SHORT UPDATES
I have just started my Creative Writing module today. It's was good cos it was like an English revision for me........... similes, metaphors, abverbs.......blah blah blah......... I realised that I really forgotten and don't know lots of stuff concerning the English Language............ I could literally see some stars revolving round my head! But I managed to smoke my way thru' this first lesson. I had better start reading up now!

Towards the end of the lesson, I was actually stoning and yawning away (not that it was boring!) cos I did not have a good sleep last night. Joash kept us awake thru' the night cos he was not well........ kept crying and wanting us to carry him.......... I finally get to sleep at abot 6.30 am!! I hope his fever will go off soon.....poor boy.........hmm.............. poor us too!

Btw, the unhappy incident is over......... to me it was a big joke................ so dumb and silly.............. I think people need to learn to listen not just with their hearts but also with their minds............. they need to use their brains! Anyway, all is well............. hopefully.............. by the end of this week.

Alright, that's all I want to say tonight............. cos I am as stone as a stone and as sleepy as Garfield........haha........so much for smilies!!
posted by "Sum" Teacher at 6/27/2007 11:33:00 PM | 0 comments |
JB SHOPPING AND SOME THOTS



We had a fun trip to JB for shopping yesterday. Altho' we felt we should have just stayed in City Square....anyway....we're planning for our 2nd trip alr........haha........we're really shopaholics! Thanks Mich for the car.

I don't really have the mood to write more about the trip..........just enjoy the pics. We just had dinner at Crystal Cafe Taiwan Porridge (I need comfort food!) with Gil & Jian Long...... thanks for the company.

Actually, I was feeling rather saddened by some things today. Kept wondering why such a thing can happen in a place where you were supposed to be refreshed instead of demoralized! Why can't we just serve and be happy........ all I want is some peace and quietness............... can we just stop all these nonsense!!!!!! Can you guys just leave us alone??? I think I am beginning to lose my enjoyment in the things I am doing.............. whatever.............anything!

But just when I was feeling lousy....... I picked up a card given by someone and read it ........ it brought tears into our eyes (Tommy was also touched!).

It's like a surge of life that flows through all my unhappy thots. I am very thankful to have known this person............ I agree.....we do need each other...........and thanks for your support! I was reminded that GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART AND MY PORTION FOREVER (this was what spoke to me when Barn passed away)! And I remembered saying that A THANKFUL HEART IS A HAPPY HEART too! I am glad God is with us and seeing us thru' our heartaches........yup....I am rather heartbroken and disappointed by what had happened today............... thank you my friend for being the vessel that God used to lift up my spirit.....love you! And yes........Gillian............thanks for listening too!

posted by "Sum" Teacher at 6/25/2007 12:35:00 AM | 0 comments |
SPEECH & DRAMA EXAM IS OVER & OTHER STUFF
YEAH YEAH YEAH!! I have finshed my Speech & Drama module....... one more to go...... Creative Writing will start next Wednesday................. in the mean time, I will be resting and going JB to shop tomorrow........... I am so excited (Mich, I am sure you are too!)!

Gillian came over to play with Joash in the evening and got me dinner........ thks gil....you're the best! She just returned from Thailand last Sunday. This sweet Godma of Joash bought us some stuff from there. Take a look at them:

DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S THESE?
POST YR ANS ON MY TAGBOX AND IF YOU'RE THE FIRST PERSON WHO GOT THE ANS RIGHT, YOU WIN YOURSELF A BAR OF CHOCOLATE - SORRY GILIAN YOU'RE NOT INCLUDED BUT I WILL STILL GIVE YOU A BAR OF CHOCOLATE COS YOU SO NICE MAH!

She also bought us a box of mini cream puffs. They were so yummy that we finish them up the next day so no pic....sorry! If I go thailand next year, I will sure buy 10 boxes and finished it up for supper with Tommy............. but will exercise after that....haha!




She bought me a sexy red batik dress, a ladybird bag, bangles & earrings. She got Tommy an iron on crown sticker. And she bought for her Godson a jumper, shirt & an iron on "boy playing soccer" sticker.................... I am sure some of you are looking on with envy......... neh ne neh ne bu bu................... she is my son's Godma.............. too bad hahahahaha!

