Mephibosheth -- who?
All my years of reading the Bible, I have never come across this character - Mephibosheth. Who was he?
It takes little Ann, a five, coming to six years old little child to tell me who was Mephibosheth. He was Jonathan's son and grandson of King Saul.
Everyone is a teacher. Everyday is a learning process. There is no end to learning.
Intense heat
We are now slowly moving into autumn or rather, we are already into autumn but there were days when it was really hot. I mean HOT, intense heat, skin-burning heat. Well, according to the locals, if summer was hot (42 deg C), then winter will be very cold. Brrrrr.....
We will settle one season at a time. While the heat was on, I made this cooling dessert...
Lotus seed soup with lily bulb and white fugus - served chilled
We are now slowly moving into autumn or rather, we are already into autumn but there were days when it was really hot. I mean HOT, intense heat, skin-burning heat. Well, according to the locals, if summer was hot (42 deg C), then winter will be very cold. Brrrrr.....
We will settle one season at a time. While the heat was on, I made this cooling dessert...
Lotus seed soup with lily bulb and white fugus - served chilled
Melting tender beef-shin stew
Having two kids in primary school is stressful. Having to coach them in their studies is no easy task. Thankfully, Kai is a very independent student except when it comes to his Chinese. He needs extra help from me. Ann, having just started her P1, will need extra attention. Math is no longer just 1 + 1, it is all about the new Math.
She has sat for her first Math test and did really well. This week will be her first English test and next week will be her second Math test.....I have told dh that time is already moving very fast and it seems like with the new school term, time is moving much faster. I longer sleep but just wink and the week is gone.
With stress comes therapy...cooking therapy. Ahhh, my stress-buster!
Jamie Oliver has always been my favourite celebrity chef. His recipes have always been easy to follow and also produced excellent results. I was at a foreign language bookstore, and saw Jamie O's book - Cook with Jamie, selling at SGD35. I thought it was a good deal because in Shanghai, foreign books and magazines are very expensive. as they are considered imported goods. You won't believe this - Her World cost SGD20 (RMB100). So when I saw the Jamie's cookbook at such a good price, i wasted no time...in buying and cooking!
Nice comfort food for a stressed out soul. Not bragging ok, but it was the best stew I have ever cooked!
Having two kids in primary school is stressful. Having to coach them in their studies is no easy task. Thankfully, Kai is a very independent student except when it comes to his Chinese. He needs extra help from me. Ann, having just started her P1, will need extra attention. Math is no longer just 1 + 1, it is all about the new Math.
She has sat for her first Math test and did really well. This week will be her first English test and next week will be her second Math test.....I have told dh that time is already moving very fast and it seems like with the new school term, time is moving much faster. I longer sleep but just wink and the week is gone.
With stress comes therapy...cooking therapy. Ahhh, my stress-buster!
Jamie Oliver has always been my favourite celebrity chef. His recipes have always been easy to follow and also produced excellent results. I was at a foreign language bookstore, and saw Jamie O's book - Cook with Jamie, selling at SGD35. I thought it was a good deal because in Shanghai, foreign books and magazines are very expensive. as they are considered imported goods. You won't believe this - Her World cost SGD20 (RMB100). So when I saw the Jamie's cookbook at such a good price, i wasted no time...in buying and cooking!
Nice comfort food for a stressed out soul. Not bragging ok, but it was the best stew I have ever cooked!
It's about Kai...again
Last Friday, I spoke to his English language teacher and she told me that the last test which the students took was exceptionally difficult. It was a 'no study' test and Kai did very well. His score was top of his class. She told me his English was exception and in the future, she will be giving him more challenging papers.
Of course, as a mum, I feel proud of my son's achievements and knowing that giving up my career to be a full-time mum for my kids was a right decision. It was because I didn't have to work, I had the time to bring him to the library every week to expose him to all kinds of books and reading to him. However, I also have my worries that if we return home, will the school back home that focus so much on completing syllabus, fails to notice his gifting in his language. As his mum, I have a responsibility to help him excel in what he is good at. If only they have a specialised language school. A school which helps kids who are good in their language to excel even further.
Last Friday, I spoke to his English language teacher and she told me that the last test which the students took was exceptionally difficult. It was a 'no study' test and Kai did very well. His score was top of his class. She told me his English was exception and in the future, she will be giving him more challenging papers.
Of course, as a mum, I feel proud of my son's achievements and knowing that giving up my career to be a full-time mum for my kids was a right decision. It was because I didn't have to work, I had the time to bring him to the library every week to expose him to all kinds of books and reading to him. However, I also have my worries that if we return home, will the school back home that focus so much on completing syllabus, fails to notice his gifting in his language. As his mum, I have a responsibility to help him excel in what he is good at. If only they have a specialised language school. A school which helps kids who are good in their language to excel even further.
Back to school
I went back to my dim sum class to learn how to make the su-style mooncake. What is su-style? It is like the famous Crown Prince hotel's yam mooncake. Very flaky and very delicious!
Red bean paste, lotus paste and minced pork fillings. The savoury mooncake was my first. I have never come across this type of mooncake but it was really yum-mo!
