Flowers Galore!

If you will like me to compare Botanical Garden and Aruluen in Perth, there is definitely a vast difference with each of its own beauty. Gardens and parks like these are always my favorite and if I get to stay in Oz, Aruluen will be my favorite hangout. Just like how central park with its huge swan pond is a great hangout for me when I am in the Big Apple.

Admiring the vivid colors of the tulips, roses, caledonia with the accompanyment of my dad and enjoying the light fragrant scent of the flowers in the sunny blue sky ignited a fresh new breathe in me. What a great beginning to start our first day in Perth like this!

Family cycles at ECP

SO during the Haji weekend, I had a great time hanging out with my daddy and brother at East Coast Park.We started the day off with dim sum at Tung Lok East Coast with my in-laws.Much to my dismay, it wasn't fantastic and everyone wasn't really enjoying it.I don't think we will go back again as I think there are better tim sum places around.

HOwever, things got better as we hit off the roads with the bikes.The purpose of this gathering was to engage my dad and in-laws to a more active lifestyle. In-laws were not really keen ( blame my husband for not giving them enough encouragement:P)so they went off after a short while of lingering in the park.Dad on the contrary was pretty fun-loving. My eyes litted up when I saw both my brother and him having silly fun over the tandem bike. What an adorable sight looking at two big men on the bike weaving through the ECP crowd. My dad's smiles and refreshing look made me happy.It had been a long time since he had such relaxing fun from his work. I hope he would get to do more of these in the future with us.Besides that, my niece and nephew joined us as well. It was nice having a bonding time with my niece as we cycled alongside each other and chatted. I love such times together with my family.

This weekend, hubs decided to organize another similar event for his family.So we took leave on Friday. His sisters, nephew and nieces were all there. We took a leisure ride along the coast as well. His nieces ought to come out more for outdoor play. They were so cautious and frightened on a four wheeled bike!!! Fortunately after much encouragement, they began to be more confident and adventurous. In laws managed to cycle for like a few minutes and gave up on the tandem bike.The day ended with a good spread of hawker food at the East Coast Seafood centre. The kids were tired but mentioned to the parents that they had great fun. I just saw their facebook message that they had fun.

Outdoor play and fresh air are always good for everyone!

Susan Koman Breast Cancer Run

On June 7th, I took a cheap chinatown bus and went down to DC Washington to visit Steve and Carol. I also took this opportunity to take part in the nation wide Susan Koman Breast Cancer Run. There were about 250 thousand runners that day and with the temperature hitting high at 40 degree celsius and relative high humidity, the initial start to the run was unbearable. But, knowing that I am running for a good cause ( all donations will be proceeded to Breast Cancer Research), I persevered. Along the way, there were a few times i wanted to stop.( I am not a good runner)But I thought about how mum had battled the fight and finished the race.And I realised I needed to run with "good faith" as well.So I kept visualizing that I would hit the finishing line and try to overcome this mental barrier. I am glad I did! Steve felt bad that he did not get me the pink shirt which said,"in memory of your love ones". I told him that its absolute alright. Because i felt it was not about the "physical material" but was the "spritual" that was more important. I felt her presence, her indomitable spirit when I ran.
She would always be with me wherever I go.
Pictures

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.

Spring semester

School started last week and it was another semester of "chionging" for all the courses. Each time, when things get a little tougher, I will remind myself how god has blessed me with this oportunity and how he wants me to use this knowledge to bless other people. I should be thankful of it and should be perservering in pursuing it. I realised that no matter what circumstances you are in, having a group of supportive friends do help you to pull through. But nothing beats being back home, having a little hug and kiss from the one you love so dearly. I started missing him already.This semester will be a life changing experience for me again. Truely,when you learn to battle each day, you grow stronger as a person.Isn't that wonderful?

When he is not there

You never know till u experience it.
I know that for sure LOVE is the greatest thing of all.
Nothing on earth beats LOVE
In the days ahead, I know there will be no one moment which I will be unsure of what to choose.And I know LOVE is the greatest thing of all.

Thoughts

Shifted out from our beautiful apartment and residing at Ivan's place in Dover. Very quiet area which i am still adjusting to. Not even a single soul in sight and the only thing you can see is the wiltered trees in the winter. Next week will be fine when we moved back to the city.

Giving thanks for 2007

January 2007:
I am thankful we have moved back to North Carolina after a fruitful stay in London for 5 months.

February 2007:
I spent Valentine with Hubs finally after a two years break.
I met the nicest mummy I can ever hang out with! Susan and her two kids! I am so thankful that we have built a strong friendship despite such a short encounter. I am even more thankful that we are still in touch and talked often online!
I got myself rooted in the coolest Woman’s bible study group. Rene, my cell group leader has inspired me in so many ways, including housekeeping, baking and cooking!!

