face (no time for facial)
5. Nails, ingrown (Did 2 pedicure so far)
6. Hair
7. Eyes (plus contact lens)
8. Drink water
9. A lot more
Thank goodness I don't have to cook. I have a great Mum!
All I wish for this Mothers' Day, is a husband who can help me out at home on his own, without me having to nag, so that I can breathe.
Oh yes, and world peace.
Thank you.
Being a mother is indeed not easy, but somehow, when you become one, you just rise to the occasion without realising it. It's amazing, but I guess women are created with the capacity to deal with the challenges.
Gone are the days when I can just laze in bed all day, with a mag in hand, a TV remote in the other, totally indulging in laziness and justifying it as my well-deserved rest from a hectic week at work. Gone are also the days when a phone call could send me jolting out of my bed, and after a frenzy of putting on make-up and hopping into my jeans, I would zoom out to meet my friends for coffee. Gone are also the days when I just drop everything and pamper myself with a spa treat topped with a rejuvenating facial.
Actually, being a mother doesn't mean you stop doing all these. It just means you put yout child as the centre of your activities, and all the other things you used to do, you plan them around your child's schedule. The difference is that the child has become the big rock, all others being the sand.
However, the "sand" has increased in big quantities, as in the following:
1. Washing of baby's clothes, towels, blankets, bedsheet, etc twice a week
2. Expressing milk every 6 hourly (procedure takes 45min)
3. Washing and sterilizing milk bottles
4. Preparing the bath water, bathing baby, clearing of bath equipment, dressing and massaging baby
5. Clearing and disposal of dirty diapers
6. Feeding, burping
7. Changing diaper
8. Coaxing baby to sleep
9. Cleaning baby at night
10. Ensuring availability of hot water
11. Monitoring usage and supply of baby's necessities
12. Packing stuff during outing
on top of:
1. Washing laundry
2. Folding clothes and putting them in place
3. Cleaning and mopping the floor
4. Washing toilets
5. Tidying up the place
6. Tidying up kitchen (sink, drainer, cabinets, fridge)
7. Washing sofa covers, bedsheets
8. Vacuuming the carpet
9. Tidying up study table
10. Shutting windows at night
11. Tidying up walk-in-wardrobe
12. Throwing the rubbish (Must walk out to corridor)
13. Clearing mails, sorting and filing
14. Boil water for drinking
15. Paying bills
16. Clearing up mess made by husband (put away his shoes, his clothes, skin of oranges he ate, tissue paper he used, his watch, his ring, his wallet, his socks, remote control, his bag, his EVERYTHING)
17. Taking care of husband (serve him drink, switch off tv for him, blah blah blah)
on somemore top of:
The one million, six hundred and fifty-seven thousand, nine hundred and severty-five things at work
and on even-somemore top of:
Taking care of myself in the following ways:
1. Eat nourishing food
2. Watch my carbo, fat and sugar intake
3. Lose weight
4. Face (no time for facial)
5. Nails, ingrown (Did 2 pedicure so far)
6. Hair
7. Eyes (plus contact lens)
8. Drink water
9. A lot more
Thank goodness I don't have to cook. I have a great Mum!
All I wish for this Mothers' Day, is a husband who can help me out at home on his own, without me having to nag, so that I can breathe.
Oh yes, and world peace.
Thank you.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Great-Grandma with the Kiddos
Today we went to have dim sum to celebrate my mum's birthday. After the great lunch, we dropped by Grandma's place to see her. She was very happy to see us and the little ones. This photo captured her looking so radiant and healthy (she's 81 years old, mind you!), totally happy with the great grandchildren crowding around her. This is such a blissful sight!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Estelle is 2 and a half months old!
My baby has turned 2 and a half months old. She's now able to hold her head up, and now she favours propping up instead of cradle. She is cooing a lot, making lots of funny sounds. Last night, she surprised me with 2 distinct chuckles! She's been trying to turn over onto her tummy. She's pretty well-behaved, only cries for feed. Sometimes, when she's bored, she will also cry for attention. Other than these, she doesn't make a lot of noise. Nowadays, she's able to sleep through the night. With the last feed at 11pm, she's able to last till 7am. Compared to her first months of 2 feedings in the night, this is really remarkable. I get to sleep!The most lovable thing about her is, she smiles and laughs a lot a lot! When people talk to her, she responds with coos, and then if she likes you, she will smile widely. Of course, her favourite person is me, as she'll always smile at me when she sees me. She's shown signs of recognising people. She recognises her daddy, and the grandparents. Because she smiles so much, it's very hard not to like her. :)
Bathing is Estelle's favourite activity. She loves to be cleaned and pampered. After bathing, I'll usually massage baby lotion into her delicate skin. She super loves that! At night, before I put her to bed, I'll give her a good wipe and change her into fresh pyjamas, and that 15 minutes of work not only makes her feel good, it bonds us as well. Of course, she'll get another round of massage, and then after feeding, she'll knock out till next morning.
I just love my baby soooooooooo much. Muak!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
Estelle's Daddy
I'd like to dedicate this space for a very important person. From the very day the second line showed on the pregnancy kit, he was there with me, participating in my pregnancy in every way he could.
In the early part of my pregnancy, I had a very bad headache once, and he took care of me, putting hot and cold towel on my head to make me feel better. The diarrhoea episode was even more trying. I had the runs the entire night till dawn, and the minute the first ray of sunlight hit the earth, he called up Dr Lee and went running to the pharmacy to get me medication. For the one or two times I had extra craving for Tiramisu, he drove out late at night to get it for me.
Every check-up at the clinic was a celebration, because he never failed to be with me to witness the baby's heartbeat, hands, legs, fingers, toes, brain, abdomen, spine, everything. Over the ten months, we watched Estelle grow from a tiny egg to a beautiful child. The togetherness as a family is heart-warming.
Every lesson at the antenatal class was a date I looked forward to. He learnt everything with me, from feeding to changing diaper to bathing and even the birth process. I asked him if he'd bathe the baby himself, he replied without batting an eyelid, "Of course. It's MY BABY too." I was touched, because he really wanted to be a good father.
Shopping is something I have always done alone, because he's never enthusiastic about shopping. However, shopping for baby's stuff became an activity that filled our weekends. He'd flip through the papers to source for warehouse sales or advertisements on baby products, and off we'd go, carting loads of things back home.
During my 12 hours of labour, he was with me sharing my pain. When I could take the pain no more, he was supportive of my decision to take epidural. I knew deep down, he couldn't bear to see me in such agony. When Dr Lee told me we had to do a C-section, I cried and cried. He looked into my eyes and assured me that it's going to be okay. Somehow, it gave me a lot of strength and I just became braver instantly.
After the operation, as I was wheeled out of the operating theatre, I met him and quickly asked, "Did you see her?" Like an excited child, he exclaimed with tears of joy glistening in his eyes, "She's so cute!" He was more moved than what I expected him to be.
The first words that he said to me when I was back in the ward were, "I love you." It came straight from his heart, I could feel it.
I knew there and then, I have found the right man for myself, and the perfect father for Estelle.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Estelle's Birth Story
I know everyone has been anticipating my arrival, and finally, after 12 hours of labour at Raffles Hospital, my brave mama has finally delivered me on 25th Jan 2006. That's my birthday.
My papa admitted my mama at 5am that morning. After confirming that mama was having contractions, and with advice from Dr Vincent Lee, my mama's gynae, mama's left hand was poked and she was put on a drip. The contractions became from bad to worse but brave mama endured the pain. The contractions also made me pretty stressed up and uncomfortable.
After 5 hours of sheer torture, and having tried even the laughing gas, my mama discussed with papa and finally they decided to take the epidural. Mama wanted to conserve the last bit of energy for the final push as she was really exhausted fighting the pain. Furthermore, she had cleared her bowels and not eaten a single crumb of bread. Poor mama was really hungry and she had very little energy left.
After taking epidural, mama became more relaxed and even napped for a while. The contractions didn't end there and I also kindda became groggy after a while.
Finally, the moment that we had been waiting had come. At 4pm, Dr Lee appeared and checked mama's cervix. Bad news. Mama had not dilated more than 3cm after the whole day! He told mama, "Desiree, I'm afraid you have to do a caeser." It dropped like a bomb and mama started to cry. Dr explained that my heartbeat went down a bit and so it didn't look good. Mama became even more scared and worried.
Papa assured Mama that everything's gonna be ok. Wih Papa's encouragement, Mama wiped her tears and decided to brave through it. Within a few minutes, Mama was wheeled out of the delivery suite, into the lift, out of the lift, and through doors and doors before she came to the OPERATING THEATRE.
The doctors did their stuff, and whoala! My cries pierced through the atmosphere. I was born!
I was carried to mama's face and I winked at her. Mama cried and cried and she kissed me on my right cheek. Feeling her warm lips on my face, I know I'll enjoy a lifetime of love from her and Papa.
My name is Soo Yin Xin Estelle. I will grow up and make my parents proud :)
My papa admitted my mama at 5am that morning. After confirming that mama was having contractions, and with advice from Dr Vincent Lee, my mama's gynae, mama's left hand was poked and she was put on a drip. The contractions became from bad to worse but brave mama endured the pain. The contractions also made me pretty stressed up and uncomfortable.
After 5 hours of sheer torture, and having tried even the laughing gas, my mama discussed with papa and finally they decided to take the epidural. Mama wanted to conserve the last bit of energy for the final push as she was really exhausted fighting the pain. Furthermore, she had cleared her bowels and not eaten a single crumb of bread. Poor mama was really hungry and she had very little energy left.
After taking epidural, mama became more relaxed and even napped for a while. The contractions didn't end there and I also kindda became groggy after a while.
Finally, the moment that we had been waiting had come. At 4pm, Dr Lee appeared and checked mama's cervix. Bad news. Mama had not dilated more than 3cm after the whole day! He told mama, "Desiree, I'm afraid you have to do a caeser." It dropped like a bomb and mama started to cry. Dr explained that my heartbeat went down a bit and so it didn't look good. Mama became even more scared and worried.
Papa assured Mama that everything's gonna be ok. Wih Papa's encouragement, Mama wiped her tears and decided to brave through it. Within a few minutes, Mama was wheeled out of the delivery suite, into the lift, out of the lift, and through doors and doors before she came to the OPERATING THEATRE.
The doctors did their stuff, and whoala! My cries pierced through the atmosphere. I was born!
I was carried to mama's face and I winked at her. Mama cried and cried and she kissed me on my right cheek. Feeling her warm lips on my face, I know I'll enjoy a lifetime of love from her and Papa.
