In memory of Kaylen Low (2010~2010)

Hi all,

Some of you may know that Cocoa was pregnant with twins. In the 38th week of her pregnancy, we got to know during the regular gynae visit that the heartbeat of our younger twin, Kaylen, has stopped. The gynae has recommended to have the older twin, Cara, delivered immediately. Cocoa and Cara are well and fine.

The first 1 week was the darkest moment of our lives. We cry during moments of caring for Cara that we'll never have the chance to care for Kaylen in the same way. I yearn for that chance to carry and pat Kaylen and comfort her that, "It's ok, Daddy's here." But, we're reassured that she's in the good hands of our Lord God.

Please feel free to leave "tributes" on the site. (In memory of Kaylen Low) We are very appreciative of everyone's concern and would like to testify of God's goodness to us in this difficult time.

Testimony of Bryan and Cocoa

After going through the first week caring for Cara, I begin to understand why God intended things this way. I am emotional and incompetent as a mother.

Cara is always the stronger one. She kicked me throughout the whole pregnancy while Kaylen did not. Until labor was induced on week 38, Kaylen had not given me any signs of kicking, except that her heartbeat is always beating. But 2 days before both were born, the day before August 9th, she gave me a few kicks... I was still sharing with Bryan that it was a miracle that she kicked me. We were rejoicing, not knowing that it may have been the last breath she took. Actually, there were signs from God. Many signs actually that God was trying to tell me something.... to mention 2 most recent ones are that one of the baby cots couldn't be set up because the screws had been misplaced for weeks.... so for a few weeks there was only one cot. The screws were found 2 days before I was induced for labor. No time to set up yet... When I was discharged, Bryan knew how I longed to sleep with Cara so he set up the 2nd cot for me even though he was already very exhausted on the day of my discharge.

There is another case where we were considering buying an infant car seat, because Hwee Leng only had one to lend me, but because we still intended not to drive, we decided not to get it. These are signs from God, as a mother I already had an instinct, and to be frank, I even resorted to superstitious beliefs that misplacing the cot screws was a bad sign......but I dismissed that thought. I told myself that the two of them can share a cot first. I was once angry at Bryan's mum for packing up my storeroom and putting the screws into one of the luggages, which we never thought to look through. She herself couldn't remember where she had placed them. When I calmed down, I knew that she was only trying to help.
So, basically, there are signs... Kaylen was always the weaker one. She was always 200 to 400 grams behind Cara's weight, even when they were 11 weeks old and we discovered we had twins. Bryan and I shared this before, that we believe God will only give us the best out of the worst situation. And I firmly believe that this is the best because even if Kaylen was born and pulled through, she might have more problems growing up, and I am beginning to see it now that Cara is 8 days old, I still don't have confidence to latch her well and need the confinement lady to spoon-feed her extra breast milk after every breast feeding session (I pump out the remainder of my milk because Cara is too sleepy...). Side-track abit, I was so jealous to see Cara smiling sweeetly at the confinement lady because she is happy that she can enjoy milk with no extra effort (sucking). Anyway, it could be worse for us to handle Kaylen's later life struggle if she is constantly the weaker one.

"For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love."

(Lamentations 3:31-32)

When both were 37 weeks old, Cara already weighed 2.7kg, but Kaylen hardly had any increase in weight, just a pathetic 100 to 200 grams and she weighed 2.1 kg at week 37. I ask the doctor if we need to induce birth now. The doctor said to wait for one more week -- I later found out that he was on his way to holiday somewhere in Bali that week... so I was very stressed and kept praying that the babies wouldn't be born while my gynae was away. When I had my next routine check-up on week 38, there were a lot of mothers waiting in the clinic. I had the longest wait in 38 weeks, and that day was very very unusual. They forgot to take my weight, which was never the case because they are very prompt. So i had to request for my weight to be taken, which showed no increase in weight.

When i saw my gynae, he was beaming because he had just came back from holiday, but suddenly he frowned when he detected no heartbeat for Kaylen. I could not believe it because I thought maybe this was a dream. It had to be a dream but it was not. I did not break down immediately because I thought maybe the doctor was wrong, God won't do this to me. Until it was confirmed that I had to be induced right away because it might affect Cara as well. So I broke down in tears and refused to believe anything. I was immediately admitted on a wheelchair and in tears, pushed to labor ward at 1 pm. Bryan comforted me that we still have Cara and that the most important thing is Cara...

(Bryan had to leave for school once I was admitted because he was assigned by the school to evaluate a student's presentation. He asked me what he should do. I know that I wanted his presence because I was very emotional, but I told him to leave for school. My mum stayed with me that time. I brought myself together and told the doctor I wanted a natural birth even though Kaylen already left us. I just wanted to feel the pain because I was in deep pain anyway, losing Kaylen. But I want to see her once she was born. What I didn't expect is that I had to go through 23 hours of labour pain with extra doses of epidural. When I first took the epidural, I was only 1 cm dilated. The next morning at 9am, I was still 6 to 7 cm dilated. The doctor said it had taken too long and it was dangerous for Cara. So I had to resort to an emergency C-section. I was in total pain.

Cara and Kaylen were born at 1215pm. I was asleep so I didn't get to meet Kaylen. When I awoke, I immediately wanted to see Cara. She was really sweet. She looks like Bryan. Later that night, they took Kaylen to me, she only weighs 1.5kg but she looked a lot like Cara, a smaller version, even though they were non-identical twins. I can't help imagine that Kaylen is in heaven looking at us, with God holding her, looking exactly like Cara... Yes, I can imagine that. She is in the better hands of God... This comforted me greatly... Though I still cry everyday, it is because I miss her very much. But Cara is there to comfort me as well, one look at her... everything else doesn't matter anymore. Which is why I am more paranoid whenever something minor happens to Cara. I point fingers and find fault in people so that I can be angry and cry. Even Bryan had to suffer from my bad temper, I kept screaming at him in the hospital because of little things. I know I am depressed so we prayed a lot together, and cried together when we miss Kaylen. But we know and are assured that God is taking good care of her, we love Kaylen but God loves her more.

"Come let us return to the LORD.

He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds."

(Hosea 6:1)

I thank God for the 38 weeks that I had Kaylen inside my womb, on my left side, When I miss her, I will instinctively touch my left tummy, where she used to be for a long time... We will always remember her. Especially so when I look at another set of twins again. Then, I will tell Cara of her little twin sister residing in Heaven. If God is willing, I will give her another little brother or sister, it will be in God's timing. My mom is trying to stop me, after knowing how horrible my pregnancy was (difficulty walking as early as in the 2nd trimester, strong nausea, really bad swelling, etc). But no matter what hardship I have to go through, I know it will eventually be rewarded when you finally carry your little baby in your hands.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

(Jer 29: 11)

I am weak yet I will be strong as I have faith in God. I know I can draw strength from Him anytime. And Kaylen will be watching us from above. We know one day we will be reunited in Heaven.

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;

he delivers them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

(Ps 34: 17-18)

Bye Bye Furniture...

