Commencement 2008

So on May 20th, some of the Singaporeans graduated. LC and WY finally finished their final lapse of the 5 years doctoral studies at TC. We had a mini farewell gathering for them to celebrate as LC would be going back to NIE to take on her new role in the insitution and WY would continue to stay on in NYC to look for a job. I had so much admiration for the two of them. I always wondered how did they handle balancing family and work. Especially WY who have two young toddlers to take care. Mind you when you are staying overseas, there's no such thing as maids as it's super costly to hire one.I always felt that doctorate students were always so focused, disciplined, capable and organized.This was something which I had observed and admired. You certainly need these qualities when you will be investing 5 years of your life,financial resources. Will I ever be ready for it if I decide to go into academia or will I still prefer to work in the front line with the children?

Food and Singaporeans

CS just tagged me this photo taken during the semester. When Singaporeans gathered, there's always food.This kind of reminded me of college days when you would hang around in the hostel, cooked and talked and then stayed up in the wee hours to study.It's still the same even when you are in grad school.

I miss the BBQ

I missed home and the activities I did with him and my family. Looking at these photos from Ian's website reminded me of how we first did our first bbq at my in-laws' place several years before he left for the states. How fun to have a few friends over and have a nice catch up.It felt kinda of weird that I am not around but at the same time, there was this sense of peace and joy to see that he and his family were doing well back home.Thank god for that.

Apple Crumble-Healthy Snack for everyday living

Recipe:
For the lower layer:
6 cups of fruits
2 tablespoon of water
2 teaspoon lemon juice
Cinnamon ( vary according to your liking)
For the topping:
1 cup of oats
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter(softened)
Direction:
Bake 350F for about 25-35minutes.

Spring 2008 in NYC

He was here for a week in the city!!I am so elated after three months of not seeing him. I am like recharged in the arms of love, soaring freely like an eagle,and zesty like a lemon. New York City is even more perfect with him around. We simply lazed around the Central Park for almost few days of the week, marveling at the cherry blossoms, oogling at the hot joggers around the Charles Dana,listening to the jazz band playing in the greens and just simply enjoying the warm weather!!I love Spring. Central Park is so beautiful...Alright back to mugging.another 2 days to go before I am free and start my summer vacation!!

A hike in somewhere near Paterson,NJ

Young was kind enough to invite us to his house for his birthday party. We had a huge barbeque with party games and a group hike out in the woods!!I missed the fresh air so much!!I am a country girl for sure...