Half bloom with more to come in 2013

It is right at the end of the 2012, with barely a few hours to go before the skies goes all colourful with fire, smoke,cheers, aspirations and wishes to anticipate in 2013. While i am writing this, i am very sure of myself not to get distracted by the number of well wishes flooding in my Facebook/Iphone and the music ongoing below my block  for the past number of days. -___-

As the days come closer to the end of the current year, Facebook posts have seen a graudal increase of personal reflections of what have gone through for themselves in the year 2012. Be it goals, targets, wishes or somethings gone not too well, many have also laid down their new year resolutions. How many resoulutions do we make and meet them at the end of the year? How many people eventually just forget what is even resolution talking about?

I have seen posts like reflecting upon a good year in their career, family or the dream of visiting a particular country or place. It seems funny that in 2012, it hasn't been too difficult to remember some key events. Probably aided by the state of media technology and the ease in obtaining news and info, it is as easy to remember and to forget once the wind blew past.

I believe some people have been busy up to the dot on the last day of 2012 in their work. To some, there will be hard to find some closure on 31 December due to their nature of work. For example, the police. How do they find closure in themselves, to close off the current year, shove every thing to the back of their mind and start afresh in 2013? While some may have been fortunate to take long leave at the end of the year to 'refresh' themselves, what about some others who have not been able to, perhaps like me to find closure in 2012? What can I choose to post in Facebook? What can I talk about such that 2013 looks a good year to look forward to and not the next lame apocalpyse? There are indeed many things to talk about and it was a hard choice till I experienced someone in the coffeshop today.

As I sat down with Jing after ordering our food and was about to tuck in the hot sizzling food in the cold rain, my eyes or rather our eyes captured a scene. Picture this: an old but sturdy man, strong looking holding several heavy plastic bags. Looking very rugged and wearing dirty clothes. His eyes were transfixed on something.Finding. Searching. He was not looking high and low in the coffeeshop. He went straight and soon disappeared out of sight. Upon some revelation about the elderly we just saw, he was reputed to be a man who would not take any donations or money of kind. He had sons or rather a son.

While slowly enjoying the last plate of food in the coffeshop in 2012(and definitely continuing in 2013...), my mind began to unravel what may have been going on in this Mr Senior's mind as he walked. Does he even know what day is tomorrow? It pains me to see eldery who sleep in the streets or having to drag large pieces of cardboard. I don't even want to mention those who were abandoned. While I agree that perhaps some may argue that Mr Senior may have been a loafer in his younger days and now has to suffer the fruit, however, no eldery deserved to be without support or help especially when he is no more the same and able.Even a murderer deserved his three meals in the prison, don't they?

As I began to walk further into the mind of Mr Senior, will it matter if he knows what day is tomorrow? Perhaps he has been through several paths of disappointment such that tomorrow brings nothing but another day of burden to find means of supporting himself. To him, a new year may just represent another year of uncertainity and worry. It could be just another day..

It was a timely reminder to ourselves to treasure what we have around us. While it was and will never be a rosy path each year, we have to look at what really matters to us and count the success in it, be it small or so tiny. When results have not been good either in family, life or work, do not just shove it underneath and say'Hey 2013 will be better lah, no need scared'.  Do not be too harsh on yourself either. Work on it and continue the half good work into 2013 and judge yourself again then. Thus, to some a good year comes to a close. If not, dont' worry and put what was wrong in 2012, right in 2013 and I am very sure you will be reading this blog entry again on 31 December 2013 and smile to yourself.  Give yourself a pat  then because you deserved it.

Bells chime for the start of December, end of 2012.

The chimes of the first bells from the nearby church carrys a more significant meaning this morning. It will sound for the last time this year , meaning the curtains draw to a close once again for the year soon and anticipation fills for the next.

It is also a warmth to the heart that the festive period is approaching. As everyone starts to tie up the loose ends, appraisals and recollect how to do better than before, I would actually prefer to thank the Lord on how magificent his grace has been. There is never a stop to improvement but we should never stop to think for a moment and count our blessings for a change.

