Hand mixer has been shipped home.
That means no more baking unless I wanna build some muscles whisking.
Made a beanie hat for everyone.
That means no more knitting or crocheting for me.
Completed making 37 friendship bands.
That means we're ready to say goodbye to Dendo Elementary School next Monday.
And I am getting a little more restless each day.
I tried packing my wardrobe this afternoon. And after sorting and throwing out some stuff, I only managed to vacuum pack 1 medium sized bag.
Cant keep the winter clothes cos we are still needing them now and for the trip to Hokkaido.
Cant keep the autumn clothes cos we will need them after we return from Hokkaido till the day we leave for Singapore.
Cant pack my kitchen cos meals have to be prepared still.
So what now? =P
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Monday, 21 February 2011
house sweet house
Gonna get back our house this weekend! =)
Tenants have written a sweet email to us, thanking us for the beautiful 14 months that they had spent in our house.
Cant wait to see the drawings and colours for the minor renovations that we are gonna to do. It's good to know that the house would be 'new' when we get back. =P
Tenants have written a sweet email to us, thanking us for the beautiful 14 months that they had spent in our house.
Cant wait to see the drawings and colours for the minor renovations that we are gonna to do. It's good to know that the house would be 'new' when we get back. =P
5 more weeks
Life is a little different now.
Groceries shopping is a little different now.
Routines have just been thrown out of the windows.
I am beginning to plan lunch and dinner menus by the week. Trying to clear as much stock as I can, especially those brought over from home.
No longer do I go for large bottles of soy sauce, mirin or sake. It's all small bottles now. No more bulk purchases.
In another week, the gals are gonna stop school. That means I am gonna have more time to home school them. It seems like a lot for us to catch up. But at least we keep going, the gap is just gonna get narrower. =P
Actually with so many activities and trips planned out for the next 5 weeks, there is really not much time for homeschooling. Thank God that Math for both gals are already up to date with the school, Science is almost there, halfway more for Chinese and as for English, there is no textbook, so I really dont know how much we have missed out.
Though hubby and I are stressed over the gals' school, we are also trying to make the best of the remaining time here in Japan.
We are just so looking forward to our snowboarding trip next week! =)
Groceries shopping is a little different now.
Routines have just been thrown out of the windows.
I am beginning to plan lunch and dinner menus by the week. Trying to clear as much stock as I can, especially those brought over from home.
No longer do I go for large bottles of soy sauce, mirin or sake. It's all small bottles now. No more bulk purchases.
In another week, the gals are gonna stop school. That means I am gonna have more time to home school them. It seems like a lot for us to catch up. But at least we keep going, the gap is just gonna get narrower. =P
Actually with so many activities and trips planned out for the next 5 weeks, there is really not much time for homeschooling. Thank God that Math for both gals are already up to date with the school, Science is almost there, halfway more for Chinese and as for English, there is no textbook, so I really dont know how much we have missed out.
Though hubby and I are stressed over the gals' school, we are also trying to make the best of the remaining time here in Japan.
We are just so looking forward to our snowboarding trip next week! =)
friendship bands
After 2 weeks of pulling and tugging at numerous threads, the 37 friendship bands are finally completed!
I thought they were rather easy to make so I made a suggestion to the gals, asked if they would like to give their friends something for them to remember their friendship by. Thank God only Joanna took the suggestion. =P
It was not funny making so many. I made about 10 on the first day, that's cos hubby was away on a study trip and I did nothing but knotted the whole day. Each band took about 40min of non-stop knotting.
But they were so pretty to look at. =)
34 regular bands are for her classmates, 3 special heart-designed ones are for her teachers. Hope they like it! =)
I thought they were rather easy to make so I made a suggestion to the gals, asked if they would like to give their friends something for them to remember their friendship by. Thank God only Joanna took the suggestion. =P
It was not funny making so many. I made about 10 on the first day, that's cos hubby was away on a study trip and I did nothing but knotted the whole day. Each band took about 40min of non-stop knotting.
But they were so pretty to look at. =)
34 regular bands are for her classmates, 3 special heart-designed ones are for her teachers. Hope they like it! =)
Sunday, 20 February 2011
happening weekend
Friday
Hosted a dinner for 4 Japanese and 1 Korean at our tiny place. 2 of them had specially requested to taste Singapore's Chicken Rice. Hubby and I had a hard time deciding what the dinner menu should be. Cos another guest does not fancy red meat and we Chinese are such carnivores!
So after a couple days of thinking through, the dinner menu for that night was Chicken Rice, Bak Kut Teh, Asam Prawns, Glutinous Rice, Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Pork (made with gluten) and Salad.
I started preparing since about 9am. I had to. Cos I only have 1 claypot, 1 steel pot and a shallow frying pan. I literally had to plan what to cook or blanch first.
In the midst of cooking, hubby and I also changed our bedlinen. I even managed to wash 3 loads of wash!
Dinner was a huge success. Guests really enjoyed the spread. I also served a dessert, not made but just put together. Pudding with strawberries and a choc biscuit at the side. =)
I was so tired at the end of the day. But totally happy that our guests were satisfied and most importantly, they enjoyed the food. Almost everything was finished, except for a portion of Bak Kut Teh.
Saturday
It was a regular day at the gals' school. But they get the Monday off.
The school invited all parents to observe how our children study and interact in school. There was a special ceremony planned for the 4 Graders. 二分の一成人式{ni-bun-no-ichi-sei-jin-shiki}, which literally means half of coming of age ceremony.
Adulthood is when one turns 20 in Japan. So the 4 Graders are half an adult and a special ceremony was prepared for them.
Hubby and I swelled with pride when Rachelle made her speech in front of all the 4 Graders and parents, all in Japanese. I needed a translation from hubby after that. =P
Really think the gals love the education system here. So much fun, pace is so much slower. They have time to nurture the whole child, not just his brains.
This is really something we will definitely miss when we get back home.
Sunday
The children staying in the International house had come together to plan their own farewell party which was to be held tonight. And I had to make pizzas for them.
We went to Ginza in search of a toy that a friend has asked us to get, but to no avail, we will have to try another place. So the gals bought little gifts for their gift exchange for the party.
It was such a cold and cloudy day. As I did not have any ingredients for pizzas, I had to make a trip to the supermarket to buy some. So I made Japanese pizzas instead, I made お好み焼き{o-ko-no-mi-ya-ki}. Cos I have just enough ingredients for that. And I made really small ones, bite-sized ones.
It's good to hear that the children loved them and finished every piece that I had made. =)
Well, the end of yet another week. That leaves us with just 5 weeks to go. So fast, too fast, time is slipping too fast.
Another exciting week ahead starting with tmrw.
We're meeting Mariko-san to view a Hinamatsuri, an exhibition of dolls. It's Girls' Day on March 3rd, and households who have girls in their family would put up dolls dressed in kimono. This is to wish the girls good health and life. The dolls are promptly kept after March 3rd cos it is believed that if the family leaves the dolls out after March 3rd, the daughter will marry late.
Interesting.
Then it's off to Kidzania on Tuesday. Our final visit, this time with Korean friends.
Hokkaido trip is the following week! Looking forward! =)
Hosted a dinner for 4 Japanese and 1 Korean at our tiny place. 2 of them had specially requested to taste Singapore's Chicken Rice. Hubby and I had a hard time deciding what the dinner menu should be. Cos another guest does not fancy red meat and we Chinese are such carnivores!
So after a couple days of thinking through, the dinner menu for that night was Chicken Rice, Bak Kut Teh, Asam Prawns, Glutinous Rice, Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Pork (made with gluten) and Salad.
I started preparing since about 9am. I had to. Cos I only have 1 claypot, 1 steel pot and a shallow frying pan. I literally had to plan what to cook or blanch first.
In the midst of cooking, hubby and I also changed our bedlinen. I even managed to wash 3 loads of wash!
Dinner was a huge success. Guests really enjoyed the spread. I also served a dessert, not made but just put together. Pudding with strawberries and a choc biscuit at the side. =)
I was so tired at the end of the day. But totally happy that our guests were satisfied and most importantly, they enjoyed the food. Almost everything was finished, except for a portion of Bak Kut Teh.
Saturday
It was a regular day at the gals' school. But they get the Monday off.
The school invited all parents to observe how our children study and interact in school. There was a special ceremony planned for the 4 Graders. 二分の一成人式{ni-bun-no-ichi-sei-jin-shiki}, which literally means half of coming of age ceremony.
Adulthood is when one turns 20 in Japan. So the 4 Graders are half an adult and a special ceremony was prepared for them.
Hubby and I swelled with pride when Rachelle made her speech in front of all the 4 Graders and parents, all in Japanese. I needed a translation from hubby after that. =P
Really think the gals love the education system here. So much fun, pace is so much slower. They have time to nurture the whole child, not just his brains.
This is really something we will definitely miss when we get back home.
Sunday
The children staying in the International house had come together to plan their own farewell party which was to be held tonight. And I had to make pizzas for them.
We went to Ginza in search of a toy that a friend has asked us to get, but to no avail, we will have to try another place. So the gals bought little gifts for their gift exchange for the party.
It was such a cold and cloudy day. As I did not have any ingredients for pizzas, I had to make a trip to the supermarket to buy some. So I made Japanese pizzas instead, I made お好み焼き{o-ko-no-mi-ya-ki}. Cos I have just enough ingredients for that. And I made really small ones, bite-sized ones.
It's good to hear that the children loved them and finished every piece that I had made. =)
Well, the end of yet another week. That leaves us with just 5 weeks to go. So fast, too fast, time is slipping too fast.
Another exciting week ahead starting with tmrw.
We're meeting Mariko-san to view a Hinamatsuri, an exhibition of dolls. It's Girls' Day on March 3rd, and households who have girls in their family would put up dolls dressed in kimono. This is to wish the girls good health and life. The dolls are promptly kept after March 3rd cos it is believed that if the family leaves the dolls out after March 3rd, the daughter will marry late.
Interesting.
Then it's off to Kidzania on Tuesday. Our final visit, this time with Korean friends.
Hokkaido trip is the following week! Looking forward! =)
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
beanie hats for all
After the recent trip to Yamanashi and experiencing all the snow and cold, we realised that the beanie hats that I made for hubbby and myself were still better than those bought. =P
The beanie hats were stretchable and large enough to cover the ears and they were quite good looking too.
With that, I am making the gals beanie hats for the upcoming trip to Hokkaido. =)
The beanie hats were stretchable and large enough to cover the ears and they were quite good looking too.
With that, I am making the gals beanie hats for the upcoming trip to Hokkaido. =)
packing
Started packing today. Thank God hubby is with me this time cos he is much better at this than I.
Already sealed 2 x 30kg boxes. Hoping to ship out at least 3 x 30kg boxes by this weekend.
Time seems to be on the Shinkansen. Moving too fast. We have just about 5.5 weeks left here.
