Amidst an extremely busy weekend, the swine flu rode right into town. I had to set 8 tests. I finished 6 over the weekend and could hardly breathe and only to be whacked on the head with an observation. I forgot I had an observation for my teaching until Monday night when my subject head informed me. So I went to school early and prepared my lesson plan and then created my lesson within an hour or so.
I thanked God for this remarkable feat. And today I taught it. The lesson was interesting and I felt it went well because the class was thinking with me. Three guests arrived. I had two surprised visitors for the class. One is my dean, the other my immediate reporting officer. So the week is indeed stressful. Oh I also have to work on a competition this week too. All crammed into this "marvellous week"!
Today, another set back. Swine flu has hit a few more countries today. Now my Michigan trip with the boys for Project Pipit is pending. This afternoon, my colleague had 8 students going to Brisbane. There are 4 cases there. Michigan I found out has only one. I want to go flu or no flu. If MOE allows even if there is just one case, I will go with whoever wants to come along with me. I checked and the University of Michigan is very prepared. I even chatted online with one of my ex student studying in Michigan and Shuen said everything is fine. So I will go Michigan. If I die, then let it be. At least one other student will be going with me. But I will be updated by Shuen frequently because he is aware I am coming.
These days, as written in the Bible is a world full of pains, sicknesses, wars, rumours of war, financial crises and pestilence. May God come quickly. As we wait for His return, we have nothing to fear or nothing to be surprised about. Because such are the end times. I am happy because God is God indeed.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 06, 2009
Christ's death and resurrection
The long weekend is just so good. It gave me time to catch up with some very close friends. I had a great time sharing about what was happening to me over the past one year. These are friends I have grown so close to that even though we don't meet often, we always have each other in our thoughts.
Good Friday I went to Mum's graveside with Rebecca's family. Dad was there too. We noticed that the 4 o'clock flowers were blooming. Rebecca took some more and we planted them where the grass patch was. There were quite a lot of people in the Christian cemetery but the children were patient. They waited for our turn quietly in the car. Each time we go to the graveside, we all had to pray before we leave. My dad will stand right in front of mum's photo so she could see him. He would usually go there when he drives past the cemetery or when he feels like it. I wanted very badly for Dad to know that mum is resting and she will probably be busy with the angelic choir. However he would hear nothing of it. I know he misses mum and no matter what I cooked or how clean I could keep the house, it will never be like having mum around. I wish she was around too but then I know she is in a better place, a place where there are no more pain for her. I have released her on the day she returned to the Lord but dad still clings on. Sometimes I feel as if I am very cold blooded. I do miss her very much. But days can become so busy I forgot all about mum. Then I feel guilty about not missing her. It can be a terrible cycle at the beginning.
I prayed the last time when we visited before I flew to Lanzhou for my holidays. This time Rebecca prayed. I liked what she prayed. And she made going to the graveside a memorable experience. She prayed that God will bless mum's with sweet rest and that we will continue to remember who she was. Then she went on to honour my mother as the best wife, best mother and grandmother to the family. Subtly Rebecca reminded me and dad of mum's wish to make sure the family stay united. So all in all I was moved by how my sister prayed. And it was a long prayer. The reason why we went to the grave yesterday was because Theodora reminded us that we have not been there for a long time. We go at least once a month for two years now. I have been there much less because of my work.
Mum's death reminds me of Christ's death on the cross. His death is not in vain. He died so that we will live again. He is a risen God and his return from the grave was witnessed by many people. He promises to return again for His children on earth. I want Him to come soon and very soon.
The world is fast becoming a place of ambiguity. The more ambiguous you are the better, it seems. It is becoming a place where there is no right and no wrong and what is right is determined by what you think is right. There is no more need for laws. Is there a need to be civil? Is there a need for what is RIGHT and what is WRONG. Everyone seems very confident of themselves and the choices they made. Where is God in all these? He is not there in most cases when the self takes over. What is funny and what is not is also blurred. The state we are in is so deceiving that we don't even know we are wrong. The blurring of lines between right and wrong is what the devil wants us to do. It reminded me of the old bible times where there were false prophets that claimed what they did was godly and god fearing. Later it was the Lord God that came and consumed them to reveal what they really are.
Will God come quickly to consume the dross in our lives? Will He come quickly. Just today I received an email about a Tsunami that will hit certain places on 22nd July. Will we be more ready? Will we hasten what we have to do or will we say it is just another hoax. Whatever it is, God is coming and I take comfort in knowing this because the toil on earth is really getting mundane.