My name is Soo Yin Xin Estelle. I will grow up and make my parents proud :)
Monday, January 23, 2006
Am I In Labour?
Baby is supposed to be due this Thursday. Until yesterday, Monday, there wasn't any action.
Last night, gynae checked me and said that I'll either be on time, that means this Thursday, or a bit late. So I'll have another appt with him on Thursday noon, and if nothing happens, I'm supposed to admit myself that very night. He'd probably induce the delivery on Friday.
Sounds like my own birth xx years ago. I was a 10 day late baby and had to be induced. My original birthdate was 20 Dec but I only saw the world on 30 Dec.
Somehow, I started to feel a bit scared.
Then, last night, actually it was this morning, at 1am, I started feeling cramps. For the first time in many months, felt cramps ok! And also for the first time, I was so happy getting cramps. People who have had the experience all tell me the first tell tale sign is cramps. I monitored the regularity and was convinced that it must be early labour signs. The cramps were very mild, and I even managed to sleep through the night. This morning, after waking up, told my hubby about my experience and he became pretty excited. Asked him to go for work as usual as the cramps were still very mild and tolerable. He did.
It is now 1.30pm and the cramps are still mild. I really wish that the real thing would come quickly. I'm all ready!
Last night, gynae checked me and said that I'll either be on time, that means this Thursday, or a bit late. So I'll have another appt with him on Thursday noon, and if nothing happens, I'm supposed to admit myself that very night. He'd probably induce the delivery on Friday.
Sounds like my own birth xx years ago. I was a 10 day late baby and had to be induced. My original birthdate was 20 Dec but I only saw the world on 30 Dec.
Somehow, I started to feel a bit scared.
Then, last night, actually it was this morning, at 1am, I started feeling cramps. For the first time in many months, felt cramps ok! And also for the first time, I was so happy getting cramps. People who have had the experience all tell me the first tell tale sign is cramps. I monitored the regularity and was convinced that it must be early labour signs. The cramps were very mild, and I even managed to sleep through the night. This morning, after waking up, told my hubby about my experience and he became pretty excited. Asked him to go for work as usual as the cramps were still very mild and tolerable. He did.
It is now 1.30pm and the cramps are still mild. I really wish that the real thing would come quickly. I'm all ready!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Tai Tai Days
I'm officially on maternity leave as of Monday.
Taking prenatal leave coz I don't want to forfeit my 1 week March holidays.
Anyway, since my due date is next week, I might as well rest at home. If not, I'll still be cheonging around in school doing this and that, and getting myself all stressed up and tired. Once I work, I can't slow down. Major problem I have, I know. Just can't slow down.
Still working from home, on my email a lot, on my computer a lot, but at least I don't have to get up early, don't have to travel to work and home, and don't have to stress over marking and stuff like that.
Starting to enjoy my tai tai days. To me, this is really a luxury. I didn't even get a decent rest during the last December holidays.
Feel a little apologetic towards my colleagues, especially the other HODs who have to cover my duties while I'm away on national service. More so when I've just been formally appointed as HOD wef this year, and then have to be away. Nevermind, I will "pay back" when the other HOD goes on her DDM course in July. :)
Right now, I should just relax and wait for Estelle to come into my life.
Taking prenatal leave coz I don't want to forfeit my 1 week March holidays.
Anyway, since my due date is next week, I might as well rest at home. If not, I'll still be cheonging around in school doing this and that, and getting myself all stressed up and tired. Once I work, I can't slow down. Major problem I have, I know. Just can't slow down.
Still working from home, on my email a lot, on my computer a lot, but at least I don't have to get up early, don't have to travel to work and home, and don't have to stress over marking and stuff like that.
Starting to enjoy my tai tai days. To me, this is really a luxury. I didn't even get a decent rest during the last December holidays.
Feel a little apologetic towards my colleagues, especially the other HODs who have to cover my duties while I'm away on national service. More so when I've just been formally appointed as HOD wef this year, and then have to be away. Nevermind, I will "pay back" when the other HOD goes on her DDM course in July. :)
Right now, I should just relax and wait for Estelle to come into my life.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Estelle Soo Yin Xin
I've not blogged in a million years. I know, I know.
Please allow me to introduce my girl, Estelle. No, no, I've not met her yet, but it's really a matter of 2 more weeks, max, before she comes to our beautiful home. I'm so excited.
I can't wait for Estelle to come, because I really long to hold her in my arms, plant the first kiss on her small cheeks, nose, hands, feet, tummy.... Her daddy is just as excited. I think he also can't wait to talk to her face to face, instead of talking to my tummy every night. :)
Estelle has been kicking me lots. She kicks especially hard when I'm hungry. The other day, I was waiting in the car while her daddy went to get dinner. She was literally rolling inside me. I started singing her songs, and strangely enough, she stopped kicking, as if to listen to me! In between, I stopped singing for a couple of minutes to reply to sms, and she started kicking again. When I resumed singing, she quietened down again. How interesting!
"Edelweiss, Edelweiss, every morning you greet me.
Small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me.
Blossoms of snow may you bloom and grow,
bloom and grow forever.
Edelweiss, Edelweiss,
bless my Estelle forever"
Daddy and Mummy love you, Estelle.
Please allow me to introduce my girl, Estelle. No, no, I've not met her yet, but it's really a matter of 2 more weeks, max, before she comes to our beautiful home. I'm so excited.
I can't wait for Estelle to come, because I really long to hold her in my arms, plant the first kiss on her small cheeks, nose, hands, feet, tummy.... Her daddy is just as excited. I think he also can't wait to talk to her face to face, instead of talking to my tummy every night. :)
Estelle has been kicking me lots. She kicks especially hard when I'm hungry. The other day, I was waiting in the car while her daddy went to get dinner. She was literally rolling inside me. I started singing her songs, and strangely enough, she stopped kicking, as if to listen to me! In between, I stopped singing for a couple of minutes to reply to sms, and she started kicking again. When I resumed singing, she quietened down again. How interesting!
"Edelweiss, Edelweiss, every morning you greet me.
Small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me.
Blossoms of snow may you bloom and grow,
bloom and grow forever.
Edelweiss, Edelweiss,
bless my Estelle forever"
Daddy and Mummy love you, Estelle.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Searching for My Melody
MacDonald's has this series of Kitty and Friends bookmarks. I have Kitty, Cinnamonroll and Bad Badtz Maru, but just can't get My Melody. It seems like it's been out of stock for some time.
Does anyone have Melody? Anyone?
Want to collect all four to hang at my baby's cot. :)
Does anyone have Melody? Anyone?
Want to collect all four to hang at my baby's cot. :)
Monday, October 17, 2005
A Farewell Note to Mousey
Dear Nao Shu,
You left us on 17 Oct 2005. Yesterday on 16 Oct, you had scratched yourself till you bled. We tried to stop the bleeding but you stubbornly scratched the wound again and again.
This morning, Mama was so relieved to see that you were still alive. In the afternoon, Papa told Mama that you were groggy. When Mama came back in the evening, you had already passed on.
We are sorry that we couldn't stop the bleeding for you. We just want you to know that we love you and we'll always remember you in our hearts.
Love, Papa and Mama
This was the note that I wrote on the card for Nao shu. It was buried together with her at the foot of our block, just beside her buddy who had died on March 27. They are finally together now.
Actually, she started getting better last week after we took her to the vet. The skin on her right side (neck) was broken as she had scratched it. We treated her with antiseptic, then applied powder to dry the area. She also had to take 2 types of liquid medicine, one of which smelled awful. We also added a powder-like medication in her water. She was obviously recovering. In fact, her right side was healing very well. We put her cage into a big tray of shallow water to prevent ants from getting into her cage. She had been active and happy for the past week.
Suddenly last night, she scratched her left side so badly that it started bleeding. And I mean profuse bleeding. She must have torn an artery or vein and the blood just oozed out non-stop. She, being uncomfortable, scratched even more. We forced tissue paper on her wound to stop the bleeding, but it didn't help. The minute we put her back inside the cage, she started scratching again. I tried to "bandage" her wound, but she refused to let me.
She died in her favourite blue container where she loved to sleep in. Her eyes were not closed and they looked watery. She must have been in pain but was too weak to do anything. The last few minutes must have been bad. She was a brave girl.
Although we had anticipated her departure, when we really faced her death, we were still overcome by grief. Now I feel an emptines, a void which I cannot explain.
I'm glad that she doesn't have to suffer anymore. I hope that she's happy at where she is now.
Hubby and I are not planning to buy any more hamsters. These 2 are special to us. Hubby had bought them for me as my Valentine's Day present last year. They had brought so much joy into our lives, and we had also given them a lot of our love. To us, they are irreplaceable.
Bye bye, Nao Shu. May you rest in peace.
You left us on 17 Oct 2005. Yesterday on 16 Oct, you had scratched yourself till you bled. We tried to stop the bleeding but you stubbornly scratched the wound again and again.
This morning, Mama was so relieved to see that you were still alive. In the afternoon, Papa told Mama that you were groggy. When Mama came back in the evening, you had already passed on.
We are sorry that we couldn't stop the bleeding for you. We just want you to know that we love you and we'll always remember you in our hearts.
Love, Papa and Mama
This was the note that I wrote on the card for Nao shu. It was buried together with her at the foot of our block, just beside her buddy who had died on March 27. They are finally together now.
Actually, she started getting better last week after we took her to the vet. The skin on her right side (neck) was broken as she had scratched it. We treated her with antiseptic, then applied powder to dry the area. She also had to take 2 types of liquid medicine, one of which smelled awful. We also added a powder-like medication in her water. She was obviously recovering. In fact, her right side was healing very well. We put her cage into a big tray of shallow water to prevent ants from getting into her cage. She had been active and happy for the past week.
Suddenly last night, she scratched her left side so badly that it started bleeding. And I mean profuse bleeding. She must have torn an artery or vein and the blood just oozed out non-stop. She, being uncomfortable, scratched even more. We forced tissue paper on her wound to stop the bleeding, but it didn't help. The minute we put her back inside the cage, she started scratching again. I tried to "bandage" her wound, but she refused to let me.
She died in her favourite blue container where she loved to sleep in. Her eyes were not closed and they looked watery. She must have been in pain but was too weak to do anything. The last few minutes must have been bad. She was a brave girl.
Although we had anticipated her departure, when we really faced her death, we were still overcome by grief. Now I feel an emptines, a void which I cannot explain.
I'm glad that she doesn't have to suffer anymore. I hope that she's happy at where she is now.
Hubby and I are not planning to buy any more hamsters. These 2 are special to us. Hubby had bought them for me as my Valentine's Day present last year. They had brought so much joy into our lives, and we had also given them a lot of our love. To us, they are irreplaceable.