Everyday hubby and I are talking about our transition back home, about the stuff that we need to buy for family and friends, about the dinners that we need to have before we leave and when we arrive home, our house and renovation, just so many things to talk about.
We have also been shopping! Requests from family and friends seem to have come in all at about this time. Requests for ceramic knives, ceramic knife sharpener, hot water flasks, phiten products, vitamins, detergent, toys and even a camera!
Besides shopping on behalf of others, we are also shopping for our house. New dish ware. =)
Our calendar seem to be filling up really fast too.
We have at least 3 more outings with our host family, hosting at least 2 more dinners at home, at least 2 parties, a 8-day snowboarding trip and a day-trip to Kamakura.
In between, we are just going about eating our favourite ramen from different places.
So exciting! =)
Already sealed 2 x 30kg boxes. Hoping to ship out at least 3 x 30kg boxes by this weekend.
Time seems to be on the Shinkansen. Moving too fast. We have just about 5.5 weeks left here.
Everyday hubby and I are talking about our transition back home, about the stuff that we need to buy for family and friends, about the dinners that we need to have before we leave and when we arrive home, our house and renovation, just so many things to talk about.
We have also been shopping! Requests from family and friends seem to have come in all at about this time. Requests for ceramic knives, ceramic knife sharpener, hot water flasks, phiten products, vitamins, detergent, toys and even a camera!
Besides shopping on behalf of others, we are also shopping for our house. New dish ware. =)
Our calendar seem to be filling up really fast too.
We have at least 3 more outings with our host family, hosting at least 2 more dinners at home, at least 2 parties, a 8-day snowboarding trip and a day-trip to Kamakura.
In between, we are just going about eating our favourite ramen from different places.
So exciting! =)
Monday, 14 February 2011
a memorable weekend
Our host family invited us to their 2nd house in Yamanashi-ken over the last weekend. It was a long weekend as Friday was a public holiday here in Japan.
And what a memorable weekend we had.
SNOW
As we left Tokyo, it started to snow a little in the early morning. When we arrived in Yamanashi, it was already snowing lots! We were told that it snows an average of 4-5 days in Yamanashi during winter. The day we arrived at Yamanashi was the first day it snowed this winter.
The amount of snowfall for that day was reported to be equivalent to the 4-5 days of snow in the past years!
It began to lighten up on the 2nd day. Clear blue skies with the sun peeping through in the mid-afternoon.
Then it was all clear on the 3rd day. Lots of sun melting the almost 30cm deep snow on the ground and rooftops.
Weather was simply great for us to make our way home with our bags and luggage.
Ice Skating
We went ice skating for 3 consecutive days!
I have never succeeded learning to roller blade, let alone skate! It was my first time and boy was I nervous. But I must say that I pretty much surprised myself with my progress. =)
On the first day, I was super slow, inching my way on the 400m skating track. Fell less times than I had expected myself to fall. And all the time, I was alone. Not that no one wanted to skate beside me, but I cannot have anyone beside me. It was too stressful. I needed to learn on my own.
I was a little more confident on the 2nd day. Gliding a little more on the ice. It was a little too sunny for me and found that the snow was just too glaring.
Armed with a pair of sunglasses, we hit the ice again. I managed to skate one round in 5mins. There was once when I felt that I was doing so well, actually was enjoying skating, with the cold breeze in my face. Then I fell. LOL.
Gals totally loved being outdoors in the snow. They really enjoyed skating. =)
Onsen
We went to the onsen on the first night, after dinner. That night was super cold, icicles were forming even on the cars!
But this onsen was superb. There was an outdoor onsen. It was beautiful.
Made a dash from the door to the pool. Too cold. Then shiok-ness!! -3 degrees from neck up, about 43 degrees from neck down. AWESOME! =)
Our bodies were so warmed up that we actually perspired on a very cold winter night.
We are really blessed to have such a good host family. Their hospitality is truly impeccable.
At least 3 more appointments have been arranged with them. Including a thank-you outing with them. Planning to take them for another Cirque du Soliel show, followed by dinner at Disneysea and ending the night with the fireworks display at Disneysea.
And what a memorable weekend we had.
SNOW
As we left Tokyo, it started to snow a little in the early morning. When we arrived in Yamanashi, it was already snowing lots! We were told that it snows an average of 4-5 days in Yamanashi during winter. The day we arrived at Yamanashi was the first day it snowed this winter.
The amount of snowfall for that day was reported to be equivalent to the 4-5 days of snow in the past years!
It began to lighten up on the 2nd day. Clear blue skies with the sun peeping through in the mid-afternoon.
Then it was all clear on the 3rd day. Lots of sun melting the almost 30cm deep snow on the ground and rooftops.
Weather was simply great for us to make our way home with our bags and luggage.
Ice Skating
We went ice skating for 3 consecutive days!
I have never succeeded learning to roller blade, let alone skate! It was my first time and boy was I nervous. But I must say that I pretty much surprised myself with my progress. =)
On the first day, I was super slow, inching my way on the 400m skating track. Fell less times than I had expected myself to fall. And all the time, I was alone. Not that no one wanted to skate beside me, but I cannot have anyone beside me. It was too stressful. I needed to learn on my own.
I was a little more confident on the 2nd day. Gliding a little more on the ice. It was a little too sunny for me and found that the snow was just too glaring.
Armed with a pair of sunglasses, we hit the ice again. I managed to skate one round in 5mins. There was once when I felt that I was doing so well, actually was enjoying skating, with the cold breeze in my face. Then I fell. LOL.
Gals totally loved being outdoors in the snow. They really enjoyed skating. =)
Onsen
We went to the onsen on the first night, after dinner. That night was super cold, icicles were forming even on the cars!
But this onsen was superb. There was an outdoor onsen. It was beautiful.
Made a dash from the door to the pool. Too cold. Then shiok-ness!! -3 degrees from neck up, about 43 degrees from neck down. AWESOME! =)
Our bodies were so warmed up that we actually perspired on a very cold winter night.
We are really blessed to have such a good host family. Their hospitality is truly impeccable.
At least 3 more appointments have been arranged with them. Including a thank-you outing with them. Planning to take them for another Cirque du Soliel show, followed by dinner at Disneysea and ending the night with the fireworks display at Disneysea.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
炒米粉
Hubby returned today and we hosted dinner. I had planned to prepare a simple meal of fried bee hoon and chicken curry. So I searched the internet for fried bee hoon recipe.
2 days of searching and still I was not able to find what I like. So many of them say that one cannot go wrong with fried bee hoon cos it's just too simple to prepare.
I beg to differ.
There was just too much preparation involved. Soak the bee hoon. Saute all the ingredients separately. Fry a thin omelet. Prepare soy sauce mixture cos the bee hoon will really soak up lots of fluids. And it's not easy to get the bee hoon nice and browned evenly.
Thanks to one particular recipe that used a soy sauce mixture to soak the bee hoon instead of just plain tap water. The bee hoon came out nice and evenly coloured.
I have never fried bee hoon before. So having no recipe to follow, I felt so insecure, I actually prayed for success.
The bee hoon looked very good, if I say so myself. But hubby felt that it could be a tad saltier, which I too agreed.
To make me more 'kan cheong', the guys reached home earlier than expected! Thank God I started cooking much earlier and was actually ready by the time our guests arrived.
The evening started with some beer and nuts while I prepared some gyozas. Served the gyozas with a salad I had prepared in the afternoon. Heated up the curry.
Halfway through with the gyozas, I served the bee hoon and the curry.
Then we had apples. Followed by coffee.
We ate from 5.30pm to 9pm. Good fun. Great company.
Hubby washed all the dishes and pots after that.
Cos he said that I had slit my finger. =P
2 days of searching and still I was not able to find what I like. So many of them say that one cannot go wrong with fried bee hoon cos it's just too simple to prepare.
I beg to differ.
There was just too much preparation involved. Soak the bee hoon. Saute all the ingredients separately. Fry a thin omelet. Prepare soy sauce mixture cos the bee hoon will really soak up lots of fluids. And it's not easy to get the bee hoon nice and browned evenly.
Thanks to one particular recipe that used a soy sauce mixture to soak the bee hoon instead of just plain tap water. The bee hoon came out nice and evenly coloured.
I have never fried bee hoon before. So having no recipe to follow, I felt so insecure, I actually prayed for success.
The bee hoon looked very good, if I say so myself. But hubby felt that it could be a tad saltier, which I too agreed.
To make me more 'kan cheong', the guys reached home earlier than expected! Thank God I started cooking much earlier and was actually ready by the time our guests arrived.
The evening started with some beer and nuts while I prepared some gyozas. Served the gyozas with a salad I had prepared in the afternoon. Heated up the curry.
Halfway through with the gyozas, I served the bee hoon and the curry.
Then we had apples. Followed by coffee.
We ate from 5.30pm to 9pm. Good fun. Great company.
Hubby washed all the dishes and pots after that.
Cos he said that I had slit my finger. =P
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
thirtynine
It was just a regular day for me. Hubby wont be back till tomorrow.
So what did I do on this special day?
I visited the supermarket, get groceries for dinner tomorrow. Hubby and I had invited his 2 other foreign classmates whose wives had gone back to their hometowns. Thought that it would be nice to host them for dinner before they went back home.
After the supermarket trip, brought Rachelle to the doctor's to have her knee checked. Still another trip to make next week. The doctors here like to make sure that you are fully recovered before they 'discharge' you.
Then the gals and I went for a nice steak and ribs dinner. =)
I am a huge fan of birthdays, anyone's birthday. I would make sure that there would at least be a cake and a birthday song.
But today, there was no cake. Oh wells.
Just as the day was coming to an end, my neighbour came over with a birthday cake! How sweet of her. She had baked me a birthday cake and flowers too!
So there. I had my cake after all. =)
At bedtime, I made the gals pray over me. And I was especially amused at Joanna's prayer.
'I pray that mommy will live a happy life and wont grow old so quickly.'
It must have been the grey hairs that she saw this afternoon.
Time to visit the hair salon. =P
So what did I do on this special day?
I visited the supermarket, get groceries for dinner tomorrow. Hubby and I had invited his 2 other foreign classmates whose wives had gone back to their hometowns. Thought that it would be nice to host them for dinner before they went back home.
After the supermarket trip, brought Rachelle to the doctor's to have her knee checked. Still another trip to make next week. The doctors here like to make sure that you are fully recovered before they 'discharge' you.
Then the gals and I went for a nice steak and ribs dinner. =)
I am a huge fan of birthdays, anyone's birthday. I would make sure that there would at least be a cake and a birthday song.
But today, there was no cake. Oh wells.
Just as the day was coming to an end, my neighbour came over with a birthday cake! How sweet of her. She had baked me a birthday cake and flowers too!
So there. I had my cake after all. =)
At bedtime, I made the gals pray over me. And I was especially amused at Joanna's prayer.
'I pray that mommy will live a happy life and wont grow old so quickly.'
It must have been the grey hairs that she saw this afternoon.