Dh loved it!
While there, I got to know a young baker. Pretty enterprising. His cakes are custom-made and he conducts cake-making classes. So, look-out for the new Shanghai mama's new hobby - cake making!
I went back to my dim sum class to learn how to make the su-style mooncake. What is su-style? It is like the famous Crown Prince hotel's yam mooncake. Very flaky and very delicious!
Red bean paste, lotus paste and minced pork fillings. The savoury mooncake was my first. I have never come across this type of mooncake but it was really yum-mo!
Dh loved it!
While there, I got to know a young baker. Pretty enterprising. His cakes are custom-made and he conducts cake-making classes. So, look-out for the new Shanghai mama's new hobby - cake making!
Bad weather? What bad weather...
Last night, the school called up and told us that school will be cancelled today due to bad weather. Heavy rain and strong wind. The kids jumped for joy and for mama...sigh...all plans were shelved!
Today, I woke up, expecting to experience my first bad weather in Shanghai but what I saw was....
In fact, I think this is one of the most beautiful days in Shanghai!
Last night, the school called up and told us that school will be cancelled today due to bad weather. Heavy rain and strong wind. The kids jumped for joy and for mama...sigh...all plans were shelved!
Today, I woke up, expecting to experience my first bad weather in Shanghai but what I saw was....
In fact, I think this is one of the most beautiful days in Shanghai!
The journey continues...
I have been in Shanghai as a trailing spouse for the past one year. One year isn't very long BUT it isn't very short either. Has it been good? It all depends on how you want to look at it. It is good because it has been a training ground, it is good because it has been an eye opener, widening of one's horizon. Learning to appreciate that I have been indeed blessed to have so much, the list could go on if I count my blessings.
By the 11th month, my cyber friends became real. Yes, this mama forum which I have joined 10 years ago, those cyber friends which I have made became real. Life is strange isn't it? We have been in Singapore for so long, we have never met but once we are out of Singapore, we got to see each other and I thank God for them.
It has been bad because, there were no friends for a good 11 months, no extended families. Water and air are bad, the harsh weather, people can be rude and even violent. Just the other day, I was with the kids at a supermarket and we witnessed a real physical fight between two big men. Traffic jams are bad, the 'breaking-down' house on no-man street. Food scare is a handful and I still miss sorely, the fresh produce that were aplenty and cheap in US of A. The worst of course was when aloneness crept in.
But God has always been there, when times become unbearable, this song never failed to lift me up.
You Are My Refuge (Words & music by Shannon Wexelberg PSALM 91)
I have found a place
I can call my own
Here in Your embrace
Where Your mercy overflows
It's here that all my doubts and fears
Just melt away
I lay my burdens down
And I look upon Your face
You are my refuge
You are my sanctuary
When I feel afraid
You're my hiding place
You are my refuge
And when the storm is raging
Underneath Your wings
I rejoice and sing
For You are my refuge
He who dwells in the secret place
Of the most high God
Shall abide underneath the shadow
The shadow of Your wings
A Singaporean friend told me. First year is tough, the second year become better by the third year, you don't want to go home. Well, dh's ex-colleague stayed here for a good four years. At the end of the assignment, it was champagne popping and rejoicing her way home and after which she took one year of no pay leave. A time of recuperating and regaining her sanity?
A new year has begun, we have moved out of the crappy house to a much better constructed one. I do not know what else awaits me or the family but life goes on and my journey continues... as a mum.
I have just been sent by my blog report that I have hit 10,000 views. I am not a figure person and have never been too keen with numbers but in this instance, the numbers tell me that there are people reading what I write and therefore, I must write with responsibility, with integrity and I must write to encourage, to edify.
I am no award-winning, bestseller. Just a mum sharing her thoughts. Thank you very much for taking time to read. Thank you and thank you.
I have been in Shanghai as a trailing spouse for the past one year. One year isn't very long BUT it isn't very short either. Has it been good? It all depends on how you want to look at it. It is good because it has been a training ground, it is good because it has been an eye opener, widening of one's horizon. Learning to appreciate that I have been indeed blessed to have so much, the list could go on if I count my blessings.
By the 11th month, my cyber friends became real. Yes, this mama forum which I have joined 10 years ago, those cyber friends which I have made became real. Life is strange isn't it? We have been in Singapore for so long, we have never met but once we are out of Singapore, we got to see each other and I thank God for them.
It has been bad because, there were no friends for a good 11 months, no extended families. Water and air are bad, the harsh weather, people can be rude and even violent. Just the other day, I was with the kids at a supermarket and we witnessed a real physical fight between two big men. Traffic jams are bad, the 'breaking-down' house on no-man street. Food scare is a handful and I still miss sorely, the fresh produce that were aplenty and cheap in US of A. The worst of course was when aloneness crept in.
But God has always been there, when times become unbearable, this song never failed to lift me up.