我的男人不多说美丽的话

有一种男人话不多，也不说美丽的话语

我告诉你说："我今天扫地抹橱柜时，差点儿从梯上摔下来。"本来我以为你会安慰说："亲爱的，小心点儿。"但你说："扫慢点，不就得了。"我伤心，我觉得你 一点儿不爱我，不在乎我。后来，我发现我们的橱柜和地板异常干净，干净的都不用我扫；一个月后我才发现，那是你每星期抽出30分钟的结果。

我告诉你："我的头痛死了。"本来以为你会关心地说："你怎么了，是不是病了，累不累？"但你说："冲个冷水澡，一会儿就好了啦。"我生气，觉得你不爱我，不关心我，气冲冲地进了浴室。当我从浴室出来，我发现你留在桌上的一杯开水和止痛药。

我告诉你说："我想吃斋米粉。"本来以为你会关心地说："你想吃啊，我明天去买给妳。"即使敷衍几句也好，但你说："吃什么斋米粉啦，随便从楼下打包就好了， 哪里有空到那里去。"我生气，觉得你不疼我，不懂我。第二天早上，睡到自然醒的我发现饭厅的桌子上，不但放了我爱吃的斋米粉，还是我最爱的那一摊外加了我平时爱吃的其他事物。

我告诉你："我的大姨妈来了，肚子好痛。"本来以为你会安慰我说："忍一忍，一天就过去了。"但你说："女人真麻烦，受不了。"我伤心了，觉得你不爱我， 不疼我。后来，家里的零食柜里多了好多巧克力及止痛药，通通都是你买的。我的床边，也放了一盒止痛药。

我告诉你说："我真高兴嫁了你，你是最好的老公。"本来以为你会开心地回答我说："我也是这么觉得，你是最好地老婆。"但你什么也没说，就只会了我一声‘嗯’。我生气。第二天，你却拿出了我们的结婚照，一遍一遍的重复抹着。最可爱的是，你还拍了下来，简讯给我。

我想我终于懂了，在你不在乎地外表下，有颗不善用言词表达的心，一颗最爱我的心。原来你是爱我的。只不过不说。这是你爱的方式，与别人的不同。

我的可爱阿佬就是这样的一个人。

Cheers (''.) 

Month of Small Surprises

September - The month of ANTICIPATION

Busy busy busy busy and real real busy is the only word in my dictionary for the month of September.

However, THANKFUL that I still get sweet & lovely surprises from the parents & students of my workplace. They are a lovable bunch; sending and pampering me with their most generous LOVE.
It was the first time I received Moon-cakes from my students/ex students. The thoughts of it really sweetened my tiring days.... They are my indeed my daily MOTIVATION & ANGELS, sent by God. ^^

From Sophia & Bong.

From Edwin - Ah Win & his Mummy

Little moon-cakes for our centre kiddos

With the start of the 1 week holiday for my workplace children; my daily routine @ work filled with laughter & noises from the bunch of cheekie kiddos. It is definitely enough to keep me busy for that one whole week. However, the week passed by quickly... ...

Shouldering the responsibilities of doing up the best presentation for SCC next big project; it is also one of the reasons keeping me wide awake for the last few weeks; going without good sleepzZzZzZz. Statistics, Figures, Break-even point as well as proposals... ....Awwwwww ... .... I really need a KIT KAT badly ( hinting a break).

However, amidst the busy period, I am glad that my lovable Sir had prepared a little motivation surprise for me; my most anticipated moment of all, in the busy month of September - Harry Potter Exhibition @ Marina Bay Sands Art Science Museum on the 30th September, 4pm.

30th September marks the last day of this busy month and so happy that  he actually 'rewarded' and given me the best pressie as well as my favourite of all-times - Harry Potter Exhibition. hehe He must have knew clearly how many times I had repeated watching Harry Potter while he is happily snoring away in his sleepzZzZzzz. hehe

Nevertheless, it is also the Mooncake Festival today and hence, how blissful I was feeling as I stepped into the museum today. (^.^) You simply cannot imagine! hehe I could sense the festive season surrounding MBS and there were many families gathering outside the Art Museum; overlooking the Garden by the Bay.

Even as we walked passed the shopping podium, there were many people too.Crowdssss... ...