Bye bye, Nao Shu. May you rest in peace.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
My Mousey is Dying
One mousey has died in March this year. The one left behind is not doing too good. I think her days are numbered.
I have seen her grow from a little baby to a fat hamster. She was so obese that she can nibble on her food and lose her balance at the same time! Took her to the vet once earlier the year (sometime in April) and she was declared healthy. Now, she's really become scrawny and her fur is also getting thinner. Recently, she's been scratching herself to death, to the extent that she bleeds.
I really feel very sad to see her in this state. Can't bear to look at her for too long. My tears will well up in my eyes.
We'll take her to the vet, but I don't think much can be done to save her. Her time is almost up.
IT IS SO SAD!!!!!!!!
I have seen her grow from a little baby to a fat hamster. She was so obese that she can nibble on her food and lose her balance at the same time! Took her to the vet once earlier the year (sometime in April) and she was declared healthy. Now, she's really become scrawny and her fur is also getting thinner. Recently, she's been scratching herself to death, to the extent that she bleeds.
I really feel very sad to see her in this state. Can't bear to look at her for too long. My tears will well up in my eyes.
We'll take her to the vet, but I don't think much can be done to save her. Her time is almost up.
IT IS SO SAD!!!!!!!!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Smoke Gets In Your ... Face
Today hubby and I went to the hawker centre at Heartland Mall for lunch. It was very crowded but I manage to find an empty table and sat down.
2 ladies came to join us at our table and then 1 more of their friend came shortly after. One of them was apparently very young, probably in her early twenties. She's a Malaysian working in Singapore. The other 2 were "Singaporean Aunties". From their conversataion, I gathered that they are the typical production workers kind who are not highly educated and don't earn a lot.
The young one finished her food rather quickly and lit a cigarette. I was too shocked to say anything. When hubby came back to the table with his food, he was pretty annoyed with her for smoking. One of the friends actually told her softly that nowdays, the smoking-in-public rules are quite strict. She, being Malaysian, was probably ignorant of our laws. Anyway, she held her cigarette under the table when she's not puffing, so we just tolerated it.
Halfway through our lunch, the other friend whipped out her pack of cigarettes and was about to light up. My hubby, the hero, couldn't stand it and told her in Mandarin, "Miss, could you please not smoke here? My wife is pregnant." She glared at my hero, speechless but apparently not happy, while the younger one who was already smoking, apologised. They left soon after.
I thanked hubby. I'm so glad that he told her off! I mean, what are laws for? Moreover, we were sitting right smack in the heart of the hawker centre and there were so many people around us! We were nice enough to let you share our table and there you are puffing into our face and food. Goodness gracious. Hubby said if she had dared to light up after he had told her not to, he would call the police.
I just love this man. :)
2 ladies came to join us at our table and then 1 more of their friend came shortly after. One of them was apparently very young, probably in her early twenties. She's a Malaysian working in Singapore. The other 2 were "Singaporean Aunties". From their conversataion, I gathered that they are the typical production workers kind who are not highly educated and don't earn a lot.
The young one finished her food rather quickly and lit a cigarette. I was too shocked to say anything. When hubby came back to the table with his food, he was pretty annoyed with her for smoking. One of the friends actually told her softly that nowdays, the smoking-in-public rules are quite strict. She, being Malaysian, was probably ignorant of our laws. Anyway, she held her cigarette under the table when she's not puffing, so we just tolerated it.
Halfway through our lunch, the other friend whipped out her pack of cigarettes and was about to light up. My hubby, the hero, couldn't stand it and told her in Mandarin, "Miss, could you please not smoke here? My wife is pregnant." She glared at my hero, speechless but apparently not happy, while the younger one who was already smoking, apologised. They left soon after.
I thanked hubby. I'm so glad that he told her off! I mean, what are laws for? Moreover, we were sitting right smack in the heart of the hawker centre and there were so many people around us! We were nice enough to let you share our table and there you are puffing into our face and food. Goodness gracious. Hubby said if she had dared to light up after he had told her not to, he would call the police.
I just love this man. :)
Anticipating Baby's Arrival
I have set up a corner in my room for my little darling. Did it some 2 weeks back. Due to space constraints, it's not fabulously fantastic but it is cozy and comfy enough. I think my princess should like it.
Started feeling her kicks a fortnight ago. The first time I felt it was when I was watching Jackie Chan's movie, "The Myth". It was amazing! Since then, her kicks and turns have become an everyday routine. :)
Recently hubby and I bought this gadget that allows us to play music to her. Hubby put a lot of Mozart music into the MP3 player which we connect to the gadget. Then we place the tiny speakers on my tummy for her to listen to. Some research says that Mozart music makes the baby intelligent! Haha, not that we totally believe it, but the music is nice to rock her to sleep. Strangely enough, when we play the music, she reacts! She would start rolling and kicking inside me. I wonder if she's dancing to it or asking us to shut it off. Haha!
This gadget also comes with a little microphone, so we can use it to talk to her. Her daddy talks nonsense but I ask her how she is and sing her songs. Tonight I shall read her nursery rhymes.
Haven't called up Raffles Hospital to sign up for the antenatal classes. I should do it soon. :)
I'm getting bigger and have bought more clothes to add to my maternity wardrobe. Vain mother! I think my princess is going to grow up as vain as I am. Hee!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Teachers' Day Part 2
Like every year, my 6A5/2002 pupils always made it a point to have a meal with me on Teachers' Day.
This year, as I had more pupils to entertain (as they are now no longer my only graduated class), Cerella and company decided to bring me out for dinner. We arranged to eat at Seoul Garden at Ang Mo Kio Central on Monday 5 Sep, but we ended up at Breeks next door.
5 of them turned up for dinner, namely Shu Yuan, Cerella, Ting Xian, Chee Chean and Dickson. It was Dickson's first time joining us for makan. In previous years, he just popped by Xinghua to say Happy Teachers' Day, or call me on my mobile.
They bought me 2 boxes of Chicken Essence. How thoughtful!
We had a good chat during dinner, and some of the things they said were really news to me. Shu Yuan said that she actually liked angles because of me. Said she would never forget how to pronounce "Parallelogram" because Kelly Tan couldn't pronounce it and I scolded her like mad. Haha. I really can't remember it! They told me how I had misunderstood Pei Sheng in the spoil-toilet switch-incident, and I had not investigated the matter thoroughly.
It really felt like having dinner with old friends. It was a nice feeling.
When we had all finished our food, Cerella insisted that I go to the toilet with her. I knew what was going on but played along anyway. They wanted to get me out of the picture so that I won't be able to pay (I always insisted on paying and they didn't know how to get the bill from me) . This time they used the "Lure the tiger out of the mountain" tactic. Let them la. It's their way of showing their appreciation. :)
After dinner, they all squeezed into my car and came to my place. I entertained them until almost 12 midnight.
I was exhausted by the time I went to bed, but I am really happy and comforted to see all of them, especially Dickson, growing up properly and well.
That is perhaps the best present a Teacher can get.
This year, as I had more pupils to entertain (as they are now no longer my only graduated class), Cerella and company decided to bring me out for dinner. We arranged to eat at Seoul Garden at Ang Mo Kio Central on Monday 5 Sep, but we ended up at Breeks next door.
5 of them turned up for dinner, namely Shu Yuan, Cerella, Ting Xian, Chee Chean and Dickson. It was Dickson's first time joining us for makan. In previous years, he just popped by Xinghua to say Happy Teachers' Day, or call me on my mobile.
They bought me 2 boxes of Chicken Essence. How thoughtful!
We had a good chat during dinner, and some of the things they said were really news to me. Shu Yuan said that she actually liked angles because of me. Said she would never forget how to pronounce "Parallelogram" because Kelly Tan couldn't pronounce it and I scolded her like mad. Haha. I really can't remember it! They told me how I had misunderstood Pei Sheng in the spoil-toilet switch-incident, and I had not investigated the matter thoroughly.
It really felt like having dinner with old friends. It was a nice feeling.
When we had all finished our food, Cerella insisted that I go to the toilet with her. I knew what was going on but played along anyway. They wanted to get me out of the picture so that I won't be able to pay (I always insisted on paying and they didn't know how to get the bill from me) . This time they used the "Lure the tiger out of the mountain" tactic. Let them la. It's their way of showing their appreciation. :)
After dinner, they all squeezed into my car and came to my place. I entertained them until almost 12 midnight.
I was exhausted by the time I went to bed, but I am really happy and comforted to see all of them, especially Dickson, growing up properly and well.
That is perhaps the best present a Teacher can get.
Miss Wonderful 2005
That's, erhm, me. I don't look 5 month's pregnant, do I? Beside me is Mdm Kok, our Principal.
Teachers' Day 2005
I celebrated my first Teachers' Day outside of Xinghua this year.
There are a few things memorable about this year's Teachers' Day. Let me try to make a little list.
1. It's my first one at Fernvale Primary School.
2. Never celebrated Teachers' Day with a "tummy." :)
3. Conferred "Miss Wonderful" at the Fernvale Pageant.
4. Mr Low, my ex colleague from Xinghua, joined us in the celebration as he is doing long term relief here. He was "Mr Handsome"!
5. Received a surprise flower basket from Mrs Lee Lay Seng. It came with such a cute huggable bear!
6. The highlight - So many of my ex pupils came to visit me at Fernvale!
At around 11.30am, a group of ex pupils, 5A5/2001 + 6A5/2002, came. They were Cerella, Jaslyn, Pei Sheng and Dickson and 1 more girl from 6A4 (I couldn't recall her name). They represented the whole gang as some of them couldn't make it. I was glad to see them, not only because they never fail to visit me after all these years (they are now in Sec 3), but more of the fact that they have managed to remain decent kids. I was so afraid that they will stray to the wrong side but they didn't. Of course I shall not sentence Pei Sheng to the title of "bad" because of his pierced lips (Although the safety pin he was wearing on his lip made me quite uncomfortable). The fact that he bothered to come and visit me all the way at Fernvale was enough to touch me. Anyway I had to cut the chit chat short as I had class at 12pm.
I'll talk more about this 5A5/6A5 lot in my next entry.
I shall put on record my experience with my 6A1/2004.
I had expected to see some of them as they had smsed me the day before. However, I was really pleasantly surprised to see a whopping 20 of them turning up at my school! It was really .... aww! We gathered at the canteen and I think for some of them, it was a good opportunity to catch up with one another, since everyone is in different schools now. Some have changed quite a fair bit, like Ting Hao, who's become "tall, dark and handsome"and some are still the same, like Yi Jing! Anthony still lived up to his name of "Old Man" due to his genetic white hair. He still has his charming smile! The girls are more or less quite the same, as I reckon they have already started changing when they were in P6. Grown taller, though. Woei Jiun looks prettier with her fringe. She used to have long fringe which she combs to the back.