Updates on Joash: Ever since he started walking, he has been playing "Hide & Seek" with us everyday. He will hide behind curtains and wait for us to search for him or hide in a corner until we scream for him................... ai yo.........this boy is really cheeky. Actually, it's quite fun to play with him now. He is also getting more "manjah" now......we need to sleep beside his playpen until he falls asleep every night. He used to be able to sleep on his own........sigh! His vocabularly has also increased............... most recent words are"where" & "please"................. and he knows how to blow kisses now! Tommy & I are really busy with taking care of him these days.

That's all for tonight.............. nite nite and tata! Jusco.....see you tomorrow!

posted by "Sum" Teacher at 6/22/2007 11:28:00 PM | 0 comments |
PERSONALITY TESTs
I am really so into personality tests that when I saw these tests on Fiona's blog, I got an account immediately.......... man....... I am a sad case of personality tests addict!

Anyway......... the tests:

Take this test at Tickle

You're a Hipster

That's right, funny girl, you know how to use your quick wit and wise cracks to work a room, a party, or even that cute guy you've been eyeing. So even if you've never donned some super silly and sexy hipsters, these hot undies match your sweet and fun-loving personality.

It's easy to see why a great girl like you is so popular. Your charm and style help you wade through tough situations and glide through good ones. And you'll do it all with a smile on your face. What could be sweeter?

What's Your Panty Personality?

Brought to you by Tickle



Take this test at Tickle

Your Attitude makes you bewitching

You know what they say — attitude is everything. And in your case, it's certainly one of your finest and most alluring characteristics.

Leave the complications to other people. You know how to keep things lighthearted and upbeat. A free-spirit, you don't sweat the small stuff and prefer to take things in stride. Cheerful and laidback, you light up any room, party, or boring meeting with your dazzling personality — without even twinkling your nose. And that's bewitching. Keep it up!
Are You Bewitching?

Brought to you by Tickle

Even tho' I put up a post today on Father's Day............ I knew I just have to put these tests results up before I sleep cos it's so cute and.....haha.......so true.............. you agree?
posted by "Sum" Teacher at 6/21/2007 12:24:00 AM | 0 comments |
FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL
FATHER'S DAY WITH THE TANS





We went to Toa Payoh last Saturday to visit Tommy's parents. It wasn't to celebrate Father's Day cos it's not in their tradition. We wanted to just let them see Joash and give hong bao. They are very traditional type but nice nevertheless. Joash was a little scare when he entered the house but after some warming up (I had to give him yogurt to calm him down!), he started to play with my in laws. I can tell that they really like Joash a lot. My MIL told Tommy that my FIL thinks that Joash is very handsome but being traditional....they are not supposed to say nice things in front of the kids...... strange! My FIL kept asking us to visit them more regular so that Joash can recognise them........... i just smile....cos I am not in the habit of visiting....haha....not even my own parents........ my parents visit me instead.............. so bad right????? BTW, Tommy is the seventh kid in the family, that's why his parents looks much older than mine. His mom had him at 38! They are very productive people......... hee........ last time got no recreation so when bored, just do la....if you know what I mean! We left at about 9 plus.


FATHER'S DAY WITH THE SUMS





On the other hand, the Sum Family is the super happening type............. loud and siao............ My parents used to leave us with my grandma when we were kids just so that they can go disco till next morning! Terrible right............... now I know where my siaoness comes from.... it's all in the genes. My family always have a reason to celebrate....from birthdays to Christmas to Mom's day and sometimes.......even Labour day!

We celebrated Father's Day at Kam Yum Boat Dim Sum Restaurant at Marina Sq. This is like my 3rd time eating in this restaurant this year. But this is the nicest dinner of all! We ordered the "Buddha Jumps Over The Wall" Set meal. It's my dad's treat but we got to give him big ang baos. We had lots of good food...... see pics! As usual......here goes my comments & ratings:

1) Buddha Jumps Over The Walls: The soup is sweet and nice tho' I felt they could add a bit more salt but everyone seems to be fine with it. The abalone and shark fins were yummy but on the small side. I like the chicken most....... cos it's so tender till it melts in my mouth! 8/10

2) Thai Sauce Scallop & Fish Cake: This is my fave! It's crisy and soft on the inside........ the sauce is sweet and nice altho' I think I can taste some coriander leaves (I hate them!).......... but the rest of the sauce masked it's taste quite well. I wish I could have more....one piece not enough! 9/10

