my luv

i was shopping around at Wheelock. n there's this preettie scrapebook place. WOw....everytin there is horrendiously prettie! i fell instantly in luv with this prettie baby scrapebook set. :) It's kinda luv at first sight affair! haha...i kinda have a soft spot for prettie stationery n notepads since young.

But it's a little pricey. so i'm having second tots in making the purchase.
i realise that scrapebooking is an ex hobby!:p Seriously, i wouldn't spend this kind of $$$ on myself. butbut butbut.....it's 4 my first born! :P

well,i'm giving myself 2 weeks. I can be an impulsive shopper at times. Time will determine if it's an impulsive buy. haha.

christmas cheers all the way...

good frens who fought thru advertising and marketing tutorials with me in NTU...
with our prettie x'mas dough nuts~
cookies from missy marrianne..
i got an Esprit silver pouch as my pressie!

We had our annual christmas party at Tania's place. This time round, we decide NO hubbies, NO ex, current or future bfs!!! ONLI Galz! JUZ Galz!!! C'mon...Who needs guys when u have a bunch of fun luving good gal frens...haha..wait till ter reads this..can see his funnie look. Fun...i luv to irritate Ter. :P Ter says a bunch of NTU marketing gals make up a whole village. Well, i can onli say we are original, confident and spontaneous. That's why we are in MARKETING! ":P

i'craving AGAIN!

i'm pregnant !!!!!:p

AND

i'm craving for...

Tom Yum Steamboat at Marine Parade Foodcourt

&

Canele Rose Petal and Earl Grey Ice Cream..
http://www.canele.com.sg/menu_rw.htm#ice_creams........

Argh.............

L'amour
Rose petal ice cream with raspberry swirl, rose meringue and lychee pieces.

Earl Grey
Earl Grey ice cream with raspberry jelly and milk chocolate shards.

is it me? or is it the preganancy??:P

lazy picnic...

i like tis pic. Natural. Happie!! :) Ter can be quite cheecky at times.
daddy can't resist cuddling little leong....weeeeeeee.....merry christmas to our little sweetheart!

family time.
Dad insists that the young couples take a shot! Heeere's it!

It's a lazy picnic day for the leongs. The orchestra is fabulous, choir is........well, Ter & i both tink BFC choir can sing better! :P

there's this nice restaurant, Casa Verde, at Botanical Gardens. It's run by Les Amis, so i'm having high expectations of the food! :P i'm surely going there for a lazy alfresco weekend breakfast one of these days or try the dinner set. Price seems reasonable.
http://www.lesamis.com.sg

Casa Verde

(Located at the Visitor Centre) Serves local and western fare, and also classic Italian dishes. Highlight of the restaurant is its wood-fired pizzas.

Opening Hours : 7.30am - 11pm daily

Tel : 6467 7326

My car, the first week

Ahhh, I've been driving around with my new car since last Monday. It feels good to have freedom (or a restriction if you're finding a parking lot in the CBD) from public transport and its idiosyncrasies. Life's much better for my babies (the adult and near-infant ones) since we can go gallavanting around Singapore finding the makan to satisfy mommy's cravings :D

As usual, there are too many people clamouring for parking lots at my office, so I bought season parking for Ah Hood road, and I'm getting fitter every day walking 5 minutes up Irrawaddy hill to my office. On top of that, my Punggol season parking costs another little bomb, so that's $65+$90 per month I'm paying. Duh, I kinda miss the free parking at PLB (my old office). Oh well....

Topped up full tank last night, the previous tank lasting me for 9 days. After updating my petrol log book, my fuel consumption 15.1 km/l, not bad for a new car still under run-in. Hopefully I'll be able to get 17 km/l after run-in and after Dad installs Rocket Power and the other fuel capsule he's been selling as a sideline.

Harp Christmas!

Last Christmas, Ter & i saw some young gals playing the harp at Esplanade. n we both like it! :P

If u do happen to be at the esplanade this christmas, do check this out. Gold winner of SYF!!! i tot it's worth catching!

SYNOPSIS

Gold winner of the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging in Instrumental Ensembles 2007, a group of confident and gracious harpists performing with zest, promising a lively programme!

CHRISTMAS CHEER with
Nan Hua High School Harp

DATE: 25 DEC 08

TIME 3pm – 3.30pm, 4.30pm – 5pm,
6pm – 6.30pm, 7.15pm – 7.45pm,
8.15pm – 8.45pm

Venue: Esplanade Concourse
Price: Free

http://www.esplanade.com/whats_on/programme_info/nan_hua_high_school_harp/index.jsp

my lalalala tots...

I'm going to Botanical Garden for picnic tis sun for the Wind Symphony tingy n i'm reallie looking forward to it!!!

I'm checking out stuff i can do in SIngapore. With our new "toy" car, we can simply start exploring more of S'pore's inaccessible remote areas. And, hey!!!i found this site!! Prettie cool and fun! for parents, can bring ur kids to the parks and do some gardening art, bird watching etc ! well, when little leong is older, i'm definitely bringing her there!!!!

here's the list of parks in SIngapore: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/
I'm particularly interested in this: http://www.sbwr.org.sg

My tummy getting bigger by the day n little leong should be OUT in 3 mths time!!!! :P Yipee, my little gal is arriving...soon...SOon...SOON!!! Nowadays, it's more straining to walk. and my legs get exhausted easily. Little leong's weight is on track and i'm growing FATTER!!! haha...Thank God for the smooth pregnancy!

I ran up the overhead bridge when i was 3 mths pregnant and gotta scolding from hubby...of course.... And, i told myself i will NEVER ever do that again. Well, i seriously forget that i was pregnant in that spur second. So, after that incident, i was like constantly reminding myself that i am pregant and i should walk veri veri slowly like a pregnant woman!!! And should juz do what a pregnant does. wahahaha... My mum n grandma had strictly c0mmanded me NOT to run!!! And, jusz as much as i luv to go out n play n run up the overhead bridge, i realise that i "MUST" be a responsible mother. No more running. No more spurs of sprinting. No more jumping. No more running after buses. The list goes on n on n on...And i realise i'm someone who hates limitations!!! wahahahah....But, in my heart, i know this baby is very precious to me.....:) And i juz want the best for her! so these days, i've been walking real real real real slow, it's a mindset paradigm shift, constantly reminding myself that i am pregnant and should do the things that a pregnant woman does.

i fell down last week and it shocked Terence. Thank God the baby was ok. but i kinda twisted the sole of my sole, so walking gets a little tough. Anyway, it will take a couple of weeks to heal. So i'm minimising my walking now. Nowadays, hubby holds my hands everywhere we go. Haha.....he must be worried that his clumsy wife will juz fall again. OKOK Mr Leong....i promise to be Veri very careful n very "kuai" for the last 3 mths!! :P i'll be fine!! No worries! ur little leong will be very veri safe!!! :)

i wonder if Ter will allow me to go

"Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve"

in my pregnant state. Haha... i need approval from my hubby la!!!:P

smile......we'll see.
i miss my camping days during DHS guiding days....ANd hey, i can pitch my own tent, climb a tree and start my own fire OK!! :) "Little leong, quickly grow up!!!! Mummy wanna bring u go camping!!! :P FUn!!!""

born again?

Terence and i have few things in common. But this is one song we both luv. We luv the intensity of the music and words.

Death was all around me, Day was fading fast.
Sin had paid its wages, And life would soon be past.
Then, i saw the Saviour, Through a narrow gate
Calling " Enter quickly,Before it is too late."

