Relationships

The thing that I missed the most in WDP is having relationships. When I was teaching in WDP, I had a form class and I had relationships with the students that I used to teach. It was fun going to class and talking to the students and laughing with them. They tell me stuff and I tell them stuff. It was the same with ex-colleagues. We used to chat about everything. I thought it was only me that has issues having relationships people at work. But at dinner last nite with ladies from Geoexpat, some of them have the same issues.

But things are getting better now. They are students who actually stop and chat with me. Relationships need time to build, I keep telling myself that. Well, it's happening slowly with kids. I'm talking a little more with my colleagues. I get updated about sales and nice places to eat and we talk about our dogs as well. I guess its the same with any relationships. You can't expect it to just bloom overnight. As usual, I'm always learning.

Parenting

As you know that Happy is a little sick. We really pray and hope that she's just a little sick. I've come to realise that it's hard to be parents. Very hard. I go home for lunch without fail just so that I can see her and make sure that she's fine. After work, I almost run home so that I can watch her. Haven't even had time to go to the gym....Actually, I'm reluctant to leave her at home while I'm at the gym.

WK has been doing a great job being a daddy to Happy. He came home 2 nights ago and started to clean the floor. And for two nights in a row, he got out of bed and fed Happy at around 3 in the morning. I was surprised at him. I feed her medicine almost religiously. I even manage to drag myself out of bed earlier just to make sure I have enough time to feed her and feed her medicine as well. Have to say that I'm surprised at myself too.

When we got Hobbit, our firstborn, she was a little easier. She wasn't sick. A bouncy white fluff of ball. We were easy with her. Our main concern was to toilet train her. She used to get a little smack whenever she made an accident. But with Happy, we have bigger concerns. We're afraid that she might have distemper which is fatal. And we're a little lax with her about toilet training as we're more concern about her health first. And it was funny last night how WK actually carried her up the bed.

Parenting is hard, very hard....And I just have a dog...My other dog is with mum....And mum is spoiling Hobbit rotten. Please pray for Happy to get better. We'll know next week if she has distemper. Praying that it's just a cough.

Imperfection

Happy was coughing last night and today as well. Brought her to the vet today. He told me that she has either upper respiratory infection or distemper. With the upper respiratory infection, it's curable and not that bad. But with distemper, it can be fatal with only 60% percent that survives. The vet continued and asked how many days did the pet shop give us for guarantee. I told him 7 days. He told me that I could return the dog and get them to fix it or if not, return the dog and get a new one.

That got me thinking. Yes, the dog is imperfect in some ways. When we got Hobbit, it wasn't that complicated. Brought her to the vet and she had a clean bill of health. I told the vet that I wasn't going to return Happy to the pet shop. It just doesn't make sense. So what if she's a little imperfect. Does that mean that I've to return her? And does that make me a better person than the guy that sold me Happy?

The Lord takes me in even though I'm so imperfect. I'm beyond imperfect and God still takes me in. So now, my little dog is sick, do I just ditch her? She's going to cost a little to fix and also a little love and time. But I know that she's worth it.

So I brought Happy home and for the next 2 weeks, we've to really take care of happy and hopefully and prayfully, she'll make it. She's pretty healthy for the moment, walking and prancing around. Hoping that she'll remain that way.

Happy

After church today, we went to Causeway Bay. WK wanted to get some cds. Had a walk around and we found a couple of pet shops there. We were walking around. I've been thinking about getting a brown poodle for a awhile. After the 6th or 7th pet shop, we finally found a brown poodle that's a female and also within our price range. Was overjoyed. But before buying her, we took another walk and discussed about it and then...We bought her!!! And her name is Happy. Our firstborn is Hobbit, and now we have Happy.

Was thinking about it, when we got Hobbit, I was watch and reading Lord of the Rings. And when we got Happy, we were thinking about happiness. Well, not that we're not happy now...But rather we're happy and now even happier that we got Happy!!!

Enjoy pics of her!

Roller Coaster

Went to work yesterday as usual.....Talked to Joanne, my sis, online. She told me that Uncle Steve (My best friend/ cousin, Lina's (aka Qiao Yun) father) had a stroke. I was like...okay...give me the details and tell me what happened. Well, Joanne didn't have much details because mum didn't tell her much as well. I texted Lina and then no reply.....And I was like okay...getting worried....Lost Uncle Albert already, not willing and don't want to lose another uncle. And there was I thinking if I needed to book a ticket home as well.....