March 2007:
I went back to Singapore for a few weeks to spend time with my family and Jessica.
I celebrate hub’s birthday with him

April 2007:
Susie the coolest babe composed the ever best one time hit “A-Z love song” together with me! Thankful for friends who have been so helpful in my wedding preparation.
Thankful for the time I spent taking care of my niece, Shannice

May 2007:
Another chapter of Hub’s life. He graduated from Duke with a MBA and we had great fun with the in- laws when they were visiting us for three weeks and we traveled around in the Southern states
I spent Mother’s day with two great mummies!
I did my first strawberry picking!
I started driving for the longest distance in the states!

June 2007:
We had our traditional wedding in Shang finally! I did my first public performance and speech after 10 years!!
We had a family honeymoon in Phuket!
Spent time with Jess who left us for a greater other world.

July 2007:
Ron started his job in the Wallstreet.
I enjoyed my last few weeks of my “taitai” life.
We had great apartment with nice Manhatten view.

August 2007:
MUAK opened!!
Susie was here in NYC with me and Ronald. She was such a great comfort!
I met Cindy and she was another great lady whom I can relate to !

September 2007:
Began my dream in Columbia! Pursue my passion. Work in RGC. Met wonderful Singaporean friends and International friends.

October 2007:
Settled down in a American Korean Church and met more wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ.
Met Susan who drove up from North Carolina

November 2007:
Thankful for the surprise scholarship!
Thankful that god is with us in the midst of all trials and continued providence to encourage us.
A great Boston trip.

December 2007:
Private carolling and christmas quiz with hubs!
Wonderful Singaporean and cell group frens who helped us in moving.
Wonderful Chinese friends who helped.
Ivan Hohoho who is going to host us for three weeks.

October

October is a month when the Lows finally decided to settle down in Joy Christian Fellowship. The church has just opened up its second service in the Cineplex which is just 10min near their place. They find the church very homely and people are welcoming and nice. It is an American Korean Church so the Lows definitely has a fair share of conversation exchanges about Korean drama with their cell members. The pastor’s sermon was structured and easy to comprehend. The Lows decided to join the cellgroup which would be doing a book called “Gospel Transformation”. An excellent book which has been keeping them accountable to doing daily devotionals and keeping track of their spiritual life. Life in NYC was just too hectic sometimes. There were too many things which might distract and keep your focus on the lord. So , it was therefore good that the Lows were going through a book which had tremendous good exercises to work on that helped them to learn about the bible each week. Every Sunday, the Lows will spend almost the whole day involving in the fellowship and service. The Lows think that god has a purpose for everything. Just when they were all settled in the group and their apartment, they were faced with one of the biggest trial which both of them had ever experienced after their marriage. The man’s job was threatened by the Credit Crunch in the US market. This was the last thing they would ever think it could occur them. They were at a lost. The Lows was down for the last week of October. Everything seemed to be thrown in the vast ocean again. The atmosphere at home was no longer cheery. The Lows were thinking about their future, their next step. How could this happen to the Lows since they had been praying about their direction in life. After much praying, the Lows reckoned that this is going to be one trial the lord is putting them to a test. A test to strengthen the marriage even further to survive the ordeal as one, a test for greater faith and obedience in his sovereignty.
Photos of fellowship

ONE vs THREE?

The only way when time seemed to run short and you want to make sure your husband has something to eat when he is back is to cook the one dish meal like my all natural mushroom vermicelli soup ( Stock base: Ikan billis;soya bean;scallops, brew for a minimum of 40 minutes) and Aglio Oglio. I am in the midst of discovering more such recipes because lazy me can have more time to do other things.Somehow, i have not reached maximum efficiency in terms of whipping up meals. SImple dish like this , it can take me up to 20 minutes of preparation time, 20 minutes of cooking and all in all 40 minutes!!!Somehow, chopping the garlic,cilantro,ginger and stuff can take up so much of my time.

But then , there are times when i feel like just taking my time to cook. IS pretty theraputic actually. So when that is the case, you can see me preparing portions beyond what two people can eat!!Three or four dishes in a meal.Now , people who came to our house will understand why our fridge is always stocked up with so much food for just two people!

I feel pretty accomplished whenever I whipped up something nice coz I rarely did:P how about you?

Potato Marshy just like us!

Yesterday, both of us worked in the kitchen together to whip up the dinner. Though there were small squabbles about how things should be done, we enjoyed the process of doing something together. So yesterday, the man did two pan fried salmon ( got them from Chinatown at a good deal) and I did my first attempt in whipping up mashed potato from scratch. Quite a successful attempt for the first time and I must say is easy to make. So everyone can give it a try.We deliberately moved our little dining table to the window ,lit up some tealights and while having our little homecooked dinner, we marvelled at the beautiful skylines of Manhatten and enjoyed each other company. I wished we could do this more often

We loved our new loft!