In the end, the whole jing bang of us went to tear down Pizza Hut at Compasspoint. Met Shuangyu and Yu Jie who passed me gifts before saying goodbye. We had a very good time.
Check out the lovely big kids in this photo. :)
Saturday, August 20, 2005
On Air !
We were in the car listening to an interview on radio FM93.8 this afternoon. The DJ was interviewing a group of undergrads about what a degree can and should do for them. I was quite put off by the first speaker, a girl and an apparent bimbo. When asked about what she thinks a tertiary education means to her, she said that at the end of it, she must be employable, but the most important thing is that the process is enjoyable. She quickly added that it's nice to get a degree at the end of it. I was like, what kind of undergrads do we have nowadays? How can she say something so bimbo-ish and STUPID on air?
I was making all sorts of comments about her when the DJ asked a question. He said, "Do you think a degree can prepare you for a job in the real world?" I was quick to answer loudly in the car, "Of course not la! No degree in this world could prepare anyone for a job entirely. Nothing beats real experience." My husband turned around and challengd me, "Call in and tell them your views."
Not wanting to be defeated, I whipped out my mobile and called in. To my greatest surprise, I got through! A lady on the other side answered hello, and I was so shocked that I asked, "Is this 93.8?" Haha! She said yes, and screened my opinion before asking me if I want to offer my views on air. I said OK!
Then I was really put on air. Hubby became interested and upped the volume of the car stereo a little, but it kindda distracted me coz there was a time difference between what I hear in my phone and the radio. Anyway, I answered as what I had told the lady earlier, and the DJ went on to ask another question.
He said, "Would you prefer to work for 3 years and gain the experience before getting a degree, or would you prefer to get a degree before getting employed?"
I said, "I think I would appreciate the knowledge before starting work. It will put me in a better position. However, before starting my degree education, I would do enough research to ensure that I am really interested in this area or field."
The DJ thanked me for my views.
What an episode! I didn't know that I would do such a thing on such an impulse, but it was really fun!
I was making all sorts of comments about her when the DJ asked a question. He said, "Do you think a degree can prepare you for a job in the real world?" I was quick to answer loudly in the car, "Of course not la! No degree in this world could prepare anyone for a job entirely. Nothing beats real experience." My husband turned around and challengd me, "Call in and tell them your views."
Not wanting to be defeated, I whipped out my mobile and called in. To my greatest surprise, I got through! A lady on the other side answered hello, and I was so shocked that I asked, "Is this 93.8?" Haha! She said yes, and screened my opinion before asking me if I want to offer my views on air. I said OK!
Then I was really put on air. Hubby became interested and upped the volume of the car stereo a little, but it kindda distracted me coz there was a time difference between what I hear in my phone and the radio. Anyway, I answered as what I had told the lady earlier, and the DJ went on to ask another question.
He said, "Would you prefer to work for 3 years and gain the experience before getting a degree, or would you prefer to get a degree before getting employed?"
I said, "I think I would appreciate the knowledge before starting work. It will put me in a better position. However, before starting my degree education, I would do enough research to ensure that I am really interested in this area or field."
The DJ thanked me for my views.
What an episode! I didn't know that I would do such a thing on such an impulse, but it was really fun!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Authentic Leadership
I was reading this book "Authentic Leadership" by Bill George, and came across this quote which I find interesting.
The first thing a leader must do is to define reality. The last thing that a leader should do is to say thank you. In between, the leader must be a servant and debtor. That is Authentic Leadership.
I cannot agree more. The first and last things are the easiest to do. It is the in-between process that challenges you as an authentic leader. To become a servant and debtor, one must possess a lot of humility and high integrity. It is definitely not something easy, especially if the team members are not committed.
I can't say that I am such a leader, but when I read this quote, I am relieved that my approach in my leadership is along this line.
Suddenly I thought of a person. She is a leader in a similar organization, but holding a leadership post that is of higher seniority. Her leadership basically can be defined as this:
The first thing that a leader does is to scold. The last thing that a leader does is to scold louder. In between, the leader scolds and scolds. That is Scolding Leadership.
Wow. Isn't that inspiring?
Ha ha.
The first thing a leader must do is to define reality. The last thing that a leader should do is to say thank you. In between, the leader must be a servant and debtor. That is Authentic Leadership.
I cannot agree more. The first and last things are the easiest to do. It is the in-between process that challenges you as an authentic leader. To become a servant and debtor, one must possess a lot of humility and high integrity. It is definitely not something easy, especially if the team members are not committed.
I can't say that I am such a leader, but when I read this quote, I am relieved that my approach in my leadership is along this line.
Suddenly I thought of a person. She is a leader in a similar organization, but holding a leadership post that is of higher seniority. Her leadership basically can be defined as this:
The first thing that a leader does is to scold. The last thing that a leader does is to scold louder. In between, the leader scolds and scolds. That is Scolding Leadership.
Wow. Isn't that inspiring?
Ha ha.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
I am 3 months pregnant
Careful followers of my blog would have picked up little signs and hints of my pregnancy, although I have not announced it explicitly.
Yes. I am 3 months pregnant.
That explains my "evening sickness", my one-off vomitting episode, my frequent "fevers" and "headaches", my idling during the hols (was instructed to bed-rest), and the fact that I did not travel anywhere (I always travelled during June and Dec hols).
After my check-up today, gynae announced a series of good news to me. My clinical blood test shows that I am in good health and am not a carrier of any major hereditary illnesses. My urine test is also normal. My first trimester pre-natal screening showed that my risks for Trisomy 21 and 13/18 are 1:12191 and 1:20833 respectively. In other words, the chances of having a down-syndrome child are very low. Baby is doing well inside me, with a length of 5.8cm and a strong heartbeat. Hubby and I are totally elated.
I cannot believe that I am slowly entering my second trimester very soon.
I'll keep my entry short today. I need to sleep now and I just want to share my joy with everyone before I go to bed.
Nite nite.
Yes. I am 3 months pregnant.
That explains my "evening sickness", my one-off vomitting episode, my frequent "fevers" and "headaches", my idling during the hols (was instructed to bed-rest), and the fact that I did not travel anywhere (I always travelled during June and Dec hols).
After my check-up today, gynae announced a series of good news to me. My clinical blood test shows that I am in good health and am not a carrier of any major hereditary illnesses. My urine test is also normal. My first trimester pre-natal screening showed that my risks for Trisomy 21 and 13/18 are 1:12191 and 1:20833 respectively. In other words, the chances of having a down-syndrome child are very low. Baby is doing well inside me, with a length of 5.8cm and a strong heartbeat. Hubby and I are totally elated.
I cannot believe that I am slowly entering my second trimester very soon.
I'll keep my entry short today. I need to sleep now and I just want to share my joy with everyone before I go to bed.
Nite nite.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
National Service
Hubby is doing his reservist training this week. Usually, if he books out every day, I'm pretty okay with it. This time, although a short one (1 week compared to the usual 2 weeks), is inclusive of an exercise, so he is required to stay in for 2 nights.
Last nite, he had to book in by 12am, so I was very depressed to see him go. After saying goodbye at the lift, I went to the corridor beside the refuse chute to catch a glimpse of the car leaving. He slowed down in front of our block, I didn't know why, I couldn't see. Later on, he told me in sms that he was waving at me. I was so angry with myself for being so stupid.
Today I have taken medical leave. I just couldn't get out of bed with that rock in my brain. Have been feeling groggy since yesterday. Fever came and went, temperature is fine now but I feel feverish, weak, nose stuffy, head feels funny, throat dry. Doc says I'm probably having a slight flu. all I need is plenty of rest.
I'm also serving my national service, but mine is just the beginning of a lifetime commitment. I can't wait for the day to see my baby, but it also scares me that I am responsible for another person's life, at least for the next 21 years.
I don't know how to rest properly. I got so much work waiting for me to do in school. And I really miss my hubby. I wish I could just drop everything and rest at home.
One more lonely night to go.
Last nite, he had to book in by 12am, so I was very depressed to see him go. After saying goodbye at the lift, I went to the corridor beside the refuse chute to catch a glimpse of the car leaving. He slowed down in front of our block, I didn't know why, I couldn't see. Later on, he told me in sms that he was waving at me. I was so angry with myself for being so stupid.
Today I have taken medical leave. I just couldn't get out of bed with that rock in my brain. Have been feeling groggy since yesterday. Fever came and went, temperature is fine now but I feel feverish, weak, nose stuffy, head feels funny, throat dry. Doc says I'm probably having a slight flu. all I need is plenty of rest.
I'm also serving my national service, but mine is just the beginning of a lifetime commitment. I can't wait for the day to see my baby, but it also scares me that I am responsible for another person's life, at least for the next 21 years.
I don't know how to rest properly. I got so much work waiting for me to do in school. And I really miss my hubby. I wish I could just drop everything and rest at home.
One more lonely night to go.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Lost Sheep
To those of you who have responded to my appeal for 6A1 people's addresses, fanquevellumud.
I managed to retrieve some addresses on my own because I have a complete set of addresses of those in 5A1. (Remember SARS? Had to send letters, homework, etc, yup...) Many of them came to 6A1, sowee.......
Anyway, these are the lost sheep whose addresses I have not managed to lay my hands on. If you happen to be the one, or have contact with any of them, or you are neighbours with them, or in the same school, please email me whatever info you've got.
In order of Class Index Number:
1. Xiao Xiao
2. Zhe Ching
3. Revathi
4. Sim Wee
5. Hui Ting (think I have it somewhere in my pencil box but anyway...Hui Ting, just gimme again)
6. Justina
7. Vaish
8. Adam
9. Yuan Dong
10. Anthony
11. Zhiwei
12. Aqil
13. Thinesh
Okay! I'll hear from you guys!
Happy School Re-opening! (Eeeoow....)
I managed to retrieve some addresses on my own because I have a complete set of addresses of those in 5A1. (Remember SARS? Had to send letters, homework, etc, yup...) Many of them came to 6A1, sowee.......
Anyway, these are the lost sheep whose addresses I have not managed to lay my hands on. If you happen to be the one, or have contact with any of them, or you are neighbours with them, or in the same school, please email me whatever info you've got.