Each day, I woke up seeing less and less of my belongings. The sofa, book selves, coat rack, dining tables, chairs and stools... one by one, disappearing from my home.

We are going back to the time where we first arrived in Pittsburgh 5 years ago, where our apartment comes empty with no furnishings. Now, the floor are filled up with boxes and things that we are still trying to get rid of.

We have much to thank the Lord for. He took care of our worries, about having to sell all the things, especially the more expensive items like ipod touch, Printer/Scanner, and today we got a deposit from a buyer for our Air Conditioner unit. Praise God! We've been trying so hard to sell that. Because the weather's not helping. I've never experienced such a cool winter in the last 5 years. We've been enjoying nice weather in the lower 20s degreeC. And, in God's grace and mercy, we are finally down to one last dining table to sell, which we are also thankful that it still remains unsold. (Because Bryan still needs to use it.)

It is sad having to part with personal things, especially these things we've (NO, just me) grown so attached to. From the month of August, we'll have to leave our apartment as our lease is due, and then stay with our friends temporary until we leave Pittsburgh on 25 Aug 2009.

My Pink Cover!

And Bryan got a multicolored one for himself...

Long time no update...heez.

Wow, I've been lazy to blog...

Well, lately not much of happenings...only that we're already selling furniture and getting ready to move back to Singapore.

A couple months ago my Dell desktop PC of 5 years broke (well, don't ask me why it broke)...I got to use Bryan's old super slow laptop. Everything is slow... uploading pictures, playing online games...and did I mention it takes a lonnnnnnnng time to boot up and shut down.

And then last week Bryan bought me a Macbook.
This is the 1st notebook that I ever own. And I love it!



I'm not a Mac user, so it gotta take me a long time to get use to it. But I'll learn!

Other recent photos update :

EasterSundayService
http://picasaweb.google.com/cocoa.yeo/EasterSundayService?authkey=Gv1sRgCO2irYmt--b24QE&feat=directlink

CG EasterDinner
http://picasaweb.google.com/cocoa.yeo/CGEasterDinner?authkey=Gv1sRgCIuYrJ2dxseKew&feat=directlink

hAPPY bIRTHDAY!

Today I got really busy...

Replying to emails and facebook, answering overseas' phonecall from sis and friends. My mailbox is never so busy! This is why I love birthdays. Ha!

I thank God today for blessing my life, for providing and giving me all that I need and then so much more. And I ask God to bless my loved ones' too. I wish and pray that everyone will live their life happily, and leave their worries behind.

Goodbye to 32. I am officially 33.

Bryan is so evil today, he said"wahlau, you're SO OLD already!"

I also wish my two(2) also-born-in-july sisters, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Steak Cookout!

The steak lovers have once again, gathered to cook their very own special steak. It was quite a big event, almost all the graduate students came, and of cos, with all the spouses and kids.

Thanks to Kenneth and Linli who has opened their home and kitchen! Check this out.

Click here for pictures.

Trip to Portugal

Click here for full album.

Njoy!!

Year of Rat!!!

A few months ago, Bryan told me, he thought he saw a mouse ran across the kitchen floor and went under the stove. I immediately dismissed him by saying that he must be hallucinating. Then, there is still another time where he said he swear he saw something, if it is not a mouse, then it has to be a super huge black creature which somehow swept across the kitchen floor. I did not believe him, for the first 2 to 3 times....Until one day I came face to face to greet him with a loud scream..... I finally see it with my own eyes, I am not dreaming.

I used to think that women are too crazy screaming over a passing mouse (过街老鼠, 人人喊打!) Yet I had lost control just like that and all ability to do something sane except for screaming insanely... Bryan and I started to use newspaper and rug to block the gap under the stove and try to prevent the mouse from coming out. Although the mouse never did attempt to venture into the living room area, where we sleep, (We do not have a bedframe and we sleep on the mattress on the floor) we still just set our mind at peace living with it.

I really cannot believe this can happen in my apartment. We have stayed in this apartment for the 4th year and we has gone through 4 winters and this is the first time we had a mouse problem. (Well, either that or maybe they are just so smart to hide from us for years....) I cannot believe it even more, when we report the problem to the management, their reply was so nonchalant. It was a lady who took my call, didn't at all even try to act surprise or sympathetic to my plight. She said, "Oh, it is okie, my dear! It "happens"!!!! You know why? Becos the weather has turn cold and these "animals" needs to find a place to get warmer!!!

Becos of this mouse problem we decided to contact the management to also try to fix our water pipes, it has been clogged somewhere and somehow got blocked and waste water just can't seem to flow down the sink fast enough. Everytime I wash clothes or wash dishes I have to make sure the water flows down very slowly. Eversince last year November, when we first reported this problem, one maintenance guy came and he tried to fix the problem but eventually he said the water still can't flow quickly. He said it is late and he promise to come back again to fix. Of course he didn't come back. Maybe he has forgotten, but we also didn't pressed the management again. We are very funny tenants who really hate to call the maintenance unless really necessary.

So, this is also partly our fault that we left this problem hanging for so long. That lady who took my call just can't wait to end the conversation and she promised that she will send maintenance to check the waterpipes but they can't do anything with the mouse problem. I was so pissed. Had this crazy thought to move out of this apartment asap.

Soon, maintenance came. Thanks God it is not the same guy who came previously and left work half-done. This time I watch the maintenance guy at work. I never really watch previously but this time I was determined to take a good look myself where those mouse came from. The guy has to pull out my heavy gas stove from the very narrow gap between the kitchen sink and wall window. Behind the stove is the wall (where all the pipes are connected to), there I noticed a BIG hole through the wall from the kitchen floor! (abt the size of my wide-screen monitor) To my horror, the previous guy must have removed the panelling that close up this big hole. This maintenance guy was much more helpful and more capable. Though he also can't solve my waterpipe blockage, he told me he will send in the professional plumbers and at the same time he was going to help us report the mouse problem to the management. I was tempted to tell him that there is no use telling them since they don't really care...but decided to let him do it anyway.

Abt one week later, the plumber came and our waterpipe is duly fixed. But still, mouse problem hanging nowhere....

Whenever the temperature drop to a certain low, we can almost be certain that we are going to hear some movement from Mr mouse. Bryan is sitting very near to the kitchen. I grew hysterical after some time, and always step into the kitchen in fear. How I do it? First, take one elephant step into the kitchen, this is in the hope to scare the mouse away first before stepping any further. I'm glad the stove is at the far end of the kitchen. I was so afraid to meet the mouse face to face again. As a result, I tried to do quick meals, either that or no meals at all...trying to avoid stepping into the kitchen unnecessarily. At that time I think we eat maggie noodles or we eat out quite often.

After a while immunity grows. I am so used to the fact that we have to live with this mouse. I've even witnessed it came out a few times.... and I can no longer scream....initially no sound can come out from my mouth, later on I was just too tired or just dun bother to waste my effort to scream. And it is always only just one mouse at a time. Thanks God again. One, I can handle. There are 2 human begin living in this apartment. So it is two versus one. If there are more, I think I probably would have fainted.