Now i am born again, Born thru Calvary's blood
Now i'm born again, To God's kingdom above.
Though i was once a child of death, Now i'm breathing heaven's breath,
Praise the Lord! Thru His blood I am born again.

Dying in the shadows, Suffering in the night,
I could hear Christ pleading," Receive my gift of life."
In his hands were nail scars; Blood was flowing free.
As i knelt before Him, His love flowed down to me.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" John 3: 3-5

We drove home last night after dinner with ZQ. It was juz very soothing to sit in the car with hubby, talk, hold his hand ( he can drive with one hand!!!:P), enjoy Godly music, talk about the words in the song and the music. He was singing to the song n i was blessed by the song. Even when we reached the carpark, we could not bring ourselves to get down the car until we finished the song. i tot it was very sweet and in my heart, i was tinking that i could give up everything for this moment! hahahahaha.......

This was an answered prayer from God to me. In my Uni days, i prayed for a man i could worship God with wholeheartedly. And todae, when i see Terence, he is indeed a constant reminder of how the Lord has been good to me. Just as God has given to us so freely, i pray that our lives will be used for His work and glory.

mediterranean chill out

We brought my parents to Portobelle Restaurant @ Bukit Timah Rd last sun.
http://www.portobelle.com

It's a mediterranean place serving Greek, Italian and Mexican fare.The place is real real quiet and we wasn't expecting the food to be good. But we were wrong. Food turned out fabulous. Must try: Braised Lamb Shank ( it comes with pasta with lamb shank fragrance. i luv the pasta! ) and Moussaka. ( some sort of eggplant with cheese & chicken) The tortillas are so0so. Normal.

Perfect place for those with kids and bulky prams. And for couples who juz wanna some privacy. Can u believe it?We were the onli guests there and had the whole place to ourselves. Perhaps they cater more to the night expat crowd . Since they have lotsa wine.

anway, it's a good meal. And most importantly, my parents enjoyed it. it's all that matters! :P

Sometin fun!

This looks interesting! i wanna go! :P
perhaps can bring my in-laws there for some picnic!

Event @ Singapore Botanical Gardens

Event Selected :	Singapore Wind Symphony (Sun)
Date :	21 Dec
Time :	6-7pm
Venue :	Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage
Contact :	Visitor Services (6471 7361)
Content :	30 years ago, in 1977, the National Theatre Trust actively recruited music makers from all walks of life to form Singapore’s first symphonic band - the National Theatre Symphonic Band (NTSB). Subsequently, the National Theatre Trust was dissolved in 1992 and NTSB re-registered herself as a society to embark on yet another era: the Singapore Wind Symphony (SWS). This performance will feature not only symphonic arrangements of Christmas music , but also familiar favourties from composers such as George Gershwin, Tchaiskosky , Handel. SWS is also honoured to have The Santa Maria Choir to perform with SWS in this concert. Pack your picnic baskets, family and friends for a gathering amids the lush setting of Palm Valley where then Singapore Wind Symphony will delight you with their soothing music!

MOM to the aid of mothers!

31 July 2006

Tor Ching Li

PREGNANT women who are unfairly sacked even before their sixth month of pregnancy — after which it becomes illegal for an employer to do so — can seek recourse from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Ministry helps unfairly-dismissed pregnant women get compensation PREGNANT women who are unfairly sacked even before their sixth month of pregnancy — after which it becomes illegal for an employer to do so — can seek recourse from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). MOM shared two examples of pregnant women who were retrenched during their pregnancy but had their three-month maternity leave pay reinstated after they sought help from the ministry. Mrs Tan (not her real name) was fired from her job as an administrative assistant six months into her pregnancy on the grounds of poor performance. She had worked with the company for less than a year but fulfilled the requisite employment period to qualify for maternity benefits from the company. She was given one month's pay in lieu of notice and another month's salary as compensation. Worried that she would not be able to find another job in her heavily pregnant state, Mrs Tan appealed to MOM to claim the full maternity benefits due to her. "Through MOM's conciliation, the company agreed to pay her another two months' salary. In total, she received the equivalent of three months' maternity leave pay on top of her one-month's pay in lieu of notice," said an MOM spokesperson. Another pregnant working mother, Mrs Wong (also not her real name), was retrenched from her post as a manager after three-and-a-half years of employment. The company claimed that her position was redundant after an internal restructuring. She was five months pregnant at the time of her dismissal. Upon MOM's advice, the company eventually provided Mrs Wong with retrenchment benefits and an ex-gratia payment equivalent to three months' maternity leave pay. A total of 23 employees sought MOM's assistance to claim maternity benefits in the first five months of this year. In 2004, there were 36 such cases and last year there were 78. MOM attributed the increase in complaints to heightened awareness of maternity leave benefits. Singapore National Employers' Federation (Snef) executive director Koh Juan Kiat said the current Employment Act and Children Development Co-Savings Act were "adequate to protect pregnant women". "They can appeal during any stage of their pregnancy if they are unfairly retrenched," said Mr Koh. The National Family Council announced last week that it would be working with MOM, Snef, the Singapore Business Federation and the labour movement to drive home the message that employers have to adopt good human resource practices to retain talent. It also expressed its disapproval of discrimination against pregnant employees. adapted from:http://www.thinkcentre.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=2772

my scrapeblog!

Tried sometin new todae since i'm quite bored:
Reallie fun! & addictive too! & inexpensive way to spend ur day :P

Visit my first scrapblog:
http://www.scrapblog.com/myScrapblog/myscrapblog.aspx?gycid=9f03ca20-7544-448c-8528-25b53736c05a


I've created 3 albums todae and i'm getting better at this! I've been using design templates. Well, perhaps, i'll try some blank templates some other day. Seems challenging. I'm still figuring out how to export the stuff out! And perhaps add some new music. The music here is reallliieeeeee LIMITED!

1) Japan
2) Baby Joann
3) Steamboat party

Pooi See been bugging me for the steamboat pics since long long ago. so here's the pics finally.I realise there's still much pics i've owed many many. Well well, one day when i'm reallie in the mood......i;ll promise to load.....:P

I'm all ready for the Lao Beijing High Tea buffet tomorrow with the BFC young aunties: Karen & family, Ligin, Fang and Ade! Been craving for "guoties" n "xiao long baos" these days! i wonder if it's the pregnancy! In my entire life, i've never liked chinese food! This is the first!

Now, time for some therapeutic ice-cream! tataz...

Does the law protect pregnant women?

Some interesting articles i found on MOM website.

May be useful for all women who are pregnant or intend to be pregnant! :P

2008: http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/press_room/press_replies/2008/20080916-reinstatement.html

2006: http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/press_room/press_replies/2006/dismissed_employees.html

2005: http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/press_room/press_replies/2005/20050618_-_lawdoesprotectpregworkers.html

little leong on her bus ride to tampines.......

i had an unforgettable bus ride yesterdae, a ride i certainly will remember for quite some time.

Back then in NTU Marketing school, there was a joke that if u can't make the best advertisment, then u make the worse ad. Coz the ads that capture the hearts and stay in the minds of consumers are either the BEST or the WORST~! It takes great effort for consumers to simply remember an average ad~. So if u wanna gain attention and can't be the best, then BE THE WORST! haha....:P it's a joke to laugh about, but, i guess it's reallie true to a certain extent!