In order of Class Index Number:
1. Xiao Xiao
2. Zhe Ching
3. Revathi
4. Sim Wee
5. Hui Ting (think I have it somewhere in my pencil box but anyway...Hui Ting, just gimme again)
6. Justina
7. Vaish
8. Adam
9. Yuan Dong
10. Anthony
11. Zhiwei
12. Aqil
13. Thinesh
Okay! I'll hear from you guys!
Happy School Re-opening! (Eeeoow....)
Friday, June 24, 2005
Terribly sick...
Last Wednesday
Having bummed around for so long, I decided to start doing some serious work. So, I went to school last wednesday. All was well until around 5 plus, I started feeling a small headache. Later the night, the headache grew into a humongous brain earthquake. Hubby made me hot tea, didn't help. By 1 am, I thought I was going to die. Then he flipped through the book on the coffee table "What to Expect when You're Expecting", a book that I read when I couldn't sleep. Using the advice given , he tried to put a hot towel on my forehead. That somehow made me feel a little more comfy, but it didn't take the pain away. After a while, I threw up. Vomitted the tea and I think-the-after-dinner-fruits, and felt a lot, lot better. Not wanting to take any medication, coz I wasn't sure if I could take, hubby planted 2 medicated plasters on my forehead. The cooling effect helped me to sleep. Thankfully, I was fine the next morning.
That was the only time I vomitted, other than the "evening sickness" that I get.
This Monday
Monday came, and I decided to go to school again. That was the biggest mistake I have made. I think the air in the HOD Room was bad. Because it's the school hols, the windows and door (facing the outside, not the office) were kept shut throughout. So, despite the air-con being switched on, the air inside was totally stale. I worked at my desk for 2 to 3 hours and felt sick. Quickly left and went home, but little did I realize that the start of my agony had just begun.
Developed a fever that very night. Temperature was at 38.2. Worried sick. Since my gynae said that panadol was safe, I took 2 tablets and did feel better. But soon the fever returned and at around 4am, I took another 2 tablets. This time I sponged myself to keep my body cool. A but upset with hubby for being negligent towards me. He was playing on his computer and that made me very upset with him. Later he realised that I was unhappy and came to help put iced towel on my head. Slowly I slept.
Tuesday
Fever returned. Whole day it hovered at 37.7. I decided not to take anymore panadol. Started diarrhoea. Saw the GP downstairs and he gave me charcoal pills. Took them, but the entire night, from 1.30am to 9am, I went to the toilet for diarrhoea non-stop. Only managed to sleep from 9am to 12pm. Woke up and rushed to the toilet again. It was terrible, terrible.
Wednesday
Called gynae for help. He prescribed a medicine called smecta and hubby went to pharmacy to get. It helped. The diarrhoea stopped. My fever also went down to 37.4.
Thursday
Felt ok. Fever was gone but I was very weak. Stools were still watery but had improved. I stopped the medication.
Friday
Today wasn't very good. The diarrhoea seemed to have come back, although it wasn't as acute as the last time. Had the runs 5 times today and as I am typing right now, my stomach feels funny still. Had taken another dose of smecta but it didn't help much. Tried to see my gynae but the evening clinic wasn't open. Tomorrow I will go early in the morning.
I hope baby will be okay.
Having bummed around for so long, I decided to start doing some serious work. So, I went to school last wednesday. All was well until around 5 plus, I started feeling a small headache. Later the night, the headache grew into a humongous brain earthquake. Hubby made me hot tea, didn't help. By 1 am, I thought I was going to die. Then he flipped through the book on the coffee table "What to Expect when You're Expecting", a book that I read when I couldn't sleep. Using the advice given , he tried to put a hot towel on my forehead. That somehow made me feel a little more comfy, but it didn't take the pain away. After a while, I threw up. Vomitted the tea and I think-the-after-dinner-fruits, and felt a lot, lot better. Not wanting to take any medication, coz I wasn't sure if I could take, hubby planted 2 medicated plasters on my forehead. The cooling effect helped me to sleep. Thankfully, I was fine the next morning.
That was the only time I vomitted, other than the "evening sickness" that I get.
This Monday
Monday came, and I decided to go to school again. That was the biggest mistake I have made. I think the air in the HOD Room was bad. Because it's the school hols, the windows and door (facing the outside, not the office) were kept shut throughout. So, despite the air-con being switched on, the air inside was totally stale. I worked at my desk for 2 to 3 hours and felt sick. Quickly left and went home, but little did I realize that the start of my agony had just begun.
Developed a fever that very night. Temperature was at 38.2. Worried sick. Since my gynae said that panadol was safe, I took 2 tablets and did feel better. But soon the fever returned and at around 4am, I took another 2 tablets. This time I sponged myself to keep my body cool. A but upset with hubby for being negligent towards me. He was playing on his computer and that made me very upset with him. Later he realised that I was unhappy and came to help put iced towel on my head. Slowly I slept.
Tuesday
Fever returned. Whole day it hovered at 37.7. I decided not to take anymore panadol. Started diarrhoea. Saw the GP downstairs and he gave me charcoal pills. Took them, but the entire night, from 1.30am to 9am, I went to the toilet for diarrhoea non-stop. Only managed to sleep from 9am to 12pm. Woke up and rushed to the toilet again. It was terrible, terrible.
Wednesday
Called gynae for help. He prescribed a medicine called smecta and hubby went to pharmacy to get. It helped. The diarrhoea stopped. My fever also went down to 37.4.
Thursday
Felt ok. Fever was gone but I was very weak. Stools were still watery but had improved. I stopped the medication.
Friday
Today wasn't very good. The diarrhoea seemed to have come back, although it wasn't as acute as the last time. Had the runs 5 times today and as I am typing right now, my stomach feels funny still. Had taken another dose of smecta but it didn't help much. Tried to see my gynae but the evening clinic wasn't open. Tomorrow I will go early in the morning.
I hope baby will be okay.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Fanquevallemud
Here's a new word for the day -- "Fanquevallemud"
Know what it means?
Read the following conversation to find out.
The following is a telephone exchange between a hotel guest and room-service at a hotel in Hong Kong, Asia.
Room Service = RS
Guest = G
(RS): "Moling! loom sirfesee"
(G ) : "Yes......"
(RS): "Dju witch true odor somefing??"
(G ) : "Uh..yes..I'd like some bacon and eggs"
(RS): "How July it done peace?"
(G ) : "What??"
(RS): "How July it done?... Fi, boy?"
(G ) : "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry, scrambled >>please."
(RS): "Howbow bkan?"
(G ) : "Crisp will be fine."
(RS): "O light. An some DOS?"
(G) : "What?"
(RS ): "Dosee. July some DOS?"
(G ) : "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what'Door-C' means."
(RS): "Mmm...............Toes! toes!..."
(G ) : "O, you mean Toasts!....No, do you have something >>else?"
(RS): "Howbow ink-ga-nutsu mudfun?"
(G ) : "English muffin!! I've got it! Yes, an English muffin will be fine."
(RS): "Copy?"
(G ) : "Sorry?"
(RS): "Copy...Mill...all T?"
(G ) : "Yes. Coffee please, and that's all."
(RS): "O light. Seeangle ache, quits bkan, DOS, mudfun and copy..wite??"
(G ) : "Well....Whatever you say"
(RS): "Fanquevallemud!"
(G ) : "You're welcome"
Got the word?
Bingo! Yes, it's "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"
Know what it means?
Read the following conversation to find out.
The following is a telephone exchange between a hotel guest and room-service at a hotel in Hong Kong, Asia.
Room Service = RS
Guest = G
(RS): "Moling! loom sirfesee"
(G ) : "Yes......"
(RS): "Dju witch true odor somefing??"
(G ) : "Uh..yes..I'd like some bacon and eggs"
(RS): "How July it done peace?"
(G ) : "What??"
(RS): "How July it done?... Fi, boy?"
(G ) : "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry, scrambled >>please."
(RS): "Howbow bkan?"
(G ) : "Crisp will be fine."
(RS): "O light. An some DOS?"
(G) : "What?"
(RS ): "Dosee. July some DOS?"
(G ) : "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what'Door-C' means."
(RS): "Mmm...............Toes! toes!..."
(G ) : "O, you mean Toasts!....No, do you have something >>else?"
(RS): "Howbow ink-ga-nutsu mudfun?"
(G ) : "English muffin!! I've got it! Yes, an English muffin will be fine."
(RS): "Copy?"
(G ) : "Sorry?"
(RS): "Copy...Mill...all T?"
(G ) : "Yes. Coffee please, and that's all."
(RS): "O light. Seeangle ache, quits bkan, DOS, mudfun and copy..wite??"
(G ) : "Well....Whatever you say"
(RS): "Fanquevallemud!"
(G ) : "You're welcome"
Got the word?
Bingo! Yes, it's "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Lion City Cup
Guess what? Went to Toa Payoh Stadium today to catch a football match (of the above cup) between Singapore and Brunei for the Under 16s. I'm not the football crazy kind, never was, but thought that I shall be nice and accompanied my die-hard-soccer-fan-husband to see the match. One of his students is a player in the Singapore team, so we went there to support. I was surprised to see a crowd at the spectators stand. We also spotted Fandi Ahmad among the spectators.
The mood there was quite lukewarm, but whenever Singapore attacked, the fever would go up a little and you can sense some excitement. Singapore attacked many times but just didn't manage to ram the ball in. Finally, towards the end of the first half, the captain (number 17, I forgot his name) scored the first goal. Then, as if catching on to the "winning wind', he scored another goal during the 2 minutes of extra time. The first half ended at 2-nil.
During the break, half the stadium emptied (such was the support Singaporeans gave the youngsters). I thought that they went out to get some drinks but it turned out that these people never returned. My husband turned to look at me, and seeing the question mark in his eyes, I said we'd stay for the second half.
The players in yellow jersey were comparatively smaller in size, with our red lions towering above them. However, their advantage was that they were fast and nimble. Our players, although taller, did not run as fast as them. Nevermind about speed. Football is about skills right? The lions kept their form and scored a third goal. I smsed Kumari telling her that I was at Toa Payoh (since she stayed in the area) and told her the score. She replied a few minutes later. By then it was 4-nil. Just as I was composing my reply to her, the Singapore team scored a fifth goal! It was a really triumphant victory. Spectators cheered.
I'm not a football person, but today, I did enjoy the game. Well done, kids! Keep it up!
The mood there was quite lukewarm, but whenever Singapore attacked, the fever would go up a little and you can sense some excitement. Singapore attacked many times but just didn't manage to ram the ball in. Finally, towards the end of the first half, the captain (number 17, I forgot his name) scored the first goal. Then, as if catching on to the "winning wind', he scored another goal during the 2 minutes of extra time. The first half ended at 2-nil.
