Moving 搬家

All our belongings boxed up and shifted over to Shanghai now.

If only one's sense of belonging can be boxed up and shifted so easily too.

Still trying to get used to the new place...

如果心情也能像搬家一样打包，一天内搬移，那就好了。

新的环境，还得慢慢去发掘它的好。。。

Friends . 朋友

Bushy Group has outdone themselves again! I thought the last gathering was the farewell but I received the best gift yet yesterday. A scrapbook hand-written and hand-made by a bunch of very creative ladies. No wonder there's a saying that "Parting is such sweet sorrow", because only when you leave, you come to realise how much you have gained. Friendships especially. Ladies, when I am down and need encouragement, this booklet will be my source of laughter and strength!

"黄"小姐 - 你的中文水平真的没话说! 你们真的给了我一件很难得的礼物. 这个年代, 我这个年纪,没想到还会收到朋友亲自动手,费心思的作品...感动到我不知道该如何反应. 谢谢你的精心配合. 之前的故作神秘, 就是要我按耐不住我的好奇! 我会记住你的话:"朋友就像天上的星星,你永远知道他在那里,即使不常联系,不常见面." 我没有你想象中那么坚毅, 不过我会试着慢慢适应.

Happy Birthday Keane!

Today is one of the longest days in the year - 21 June. It is also the day that Keane came into our lives. Being our first-born, we as new parents didn't really know what to do with you, Keane. We were basically rather strict, weren't we? It's simply amazing when we look back at the past 11 years and see how much you've grown in terms of knowledge and maturity.

Thank you for sharing with us your love for books - I think Didi took an interest in Harry Potter because of your "influence". You have shown us that age is no barrier to understanding difficult concepts, and that knowing stuff is reward in itself, not for getting good grades nor for showing off.

Sometimes, I secretly wish I had your persistence and insatiable thirst for knowledge and life, and I especially yearn to have your good, even temper.

Dear son, we wish you health and happiness, and may you stay curious and kind always.

Love
Papa, Mama & Didi
21 June 2010

健身.宝迪.教练

这是我难得写的中文博客. 不为别的,只为我在宝迪认识的教练朋友们! (Lily - 这篇博客你一定要读!)

来苏州前完全不健身的我,在苏州最大的收获就是找到健身的乐趣. 日子久了,也认识了一群教练朋友. 想不到第一次来我家做客,也是最后一次. 很开心你们百忙中抽空来. 有缘相信上海会再见!

Bushy Group Birthday & Farewell

Yesterday met up with my "Bushy Group" friends. (Why are we "bushy"...haha that's a private joke..only we know). I always have a great time with this bunch of ladies. It was a farewell cum 1-month-early birthday celebration...deeply touched.

Seemed strange but we barely knew each other one year ago. Thanks to last year's International Day and countless Joget practices, we found that we could click so well! Now that I'm leaving, that's this "相识恨晚" (wished we had known each other earlier) feeling. But never mind, fate shall bring us together again, I'm sure.

Zern's Comic

The Ketchup Incident




From "Adventures of Bear Bear & Doggy"

Happy Birthday Zern!

Nine years ago on this day, Zern came into our lives.

We love you Zern for your "funniness", self-made jokes and riddles, self-published comic strips and self-invented gadgets...your easy-going ways and how you make us laugh without really trying. Papa and Mama are really blessed to have you. And Koko, well, he loves you the moment he sets eyes on you (see the pictures on top!).

Happy 9th Birthday, my dear son and many many more to come!

Lots of Love,
Papa, Mama & Koko
4 June 2010

Memories are made of these...

We gathered at a friend's place over the weekend to celebrate the son's birthday and housewarming.  For the first time, EVERYONE (including hubbies, children etc) made it.  This definitely called for a group shot!

School Photos

When you look at photos, you start to realise how much your children have grown.  These photos were taken by the School Photographer.

Keane says Zern looks like a "businessman in his suit".  A sign of things to come?

Busy again...

Today saw the negotiation on two properties we've shortlisted in Shanghai.  Both are at this townhouse compound in Puxi.  English looking, with lots of stairs, and gardens.  It'd be our first time staying in a house if so.  Well...here's a picture of how the area looks like:

I also finally got down to making the Chai Poh for the Zui Kuey sales on International Day. It's been a while since I made it and it's still amazes me how little is left after all the frying. The chai poh just shrunk like by half! This Friday, will be setting aside time to make the batter for the 150 rice puddings. The house will reek, ahem, be filled with the lovely aroma, of chai poh and rice flour for the next few days…