I tried to reason why the mouse always comes out from under the stove and run across the kitchen floor (measure 1.5 metre wall to wall). I try to examine what I store in that area.... There are dried korean noodles and beehoons, black glutinous rice and package flours, but they are all sealed in plastic containers or tightly wrapped by plastic bags. I guess maybe this mouse is trying to bite thru the plastic bags to try to eat my cake flour. (Can't be the others unless it is capable of bitting solid plastic containers. I'm not too sure but I was only guessing, since there are some tiny holes underneath the plastic bag that wrapped the flour package. Yet those holes looks like they are already there for long becos Giant Eagles plastic bags are so thin and they just tear easily by the time u carry the groceries home.... well, anyway, since the inside flour package is still intact, no tears no holes so no leakage whatsoever, so I assumed the mouse did not get its intended food. But for safety reason, I decided to throw away the leftover flour anyway, and store all related product somewhere else.

Soon we noticed that the management slipped a notice under our door to inform us that they will be coming to lay mouse traps. MOUSE TRAPS!!!! Is this how they solve problem??? Seriously??? Yes, it's true we do not wish to see any mouse in my kitchen, but that is still better than seeing dead mouse being trapped to death! True enough, the exterminator who came to set the traps told me that this would not solve the problem. The lady who came with the exterminator advised me to call the management to send their people to come to close up the big hole behind the stove. I asked her (with question marks), can they do that for me???? She said "OF COS", don't you know that there is a big hole behind my stove??? I was like, thinking in my mind "YES! HOW DO YOU KNOW??"Then I told her abt my waterpipe blockage problem and how the first maintenance guy left it halfway done for 2 months and never came back as promised. She assured me that the big hole should be sealed off, the maintenance ppl left it open becos it is easier for them to access and repair pipes and then they are too lazy to close it back. Having said that, she left with the exterminator. When I thanked her and said goodbye, I hear them knocking on my next-door neighbour's.

The mouse kept coming anyway, the mouse traps didn't help at all. I think I'm glad I did not see any mouse getting caught in the trap. The last time the mouse appeared was just not long ago... I remembered I was grilling chicken that day, then when Bryan came home we ate in the living room, then when we finished our meal, I walked into the kitchen with 2 hands holding plates and pots, and then SAW that mouse rushed back to its hole under the stove oven again. This time, I did not even bother to scream, Bryan was behind me then and after I stopped halfway, I turned to him and said calmly "又来了, 死老鼠...!@#$%&^

Yet, whenever I calm myself down to pray, other than seeking God for the solution, I also asked for courage, not to be afraid. I thanked God it was a mouse, just one tiny mouse that measure a few inches wide with a long skinny tail. I thanked God that He sent a mouse and not a snake or some other animals that I do not wish to imagine what cld have climbed out from that big neglected hole.

I told one of my friend abt this before, it scared her a bit, maybe more than a bit.... She was concern and I told her the whole story, LONG story. After that, I was too lazy to mention to anyone else... I told myself better not scare another housewife that has to spend long hours in a kitchen. Yet, I cannot wait to share this experience, but, first I have to solve it first, before I share my pathetic story.

Finally, last friday the maintenance finally came to close up the panelling behind my stove. End of problem.

So, to conclude, I realise a few things:

1. 原来老鼠怕冷..
2. 原来老鼠也怕人... (Bryan said I screamed so loudly, 老鼠被吓跑了.)

Some ppl may want to hit me if I say this. I actually miss that mouse today..... (no joke!) Now that I can step into my kitchen peacefully, in perfect confidence. I can finally relax, I cld even be sipping coffee beside the stove and then watching the beautiful snowfall outside. It is beautiful, huge snowflakes falling from sky..... Bryan mentioned just now that today's windchill is -24 degree C, even the windows pane, from inside the house, there is a layer of ice covering it on the entire frame. It is really cold outside today. And I began to wonder... our little "house guest", does he has a place to go? Did he successfully take up residence somewhere else...Is he able to find food and seek shelter in this cold weather????

Oh NOOOOOO...I have lost my mind....gone mad. Totally.
This is why I must stay in Singapore, this is why I missed home!

I guess I wrote too much and very detailed. My husband can publish papers and I think I can write long-essays now. I can imagine all my friends, including my families, will soon be reading this long, disgustingly detailed mouse story. Then it came to me, it is now the Year of Rat!!!! What is a greater time to wish them....

HAPPY NEW YEAR;

鼠年行大运;

钞票"鼠"不完;

学业名列前茅, 成绩"鼠"一"鼠"二;

有情人终成眷"鼠"!!!!

er....What animal is next year huh???

New hobby?

I always love to paint.

When I was babysitting in church, I like it when kids come to me and ask if they can draw... Picking up those crayons again, I remembered how I used to draw and paint in class.

Art class is my favourite. Maybe because my teachers loves to put them up on the notice board, that motivates me greatly in drawing better each time. Since my Primary school days, I am already attending weekend drawing class with my younger sister, who happened to show no interest at all. When I went into Secondary education, I was even more thrilled and looked forward to art and crafts. Well, not so much of the craft, I happen to hate the crafting part. Then I also realise I wasn't very gifted in drawing either. I switched to painting. I love colours.

Art assignments are a headache to most of my classmates. I remember my dad used to watch me draw and paint in the morning, or if I did it at night, I will make sure he sees it first the next morning before I go to school. My mum didn't really show much interest in my paintings, she used to tell me I will make no living if I choose to pursue this as a career.

Counting back the years, it has been more than 15 years. If I have indeed sign up for art school, I wonder where would I be now. Maybe I will be working in a different industry, I will meet different people, and maybe I wouldn't be here today blogging abt this. Life really takes many turns. It is all about the decision you make, and your life may just takes on another path.

I used to blame on Bryan to have disrupted my life by coming here. I worried if I will ever be able to fit in back to where I used to be. But now, I am glad that this is where I am, I am glad that I came here. We began to travel more often too. I also realised that I would never have known how big this world actually is. And will I even get to know God again if I have never come here?

Bryan has encouraged me to start painting again. He even bought me new colour sets (I left my colour set back in Singapore.) As I didn't get anything for him for xmas, I decided to paint him something out of one of my recipes magazines for healthy eating! (I think my skill did deteriorate over the years...) But Bryan loves it anyway. He clipped it right next to his 2nd screen monitor besides his laptop, so he gets to look at it all the time. That was kindof sweet, isn't it?

To my dearest...

When B&C tour NYC...

Impression of the Big Apple..... well, we were glad it was finally over.

Cocoa wanted to go home by the end of Day 2 (still down with a cold), Bryan just couldn't stand the smell of the streets. We both just want to be done and go home quickly.

Here, strangers didn't greet one another, people on the streets are walking so fast...everything was expensive, except for dimsum and groceries in Chinatown. In every 30 steps you arrive at a traffic junction. There were so many vehicles and yellow taxis that dun care for the safety of innocent tourist crossing the streets not looking out for traffic (becos we are all busy looking at tall buildings and interestingly oversized billboards...