During the break, half the stadium emptied (such was the support Singaporeans gave the youngsters). I thought that they went out to get some drinks but it turned out that these people never returned. My husband turned to look at me, and seeing the question mark in his eyes, I said we'd stay for the second half.
The players in yellow jersey were comparatively smaller in size, with our red lions towering above them. However, their advantage was that they were fast and nimble. Our players, although taller, did not run as fast as them. Nevermind about speed. Football is about skills right? The lions kept their form and scored a third goal. I smsed Kumari telling her that I was at Toa Payoh (since she stayed in the area) and told her the score. She replied a few minutes later. By then it was 4-nil. Just as I was composing my reply to her, the Singapore team scored a fifth goal! It was a really triumphant victory. Spectators cheered.
I'm not a football person, but today, I did enjoy the game. Well done, kids! Keep it up!
Friday, May 20, 2005
6 YEARS!
20th May 2005 marks 6 full complete years of my teaching career.
Let me catch my breath.
P H E W !
I stepped into NIE in mid 1995. This year is 2005. I cannot believe that 10 years of my life had passed! And prime years to mention the least. Oh my God.
I had never looked back all these years. To think that a decision that I had made after 'A' levels had shaped my life so much. At NIE, I studied hard, played hard, met my husband, fell in love, and signed on the dotted line (to teaching!) Then I graduated, taught, got married, set up my own home, taught some more, got promoted, and transferred myself to a new school.
Wow. All these happened because I made a decision to become a teacher at the age of 18.
Suddenly, after 6 years, I am beginning to feel that I've had quite enough of teaching. Is 6 years a good time to blow the whistle?
Let me catch my breath.
P H E W !
I stepped into NIE in mid 1995. This year is 2005. I cannot believe that 10 years of my life had passed! And prime years to mention the least. Oh my God.
I had never looked back all these years. To think that a decision that I had made after 'A' levels had shaped my life so much. At NIE, I studied hard, played hard, met my husband, fell in love, and signed on the dotted line (to teaching!) Then I graduated, taught, got married, set up my own home, taught some more, got promoted, and transferred myself to a new school.
Wow. All these happened because I made a decision to become a teacher at the age of 18.
Suddenly, after 6 years, I am beginning to feel that I've had quite enough of teaching. Is 6 years a good time to blow the whistle?
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Spin A Fairy Tale
Yesterday I attended the Prize-Giving Ceremony at the Singapore Philatelic Museum for the above event. Our pupil bagged the Third Prize in the Primary Category in the whole nation. I am very proud of Nadiah from Pr 4-1, and I also appreciate all that Bhavani had done to help her. Moreover, it was the only entry I had sent in.
Guess what? I met an ex pupil of mine! Yue Yang was also there with his dad for the same purpose. He had won a consolation prize for the event in the Secondary Category. My goodness, it had only been a matter of 5 months and he had grown so tall! Yue Yang had also become very dark, and he had apparently lost quite a bit of weight. I talked to his dad also. Still remember all those times we had spoken last year to discuss about the boy. Time flies.
Anyway, it was a happy day for me. I could shake his hand personally and congratulate him for having done well. Keep up the good work!
Guess what? I met an ex pupil of mine! Yue Yang was also there with his dad for the same purpose. He had won a consolation prize for the event in the Secondary Category. My goodness, it had only been a matter of 5 months and he had grown so tall! Yue Yang had also become very dark, and he had apparently lost quite a bit of weight. I talked to his dad also. Still remember all those times we had spoken last year to discuss about the boy. Time flies.
Anyway, it was a happy day for me. I could shake his hand personally and congratulate him for having done well. Keep up the good work!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
D'ACE
If you're wondering what that means, it's the acronym for DARE TO ASPIRE, COURAGE TO EXCEL.
It's Fernvale's School Vision. It was born from all Fernvalers after a series of vigourous envisioning exercises.
It indeed takes a lot of DARE and COURAGE to dream about big things and do them well.
It's a good reminder to myself to work in that spirit and perservere. The going is tough, the learning curve is steep, and I have to make a breakthrough in myself to become a better person.
It's indeed not easy at all.
I do know that I am working at a higher level (a level that I have never worked at before) and I do have a great influence on the way the school runs, and the type of education that the kids receive. I am no more at the receiving end. I am at the producing end. So I've got to do my stuff!
Life is very challenging, isn't it?
It's Fernvale's School Vision. It was born from all Fernvalers after a series of vigourous envisioning exercises.
It indeed takes a lot of DARE and COURAGE to dream about big things and do them well.
It's a good reminder to myself to work in that spirit and perservere. The going is tough, the learning curve is steep, and I have to make a breakthrough in myself to become a better person.
It's indeed not easy at all.
I do know that I am working at a higher level (a level that I have never worked at before) and I do have a great influence on the way the school runs, and the type of education that the kids receive. I am no more at the receiving end. I am at the producing end. So I've got to do my stuff!
Life is very challenging, isn't it?
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
I'm so BUSY!
Can someone help me here? I'm so BUSY!!!!!
I'm not a lazy person ok, but I really have a lot a lot a lot a lot of stuff to do. (Now you know why I've not blogged in a million years?)
This is, btw, not a complaint. I just need to let it out. (It's a trait of Venusian. Martians who are reading this, please don't act so smart and try to provide solutions, because there AREN"T ANY. I know it so god-damn well)
1. SA1 exam. Have set my share of paper (full paper: Paper 1 and 2, LC, Oral). Finished vetting second round. Now all the papers are in for the final round of checking. Still got some changes to be made.
2. Also vetting all the Chinese papers.
3. Setting procedures for the exam. Must think about the marking exercise as well. The oral exam, how ah? Some papers I think I have to re-do.
4. Class Library. More or less in place, but I know some teachers have not started it. Lame.
5. MRL. This is the biggest headache. It is EMPTY lor. Ok la, I've bought curtains and put them up, the sofa is proudly sitting there. Got Raymon to propose a design. He should get back to me next week or so. The books and the system, arrh, it's killing me.
6. SEED. Got it going in instalments already. Very funny. I am so not trained in it and I have to train everyone for it. Have covered the changing context and personal target setting. Set up gallery walk already. Today we watched clips from "I Not Stupid". Okay lor. Haven't come to the main crux of it.
7. Class. Put aside the irritating Kelvin Chee who uses his ADHD excuse to drive everyone up the wall, and the perpetual liar Ang Shi Yi who swears even with lies, I'm trying to teach in a more integrated way that can engage the pupils. the food-tasting party was a success. But, I am so pressed for time I can't do that so often. The exams are coming and I am more stressed than them. I am so afraid they cannot make it. Want to set up the learning corners but time is really not on my side.
8. EPMS. Am supposed to sit down with my JH but I so don't have time! Don't care. I forced myself to get at least 1 done tomorrow. Meet Dora tmr. Die also must get one done.
9. Haven't even done my own EPMS. Sitting on it. Hopefully something will hatch.
10. Marking. I am taking too long with the compos. I ought to be shot.
11. Marking Schemes. Have more or less completed them. Keep forgetting to give it to Bhavani and Hwee Yng.
12. Editing video. When am I going to squeeze time to edit the food-tasting one? Don't talk about CNY. I think it's never going to be done.
13. Classroom Observation. Have to start doing CO. Aiyo haven't even done EPMS!
14. Meet Parents. Have to arrange a meet-up with kelvin's mum. Boss wants to lim kopi with the mother. I ask Siew Chian, the form teacher, to look into it.
15. Storytelling workshop. I am supposed to collate the feedback but I actually lost the whole stack. When start losing things, it's not a good sign. Cluster chasing me for it already.
16. Nadiah's prize giving ceremony this saturday. Lucky there's this good news (she got 3rd prize in essay competition, national) or I'll go mad. Keep forgetting to arrange with Pauline.
17. Want to work with Becky to set up this folder in the O Drive such that each EL teacher can go in to key their marks. Like that more efficient.
17. Monitor tests results. Need to analyse the data. Still waiting for the teachers to give me.
18. Must remember to monitor the class library.
19. Keep forgetting to email the class library expenditure to EL teachers. Khalidah still has some money left to buy books.
20. Connie, master teacher, wants to meet up with me to discuss about school programmes. I super don't have time.
21. I can't even attend the Friday's COP meeting. Have to send a rep. Will I be able to remember and approach someone? Appraoch who huh?
22. The EM3 paper not in yet. I wonder if I have time to edit it.
23. Learning Journey to Sengkang Library. Had to postpone because I am dying.
24. The date for the Assembly talk has not been firmed up. Need to settle it soon.
25. need to plan for Outreach programme also.
26. This Friday supposed to give test to the monkeys. I haven't even set. Tmr after seminar rush back to school to do EPMS, OMR training, then sit down and set.
27. have to think about school website. What to put up for my EL dept.
28. IT budget. Wa leow. I don't know la! Must hand in soon. I drag very long already. Super lame.
29. School Vision. Forget tmr still must discuss with Pauline. Hav't even done my homework.
30. Musr rmember to ask Sharon to do the reading presentation for contact session next week.
31. Dency's wedding. I haven't got a Lilac dress. Why must Lilac? Super stress one.
32. Roger Kool's CD. Haven't listened to it. He keeps bugging me!
33. LSP Budy reading. Until now, Dora hasn't come up with anything. Already week what?
34. CL dept hasn't submitted their action plan. Super buay tahan.
35. Dept action plan. Not yet finalised.
36. Purchase of resources. Not complete also.
37. Dept inventory records. Also not complete. Half here half there.
38. Email bursting with things. Where got time to read?
39. This week whole week never go Amore. Don't have time.
40. I want to have a baby. How ah? Very stressed.
I am not going to continue. I am very tired.
I'm not a lazy person ok, but I really have a lot a lot a lot a lot of stuff to do. (Now you know why I've not blogged in a million years?)
This is, btw, not a complaint. I just need to let it out. (It's a trait of Venusian. Martians who are reading this, please don't act so smart and try to provide solutions, because there AREN"T ANY. I know it so god-damn well)
1. SA1 exam. Have set my share of paper (full paper: Paper 1 and 2, LC, Oral). Finished vetting second round. Now all the papers are in for the final round of checking. Still got some changes to be made.
2. Also vetting all the Chinese papers.
3. Setting procedures for the exam. Must think about the marking exercise as well. The oral exam, how ah? Some papers I think I have to re-do.
4. Class Library. More or less in place, but I know some teachers have not started it. Lame.
5. MRL. This is the biggest headache. It is EMPTY lor. Ok la, I've bought curtains and put them up, the sofa is proudly sitting there. Got Raymon to propose a design. He should get back to me next week or so. The books and the system, arrh, it's killing me.
