Wedding and Teachers' Day

Babe and me were invited to be witnesses to a marriage ceremony yesterday. It was our first time being at a marriage ceremony in HK and also our first time being witnesses. While we were at the registry, there were lots of things running through my head.

Here is a couple that I've known for about a year. And it was only in the last few months that we gotten to know each other better and we must have been significant enough in their lives for them to ask us to be their witnesses. It was a real honour to be asked to be witnesses. Thanks for the pleasure.

Being there also brought me back to 5 years ago when Babe and me put our signatures on our marriage certificate. Can't believe that 5 years has gone by so quickly. To me, it seemed it was just a couple of months ago that we got married. Normally, months can go by without us attending any weddings and now, in a matter of a month, we were invited to 2! Can't wait for the next wedding. Sharon, I'm definitely going to be there for your wedding!

And yes, today, all schools in Singapore celebrate Teachers' Day. One of the world's thankless jobs! But you know what, it doesn't matter because teachers teach because they love to teach. Well, that's for most of the teachers that I know. I started teaching because I love kids and after 8 years or so of teaching, I still love teaching. I hope that there will never come a day that I'll be sick of teaching.

When I was back in Singapore, I met up with my ex-colleagues. Sure, it was great to see them but at the same time, I felt sorry for them. They seem to be so bogged down with work and stress were eating them up. There are times that I'm in HK that I miss teaching in Singapore. I miss having my own class and having relationships with the students. But when I hear of what my ex-colleagues are going through, I don't quite miss it. I have to say that I have lots of respect for them. They work so hard and under so much stress. But at the same time, at the back of my head, I ponder and wonder if it's all worth it. Each time I'm being asked when am I going back to Singapore, my answer is always the same, I don't know. I don't know if I'm ready to give up the salary I'm getting in HK to head back to Singapore and deal with all the stress. And worse, get paid lesser to do so much more in Singapore. But it's something that we have to really think about at some point further this year. Whatever it is, readers, understand that teachers have a hard time, so don't give us the shit about teachers getting way too much holidays or working half days. Most teachers I know and including me, most of the time, we work really hard. And yes, tonight, I've to burn the midnight oil. Have to get some work done before the weekend.

I had dinner on Wednesday night with ladies from Geoexpat. It was nice to meet 2 other ladies who are also adopting. I'm meeting one of them for dinner on Monday just to chat and talk about stuff. It's nice to know others who are in the same situation as me.

Babe is going to Germany for a week for business. Freedom for me! Ya!!! But seriously, it's good as I get some 'me time'. Going to get hair done and facial! Can't wait!

Ironies in Life

Back in HK and settled in. Met up with couple of friends and it's strange that we came to a conclusion that we were glad to be back. It's an irony, isn't it? For me, the holidaying and travelling is enough and it's nice to be back. But does this mean that HK is finally becoming home for us? We've sold our car and apartment and other than family and friends, there's really nothing in Singapore for us. And at times, I don't really know where home is. People are never truly satisfied. When we're in HK, we long for Singapore at times. And then when we're at the airport in Singapore, we're glad that we're going back to HK.

Back in Hong Kong

After a long and nice vacation, we're settling back into our lives in Hong Kong. Have to say that the two trips I had were really very meaningful. Have to say they are probably the most meaningful holidays that I've actually taken.

The trip to States was wonderful. Caught up with my three cousins that are living there. Met Eve in San Diego, took nice trips to Vegas and LA. And more importantly, we spent time with each other and we talked about our future and tried to plan it in a way that we'll be able to live in the same city and let's just say that the dream is in the works of becoming a reality.

The trip to Singapore was meaningful and significant. We sold our apartment and in a way, we feel that our material links to Singapore are been cut and the reality of not knowing when we are really heading back there to live is becoming more real. Have to say that it scares me a little but I know that whatever happens, the Almighty Lord will lead us. Attended Stan's wedding, very touching have to say and am so so happy, elated, joyous and in other words, extremely happy for the newly weds. Met my two cousins that mean a great deal to me. Met my monster, glad that she's finally happy and settled with her other half. And Monster, next time, I'll make sure that I'm catching the afternoon flight so that I can get krispy kreme for you. I met Morgan as well. He's my other cousin that I'm really close to. We have similar childhoods and in his words, we shared both good and bad memories. It was so good to see him. I've not seen him for close to two years. It's a relief to know that he's doing fine and things are good with him. Got an email from him and have to say that I'm really proud and happy with the decision he has made.

My only regret of the trip, I did not get to meet the person that probably needed my time the most. I should have met him. He did not want to make the effort to meet me and honestly, I should have made more effort to go and meet him. Little One, if you're reading this, I'm sorry that I didn't make time for you. Terribly sorry, I know that I should have made the time for you. It is a regret of mine. My only wish for you is for you to get back to school and for you not have regrets in life later on. Little One, maybe you might not know but I know for a fact that your dad is hurting and is very worried for you. He loves you heaps, more than you ever know. He's not yelling or screaming at you because he does not want to get be even further from you. He's trying very hard to reach out to you. Your aunty is also very worried for you. I met her and we talked about you. Actually, everyone is very worried and concern about you. We all love you heaps. To be honest, when you were born, you were the most loved by everyone, more than your brothers. And it's still not too late to rectify and correct whatever that you want to correct. It's always better to be early than late and better late than never. If you ever need to talk to me, please call me and you know how to get my number, right? Little One's dad, if you can, get Little One to read this post. Might be good for him. Little One's dad, sorry, I didn't make time for him. I promise, the next time I head back, I'll sit down and talk to him.