Time to visit the hair salon. =P
Friday, 4 February 2011
over-priced dinner
Since it was the first day of CNY, we decided to have non-Japanese food, we settled for Singaporean food. I was really looking forward to dinner. But I guess my expectations were not met.
My conclusion: There is NO Singaporean food in Japan.
Nothing comes quite as close.
These were what we ordered.
One chicken.
Half white, half fried. The fried half was a huge disappointment. It was more like a piece of chicken cutlet. And there was definitely not a whole bird there.
Buttered prawns.
When the dish was served, it looked like our cereal prawns back at home. It looked yummy till the taste test. Tasted too much of coconut, I dont know why. There were only 5-6 prawns.
Black carrot cake.
Major disappointing. Cake was too starchy. Not fragrant.
Hokkien mee.
Looked really good, promising. But I felt that it had too strong a fishy smell to it.
Char siew, Shio bak and Shio ak platter.
Portions were miserable. The amount for each type of meat was about what you would find on a regular plate of char siew rice in Singapore.
And all of the above cost 9,000yen, which works out to be about $140.
We all agreed that the chicken rice that I made some time back was much yummier than what we had. Dont think we are gonna eat there again.
My conclusion: There is NO Singaporean food in Japan.
Nothing comes quite as close.
These were what we ordered.
One chicken.
Half white, half fried. The fried half was a huge disappointment. It was more like a piece of chicken cutlet. And there was definitely not a whole bird there.
Buttered prawns.
When the dish was served, it looked like our cereal prawns back at home. It looked yummy till the taste test. Tasted too much of coconut, I dont know why. There were only 5-6 prawns.
Black carrot cake.
Major disappointing. Cake was too starchy. Not fragrant.
Hokkien mee.
Looked really good, promising. But I felt that it had too strong a fishy smell to it.
Char siew, Shio bak and Shio ak platter.
Portions were miserable. The amount for each type of meat was about what you would find on a regular plate of char siew rice in Singapore.
And all of the above cost 9,000yen, which works out to be about $140.
We all agreed that the chicken rice that I made some time back was much yummier than what we had. Dont think we are gonna eat there again.
Thursday, 3 February 2011
农厉新年 2011
Today is 大年初一 and I am all alone at home. Gals have gone to school, so has hubby. It has never been so quiet on the first day of CNY for me. Feels kinda strange.
Japanese do not celebrate the lunar new year. Their celebrations are on new year's day itself, the first of january. Today is a regular working day here in Japan.
It was easy waking the gals up this morning. Hubby and I entered their room. "新年快乐！万事如意！身体健康！年年有余！谁要红包就给我起来！" And both gals sat up on their beds. =)
They said their greetings to us and we gave them their red packets. These are the only ones they will be getting this year. Very precious to them. =P
Though hubby has gone to school, he will be back before 11am and we would go out. Kitchen is closed from today till the day he leaves for Hokkaido on Monday. =)
Being CNY, we thought we'd have a nice dinner. So we would be going to the Singapore restaurant nearby for dinner tonight. Really looking forward, but doubt that they will have yusheng there. I am so missing yusheng right now.
Yusheng is the highlight for me every CNY. Especially the one together with my grandma on 年初二. That's when we get together to 开年 at my aunt's place. The yusheng there is interesting. There are so many of us that we use a large pan for the yusheng. And we have to do it twice. The above 50yo will lohei first, then followed by the below 50yo. And it is always so much fun, and mess!
Anyways, then tomorrow hubby is taking all of us to a nice dinner to celebrate my birthday in advance. He will be in Hokkaido on that day.
Then the weekends we have planned to go to Chinatown @ Yokohama to soak in the CNY atmosphere. The only thing I am afraid of is the crowd. But thought that it might be a waste if we dont go and experience the celebrations there for ourselves.
So there. This is our CNY for 2011.
Have a healthy and blessed lunar new year everyone! =)
Japanese do not celebrate the lunar new year. Their celebrations are on new year's day itself, the first of january. Today is a regular working day here in Japan.
It was easy waking the gals up this morning. Hubby and I entered their room. "新年快乐！万事如意！身体健康！年年有余！谁要红包就给我起来！" And both gals sat up on their beds. =)
They said their greetings to us and we gave them their red packets. These are the only ones they will be getting this year. Very precious to them. =P
Though hubby has gone to school, he will be back before 11am and we would go out. Kitchen is closed from today till the day he leaves for Hokkaido on Monday. =)
Being CNY, we thought we'd have a nice dinner. So we would be going to the Singapore restaurant nearby for dinner tonight. Really looking forward, but doubt that they will have yusheng there. I am so missing yusheng right now.
Yusheng is the highlight for me every CNY. Especially the one together with my grandma on 年初二. That's when we get together to 开年 at my aunt's place. The yusheng there is interesting. There are so many of us that we use a large pan for the yusheng. And we have to do it twice. The above 50yo will lohei first, then followed by the below 50yo. And it is always so much fun, and mess!
Anyways, then tomorrow hubby is taking all of us to a nice dinner to celebrate my birthday in advance. He will be in Hokkaido on that day.
Then the weekends we have planned to go to Chinatown @ Yokohama to soak in the CNY atmosphere. The only thing I am afraid of is the crowd. But thought that it might be a waste if we dont go and experience the celebrations there for ourselves.
So there. This is our CNY for 2011.
Have a healthy and blessed lunar new year everyone! =)
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
more tarts
The previous batch of pineapple tarts were so good that it gave me the courage to try again. And it so happened that the canned pineapples were on offer too! =)
Being braver, I decided to make smaller ones and shaped them into balls. Topped each one of them with a little cheese too. I was actually trying to replicate those that I had bought from HG central last year.
It was all fun till I took the pineapple filling out from the fridge. I then realised that I had cooked them too long this time. They were a tad too dry and became hard very quickly. I quickly added some water and steamed it for a bit. And continued with the process. Put them into the oven and hoped for the best.
Being braver, I decided to make smaller ones and shaped them into balls. Topped each one of them with a little cheese too. I was actually trying to replicate those that I had bought from HG central last year.
It was all fun till I took the pineapple filling out from the fridge. I then realised that I had cooked them too long this time. They were a tad too dry and became hard very quickly. I quickly added some water and steamed it for a bit. And continued with the process. Put them into the oven and hoped for the best.
They looked ok after about 30min in the oven. After they had cooled a bit, it was time for the taste test. It tasted great and I was so happy.
When Joanna came back from school and tried one, she said that it was too hard. Then I took one. Yes, the filling became harder after it was cooled. Much like those biscuits with the pineapple jam in between, the sticky, chewy type which they sell in large tins at coffee stalls.
But the taste was still ok, with a cup of hot tea, it was still good. =)
Now I am thinking if I should keep this as a tradition. To bake pineapple tarts for CNY every year. =P
Blessed Lunar New Year to you! =)
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
rachelle
For the past 2 weeks she has been limping. When we asked her what happened to her leg, she answer was either 'I dont know' or 'never mind la'.
This morning, after leaving the house for school, she came back home 5 minutes later. She said that her left knee hurt badly and cant go to school.
Hubby and I sat her down and asked her to recall what had happened to that knee. After much tracing back of the events and the days, she said that it could be during PE lesson some 2 weeks ago.
They were playing baseball. Her friend, after batting, had swung the bat off his hand. The handle of the bat struck Rachelle's knee. It hurt for that moment but for the rest of the day while she was seated in class, there was no pain. So she didnt think much of it.
For the past 2 weeks, she just couldnt make that connection, that the pain in her knee was caused by the bat hitting it. Strange. Hubby and I just found it so hard to understand.
Anyways, hubby brought her to the doctor and found out that it could be a strain or a tear in the ligament. Large pieces of salonpas were given and some medication for inflammation.
When she got home, she got bored. So she kept herself busy with some craft work. Then she sliced her finger with a brand new pen knife.
The penknife was so sharp that a small piece of flesh was almost completed sliced off from her left pointer finger. I had to add pressure to it for a long time before the bleeding eventually stopped. All the time, Rachelle did not feel pain.
I am amazed at the high threshold for pain this gal has.
Just now at bedtime, she thanked God that she didnt go to school but walked back home instead this morning. So that she could go to the doc to seek treatment. And also asked for a speedy recovery so that she can start playing again.
That's right.
Give thanks in ALL circumstances! =)
This morning, after leaving the house for school, she came back home 5 minutes later. She said that her left knee hurt badly and cant go to school.
Hubby and I sat her down and asked her to recall what had happened to that knee. After much tracing back of the events and the days, she said that it could be during PE lesson some 2 weeks ago.
They were playing baseball. Her friend, after batting, had swung the bat off his hand. The handle of the bat struck Rachelle's knee. It hurt for that moment but for the rest of the day while she was seated in class, there was no pain. So she didnt think much of it.
For the past 2 weeks, she just couldnt make that connection, that the pain in her knee was caused by the bat hitting it. Strange. Hubby and I just found it so hard to understand.
Anyways, hubby brought her to the doctor and found out that it could be a strain or a tear in the ligament. Large pieces of salonpas were given and some medication for inflammation.
When she got home, she got bored. So she kept herself busy with some craft work. Then she sliced her finger with a brand new pen knife.
The penknife was so sharp that a small piece of flesh was almost completed sliced off from her left pointer finger. I had to add pressure to it for a long time before the bleeding eventually stopped. All the time, Rachelle did not feel pain.
I am amazed at the high threshold for pain this gal has.
Just now at bedtime, she thanked God that she didnt go to school but walked back home instead this morning. So that she could go to the doc to seek treatment. And also asked for a speedy recovery so that she can start playing again.
That's right.
Give thanks in ALL circumstances! =)
roti john
Hubby and I were walking along the street when I spotted a man carrying a bagful of baguettes. And almost immediately, roti john came to my mind. I asked if hubby would like to eat roti john. He said ok and off we went to get ourselves a french loaf.
Chose the most easy recipe that I could find on the internet.
So with just a handful of minced meat, a large onion, 3 eggs and 2 french loaves, and in 10 minutes, we had roti john for tea this afternoon! And it was so good!
The sauce was really nice too, very authentic. All it took were some chilli sauce, ketchup, sugar and water.
Love this so much. Think gonna do this more often too. =)
Chose the most easy recipe that I could find on the internet.
So with just a handful of minced meat, a large onion, 3 eggs and 2 french loaves, and in 10 minutes, we had roti john for tea this afternoon! And it was so good!
The sauce was really nice too, very authentic. All it took were some chilli sauce, ketchup, sugar and water.Love this so much. Think gonna do this more often too. =)
Monday, 31 January 2011
last day of january
Time flies. It'll be February tomorrow. That means we'd be home in just about 2 months.
So are we excited?
Well, kinda.
Family and church make me wanna be home.
I miss the boys. I miss watching them grow up, learn new stuff. I miss going out after church with family. I miss celebrating all their birthdays. I miss extended mealtimes with family, especially now that CNY is just around the corner.