The best thing of all things, the Broadway Musical, I'm so glad we decided to catch one. At first we were held back becos of the price. Our friend, Woon Chiat, took us to look at the list of broadway shows that were going at half-price. At the salesperson's recommendation, we watched "Hairspray". It was funny but also meaningful. Actually, even at half priced, it is still US$60 per tix. But the show was really really good. Great songs, great actors/actresses, great sound, great everything. It was the best thing we did in NY.

I hate the subway. It was too confusing for me, but not for Bryan. The guys are really good abt directions, that I must admit.

We went to see the WTC site. Here, they call it Ground Zero now. I kept my camera, didn't want to take any picture here. From the internet I've seen travellers talked abt some tourist who were here smiling and happily posing for pictures, which I have to agree, that is no respect for the thousands of ppl and heroes who lost their lives.

The next best thing was Chinatown. Dim sum was good. Felt at ease where there are so many chinese and chinese-looking ppl around. We did some grocer-shopping at Chinatown on Day 3. Lunched at a chinese restaurant, big mistake. From the outside we saw those roast duck roast chicken and roast pork hanging over the counter and a big crowd of ppl queuing up to buy. Sat down, ordered duck lo-mien, and it came out super oily and maybe overnight leftover meat and yellow noodles bathing in oil. Nothing like what I had in mind...

With a stomach full of oil we headed down towards the direction of City Hall, we plan to see the Brooklyn Bridge. Probably a bad idea to follow a map meant for cars to go up onto the Bridge. When we came to an almost dead end, we took a turn and wanted to forget abt the bridge. Decided to walk to the pier area. Since we started off at some weird corners of roads, there were some midpoints that seems very deserted.... We really shd have learnt how to take the “tourist route” next time. The Brooklyn Bridge was a beautiful sight. Cocoa was stupid enough to bring along a camera without a memory card inside. (We unload pictures the previous night and forgot to insert it back) So, no pics was taken at the Bridge. So sad... here are some pictures from the internet.

We gave the Statue of Liberty a miss, becos of the huge crowd. It was a weekday, can you imagine how it will be on a weekend?

Too many people in a city really scares me. I am horrified now. I am a Singaporean, I've grown up in Singapore, I've worked in Raffles Place for at least 4 years, I shd be used to it. Why am I afraid of people??? I have no answer.

The purpose of this trip : To collect our new biometric passports at the NY Singapore Consulate. (if not for this reason, I dun think we ever want to visit New York....)

Thank You Note :

Thanks to Zijian, who drove us all the way and drop/pick us up from our hotel. Thanks to Shiang Yong and Daniel for their recommendations on the nice and cheap dim sum in Chinatown. Thanks to Daniel for his great tips on where to eat and what to see/do in NY. Thanks for the company of Woon Chiat on our Day 1 and 2 tour. Thanks to our friends who prayed for us, and we thank God for an exceptionally warm January weekend. Indeed, we felt very blessed and we were very glad to be back in Pittsburgh.

Thanks to my dear husband who didn't stop me from shopping madly...

Here are the pictures. I didn't like the city, it doesn't mean I didn't like snapping pictures....

Click here for pictures.

Christmas Gifts

During one of our cell group meeting, we were told to recall aloud one X'mas gift that we liked the most, and/or the least. While everyone was thinking, my head is in a state of total "blank-out". Talk about most liked or disliked, I received countless X'mas gifts over the last 20+ years, BUT there is NONE that I cld even recall. Gifts, yes, we received many...(birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, and even out-of-nowhere gifts) too many but which one of which is my favorite christmas gift???? I looked at Bryan, secretly asking if he cld recall any.... (and nope!)

However, after giving it some thought, I realise that the best X'mas gift I received this year in 2007, I have gotten it in advance. It was when Bryan received the gift of salvation, through the grace and mercy of Christ!

God works in wonderous ways. I give thanks to him everyday in my prayers, and now, I wanna thank our friends for their gifts, with bountiful love and friendship, and that, I will never forget.

It has been a good year for Bryan too. One of his older publication has been awarded with Best paper. He almost couldn't believe it can actually happened. With that award also came some award money. He asked me if there is anything I want.... Well, and I decided I want a PDA. Becos it has been months since he has been hogging my PC and his 2 other laptops were also all running his research/experiments, non-stop 24/7. I was really upset for a long time and had to restrain my frustrations, well, trying to be understanding, but it wasn't easy.

After several months, I am still upset. Cutting me off the internet world means losing some part of myself. Always upset but survived it.

Then along came one trip to the Apple Store on Walnut Street whereby I came upon the iPod touch. Seeing it on a commercial is nothing compared to touching one. It is so cool. The price of USD 399 scares me for a while, but not for long...

For a couple of weeks, Bryan has been in a really good spirit. Maybe it is Christmas? Or maybe it has something to do with his latest paper acceptance. Having spent so much time and dedication on this paper, and no time for me for quite a few months..... After all those crazy experiments and ripping me away from my PC... it was really his hard work and also God's blessing.... Yes, we will be heading for Portugal in 2008 (AAMAS 2008).

And then it all happened too soon, Bryan decided to spend his award money (is it ever going to reach us???), but spending it nonetheless on....

Ipod Touch

I must admit, I am still very handicapped on using the itouch. Reading the 80+ page manual is impossible, but learning and discovering new things I can do is just too fascinating!

I guess I have all the time in the world to explore it now... Even so, being a non-Mac user myself, I appreciate some advice on using this thing!

PS (updates) :

• New York City (Jan'08) - collect new biometric passports
  

With Love....
Merry Christmas!

Still one more item on my wishlist : An ipod touch leather case. Too bad the itouch is too popular, Amazon has run out of stock for the pink casing I want.

Laurel Hill Lodge

Click here for pictures.

More pictures at Leng's blog. Click here.

Laurel Highlands Whitewater Rafting

Click here for pictures.

Total Workout

After we returned from our San Francisco trip, Bryan and I are still missing that place so much. We really enjoyed the casual tour, in fact, we walked around pretty much, and when we returned to Pittsburgh, we have decided that we shd continue to do more exercise.

Thus, we started by playing weekly-evening squash with our friends, Rodney and Suzanne.

Then, last Wednesday, I decided to sign up for step aerobics classes.

Actually it was a tough decision to make becos I knew that I am going to be uncomfortable doing exercise with a bunch of strangers, but I have to thank Bryan for this. He has been encouraging me to go ahead. And with Philippians 4:13 in mind, I actually made my decision to sign up for the class. It was a Tues afternoon while we were in school playing squash, after that we went to enquire abt the group exercise class, and with Bryan's support, (i.e. his $30.00 cheque, for my 10 classes), I was ready for my first lesson.

I cld still remember when I stepped into class last Wed, I went right up to this "fittest-looking" lady in our class thinking that she MUST be our instructor. But I was wrong, she smiled a huge smile at me and pointed me to the correct lady who I must approach. I thanked her quickly and went to talk to my instructor. She welcomed me warmly and told me what kind of equipment I need to fetch. So i went to collect all the stuff i need....the steps (for step aerobics), those huge fitness ball (to bounce, roll, lean on, and balance..etc), the weights, and also one of those rubber straps where you hv to step at the centre and then u lift and stretch at the sides with your hands.