Well, for my bus ride, it's not the best for it to stay in my mind. So with ur intelligence, i'm sure u know what kind of ride it is!!!!:)

Looking real pregnant, i boarded bus 27 towards Tampines. As usual, the bus was kinda packed to the brim. Thank God i managed to squeeue my way to the handicapped lots, to grab unto the pole provided to balance the little volleyball in me.:P And YES, i was standing right in front of the seats reserved for pregnant, elderly and handicapped. I was right in front of the sign that reads " To give up the seats for ........" Somehow, no one reacted and everyone kinda pretended that they did not see me. Or did they not notice my tummy? As i was kinda right in front of the sign, the playful cheeky and rebellious me was soso tempted to read out the sign ALOUD on the bus and see if this little experiment would make any difference. But, the other mature and sensible me knew that it was not appropriate to create such a scene. Of course, in the end, i yielded and joined in the pretence show everyone was putting up, playing my part well of being unaffected by the entire situation.

Seriously, i',m quite fit and i'm content to stand the entire bus journey. I dun need the seat. It's not the seat issue. To me, it's the heart issue!!! It saddens me to see how "ugly" people can be. or rather "selfish " . I reflected on my own feelings and i realised that i dun feel anger, but rather sad. i detested this behaviour! And it saddened me to see the hearts of selfish people. It suddenly dawned upon me that somehow in life, there are such selfish people and this is reality. Indeed, this world is not such the PERFECT world and i was comforting the inner me that i should jusz manage my expectations. AND not expect people to meet up to the expectations i hold. And to pray that God can give me that extra grace and mercy to accept them.

Anyway, after a little while, guess what!! This Pri 2 gal on the handicapped seat stood up and gave her seat for me. i was touched by the kindness of this little gal and my heart was warmed. i realise that education and age plays no part in moulding the hearts of men. An inoocent little one who has little life experiences and education, with a heart of gold, is far greater than one who has received excellent education and made great achievements in life.

For little leong, i rather she be a simple gal with a heart of gold than one who boasts great achievements in life yet never known the true meaning of kindness and love for people around her. What is the world teaching these days? i wonder....

ideas for christmas parties

Guess many of us must be wondering wat to bring for potluck christmas.

Now, instead of the usual pizzas, logcakes, check out party packs at Coffee Bean. Beautiful packaging and divalicious............

http://www.coffeebean.com.sg

Avocado CHOCz

For lazy people like me, perhaps this is the easiest way to settle my avocadoes!!Maybe i'll just add some strawberries and walnuts to modify the recipe!Anyway, my hubby eats anything i cook!:P

Chocolate Avocado Moouse

2 Avocados
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup chocolate
1/4 cup coconut oil

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy, try not to overprocess. Scrap chocolate avocado mixture into a container and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour then serve.

Maximising use of avocados in my fridge

My father-in-law gave us some huge avocados he bought from Indonesia. Other than using avocado with mayonise for nacho dip, i seriously have no idea how to utilise these avocades.
Wanted to explore a little further. QUite boring to have the same avocado dishes.

here's what i found!
I luv this website. It has lotsa mexican recipes!
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1-1,avocado_dishes,FE.html


1) MEXICAN LASAGNA

1. Make creamy guacamole with the sour cream and avocados.

2. Grate the cheese and mix together.

3. In deep dish layer:

salsa
tortilla
refried beans
tortilla
meat or vegetables
salsa & cheese mixed in
tortilla
guacamole
tortilla
salsa
tortilla
cheese mix
top with olives

2) AVOCADO PASTA

• 1 (8 ounce) package uncooked spaghetti
• 1 avocado - pitted, peeled, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 (15 ounce) can vegetarian chili
• 1/3 cup sliced green onion
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. In a small bowl combine avocado and lime juice.
3. In a separate bowl combine chili, green onion, tomatoes, garlic and cilantro.
4. Serve pasta topped with chili mixture and avocado.

3) Bacon, Avocado, and Cheese Omelets with Tomato Salsa

• 2/3 cup finely chopped seeded tomato
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 1 pickled or fresh jalapeño chili, or to taste, seeded and minced (wear rubber gloves)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh coriander
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 slices of lean bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small avocado (preferably California)
• 1/2 cup coarsely grated Monterey Jack (about 2 ounce)

In a small bowl stir together the tomato, the onion, the jalapeño, the coriander, the lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste until the salsa is combined well. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, the water, and salt and pepper to taste.

In a 8-inch skillet, preferably non-stick, heat 1/2 tablespoon of the butter over moderately high heat until the foam subsides, pour in half the egg mixture evenly over the bottom, and cook it for 1 minute, or until it is almost set. Sprinkle half the omelet with half the bacon, half the avocado, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and half the Monterey Jack and cook the omelet for 1 minute, or until it is set. Fold the omelet over the filing, transfer it to a plate, and keep it warm. Make another omelet in the same manner with the remaining butter, egg mixture, bacon, avocado, and Monterey Jack and serve the omelets with the salsa.

4) CHICKEN AVOCADO MELT

4 boneless, skinless halved chicken breasts
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tbsp. water
1/3 c. cornmeal
3 tbsp. cooking oil
1 firm, ripe avocado, sliced
1 1/2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 c. sliced green onions, tops only
1/4 c. chopped red pepper

On hard surface pound chicken to 1/4 inch thickness. In shallow dish, mix cornstarch, cumin and garlic salt. Add chicken, 1 piece at a time, dredging to coat. Mix egg and water. Dip chicken in egg and then in cornmeal turning to coat.

Put oil in large fry pan and heat to medium temperature. Add chicken. Cook 2 minutes each side. Drain on paper towels. Put chicken in shallow baking dish. Place avocado slices over chicken and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes until tender. Top with sour cream. Sprinkle with green onion and red pepper.

the CHECKlist.

Look what i found!

i wonder if we reallie need so much stuff.

New Born Checklist

http://www.mybbstore.com/index.asp?p=/static/NewbornList.html

Bottle Feeding

• Steriliser
• Feeding Bottles & Teats
• Bottle Brush
• Pacifier & Pacifier Attacher
• Pacifier Holder
• Bottles Drying Racks
• Formula Milk Dispenser

Breast-feeding

• Breast Pump
• Breast Milk Storage Container
• Bottle & Food Warmer
• Breast Pad
• Nursing Pillow
• Nipple Cream
• Nipple Protector

Nursery

• Baby Cot
• Crib Set (Cot Bumpers, Fitted Sheet, Comforter)
• Newborn Pillow & Bolster
• Mattress (Latex/Foam)
• Waterproof Bed Pads
• Blanket
• Night Light
• Lullaby Player
• Musical Mobile
• Baby Monitor

Apparel

• Bodysuits
• Infant Cap
• Mittens and Booties
• Receiving Blankets
• Swaddle
• Socks
• Accessories (Headbands, Wrist & Foot Rattles)
• Bibs

Bathing & Grooming

• Bath Tub with Hammock
• Bath Seat for Mom
• Water Temperature Indicator
• Wash Cloths
• Bath Towels
• Bath Toys
• Baby Comb and Brush

Health Care & Hygiene

• Grooming Set (Comb, Nail Clipper, Scissors)
• Medicine Set (Medicine Dropper, Medicine Syringe)
• Nasal Aspirator
• Oral Care Kit
• Thermometer

Travel

• Stroller / Travel System
• Infant Car Seat
• Baby Sling
• Diapers Bag
• Fold & Go Changing Mat
• Sunshades
• Infant Head Support
• Cooler Bags & Ice Pack
• On the Go Bottle Warmer
• Portable Baby Bed
• Toys
• Plastic Bag for Soiled Diapers

Toys

• Soft Toys
• Educational/Development Toys
• Rattles
• Teethers
• Play Gym/Activity Mat
• Books
• Educational Videos
• Classical Music CDs

lazing in japan

u know u r pregnant when a nap in the park proves more attractive than shopping! hey, little leong needs to sleep....not me!!!:P

we were in tis Namja Gyoza town n we had all sorts of funny gyozas with kimchi, cheese, garlic, wasabi, blue sauce......etc...