Shopping podium of MBS

Skating

Gigantic water hourglass

4.53pm - We reached the Art Science Museum. Harry Potter  - Here we comes!!!
(Glad that I managed to snap a few outside the exhibition areas as photography is strictly prohibited in the exhibition)

Excited excited! hehe Did u see Hedwig?

Embarking onto Harry Potter Journey ... ... Stay tuned! ^^

Waiting... Waiting ... ...

Last day of exhibition!

Art Science Museum

My lovable hubby & my tixs to Harry Potter Exhibition

Lift area

Here we are... ...

Start of the Journey

Flying Ford Anglia

My hubby spotted the 4d number. ZzZzZz

High up in the ceiling! 

Hedwig!

Hedwig & its mail.

Knight?

The trios

Last shot of the exhibition area  - Awwwww sad. 

Though I wasn't able to take muchie pictures in the exhibition but I am definitely not gonna go home empty handed. hehe

Here's my victory items.. ... Woohoooo. (''.)

Letter to Hogwarts

Exhibition guide & letters

My Victory BUYssss

Chocolate Frog & Borr's Beans(will I get the vomiting flavor)

Harry Wand Pen Set

Postcardssss

Don't jump away, pleasessss.

There u are!! hehe

Hmmm, Voldemort.

Happy with my Victory BUYSssss at the Harry Potter Exhibition... Off we go for our dinner at TBP, Beppu. One of our favourite places of all... ...

I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles.   - Audrey Hepburn

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.  - Marcel Proust


 Cheers to a great & blissful Moon-cake Festival. (''.) 

《步步惊心》 凄美动人爱情小说

近日，再次重看了《步步惊心》的小说，也再度重看了它的连续剧。

心中感触许多。我问自己；‘倘若要爱，真非爱得如此苦吗？’

戏里的初恋，单恋，彼此相爱，甚至到至死不渝的爱情情节，真会出现在现实世界吗？

爱，虽然看似是个单字，里头却包含了许多学问和内容。我深信一个人能看完一百，一千，甚至一百万本书。但是，唯独‘爱’这本百科全书是一辈子都不可能看完的。它的内容和结局有千百万个。 你说，可能用这辈子看完吗？我的‘爱情小说’的结局又会是如何呢？

《步步惊心》，是由上海唐人电影制作有限公司拍摄的清装穿越情感电视剧。改编自同名小说。

张晓是一个21世纪的年轻白领。她在和男友黄棣在街邊吵架时发生车祸及触电意外事故，在强烈电流的刺激下，脑电波穿越到了18世纪清朝的八旗女子马尔泰•若曦一个与她自身容貌一模一样的女子身上。这个女子是八王爷胤禩的侧福晋马尔泰•若兰的妹妹。穿越之后一开始她尝试了各種辦法試圖回到现代，无奈徒劳无功。在八王府待选秀女期间，她遇上了四阿哥胤禛、姐夫八阿哥胤禩、九阿哥胤禟、十阿哥胤饿、十三阿哥胤祥、十四阿哥胤禵。她与十三阿哥胤祥成了知己好友，同时又被温文儒雅的八阿哥胤禩深深吸引。

若曦进入了紫禁城 ，成了一个奉茶宫女。在一次狩猎之旅上，她和胤禩互相之间產生了好感。她希望在接受他的求婚之前能够放弃对皇位的争夺。因为她来自未来，知道胤禩的野心会 最终导致在其皇兄胤禛登基后將他从宗籍撇销，迫其改名「阿其那」，接着身敗名裂，最后在狱中离世。分手之前，若曦警告胤禩要关注他四哥以试图挽救他的命 运。

与胤禩分手后，若曦和胤禛的互动，改变了胤禛的不利舆论。胤祥看在眼里，知道她已在不知不觉中爱上胤禛了。在此期间，胤禩和他的同僚们，诬陷胤禛，说他想篡奪皇位，以消除胤禛这个潜在的对手。在关键时刻，胤祥出来承担了责任，被禁闭十年作为处罚。若曦和阿哥们为胤祥说情，康熙帝答应了并且将胤祥的刑罰减为软禁。这一系列事情发生后，胤禩才知道，若曦现在是爱上了胤禛。太子胤礽在東窗事發后被废黜，并被终身监禁。然后,康熙开始显露出对胤禵的偏好，并將若曦許他作妾。然而，若曦大胆违抗皇帝的命令。作为惩罚，她被康熙降职并转移到了浣衣局。