I miss my church. Attending church here is just different. Yes, same God, but the church is different. We literally have to drag ourselves to church every Sunday. And if we succeed in dragging ourselves there, we're off once the service is over. No connection. No friends.
The Singapore education system is the only thing we are not looking forward to going back to. The stress levels. The expectations. The exams, spellings, tests and projects.
It seems like just yesterday we unpacked our boxes. And it's just about time for us to be packing our boxes again.
I know these 8 weeks are just gone zoom by. But we are definitely gonna make the best of whatever days left here.
Another thing I know is that I may not have that much time to cook and bake when I get back. That's why I have been baking and knitting/crocheting so much lately.
It's gonna be an awesome 2 months! =)
So are we excited?
Well, kinda.
Family and church make me wanna be home.
I miss the boys. I miss watching them grow up, learn new stuff. I miss going out after church with family. I miss celebrating all their birthdays. I miss extended mealtimes with family, especially now that CNY is just around the corner.
I miss my church. Attending church here is just different. Yes, same God, but the church is different. We literally have to drag ourselves to church every Sunday. And if we succeed in dragging ourselves there, we're off once the service is over. No connection. No friends.
The Singapore education system is the only thing we are not looking forward to going back to. The stress levels. The expectations. The exams, spellings, tests and projects.
It seems like just yesterday we unpacked our boxes. And it's just about time for us to be packing our boxes again.
I know these 8 weeks are just gone zoom by. But we are definitely gonna make the best of whatever days left here.
Another thing I know is that I may not have that much time to cook and bake when I get back. That's why I have been baking and knitting/crocheting so much lately.
It's gonna be an awesome 2 months! =)
Sunday, 30 January 2011
snow
After much anticipation, it finally snowed this afternoon!
It was very cold the day before, thought that it would snow. But the sun came out just before noon, and no signs of snow.
Continued to be chilly today.
Gals and I went out for a short while and were back about 2pm. Then gals decided to play outside while I vacuumed the floor.
While vacuuming, I faintly heard some shouting. Switched off the machine and realised that Rachelle was yelling for me from downstairs.
When I reached the veranda, she was no longer there. Then I noticed some stuff floating in the air. Reminded me of 7th month festivities, the ashes flying everywhere. So I quickly entered the house and shut the windows, worried that they will fly into the house and dirty my newly vacuumed floors.
Then I thought to myself, no burning of incense here what? How can that be ashes? Then it dawned upon me that it was actually snow!
I went out again, and yes, indeed it was snowing! =)
Quickly went downstairs to join the gals. It was freezing, but it was so fun standing in the snow.
It snowed for just about an hour before the sun shone through the clouds again, and melted whatever little snowfall there was.
A pretty sight! =)
It was very cold the day before, thought that it would snow. But the sun came out just before noon, and no signs of snow.
Continued to be chilly today.
Gals and I went out for a short while and were back about 2pm. Then gals decided to play outside while I vacuumed the floor.
While vacuuming, I faintly heard some shouting. Switched off the machine and realised that Rachelle was yelling for me from downstairs.
When I reached the veranda, she was no longer there. Then I noticed some stuff floating in the air. Reminded me of 7th month festivities, the ashes flying everywhere. So I quickly entered the house and shut the windows, worried that they will fly into the house and dirty my newly vacuumed floors.
Then I thought to myself, no burning of incense here what? How can that be ashes? Then it dawned upon me that it was actually snow!
I went out again, and yes, indeed it was snowing! =)
Quickly went downstairs to join the gals. It was freezing, but it was so fun standing in the snow.
It snowed for just about an hour before the sun shone through the clouds again, and melted whatever little snowfall there was.
A pretty sight! =)
Friday, 28 January 2011
pineapple tarts
Browsing foodblogs is my latest hobby for now. So as I was browsing last night, I remembered I had once tagged a recipe for pineapple tarts as one of my favourite webpages.
The more I compared that recipe with a few others, the one I had really looked easy and do-able. But still, dared not try as I have heard how tedious it is to make pineapple tarts from scratch.
This morning, I found the passion to want to bake them! I mean, already there is no CNY mood here, let's make some pineapple tarts! What is CNY without them! And I love those with the filling on the iside ones, rather than those sitting on the pastry type.
So I layered myself up (yes, it was a really cold day today, 3 layers at least), and marched to the nearest supermarket. Actually not too sure if I was able to find the ingredients that the recipe calls for.
I was most happy to find all that I needed at the supermarket. Even though a usual can of pineapples would cost a third of the price back home.
As I walked home, I was already thinking how I should be blogging about this. i was really so excited about this. I was so determined to make this work. =P
Borrowed a food processor from my neighbour and bravely, I started baking!
Actually, the most daunting part of making these tarts is preparing the pineapple filling. These are readily available in Singapore. The recipe cheated, and used canned pineapples instead of fresh ones for the filling. And it was super easy! Just canned pineapples and sugar! Not only did it turn out perfect, it tasted great too!
While I let the filling cool, I started to make the pastry dough. I was surprised how easy and nice the dough turned out to be. Very mellable and yet did not stick to the hand.
The recipe states that it would yield 24 tarts. But I thought it was too big and I wanted more tarts so that I dont have to do this again. So, with Joanna's help, we divided the dough and filling into 30 portions.
Joanna was quite good at shaping the tarts and she managed to do 7. Not too bad I thought. And she helped glaze the tarts with egg yolk just before we put them into the oven.
Really had no idea how the tarts were gonna turn out.
After about 30min, the house was smelling so nice and it was time to take them out from the oven.
I was so impressed with how they looked, nice and lightly browned. =)
Then there was the taste test. Joanna and I shared one, and it was awesome! Wished we could eat more but too precious. After tasting one, that means we only have 29 left. And we have another 6 more days to CNY. =P
The pastry was so crumbly, firm enough to be held. Once in the mouth, it seems to melt! Even hubby said it is nice, and he is not a fan of pineapple tarts.
Happy. =)
The more I compared that recipe with a few others, the one I had really looked easy and do-able. But still, dared not try as I have heard how tedious it is to make pineapple tarts from scratch.
This morning, I found the passion to want to bake them! I mean, already there is no CNY mood here, let's make some pineapple tarts! What is CNY without them! And I love those with the filling on the iside ones, rather than those sitting on the pastry type.
So I layered myself up (yes, it was a really cold day today, 3 layers at least), and marched to the nearest supermarket. Actually not too sure if I was able to find the ingredients that the recipe calls for.
I was most happy to find all that I needed at the supermarket. Even though a usual can of pineapples would cost a third of the price back home.
As I walked home, I was already thinking how I should be blogging about this. i was really so excited about this. I was so determined to make this work. =P
Borrowed a food processor from my neighbour and bravely, I started baking!
Actually, the most daunting part of making these tarts is preparing the pineapple filling. These are readily available in Singapore. The recipe cheated, and used canned pineapples instead of fresh ones for the filling. And it was super easy! Just canned pineapples and sugar! Not only did it turn out perfect, it tasted great too!
While I let the filling cool, I started to make the pastry dough. I was surprised how easy and nice the dough turned out to be. Very mellable and yet did not stick to the hand.
The recipe states that it would yield 24 tarts. But I thought it was too big and I wanted more tarts so that I dont have to do this again. So, with Joanna's help, we divided the dough and filling into 30 portions.
Joanna was quite good at shaping the tarts and she managed to do 7. Not too bad I thought. And she helped glaze the tarts with egg yolk just before we put them into the oven.
Really had no idea how the tarts were gonna turn out.
After about 30min, the house was smelling so nice and it was time to take them out from the oven.
I was so impressed with how they looked, nice and lightly browned. =)
Then there was the taste test. Joanna and I shared one, and it was awesome! Wished we could eat more but too precious. After tasting one, that means we only have 29 left. And we have another 6 more days to CNY. =P
The pastry was so crumbly, firm enough to be held. Once in the mouth, it seems to melt! Even hubby said it is nice, and he is not a fan of pineapple tarts.
Happy. =)
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
bicycle 2
Rachelle learnt to ride a bicycle about 2 years ago. She can now handle an adult's bicycle. I find it amazing cos the bicycle is definitely too big and tall for her. The way she mounts and demounts, is like how the old uncles do. One foot on pedal, push bike forward and mount. Coming off the bike is also in a similar fashion.
She has been asking for permission to run errands for us using the bike. But because I was still not willing to let go, she has not done so, till today.
We were out of milk and the supermarket is about 10min walk from where we stay. She begged for a chance to prove to me that she can handle the bike and get the milk.
I granted her permission.
The whole time she was gone, I think I never stopped praying. Wondering if she knows how to watch for traffic since she would be cycling on the road. Wondering if she knew the route there and back.
She was back very soon and looking very confident and proud of herself.
I was happy and proud of her too.
That means she can help me run more errands! =)
She has been asking for permission to run errands for us using the bike. But because I was still not willing to let go, she has not done so, till today.
We were out of milk and the supermarket is about 10min walk from where we stay. She begged for a chance to prove to me that she can handle the bike and get the milk.
I granted her permission.
The whole time she was gone, I think I never stopped praying. Wondering if she knows how to watch for traffic since she would be cycling on the road. Wondering if she knew the route there and back.
She was back very soon and looking very confident and proud of herself.
I was happy and proud of her too.
That means she can help me run more errands! =)
bicycle 1
Joanna had for the longest time procrastinated learning to ride a bicycle. She said she was afraid of falling. But the funny thing is this gal can already ride a unicycle!
Last Sunday, she suddenly asked me to go down with her cos she wanted to learn how to ride a bicycle. So I did. In the cold winter wind blowing on my face and without my gloves, I was freezing!
Thank God hubby came home soon after and took over the coaching job. =P
Joanna was fast. Hubby did not really hold onto her bike for long periods. She was already balancing herself on the bike, just that she was not able to do the turns just yet.
On Monday, she requested to go practice on the bicycle with a neighbour. After about 15min, she came running through the door, declaring that she can cycle! =)
And since, she has been riding during her free time.
Last Sunday, she suddenly asked me to go down with her cos she wanted to learn how to ride a bicycle. So I did. In the cold winter wind blowing on my face and without my gloves, I was freezing!
Thank God hubby came home soon after and took over the coaching job. =P
Joanna was fast. Hubby did not really hold onto her bike for long periods. She was already balancing herself on the bike, just that she was not able to do the turns just yet.
On Monday, she requested to go practice on the bicycle with a neighbour. After about 15min, she came running through the door, declaring that she can cycle! =)
And since, she has been riding during her free time.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
manage expectations
We have trying to help the gals manage their expectations when it comes to school back in Singapore. Telling them that they are most likely to be placed in an average class and may not be in the same class as their friends.
Since the beginning of the school year, I thought that it might be good to find out what classes the gals are going to and also to get the Scheme of Work (SOW) for their subjects.
Gals will miss the whole of term 1 and 1st week of term 2.