Came home for lunch and called Lina straightaway. She asked if I receive her text and I said no. Well, she told me that her dad had a mini stroke and things are fine. But not that fine. Mum said that he does have to take care of his health or he might have a major one. Thank God and what a sigh of relief! Praise God!!!

Went to the HK World Carnival with Colleen and Nicole...Took rides....went in circles and then upside down...Fun....Did feel a little sick when I came back. Pics below...Enjoy!!!

Outside the carnival
Us before the roller coaster ride.
Can you see my pink giraffe? Nice?
On the way home......

Protest!

I went into the elevator this week and had a surprise to find this poster stuck on the wall of it. I could only read the last 2 sentences. Basically, the owners' committee wants residents to protest against the transport fare hike. They were going to walk around the estate this morning. I wasn't around to watch the protest which is a shame because I would have love to watch it. It would have been fun! The first thing that came to my mind when I read the poster, oh, are they going to walk around Park Island like walking around the walls of Jericho?

Had a bbq last night with friends. It was a good night. I brought my camera down and obviously forgotten that I had my camera in my bag. Yes, I know, how dumb....So I've to wait for Nicole to email me the pics. We had fun eating, talking and it was just a great night. Glad that WK made some friends too. He's going to start playing soccer with Joey soon.

Woke up late this morning, and we were like...do we go to church? And no, we made it to church. Ran after the bus, got to Tsingyi and then caught a cab to church. Cost a little more to get to church but it was worth it. God sent his son for me and what's a little extra money compared to what He has done for me? Picked up the profiles of the kids that I've shortlisted to sponsor. We've decided to sponsor a girl. Joanne, my sis, suggested that. She had a point. Girls have less opportunities in education. Maybe in a couple months' time, we might sponsor another kid or maybe adopt a child. We'll see.

Have been reading about Angelina Jolie. I've always liked and admired her. Well, not the part when she stole Brad Pitt away from Jennifer Aniston. I admire her for wanting to do some much for children in impoverish countries. She just adopted a child from Vietnam. She got me thinking more about adopting. Well, just maybe somewhere next year, we might plan a trip to one of these countries and who knows, we might be able to adopt a child. Actually, not who know. God knows. He'll let us know when is the right time and if it's the right plan for us as well.

Surprise Visitor

We had a surprise visitor last night. Just before I left work yesterday, WK called and told me that Kum Yew, his cousin, is in town. It was a nice surprise. And his brother is flying in on Sat afternoon as well. It's nice to see familiar faces. We met him for dinner in Central. Had a good time. After dinner we stood in the queue to get into H & M. Thank God, stood there only for 10 mins or so. Well, nothing much. It's very like Topshop. But have to say that ones that were designed by Madonna looked pretty nice. And the best news of all, they have my sizes! Will pop by there again after salary and when I manage to find more space in my closet as well.

The Sun is Out

Well, today, the sun is out! I love the sun....Love love the sun but have to be careful these days. Wrinkles are catching up with me. There are days in HK that you just have cloudy days with hardly any sun and almost no blue skies. But today, I saw a little blue in the sky. I felt uplifted in some ways.

It got me to think about Annie...Tomorrow, tomorrow, the sun will shine tomorrow. Well, yes, the sun is shinning today and today will be good. Okie, don't ask me why today will be good. So far, nothing bad has happened and to me, that is good. Very often we go through life and forget to thank the Almighty for His goodness. Every single day is a blessing. And I should be thankful to God for every single day. It's so easy for us to grumble and complain but when do we say, yes, thank God for every little thing? I remember listening to someone saying that when we complain and grumble, it's like us saying to God, gee, thanks a lot God, I could have done a lot better without your help! Have to admit that it can be hard seeing His blessing when we miss the ferry and have to wait another 30 mins. But isn't it a good time to reflect on the day and be at peace? Still learning to be thankful and well, it's a lifelong lesson.

And yes, little update about us sponsoring a child. We're going to get some biodatas this Sunday. We've shortlisted a few children and pray that we'll be a blessing to them.