3) Deep Fried Sook Hock Fish: One word - GOOD! Joash likes it too! 8/10

4) Roasted Chicken: Tender and crispy.... even the breast meat is soft. Joash ate quite a lot of chicken! 8/10

5) EE FU noodles with scallops: This is like the whiter version of the usual ee fu noodles plus lots of fried scallops. It is ok....... not something that I would crave for. 7/10

6) Cantonese Dumpling: This is my first time tasting it. Quite nice & salty. There are meat, scallops, mushroom and chestnuts in it. And it's HUGE..... One dumpling can be shared among 4 persons. 7/10

7) Desserts: YUMMY! The mango pudding is must try...... creamy with real mangoes....... Joash love it! The Gui ling Gao is the fave of everyone on the table. Red bean soup & Chin Teng are nice too! 8/10

8) Service: The Manager is my dad's friend so we got lots of freebies and discount. She is very friendly. She even prepared a mango pudding for my son plus kept reminding me to take my things. She also helped me to heat up Joash's milk. What a sweet lady! 9/10

Needless to say, I will return for more! Whoever likes cantonese cuisine should try the food there. We had a great time together. I love you daddy!

And yes...... we met Jenny and her family at the restaurant too. They were sitting behind us....... so "qiao"!

Before I end my post....................... just want to tell my dearest HB that he is the best Papa that Joash can ever have! I love you and.......

HAPPY BELATED FATHER'S DAY!

posted by "Sum" Teacher at 6/20/2007 02:55:00 PM | 0 comments |
CHURCH CAMP AT PULAI DESARU
DAY 1 - 10/6/07






We drove (Rachel's car....thanks Ra Ra!) to Desaru after Joash's lunch.....about 11.30am. It was a rather smooth journey tho' there were some showers along the way. The overtakings that Tommy did were really scary till I kept shouting "Jesus..... help!". Rachel & Gillian were with us too. All of us had a short naps in the car....... except Tommy.....of course!

We arrived in Pulai Desaru Resort about 2.45 pm. The keys were not ready so we had our lunch first. The first lunch was quite yucky cos the food were cold (we arrived late!) and tasted strange too! So we only had a few mouthfuls of it. I tried feeding Joash some milk but failed! We had to feed him in Xinying's room (thanks sexy!) with his Barney show........sigh!

At about 3 plus, we finally got our keys. The room was nice and cool. We started to unload our "many many many" stuffs. I even set up a mini kitchen beside the tv! True to what my neighbour said............. the water was brown but thank God, there were no big ants and black outs.....phew! Nevertheless, Joash enjoyed all his bath cos he liked the shower tap and the water......... kept laughing and walking around.We had our camp briefing at about 5.30 pm

After the briefing, we had dinner (al fresco.... wish there were aircon....... I am so spoilt!) The food was better than those during lunch time tho' they looked kind of similar....haha.....chicken & fish........ but no complains! After dinner, we had our first session. We (or rather they) played many ice-breaker games and there was also praise & worship. I never had a chance to join in cos got to take care of Joash. Tommy was also helping me with many others who were trying to "siam" the games.......hahaha!

Joash made some new friends in the camp too! His fave was Leandra! They had fun playing together. We went back to the room at about 10 pm. Joash had a hard time sleeping cos it was a new environment for him. He kept looking around and rolling in his playpen till about 11.30 pm. Fortunately, he slept thru' the night!


DAY 2 - 11/6/07





We woke up to a sumptuous breakfast. I think the breakfasts were the best meal of the day! We had eggs, cornflakes, nasi lemak with the very shiok chilli......lots of others as well. Joash woke up early and was tired by about 10 am so he had a power nap during the seesion.

Ps. Benny, our camp speaker cum founder of YMM arrived last night. We had our first seesion of teaching with him. As usual, he was fantastic tho' I only managed to hear 1 or 2 sentences of what he said.......haha....too distracted with Joash.....what to do......he is still young mah! I will get the cds after the camp.

Day 2 was the most enjoyable day of the camp for me cos we got to swim and play around with friends. Joash also had a good time tho' he cried when he entered the pool. But after a while , he got used to it and started to play with the toys we brought in the pool. The young people were doing some stunts in the pool......funny............ see pics for full story. There were also some "baywatch babes" but sorry...... no "baywatch hunks"! We had a good dinner after that ...........the desserts was yummy!

