My First Driving Lesson

Last Thursday I had my very first driving lesson. It was great!

Prior to that, as the day of the first lesson drew nearer, I began to become fearful of the prospect of learning to drive. "Would I crash the car?" "All those things that I have to look out for when driving - pedestrians, cars, traffic lights, signs, etc..." "Would I be able to master the gears?" (BTW, my Darling advised that I should learn how to drive a manual car so that I can have the choice of driving an auto or a manual car next time.) All these thoughts started to haunt me the weeks leading to the lessons. And it doesn't help that sometimes I hear negative comments about female drivers - "Aiyo, driving so slowly, must be a female driver!" "Aiya, so kayu in parking, must be a female driver". Oh no!! What if I'm the subject of those comments? I can't deny that sometimes those irritating behaviours come from female drivers, but, are all male drivers perfect motorists?

I shared my fears with my cell group sisters the day before my lesson and they prayed for me. I also reminded myself to be positive about learning on the day itself. I prayed for a kind and patient instructor. Knowing that I can't stand smokers, God also answered my prayer in sending a non-smoker as my instructor for the day. Hey, that's extremely important to me as I can't be trying hard to hold my breath thru'out the 2 hours, right?!

My instructor was patient to answer all my questions. He gently reminded me the things I forgot to take note before driving. He also gave careful and step by step instructions for me to follow, without imposing on me. So far, I managed to grasp the idea of the "biting point" and when to release the clutch and to accelerate so as not to stall the engine. By the end of the first lesson, I could go staight, reverse and turn left, going round and round the circuit and change to the second gear. It boosted my morale greatly! I'd like to think that I'm doing well for a beginner! Heh heh.... All in all, I had fun and I enjoyed it.

Over the last weekend, while on a retreat with my cell in Bintan, I actually drove a 6-seater buggy! Great fun! A driving licence is actually needed to drive it as it is like an auto car, but my friends were so encouraging to place their trust (& lives) in my hands to urge me to drive! Well, of course they got a dear sister who can drive to sit next to me to direct me. At first, I was wobbly in my driving. As i went on, I became more comfortable in controling it. (My first instructor said "Control the machine, don't let it control you.") Gradually, I could manoeuvre over humps and gentle slopes. I guess I have a special talent in driving! Hahahaha.... well, let's see how it goes. I'm gonna have my second lesson today! ;p

Finally!

Finally I've graduated! Last Thursday was the convocation. I've finally earned a degree after going thru' 5 years of part-time studies.

It had been 5 tough years of balancing work and studies, and in the midst of it, dated and got married. Those were the days of rushing for assignment deadlines and doing last minute revision for exam. Though I'm enjoying more free time now, I somehow miss the times that were spent writing the assignments. Studying at this age is really for myself. Not about getting academic qualifications so that one can get a job in society. I mean, yes, of course it's for the prospects of receiving a higher pay. Yet, it's truly something that I can do for myself, accountible for my own results, not having to answer to any boss. If given more time to read the texts and spend more time in writing the assignments, I'd enjoy those 5 years better.

Do I hear doing Masters? Ney, that hasn't really crossed my mind.... yet ;)

Southern Ridges Walk

Last Sat, Darling and I went for a nature walk with our churchmates. It was our second time there, the first was in Aug this year. This time round, we started from Mount Faber instead of Hort Park. Our destination for this walk was Kent Ridge. It was a pleasant day even though it drizzled a little after we walked through Henderson Waves.

We took about 2 hours for the entire walk. It was a leisure walk, so I reckon it should be shorter. This trip was not as vigourous as the Macritchie walk. But I prefer the Macritchie walk as I like admiring nature and sticking to the same kind of path?? Hmm... I'm not sure why I still prefer the tougher route. Maybe it's closer to nature, eh?

A mosaic wall at Hort Park

Stunts That My TEDDY Can Do

My cute Teddy that I bought in Jeju Teddy Bear Museum!! He's only 5.5 inches if he's standing up! Isn't he tiny and terribly adorable?

Teddy can stand on 1 hand and 1 foot! Isn't he smart?

Teddy leaning on one side!

Teddy standing on his left ear!! He sure has a fantastic balancing sense!