Asbury Park

This weekend was pretty busy for us. On saturday, we decided to drive out to the beach since summer is going to end in two weeks time. After researching online for a while, Asbury Park is our pick!Being out in the Sun is definitely good for me. I am feeling so much recharged after working on my job search at home for the whole week.The gentle breeze and not so blazing sun coupled with some soothing Mediterreanean music from the nearby Carbana Store was heavenly.BB and I are such beach bumers.On top of that, BB has his AC fellow mate who will join us every saturday for some weekend retreat. "HoHo hocklicks" as I will like to call him is a super hilarious guy who likes to entertain us with his jokes.The day ended with a late evening dinner. The weekend chef whipped up delicious fish curry and stirred fried asparagus with minced meat and drowned his guests in his bottle of 2005 Califonian Zifandel. Our Chinese friends came over to our place to chill and the entertainment was our wedding video.Time flies, it has been two months since the dinner!




Sunday was our usual routine which we are still trying to refine. Church in the morning followed by marketing in Chinatown. I decided to shop in Chinatown because is way way much cheaper and I can get all my groceries done for the week at just 40 bucks.Good deal i will say coz the last time, i did it at the supermarket ard my neighbourhood, it cost me a 100 bucks!Henceforth, every weekend , we will be dragging our groceries, take the ferry and subway to head back to our place.BB is starting to complain that this is not an effective way and there is no way he will do this every week. So there we go again, trying to find a better way to do our marketing. Maybe is time to invest in a old granny pushy-trolley?:)or maybe I should start exploring other kinds of crusines...?:)

Build Him Up

A virtuous woman builds her husband up. She offers praise and kind words that make him feel like the man he wants to be.

You have probably heard the saying, “Behind every good man is a good woman.” The woman of Proverbs 31 had a good husband. He sat at the gates with the elders of the city. He was respected in his field. He was a successful business man. He could not have been all that he was had she abused him with her words and sliced him to the core with her disrespect.

Whether your man works in an office, likes to putter around the toolshed, or use his hands to work hard, he wants to know that he is the man you desire. He wants to be your knight in shining armor, your hero, your big strong, hunk of a guy.

When he fixes the sink for you, tell him how clever he is. When he builds the kids a swing set, tell him how strong he is. When he saves money on a purchase, tell him how much you appreciate his concern for your family’s financial well being.

Don’t tell him what an idiot he is, or that you could have done a better job. Don’t make him feel like a failure. Tell him you need him around, that he provides well for you. He will work hard to live up to your praise!

Photo by: Josh Armstrong. You can visit his ministry site at: www.globalyouthnet.com.

Melissa Ringstaff is theP Founding Director of A Virtuous Woman. She lives with her husband and five children in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Harlan, Kentucky.

I want to do this more often!

Strawberry picking!!!I love doing this.April -June is the season for picking strawberries.Before the in-laws came, I went once with Susan and the kids and thought this would be a fantastic activity to to do with the in-laws. Furthermore, the strawberries were so cheap and fresh in Lyon's Farm . Look at the the two full tubs we had. They only cost 4 us dollars.And on top of that, you can pick your own vegetables like pumpkins, zuccini,tomatoes..so healthy and theraputic getting back to the nature.

The Americans love to pick their own vegetables and do their own jam, ice-cream.So fun! I want to try to make my own jam too. I manage to get this cool site where there is a list of all the farms in the states and some teaching tips on canning and ice-cream making.I am so happy that there are more farms nearby to the new place where we are going to be . Hooray!!!

So besides the juicy strawberries which made me happy that day, I received a call from the admission office of TC that I was accepted for my application. Hoo HOO!!!Double happiness for that day!Friends who have been patiently hearing my rambles on this issue for the last three years.haha, the dream has finally come true.

Mother's Day Celebration

Flowers do make women happy and definitely these mummies.I invited Susan, my dear fren in Durham over with her family to have a mini Mother's day celebration.MIL was extremely thrilled by the dozen roses and kept asking me to take a few pictures of her with the flowers. Plus, the pink Kenneth Cole's handbag i got for her from NYC was to her liking that she started carrying it for the last week since she was here.
I am so happy that she liked the little gifts I got for her. I had been wondering how to celebrate this day for her.