胤禛决定他必须登上皇位才能保护胤祥和若曦，但他的计划造成康熙不再信任胤禩而转而青睐胤禵。康熙最终因病駕崩，又因为胤禛从隆科多和年羹尧处 得到了军事支持，胤禛发动政变，夺取了皇位，成为雍正皇帝。胤禛即位后从狱里释放了胤祥和若曦。然而，若曦的幸福被胤禛的偏执以及胤禩和他同僚们的残酷迫 害徹底毀掉了。她经常陷入胤禛和胤禩的内讧之中。胤禩的的妻子郭络罗•明慧告诉了若曦为什么她的丈夫几年前就开始和胤禛作对。若曦感到震惊，原来她现在怀 着胤禛的孩子，她这才恍然大悟，由于穿越的因果循环她原来才是自己最初想避免这场「九龙夺嫡」悲剧背后的始作俑者。她的绝望导致了孩子流产，而且也弄得她自己身体严重衰弱。

愤怒的胤禛指责胤禩和明慧，将若曦流产和重病的责任推给他们。他下圣旨，迫使胤禩休掉明慧，明慧随后自杀。若曦害怕胤禛对他的兄弟们下毒手，坦白了 她与胤禩之间的过去。但当他了解到胤禩为什么在继位斗争中暗算他时，胤禛被若曦的坦白震撼了。于是，他开始冷淡地对待若曦。若曦无法承受这么大压力，并要 求胤禵帮助她离开皇宫。胤禵后来揭示了先皇康熙帝的诏书，娶若曦为侧福晋、一开始胤禛虽不情愿；然后来在胤禩主动跟胤禛告知其与若曦往日的一段情后，胤禛 终于放弃若曦，最終在康熙遺詔的压力下被迫同意，让若曦离开紫禁城。

尽管胤禵给了她无微不至的关怀，若曦痛苦的内心仍旧深深影响了她的身體，弥留之际，她乞求胤禵寄一封信给胤禛，要求在她去世之前见胤禛最后一次，然 而胤禛和胤禵之间的误解导致了这封信被扔在了一边，而若曦绝笔之信因其收件者落款字迹与胤禛太为相似，胤禵为免无谓之谣言另起，故重新书写一信封、将若曦 的信件放于其中寄出；惟胤禛收到该信后只觉又是胤禵乱语，故命高无忧放置一旁不予理会。但若曦挣扎着继续生存，只为了见到胤禛。三天后，若曦认为胤禛的不 理不睬證明对她的感情已经结束并充满了恼恨，她在悲痛中去世。当若曦去世的消息傳到胤禛的耳朵里时，他万分悲痛，赶到了胤禵的居所。胤禛在到达灵堂后，对 他当初对若曦的行为悔恨不已，但一切都为时已晚。他和胤祥将若曦的骨灰洒在风中，完成她的遗愿，让她自由。

若曦死后，张晓的意识回到2011年， 她在医院里清醒，被医院人员告知她在车祸后昏迷了好几个礼拜。她想知道，在18世纪清朝那段历史二十多年来过去的种种经历到底是真还是假。待身体恢复后， 张晓对康熙皇帝之子和马尔泰•若曦展开了研究，在预料之中，发现历史仍然走在正轨上，可是对若曦没有记录，似乎这个人从来没有存在过。后来她参观了一个清 朝文物博物馆，在一幅畫中发现一个隨侍康熙皇帝身边的侍女竟与她惊人地相似，而且畫中侍女戴的髮簪也是胤禛送她的木兰髮簪，手上戴的，亦是胤禩当初送她的 玉镯。感动之际，一个看起来像胤禛的人走进了展览厅，但他在见了流泪的张晓后却只是问了一句：「我们认识吗？」便离去。当见到他时，张晓的视线跟随着他， 她无法抑制自己的眼泪。当他离去时，百般滋味在心头，现在只有她一个人独自回味与胤禛的过去了。

由爱生嗔，由爱生恨，由爱生痴，由爱生念。

从别后，嗔恨痴念，皆化为寸寸相思。

A way of Love

The month of August always made me felt loved and blessed. Maybe, it's because of the fact that out of a year, 3/4 of it had passed and soon, it be Christmas soon. The number 8 also gives people a very happy and auspicious feeling; a feeling that we gonna be lucky and fortunate throughout the month.