After writing about 4 emails to the gals' school in Singapore, I finally got a reply from them. (That's because I cc-ed all HODs on the last email.)
Rachelle's going to 5A and Joanna to 3A.
When I told this to them, their responses were so different. Rachelle was elated to be in the same class again with most of her P4 classmates. While Joanna remarked, 'Huh?! Means must study very hard leh!'
Both classes are top classes in the respective levels.
Frankly, I am worried, especially for their Chinese Language and composition writing. And after looking at their SOWs to see what we need to catch up for this year, I am even more anxious.
Gals are returning in term 2 week 2.
Topical Assessments and Oral Exams start in week 4.
Semestral Assessment 1 starts in week 8.
Told hubby that we too, need to manage our expectations. We know that our gals will work hard even if we dont tell them to. But we need to prepare them mentally that their SA1 results may not be what they used to get in previous years.
Really hope that they do not put too much pressure on themselves to excel, but to take time to get re-adjusted back to the Singapore school system.
Besides managing the gals' and our own expectations, we need to also manage that of the teachers'. Gonna write them an email soon.
We'll just have to do what we can here and not be anxious.
Pray with us. =)
Since the beginning of the school year, I thought that it might be good to find out what classes the gals are going to and also to get the Scheme of Work (SOW) for their subjects.
Gals will miss the whole of term 1 and 1st week of term 2.
After writing about 4 emails to the gals' school in Singapore, I finally got a reply from them. (That's because I cc-ed all HODs on the last email.)
Rachelle's going to 5A and Joanna to 3A.
When I told this to them, their responses were so different. Rachelle was elated to be in the same class again with most of her P4 classmates. While Joanna remarked, 'Huh?! Means must study very hard leh!'
Both classes are top classes in the respective levels.
Frankly, I am worried, especially for their Chinese Language and composition writing. And after looking at their SOWs to see what we need to catch up for this year, I am even more anxious.
Gals are returning in term 2 week 2.
Topical Assessments and Oral Exams start in week 4.
Semestral Assessment 1 starts in week 8.
Told hubby that we too, need to manage our expectations. We know that our gals will work hard even if we dont tell them to. But we need to prepare them mentally that their SA1 results may not be what they used to get in previous years.
Really hope that they do not put too much pressure on themselves to excel, but to take time to get re-adjusted back to the Singapore school system.
Besides managing the gals' and our own expectations, we need to also manage that of the teachers'. Gonna write them an email soon.
We'll just have to do what we can here and not be anxious.
Pray with us. =)
hooked
I said that I will not start another knitwork.
So I started to crochet. And I love it! =)
This is done in 3 days.
Now I am on to yet another corchet project.
Just bought 10 balls of yarn and already I have used up 4! =P
So I started to crochet. And I love it! =)
This is done in 3 days.
Now I am on to yet another corchet project.Just bought 10 balls of yarn and already I have used up 4! =P
Saturday, 22 January 2011
reality check
Tonight's devotion was about how we should always be followers of God, not 'everyone'. What everyone does is not always the right things to do.
At the end of the devotion, Joanna commented that she knows whose examples she is not going to follow.
'Who?' I asked.
'Mommy and daddy's,' was her reply.
*heart skipped a beat*
'Why?' I probed.
'Mommy says we shouldnt use bad words like 'shit' but she sometimes uses them. And daddy does not allow us to watch TV during meal times but at the breakfast table, he is using his iPod touch.'
Wow. I was dumbfounded for a while. There was nothing wrong with what she has just said.
Trying to salvage whatever pride left in me, I asked another question.
'Is there nothing from us that you would want to follow?' I asked.
'Have la. But very little,' she said matter-of-factly.
I then apologised for not being a good example to them and sought for their understanding that mommy and daddy are not perfect, we still make mistakes like everyone else.
Tonight's was a good reality check for hubby and I.
Our children are sometimes our best mirrors.
Do we like what we see?
At the end of the devotion, Joanna commented that she knows whose examples she is not going to follow.
'Who?' I asked.
'Mommy and daddy's,' was her reply.
*heart skipped a beat*
'Why?' I probed.
'Mommy says we shouldnt use bad words like 'shit' but she sometimes uses them. And daddy does not allow us to watch TV during meal times but at the breakfast table, he is using his iPod touch.'
Wow. I was dumbfounded for a while. There was nothing wrong with what she has just said.
Trying to salvage whatever pride left in me, I asked another question.
'Is there nothing from us that you would want to follow?' I asked.
'Have la. But very little,' she said matter-of-factly.
I then apologised for not being a good example to them and sought for their understanding that mommy and daddy are not perfect, we still make mistakes like everyone else.
Tonight's was a good reality check for hubby and I.
Our children are sometimes our best mirrors.
Do we like what we see?
Thursday, 20 January 2011
flattered
Received a message from an ex-colleague on FB. She has also resigned as a teacher and is currently working with an educational publishing company.
The company is looking for voices to record their listening texts. She was so excited about the project that she told her project leader that she has a friend who has a DJ voice.
*blush*
So flattered ah.
Of course I jumped at the opportunity to try this out. I have to record me reading a comprehension text and email her. She will then give it to her boss to see if i make the cut.
Then there was this other issue about timing. It all happens so nicely that if I made it, recordings will only happen end March! That's when we return to Singapore! =)
She asked to quote them a price, a payment, per hour.
I absolutely have no clue. So that was what I told her. Then she asked me to take as a gauge, the company is paying someone, with experience, $200/hr.
*fwah*
Let's see how it goes la. See if I am what they are looking for first, before we talk money. =P
I am so looking forward to this.
This is so fun!
The company is looking for voices to record their listening texts. She was so excited about the project that she told her project leader that she has a friend who has a DJ voice.
*blush*
So flattered ah.
Of course I jumped at the opportunity to try this out. I have to record me reading a comprehension text and email her. She will then give it to her boss to see if i make the cut.
Then there was this other issue about timing. It all happens so nicely that if I made it, recordings will only happen end March! That's when we return to Singapore! =)
She asked to quote them a price, a payment, per hour.
I absolutely have no clue. So that was what I told her. Then she asked me to take as a gauge, the company is paying someone, with experience, $200/hr.
*fwah*
Let's see how it goes la. See if I am what they are looking for first, before we talk money. =P
I am so looking forward to this.
This is so fun!
sweet
Hubby was at a 宴会{enkai} tonight. On usual nights, he would join his friends for a 2nd party. That means more drinks after the 宴会. But tonight, he had already promised that he would not be going for the 2nd party.
So hubby was back before 8.30pm. =)
As he was telling the gals and I how fun the 宴会was, I asked if he was the only one not going for the 2nd party. To which his reply was 'yes'.
I noticed Rachelle's facial expression. It was a delicate mix of surprised and touched. And immediately, she rose from her seat, got out a bowl from the cupboard and started to scoop rice for hubby.
I quickly told hubby what I witnessed and Rachelle was so shy. She kept denying and said that I have misinterpreted her facial expression and her actions. *yah rite*
It's just so nice to see how different the relationship between them is right now. It has been a 180 degrees turn from before we left Singapore.
Grateful. =)
So hubby was back before 8.30pm. =)
As he was telling the gals and I how fun the 宴会was, I asked if he was the only one not going for the 2nd party. To which his reply was 'yes'.
I noticed Rachelle's facial expression. It was a delicate mix of surprised and touched. And immediately, she rose from her seat, got out a bowl from the cupboard and started to scoop rice for hubby.
I quickly told hubby what I witnessed and Rachelle was so shy. She kept denying and said that I have misinterpreted her facial expression and her actions. *yah rite*
It's just so nice to see how different the relationship between them is right now. It has been a 180 degrees turn from before we left Singapore.
Grateful. =)
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
knit
Completed the 4th and final ball of yarn today! And my new muffler scarf is all ready to be used! =)
This is the first time that I have knitted anything in my life. Even if I had started a project in the past, I dont remember completing it.
I am so proud of this. Though it was just a very simple project, no fancy needlework, it was still very rewarding. But I dont think I'll ever embark on anther knitting project.
There is just not enough reason to start one.It is time-consuming.
There is no winter in Singapore.
And it's just too warm to be wearing anything knitted.
So there, my first and (probably) last knitwork. =)
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
food-ful morning
Made a new batch of glutinous rice and 2 mini butter cakes.
Time really flies when you are having fun! =)
Time really flies when you are having fun! =)
Saturday, 15 January 2011
S.A.L.E.S.
I love sales! =)
Especially those at H&M. Never knew of such a brand till I came to Japan. Some how the cutting and the fit are just right for me. Sometimes it makes me feel that they have made their clothes just to fit me! =P
Today, after a satisfying buffet lunch with the gals, we headed to H&M. Big red signs that spell SALES were all over their shop window. Maybe it was a little cold to be outdoors, there werent too many people in the store though it is a Saturday.
Pants and jeans were going for as low as 1000yen, with translates to less than SGD16 per pair!The best part of it all, because Japanese ladies are just so petite, the sizes that were left behind were mostly mine!
Undies were like just 100yen for 3 pairs! That's about 50 cents per pair!
So, after about an hour in the store, I left with 2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of jeans and a decent number of intimate wear. All that for less than 3500yen! That's under SGD55!
So happy! =))
Especially those at H&M. Never knew of such a brand till I came to Japan. Some how the cutting and the fit are just right for me. Sometimes it makes me feel that they have made their clothes just to fit me! =P
Today, after a satisfying buffet lunch with the gals, we headed to H&M. Big red signs that spell SALES were all over their shop window. Maybe it was a little cold to be outdoors, there werent too many people in the store though it is a Saturday.
Pants and jeans were going for as low as 1000yen, with translates to less than SGD16 per pair!The best part of it all, because Japanese ladies are just so petite, the sizes that were left behind were mostly mine!
Undies were like just 100yen for 3 pairs! That's about 50 cents per pair!
So, after about an hour in the store, I left with 2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of jeans and a decent number of intimate wear. All that for less than 3500yen! That's under SGD55!
So happy! =))
Friday, 14 January 2011
getting paid
The gals have been lamenting how they are not given any pocket money here in Japan.
Well, lunch is prepared for by the school every day and there is neither a bookshop nor a canteen in the school. So why should they be given pocket money?
But they have been murmuring how if they had money, they would be able to save some and buy something when they had enough saved up.
And so, Rachelle suggested that she could do chores in the house and earn some money.
Initially hubby was agreeable to the idea, but I had my reservations.
Why should there be a price tagged to chores? Shouldnt it be done out of love? Out of care for the family? And not done because I am getting paid for it?
I know many parents who are doing this: rewarding their children in monetary form. It can be for an array of reasons, like getting good grades, washing the car, helping out at home, running errands, being obedient, and the list goes on.
But what everyone is doing does not make it the right thing to do, does it?
Personally, I feel that if I were to pay my kids for helping out in the house, that sounds so wrong. The subliminal message sent across is that I must get paid for doing something, even helping another. There is this mentality taught subconsciously: What am I getting in return?