Good Friday I went to Mum's graveside with Rebecca's family. Dad was there too. We noticed that the 4 o'clock flowers were blooming. Rebecca took some more and we planted them where the grass patch was. There were quite a lot of people in the Christian cemetery but the children were patient. They waited for our turn quietly in the car. Each time we go to the graveside, we all had to pray before we leave. My dad will stand right in front of mum's photo so she could see him. He would usually go there when he drives past the cemetery or when he feels like it. I wanted very badly for Dad to know that mum is resting and she will probably be busy with the angelic choir. However he would hear nothing of it. I know he misses mum and no matter what I cooked or how clean I could keep the house, it will never be like having mum around. I wish she was around too but then I know she is in a better place, a place where there are no more pain for her. I have released her on the day she returned to the Lord but dad still clings on. Sometimes I feel as if I am very cold blooded. I do miss her very much. But days can become so busy I forgot all about mum. Then I feel guilty about not missing her. It can be a terrible cycle at the beginning.
I prayed the last time when we visited before I flew to Lanzhou for my holidays. This time Rebecca prayed. I liked what she prayed. And she made going to the graveside a memorable experience. She prayed that God will bless mum's with sweet rest and that we will continue to remember who she was. Then she went on to honour my mother as the best wife, best mother and grandmother to the family. Subtly Rebecca reminded me and dad of mum's wish to make sure the family stay united. So all in all I was moved by how my sister prayed. And it was a long prayer. The reason why we went to the grave yesterday was because Theodora reminded us that we have not been there for a long time. We go at least once a month for two years now. I have been there much less because of my work.
Mum's death reminds me of Christ's death on the cross. His death is not in vain. He died so that we will live again. He is a risen God and his return from the grave was witnessed by many people. He promises to return again for His children on earth. I want Him to come soon and very soon.
The world is fast becoming a place of ambiguity. The more ambiguous you are the better, it seems. It is becoming a place where there is no right and no wrong and what is right is determined by what you think is right. There is no more need for laws. Is there a need to be civil? Is there a need for what is RIGHT and what is WRONG. Everyone seems very confident of themselves and the choices they made. Where is God in all these? He is not there in most cases when the self takes over. What is funny and what is not is also blurred. The state we are in is so deceiving that we don't even know we are wrong. The blurring of lines between right and wrong is what the devil wants us to do. It reminded me of the old bible times where there were false prophets that claimed what they did was godly and god fearing. Later it was the Lord God that came and consumed them to reveal what they really are.
Will God come quickly to consume the dross in our lives? Will He come quickly. Just today I received an email about a Tsunami that will hit certain places on 22nd July. Will we be more ready? Will we hasten what we have to do or will we say it is just another hoax. Whatever it is, God is coming and I take comfort in knowing this because the toil on earth is really getting mundane.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Timothy's birthday dinner!
Thank God for this week. My energy is back. Somehow it returned after I slept for two weeks. But it has been busy everyday meeting students for projects and meeting deadlines. Yesterday was the worst. I started my day at 7 in the morning and never stopped till 5 in the evening. I was glad to do what I did though. I met Chun Meng and wrote him his testimonials. I met Julie from the society and showed her what she can used in my school. All in all it was a good day although I was on my feet.
What came to me was the best surprise of the day. My Macintosh came. Aluminum Mac. Yup! Many may not know but I was a Mac user all throughout my university days in Calgary. Bonita was the one who had the classic Mac. I used it to type many of my papers until I got my own Mac. I knew no other computers until my return to Singapore. It was culture shock to see so many PC. But it was not difficult to learn how to use the PC. Piece of cake from the Mac. Anyway I adapted and my Mac did not last because I blew the monitor when I forgot to switch power voltage. So remember to switch when you are in a different country. I sold my Mac to a garang guni man and never touched one until recently. The hype about Mac got me started again.
So I have one now. Feels good to touch it. Haha. And I also download a free trial of keynotes. Powerful. Swing, zip, twing...wow. Just WOW! What to do, it is MAC. But don't buy one. Just make sure the school gets you one to try and use it during class. To all the teachers out there, it is worth the trouble convincing the school why you want a Mac. For students, just use the PC ba.
Today is Timothy's birthday. I asked him what he wanted. He told me he wanted me to make shepherd's pie. The last time I baked a shepherd's pie was 5 years ago when I had leftover turkey. The best part was I didn't have an oven. It broke down one day when I tried to use it. So I shopped for one. What seemed like a simple, easy to make dish cost me a lot of money. Because I had to get an oven and I finally found one. But I didn't try it.