Do pray for WK. Sometimes I fear that his faith in God might be wavering. It is so hard for him to place complete trust in the One, the Maker, the Provider for everything. Wk does get pretty concern with work issues. And sometimes it's hard for me too see his point as I'm not in his shoes and I don't understand what he's going through. But I'm trying to be patient and understand him and be there for him.

Reality Check

I went for a Christian Women's Conference yesterday. It was mine first. Have to admit that I normally would not attend such stuff. But Sarala made it her job to hassle me and I went and have to admit that I was really blessed!

Let me recounted how I was blessed by it. Well, as usual, I woke up late and had to rush through and when I got to Hong Kong International School, where the conference was held, I was about 10 mins late. So there I was walking up to the guard post and I told the guard that I was there for the conference and the guard was like, think you're at the wrong campus. You're meant to go to Repulse Bay campus. And I was, ok...Never mind, let's catch another cab there. And just when I was about to turn around and walk away, 2 ladies turned up in their car and truth enough, they were also there for the conference and i got a ride from them. In the car, I was thinking, God must have led the ladies to me. Lily is from Hong Kong and Wendy is from Spore. It was nice talking to them.

Finally got there and I felt really blessed by what the ladies had to say. Went for the first workshop, understanding God's will. Very biblical and practical. The next workshop I went to, really touched my heart. This lady talked about how she went through her son's suicide and how God saw her through it all. I could see God working through her and it was through her pain that she was able to see God's love and it brought the family closer. I felt as if God has brought me to this particular workshop to be blessed by this lady and for this lady to be blessed by me as well. God works in ways that are far higher than ours. And He truly makes no mistakes.

As I left the conference, I did a mental reality check on my life. Sure, God has been so real in my life thus far and what have I done for him. How have I shown my gratitude? And how have I been leading my life? What will I say to God an judgement day? These were thoughts that were running through my head.

Do pray for me as we pray for God's will. We're always been thinking of sponsoring a child and we're always been talking about it. But now, we have been presented with an opportunity to really sponsor a child from Bangladesh. We're praying that it is God's will for us and not us just wanting to do good and feel good. My other prayer request, I've been seriously thinking about adopting a child. I really do not have the desire to have my own kids but rather to adopt a child. I really pray that this is God's will and not mine as well. I'm going to put a lot of thought, prayer and meditation on this matter. I'm thinking of filing in the papers probably in early next year. Do pray for us on these 2 matters and I really hope that God will lead, guide, and show us his will.

Be a Stay at Home Wife?

No, no readers, I'm not about to be a stay at home wife. For starters, my babe, which is WK, can't bloody afford me! He said that I'm too expensive to be kept at home. I'll turn him broke and bankrupt! And in his own words, I shouldn't have studied so much. I would be a complete waste!

I had dinner with ladies from Geoexpat last night. I enjoy having these dinners as I get to meet new people and it broadens my circle of friends. And yes, it can get a little lonely in HK at times. I met this Sporean girl who is a stay at home wife. Her husband works and she basically does not work. One of the first things I said, aren't you bored at home. And then the next thing I said, I wish at times, I could just be a stay at home wife too.

But when I thought about it more on the way home. I realised that I won't be able to do it. I remember times during the holidays that I feel so bored and can't wait to get back to work. And I know that I'll miss the financial independence too. I've been way too financially independent for a long time to start taking money from someone else. And the other issue, I'll miss the intellectual stimulation. Even at work at times, I don't feel myself intellectually stimulated and what more about staying at home. And I guess, at the end of the day, it would take a lot for me to stay at home. Honestly, I hate cleaning! I don't mind cooking. I'm hopeless at ironing. Basically, I'll make a hopeless stay at home wife. So in conclusion, for the moment, I'd rather work. But hopefully, in about 10 years' time, which is my goal, I'll be able to work for a non for profit organization, working with children.