Teddy standing on his head!! He can be a talented gymnast!

Teddy balancing on his right ear!

I'm so proud of my Teddy!!! I love my Teddy! :-)

Olympics 2008

Did you watch the recent 2008 Olympics? It was one that I followed more closely than all the rest. Not an avid fan, just anxious and excited over the results of the few sports that I had watched.

I've never really liked or enjoyed watching sports - tennis, soccer, track and field, etc. But this time round, I sat on the edge of chair as I watched the Singapore women team challenged and fought ferociously with the Korean women team in table tennis. I was staring hard at the loopholes that the China men team had in their defence in basketball. Not to mention the anxiety I felt over how a 0.2 or 0.5 mark in the 3m / 10m dive can determine if the diver could return home as the holder of a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal.... or none at all.

Each athlete had spent thousands of hours over these last 4 years (after the last Olympics) just to qualify in competing with international sportsmen (& sportswomen) in their specific field. All for that one moment of performance, which can determine if there's chance of qualifying for the finals before fighting to bring home a medal, thus bringing glory to the nation and home.

I must say that I salute each athlete, whether a medalist or not, for his/her hard work, time and sacrifices made to represent the nation at this Olympics. Not forgetting those who had worked hard backstage, making it possible for everyone, anyone around the globe to be able to sit in the comfort of home, enjoying each event, put up by these dedicated and talented sportspeople.

Well done!

Having Babies....

Did you watch / listen / read what PM Lee said during the National Day Rally?

One of the issues he addressed was the birthrate of Singaporeans. In case you're not aware, the birthrate of Singaporeans is around 1.29 per person. That's pretty low, isn't it? So, the government is trying their best to encourage more couples to have babies, through incentives such as (increasing) baby bonus, ang bao for first-time parents, more childcare leave, etc.

A colleague has been mulling over registering her firstborn in a primary school for the coming year. As I realised, this is one of those stages that as parents, you tear your hair off and crack your brains and have sleepless nights. Yes, it's the P1 registration. The dilemma of deciding which school to register your child in, the agony of the 3-day waiting period to see if the school of your choice / registration has to go through balloting due to overwhelming response, and so on, so forth. She has difficulties in planning childcare arrangement too. So, when I heard the PM talking about helping the parents with the various challenges, I instantly SMS her. We continued with this topic in the office today. At the end of our conversation / discussion, she said this "Those who want to have children, will do so with or without the incentives. Those who do not want to have children, will not, even with these incentives. Having these incentives as the dangling carrot does not help at all."

Hmm... well, I thought at least the incentives are a positive factor in the decision process.... Or are they not? Parents, married couples with no children yet, what say you?

Should We Recycle?

To recycle or not to recycle? Have you ever thought of this question before?

In some countries, like Japan and Korea, recycling is part of their life. In Japan, there's special days for collection of recyclable items (containers and wrappings) and rubbish. At home, you need to separate the recyclable items from the rubbish. As the waste company doesn't come every day to collect the recyclable items, one has to make sure the items are cleaned, otherwise you'll find pests coming to your home. For the times that I stayed in Japan, I had to remember to have a few plastic bags to dispose the various items (rubbish), so that on the day of collection, I didn't have to separate them. For more details on recycling in Japan, click http://www.jcpra.or.jp/eng/index.html

In Korea, the government charges the waste that you dispose by weight! The more you dump, the more you got to pay. Therefore, Korean shoppers bring their own shopping/grocery bags to minimise the waste that they bring home. Also, they dispose of whatever packaging that comes with the products for the very same reason. You can always find unwanted cartons (big and small) outside the supermarkets in Korea. And if you have forgotten to bring your own shopping bag, you will have to pay about 20 won to purchase a plastic bag or 100 won for a paper shopping bag. To read more about recycling in Korea, click http://www.abanet.org/environ/committees/intenviron/newsletter/feb03/korea/

Even though it sounds rather troublesome, I find that it's a good habit for a worthy cause. Can you imagine the world our children (or our future generation) will eventually live in? More lands will be used as dumpsites or landfills. Lands that are supposed to have houses built on have rubbish (mainly non-biodegradable) buried in them. And the water that's from the ground? Can you imagine that one day we might not have clean water at all?