6. SEED. Got it going in instalments already. Very funny. I am so not trained in it and I have to train everyone for it. Have covered the changing context and personal target setting. Set up gallery walk already. Today we watched clips from "I Not Stupid". Okay lor. Haven't come to the main crux of it.
7. Class. Put aside the irritating Kelvin Chee who uses his ADHD excuse to drive everyone up the wall, and the perpetual liar Ang Shi Yi who swears even with lies, I'm trying to teach in a more integrated way that can engage the pupils. the food-tasting party was a success. But, I am so pressed for time I can't do that so often. The exams are coming and I am more stressed than them. I am so afraid they cannot make it. Want to set up the learning corners but time is really not on my side.
8. EPMS. Am supposed to sit down with my JH but I so don't have time! Don't care. I forced myself to get at least 1 done tomorrow. Meet Dora tmr. Die also must get one done.
9. Haven't even done my own EPMS. Sitting on it. Hopefully something will hatch.
10. Marking. I am taking too long with the compos. I ought to be shot.
11. Marking Schemes. Have more or less completed them. Keep forgetting to give it to Bhavani and Hwee Yng.
12. Editing video. When am I going to squeeze time to edit the food-tasting one? Don't talk about CNY. I think it's never going to be done.
13. Classroom Observation. Have to start doing CO. Aiyo haven't even done EPMS!
14. Meet Parents. Have to arrange a meet-up with kelvin's mum. Boss wants to lim kopi with the mother. I ask Siew Chian, the form teacher, to look into it.
15. Storytelling workshop. I am supposed to collate the feedback but I actually lost the whole stack. When start losing things, it's not a good sign. Cluster chasing me for it already.
16. Nadiah's prize giving ceremony this saturday. Lucky there's this good news (she got 3rd prize in essay competition, national) or I'll go mad. Keep forgetting to arrange with Pauline.
17. Want to work with Becky to set up this folder in the O Drive such that each EL teacher can go in to key their marks. Like that more efficient.
17. Monitor tests results. Need to analyse the data. Still waiting for the teachers to give me.
18. Must remember to monitor the class library.
19. Keep forgetting to email the class library expenditure to EL teachers. Khalidah still has some money left to buy books.
20. Connie, master teacher, wants to meet up with me to discuss about school programmes. I super don't have time.
21. I can't even attend the Friday's COP meeting. Have to send a rep. Will I be able to remember and approach someone? Appraoch who huh?
22. The EM3 paper not in yet. I wonder if I have time to edit it.
23. Learning Journey to Sengkang Library. Had to postpone because I am dying.
24. The date for the Assembly talk has not been firmed up. Need to settle it soon.
25. need to plan for Outreach programme also.
26. This Friday supposed to give test to the monkeys. I haven't even set. Tmr after seminar rush back to school to do EPMS, OMR training, then sit down and set.
27. have to think about school website. What to put up for my EL dept.
28. IT budget. Wa leow. I don't know la! Must hand in soon. I drag very long already. Super lame.
29. School Vision. Forget tmr still must discuss with Pauline. Hav't even done my homework.
30. Musr rmember to ask Sharon to do the reading presentation for contact session next week.
31. Dency's wedding. I haven't got a Lilac dress. Why must Lilac? Super stress one.
32. Roger Kool's CD. Haven't listened to it. He keeps bugging me!
33. LSP Budy reading. Until now, Dora hasn't come up with anything. Already week what?
34. CL dept hasn't submitted their action plan. Super buay tahan.
35. Dept action plan. Not yet finalised.
36. Purchase of resources. Not complete also.
37. Dept inventory records. Also not complete. Half here half there.
38. Email bursting with things. Where got time to read?
39. This week whole week never go Amore. Don't have time.
40. I want to have a baby. How ah? Very stressed.
I am not going to continue. I am very tired.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Goodbye, baby....
My little mouse passed away today... at 11.45 pm.She and her buddy had been with the family since 14 Feb 2004 and hubby and I adored both of them very much. Although a little smaller in size, she has always been the more active one, often "bullying" her partner. We find joy in watching them grow fat, and sometimes we can just spend time watching them laze and snooze the afternoon away. We clean them, feed them, talk to them and play with them, and before we even realize it, we have already treated them like our babies.
Recently, she started dropping her fur. At first we thought that the cage was dirty and that might have caused her to look "wet". As the days passed, we found traces of her fur all over the place and realized that she was really balding. We've been wanting to take her to the vet but because of work commitments, we couldn't find time. 2 days ago, which happens to be Good Friday, hubby went to a vet but it was closed. Then he walked into a pet shop and related the condition of our little mouse to the shop owner. He suggested that we buy this vitamin syrup for her, as she could be changing fur. We have never heard of "changing fur" in hamsters, but decided to try anyway. Went home and put the syrup into the water bottle. Unfortunately, it didn't help and she just died.
It came as a shock to us. She was still active the whole day, doing her usual thing like eating, running around, cleaning herself and sleeping. Hubby washed the cage earlier, and only when he wanted to put her back into the cage that he realized that her body had turned stiff. He came into the room to tell me and, I just couldn't take it. I wrote a little card for her and we buried her at the foot of our block at midnight. Rest in peace, baby..... We'll miss you.
Recently, she started dropping her fur. At first we thought that the cage was dirty and that might have caused her to look "wet". As the days passed, we found traces of her fur all over the place and realized that she was really balding. We've been wanting to take her to the vet but because of work commitments, we couldn't find time. 2 days ago, which happens to be Good Friday, hubby went to a vet but it was closed. Then he walked into a pet shop and related the condition of our little mouse to the shop owner. He suggested that we buy this vitamin syrup for her, as she could be changing fur. We have never heard of "changing fur" in hamsters, but decided to try anyway. Went home and put the syrup into the water bottle. Unfortunately, it didn't help and she just died.
It came as a shock to us. She was still active the whole day, doing her usual thing like eating, running around, cleaning herself and sleeping. Hubby washed the cage earlier, and only when he wanted to put her back into the cage that he realized that her body had turned stiff. He came into the room to tell me and, I just couldn't take it. I wrote a little card for her and we buried her at the foot of our block at midnight. Rest in peace, baby..... We'll miss you.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Fitness Workout
Yesterday I signed up for a 3 month power package with Amore Fitness Centre. This package allows me to attend unlimited number of classes for the next 3 months. Besides the normal Aerobics, there are other types of exercises on the menu, like StretchFit, Yoga, Pilates, Kickboxing, Step and Dance. For Dance, there are Jazz and Hip Hop. For each type, they also have various kinds/levels for you to choose from.
I went for my very first 2 classes today. First one was Low Impact Aerobics. Do not be misled by the name Low Impact. It was quite SIONG okay! For a solid 45min, we were moving non-stop to fast-paced music. Most of the ladies (it's an all-ladies fitness centre) were panting like mad. We could catch a bit of breath during the last 15 min, which required us to lie on a mat. It focuses on leg and stomach muscles, which was equally demanding at times. I perspired profusely but enjoyed the session thoroughly. It was a real good work-out, and I must say it was an achievement for a tau-huey like me.
Stayed on another hour for the jazz class. That wasn't tiring, thank goodness. We did simple stretching and movement, but I found out how uncoordinated I was. Couldn't manage simple movements well. Sigh. Never mind. Will become better with more practice.
After 2 solid hours of workout, I checked out the shower facilities. (Can't imagine how much space there is inside that small-looking outlet at Heartland Mall, but wow) This shower room is only for the exclusive use of the power package people. Not bad. There are several shower rooms besides 2-3 changing rooms plus a steam bath room (sauna). Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and shower foam were provided. A sink and 2 mirrors with hairdryers. There was also a hot and cold water cooler. Of course, the lockers were there as well. Quite spacious. I showered happily and went home to koon.
I hope I don't ache all over tomorrow.
I went for my very first 2 classes today. First one was Low Impact Aerobics. Do not be misled by the name Low Impact. It was quite SIONG okay! For a solid 45min, we were moving non-stop to fast-paced music. Most of the ladies (it's an all-ladies fitness centre) were panting like mad. We could catch a bit of breath during the last 15 min, which required us to lie on a mat. It focuses on leg and stomach muscles, which was equally demanding at times. I perspired profusely but enjoyed the session thoroughly. It was a real good work-out, and I must say it was an achievement for a tau-huey like me.
Stayed on another hour for the jazz class. That wasn't tiring, thank goodness. We did simple stretching and movement, but I found out how uncoordinated I was. Couldn't manage simple movements well. Sigh. Never mind. Will become better with more practice.
After 2 solid hours of workout, I checked out the shower facilities. (Can't imagine how much space there is inside that small-looking outlet at Heartland Mall, but wow) This shower room is only for the exclusive use of the power package people. Not bad. There are several shower rooms besides 2-3 changing rooms plus a steam bath room (sauna). Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and shower foam were provided. A sink and 2 mirrors with hairdryers. There was also a hot and cold water cooler. Of course, the lockers were there as well. Quite spacious. I showered happily and went home to koon.
I hope I don't ache all over tomorrow.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
New Kids On The Block
Today I had 2 new pupils who joined my class. One is Jeong Won Seok, a boy, and the other is a girl, Jeong Min-Ji. Both are Koreans.
Yesterday when I met up with their mothers, I tested the children on their reading abilities. Not too bad, they can read.
Both Min-Ji and Won Seok have got 1 younger brother each in P1. One is in 1-1, and the other in 1-2, so I won't get to teach them. I found out incidentally that they actually reside in JB, as their fathers work there. The poor kids have to travel every day across the causeway to Jalan Kayu to study. Prior to our school, they were actually studying in an international school in JB, but according to their mums, the school has just closed. Woodlands area does not have any school with available places for them, so they have to come all the way here.
I saw how much trouble the parents have to take to settle the kids, and I really admire them from the bottom of my heart.
Today, I met Christine in my school. She and a colleague came to Fernvale to meet up with Li Li for something. I went to say hi. Christine is visibly pregnant, looking good. We couldn't talk much as I was busy with my book display for the class library, so we just had brief exchanges of hi-s.
Yesterday when I met up with their mothers, I tested the children on their reading abilities. Not too bad, they can read.
Both Min-Ji and Won Seok have got 1 younger brother each in P1. One is in 1-1, and the other in 1-2, so I won't get to teach them. I found out incidentally that they actually reside in JB, as their fathers work there. The poor kids have to travel every day across the causeway to Jalan Kayu to study. Prior to our school, they were actually studying in an international school in JB, but according to their mums, the school has just closed. Woodlands area does not have any school with available places for them, so they have to come all the way here.