Tommy and I had to play drums (Tom) and sing (me) for the evening session. It's been some time since we served together.....really missed it! Gillian & Mich took care of Joash while we were serving in front. I think they had a hard time cos Joash was crying. After singing, we had to take care of Joash again so don't exactly know what's happening in front. There were ministry after the session but I had to bring Joash back to the room to sleep cos he was feeling very tired. This time he slept almost immediately after I put him down on his playpen. And yup.....he slept thru' the night.


DAY 3 - 12/6/07




Joash woke up at about 7.30 am. We did the usual routine of breakfast and the teaching session. He was feeling so tired by 9 plus that he slept most part of the Praise & Worship time. But he woke up halfway thru' the sermons and got up immediately to play........... he smile almost instantly at everyone when he got up........ so funny!

Lunch was on our own that day. We did not sign up for the seafood cum farm tour cos we know Joash would be too tired and grouchy after that. But we did have a seafood feast for lunch on our own with those that did not go on the tour as well. The food was very good. We finished almost everything on the table but the price was on the steep side (490 RM) as we can also get seafood at a cheaper price in Malaysia......... anyway.....they provide transport so maybe they add in the extra cost. We also bought lots of snacks at the provision shop. After makaning, we went back to the hotel to rest.

Joash did not have a proper nap that day but was still manageable. Tommy had to lead worship and I had to sing for the evening session so Gil & Mich helped us out again. Rachel can sing sing really well......... miss her "yi sheng ai ni" song! She partnered Tommy in the leading. I enjoyed the worship very much that night. The message was also good and Ps. Benny ended it with a video about a man who had a heart for a rubbish town in Cairos. Thru' his acts of kindness and prayers, many came to know the Lord. After the video, there were ministry. All the church leaders prayed for everyone.....except Tommy & I cos I had to bring Joash back to sleep and Tommy was on the stage! Nicky was so sweet to accompany me back to the room....... thanks sweetie pie!

When Tommy came back from the auditorium, we had instant noodle for supper. Jian Long came over for a chat too. He left shortly to join others for the last night "party"! Tommy & I continued to chat till late but it was so nice to just have our time together.


DAY 4 - 13/6/07




We got up early to pack our stuff cos we had lots to pack!! I even brought breakfast into the room. Joash woke up early again. We managed to pack almost everything before the last session start.

We had a good last session with testimonies tho' we weren't there cos we had to feed Joash in the room. I only managed to hear the last few testimonies. After that we had lunch and check out by 12 pm. We wanted to go to Salvation book store to get something on our way back.

On our way there, we past by A&W restaurant. That got us really excited........ hadn't seen A&W for a long time so we popped in for a drink and some waffles and fries! As you can see........ we took lots of pics............. very SK ....haha! We headed for the book store after filling our tummies with all the root beer! But to our disappointment, it wasn't there anymore! So we went straight back home and........... we got lost halfway too, thanks to the driver!

By the time we reached home, it was already 5 plus and guess what........ we met up with some friends in the evening for dinner at KFC.......... haha! Overall we had a great trip.

AFTER THOTS:
1. Joash is quite adaptable afterall. He slept thru' the night for the entire camp. Maybe we can start considering going somewhere further. Btw, I pumped only once now cos at the camp, I tried to skip a pumping time and I mangened to endured thru' the pain. Hopefully, Joash can wean off BM soon.

2. This camp stirred up some emotions in me and some thots as well...... sorry....not sharing here!

3. The only words I remembered or rather heard from the camp are" what you enjoyed, it will last........" Hmm................ set me thinking about something too! I hope I am enjoying what I am doing now. Got to make some serious decisions from now till end of the year.

4. Friends are important. They make your life sweeter............ they are like the cherry on a scoop of ice-cream and marshmallows in a cup of hot chocolate. Gillian, Michelle & Rachel, thank you for being the cherries & marshallows during the camp. We really appreciate all your help. And a big thank you to the rest of the marshmallows who had also lend us a helping hand when we needed one.