So hubby and I talked over it. We then agreed that the gals should not be paid if they were to help out in the house, nor do anything for us, for money.
Then we explained our rationale to the gals and I am so glad that they understood where we are coming from.
Rachelle understood it so well that she made a Chores Coupon booklet for us. On each coupon, is written a chore that she is able to do, like make everyone's bed. And when we use the coupon, she will do it for free!
This system still has it's flaws. Like they only do or help out in the house only when asked.
But still, I think it is a much better system than getting paid for doing so!
Told the gals that money will be given them when they need it. Or when they wanna buy certain things, depending on its value and purpose, we will get it for them.
When we return to Singapore, they will get their pocket money because it is then necessary to have when in school.
There shouldnt be a price tag for love shown.
Well, lunch is prepared for by the school every day and there is neither a bookshop nor a canteen in the school. So why should they be given pocket money?
But they have been murmuring how if they had money, they would be able to save some and buy something when they had enough saved up.
And so, Rachelle suggested that she could do chores in the house and earn some money.
Initially hubby was agreeable to the idea, but I had my reservations.
Why should there be a price tagged to chores? Shouldnt it be done out of love? Out of care for the family? And not done because I am getting paid for it?
I know many parents who are doing this: rewarding their children in monetary form. It can be for an array of reasons, like getting good grades, washing the car, helping out at home, running errands, being obedient, and the list goes on.
But what everyone is doing does not make it the right thing to do, does it?
Personally, I feel that if I were to pay my kids for helping out in the house, that sounds so wrong. The subliminal message sent across is that I must get paid for doing something, even helping another. There is this mentality taught subconsciously: What am I getting in return?
So hubby and I talked over it. We then agreed that the gals should not be paid if they were to help out in the house, nor do anything for us, for money.
Then we explained our rationale to the gals and I am so glad that they understood where we are coming from.
Rachelle understood it so well that she made a Chores Coupon booklet for us. On each coupon, is written a chore that she is able to do, like make everyone's bed. And when we use the coupon, she will do it for free!
This system still has it's flaws. Like they only do or help out in the house only when asked.
But still, I think it is a much better system than getting paid for doing so!
Told the gals that money will be given them when they need it. Or when they wanna buy certain things, depending on its value and purpose, we will get it for them.
When we return to Singapore, they will get their pocket money because it is then necessary to have when in school.
There shouldnt be a price tag for love shown.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
mommy and the gals
It's just gonna be the gals and i for the next 7 days. Hubby's away to Okinawa and some other islands with the college. So in order to save some electricity, the gals are gonna be sleeping with me, so that we have to use only one heater in the night.
As it is not too cold today, lots of sun and all, the gals have gone out to play. And so the house is so quiet now. It has not been this quiet for a very long time. Feels kinda funny.
Think the most difficult would be the weekends. Wondering what the gals and i are gonna do. Maybe we could bake? Go out for a nice buffet lunch? That's about all i could think of right now. Cos it's getting to cold to be outdoors for long periods of time, so we cant do stuff like a picnic.
Back to 6 hours of me-time for the next 7 days. Since hubby had been out of college for more than a month, i kinda have forgotten how it was like already to have all 6 hours/day all to myself. Seems like a lots of time to me. Yikes! =(
Think i should start packing too.
It's just 2.5 more months here.
As it is not too cold today, lots of sun and all, the gals have gone out to play. And so the house is so quiet now. It has not been this quiet for a very long time. Feels kinda funny.
Think the most difficult would be the weekends. Wondering what the gals and i are gonna do. Maybe we could bake? Go out for a nice buffet lunch? That's about all i could think of right now. Cos it's getting to cold to be outdoors for long periods of time, so we cant do stuff like a picnic.
Back to 6 hours of me-time for the next 7 days. Since hubby had been out of college for more than a month, i kinda have forgotten how it was like already to have all 6 hours/day all to myself. Seems like a lots of time to me. Yikes! =(
Think i should start packing too.
It's just 2.5 more months here.
Monday, 10 January 2011
resigned
in another 2 hours... i will be officially unemployed...
tendered my resignation this afternoon... and within 30 minutes... my principal gave me her blessings... and MOE replied that my last day of service would be today...
thank God... everything was so smooth... so quick... so pleasant... =)
tendered my resignation this afternoon... and within 30 minutes... my principal gave me her blessings... and MOE replied that my last day of service would be today...
thank God... everything was so smooth... so quick... so pleasant... =)
Saturday, 8 January 2011
knitting
2 of their closer korean friends had started knitting some time ago... and while joanna was at their house playing... she tried to knit... and she loved it..!
over the new year... they each received an 'ang pow' from the parents of our host when we were ar Ishikawa-ken... so joanna decided to start knitting with the money she had...
upon her request... brought her to Daiso at Harajuku... where she bought her yarn and knitting needles... rachelle too decided that she would start knitting too...
but on the way home... joanna dropped her knitting needles and had to go to another mall to get them.... 5 times the cost of that at Daiso... so reluctantly... she parted with her money to buy another pair of knitting needles...
and so... the gals started knitting... joanna is really into it... and she is good at it too... she observed how i started the project for her... and how i remedied some of their mistakes... and very soon... she was on auto-pilot...
i cant say the same for rachelle though... tried as hard as she could... she kept making mistakes in her knit-work... and kept calling me for help like every other 2 minutes... which frustrated me much too...
but we soon realise that knitting is really not her thing... she is good at other stuff... like drawing... creating stuff from scrap... singing... dancing... studies... but just not knitting... and she has learnt to accept it...
and guess who inherited her yarn and needles..? =P
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
still entertaining
we had a japanese couple over for dinner tonight... they have plans to visit singapore some time this year...
as we would mot probably be putting them up at our place during their holiday... the husband suggested for the wives to get to know each other better... and so we hosted them tonight...
we had chicken rice... bak kut teh... stir-fry shrimp with broccoli... and as for desserts... strawberries with condensed milk... and home-baked cornflake cookies... we were drinking beer... wine... coffee...
cooking started as early as 2pm... with joanna going around to help me borrow a stock pot... large enough to fully submerge a 1.5kg chicken in it... =P
think i caught the flu bug or something... my nose was stuffy the whole day... yet runny... causing my eyes to be watery at times... so i was not really confident of the outcome of the dishes...
but thank God... it was all well... from the guests... hubby and gals... dinner was delish..! =)
i was exceptionally pleased with how the gals carried themselves... they were able to hold their own conversations with the guests... sat at the table throughout dinner... no need for any electronic 'distractions'...
the best part was when the guests had left... rachelle helped clear the table... wiped the table... then the gals did their online devotion... and then said their own prayers... and tucked themselves to bed... and very soon were fast asleep...
more to come... =)
as we would mot probably be putting them up at our place during their holiday... the husband suggested for the wives to get to know each other better... and so we hosted them tonight...
we had chicken rice... bak kut teh... stir-fry shrimp with broccoli... and as for desserts... strawberries with condensed milk... and home-baked cornflake cookies... we were drinking beer... wine... coffee...
cooking started as early as 2pm... with joanna going around to help me borrow a stock pot... large enough to fully submerge a 1.5kg chicken in it... =P
think i caught the flu bug or something... my nose was stuffy the whole day... yet runny... causing my eyes to be watery at times... so i was not really confident of the outcome of the dishes...
but thank God... it was all well... from the guests... hubby and gals... dinner was delish..! =)
i was exceptionally pleased with how the gals carried themselves... they were able to hold their own conversations with the guests... sat at the table throughout dinner... no need for any electronic 'distractions'...
the best part was when the guests had left... rachelle helped clear the table... wiped the table... then the gals did their online devotion... and then said their own prayers... and tucked themselves to bed... and very soon were fast asleep...
more to come... =)
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
first day of school
reading the updates on FB made me see how different singaporean parents are... as compared to japanese ones...
in singapore... the first day of school is always very chaotic... for every P1 pupil you see... there are at least 2 adults... some more... plus maid... plus grandparents... plus siblings...
the canteen and front porch are swarmed with anxious caregivers... armed with cameras... and video cameras... waving frantically... trying to catch the attention of the already overwhelmed kid...
and this scene... depending on schools... lasts about 3 days to a week...
here in japan... it is a totally different story...
all pupils walk to school... children are enrolled into schools based on where they live... so that there is no need for public transportation...
P1 pupils gather together... usually from the same living compound... then an older pupil will lead them to school... no parent tags along... no cars jamming the roads in front of the school...
and after school... they walk back home... in the same group...
personally... i prefer the japanese way... before i came to japan... i thought that my gals were independent... but after being here... i realise that japanese kids are far more independent... and less sheltered too...
gonna be back in the singapore system in less than 3 months... praying that the gals will adapt back smoothly... and quickly...
in singapore... the first day of school is always very chaotic... for every P1 pupil you see... there are at least 2 adults... some more... plus maid... plus grandparents... plus siblings...
the canteen and front porch are swarmed with anxious caregivers... armed with cameras... and video cameras... waving frantically... trying to catch the attention of the already overwhelmed kid...
and this scene... depending on schools... lasts about 3 days to a week...
here in japan... it is a totally different story...
all pupils walk to school... children are enrolled into schools based on where they live... so that there is no need for public transportation...
P1 pupils gather together... usually from the same living compound... then an older pupil will lead them to school... no parent tags along... no cars jamming the roads in front of the school...
and after school... they walk back home... in the same group...
personally... i prefer the japanese way... before i came to japan... i thought that my gals were independent... but after being here... i realise that japanese kids are far more independent... and less sheltered too...
gonna be back in the singapore system in less than 3 months... praying that the gals will adapt back smoothly... and quickly...
cook for me
as i was cooking dinner just now... the fragrance of the garlic browning in the pan filled the house... and joanna came out from her room... sniffing in hard... enjoying the aroma...
and she asked...
'will mommy continue to cook for me when we get back to singapore?'...
then i had to remind her that i will be going to work when we get back... and her face fell... and then asked again...
'can you then cook for me when you are on leave... or not working?'...
of course i can... i'd love to..! =)
it just felt so good to hear her ask me those questions... really feel so appreciated... i dun think my cooking is fantastic at all... but i guess this gal likes the idea of having mommy stay home... and doing mommy-stuff... basically just be around for her...
i'd love to... once in a while... but i dun think i can handle being a SAHM forever... =P
and she asked...
'will mommy continue to cook for me when we get back to singapore?'...
then i had to remind her that i will be going to work when we get back... and her face fell... and then asked again...