B4 we were into the gaming arcade! The 3 of them had fun trying out all the latest games not found in singapore, which does not interest me to any extent! :P

small cosy place specialising in yakitori sticks!
our first meal in Jap. highly recommended by the Kims.
air con in the Lift!!! hmm, my tummy is showing....see my little baby?:P
Ice-cream town in Namja Town.
the luv of my life...
ya. we had ice cream every nite in Japan! Earl Grey ice-cream makes me HaPpIe!
high class train ride.

my japan hr

Our Jap pics loaded by Kim!
I'm sure there's lotsa repeated photos in my camera!

http://picasaweb.google.com/gearosv2/TokyoTripOct08#

Links

Links:

1) BFC Cantata 07 " No Greater Love "
http://cantata.bfcministries.com/2007/
For Beautiful songs, view " soundtrack"
My favourite songs: This is the Day, No greater love, Jesus I my cross have taken

2) Wanna know how ter & i get to know God,
http://cantata.bfcministries.com/2007/
view "Adult Cast- Mark & Melissa"

3) To find out God's love for you,
http://cantata.bfcministries.com/2007/
view " God's Great Love for You"

Do let me know if u wanna a copy of the Disc! :P

BFC pics

BFC Cantata 07 Studio Recording for our disc!

BFC Cantata 07 Main Cast ( the adults and teenage version!)



June Camp 07 Camp Site! Lotsa yacht! Good view!

June camp 07- our dining area.

The choir at June Camp 08
telelmatch @ June Camp 08

Seee my balloon! quite big huh!!:P Quite a fun pic! See Irene and sis Chee Kit's expressions!

miracles do happen!!!!

Miracles do happen! And God works in ways we never expect! Beyond our human understanding. Beyond what we deserve. Beyond our imagination. wow..God is faithful, just, wise, merciful. These are the terms most commonly used. However, to ,me, our God is also creative!! Imagine someone who creates the universe and the millions species of insects with its own precise distinctive features, migration and reproduction, mating styles. It takes lotsa creativity and wisdom to create such permutations! God is creative even in solving our problems! To me, He's the best strategist too in problem resolution!

My miracle of the day! or rather yesterday's miracle. I Got a JOB! :P I was retrenched last thurs. And get employed again 4 days later. That's fast, i thought! Faster than what i expected. Faster than my imagination! As i'm pregnant, all employers should be shunning me! And i just give thanks for this opportunity that God has given me. To conclude, God has been very good to me! Simply beyond what i deserve. And i thank Him for His grace n mercy upon me, ter and the little one.

It kinda is a blessing in disguise. Coz with this job, my employment after little leong is born is settled! And it is a relief to me to know the plan at least for the next year of my life. I'm definetely not a risk taker and delights in stability!

Coz, i will be working in this education centre as a part time teacher ( i take onli one lesson) cum marketing executive. I will kinda be looking into business developments, strategies and opportunities for expansion, competitive analysis, product bundling, advertising , sourcing for new shop space! And i tot it's going to be real exciting! ANd best of all, with this marketing job, i onli work 2 full days a week! Frees me lotsa time to be with little leong while i still keep in touch with the society! I've never been in the education line, so it's quite fun and challenging to study the trends in the market! Marketing excites me more than any other job! It refreshes me and gives me the challenges i luv! Indeed, God is so good and He knows the desire of my heart to give me a job i enjoy! Actually, i was there for interview for part time teacher, But hey, as a marketing person, i ended up " selling" myself as a marketing person, and got this part time marketing position instead. God just opens the doors for me and allows me to win the favor of the director. God has paved the way for me and i'm just amazed! i pray that God will give me the extra wisdom and creative for all these strategist planning. And as i work, His name will be praised and glorified!

With this job, i can now start planning the baby schedule. Like the nanny thingy, how to transport the baby to nanny while i work and stuff like that! Work will only start in Jan'o8! So i gotta play and relax for whole of Dec!!! haha:pppp And i'm paid till Jan. So guess, i can be a happie "tai tai" for Dec!

I met up with my DG NTU Campus Crusade gals last nite for dinner! And it's such a blessing to see them-Rebak, Amy & Jangting!! Chatted about old times. And guess what, JangTing can still remember Ter courting me while we were in Japan for mission trip! And she still remember Ter giving me my first bouquet of roses at the airport b4 i flew to Japan! That was like 2000, 8 years ago when we were just NTU freshies! !!!haha... Thank God for all these sisters!!!

Juz bored....

When u r bored, u tink more........well, u gotta lotsa time to think, reflect about life. Perhaps, this time round, God is teaching me to slow down my pace, think, reflect, realign and recommit my life to him. Motherhood sure has its very own challenges. I;m not ready and will never be ready!!! haha...

And perhaps, this is the time to prepare my heart emotionally and spiritually for the little one. i wonder how i can shepherd the little one if me myself is kinda still lost in life! :P i seriously wonder how parents can teach their little ones about God when they themselves have much issues with God and is still in lala land, deceiving themselves and God. As a mother, i need to realign my tots with God once again, be trained biblically, such that i can impart the biblical values to the little one. I need to be equipped with God's word!

In this modern world, many parents ( even christians) have chosen to address the issues of parenting in unbiblical methods such as psychology - by reward ( if u do it, u get this), punishment & threat ( if u do it, u get a spanking) ,emotional appeal ( if u do it, mummy will be so happy n proud of you). Certainly, these methods are very effective in behaviour changing. Yet, they are superficial and does not address the heart of the little one. As the heart and behaviour is such closely linked, in using such unbiblical methods, it kinda trains the kid's heart NOT towards biblical motives and goals to perform certain duties. But, ironically, it trains them to greedy interest to obtain rewards. ( In life, if i want sometin for my self-interest, i will have to perform this thingy.) The kid is trained to believe that when they do something in life, they deserve a reward. And they grow up to be uncontent adults who felt injustice when the world does not reward them for what they have done. Biblical methods address not jusz on behaviour changing but rather focusing on changing of the heart. Indeed, only when the heart is strongly impacted, that the behaviour will be changed as a result powerfully and certainly Sustainable. i have been reading " Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp and it has introduced the biblical methodology. It's has truly blessed my heart and convicted me to shepherd my little one in heart issues, to realign the little one's goals, motivations, desires, behaviour to God. And i strongly recommend it to parents, going-to be parents or even to anyone in the children ministry.

Now, for my own goal:

here's it...to run a life for God, to be diligent and faithful in running this race.

MAny times, we rush thru life. We get things done, not knowing the WHYs we get things done. and we can juz get by life getting things done, yet forgetting the meaning of life. Have u, in the midst of life, lost life? Have u truly lived life? or r u just living with an aimless goal?

i believe strongly that in the Christian walk, we should run with a goal in mind. This keeps us focussed and faithful on:

1) what we wanna achieve
2) what God wants us to achieve
3)what is our objective and end point (to glorify God and His name be praised)
4) the faith and foundation upon we r running this race ( if God is who we run for, our foundation and faith is built on Him n not earthly desires)

Set ur goals today my frens! Be focussed. Be faithful. And God will be pleased. :P There is nothing more defeating than not able to defeat ur own fears! It is not the defeats of life that defeats us. But it is our fear that cripple and defeat us!

getting into routine

It's my 2nd working day since i was retrenched. And seriously, i'm feeling bored. Fri, i was still alright doing nothing, getting over the retrenchment. Sat n Sun was bz, as usual, with family and with Ter around, i dun feel so bored.