It is a huge and important issue that we need to think about. So, is recycling worth the effort? I think Singapore should and can do much more when it comes to recycling. I wonder how many plastic bags are used in the supermarkets each day.... and how many years will it take for 1 plastic bag to actually decompose (it doesn't really decompose anyway!), so, what's more about the thousands of plastic bags we use daily. Start using biodegradable and reusable shopping/grocery bags now!

Global Singapore

Have you realised that there is a sudden surge in the number of foreigners in Singapore in the recent years? Just the other day I was out with Darling, we were in the MRT when he made an observation - that we were surrounded by foreigners in that cabin.

Even as Singapore's population hits 4 million and still climbing, more foreigners are coming to make up that increase in number. What does that mean for the locals? Does it affect us in any way? Foreign workers are a great help in building our nation. They build our houses, they provide us with medical services, and now, we see them more in the retail and F&B industries. Without them, we cannot even move on with some of our daily routines! Yet, as they enter our homeland, they bring with them their culture and traditions. Some may ditch what they grew up with, while most of them bring it along with them.

In a way, I realise, that Singapore is truly becoming a global nation. In the midst of all this talk about equipping our young to be ready for globalisation in the near future, do we know that globalisation is already at our doorstep?

Old Times

Having lunch in school, and yes, blog-reading time too.

Read Jas's, DNA's and Juliet's blogs. By the time I finished reading them, I don't know why but I started to tear. As I read DNA's blog, I miss times with my brother (he went for hols with my mum & daisie!); and I know how Joy and Juliet felt after a family gathering.

Each time when I'm feeling down, I'd miss home. Well, don't mistaken the word "home". Where I am staying now is my home. But the "home" I'm talking about is "home" where my own family used to be...when Dad was still around. I miss having my family with me, all the time. I miss Papa.

When I was in China, I passed by the men's department and saw polo tees. The thought of getting a few for Papa just came naturally....before I caught hold of it and reminded myself that he's no longer around. It hurts, my heart aches. I dreamt of Papa several times these recent weeks. Maybe it's because Father's Day was just over, maybe it's because it's going to be a year soon... . And, this time last year, we were preparing to go UK, isn't it? Time flies so quickly.

I must learn to treasure what I have now and not keep looking to the past.

Mama, I love you. Didi, I love you too.

蓝天白云...好辽阔的大地喔!

The Mongolian "house" (蒙古包) that we stayed in for a night. A very simple room with two single beds and an attached toilet. Not bad for accommodation in the middle of nowhere!

The heat in the desert (响沙弯) was scorching and almost unbearable. We rode on a huge vehicle across the desert and on camels too. It was magnificent to be in the desert (not just to watch it on TV). We wanted to go sand boarding but were really exhausted (by the heat) after an hour or so in the sun. So we rested at a "teahouse" instead. Had ice cold beer and watermelon to beat the heat!

The camels were all so obedient! Unlike the horses we rode the day before....

Shanxi & Mongolia Trip

Waited months for the trip and alas, it came and gone!

It was a fun, interesting and lifetime kind of experience, but at the same time tiring and kind of unpleasant and uncomfortable at times. The scenery was beautiful and magnificent, culture rich and interesting, journey tiring and long, weather cold and scorching.

The weather of the places we went to the first few days was cool, the wind chilling. As we moved on to the grassland and desert, the heat was menacing, so we got to make sure we drank lots of water so as not to get a heatstroke.

We went horse riding and we thought how fun it would be to ride in the vast grassland! We settled for a 4-hour ride. That was a bad, bad decision! It was torturous as my left knee and butt hurt a lot! We were just riding and riding and could not even see the destination! It was by sheer determination that we completed the entire journey. I could finally understand why warriors in the ancient days yearned to be home, cos wandering (even with an aim) in the desert can be demoralising when you cannot see anything beyond the horizon. Thinking home is near, just after going over that slope, only to be disappointed that home is not in sight after riding over it. You will feel extremely weary, hot, thristy (for an iced coke!) and wishing you were sitting in a couch and not on the hard saddle. Cannot even pause for a while but to finish the entire journey. Real torture.... but, a never-before experience.

