Collyer Quay-- where the merlions stay

The last time we visited Singapore was 8 years ago. And even when we were there 8 years ago, we did not really get the chance to look around. This time, we were much more privileged to "tour" around Singapore.
Through the kindness of our friends and relatives, we were able to see more of Singapore. This little country has changed so much through the years. We can hardly remember places where we had been before or places that we remembered were there. For example this place is called the Collyer Quay. It has changed so much just beyond our imagination. The only thing that did not change was the humid and hot weather.
Along CQ, there were more shops and restaurants. More lands had been reclaimed from the sea, and more buildings were constructed there. There were now 2 merlions instead of one... A baby merlion and a papa merlion.
The restaurants catered more for high ended customers. The food catered there were in smaller portions and more fine dinning style. A good place to visit..yes. One should try once in a while to live the life if one can afford it.

Flags edition

Correction to the blog before. These flags are flags of the states of Malaysia. It is interesting to learn how many states there are in Malaysia.

Malacca

We were able to visit this mini asian place in Malacca per kindness of our dear friends, Ai Hoon and Kum Meng.
In the back of this building were old kampong houses which the Malays lived in past years.
Now they were just houses for displaying purposes. The stores along this cultural center carried handmade toys and souvenirs. An interesting place to visit when you go there.
Along this path were flags of all the countries... and it would be fun to play a game of identifying the flags.
When you get a chance to visit Malaysia, don't forget to pay this place a visit. You will be amazed at what the Malays can do with their hands.

I am back !

I will be back here now. It has been a long time since I go on my blog.
Well, there are exciting things that had happened in the past few months since my absence. So i will be posting them soon.
Do check on my blog to learn more.
See ya ......

My children from school.

As much as i hated it, drastic measure had to be taken. I had to finally bid these children and more good bye. Working with them was loads of fun. Unfortunately, I have to think of what i really like to do and for who. The decision is made. May have to be out of job for a little while, but we know that GOD has something planned.
Hope to be able to see them sometime just for old time's sake.

My new job

It has been such a blessing to find a job in these times of trouble. To think of it, I have been teaching in the Montessori school for about a month now, maybe a little shy of a week. And it has been such a great experience. I am starting to find that children are very innocent and forgiving. And no matter how well or bad you treat them, they will still love you. I have been a softy all the time when disciplining children are concerned. Fortunately, teaching here makes me think twice. If I can put Clara under control, why not these rowdy kids. It was indeed a very trying time at the beginning. And it helps me greatly to learn quickly too to be kind and firm at the same time. I realized that children will go to any extend to test water. Especially so with the American kids. For they hardly had discipline at home. So they tested and tested me and now they realized that I can be fun and at the same time serious.
It is after some very trying experiences that made me determined to win the battle. Must know what fight to pick. With much prayer, I was inspired to read a book called, "Kid cooperation". Just wanting to find ideas as to how to deal with certain situations. And sure enough, all the incidences that I went through were written in this book. So I learn to apply the methods suggested. They do work !!!!. But i think things got better because i prayed for them everyday.
For Mother's Day, some children were telling their parents to buy gifts for me. It really touched my heart to know that they do appreciate me. A little boy jokingly said that he needn't listen to me. I decided to have a serious talk with him. And he cried when I called him. After the talk, he seemed to have forgotten the incident, but in my mind, I was still serious. And this is one of the little boy that bought me a gift. So sweet ! We never again had any problem listening.
Wish i could write a book on my experience each day.

Artichoke

So glad to have artichokes growing in my garden. This is such a good plant and thank GOD for helping them to grow. It is a miracle to have mine so early as the research that i did said that it will only produce fruits after the 2nd or 3rd year. But this is the first year after i planted it.
I know the LORD has blessed all the plants that i have put in the ground. And I am ever so thankful for them. Right now, I think there are about 11 artichokes altogether.
Thank You, Jesus for this vegetable.