I realise that i need to have some routine, what i wanna do during this free time, rather than idling and doing nothing. I guess, i quite a workaholic and seriously, i enjoyed working and challenges. A life too free is simply Not ME! I enjoy accomplishments and getting tasks done. Being trained at NTU biz school, it is without doubt that sometimes, i tink quite corporately, is task-oriented and can be dominative at time. While i was still in spa marketing 1 yr back, i had 2 male executives whom i gotta trained. And i'm quite strict when they dun meet up to my expectations. i give instructions n i make sure they follow it. i'm those kind of " i dun care how u do it. But u just do it and get it right." Guess, one ego guy can't take it and complained to the boss about it. I simply told my boss he's not up to the task. This guy was gone in 3 mths time as he could not perform. In the past, i always told hubby that at work, i'm always making decisions for men who can't seem to make decent, sensible, logical decisions. And thus at home, i hate to make decisions. I luv it when Ter makes decisions.

I realise that i like men who CAN make decisions. And i luv ter becoz he's firm, convicted, not fickle and able to analyse and make decisions. I reallie reallie can't take fickle men who tell me Yes today and No tomorrow. But many times, i question the decisions made, why it was made, how it was made. And i learnt a very important lesson. At work, i make decisions as i need to. But at home, i'm a wife and should respect my husband as the head of the family and take any decision he make. I mean, he will be accountable to God and i believe very strongly that he luvs me very much and would make sensible decisions, not to harm but to protect me with his heart and mind. I trust him and his luv for God and me and with these, i do not question his authority and his decisions made. Ter says my tot streamline can be rather corporate and indeed, sometimes, i bring this mindset Home. And this is the last thing i should do, to dominate at home and bring biz terms in the family. Indeed, our marriage is Not a contract and should not be bound by well-defined biz terms and conditions, and measured in costs and profit to each party when we do anything.

Anyway, back to the main pt, the point is i'm quite a workaholic and i feel bored not working! haha...My mind needs to be in work mode most of the time and when i dun work, i feel lazy. Knowing my character, here's my to-do list or goals to achieve when i'm jobless, I realise i need plans to stay focused. If not, i;ll be sleeping till late everyday and wasting my time like a lazy fool!

Check-List:
1) Clean up the house
2) Start packing the house as i may be shifting to my in-laws place for little leong's arrival.
3) Take driving lessons and hopefully pass my driving test. But first, i gotta pass my theory. phew........sweat....i'm realie not the studying kind.
4) Finish up my parenting books
5) Catch up with old frens
6) Learn to be a housewife!!haha........
7) Plan menu for Homecooked dinner for kIm & lishan. Fun! i seldom have time to cook, so tis will be a good time to cook and bless our frens.
8) Coordinate Christmas party for GCSS group at lena Goh's house. ( minister to her husband)
9) Christmas party for my ex-colleagues
10) Confirm name for baby leong
11) Cook dinner at least twice a week
12) Breakfast for Ter
13) Coordinate belated birthday dinner for Auntie Diana
14) Spend time with my grandma
15) Lunch with Wendy
16) Lunch with Lena
17) Attend parenting talk at children's camp
18) Lunch with Fang

And yes, the places i wanna visit during my free time:
1) The zoo on a weekday where it's surely less less crowded
2) Read book, relax and laze at TCC, COffeebean, Starbucks
3) Luxurious food i always wanted to go:
- Weekday porridge buffet at Suntec
- Weekday Penang Buffet at Allson Hotel
- Weekday buffet lunch at Kushinbo
-Weekday dim sum buffet at Lao Beijing
4) Beach
5) Pulau Ubin
6) I wish i can go Bukit Timah Hill...........but guess, not with the little volleyball in me!!:P

cupcakes

For Ter's surprise party last yr, i ordered this "greenie happie island concept" cupcakes from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgcupcake_momma

For our folks out there, yes, it's "THAT" party whereby church folks- kim and mingyong, the 2 mastermind plotted the "break-in", turned our house upside down, removed the LCD from our living room and hid it! And the phone rang when we stepped into the house! haha......come to tink of it. It's quite fun n memorable! U can see Ter's reaction when he see his house messed up and LCD GONE! I'm sure after all the good fun messing up of the LEONG's house, you sure remember this party! haha

ANd yes, the pics r still with Pui Shung!!!!! Mr LAM PS and Angelyn-u owe us the pics!!!!:P

baby leong is coming SoON!!

Baby leong is coming real soon!!! :P

N i can't wait for her arrival! I've been reading, talking, singing, praying, playing with her EVERYwhere...:p in the congested bus when i need to pass time. in the lift when i feel bored. at the bus stop when i wait for the bus. Guess, as i feel her sumo kicks, i'm so amazed there's actually sometin alive in me.

And she's like the size of my little care bear on my bedside! she's quite a nitey baby n gets alive in nite, after 9pm. 2 gynaes both commented that she's a very active baby. so i guess, that explains the numerous movements! i wonder how she looks like. But i'm extremely sure with ter and my genes, she wouldn't turn out too bad!!! haha...:P I wonder how's her character. whether she will be kinda gentle like her daddy or more chilli padi like her mummy. it;s so exciting! And i can;t wait to see her!!! It;s like waiting to walk on the isle to meet ur beloved! But, no matter what, we're juz praying she'll be a strong and healthy little one who luvs and serves God! seriously,nothing else matters as long as God is in her heart!

Much stuff for us to settle b4 she arrives.. My checklist:

1) Baby cot, playpen, clothes and other stuff. We'll most prob drive up to Malaysia and get decent quality baby stuff at half price!

2) confirm her name! we're been surfing: http://www.babynames.org.uk/english-girl-baby-names.htm

3) i'll been brainstorming of her first month gifts too! Rather early, but i kinda dun like mad rush, especially when i know i will be bz coping with motherhood for the first mth.

stuff that caught my eyes:

http://www.partridgepear.com ( cookies & sweets)
http://www.sweetestmoments.com.sg ( mini cakes n pastries)
http://www.cupcakedivinity.blogspot.com ( cupcakes)

well, feel free to give comments about what u like, coz ultimately, it's u our dear frens whom we give the gifts!

Had Mexican food at cha cha cha Mexican Restaurant at Holland V! Good food!
ANd i discovered this small boutique at Holland V Food Centre that sells pretty dresses suitable for maternity wear, yet does not make me look too auntish! And its quite cheap!!!!
i bought 2 and it makes my day! weee..............

AND, the last thingy!!! i'm retrenched yesterday!!! Its a long long story and i'm quite tired of repeating the same story again n again....Well, Bye bye to maternity benefits...... but' i;m going to file a complaint with MOM and we'll see how it goes.

No matter whether i do get or do not get the maternity benefits, God;s nature is still the same and He's the still the same God who provides all our needs! Amen!:P I realise i've grown up emotionally and spiritually. If it's 3 yrs ago, perhaps, i'll be feeling very agitated. But this time round, i guess, I have been more calm to handle this matter, knowing that God is good and He is in control of the entire situation.