I guess the main part of the trip was the history of the places we had been to. Imagining the people and their way of life at the same place, spot where we were walking....Awesome. Look at the vast land in the grassland and desert! You'll realise how tiny you are!

Xuan Kong Si (Literal translation - Suspended in the Air Temple)
Can you see the wooden poles that support the entire temple? It was built about 1500 years ago. Holes were dug in the mountain and poles struck into them. The temple was built upon platforms that were supported by these poles. Amazing that it can still stand till this day, eh? I negotiated my fear of height to climb and walk thru' its grounds. On hindsight, it was very dangerous as the wooden poles that have been exposed to sun and rain may collapse any time, isn't it?

Miss Family Togetherness

Lunch time now.... Yup, blog-reading time too.

Andy, you learnt from Jas's blog that you missed Zyon's birthday.... I also learnt that from your blog! Sigh, ever since I've grown up (from Ah 9 onwards) I don't make a point to remember birth dates anymore. Why is that so? Lazy? Don't bother?

Come to think of it... Zyon just turned eight. I remember the time when I visited Jaslene and Baby Zyon when he was born. He was so adorable! Small, tiny mouth and always sleeping...hee.

Perhaps we must make it a point to celebrate all the kids' birthday every year and that will also ensure that we meet at least 3 times a year. Miss the times we had together when we were kids.....

Bring-Ur-Pet-Out Day

What's that, you might ask. Erm, or perhaps not. As you know, pets are mainly domesticated animals that we keep at home, namely, hamsters, dogs, cats, terrapins, etc. No, no...I'm not referring to these kinds of pets. Ah, now is the time to ask "what's that, then?" Apparently, (so I heard) that recently, a lot of people are into bringing their small, tiny, toy whenever they go out. Eg: your soft toys. Take a look at the picture of desserts on the right.... can you spot a little bear in the picture, looking at the desserts? That's what I mean.... Oh, don't be mistaken. I'm not part of the bring-your-pet-out community....(yet?) The teddy happened to be on a keychain, that's all. But, come to think of it. Why would people want to bring their soft toy out? Small enough kind to be brought out in their bag... Don't believe me? Just last Friday when I was out at n.y.d.c, sitting at the next table was a couple, with Stitch in his personal tiny bag, sitting atop the pepper/salt bottles, looking at them eating! Hahaha...

Well, Darling, do you mind having Teddy going wherever we go next time??? Pls.... ;p

Dutiful Wife....

Last week I had the "privilege" to cook for my Darling again. My parents-in-law went for a holiday for about 5 days and I cooked dinner almost every day! I enjoy preparing meals for my hubby and watching him finish up everything I cooked :) I would like to think that I've good standard in cooking (am I right, Darling). Tho' I still have not acquired the ability to gauge how much to cook. The first night, I cooked rice enough for 3 or even 4 persons! Hahaha, poor Darling had to finish most of it. The spread I cooked can truly feed more than the two of us.... I have to practise more often.

But, it can be pretty stressful having to think of different dishes to cook every day! It really takes a lot of planning as you have to make sure you've got the stuff at home or that you've bought all ingredients you need for the next few days. Wow, not an easy task! Admire mothers who have to cook every day... Thank You, mummy.... Thank You, mom-in-law.....

Now it's my turn to enjoy dinner again now that they're home ;p

Japanese Seafood Curry Rice + Miso Soup

MacRitchie Tree Top Walk

Last Thursday was Labour May.... Darling and I organised a hike to Tree Top Walk @ MAcRitchie Reservoir. There were about 12 of us, including two children. We gathered early in the morning, 8am. I was surprised to see a big crowd at the reservoir when we reached! The entire park was pretty packed. Secondary sch students were there to kayak or jog. There was quite a huge number of senior citizens too! I was excited as we waited for the rest to turn up. It would be the most "exercised" week of my life, ever since school days!! Hahaha! :D Last week I started my kickboxing lesson, remember?

The whole journey went smoothly.... even the kids enjoyed themselves and did not grumble even a wee bit! They were waiting to catch sight of monkeys! We eventually did... when we were walking along a path after our break and the kids were still trying to finish their bread. Well, the monkeys smelt from far the fragrance of the hotdog bun and all scrambled up to us! The parents panicked and quickly kept the buns. That was quite an experience! ;)

If you were to look carefully around you as you walk thru' the jungle, you can actually spot many residents of the reserve! I even picked up a rubber seed.