We began the lesson with some basic step aerobics. These steps are not new to me as I've taken them before in my 1st year in Poly. That was like, 1993.....OMG! 14 years ago! Anyway, the basic steps are easy but then when we get into more complicated steps I was kindof slow and struggle to follow the pace of our instructor. When I did one of my turn-around-step, there I can actually see Bryan outside, abt 10 metres away from me, what an idiot, he was actually laughing at me. (our classroom has these full-length glass windows so the ppl from outside can see us easily)

Back to my class, after the step aerobics we started to work on the fitness ball. First we sit on it and hop on our legs from side to side, then we do sit-ups and push ups on the ball. Then we also do weight lifting and the rubber band thing....(one day I must get the terms of these equipment correct......hahaha) Oh, the weights, I must confess something. Most of the ppl in my class are lifting 5 lbs weights on each hand but I am lifting only 3 lbs! haha...playing cheat. Soon, before you know it, one hour actually gone by really quickly. At the end of the class, the instructor actually came to tell me that I did great for my first time! This, coming from her, is really a big encouragement for me. And that, I also can't wait to tell Bryan when I came outside... but he was there trying to describe to me how clumsy I am.... Well, I admit that while I am concentrating on my leg movement, I forgot how my arms shd move, and vice versa... so after a while I abandon my arm and just concentrate on my legs, thinking to just do one thing at a time lah...

Anyway, it was only 1:30pm after my class and we decided to wait in school until 8pm cos we were playing our weekly squash with our friends. So we ate lunch in school, I made alot of korean sushi in the morning.

On Thurs, Bryan and I got muscle-aches. But thinking we shouldn't idle at home so we both went to the library to study. Well, he is studying there lah, I went there to borrow some cook books. But still this is still considered exercise nonetheless since the Pittsburgh Main Library is at about 1.5 miles away from our home, and we went there on foot.

Then, on Friday, I went for my 2nd aerobics class. This time it was a different instructor. Although we were still doing the same set of exercise, but her steps were a little more complicated to me, plus I am still trying to recover myself from all the muscle-aching... so I guess I didn't do well for this class.

Actually, I considered myself that I've done the impossible. Firstly I have conquered my fear to join the group exercise classes. Secondly, which is today, after 3 years in Pittsburgh, I actually brought up enough courage to join Bryan at the gym! I recalled how many times I have to wait outside the gym for Bryan while he was running inside on one of those complicated running machines called treadmill. Since I can do all things thru God who gives me strength, I can bring up enough courage to step into the gym with Bryan too. And I did it! Maybe some ppl may think that I am crazy to call for a celebration on such things but it is BIG for me becos I afraid of those big equipment in the gym. And I think ppl at gym are quite scary cos I saw some big muscular men in there before. hahaha...

Today Bryan helped me operate the treadmill. He entered my weights, and set the time and speed...and soon I began walking on the mill... At first I thought it was quite fun but soon I find it hard to balance myself when I increase the speed. I am still walking at a speed of 3.8 mph while Bryan began running on the treadmill right beside me. Well, I think I was inspired by his heavy breathing and all his running I began to increase speed to 4.4 mph and started running too..... After about 10 min, I realised I was too tired and I started walking again. When I have covered 1 mile I took a peek at Bryan's treadmill and he is already at 1.7 miles (distance covered). wow... I began imagining us, if we start to walk/run from home to school which is abt one mile, and Bryan cld hv already reached Squirrel Hill! hahaha.... When my session ended I have only burnt 70 calories. I think Bryan burnt abt 340.... not bad!

One thing Bryan didn't warn me is that I will get giddy after the machine stops. I didn't know it and hop off the treadmill only to find myself all giddy and I can't walk a straight line. So I hv to hold on to one of those equipment and the gym and I closed my eyes for a while.... wondering what's wrong with me. hahaha.... I feel so stupid. Then while Bryan finished his run I was already aiming at one of those stepping machines at the gym and while Bryan did his warming down exercise I tried on this new machine and I burnt another 40 calories! heehee... small, but who cares! We even had Indian curry for lunch after our workout! And on our way to the library, Bryan bought me a cup of Cappuccino, which at this moment, I am still drinking lei.....

Tired liaoz.... no time to check for errorssss...so, happy reading, and byee!

Happy New Year 2007!!!

For those who thought that I hv abandoned blogging....hehe..... I am back! There are some things that I really wanna share with all my friends, including my family. Also some things that I really wd like to write abt, this time, without Bryan's help on editing so please forgive me for all speller mistakes, grammar whatsoever... just read.

Winter storm in the month of Feb.

This is the 3^rd winter we spent in Pittsburgh since 2004. For the first time Bryan has agreed that we should shut our windows totally. I didn’t think we’ve seen this much snow in the last 2 winter. This year, even Bryan couldn’t take the cold and I’ve seen him wearing more layers, including elbow and knee pads, hand gloves, home socks and bedroom slippers. As for me I just try to avoid the kitchen as the window in the kitchen is the only one that is slightly open. (We need the air.) However I can’t avoid going to the kitchen for the whole day. I need to cook. SO I either do quick meals or just cook fried udon, fried noodles, or glutinous rice…etc. Then order Bryan around to either make coffee for me or refill my mug with hot water from the kitchen… :)

Actually the coldest day reads -19 degree C but with a wind chill of -25 degree C. Wind chill is what we felt on our skin so we usually just read the “feels like” temperature on the weather channel.

For the first time we actually has frosted window frame (from inside the house, that has ice forming along the frame). For the first time, those 2 trees outside my window has got ice covered all around its branches. One morning when I was cooking in the kitchen, I realize something that “sparkles”, it was the ice on those branches when the morning sun shines on them. It was the most prettiest sight I’ve ever seen.

Becos of the winter storm and crazily cold weather, we were trapped at home for >2 weeks, we could not do our groceries at all and for that period we were without fruits and vegetables. As a result, haha… guess what, our farts really smells…..!!!

Cocoa hates winter. I am so afriad of the cold. Yupz, when I sleep, I try not to be the first to go to bed. I let Bryan sleeps first, and then after a while I will roll him over to the other side (the other (colder) side of the bed), so that I can sleep on his side, which will be just “nice and warm” hehehe… LOL :)

V Day 14 Feb 2007

Bryan thought of bringing me to eat Jap food on Vday. But of cos it is snowing BAD on that day, not a wise choice to brave the cold. So we end up just "doing stuff at home", nothing special to talk about, in fact it is so normal that I actually forget what we did that day.

Anyway I do remember one thing. To create some romantic atmosphere, I tried to light a candle. Bryan saw it and he looked worried, and then he said to me that he prefers oxygen. (Cocoa : " .............!@#$^$&&*")

CNY

The only thing we always do for CNY - Make pineapple tarts.