Well, i cried really hard last night . And i knew i need to cry, to be comforted by God. I wouldn't wanna suppress my feelings. But this morning, as i woke up and played the piano, the hymms touched my heart. i teared b4 God again and i knew His comfort is so beautiful. To be able to be held and comforted by God in ur tears, i reaslie i have been truly blessed! If God has allowed this to happen, indeed, i know He has something better in store for me. Though my paths seemed unknown, i know that in the dark, my steps will be strengthened by God and i will be rebuilt and made stronger for His glory and work! Well, my dear frens, please do not feel sorry or sad for me. Coz God has been, will be and IS good to me !:P Just pray for me! That i will go where God has prepared the way for me. I'm currently looking at part time tutoring jobs or sometin that allows me time to shepherd and take care of the little one.

I was telling Ter. After the cry last nite and tis morning, it's time to move on.......:P To a new beginning.......:) i've been reading on "Shepherding your child's heart" and it touches on teaching the kid about life lessons and God. For my little one, she need not be super brilliant in academics or others. But we pray that her heart will be with God. Indeed, it is my desire that this little one will grow up strong in the Lord, someone who has the courage to move on with life after every defeat and failure in life. A little one who gets stronger and more convicted in God after each fall in life, a little one who draws strength from God and has living waters of joy within her. I hope that one day, as i shepherd her, i will be able to smile with a grin and proudly tell her that Mummy has learnt this lesson well too! during her retrenchment!!:P

nitez......i miss terence~!

Bigger Pic of my Car!

A new toy. Big blue toy hehe!

Today, I just spent a chunk of dough on a Toyota Corolla Axio X (Auto). After 5 years of dreaming of owning a car, and a few weeks of intense research and calculations, I finally signed on the purchase order with Hua Yang Enterprises Pte Ltd.

Ok, here's the exciting parts first. Here's what I got:
Engine: 1496 cc (110 bhp)
Transmission: Super CVT-I
Other Accessories:
i) Leather seats (topped up $700 for it)
ii) Full solar film
iii) Sony MP3 Player stereo system with speakers
iv) Reverse sensors (kinda standard item yes)
v) Sports rim (Daphne's good at bargaining heehee)

Hua Yang has a number of complaints posted online about their repeated late deliveries, and having "no stock" for their accessories.

But the sheer price difference between this offer and what others are offering (yes, even people I "know" couldn't come close) is too immense. $7k difference! With that I'm more than willing to risk not getting my 'freebies', since it's still a considerable cost savings.

I think I'm a picky customer. I made the salesperson write down on the sales order that they would guarantee delivery by 22 Jan 08. They said guarantee 4 bids COE, so that's the 7 Jan 09 bid. They also said they had the car in stock, already custom cleared, LTA inspected blah blah so I made them promise "delivery with full accessories installed" in writing.

Then they told me that they don't issue receipts for the deposit, so I made them photocopy the credit card slip and countersign as "PAID" on the deposit portion of the sales order. I think their forms and documentation super terok sia. So many spelling and grammar errors! And their Appendix attachment (for accessories) was not referred to in writing in the Sales Order! Their 'statement of warranty' was written in some obscure remarks column, and without a specific reference to the automechanic company nor the warranty programme!

Wah I tell you, I made him make at least 7-8 clarifications and amendments before I signed. (At least he was smiling when I made him write down the car manufacture date). And I refused to pay the deposit till his manager counter signed to 'approve' the purchase.

Ok, enough facts. How do I feel?

I feel kinda puzzled, erm... actually more of discontent. Cos I still can't figure out how this company is offering this kind of discount. Bulk orders? Reselling to other Parallel Importers(PIs)? Sounds believable, but other PI's say they won't break even unless the OMV is under $10k. Salesperson said omv is around $12k-$13k. Hidden costs? Can't find leh. I asked them on "Admin Fees" and nothing sinister turned up in the formal quote. Maybe it's a really good offer that God's given us, and I should be thankful that He let us stumble into it. (Plus, other "PI friends" said the offer is really a steal if it's honest.)

Anyway, I'm just hoping that they would keep their word for a 23 Jan 09 delivery. It'd be really tiring for Daphne to lug her volleyball/bowling ball around during CNY. It'd be such a blessing if the car turns up in decent order by then. :)

Ok, no time. I'll rant on getting parking space in office another time :P

ek;ltje

t is for Taco!

ever since i was pregnant. i've been banned from sashimi! It's pretty crazy n boring to go to a Jap place n have cooked food. i seriously wonder how i've survived the sashimi ban. I seriously miss my maguro and hamachi. But hey, i did it!!!! AND my hubby is so proud of me! And i'm so proud he's so proud of me.

Since i can't have sashimi, i decide to shift my taste buds to elsewhere whereby i can eat FREELY without restriction with the menu. I hate to open up a menu n realise i have to abstain from half the menu. It's torturing!!! And i hate that feeling. Well, it's a choice i make. Since i can't have it, i DON"T wanna have it!!!! So , T& I decide to go Mexican these days! NAchos, tacos and more nachos. We've been exploring restauarnts with Nachos with diff dips.

Birthday was at Viva Mexican @ Cuppage. Pretty good food. Nachos with refreshing spicy chilli dip. Quite good! Thumbs up. Food was quite good. And the restaurant was real quiet . It's a place to enjoy real peace away from the shopping crowd. Price range: $35-45 per pax.

Went to CAfe Iguana today at Clarke Quay to satisfy my nacho craving. They have the cheese dip which i tot was rather heavy n too rich. I dun like it. But hubby kinda likes it apparently. Well, we R OPPOSITES even when it comes to eating. I kinda prefer it with the tomato salsa n avocado. Highly recommend the prawns. Juicy and elastic! One of the best prawns i've eaten. Comes in skewers with capsicum n onions in sizzler plate. So food stays warm for some time. But, this place rather crowded with lotsa expats. Rather rowdy crowd, those who kinda wanna party. Halloween tonite, perhaps that explains the crazy crowd too. Price range: $25-40 per pax.

Perhaps after the mexican craving, we'll starting going Indian. Hubby loves indian food! :) Watever, as long as there's no sashimi! I eat anything cooked!

wat i wanna do...

5 mths! Yes, that's all i have b4 little leong arrives. Phew! ANd i tot there's like soooo many things i wanna do b4 the little one arrives. I need more time! :P

We finished reading the book of John to little leong. So now, it;s on unto Proverbs, Psalms. Well, while Terence enjoys reading more Gospel books to the little one, i kinda like the psalms with poems and proverbs with more wisdom. Seriously, we dun reallie know if the little one understands, but to us, we tot it's good for the little one's spirit and it is our desire to bring up this little one to know and love the Lord. Away with the worldly values! THis is sometin we seriously dun wanna bring up our kids with -all the worldly value systems and materialism. Though i luv SHOPPING, i dun wanna my kids to grow up shoppa kids who spent their weekends in shopping malls n restaurants. It would be far too sad if the little ones love the fancy clothes more than the beautiful creation of God.

Most importantly,reading the bible everynite to the little one kinda trains us to be more self-disciplined. I guess, spiritual self-discipline is important, especially in ministry and somehow God seems to be teaching us this lesson during this time. Pray for us as we seek to be self-disciplined in our spiritual life, that we may impart the same values to our little one too.