The season of GIVING & LOVING - CHRISTMAS!!!


Love definitely revolves around this last quarter of the year.

Special Memories, Special Moments, Special Pressies, Special Thoughts as well as the Special One. 

Recently, got hooked up on reading e-stories.

My little beloved Ah Sa gave me a link for e-books and I was so 'glued' to it. Little wonderful and meaningful stories of LOVE... they always makes me think.

Sharing this short story with you guys. I am glad that I can see and whenever I m awake in the morning, I can see the special one beside me.

At times, startling me with his motor snores yet without them, I guess, I really couldn't sleep. hehe

Here the story goes .... ...

A way of Love 

The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully

up the steps.
She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats,
walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. The
n she's settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg.

It had been a year since Susan became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless,
and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity.
 'How could this have happened to me?' she would plead,
her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed,
she knew the painful truth, her sight was
never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit.
All she had to cling to was her husband Mark.

Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all his heart.
When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to
help his wife gain the strength she needed to become independent again.
Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there?
She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by
herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city.
At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled
Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task.
Soon, however Mark realized that this arrangement wasn't  working - it was hectic, and costly.

Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself.
But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe.
She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react? Just as Mark predicted,
Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again.
"I'm blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going?
I feel like you're abandoning me."
Mark's heart broke but he knew what had to be done.
He promised Susan that each day he would ride the bus with her until she got the hang of it.
And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all,
 accompanied Susan to and from work each day.
 He taught her how to rely on her other senses to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment.
He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her,
and save her a seat. Each morning they made the journey together,
and Mark would take a cab back to his office.

Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one,
Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan
would be able to ride the bus on her own. Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own.
Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her
arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend.
Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty,
 his patience, his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday....
Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better.

On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus,
the driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you."
Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all,
who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to
find the courage to live for the past year? "Why do you envy me?" The driver responded,
"It must feel so good to be taken care of and protected like you are."
Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about,
"What do you mean?" The driver said, "You know, every morning for the past week,
a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has
 been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus.
He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you
until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss,
gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady."


Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For although she couldn't see him,
she had always felt Mark's presence. She was blessed,
so blessed, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight,
a gift she didn't need to see to believe - the gift of love that can bring light
where there had been darkness. 

 

Real LOVE is when you find yourself facing the toughest storm, yet you are still holding hands when you come out. 

Cheers (.'')

Orange, Oranje.

As diehard fans of Arsenal FC, there has been some deep orange mist surrounding the club recently. Unless you don't follow English football or if you do and does not have a decoder in your head, you would not be aware what is on the buzz regarding the 'deep' orange fog I was talking about.

By right, it would be first and foremost to post a picture of our captain, Robin Van Persie who hails from Holland, the Oranje deadly finisher, who last season(and also his first full season at the age of 28++) bazookaed 35 goals on route to be the top scorer in the English Premier League. However things have gone badly after a statement by Robin that he wants to leave Arsenal. Enough said, but this case would have me reflecting on my current office situation recently and also closer to my heart, my betta in the above picture.

What is right and what is wrong? Who determines and who has the right to judge? Robin has felt that he wants to win trophies and perhaps to another richer club who can afford much higher wages and also a better chance to win. In his injury plagued seasons, Arsene Wenger has not forsaken him;but went on to support him in all angles and it finally bore fruit last season. However, following that harvest, he has decided that he would be better on in some oil rich soccer club, breaking the hearts of millions of supporters around the world, and not least, shocking his manager and also his team mates who fought together so hard to finish 3rd last season. Fans are angry and could not understand. Arsenal is a strong team that has consistently challenged in the top 4 for 16 years. Tell me, so what even if Arsenal finished trophyless for 6 years? If you do really want to win trophies, which better team than to do it with the very same team which have supported you for so many years? Why jump ship when he could be the one to drive the ship on?