By the order of Mr Bryan Low, I abandoned his mum’s pineapple tarts recipe….and adopted another recipe given to me by Leng. They are really so good, so so good that the pastry could actually “melt-in-the-mouth”, and no joke abt it. We made our first batch at Geok Wah’s house one week before CNY. GW and Bryan helped me a lot in the wrapping… GW is a dumpling expert, naturally her tarts are very nicely wrapped. But for Bryan to get it done correctly, I must say, he is amazing!

Seminar : “How to love your Husband Better" 17 Feb 9:30 am to 1230 pm

Cocoa attended a Seminar in Church on “How to love your Husband Better. Bryan was of cos “EAGER” to find out what I HAVE learned. (Too bad, I’m not so stupid as to share everything with him)….. There are stuff that should be kept between and among “wives only”… so ….. well, however, I can still share one thing, "SEARS", Support, Encouragement, Admiration, Respect, and S___ ____. (To know what these 2 words, email me in private and I will tell you!)

Well, let’s just say, it is really an eye-opening time for me, to have the other women shared their thoughts and experience to one another. Everyone was being sincere and honest. There are really lots to learn from it, parts of some advice seems rather impossible (for me NOT to do). For eg, "I will not nag or complain"... My O.S. when I read that line was "No way!". So, although I do agree to all that's been taught, I do not think I can actually do them all. Either that or maybe for the next week I will try to at least try to be "nice", and then one week later reverts back to my naggy habits. I know I am sometimes may be too childish and wilful when I do certain things, even behaved badly when I'm in a foul mood. All these things I did it and I regretted. So there are lots for me to do, for me to learn, in God's way, to be a better wife to Bryan.

CNY Dinner

On that same day, we went over to friends’ (Geok Wah and Zijian) house for CNY dinner. TingTing and Kevin, Kenneth and Linli came to join us too. We had steamboat, a roast chicken, Almond desserts with longan, pineapple tarts and peanut cookies. Well, we also had some wine and sake. (What else can be better to battle the cold??) Oh, Kenneth handmade that almond desserts. At first I really thought it was from instant pack but I was quite impressed to know that he made it. Kenneth, he is our new grad student representative, who apparently has become a more cheerful guy, now that his wife has come to Pittsburgh to join him. They are newlyweds. A very cute couple. Kenneth was very proud of this desserts and kept asking us how it tasted. We all joked that the best thing out of that dessert was the longans!! HAha!

All of us was watching the ALL STAR NBA thing on TNT while having dinner. That was quite entertaining too. It was really a very special CNY dinner here in Pittsburgh. It has been snowing all day, freaking cold, but we were all eating steamboat inside. It was already past 11pm when we decide to leave. I really hate to call it a night. But when we were out of the house, we saw ZJ shovelling the area just outside the garage, Kevin and Kenneth both using some tools to brush off the layer of snow off the windscreen and all 4 windows of their cars.... And then Kevin's car couldn't get out becos it's right tyre got stuck in the snow, in a hole actually.... ZJ, Ken and Bryan all have to push his car out from that hole. It wasn’t an easy task, they shoveled, they pushed, shoveled again… I never thought it was that hard to get just one car tyre out from one slippery hole….

It was almost midnight when we got home finally. It was a long day for me. But a happy one. I was still very excited abt the day that I couldn’t sleep that night. We have to gossip abit lah...among ourselves only. It was 6am in the morning when I finally go to bed. Bryan said I slept “soundly”….. J

Thoughts

One day I was sipping coffee next to the window, lazing on the cozy sofa, watching the snow. One huge snowflake actually sticks to the window and I was drawn to it quickly, hoping to get a close-up look…. Just one snowflake can be such a beauty! I asked Bryan, just how much more can I still ask for in life??? What and how can life be better than this?

Something interesting to share….

Bryan’s Top 3 Most Enjoyables…

1. Lancome’s facial and facial massage. (cleanse, scrub, mask, tone, moisturise... all inclusive)
   
2. Body Massage (Essential Oil inclusive)
   
3. Foot massage (cleanse, scrub, moisturise..)

See that they are all “body-related”… haha.

Top 3 Most Enjoyables (Food category)

1. Coffee
2. Chocolates
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

All begins with the letter “C”. Now I know what an appropriate name I am called... "COCOA!!"

Road Trip

We went on a road trip to Maryland, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and the Niagara Falls (AGAIN!!) yah, becos Bryan said PM die die must go see... So, anyway, PM eventually came to Pittsburgh, from here onwards, we went to visit Honl at State College, and "tour" the Penn State University (well, we never really tour there, isn't it?), then its off to Maryland to visit Jm, and really did tour her school... and boy, talk abt huge... you can't see everything just in one day. Then, together, we toured DC together, then back to Maryland, drove down to Annapolis (for the famous crab), and also a short tour to Baltimore. JM took us to eat at "The Cheesecake Factory" , OMG, that Godiva Cheese Cake, one word, "赞!.

There are alot of interesting events :

• Big thanks to PM's GPS. I think it is this roadtrip's 大功臣".
  
• Somewhere on the road, I panicked when PM said his GPS has a remaining of 30% battery life. In God's grace, it went totally flat just at the moment we reached our destination.
  Everyone breathed relievely.
  
• We're on the highway. Jm was driving. I saw 2 totally ruined vehicles on the road, I was just thinking that the collision must be really bad. Within seconds, we spot a "rolling" tyre on the left lane! I think my heart skipped a beat while we drove past that. Scary!
  
• PM brought along alot of CDs and I think each CD we played more than 4 to 5 times? And so when I'm back home, some songs still ringing in my ears...ESPECIALLY Honl's "忘不了...忘不了..." and "Jolin in the House..... DT in the House...." still ringing in my ears... hahaha.. well, only a few of us can catch what I'm saying here.

Well, we also have to thank PM for coming here, cos we wouldn't be able to visit Honl and JM on our own. Most importantly, he's a really safe driver.
Well, roadtrip is really kindof fun. We are having so much fun... the phototaking part is fun too...doing all that jumping acts.

Bryan and I spent 5 days on this roadtrip, at the end of it, I guess we've put on a little more weight. Well, what to do? We've ate so much, and there's so much to eat. We've enjoyed our food, we definitely enjoyed the trip.

Well, what can I say? Good times always seems to go by really quickly....

updates

Hello!

yah...sorry, too lazy to blog, that's it. All things went well (Thanks God!) and we're still the same, except that weight gain problem. (Hah!) Yupz, not just Bryan....

We were busy in November. I remember packing and unpacking luggages all the time. PM visited so we all went on a 5 day roadtrip. Then one week later, we packed up again for a 3 night cabin stay at the Pymatuning State Park. (check out Huiling's blog for the pictures.) We just came back last saturday, and then in no time, I'll be packing again!

I am feeling that anxiety coming. Counting down days to seeing my beloved families and friends in Singapore, and, oh man, I miss kiki so much! So, thanks to Brother who's getting married next month? Or blame him for not getting married in June instead and I've to wait an extra 6 months to homecoming...

Heez... it doesn't matter now. Time flies!

Haircut

I must be mad.

I've let Bryan cut away my long hair that I've kept for years.