'can you then cook for me when you are on leave... or not working?'...
of course i can... i'd love to..! =)
it just felt so good to hear her ask me those questions... really feel so appreciated... i dun think my cooking is fantastic at all... but i guess this gal likes the idea of having mommy stay home... and doing mommy-stuff... basically just be around for her...
i'd love to... once in a while... but i dun think i can handle being a SAHM forever... =P
Monday, 3 January 2011
snowy new year..!
new year... new experiences..!
was away at hubby's buddy's hometown over the new year... another prefecture... up north... near the japan sea... checked the weather forecast before we left... and it showed snow..!
of course we were thrilled... but not too sure if we gonna like it... cos have never experienced snow before... not too sure how much to wear... or what to wear to keep warm...
but our anxieties were all washed away on our train ride there... it began to snow halfway... and looking at the snowy white landscapes... made us wanna get out there to touch and experience the snow..!
the gals just couldnt stop going 'wow' in the train... just so thrilled to see snow... for real... falling from the sky... we were told that it had not snowed in that particular prefecture for the past 5 years... God made it snow for us..! =P
so many new experiences... crossing into 2011 the japanese way... having slept in a japanese-styled house... in our futons on a winter's night... with electric blankets... touched snow... made snowman... snowball fights... snow angels... best sashimi... snow crab... so many..!
it was indeed a very memorable new year's day for us... what a great way to kick start 2011..! the beginning of many new experiences for us... as individuals... and as a family...
was away at hubby's buddy's hometown over the new year... another prefecture... up north... near the japan sea... checked the weather forecast before we left... and it showed snow..!
of course we were thrilled... but not too sure if we gonna like it... cos have never experienced snow before... not too sure how much to wear... or what to wear to keep warm...
but our anxieties were all washed away on our train ride there... it began to snow halfway... and looking at the snowy white landscapes... made us wanna get out there to touch and experience the snow..!
the gals just couldnt stop going 'wow' in the train... just so thrilled to see snow... for real... falling from the sky... we were told that it had not snowed in that particular prefecture for the past 5 years... God made it snow for us..! =P
so many new experiences... crossing into 2011 the japanese way... having slept in a japanese-styled house... in our futons on a winter's night... with electric blankets... touched snow... made snowman... snowball fights... snow angels... best sashimi... snow crab... so many..!
it was indeed a very memorable new year's day for us... what a great way to kick start 2011..! the beginning of many new experiences for us... as individuals... and as a family...
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
reflections of 2010
only 2 more days left of 2010...
i have been re-reading my blog... and amazed at how God has positioned us... and how He has been faithful... He has been good... He has been merciful...
the end 2009 was such an exciting time... it was also the start of a very uncertain journey... we knew by then we would be going to japan for a year... but no dates were given... though there were many uncertainties... i could feel deep within me... a peace that surpassed all understanding... i knew we were gonna be blessed beyond what we could imagine... and many ppl have come alongside to affirm that 2010 will be a year full of the Lord's blessings...
this year... 2010...
truly it was an amazing journey... i dun even know where to start to tell of all that we have been blessed with... it was truly a faith journey... how our faith has grown through the year... seeing Him answer our smallest prayer...
just before leaving for japan... i sensed in me that i would not be returning to teaching after one year... i would be involved in full time ministry... but the catch was this... it will not be in TPMC...
i could not see how it was ever gonna be happening at that time... if not TPMC... then where..? i have absolutely no qualification papers at all for any posts in any church... i dun play any instrument... i have not attended any bible college... seriously... i had nothing... but i left it as that... did not think much about it... just prayed with my eyes open...
then an opening to serve Him in full time capacity came... it literally fell from the sky... over FB chat... some time in august... and that's it... i was tentatively employed...
what i am about to do in 2011 is very exciting... stuff that i have never done before...
2010 has truly been an amazing year... although i hate for the year to come to an end... i do yearn for 2011 to come... i wanna see what God has in store for my family and i...
the past weeks have been seeking and praying... asking the Lord for a word in season... what will 2011 be like for us..?
and the message has been consistent...
'go and be a blessing to others'...
for as much as we have been blessed in 2010... our experiences... our walk... our journey... we are to be a blessing to others in 2011... and God has assured me that He will continue to bless us... that we will not be in lack as we bless others...
thanks for praying with us this year...
blessed new year everyone..! =)
i have been re-reading my blog... and amazed at how God has positioned us... and how He has been faithful... He has been good... He has been merciful...
the end 2009 was such an exciting time... it was also the start of a very uncertain journey... we knew by then we would be going to japan for a year... but no dates were given... though there were many uncertainties... i could feel deep within me... a peace that surpassed all understanding... i knew we were gonna be blessed beyond what we could imagine... and many ppl have come alongside to affirm that 2010 will be a year full of the Lord's blessings...
this year... 2010...
truly it was an amazing journey... i dun even know where to start to tell of all that we have been blessed with... it was truly a faith journey... how our faith has grown through the year... seeing Him answer our smallest prayer...
just before leaving for japan... i sensed in me that i would not be returning to teaching after one year... i would be involved in full time ministry... but the catch was this... it will not be in TPMC...
i could not see how it was ever gonna be happening at that time... if not TPMC... then where..? i have absolutely no qualification papers at all for any posts in any church... i dun play any instrument... i have not attended any bible college... seriously... i had nothing... but i left it as that... did not think much about it... just prayed with my eyes open...
then an opening to serve Him in full time capacity came... it literally fell from the sky... over FB chat... some time in august... and that's it... i was tentatively employed...
what i am about to do in 2011 is very exciting... stuff that i have never done before...
2010 has truly been an amazing year... although i hate for the year to come to an end... i do yearn for 2011 to come... i wanna see what God has in store for my family and i...
the past weeks have been seeking and praying... asking the Lord for a word in season... what will 2011 be like for us..?
and the message has been consistent...
'go and be a blessing to others'...
for as much as we have been blessed in 2010... our experiences... our walk... our journey... we are to be a blessing to others in 2011... and God has assured me that He will continue to bless us... that we will not be in lack as we bless others...
thanks for praying with us this year...
blessed new year everyone..! =)
Sunday, 26 December 2010
2-week holiday
school is closed till 11 jan 2011... school year does not end till march... so this is just a winter break...
will be making use of this time to cover more of the gals' syllabus from singapore... prepping them for their return... 2 hrs every day... for the next 2 weeks... =P
which also means that i will have to prepare lunch as well as dinner... lunches may be a little tricky as i will be coaching the gals form 9-11am... means that there is not much time for me to prepare for lunch...
in the mean time... we have already started to put aside stuff which we may be sending back home first... we have also started planning our return... lots of things to buy... prepare... and schedule...
now... what shall i prepare for lunch tmrw..?
will be making use of this time to cover more of the gals' syllabus from singapore... prepping them for their return... 2 hrs every day... for the next 2 weeks... =P
which also means that i will have to prepare lunch as well as dinner... lunches may be a little tricky as i will be coaching the gals form 9-11am... means that there is not much time for me to prepare for lunch...
in the mean time... we have already started to put aside stuff which we may be sending back home first... we have also started planning our return... lots of things to buy... prepare... and schedule...
now... what shall i prepare for lunch tmrw..?
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
christmas for me is...
because it's just so quiet... have been spending a lot of time... just thinking... just reflecting... was just thinking... what is christmas to me..?
parties..? gift-giving..?
yes... a large part of it... i must admit... it is a time for parties... and gift-giving... but when i think deeper... it's really more than that...
it just doesnt feel like christmas to me this year... is because... i am not sharing...
christmas is a time to share joy... to celebrate life... to tell another about the birth of Christ... all of which... i dun seem to be doing now...
christmas is a time for me to be involved in some evangelistic event... be it a musical... a seeker-service... anything... just to announce... to tell of Christ's birth...
maybe that's why i enjoy throwing parties... to share joy... to celebrate...
i even suggested to the gals... if we could go carolling... go knocking on our neighbours' doors... and just sing..!
but they were too shy to do it... thought it'll be fun... at least an opportunity to tell... or sing about the birth of Christ...
maybe there'll be a chance for me to share this year... to tell of the birth of Christ...
let's wait and see... =P
parties..? gift-giving..?
yes... a large part of it... i must admit... it is a time for parties... and gift-giving... but when i think deeper... it's really more than that...
it just doesnt feel like christmas to me this year... is because... i am not sharing...
christmas is a time to share joy... to celebrate life... to tell another about the birth of Christ... all of which... i dun seem to be doing now...
christmas is a time for me to be involved in some evangelistic event... be it a musical... a seeker-service... anything... just to announce... to tell of Christ's birth...
maybe that's why i enjoy throwing parties... to share joy... to celebrate...
i even suggested to the gals... if we could go carolling... go knocking on our neighbours' doors... and just sing..!
but they were too shy to do it... thought it'll be fun... at least an opportunity to tell... or sing about the birth of Christ...
maybe there'll be a chance for me to share this year... to tell of the birth of Christ...
let's wait and see... =P
christmas 2010
this must be the quietest... laziest... calmest... christmas by far...
usually... christmas time used to be one of the craziest times of the year... juggling rehearsals... planning of worship sets... christmas shopping... wrapping presents... coordinating parties... on top of all these... getting the gals ready for the next academic year... getting their books... wrapping the books... making sure that they can still fit into their uniforms...
the list goes on...
but this year... nothing... just visiting different malls to see their christmas illuminations... enjoying the cool weather... it's not even cold yet...
it's just 2 days to candlelight service... and it sure doesnt feel like christmas...
usually... christmas time used to be one of the craziest times of the year... juggling rehearsals... planning of worship sets... christmas shopping... wrapping presents... coordinating parties... on top of all these... getting the gals ready for the next academic year... getting their books... wrapping the books... making sure that they can still fit into their uniforms...
the list goes on...
but this year... nothing... just visiting different malls to see their christmas illuminations... enjoying the cool weather... it's not even cold yet...
it's just 2 days to candlelight service... and it sure doesnt feel like christmas...
phone
3 years... that's how long i have been holding onto the N95... too long...
this is a record for me... never have i held onto a phone for so long... usually before the contract is up... i'd be eyeing for a new one...
one of the first things that i will be buying myself... when i get back home... will be a new phone..! cant wait..! =P
this is a record for me... never have i held onto a phone for so long... usually before the contract is up... i'd be eyeing for a new one...
one of the first things that i will be buying myself... when i get back home... will be a new phone..! cant wait..! =P
devotions
2 days ago... we completed the last page of the daily devotional that we brought over... was wondering what to do... there was suggestion to start from day one... then i tried searching for one at amazon... but couldnt find anything suitable...
so last night... sitting in their beds... i asked joanna to choose a date... and she chose 8 feb... she said cos it's mommy's birthday... =)
and so... we did the devotional that was dated 8 feb...
tonight will be rachelle's turn to pick a date... think we'll make do with this system till i find something suitable online... =P
so last night... sitting in their beds... i asked joanna to choose a date... and she chose 8 feb... she said cos it's mommy's birthday... =)
and so... we did the devotional that was dated 8 feb...
tonight will be rachelle's turn to pick a date... think we'll make do with this system till i find something suitable online... =P
Saturday, 18 December 2010
our number game
2 days to lunch with host's wife
1 week to christmas
13 days to spending new year with a japanese family
2 weeks to new year
7 weeks to my birthday
2 months to weekend getaway with host family @ yamanashi
10 weeks to hubby's birthday
11 weeks to ski trip @ clubmed sahoro
14 weeks to going home
... ... ...