Anyhow I got up early to shop. I messaged my niece to tell her that I will be making Lasagne. Yes, I cook italian too and good too because I learn from the best, Bonita Schaufele. While I was cooking away, I started to stand with my arm at the hip. Now, Bonita will tell you that I cook like this all the time. What to do...tired from the stirring and the frying. But now my kitchen smells like Calgary. My hands have the smell of lipton onion soup mix, poultry seasoning I got from Jason's Market and lots of onions and garlic. I have my own version of the lasagne though. I changed the recipe a little to make it my own specials.
I checked for the price of frozen spinach and it would cost me eight dollars for a small pack. I decided to make my own and fry it with butter. Turned out well and I will add to my lasagne. Of course there is beef and pork. I mix them because Bonita said that they taste good together. They do. haha.
But then I had some bacon, some mushrooms and some tomatoes that I use to line my lasagne. Shall not tell you anymore or else it will be everybody's recipe.
But as I was preparing away, I listened to a CD that Joshua got me almost 8 months ago for my birthday. I was very moved by the songs within the CD. It was all about Faith. I shared with my father this morning about some issues at work. Then I got very upset over some matters and my dad told me not to get involved. Yes, I will let God mete out the judgement and work away what I have to do and have faith that He is Just and in Full Control.
As Good Friday draws nearer all the more we need to focus on the cross and remember what Christ did for us. Really no one can stir my heart other than the Lord Jesus Christ. No one. When I turn my eyes on Jesus, the things of this earth will grow strangely dim. Whether it is the championships, the awards, the house, the Mac...nothing is worth it all if not because of Christ. I have all to enjoy because God has given them to me to share.
Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I had decided to peel potatoes and onions in a restaurant. Many of you may not know this but my dear friends will, that I actually wanted to be in the hospitality industry and be a chef. I went for a talk many years ago on going to Switzerland to study to become a chef. The student then told us that we would have to learn German and peel potatoes for the first year of our studies. I was shocked. Peeling potatoes? Yikes. So I backed out.
Here is the Shepherd's Pie that Timothy has been waiting all these years for. I changed the recipe and I hope he liked it.
This is my lasagne I can make very well. It is time consuming and worth the wait. I made two big trays and when I came home, there was NONE left for me. Not even the Shepherd's Pie or my baked
rice. Well Tiffany messaged that she missed the taste so much. Since mum's passing, I have not baked at all. Now with my new oven, I am going to try new things and may even bake some cookies with my little girls that are growing up too soon.
Tonight's drama was great. I invited Joshua, Melvin, Yifong and Shaun. We had dinner and just stepped in before the drama started. We had a great time. I didn't realize that actually all 5 of us saw the production before, just that we could not remember. How time flies...almost 8 years already. Later we went for a drink. I was amazed at how good our local bands are. One called EIC. Pretty good. It was the music and the company that kept me way till midnight. But I did feel a little left out. I think the band, staring at me must be wondering what is this old gal doing here amongst the young punks in the pub. I must tell you, I really felt OLD for a short while but when the music started, I forgot how OLD I was. I learned that music really does not care about age. Old or young as long as you love music, you can get lost in it.
What came to me was the best surprise of the day. My Macintosh came. Aluminum Mac. Yup! Many may not know but I was a Mac user all throughout my university days in Calgary. Bonita was the one who had the classic Mac. I used it to type many of my papers until I got my own Mac. I knew no other computers until my return to Singapore. It was culture shock to see so many PC. But it was not difficult to learn how to use the PC. Piece of cake from the Mac. Anyway I adapted and my Mac did not last because I blew the monitor when I forgot to switch power voltage. So remember to switch when you are in a different country. I sold my Mac to a garang guni man and never touched one until recently. The hype about Mac got me started again.
So I have one now. Feels good to touch it. Haha. And I also download a free trial of keynotes. Powerful. Swing, zip, twing...wow. Just WOW! What to do, it is MAC. But don't buy one. Just make sure the school gets you one to try and use it during class. To all the teachers out there, it is worth the trouble convincing the school why you want a Mac. For students, just use the PC ba.
Today is Timothy's birthday. I asked him what he wanted. He told me he wanted me to make shepherd's pie. The last time I baked a shepherd's pie was 5 years ago when I had leftover turkey. The best part was I didn't have an oven. It broke down one day when I tried to use it. So I shopped for one. What seemed like a simple, easy to make dish cost me a lot of money. Because I had to get an oven and I finally found one. But I didn't try it.