I don't know what has gotten over me to let Bryan cut my hair. I've always been very particular about who can touch my hair and had even insisted on the same hair stylist for the past 6 years. So what makes me to trust Bryan now to do it over any other hair stylist in the States? I really dunno. So I must be mad.

It was a gamble. I took a risk and entrusted my head to Bryan. Next thing I did, close my eyes and pray to God.

The results?

I think he passed. I was in church yesterday and everyone was amazed that Bryan can do this. Well, there was no negative comments so I figure that it really wasn't that bad. Huiling even asked me where did I go for my haircut, and I replied that it was done in my bathtub. So her first response was "you cut it yourself"??? (hahaha...see? Apparently nobody thinks that Bryan can do this.)

so....How was it done?

Bryan cut them over 3 sessions in 3 days. The 1st cut was a quick snip using a pair of scissors and cut right under my shoulder in one straight line, then he rushed off to catch on a TV show. The 2nd cut took place in the next day morning, while he spent hours trying to layer down my hair using a pair of thinning scissors. The result was unsatisfying to me as my hair began curling up badly at the ends. So another day later, he spent another 2 hours or so trying to trim away all the curls and my haircut is completed. At a length so short that I almost burst into tears.

The next day morning I cld not believe it was me right in front of the mirror. I've dreamt abt this before. Standing in front of the mirror and saw that my hair was being cut away, I remember crying abt it and later realised that it was only a dream. What a relief. It was then I decided never to cut my hair short. Becos, seriously, in my dream I looked so terrible...

I am not dreaming now. I wonder who said that dreams are never accurate. Whatever you dream of will never happen in the reality. Now we know it is not true.

How do I feel?

I felt lighter, I even felt older. There are alot of mixed feelings altogether, happy and upset at the same time. The good thing is I've managed to cut down my shower time by half, and saved a ton of shampoo, treatment conditioner and hair mask. Now there are not enough hair to choke the bathtub anymore. haha..

view images at : http://cocoa.yeo.googlepages.com/haircut

Bye Bye long hair... and THank you, dear, for the "free" haircut.

ps : now who can recommend me some magic shampoo that can trigger the speed of hair growth??

Another year older...

What I have done today...

• Woke up late. (as usual)
• Ate lunch at Pamela's.
• "Exploited" an ipod nano from Bryan...
• Laze around cmu Skibo Cafe for an afternoon tea...
• Shared one slice of Oreo Cheesecake with Bryan...

For the first time, I'm spending my BD in Pittsburgh. Woke up with at least 5 msn windows (and nudges), and lots of emails and e-cards with well wishes for my birthday. Touchie...

On my desktop now, I've got one ipod still charging up... can't wait to lay my hands on.

On the other side of the room, I've got one upset husband watching TV.... He's upset bcos I refuse to share my ipod with him. Yes, dear, no way, dear.

A simple birthday. But I've got something to remember today for.... (heeheehee)

Cleveland, Ohio

We initially planned to go to Philadelphia, but we cancelled it at the last minute due to the forecasted heavy thunderstorm. As many areas in that region are alerted with flood watch, we then decided to make a trip up to Cleveland, Ohio.

We went with our friends, GeokWah and Zijian. GW suggested a trip to Cleveland to eat dimsum. We were of cos happy, not being able to eat proper dimsum for so long... and so many ppl here are talking abt that dimsum restaurant so we really want to try it. And it was not a disappointment, the dimsum were indeed, quite good, and arriving in cantonese style..with aunties pushing the carts... We even da-bao roast duck home! And it was, OMG.... so, so, soooooooooooo GOOD! So tender...so juicy..and crisp (aiyah...forgot to take a picture of that poor duck, it was gone in 2 days...)

Well, with a full stomach, we went grocer shopping at a very big Chinese Market. Bought a few items that we cldn't get in Pittsburgh. Love that place...hopefully the owner somehow decides to relocate to Strip District.... Ah, no, along Amberson Apartments better...

Well, back to Cleveland.

Zijian drove us to this shopping place called Tower City, where you can find LOTS and lots of shops, oh, and a theatre, restaurants....food court.... and we even saw a subway station entrance inside that mall.


Tower City Centre

Coming out of the shopping mall, we walked around to take pictures... We saw some tourists here, and alot of street wanderers.... lazing around on the grass, alone or in small groups at the the park, and we also saw one man speaking to the public thru his mic and loud speaker, sharing the gospel and also giving them out for free.

I was feeling quite cold, especially standing in the shade. It was quite breezy towards chilly on what looks like a hot day. Own fault lah, shouldn't be so vain to wear a skirt on a 18 to 22 degree day. But, then, here if I dun wear it in the Summer then no chance to wear liao lo...

People, this tower reminds me of the Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA. (modern version) HAhaha..


We were just walking around the city, not really knowing where we're heading, but we came across this super big memorial park.

The eye catcher is this huge sculpture fountain, which, from far, I thought it was a replica of the Statue of Liberty...

We walked further, and then there it is, Lake Erie.

Cocoa : "This is the Cleveland Browns Stadium. "

Bryan is so excited abt this stadium... (dunno why lah)

That's the Science Centre, just in front of Lake Erie. Our route ends here... because Cocoa was unable to walk any further lah... stupid shoes hurting me...(dear dear, buy new one??)

Before we head back, we went shopping at the Aurora Farms Premium Outlets. http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=8

and we were just looking at clothes, trying them and not really buying them becos in the state of Ohio, they tax on clothes. But still, we managed to find some really good buy around... (Cocoa didn't go home empty-handed...heez.) Bought a few pieces, and Bryan also bought something at City Tower earlier. He got his Cleveland Limited Edition Hard Rock Cafe Bear...to add on to his huge mountains of collection.

"Dear, your mummy will object lah... once when she sees all your HRC bears (..Niagara, Toronto, San Diego, La Jolla..Cleveland) when we return to Singapore... She going to nag at you liaoz.... And I can almost predict what she is going to say to you".

BRYAN's Mum :

"又买!?

家里面几只了还买这么多(dor)做~什~么(mo)???"

Happy Anniversary! (to dearest husband)

Dear.... "dear dear"

"erm....Happy Wedding Anniversary!!
well... what do I hv to blog about anniversary? Maybe just some notes to mark this day as a sweet remembrance...

so, we've known each other for 6 years now... and 3 years customarily bound and then spend the rest of our lifes together as a couple...and doing literally everything together (well, except your research, of cos... which always makes me fall asleep).

Well, I must say... I enjoyed more of our 1st year of marriage. Not becos we're newlywed but becos we get to spend our life with your parents, your brother, Eva....and not forgetting our beloved, kiki.

so. we then have to come live here in this foreign land, it is the biggest turning point of my life. so, to be frank... me really still dun like it here lah... so u better chop chop finish school and then we can go home k? (not giving you pressure..just try your best, but again, must pressure you abit also... later u dilly dally how?)

Till this day, I'm still grateful that you are my husband. Still grateful that we have each other everyday. Thanks for everything that you've done for me... and even though im a horrible wife ever being so wilful/stubborn/unreasonable all the time... but thanks for being patience with me and taking in all anger and frustrations these years (&vice versa!..you know lah, its you n me everyday now since we're faraway from home...if its not you then who shall I pick on to throw temper....haha!)