I saw how much trouble the parents have to take to settle the kids, and I really admire them from the bottom of my heart.
Today, I met Christine in my school. She and a colleague came to Fernvale to meet up with Li Li for something. I went to say hi. Christine is visibly pregnant, looking good. We couldn't talk much as I was busy with my book display for the class library, so we just had brief exchanges of hi-s.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
My Open House
Yesterday the record was broken.
We were visited by 71 students from Bowen. Plus the 6 who came on Friday evening, that was a total of 77. And that is not inclusive of the 5 from Xinghua.
It was nice to have so many people in our house, although the noise level was way above NORMAL. Of course they didn't all come at one go, and our small nest cannot hold so many anyway. The kids started streaming in at 10am, and all the way until 6 plus in the evening, we were busy entertaining them. Hubby and I are both used to that kind of noise, but if any other normal human being was around, he or she would have gone deaf. At one point I tried to do some work in the room, but the noise was so overpowering (some of them were karaoke-ing) that I decided to join them in the card game! It was quite fun. Kumari laughed and asked me if I had distributed flyers to Bowen. In our sms discussion, we came to a conclusion that my open house was more successful than Xinghua's Open House last year. Ha ha ha!
We were visited by 71 students from Bowen. Plus the 6 who came on Friday evening, that was a total of 77. And that is not inclusive of the 5 from Xinghua.
It was nice to have so many people in our house, although the noise level was way above NORMAL. Of course they didn't all come at one go, and our small nest cannot hold so many anyway. The kids started streaming in at 10am, and all the way until 6 plus in the evening, we were busy entertaining them. Hubby and I are both used to that kind of noise, but if any other normal human being was around, he or she would have gone deaf. At one point I tried to do some work in the room, but the noise was so overpowering (some of them were karaoke-ing) that I decided to join them in the card game! It was quite fun. Kumari laughed and asked me if I had distributed flyers to Bowen. In our sms discussion, we came to a conclusion that my open house was more successful than Xinghua's Open House last year. Ha ha ha!
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Bye Monkey, Hello Rooster!
It's CNY again.
For the first time in my life, I had to look into the CNY programme in school. Happened to be in-charge of the Mother Tongue Dept as well this year. I'm glad everything went well, thanks to helpful colleagues and a team of capable CL teachers.
Some of my 6A1 girls came to bai nian at Fernvale on chu xi. After that, I packed them into my handsome Chevy and took them all to my place. Guess what, we ended up playing mahjong!
On the second day of CNY, I hosted a lunch gathering for my relatives from dad's side. This year is supposed to be dad's turn to host, so I offered my place. Take it as a housewarming party, since they have never been to my place before.
Caught the show "I Do I Do". I liked it. It's so Singaporean and so funny. 'A' is for Ambutan, 'B' for Buah Duku and 'C' is for C-Kway! I wish I could teach English like that!
I will remember the year of the monkey because I had a class full of monkeys. Ha ha!
The arrival of the Rooster reminded me that my mummy is 60 this year; this is her year. I can't believe it! My mummy still looks 45.
Read some feng shui/prediction and found out that this year is bad for rabbits. How ah? I'm not the superstitious sort but I have big plans to carry out this year. Can't afford any more bad happenings! Last year was bad enough. Must try to zhuan yun.
Gave my kids a red packet each at the end of class today. Told them that they can only open it when they go home, so they tried to put it under the sun to peep at the content. When they discovered that there was $2 (eh, REAL money OKAY!), they beamed. It made them happy, and that brought a smile to my face as well.
Well, Kids are meant to be loved.
For the first time in my life, I had to look into the CNY programme in school. Happened to be in-charge of the Mother Tongue Dept as well this year. I'm glad everything went well, thanks to helpful colleagues and a team of capable CL teachers.
Some of my 6A1 girls came to bai nian at Fernvale on chu xi. After that, I packed them into my handsome Chevy and took them all to my place. Guess what, we ended up playing mahjong!
On the second day of CNY, I hosted a lunch gathering for my relatives from dad's side. This year is supposed to be dad's turn to host, so I offered my place. Take it as a housewarming party, since they have never been to my place before.
Caught the show "I Do I Do". I liked it. It's so Singaporean and so funny. 'A' is for Ambutan, 'B' for Buah Duku and 'C' is for C-Kway! I wish I could teach English like that!
I will remember the year of the monkey because I had a class full of monkeys. Ha ha!
The arrival of the Rooster reminded me that my mummy is 60 this year; this is her year. I can't believe it! My mummy still looks 45.
Read some feng shui/prediction and found out that this year is bad for rabbits. How ah? I'm not the superstitious sort but I have big plans to carry out this year. Can't afford any more bad happenings! Last year was bad enough. Must try to zhuan yun.
Gave my kids a red packet each at the end of class today. Told them that they can only open it when they go home, so they tried to put it under the sun to peep at the content. When they discovered that there was $2 (eh, REAL money OKAY!), they beamed. It made them happy, and that brought a smile to my face as well.
Well, Kids are meant to be loved.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Eat, Meet, Sick
I haven't blogged in a long time. Shall just record small lil highlights for this week.
I must say that this week was a week full of makan and meeting up of friends.
On Monday, I picked up Mr Lin Min at Xinghua to attend the EL Breifing at IPAM. We had a quick lunch at the coffeeshop nearby. Caught ourselves in small chats in-between. It was nice. (Minus the getting lost on the stupid AYE part)
On Tuesday, Elaine called (surprise!) and asked me out for dinner. I turned her down initially (coz usually spend evenings with hubby) and she sounded so disappointed. Felt bad, called hubby for permission, and said yes to her. Met her and Shirley at J8 Sweet Secrets for dinner and it was a great evening.
It's strange, but our friendship actually blossomed after I have left Xinghua. Started talking only during the danceathon period, but that was already the end of the year. Last Friday we went drinking and we suddenly became good friends overnight!
On Thursday, Dency and I were supposed to have our facial, but we were so late we had to call off the appointment. Had tea at Coffee Club at Hotel Rendezvous instead, and boy, we had a really good afternoon catching up. The interior of Coffee Club went through a facelift, and tho I really prefer the old one, I had an equally good time in this new one. There weren't many people around, I guess, and there came a point where we had the whole place to ourselves, so it was nice and quiet. The rays of the afternoon sun shone through the glass window, which blended with the already brownish-orange decor into a perfect finish. I could almost taste the rays as I sipped my camomile tea.
Friday was supposed to be another happening day. Kumari, Dency and Roger were supposed to visit me at Fernvale and then we would go for lunch or something. I was so looking forward to it the whole week and then it didn't materialize. K was attacked by food poisoning, Roger, as usual, came up with some lame excuses, and so couldn't make it. In the end, I went to Compasspoint with my colleagues to run some errands and shop for something to wear for our dance item, but bought nothing. Ended up buying some burger and went back to school to work. Met Jessica from the PSG in Xinghua. I was sniffing the entire day. Struggled through my workbooks (I swore I was going to finish marking those books) and felt really sick.
Met up with Shar and Pris for dinner at Sketches (Bugis) for our long overdue meet up. The evening would have been perfect if not for my dripping nose. It kindda drained me as well, so I wasn't as chatty as I normally am. The last time we met up as a trio was last June. I did have the chance to have meals with Shar twice before this meet up tho. As I was too sick to drive, I went there by train. After dinner, the girls all have plans (and anyway, I really CMI already) and I had to wait for a good 40 min at the taxi stand before I got my cab. Having been on the wheel most of the time, that wait was a real test of my patience! I could have accomplished a lot in 40 min... That's me. I just can't slow down. Blat. The minute I got home, I died instantly on my bed.
Today I fell ill, of course. Saw the doc and was officially declared a patient. Snoozed my entire Saturday. What a loser. I hope I get well soon. This year's CNY is big thing for me! School's celebration and home function, all in one.
Gong Xi Fa Cai.
I must say that this week was a week full of makan and meeting up of friends.
On Monday, I picked up Mr Lin Min at Xinghua to attend the EL Breifing at IPAM. We had a quick lunch at the coffeeshop nearby. Caught ourselves in small chats in-between. It was nice. (Minus the getting lost on the stupid AYE part)
On Tuesday, Elaine called (surprise!) and asked me out for dinner. I turned her down initially (coz usually spend evenings with hubby) and she sounded so disappointed. Felt bad, called hubby for permission, and said yes to her. Met her and Shirley at J8 Sweet Secrets for dinner and it was a great evening.
It's strange, but our friendship actually blossomed after I have left Xinghua. Started talking only during the danceathon period, but that was already the end of the year. Last Friday we went drinking and we suddenly became good friends overnight!
On Thursday, Dency and I were supposed to have our facial, but we were so late we had to call off the appointment. Had tea at Coffee Club at Hotel Rendezvous instead, and boy, we had a really good afternoon catching up. The interior of Coffee Club went through a facelift, and tho I really prefer the old one, I had an equally good time in this new one. There weren't many people around, I guess, and there came a point where we had the whole place to ourselves, so it was nice and quiet. The rays of the afternoon sun shone through the glass window, which blended with the already brownish-orange decor into a perfect finish. I could almost taste the rays as I sipped my camomile tea.
Friday was supposed to be another happening day. Kumari, Dency and Roger were supposed to visit me at Fernvale and then we would go for lunch or something. I was so looking forward to it the whole week and then it didn't materialize. K was attacked by food poisoning, Roger, as usual, came up with some lame excuses, and so couldn't make it. In the end, I went to Compasspoint with my colleagues to run some errands and shop for something to wear for our dance item, but bought nothing. Ended up buying some burger and went back to school to work. Met Jessica from the PSG in Xinghua. I was sniffing the entire day. Struggled through my workbooks (I swore I was going to finish marking those books) and felt really sick.
Met up with Shar and Pris for dinner at Sketches (Bugis) for our long overdue meet up. The evening would have been perfect if not for my dripping nose. It kindda drained me as well, so I wasn't as chatty as I normally am. The last time we met up as a trio was last June. I did have the chance to have meals with Shar twice before this meet up tho. As I was too sick to drive, I went there by train. After dinner, the girls all have plans (and anyway, I really CMI already) and I had to wait for a good 40 min at the taxi stand before I got my cab. Having been on the wheel most of the time, that wait was a real test of my patience! I could have accomplished a lot in 40 min... That's me. I just can't slow down. Blat. The minute I got home, I died instantly on my bed.
Today I fell ill, of course. Saw the doc and was officially declared a patient. Snoozed my entire Saturday. What a loser. I hope I get well soon. This year's CNY is big thing for me! School's celebration and home function, all in one.
Gong Xi Fa Cai.
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