While all the debate can carry on until year 3000, it brings me back to what I have witnessed in my office the past few years. Likewise, turnover in my team is high and I have seen many a time where the team breaks up after having a fine run. People resign, workload gets heavy, morale down and more people leaving after they could no longer take the workload. While the gaffer is always trying to bring fresh faces to the team and build on stability, it is hard when the team members feel that they do not want to wait. They want instant stability, instant comfort, and of course at the same time with better wages.Twice, i myself have nearly been a Van persie, but i felt it a shame to leave just when the gaffer has steadied the ship and the team looks set to have a fine run. However, ultimately, heads are turned and it wasn't long before some called it quits and the game starts all over again.Should I leave then ?When will the ship steady? As a member of the team for 6 years which have not won anything, am I right then to demand a change in club? Will I be seen like Van Persie?

The orange fish above has brought back many nice memories. Kelson,a long time friend gifted that fish while fish hunting show quality fishes in Thailand. I had chosen all my fish for my very first competition but had left 1 more space to fill in. Thinking that the orange fish looks cute, I decided to rope him in, hoping to give him some exposure just like what Roy Hogdson did in bringing Ox to the Euro 2012. However, the fish went on to perform above expectations by winning the first prize of the AOC(All other coloured) category of the Plakat group. Immediately, offers as high as $200.00 was offered to me to buy my fish. It was a very good offer but I turned it down flatly. To me , it was a prized asset and no doubt its form and shape may go down over the months, but I knew that this fish will be prized in any betta lovers' mind whenever they see the picture 5 years later or even 50 years later. Such colour and rarity will deemed it nearly impossible to replicate even if you breed 2 fishes of likeable genes together. Thus, i felt that being the sole owner of this special fish forever is definitely way above $200.00. Call me stupid or anything, that's how i determine value to the fish.

The fish may have passed on a few years ago and by the ongoing saga of another oranje Dutch guy, sometimes i wondered if the fish will be turned like Van Persie if it knows people are willing to offer $200.00 for him and he may demand a transfer to live in probably a bigger tank, a bigger house with richer owners who can afford the best fish food. Well, I may never know but perhaps I think take the same stance as Arsene Wenger.

That's all folks, an orange fish, an orange mist and a team working in the busy office district.

USsenal's Elizabeth Hotel Suite 1-Night Stay

YES!!!We finally got our Elizabeth Hotel 1-Night stay voucher from Arsenal Singapore.

All THANKS to our beloved family members, friends as well as our beloved and lovely students who voted for us during the Arsenal Singapore <Most Voted FB Arsenal Picture> Contest.

YES!!! We won it with 116 votes in total. (''.)

Our Elizabeth Hotel voucher

Definitely going to plan the stay on a special day; so as to fully enjoy our most meaningful WIN. hehe

Shall keep our friends posted with latest plans & developments.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

G.K. Chesterton

Cheers ^^

13th June 2012 - Zoological Garden

13th June, Wednesday, 8.15am - Sunny & Bright Morning.

I arrived at the centre - greeted by loads of lovely & bright greetings from my lovely students.

I stepped into Room 2 and saw old faces, who were once students of our centre; seated in one comfy corner of the room.
The room was filled with laughter and happy exclamations from the children.
The smell of the delicious Fried Rice(prepared by Auntie Choo Khim) had filled up the happy spaces in our tiny centre too.
The rest of the children were all  beaming with smiles; all ready to set off for their long awaited outing of the month - Singapore Zoological Zoo.
The room could hardly contains their happy emotions anymore... ... 

9.00am sharp

We boarded the bus that would take us to the Zoo. The bus was FULL but it was definitely a happy sight to behold. hehe The children were singing and some were even making exclamations of the vehicles they saw on the highway; from inside of the bus.

This trip beholds a very special significance to me & the loads of people in the bus. The speed of the bus could hardly holds the thoughts running through my mind at the moment...
Flashes of memories... ... Happy happy ones... Valuable & Special ones... ... Memories that were accumulated over many many years of effort and hard work... ...

Firstly, My hubby; once taught by 狄兰老师, 30 years back during his Glory Church days, also went to the excursion with us. How meaningful it was, to be able to be with the teacher who once taught you in your younger days, to be out on an excursion, having a fun day together. (''.)

My hubby,TiJin with his younger days Teacher Vanessa

 My lovable brother, Jinyuan; always there for me; specially take time off his recently busy 'GOLD Farming' and joined us on this outing too.