It was simply amazing and interesting. Tho, I can't say the same about some of the people we met along the way. The runners simply rushed thru' the path. Tho some were polite to thank us for giving way, some shouted "excuse me" in such a manner as if we were taking up their space! So infuriating!! Perhaps there should be a running route reserved for jogging only, so that those who visit the reserve mainly for the purpose of admiring the nature can do so in peace and at a leisure pace.

At the end of the hike, we went for a good meal at Swensen's (another lousy experience @ Swensen's for me..again :( Well, but it was an enjoyable day for me :)

Colourful Lollipop that Darling bought for me at the end of the hike

My Latest Hobby

I've always wanted to sew bags - my favourite accessory, other than shoes! Didn't have a sewing machine and had been thinking of buying one. Now that I'm staying with my parents-in-law, I can use my mum-in-law's sewing machine! Haha!

Take a look at the very first drawstring bag I made for my Darling.

It's a very simple one, though.

After this, I've made a small carrier for myself and two little carriers for a colleague's daughters. Been wanting to make different kinds of bags but wondering what to do with them. The idea struck as I was sharing with her about my bag-making experience. She also suggested jotting step-by-step notes and pictures to upload onto my blog... So here it is! Here's how I made the carriers for her daughters.

Measure and cut the cloth

Next, iron the strap before sewing it. Ironing helps to hold the seam into place.

Sew the main carrier at the two sides. Then fold in the top before pinning the straps on for sewing.

And it's done!

And now, I'm in the midst of sewing a denim bag. The material is thick, so have to be exact and careful when sewing. I'm so excited and wish I've got more time for sewing. Have been to Chinatown to purchase more cloth! I wanna complete the denim bag!

I'm Exercising... Finally!

Yesterday was the first lesson in kickboxing. Yes, you didn't read it wrong... I've just joined a kickboxing class with my colleagues! I'm so proud to say that I've got good hand-and-leg coordination. I could follow most of the steps and stances. Though fumbled a little when I'm supposed to combine two different kinds of punches and kicks, alternating them within rhythm. I'm surprised at how simple it is to follow and the pace was fantastic! The one hour flew past! It was pretty easy and simple for first-timers. It wasn't very vigorous too. I don't feel any muscle ache..(yet), felt a tightness on my back thighs and calfs though. Looking forward to next week's lesson. It's fun and I get to exercise and perspire! Haha!

June Hols :)

Natas fair was just over. Have you booked for any tour? Darling & I went to the fair, with Australia in mind. Lo & behold, we found that going to Aust. is not cheap! Moreover, not all the meals are provided for...Hmm... that means more spending on food, less on shopping. So we decided to change destination.... China seems good :) We made a booking, thinking that our parents would be keen to go with us. Alas, his parents are tired of visiting China & Mum would just be back from the States at that time, so in the end, we switched to..... (drumroll pls) Mongolia! So exotic right? Hmm... how many of us have actually been to Mongolia? I don't think it's a popular tourist spot. Well, grassland, camels, desert, sand, etc etc.... Sounds like going back to ancient days, eh? Beginning to look forward to it....

Air Show 2008

Last Sat, I went to the Air Show of the year with Darling, Mum, Adeline, Bro & Daze and Bro's frens. It was an eye-opener. It was the first time for me. Been to the Air Force Musuem last year and I love looking at the planes! This time round, we could even watch performances by the pilots flying their aircrafts! It was truly spectacular!

We got complimentary tickets from Uncle Llyold (so fortunate!). We went early in the morning so that we could look at the aircrafts before the show. The place was really packed with people! We had to go thru' stringent checks before entering the exhibition arena. There were many aircrafts on display. Not just from the Singapore Air Force but also from the other countries. We talked to some of the crew, took pictures with them, even got a few souvenirs! Hahaha, it was really fun! We even saw Airbus 380! But what a pity that only invited guests could board it :(

Then Uncle called us and brought us all for lunch at the airbase restaurant, where the viewing gallery was. We had almost full view of the sky as we had lunch! Halfway thru lunch, the performace started. First was a treat by Black Knights....Singapore's very own aerobatics team from the Air Force. They put up a fantastic show! WoW! It was a one and half hour show....well, by the third team or so (they rest were soloist) it was pretty predictable (how else can you fly a plane?).... I still think that Black Knights were the best!