Overall, my summer holidays have been good. But as usual, it could have been better.....Well, there are regrets but one can only look forward and try make amends and make it better.

Heading Back to Hong Kong

Time really flies when you're having fun! With a wink of an eye, the week is over. It has been a great week meeting up with family and friends. Can't believe that in a couple of hours we'll be catching the plane heading back to HK.

Highlights of my week. Obiviously hanging out with my family and also my Hobbit. Mum has fed her way too much. Selling our flat, little sad about it. Meeting my ex-colleagues, Amy and obviously Stan's wedding. This week has been good way too good. One of the most fruitful trips.

Stan and Dorcas' wedding was really special. Special because my best friend found his other half. His church wedding really touched me. Had to control my tears, didn't want to ruin my makeup. The service was really beautiful. The dinner last night was WOW! That's what I can say. Met friends that I've not seen in years and years at the wedding dinner. Reconnected with them. Stan sang beautifully with Dorcas and the surprise of it all, he sang a song in Mandarin! Well, if you know Stanley well enough, he can't speak Mandarin much less sing it! But for Dorcas, he sang it! It was really magical.

Sorry, folks, I forgot my camera for some reason, running very late all the time. Not pics...But well, hopefully, Stanley will email me a copy and I'll put it up. Stanley and Dorcas, congrats once again! Love you guys! And God Bless!

Got a couple of pics of them at church....Don't they look great? Enjoy your honeymoon!

Stan's Stag Night

We arrived in Singapore on 13th August. It's nice to be home. It's nice to be able to eat food that I miss and hang out with family and friends. One of the reasons that we came home is to attend Stanley's wedding. For those who don't know, Stanley is one of my best friend for the longest time. And because of Stan's wedding, I've at least reconnected with 2 of our mutual friends. One of them is in the pic, Amy. We met at Brisbane about 9 years ago or something like that.

Back to Stanley, well, since he's not giving me a chance to make a speech at his wedding, I shall blog about it. I've know Stanley for more than 25 years. To be exact, 26 years. We met at Sunday School and for some reason, we stuck being best friends. And since I've a very good memory, I seem to remember mindless things and remember probably three quarters of his family and friends. Stanley has been one of my best friends for almost forever. He's a brother that I never had and he's always been there when I needed him. He used to take me out for dinner whenever Babe is busy or out of town. I'm blessed to have a brother like him. I'm truly happy that he's met Dorcas. I remember telling him to get married before 40 because I won't be able to find a nice dress or look good. Well, thanks, Stan. You're getting married soon! I don't have to wait till I'm 40! I remember when Stan first shared about Dorcas to me and when he introduced us, I guess at the back of his head, he wanted to make sure that we'll hit off and be friends. And well, we did. She's a great person and I'm truly happy for them. At least now I know that he'll be well taken care of by her. And Dorcas, Stan is really a nice person! He's probably one of the nicest person on earth. I love him to the bits!

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. Can't wait for the wedding on Sat. It'll be a good time to meet old mutual friends, friends that I've possibily not seen in like years and years.

Last Night in San Diego

Today is my last day and night in San Diego. It has been a great time. We went to Knotts Berry Farm on Friday. Had a blast but it was really hot and the lines for the rides were long as well. There were points of time that we were going to have a heat stroke. In the evening, we had dinner with my cousin, Jolynn. (Eelynn's younger sister) We had a great time.

On Saturday, we decided not to go to Universal Studios because we did not want to deal with the people and heat. So we headed out to Santa Monica. Santa Monica's nice. We walked around the beach, had teas and then walked around the malls a little. Basically, we had a great time.

Yesterday, we went to Ocean Beach in San Diego. It's a beach for dogs. And boy was the beach crowded. All in all, it was fun with Eve and Coco.

Eve and Lucas, thanks so much for your hospitality. Eve, I'll miss you! Had heaps and heaps of fun. Till next summer, we'll meet either in New York when Babe gets there or if not, back here. Thanks for taking care of me. Really appreciate it!


On the way to the outlet near the Mexican border. It was an interesting experience. Some guy actually mistook me for a Mexican.....
On the cable car in San Diego Zoo. San Diego Zoo is very well set, very nice. Singapore's Zoo was modelled after it. Just had to see it. Had a nice stroll around the zoo.
At Balboa Park. It's a big and beautiful park. Lots of Spanish influence. When we got there, a concert just ended.
This is a La Jolla Beach. In the background, there are seals. Apparently the seals decided one day that this is where they want their home to be and have been there ever since.
At Knotts Berry Farm. Have to say that we really had a great time but at the same time, the heat was way too much and lines were very long. We actually saw a lady fainting. Think the heat might have gotten to her.
We're at Santa Monica. Nice beach. Very LA.
Eve, Coco and me went to the Dog Beach. We had lots of fun especially Coco. She was just having fun chasing dogs.