Well, many of our frens have been asking us about our US trip. With the coming of the little one, seriously, we're praying for God's direction in our lives. Our applications are already with Central Seminary ( Minnesota) and IBC. ( International Baptist College) and we have told them to hold our applications due to the unexpected pregnancy. If the Lord wills, perhaps we will just bring the little one with us to US when he/ she reaches one. Or if the Lord wanna us to stay put in S'pore, we'll just stay.We won;t know where or when we should go. But somehow, we know that for the next 1 year, we'll surely be in Singapore for the little one;s sake. Continue to pray for us dear frens. That whenever, wherever God calls us, we;ll be ready to go.It could be 1 yr, 2 yrs, 3 yrs, 4 yrs, 5 yrs or soooo. We reallie dunno. It will all be fulfilled in God;s timing. But rest assured that when we are confirmed, we will surely keep u informed! :)

5 mths.!!! That's all i got! Hey, i wish i have more time!!!

........wat i wanna do b4 little one comes......
1) 1 more HOLIDAy!!!
2) Catch up on parenting books
3) Deco & Furnishing for the little one's room
4) Sterilise my house. it;s real dusty in Punggol.
5) Confirm a confinement lady
6) Confirm a name for the little one
7) ENjoy the last of our honeymoon days with Ter!!!!:)

after the little one arrives.. my wish list goes:
1) Hair Spa with new hairdo
2) MAnicure/ Pedicure
3) Sashimi Salad from Waraku and Sushi Tei
4) Away with the flats, i welcome my heels!!!! haha
5) Run up the overhead bridge (without a bowling ball)! :P
6) Aerobics ( i miss my aerobics class!)
7) SHop for HeeLs and skirts!!!!
8) Piggyback on Terence
9) Roll in my bed
10) MASSAGE/ SCRUB/ JACUZZI/WRAP!!!!
11) Swim! i miss water!
12) CAnoe!
13) Run everywhere i go...........It's a privilege to jusz run without a bowling ball in you

wish list for the little one:
1) Healthy, strong and active
2) Beautiful or handsome in God's eyes
3) Love and serve the Lord
4) Loves mummy n daddy!
5) Filled with God's joy!
6) Amuses and entertains mummy and daddy! :P

That;s for now. Perhaps, ill load our Japan & birthday pics when we r like More free! :)

Me and my Little Leong

Ok, I haven't talked about my little cutie Leong (the baby yes that one). At 4.5 months old, all the gynaes think she's a she. But the books say 5 months is 'sure'. Girl can become boy, but boy cannot become girl you know. :P

Little cutie Leong has been really active these 2 weeks. When I called Daphne during lunch time, she suddenly said "Ouch! Baby's kicking again.". When I called her to tell about my IPPT miracle, she kicked again too. I think ar, she next time will be karateka or some socceroo. :D

We've been reading John, Proverbs and Psalm to her (almost) every night since week 7. Now we're reading Psalm in mandarin too, so she'll be bilingual when she's grown (unlike her kantang daddy haha). I'm really praying that God will use her mightily in full time ministry in the future. It would be such a joy to see our future kids dedicated and serving God and making their lives count for Him. Amen? :D

Daphne's remarking that her tummy is getting really big. Can't run, can't swim , can't eat her fav foods for now. And she's made me promise her a blitz of massage/scrub/wrap/sushi/sashimi salad (sushi tei & waraku)/soft icecream/etc treats after she gives birth (and after confinement of course). Better start saving up lulz :D

IPPT Miracle - God is so good!

7 sessions of Remedial Training have passed. Actually 6, cos 23 Oct 08 was a 'free day' cos of some unknown reason, and I was able to celebrate a nice cosy delicious happy fun Mexican birthday for my beautiful happy gorgeous darlingiscious Daphne at "Viva Mexico" at Cuppage Terrace. Mmmmmm I loved the brinjal/spinach/cheese appetiser.... mmmmm.......

(Daphne says she loves the nachoes starter with the spicy dip) :D

Anyway, back on topic. Today was session 8: RT Phase 1 Test day. Last night I was so zonked out after work I slept at 10.30pm and didn't open my eyes till morning. What's worse, I actually dreamt of IPPT! I dreamt that I was as the pull-up station and I did 10 pull-ups, but I forgot to zap my scorecard!!! Oh well it was just a dream haha.

Worst of all, my left hamstring was aching, and my left calf was stiff. Ouch, last year's RT IPPT was the same, and I ran 14+ mins cos my pain threshold failed me. It's so annoying! I last ran on Sunday and Monday, and it doesn't ache/strain until 3 days later? Madness! *breathes*

Anyway, I met Joseph at Khatib MRT, and he was so sweet to sponsor the $5 cab fare to Khatib Camp. As usual, there were 500 people taking the test (yeah, Charlie was number 496 while mine was 463, and Joseph was 465. Joshua felt ill and pontang, that noti boy!)

So here's how the static station went:
1st Station: Pull ups - did 10 easily (dejavu with dream?) and I double checked my scorecard! :D
2nd Station: Standing Broad Jump: 216 cm. 3 points enough for my comfort zone.
3rd Station: Shuttle Run: 9.9s - I was quite surprised this time, cos I averaged 10.3 last year oh well I'm happy hehe.
4th Station: Sit Ups - Did 32 - Slacker me hehe I calculated enough points for incentive, so 3 points enough liao. Conserve energy mah I kiasu ok? :D

Now we were left with the dreadful 2.4km run. Joseph and Charlie were like so confident.
Joseph:"I think I'll try to run 11:20min, maybe can get the $100 bonus"
Charlie:"Wah last year fail by 1 second! I better not screw up this time grrrr. Gonna do 12min flat"
Me:"Aiyo you all overtake me lor. Just pray my hamstring doesn't freeze on me" ^^'

So after waiting almost 45 mins, we were queued up to run.
1st Round: 1:50min wow that didn't hurt. Thank You Lord :D
2nd Round: 1:55min - WOW! still didn't hurt, but starting to breathe heavy
3rd Round: 2:10min - ok this is the tough part. I was almost chanting mentally "Oh Lord help me!!!"
4th Round: 2:20min - siao liao, boh lat lung pain. *Oh God halp me pleeeeasseee!*
5th Round: 2:20min - hamstring felt a little stiff. Time on the board was 10:35mins. It's really close....
6th Round: Wah liao it's really do or die. I started striding for my life, lungs were burning. Legs were wilting and by the 2200m mark I thought my lungs would fail me. Then God was very good. I suddenly saw Charlie overtake me, and he was panting like a wild horse going for broke. Somehow that triggered me to burn my reserves and I chased after him. If you heard the 2 of us hyperventilating you would immediately call for a medic, noiser than snoring sia!

To my eternal gratitude, the scoreboard posted 464 - 12.30min. I PASSED! PRAISE GOD I PASSED! NO MORE RT FOR THIS YEAR! WOO HOOO!!!!! THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I was having a double stitch and I was like hyperventilating for the next 5 minutes. The stitch took 30mins to recede and I took a cab home to give my darling a super smelly hug haha!

Oh well, Daphne's tired already, so I'd better go now. Ciao! :)

all i want for my birthday...

i'm quite tired of all the birthday celebrations. All the birthdays are almost the same!! And, seriously , i can't really recall my birthday gifts for the past yrs.

So, I"M PROTESTING THIS YEAR!

No NOISY Birthdays with SMSs. I WANT a quiet birthday, alone with hubby, away from the rest of the world!!! :P haha....so romantic. ( oops, am i getting old?)