Anyhow I got up early to shop. I messaged my niece to tell her that I will be making Lasagne. Yes, I cook italian too and good too because I learn from the best, Bonita Schaufele. While I was cooking away, I started to stand with my arm at the hip. Now, Bonita will tell you that I cook like this all the time. What to do...tired from the stirring and the frying. But now my kitchen smells like Calgary. My hands have the smell of lipton onion soup mix, poultry seasoning I got from Jason's Market and lots of onions and garlic. I have my own version of the lasagne though. I changed the recipe a little to make it my own specials.
I checked for the price of frozen spinach and it would cost me eight dollars for a small pack. I decided to make my own and fry it with butter. Turned out well and I will add to my lasagne. Of course there is beef and pork. I mix them because Bonita said that they taste good together. They do. haha.
But then I had some bacon, some mushrooms and some tomatoes that I use to line my lasagne. Shall not tell you anymore or else it will be everybody's recipe.
But as I was preparing away, I listened to a CD that Joshua got me almost 8 months ago for my birthday. I was very moved by the songs within the CD. It was all about Faith. I shared with my father this morning about some issues at work. Then I got very upset over some matters and my dad told me not to get involved. Yes, I will let God mete out the judgement and work away what I have to do and have faith that He is Just and in Full Control.
As Good Friday draws nearer all the more we need to focus on the cross and remember what Christ did for us. Really no one can stir my heart other than the Lord Jesus Christ. No one. When I turn my eyes on Jesus, the things of this earth will grow strangely dim. Whether it is the championships, the awards, the house, the Mac...nothing is worth it all if not because of Christ. I have all to enjoy because God has given them to me to share.
I spoke to my boss recently and told her that I realized I am really cool. Haha. Not that I want to boast but it is very difficult to tell myself I am cool. I have the gift of teaching. I realized more and more what that means. But I thank God that He put me where I am to do what He wants me to do. I want to leave. But many of my friends told me to stay. I am finding a reason to stay. But seriously I am tired. So may be I will take a break and then come back in again. I thank God for the school I am working in. Some of my colleagues are top class and because of them I can do my work and they make me good. I want to thank those working with me in the special programme now. Their dedication to producing the best classes and bringing out the best in our students are admirable. We have our differences but we have learned over the months to agree to disagree because we can think.
Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I had decided to peel potatoes and onions in a restaurant. Many of you may not know this but my dear friends will, that I actually wanted to be in the hospitality industry and be a chef. I went for a talk many years ago on going to Switzerland to study to become a chef. The student then told us that we would have to learn German and peel potatoes for the first year of our studies. I was shocked. Peeling potatoes? Yikes. So I backed out.
Today, I peeled quite a big of potatoes, chopped a lot of onions and diced finely the garlic. And all these are important ingredients in my shepherd's pie. What I thought was an unimportant job became meaningful with time. I learn to appreciate doing small things. Wonder why people cannot see that. Anyway, I have to get back to cooking my Italian dinner. And clean up my room, then go join my ex boys for dinner and later join my class for Drama. Can't wait to watch the drama though.
This was the first time I tried Baked Rice. Tiffany said the rice was great. I had two versions. One with mushroom sauce, the other is a tomato beef sauce.
Here is the Shepherd's Pie that Timothy has been waiting all these years for. I changed the recipe and I hope he liked it.
This is my lasagne I can make very well. It is time consuming and worth the wait. I made two big trays and when I came home, there was NONE left for me. Not even the Shepherd's Pie or my baked
rice. Well Tiffany messaged that she missed the taste so much. Since mum's passing, I have not baked at all. Now with my new oven, I am going to try new things and may even bake some cookies with my little girls that are growing up too soon.Tonight's drama was great. I invited Joshua, Melvin, Yifong and Shaun. We had dinner and just stepped in before the drama started. We had a great time. I didn't realize that actually all 5 of us saw the production before, just that we could not remember. How time flies...almost 8 years already. Later we went for a drink. I was amazed at how good our local bands are. One called EIC. Pretty good. It was the music and the company that kept me way till midnight. But I did feel a little left out. I think the band, staring at me must be wondering what is this old gal doing here amongst the young punks in the pub. I must tell you, I really felt OLD for a short while but when the music started, I forgot how OLD I was. I learned that music really does not care about age. Old or young as long as you love music, you can get lost in it.
It is quite a day. I am going to rest now.
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