It was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.... Most probably won't be going for another, unless they include more treats next time.... How about going up on a plane?

We've Been Married for 5 Months!

Yesterday Darling had a surprise for me :) He merely told me on Thu that we'd go out on Fri nite. Usually, Darling would date me and we'd go out for a show or a walk after dinner. Yesterday I worked till very late as I needed to clear work (next week attending a course and not going back to sch). We knocked off about the same time, so I decided to wait for Darling at the bus-stop. When we met, Darling kept rushing me and saying that we were late. I was puzzled and asked him why were we late? Where were we going? Weren't we having dinner at home before going out? What's the rush? That's when he told me that we were eating out... he was going to bring me to the Russian restaurant he brought me to about 2 years ago.... the first time he brought me for a really good meal! I remember the delicious soup we had :) It was a sweet gesture from Darling to show he remembers our monthly anniversary! :) Thank You Darling! Muak!

Hols @ Pattaya

During the first few days of the Chinese New Year, Darling & I went to Pattaya. It was a nice break for us. Though this year we couldn't join our cousins for our annual CNY visitation, we met up with my mum, bro & Daze and the rest of our relatives in Bangkok on the last day of our trip.

We had a relaxing time, suntanning and swimming at the hotel pool. We stayed @ Marriott for 2 nights (it was a complimentary stay!) and we were extremely impressed with the service they provided. Indeed, one pays for the service. It had been great staying with big-name hotels. We enjoyed good service @ Hard Rock too when we went Bali. It's worth paying for the stay, though we agree that it doesn't come cheap.

Take a look at the room we stayed.

We're looking forward to another holiday soon! =)

Chinese New Year is Coming!

This lunar year is coming to an end soon. As the festive season draws nearer, I miss my own family more and more. I guess that's because family members gather around to celebrate and enjoy togetherness during this time. Miss my family not just because I'm married...but I miss my dad as well. A year ago, we were still celebrating CNY, isn't it?

It still feels as if he's away on hols. That when I return home one day, he would be there, as usual, sitting on the sofa, watching TV or reading newspaper. Wouldn't he? I miss Dad talking to me, telling me about what happens to his friends, the funny and silly things he would do (unknowingly). Now I realise, that his love language is the same as mine! We both talk to those closer to us as a demonstartion of our love. If only I had the patience and made the effort to talk to him more. Sometimes, I can imagine what he'd say to the things I do or say. And I miss being "manja" around him.

I miss u very much, PaPa!

Changing Weather

Nowadays, weather has been changing. Rainy season seems to be over soon and the weather is getting hotter now. However, when it does rain, it pours! Well, how can anyone take to this kind of weather? Cough bug has been roaming around, especially at the workplace. Seems like the bug's been travelling from cubicle to cubicle. Few colleagues have been unwell since last week. One has even been to the doctor twice and contemplating visiting the doc yet a third time! I got the bug last weekend. Throat has been irritating for a while. Not too serious to see a doctor, yet not exactly well. Annoying :( Seems like losing my voice. Brother reminded me that the last time I lost my voice was in Nov last year. That's barely 2 months ago!! Terrible. Virus have been mutating at an alarming pace.... Can't be seen with the naked eye, yet can be deadly. Scary.

2008...Yet Another Year....

Time flies.... It does, literally. Crossing over to a new year means new things to look forward to? New challenges? New responsibilities? Change of lifestyle? I wonder how different would this year be from all the previous years.

For one, I stepped into the new year as a married woman (Eeks! Sounds so OLD!). A different phase of life. Other than some changes at work (new boss included), everything else seems the same... or does it?

What else can be changed? I used to go for a haircut, have a change of hairstyle as a symbolic change to a part of my life... tiny little part, you might say, as compared to other changes. No other changes seemed to be within my ability at that time. How about now? Things that people can change: change car, move house, change furniture, repaint the house; just to have a little something different in the otherwise mundane life.

How about you? What would you like to change?