Cold Snap

For the past few days, we had pretty good weather days. Well, the temperature was hovering around 18 to 23 degrees. Perfect days. Not too cold, not too hot, just nice days. And then this morning. Well, living in HK, one tends to check the weather forecast on telly almost everyday before leaving the apartment. And guess what I saw? 11 degrees!!! Can you believe that? Well, if it's 11 degrees, it will mean 9 degrees where we live and I work. Good grief! And I was just thinking on Sunday to start packing my winter jackets and well, today, my huge pink coat got taken out again. Lunch today, I almost froze myself walking to the Jap restaurant. And no sushi today, too cold for sushi. Wanted hot food....hot food....Think it's going to be cold for the next few days.....

Having Babies

I read with interest news coming from Singapore. Well, it's come to a point that the baby problem is getting big...humongus....Even the lesser educated is not having kids. Well, it has always been the norm that the lesser educated are the baby producers...I remember when I was teaching in WDP. I would be teaching in the lower ability class and there you see parents of lesser education and of lower income having kids. They would be a constant headache for me. Me calling parents, speaking in Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese and even Malay to convey to them what their kids have been up to. And it's at that situations that I wonder, why do these less educated with less income bother to have so many kids that have that create so many problems for the society. And I wonder, how do they manage their money. I can't seem to have enough and they seem to have enough feeding themselves all the time. But I guess, the current studies have shown otherwise. They are not procreating as much.

Well, I know...you guys are then curious...I know what you're thinking. WK and me have more than enough education, money wise, we're doing alright. Not really, I still have my study loans to pay up and my credit card bills....But then again, seriously, we should be fine to have a kid. But we're not heading that way. And why? You're dying to know right? Well, I'll tell you!

Number 1, which is the most important of them all. Having a kid, even just one kid is a huge, huge responsibility. I remember years and years ago, something like 20 years ago when I really wanted to have kids. I was in my early teens then. But as I got older, I realised that having kids are not as simple as everyone thinks. There's a lot more to just popping them out. In some ways, it's has come to a point that I no longer desire to have kids. It's sad, I know. WK and me can't deal with sitting in a restuarant or plane and have a kid whinging and crying away. It's sad but we get irritated. Having kid takes a lot out of a person and at this point of time, we're not willing to share ourselves with someone else. In particularly me, I don't have that capacity to be able to share that love with someone else yet.

And the other issue, there's lots of things that I want to do. I want want to be tied down by a kid. It's sad I know. I have to admit that I've turned into a selfish bitch! I want to see the world, travel, be able to move wherever my work or WK's work take us to. I don't see the need for a kid at this point of time. Why would I want to put myself through it. We're happy the way we are. But having said that, I do want to have a kid someday. I want to adopt a kid. I honestly do not see why I should have a kid when I can save one from poverty. But there are times that I look deeper into myself and wonder if that's my selfish bitch at work again. On one hand, I really want to save a child from poverty. But on the other, I can have a child without getting fat and ugly and not get post natal depression as well. I really wonder, adopting a child is more beneficial for me or for the child.....

We can be so selfish at times and I am not afraid to admit that I can be very selfish as well. So there you go, my reasons for not wanting to procreate. I know my reasons may be flaky but do not blame me for not wanting to creating more chaos to the society...

Time Flies

With a twinkle of an eye, it's already March. Can't believe it. It just seems like yesterday when we headed back to Singapore for Christmas and then Chinese New Year came along and then now....What? It's already March! Scary how time flies!

I had coffee with Martina and Michelle today. It was Michelle's last day in Hong Kong. She's flying back to Melbourne tomorrow. I felt sad that she's leaving. Michelle was my first real friend in Hong Kong.

I remember going to Tsuen Wan MTR station on 17th August to meet the other NETS for an induction and I was standing there feeling like it's first day of school all over again and feeling lonely and no one to talk to. And there came along Michelle and we started talking. We talked while we walked to Panda Hotel for our induction. We were sitting next to each other and then Martina joined us. It was funny that we kept talking through the induction to a point that someone had to shut us up and we had the killer looks from someone else. And that was the beginning of our friendship.

It's sad to see her go but I understand her reasons for leaving. She has been a great friend and I'm definitely going to miss her friendship. We walked to Central MTR after coffee today and before we left, we hug and said goodbye....Well, there were tears that rolled down. I'm never good at saying goodbyes. Actually I rather say the Chinese goodbye which actually means, we'll see each other again, zai jian....So Michelle, we'll definitely see each other again! I'll miss you!