... ... ...
... ... ...
time flies
1 week to christmas
13 days to spending new year with a japanese family
2 weeks to new year
7 weeks to my birthday
2 months to weekend getaway with host family @ yamanashi
10 weeks to hubby's birthday
11 weeks to ski trip @ clubmed sahoro
14 weeks to going home
... ... ...
... ... ...
... ... ...
time flies
Thursday, 16 December 2010
ski gear
had waited a whole week for today's sale... actually... we chanced upon the announcement of the sale... while out having wagyu beef lunch... which makes it even more amazing... again a testimony of how God has provided for us...
before today's sale... we went about the shops... checking out prices... designs... and being first-timers... learnt from the various shops... and also the internet... on what is the essential gear for skiing...
it all seemed very expensive... costing about $400 just for one ski jacket... and just as much for the ski pants... the ones for children were not much cheaper too...
so we have been praying for ridiculously good bargains at the sale...
we reached early enough to be the first 50 in the queue... and the bargains were really good..!
and after 2 hours of shopping... we bought...
hubby...
ski jacket... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks... goggles... gloves...
gals...
ski jackets... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks each... goggles... gloves... neck warmers... beanies...
myself...
ski jacket... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks... goggles... gloves... neck warmer... beanie...
everything was less than half price... way less..!
let's go skiing..! =)
before today's sale... we went about the shops... checking out prices... designs... and being first-timers... learnt from the various shops... and also the internet... on what is the essential gear for skiing...
it all seemed very expensive... costing about $400 just for one ski jacket... and just as much for the ski pants... the ones for children were not much cheaper too...
so we have been praying for ridiculously good bargains at the sale...
we reached early enough to be the first 50 in the queue... and the bargains were really good..!
and after 2 hours of shopping... we bought...
hubby...
ski jacket... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks... goggles... gloves...
gals...
ski jackets... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks each... goggles... gloves... neck warmers... beanies...
myself...
ski jacket... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks... goggles... gloves... neck warmer... beanie...
everything was less than half price... way less..!
let's go skiing..! =)
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
rachelle's prayer
one of the devotions last week was about christian disciplines... and prayer was highlighted in that particular devotion... and so... the gals started taking turns to pray during devotions...
just 2 nights ago... this is how rachelle prayed...
'... ... pray that i will get good results for my PSLE... and mei mei... will get into the GEP next year...'
wow... 2 more years to PSLE for her... and she has already started praying... i see a top student in the making..! LOL
i'm just glad that my gals are praying... and for us as parents... we are thankful that we have persevered the daily devotions with them... seems to be reaping it's rewards...
keep growing in the Lord my darlings... =)
just 2 nights ago... this is how rachelle prayed...
'... ... pray that i will get good results for my PSLE... and mei mei... will get into the GEP next year...'
wow... 2 more years to PSLE for her... and she has already started praying... i see a top student in the making..! LOL
i'm just glad that my gals are praying... and for us as parents... we are thankful that we have persevered the daily devotions with them... seems to be reaping it's rewards...
keep growing in the Lord my darlings... =)
quiet morning
it's been a while... that i am just on my own in the mornings... hubby has been away from college for the past month... he doesnt need to attend the classes as they are meant only for the japanese students...
so we have been out on most days... which means more eating and spending... that explains the reading on my weighing machine... =(
this morning... he has gone to college to settle some admin stuff... like applying for leave for our trip...so it's just me and my coffee for now... =)
and he had to call me just now... to tell me the dates for his hokkaido trip in feb... with the college... only 3 days... and my birthday is sandwiched between those dates... that's 2 consecutive years that he is missing my birthday... hmph...
but considering how much time we have this year... ok la... anyways the 3 days are weekdays... at least it's not over the weekends... =P
so we have been out on most days... which means more eating and spending... that explains the reading on my weighing machine... =(
this morning... he has gone to college to settle some admin stuff... like applying for leave for our trip...so it's just me and my coffee for now... =)
and he had to call me just now... to tell me the dates for his hokkaido trip in feb... with the college... only 3 days... and my birthday is sandwiched between those dates... that's 2 consecutive years that he is missing my birthday... hmph...
but considering how much time we have this year... ok la... anyways the 3 days are weekdays... at least it's not over the weekends... =P
thoughts on parenting
buses here are really small... 20 passengers max... we were on one after church last sunday... then 2 mothers and their 2 sons boarded the bus... moms were japs... believe that the sons' fathers were africans...
the older boy was able to sit and be quiet... but oh... not the younger one... i reckon... about 6-7yo... and boy... wad a handful he was...
he refused to sit... wanted to run up and down the bus... and when mom tried to restrain him by grabbing the clothes of his left shoulder... he wiggled and whined... and then crawl up mom's skirt..!
the whole time... my gals were just stunned at the behaviour...
all mom did was... 'please stop it'... in jap... while still holding onto his shirt... and boy is like all over the floor... with his head up her skirt... and trying to lift it up...
at this time hubby stood up from his seat... grabbed hold of the boy... looked him in the eye... and told him to sit down... and stop causing trouble... *my hero...* =)
but the peace didnt last 2 min... and he was up and tried to escape from his mom again... poor mom... from hubby's face... i could tell that he was so close to slapping the child... haha...
thankfully... we had reached the terminal... and we all got off the bus...
almost immediately... the gals started talking about the incident... and then asked us what we would have done if THEY were behaving like that in public...
i tried to think of an answer as to how i'd tackle such a situation... but hubby came in and said... 'we dont have to handle this... cos we know our gals will never behave like that in public'...
and that is so true... most 'manifestations' we so often see in public... are just because 'teaching' has been lacking at home...
like the case of the boy... if the boy had been taught the meaning of 'no'... or 'stop it' at home... or if mom has been consistent at home... such a scene may not have happened...
i feel really old when i broach this subject on parenting... like i belong to my mom's era... or even my grandma's... =P
parents in my generation seem to find it so difficult to say 'no' to their children... maybe it's because of the little time that they have with their children... and so... wanting each moment to be sweet and memorable...
we are so afraid to see the child cry... or fuss... or scream...
well... if the child has never been taught 'no'... yes... he'll cry... fuss and scream... all at the same time... and loudly too... but it'll all pass... he'll know that crying and fussing and screaming... will not get him what he wants...
sometimes.... in fact most of the times... it is our inconsistencies as parents... that have confused our children... we just wanna give them what they want... so that they'll stop bugging us...
but i personally think that it's a lose-lose situation... the child has lost the opportunity to learn... and the parents... the opportunity to seize that moment... and turn it into a teachable moment...
yes... all these take time... but it sure gets easier with time... and consistency...
and yes... you may sound and look so cruel compared to your peers... but keep at it for a few years... and see for yourself... the fruits of your labour...
learn to say 'no' to your children... even if they are just toddlers... it is a myth that they do not understand 'no'... of course they do... we just gotta be consistent... so that they know that 'no' means no... and not 'maybe... depending on your mood'...
the older boy was able to sit and be quiet... but oh... not the younger one... i reckon... about 6-7yo... and boy... wad a handful he was...
he refused to sit... wanted to run up and down the bus... and when mom tried to restrain him by grabbing the clothes of his left shoulder... he wiggled and whined... and then crawl up mom's skirt..!
the whole time... my gals were just stunned at the behaviour...
all mom did was... 'please stop it'... in jap... while still holding onto his shirt... and boy is like all over the floor... with his head up her skirt... and trying to lift it up...
at this time hubby stood up from his seat... grabbed hold of the boy... looked him in the eye... and told him to sit down... and stop causing trouble... *my hero...* =)
but the peace didnt last 2 min... and he was up and tried to escape from his mom again... poor mom... from hubby's face... i could tell that he was so close to slapping the child... haha...
thankfully... we had reached the terminal... and we all got off the bus...
almost immediately... the gals started talking about the incident... and then asked us what we would have done if THEY were behaving like that in public...
i tried to think of an answer as to how i'd tackle such a situation... but hubby came in and said... 'we dont have to handle this... cos we know our gals will never behave like that in public'...
and that is so true... most 'manifestations' we so often see in public... are just because 'teaching' has been lacking at home...
like the case of the boy... if the boy had been taught the meaning of 'no'... or 'stop it' at home... or if mom has been consistent at home... such a scene may not have happened...
i feel really old when i broach this subject on parenting... like i belong to my mom's era... or even my grandma's... =P
parents in my generation seem to find it so difficult to say 'no' to their children... maybe it's because of the little time that they have with their children... and so... wanting each moment to be sweet and memorable...
we are so afraid to see the child cry... or fuss... or scream...
well... if the child has never been taught 'no'... yes... he'll cry... fuss and scream... all at the same time... and loudly too... but it'll all pass... he'll know that crying and fussing and screaming... will not get him what he wants...
sometimes.... in fact most of the times... it is our inconsistencies as parents... that have confused our children... we just wanna give them what they want... so that they'll stop bugging us...
but i personally think that it's a lose-lose situation... the child has lost the opportunity to learn... and the parents... the opportunity to seize that moment... and turn it into a teachable moment...
yes... all these take time... but it sure gets easier with time... and consistency...
and yes... you may sound and look so cruel compared to your peers... but keep at it for a few years... and see for yourself... the fruits of your labour...
learn to say 'no' to your children... even if they are just toddlers... it is a myth that they do not understand 'no'... of course they do... we just gotta be consistent... so that they know that 'no' means no... and not 'maybe... depending on your mood'...
Sunday, 12 December 2010
christmas presents
told the gals that their presents this year will have to be inexpensive...
we dont wanna be spending on stuff like a unicyle... a bicycle... a laptop... cos it will mean that we will need to ship them back home in less than 4 months...
so for joanna and myself... we each got a down jacket from hubby... =)
we dont wanna be spending on stuff like a unicyle... a bicycle... a laptop... cos it will mean that we will need to ship them back home in less than 4 months...
so for joanna and myself... we each got a down jacket from hubby... =)
rachelle had a hard time deciding what she wanted for christmas... it was only yesterday that she decided to have a new hairdo for christmas... she wanted to have a fringe... for a change...
and so... we made an appointment with the only hairdresser we know... and arranged for her to have her hair done today...
and so... we made an appointment with the only hairdresser we know... and arranged for her to have her hair done today...
think rachelle looks good in her new hair-do..! =)
my present to hubby is a bag... rather unique... it's a tausche bag... didnt take a photo of it yet... but we think the bags are just so cool... made in germany... and the shop in japan... is 1 of the 5 in the world... 4 in germany...
this season used to be the 'wrapping season' for me... wrapping numerous presents... and new textbooks for thew new year... but this year... we're just shopping and eating..! =P
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