Oh, one more....thanks for supporting my expensive hobby ---Lancome...(!!!) i Love YOU!"

I think hor....One day when we turn old and we read this again, we are so going to laugh at what I wrote today. Or maybe, we'll laugh until dentures also drop out!!

ps : if you are not BRYAN and yet you are reading this... then my deepest apology for ANY inconvenience caused. AND If you develop goosepimples goosebumps or anything whatsoever, Cocoa will not be guilty and is certainly not liable for any consequence(s).

Picking Strawberries

http://cocoa.yeo.googlepages.com/pickingstrawberries

Baby Sitting!

http://cocoa.yeo.googlepages.com/babysitting

Nescafe

Yesterday I received a gift from the mailbox.

I answered the Nescafe's promotion a couple of weeks back to exchange 2 barcodes for a limited edition 26 carat gold plated spoon.

Actually, come to think of it, I seriously considered for more than a week whether to go through all that trouble of cutting, and mailing a cheque of $2 (for postage). Bryan said, "aiyah just throw it away lah..."
But I'm like...so wasted right? Throwing away a collectors' spoon just like that....So, finally.... decided to go for it.

Now, I am beginning to appreciate Bryan's daily coffee drinking habits. hehe...

But dear, can cut down to just one cup per day? PLEASE??

update...UPDATES....

I am certainly missing the boating trip and cabin stay at the Moraine State Park. (Photographs not ready yet...check them out next week.)

Back home, back to my lazy self again. Bryan and I are like, shall we head school for exercise today?? nah....(dun feel like it.) Then we just laze around at home, doing pretty much... nothing.

Friends invited us to play squash tomolo, so at least tomolo we're going out. Simple things like that, still need frds to kindof "encourage" and "push" us alittle. Haiz.

We both want to lose some weight, yes we do. But doing nothing ain't helping at all. Well, to give him credits, there are still papers and notes everywhere...from the look of it, ppl will think that he's having an exam or what... So, my dear husband is always reading. If there are coming activities like an weekend outing planned out, he will study doubly hard (compensating for the lost time?) More like feeling guilty for not reading.

Looking at the weather in the new few days, I'm thinking wonderful.....

Jun 8 Isolated T-Storms 26°/16°
Jun 9 Partly Cloudy 22°/11°
Jun 10 Partly Cloudy 19°/9°
Jun 11 Partly Cloudy 22°/11°
Jun 12 Mostly Sunny 23°/13°
Jun 13 Mostly Sunny 25°/14°
Jun 14 Isolated T-Storms 23°/14°
Jun 15 Scattered T-Storms 25°/16°
Jun 16 Partly Cloudy 24°/16°
Jun 17 Partly Cloudy 27°/16°

We certainly gotta make use of this nice cool weather now before the intensive Summer heat hits us. From past years' experience, it is going to, and will be really HOT.

updates ......
To : Mums and Dad (Stay healthy!)
To : Brandon and Eva (Pls, no more eating, Bridal photoshoot coming up!)
To : Sister in confinement (all the best on weightloss)
To : Sister at work, its time to put on some weight....you slimmed down!)
To : Viviane (Come on, just type me anything, but something! G can go to @!#%$^)
To : WZ (r u back home liao???)
To : SYL (how have you been??)
To : TL and AD (still touring china? No chance catching u guys online!)
To : YG (hey, pls think of a way to sell the LCD...)
To : GW & ZJ (Welcome back !!!)
To : Leng and Sam (Parenting Class Part II???)
To : Jane and MC (thanks for the Spore goodies!)
To : Boon (pls get married soon...)
To : HonL (Njoy your stay in HK/Spore, buy more goodies back to State)
To : PM (any more updates??)
To : Jeanne (How's exam ? How's new job? I wanna see your wedding gown!)
To : XiaoQian (How's exam ? How's job searching? And pls dun go travelling alone AGAIN)
To : Nut Nut and Rice (wahcow... MIA???)
To : Jean, Julia, Eve (How's life? Julia, love your blog!)
To : Justin, KJ (dun stop the chain....keep them coming.)
To : Nic (Hey, how is the air at the highest building?)
To : Kiki (hey, do you even remember our existence?)

Cabin Stay 2nd - 4th June

http://cocoa.yeo.googlepages.com/cabinstay(morainestatepark)

Went Boating

http://cocoa.yeo.googlepages.com/boatingonpontoon

Sick Puppies

We got the invoice. My 2 doctors' appointment has totalled US$95.00, after the insurance deductions! And I'm talking abt consultation fees alone, medications excluded. (You can imagine Bryan's eyes popped out high and straight.)

I am recovering each day, cough and sore throat has gone from me. But now... Bryan has got the Spring allergies. He has them all -- the itchy, red and sore eyes, running nose, nose block, sore throat, shortness of breath, non-stop sneezing (and even ppl at the carpark cld hear him).

He has refused to seek proper medical attention, though I really doubt he needs to pay if he goes to the Health Centre in school.

Anyway, a shocking discovery abt Bryan. The other day he was rubbing his eyes so vigorously and so I gave him a few drops of "eye mo" but none of the 4 to 5 drops cld land into any one eye successfully. Yes, after knowing him for 6 years and to my horror, this big boy is terrified of eyedrops. It's ONLY eyedrop!! A small tiny drop of clear liquid just cannot get into his eyes. After a few tries I am readily mad at him.... I tried to force his eyes to open up but had him screaming in pain instead... In the end, I gave up and drop a few drops on his eyelids and let him navigate it into his eyes. Talk abt fedup.... but after that I just had a good laugh, simply cannot understand what is so difficult abt a few eye drops... (Bryan said... didn't you ask me why I dun wear contact lens?) HAHAhahaha...

Luckily, a friend recommended him some meds that is available at the pharmacy. So we went to buy it. Good God. The box of Claritin cost US$22.00 for 40 tablets. The good thing is he actually got better after taking Claritin, together with confinement. Yeah, he has to stay indoor now.... He even close the windows to block out pollen. (Yet those windows are opened wider during the cold winter days!)

So the outdoor is a killer for him now. He wears sunglasses to school to shade his eyes from pollen attack. Still, his condition is quite unstable. Every morning he sneezes before he wakes up fully... then it has to be followed by blowing his nose...sniff sniff, blow out nose again..... sniff sniff again, repeatedly. Luckily allergies are not contagious... I'm so afraid that I might get it too.

This morning he was in school for his finals... Good Luck, Dear!

God's Boxes

I have in my hands two boxes, which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box,

and all your joys in the gold."
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes,

both my joys and sorrows I stored,
but though the gold became heavier each day,

the black was as light as before.

With curiosity, I opened the black, I wanted to find out why
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole,

which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused,

"I wonder where my sorrows could be!"
He smiled a gentle smile and said,

"My child, they're all here with me.."
I asked God, why He gave me the boxes,

why the gold and the black with the hole?
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings,

the black is for you to let go."

Will you count your blessings everyday?