You Are My Refuge (Words & music by Shannon Wexelberg PSALM 91)
I have found a place
I can call my own
Here in Your embrace
Where Your mercy overflows
It's here that all my doubts and fears
Just melt away
I lay my burdens down
And I look upon Your face
You are my refuge
You are my sanctuary
When I feel afraid
You're my hiding place
You are my refuge
And when the storm is raging
Underneath Your wings
I rejoice and sing
For You are my refuge
He who dwells in the secret place
Of the most high God
Shall abide underneath the shadow
The shadow of Your wings
A Singaporean friend told me. First year is tough, the second year become better by the third year, you don't want to go home. Well, dh's ex-colleague stayed here for a good four years. At the end of the assignment, it was champagne popping and rejoicing her way home and after which she took one year of no pay leave. A time of recuperating and regaining her sanity?
A new year has begun, we have moved out of the crappy house to a much better constructed one. I do not know what else awaits me or the family but life goes on and my journey continues... as a mum.
I have just been sent by my blog report that I have hit 10,000 views. I am not a figure person and have never been too keen with numbers but in this instance, the numbers tell me that there are people reading what I write and therefore, I must write with responsibility, with integrity and I must write to encourage, to edify.
I am no award-winning, bestseller. Just a mum sharing her thoughts. Thank you very much for taking time to read. Thank you and thank you.
The new school term begins
Yes, it has been one year since we arrived at Shanghai. This will be the kids' second year in school and today marks their first day of their second year in SSIS. It has been a great past one year for the kids and as a mum, I pray that they will have a wonderful second year too.
The night before, little Ann packing up her books into her school bag. It's like starting all over again for me. Yes, she starts grade 1 or primary 1. A big step for a small little girl. A big transition from pre-school to primary school. I must be there once again, to guide her through this transition. Just as I have been there for Kai, nine years ago. Gosh, how time flies.
She feels very proud now that she will be attending the same assembly with her brother and sharing the same lunch time with her brother.
See how far you have come, my little miracles.
Yes, it has been one year since we arrived at Shanghai. This will be the kids' second year in school and today marks their first day of their second year in SSIS. It has been a great past one year for the kids and as a mum, I pray that they will have a wonderful second year too.
The night before, little Ann packing up her books into her school bag. It's like starting all over again for me. Yes, she starts grade 1 or primary 1. A big step for a small little girl. A big transition from pre-school to primary school. I must be there once again, to guide her through this transition. Just as I have been there for Kai, nine years ago. Gosh, how time flies.
She feels very proud now that she will be attending the same assembly with her brother and sharing the same lunch time with her brother.
See how far you have come, my little miracles.
Summer vacation has come and almost gone...
Five weeks of home leave is almost coming to an end. We return home today. How did the five weeks pass so quickly? There are still a number of friends which I have not met up...so much to do, so little time.
Of course, the best part is meeting all the relations and friends and eating all the yummy food...
The kids eating Old Chang Kee, fried squid
My favourites - tulang (stewed chilli lamb's bone marrow) and mee kuah...slurp, slurp
The king of all fruits, smell like poo but taste heavenly - durians!
More of the durians, that's how you should eat them, along the road side!
What's little Ann staring at....
Her favourite paper prata...
Chopping it down
Ngor Hiang (fritters of all sorts)
Kai slurping down his ramen, one of the best outside Japan
Road side stall outside lau pa sha.
A feast of road side food - satay, fired kuay teow, sambal stingray.....
Places we have been
Having fun with their favourite cousins at the pool
The children must visit the library
ION , one of the newest shopping mall in Singapore....
Universal Studio, Singapore. Impressive!
It was our National Day...
Having fun while waiting for the tankers to pass by....
Last but not least, home coming is never complete without meeting up with friends and families....
It's back to the routine life in Shanghai once again, thanks to all for the fun time. I truly regret that I am unable to meet up with all of my friends. Please do accept my sincere apologies. Sigh...so much to do in such a short time. Till we meet again....
Five weeks of home leave is almost coming to an end. We return home today. How did the five weeks pass so quickly? There are still a number of friends which I have not met up...so much to do, so little time.
Of course, the best part is meeting all the relations and friends and eating all the yummy food...
The kids eating Old Chang Kee, fried squid
My favourites - tulang (stewed chilli lamb's bone marrow) and mee kuah...slurp, slurp
The king of all fruits, smell like poo but taste heavenly - durians!
More of the durians, that's how you should eat them, along the road side!
What's little Ann staring at....
Her favourite paper prata...
Chopping it down
Ngor Hiang (fritters of all sorts)
Kai slurping down his ramen, one of the best outside Japan
Road side stall outside lau pa sha.
A feast of road side food - satay, fired kuay teow, sambal stingray.....
Places we have been
Having fun with their favourite cousins at the pool
The children must visit the library
ION , one of the newest shopping mall in Singapore....
Universal Studio, Singapore. Impressive!
It was our National Day...
Having fun while waiting for the tankers to pass by....
Last but not least, home coming is never complete without meeting up with friends and families....
It's back to the routine life in Shanghai once again, thanks to all for the fun time. I truly regret that I am unable to meet up with all of my friends. Please do accept my sincere apologies. Sigh...so much to do in such a short time. Till we meet again....
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