Alright, I've got to prepare for my Speech & Drama Practicum tonight.....scare scare!

posted by "Sum" Teacher at 6/15/2007 12:42:00 AM | 0 comments |
A SHORT POST BEFORE CAMP......
This week had been really "drama" ........ totally unbelievable.................... still cannot truly take in all the events that took place....... but sorry...... can't tell you! Haha....... but I will just talk about some not so serious ones here........... I shall start with the happiest event.........yes...........it's an unforgettable and lovely suprise for us............."drum roll"....................
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JOASH WALK ON HIS OWN TODAY!!!!!!!!
He stood up and started to walk round the living room and by evening, he had explored the whole house! Tommy & I were so excited and glad to see him taking his first steps.......... so cute.......... He finally crossed this development milestone...........Tommy will load the videos when we're back from camp! Tune in ok??
Now for the 2nd event:
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No...... I am not pregnant!
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WE WILL BE GOING FOR OUR FIRST FAMILY OVERSEAS TRIP TOMORROW!
Yup.......... we will be crossing the seas to Pulai Desaru for church camp. I actually have mixed feelings about this......on one hand, I am happy to be able to finally leave this boring island but at the same time I am rather anxious about the whole thing......wonder if Joash can take the changes well.......... And plus this afeternoon, my neighbour who had just returned from Desaru last week told us that the hotel is not exactly very fantastic cos the water was brownish......there were some huge ants and black outs too............. hoepfully........ everything will turn out fine for us!
Ok, that's all for tonight till I returned from camp! And I will be taking my Speech & Drama Exam this Friday........... stress setting in now......... alright....... I am going to take my beauty sleep cos I got to wake up early to continue packing.............. we're really like moving house!
posted by "Sum" Teacher at 6/10/2007 12:11:00 AM | 0 comments |
OUR 7TH WEDDING CEREMONY ANNIVERSARY




Yup....... it's our 7th WEDDING CEREMONY ANNIVERSARY..........not just anniversary (celebrated on 25th Jan plus Joash's 1st bd) but wedding ceremony anniversary.......... 7 years ago........ we walked down the aisle in Hinghwa Methodist Church on this very day! Romantic right?? This day is even more important then the 25th Jan anniversay (lawfully married) cos our marriage vows were exchanged in the presence of the Lord and all of those that we know and love. Cannot imagine.....7 years ago, we were like 2 kids getting married (most people thot we were shot gun...haha!) and now we had a kid to celebrate with........ how pleasantly strange!! Tommy gave me $200 to spend on anything I want so I went shopping! We bought lots of clothes as you can see from the pics. I was so satisfied after that and slept really well....hee! Btw the way, my language of love is gifts giving......hahahaha! The Zara, Mango and Guess sale is also very tempting...... I still got about $70 left....wonder if I should buy more clothes or get something for my dear son???

We celebrated at Corpthorne Orchid Hotel. We had steamboat buffet. Ale was also there having dinner with Kendrick & Asher. But we sat on different tables cos she don't want to be gooseberry (Just curious......who invented this word?).

As usual........ I must blog about the food. I got to know this restaurant while surfing the net......... I chance upon makansutra website and found this highly recommended steamboat buffet. As I have been craving for steamboat since January, I decided to go for it (normally....japanese food is always my 1st option....those who knows me, knows that I am a jap foodie!). It cost about $35 per a person. This is what the guy on makansutra says...... http://www.makansutra.com/Makanzine/jan01/hotpot.html but I don't really feel the same way as him........... ok the prawns were as good as what he says but the rest of the food is only so so la! My rating is 6/10 cos I think I can find nicer and cheaper steamboat buffet than this. Maybe we will try the cheap steamboat buffet he recommended at Sunset way....only $11.90...my hubby will sure like it! Join us....anyone??

The place was rather simple and I like the fact that they use electric pot cos it's less warm and less dangerous! Service was also alright. Overall...... an ok place to go but think we will not go again! I actually like the Hotel Royal steamboat buffet better....... and it's cheaper too!

I was hoping to post this up before 12 am but too bad.......I am just too long winded....keke! Before I end this post, I just want to share what Tommy gave me 10 years ago while we were dating. He was in NS then and he gave me a book mark with this words on it...... on our special day....I want to tell him the same thing too......... Darling, here goes:

MY LOVE FOR YOU

I love you not only for
what you are,
But for what I am
When I am with you.
I love you not only
for what
you have made of yourself,
But for what you are
making of me.
I love you
for passing over
all my foolish
and weak traits
That you can't help but see.
I love you for drawing out
into the light my beauty,
That no one else had
looked
quite far enough to find.
I LOVE YOU.
==========================================================
HAPPY 7TH WEDDING CEREMONY ANNIVERSARY!

posted by "Sum" Teacher at 6/03/2007 11:51:00 PM | 0 comments |
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