Being a bad cook myself,I couldn't whip up a sumptuous dinner as many would be. Instead, the task of whipping up the dinner was assigned to the three men of the family, the FIL ( fantastic cook!),Mason( "HK Chef") and Ron( "Rfamily's co-chef). I felt so bad but I reckoned that the task should be outsourced instead of torturing everyone to try my cooking.Till the day I master the art,I will definitely be more confident to whip up meals for the family.Right now, BB has to be my guinea pig.:P

BB's Graduation

Happy happy!!!So proud of him while he was standing on the stage receiving the scroll. BB has finally graduated!What a roller coaster for these two years. From his application to his graduation,I can't really describe the feeling of sharing this special moment of someone you love dearly. It was one great milestone in his life chapter which i was part of it.Glad and thankful. Coach K's speech was enlightening and motivating. He reminded the Class of 2007 to balance ( family and career),do simple ( small moves towards your goal)and to follow passion ( not do something for the sake of money.FYI, Coack K is the master coach for the dream team many years back ago.Can you believe he is the teacher for Michael Jordan, Majic Johnson etc??

The graduation ceremony


Finally!


Proud and Happy Parents!

Salvation

Before I went back to the states tommorow, I tried to make an attempt to invite my dad and my brother to church last Sunday. It was a big reaction from Dad and I guess he still needs some time. I was a bit disappointed but I knew i had to continue to keep their salvation in my fervant prayers.Many of my bible study mates have shared how miraculously their grandmothers and dads receive Christ even at the age of 80. As long as you pray hard, god will touch their hearts in his own timing.

I sow the seed and will leave the rest to the lord. Is interesting to know what are the reasons keeping dad from trying to know more about Jesus . I guess sometimes you will just feel so eager to share your faith and the joy that you take this whole process upon yourself.

Release your burden and let the lord lead his way!

INFJ

Guess one could change over time, my Myers-Briggs test was so different from what i took 10 years ago. I was a ENFP last time but now i am a INFJ now!!!Wah...i couldn't believe it which means I am an Introvert,Intutive, Feeling and Judging now!!!Taking some time to process the analysis, I guess I could find some answers to why some people said i am complicated like in thoughts and expressions and they said they did not understand what i am talking when i tried to explain my thoughts process on certain issues...Hahaha. some even commented I seemed to be living in an alternative world..which i found myself not hahahah. Now after reading this ..i finally could put a more concrete explanation to this. But don't play play huh, people who shared the same INFJ traits like me are Gandi , Mother teresa ,Martin Luther King..
My dear friends, check out the analysis below and tell me if this is true to me

Another thing to share and rejoice is that i am pursuing something which is equivalent to what i should be doing according to the Myers Test!!!Hahahah, two days ago, I received the good news from BB that I got accepted into my grad school.I am in heavens..is one step towards my dream. I am definitely going to make use of this opportunity to be involved with the research work and helped the world's less privileged children.Is not going to be easy...but I will perservere.

Right now, I need to source for more financial aid and scholarships and beginning to prepare myself to work and study at the same time.Busy Busy Busy...besides this, I am now in SIngapore for a month preparing for the BIG DAY and most importantly helping my beloved cousin who is down with cancer. Please help me pray for her that she can overcome this trial soon.

Promise more updates soon.

Results of the test

You can also take the test here if you want.

Missing home

I missed home so much. My first time spending CNY out of the country. I miss those big gatherings when all the cousins will just hop in a few cars and go home visiting.Those new year goodies, those nice exchanges of updates in each other's lives..i miss that.

It's quiet here. You can easily forgotten it is CNY. Ron just got back from NYC on the new year eve. I bugged him to invite his friends over so that we can have a celebration.I am too used to having many people around during CNY.8 in total was the head count. So we whipped up a few Singaporean dishes. Not the authentic crusine we have back home coz my hotpot has not arrived yet.I missed huoguo.

Felt happier to play the host. Games followed after dinner. No guessing the riddles ,just some drinking games but everyone was merry.the night was dark. Everyone left. We called back home. It's chuyi1.have a short chat with dad and he asked " You remember is my birthday today?"
I said ," yes .That's why i call home."

A tinge of sadness surged. I miss the yearly cake cutting with him and brother on every chuyi .

Pictures of the guests

Chinese lesson

If your student is keen in learning, will you reject him?
I think I will not.
Apparently, dear Ron has gotten an email from his instructor that he has to stop taking his Working Mandrin classes as he was not qualified because he has learned Chinese before. His attendance in class has intimidated his fellow classmates.( Huh???)But the thing was my hubba can't communicate properly in Chinese and hence he took up this class to brush up his conversational skills.( All thanks to his true blue AC days.I wonder if I will send my son to that school)
Last two weeks, he was so keen. Everyday, he will come back and practice his hanyu pinyin. Though I am amused by him, I am really happy to see that he is willing to brush up his mother tongue. He told me that he hated Mandarin classes last time and he couldn't believe in himself that he was so eager to learn now.Well, I said, "Is better late than never".
I just pray that god will give him one more chance to pick up his Chinese!!!He really need to brush up!!!!