ALL i want this yr:

1) A Quiet birthday dinner with hubby ( with no teledisturbance) ( i will make sure HE shut off his phone)
2) A birthday song, kiss and hug from hubby
3) A birthday card from hubby with lots lots of sweet nothings! :)

And lastly.................juz ONE FURRY BAG i've been eyeing!!:P

That will make me happy!

its cold here!

its cold here in Shinjuku! And im so glad we 're OUT of singapore, out of bounds to work n phone calls and can jusz spend our days walk down the streets in Tokyo, eat , sleep and hold hubby's hands without any teledisturbance　from anyone. No MSGS,　no phones. HAha. I luv it! ~daphne

1st Trimester: God is so good

Today, we went for Daphne's 12th week checkup at KK Hospital. Yes, this marks the end of the turbulent 1st Trimester.

Today, we would see the fruits of our hopes and prayer. Specifically, we were praying that:
a) Our child would be strong and healthy, growing on schedule
b) The cyst would have disappeared
c) Dr Tee would accept the invitation to come for BFC Anniversary

As usual, we were dilly-dallying at home, dressing up, double checking that we brought everything, and reminding each other what questions we needed to ask. Appointment time was set for 10.35am. Guess what time we reached the bus-stop to flag a cab? 10.30am! :D

And terok sia. It was semi-raining, and we kena cut-queue by 2 people for the cab. By the time we got the cab, it was 10.50am and we still kena jam on CTE cos got accident on the right lane at AMK Ave 1 area. By the time we registered at KK Specialist Clinic D, it was 11.32 am. (yar, we were the last couple that the doctor saw today)

When we got into the consultation room, after the greetings niceties, I blurted out that we were praying hard that the cyst would have disappeared. And so came the ultrasound scanning.

My baby is soooo cute! (I'll try to insert the ultrasound pic later) 7cm long and growing healthily! Everything appeared normal, but we weren't able to determine the gender yet. (pink or blue? pink or blue?) Dr Tee probed downwards, and quickly found another ovary, and then a little black blob he pointed out to be the cyst, which had shrunk to 1.3cm in diameter.

At first, I was kinda disappointed that it was still present, but Dr Tee said it was now medically insignificant, and we would consider it as non-existent for all manner of risk or concern. Anyway, by next month, it would be the last we'd see of it as the expanding womb would have grown 'over' it, and it would have disappeared by itself then anyway. :)

I then presented him with the Anniversary invitation, to which he showed mild interest. Please pray that he will come to hear the gospel. Btw he's a catholic, so please pray specifically!

Oh yes, did I mention that God is good? :D

Misdiagnosis or Divine Intervention?

21st August 2008

Sometimes we wonder why God allows trials in our lives. Why some trials are prolonged, like JoAnn's problems, and why some are so short and sweet like ours.

Could it be a simple case of misdiagnosis? Or was it really a Dermoid cyst that God really shrunk despite the medical impossibility? The article (below) says that a Corpus Luteum cyst is "fluid-filled", whereas a Dermoid cyst is solid tissue. From the ultrasound pictures, the cyst was definitely opaque and solid-like.

Even during the last scan, I could see a brief flash of confusion in Dr Tee's eyes. He didn't expect the cyst to shrink. He wasn't confident of what kind of cyst we were dealing with. The usual "No problem, I've seen this a thousand times" composure dissipated for that brief moment.

We vividly remember exclaiming "Thank God" and "God is so good to us", in response to which, Dr Tee asked "Which God is that?". God allowed us to 'coincidentally' (aka Divine arrangement) select a Gynae who's a friend of the Chuas.

I do believe, not only is God building our faith in Him, but he is showing himself real to Dr Tee, who does not know him.

Please pray with us as we invite him and his wife to join us for Church Anniversary. Mrs Chua will follow up after we give him the invitation during our next appointment on 13th Sept 08.

For more info on a Corpus Luteum Cyst, look here: http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5335,00.html

Descending into Deliverance

19th August 2008

We were ready for the Op in 2 days time. Leave was applied for and approved. Mom offered to take leave is Daphne couldn't recover fast enough next week. Pa/Ma offered the spare room in Bedok or to send lunch over if needed. BFC folks were ready to take leave and come down to pray for us on the morning of the Op. Truly, God has blessed us with people who love us so much and are willing to make life easier for us in our time of need.

Dad was also really nice today. He picked us up from home and drove us to KK. So we plopped down to Specialist Clinic A while Dad went to send Popo to the polyclinic, and while we waited, we browsed over the newly announced baby bonuses in the newspapers. $1k more cash, 4 days more childcare leave, 1 month more maternity leave... not bad, too bad no paternity leave hehe.

Ok I digress. When we went into the consultation room for the scan. I was puzzled when the normally confident Dr Tee squinted at the screen and drew a myriad of circles with the ultrasound probe on Daphne's tummy. He murmured that he couldn't find the cyst, and I bet Daphne's heart missed a beat when he said that. Only after another minute of searching did he find the cyst. Measuring in at a now miniature 3.4 cm, the cyst had unexplainably shrunk by 60%! Praise God!

Dr Tee later said that the cyst should be a Corpus Luteum Cyst instead of a Dermoid Cyst, cos only a Corpus Luteum cyst shrinks by itself. He printed out an article on it and explained that it should disappear by itself in a few weeks, and Daphne didn't need to undergo the operation after all! Of course our first sight of Little Leong's head and tiny little body, measuring 3.2 cm in length meant that he/she's really growing well, and that we need not worry about his/her health.

It was spam spam spam all the way, as we messaged everyone the good news, and called our parents in turn to share our happiness and relief.

We celebrated by spending our Taka vouchers on nice Italian food at Ambush, before I had to go back to work. Finally, I can blog and announce everything about our Little Leong without risk of a tragic memory, but instead look forward to this journey, as God guides us in this wonderful challenge of parenthood.

God is good amen? :D

Bracing for an Op. Trust in Prayer

Leading up to 2nd August 2008

In the last 2 weeks, the prayer chain was activated, and half the church knew of the cyst. We were praying definitely earnestly that God would protect our child first and foremost, and that we would be content with whatever outcome or recourse the Lord provided.

Surprisingly, when we showed our appointment card to Mrs Chua, she recognised the name of our Gynae immediately, saying that he was her & Dr Chua's senior in Med school, and he's kind of a HOD in KK, and he's very experienced in his field.

Thank God for this reassurance, we don't have to hop around Singapore getting a 2nd/3rd/4th opinion, not knowing which Gynae to trust.

2nd August 2008

Today, Dad went golfing in JB again, so no car, and we cabbed down to KK AMK again for the follow up visit. We were early this time, and went in with some apprehension on whether our baby was growing or not. 2 weeks back Little Leong was 1.8 cm long.... today we would know if the pregnancy was stable or not.

Looking apprehensively over Dr Tee's shoulder at the screen, we saw the familiar disc of black mass, and a littler shape. As we saw the little shape closer up, we could see little flickering in the middle of the white mass. Our biggy hearts jumped in exhilaration as he said, "Look, it's the heartbeat!"

Of course, tempered by the great joy in the confirmation of our child's health (it grew from 1.8cm to about 2.2cm) was the impending operation. Dr Tee told us that a 8.5 cm cyst would likely impede the growth of the fetus, and would need to be removed once the fetus is sufficiently stable.

The op would be open surgery, and have a 3-5% chance of miscarriage. Daphne would have to be warded for at least 3 days, and need to rest at home for 3-4 weeks.

3 weeks on, we were to go for a final scan in KK Hospital, 2 days before the op, and make the final preparations for the operation.