My lovable Brother, JY

Most importantly, XiongJing & Edwin; once our beloved cheeky yet lovable ex-students of my younger days with Fei Yue - They are back serving their CIP with Fei Yue SCC; the one place they once spent almost their everyday in it.
It was nice been able to see their faces again, even after so many years. They definitely make up the best part of my days in Fei Yue SCC... I still remembered.. ...
The duo were even one of TJ's 'beloved pet' back then. His 'owned' Bear(Ah Jing) and his little Penguin(Ah Win). When we were in the Zoo earlier on, Ah Win was still talking about it. I wondered... How is our little Chubby Meow Cat doing? hehe
Simply cannot imagine that kiddos we once taught are now talking and chatting to us, as if they are our own peers. The feeling is simply indescribable and lovely!

Those were the days huh... ... The boys had grown so quickly that age doesn't seems to have caught up with our beloved 狄兰老师.

Teacher Vanessa with the duo; XJ & Ah Win

Our FIRST stop of the day; upon reaching the Zoo...
The show, The Splash Safari @ the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre. The kids were excited and you can imagine all of them rushing for the Wet Zone seats. How adorable that sight was! hehe We had an enjoyable time with the intelligent seal who entertained us with its swift moves and tricks.

Our next stop - Elephants @ Work & Play.
I was thrilled to be at this place as one of my fav. animals is Elephant. Though they looked humongous yet they could be such gentle and caring animals.
I even managed to catch one of the elephants doing its 'BIG' business. hahaha The scene was hilarious and it definitely gave the kiddos a good laugh.

After the interesting Elephant Show, we headed back to the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre and caught how the Rainforest Fights back at the present industrious society.
Most hilarious of all, my little brother, JY was invited to go on-stage to challenge the famous Mr Orang Utan; Coconut Peeling Competition. Hahaha
The kiddos were all exhilarating with shouts and cheers. However, I am sure that you definitely could foresee the outcome huh. Do you really think my brother can win the Orang Utan? hehe *wink* It was a good time on-stage though. Kuddos bro. Muacksss ^^ 

After an interesting show & performance, we headed to the long awaited place that the children were excited to go - The Water Play. I could understand how badly they wanted to jump right into the centre of the Water Play's  amenities - To get WET and to be COOLED down in such a HOT weather. The route to the Water Play venue was not too far but during the walk there, we managed to spot an Orang Utan high up on the top of the tree.

We even walked past the Penguin lodge. I always have a soft spot for cold places animals. Be it the Polar Bears, the Seals and especially the Penguins. They are always the LOVE of my interest. Not to mention, I am definitely a very 'Alaska' person too. I simply cannot survive without my beloved  Aircon and snowy White is one of my fav. colour. Hmmm, I loved icy cold stuffs muchie and many many more.. ... Do you know all these stuffs about me? hehe *bleah*

We even saw few interesting animals that you guys might never have taken note of in the Zoo.

During the walk, I particularly loved a particular spot in the Zoo. Amidst the rowdiness of children & tourists walking by. This scenic spot gave me a sense of serenity. A spot that I would love to remember as being the best part of the Zoological Garden of Singapore.

We finally reached the Water Play.
Seeing the children jumping straight into the shots of water and their laughter were simply heard vividly everywhere. I couldn't help but felt that God had really provided me the best job in this world. To be able to bask myself into the joy & laughter of so many children, just to be happy when you knew that they are happy. What more can I ask for in return of my job's satisfaction!

 

I never forget to buy back at least one small item from the places that I visit with all these children.
This trip to the Zoological Garden, I was kinda sad that I wasn't able to catch a glimpse of the Polar bear that I hearts so muchie. However, I did managed to find one little Polar plushie instead. hehe
As for Mr USsenal, he was more than happy to be able to have a nice picture taken with his beloved White Tiger.
Look at his beaming smile! *wink*wink*

Children never fails to bring surprises' smiles onto anyone faces. 

To me, they are the most lovely bunch of creatures' in this whole wide world. 

May God bless my everyday with them and entrusting everyone and single one of them into Your BIG hands. Bless them with wisdom and joy with heaps of grace from You.   

We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cheers ^^