Personally, the purpose of blogging is not to write about negative stories or to rant about work, students, family or life on a public platform. It is my intention to use this platform to share about the joys of life. However, to say that life is always a bed of roses is completely untrue too. Undeniably, we all go through rough patches some point in our lives.

I have been feeling very down lately. I tried to catch myself from spiraling downwards and to cast all the negative thoughts away, but it's not always successful. I guess it's easier said than done.

Nonetheless, I'm thankful for a husband who will point me to God during times like this. A verse from Philippians 4:8 came to my mind instantly and brought me back to focus. Though it's going to be an uphill task, I want to stay positive and focus my mind only on things which are good.

To those who are hurt, discouraged and lost, may God's Word be a lamp to your feet and may you find solace in His Word. Stay Positive!

Philippians 4:8 (New King James Version)
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Last evening, my husband finally managed to "drag" me down to a park for a jog. Since the day looked a tad gloomy yesterday, I was secretly hoping that the skies would open with a torrential downpour in the late afternoon so that I could stay home to surf the Internet or finish up my markings. Sadly, the weather was beautiful.


Come to think of it, my running shoes have been terribly underutilised since I bought them. The last time I wore them and put them to the test was when I went trekking at Sa Pa, Hanoi. Gosh! That was about 3 months ago!

I walked the most part of it until my husband caught up with me and gently coaxed me to jog the last lap with him, which I did in the end with much reluctance. On the way home, he suggested bringing me to Mount Ophir. He said it would be nice and cool there. I was floored! Nice and cool?? I would rather scale the Genting Highlands on a slow coach! It's also nice and cool there!

Now that my husband is bent on keeping fit, I think this is going to be a constant struggle every weekend. Does anyone out there know how to stimulate rain? Please help! *Sigh*

Just the other night, my husband was surfing the Channel News Asia forum and a topic caught his attention. It was a call for help by a desperate father. It read "Primary 3 Math, please help! Otherwise I cannot face my son!"

This was the problem that was posted.

OOOO + @@@ = 300

OO + @@ = 200

OOOO + @@ = ?

No algebra or simultaneous equations allowed. Can you solve this and explain your solution to a 10 year old boy?

It took less than a minute for us to solve the problem. However, we were tickled pink by some of the comments posted. Many of the adults / parents were appalled by the difficulty level of the primary school math problems.

As I read the comments, I couldn't help but sympathised with some of the parents because they were completely clueless. Even if they did get the answers right, they had no inkling as to how to explain the solution to their child without using algebra or simultaneous equations. Many of them were grousing about the challenges and stresses of being a parent these days.

On the contrary, I find solving these math problems rather fun and addictive. Perhaps, I should grab a copy of a Primary 6 Math assessment book so that I can "challenge" myself when I'm bored!

Hahaha… Cheap thrill!

Happy Birthday to our Dearest Aunt!





Today, one of my students brought a box of pineapple tarts to school to share with the class and me. I'm really touched by the thoughtful gesture. She read from my blog that I'm crazy over pineapple tarts and voilà... She brought them to school for me!

Thanks Sharon! The pineapple tarts were really delicious and the class enjoyed it very much too! Don't worry, I won't finish them all by myself. I will save the 4 pineapple tarts for my husband. I'm sure he's going to love them too! = )



I would also like to thank one of my students from my form class for his little gift. It was such a pleasant surprise. That's really sweet of you, Tim! = )
To end of our CNY holidays on a high note, my husband brought me to Astons Specialities for dinner. He heard a lot of raves about the eatery and since we were in the East for CNY visiting, he decided to bring me there for dinner. I must say that the restaurant whips up cheap and tasty western food. Other than the fact that they charge 30 cents for a cup of ice water, it's good value for money. We will definitely go back there again. The next time round, my husband is going to try their supersize burger. Looks good, but I shan't be a copycat. I will try something different on the menu.


Look at the queue!! It's about 30 minutes wait on weekends.


Nice, air-conditioned restaurant.


Sirloin steak together with 2 side dishes for only $10.50!!!

Here's the address:
Opposite Katong Mall
119 East Coast Road 428806
Opening Hours:Tue-Thu: 12noon-1am, Fri-Sat: 12-3am, Sunday: 12noon-1am

Mrs Koh's Makan Recommendations:
- Order the Ribeye steak ($12.90), medium. It's juicier and more tender as compared to the sirloin steak.
- After you're done with the steak, walk 2 minutes down the road to 328 Katong Laksa. It should be less than 50 steps.
My husband and I went to the hospital to visit baby Tyler today. He's really beautiful! I'm sure he's going to grow up to be a fine young man.


Baby Tyler Vaithilingam


Congratulations Dave & Debbie!!

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? It makes you wonder what would happen if we all give thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Finally, we have finished the pineapple tarts. The good news is... we have one more to go!!! Woahhh..... This shall be the last update on our pineapple tarts before anyone thinks that my life is just about pineapple tarts!





Some updates on my pineapple tarts. We are down to the last layer now! Wooahhh...

After the spring cleaning yesterday, my husband and I were completely knocked out. We were so tired that we slept at 10p.m!! Call us boring, but we were really exhausted.

This morning, after we came back from my mum's place, we took a long afternoon nap too. We were deciding between a nap or a movie. I chose the former. I'm feeling so much more refreshed now. Perhaps, age is really catching up on me. *Sigh*

For the first day of the chinese new year, I think I'm just going to relax and take a break from the markings. I guess, I will start working tomorrow. As for now, it's movie time!!!

Happy 'Rat' Year to all!!

The Pineapple Tarts are running out fast!!

My husband got home earlier yesterday and ate quite a bit already. I must not lose out to him! I better pack some in a box and bring them to school. Otherwise, all the pineapple tarts will disappear in no time. It's not safe leaving them alone with my husband at home. I must act fast!

My Poor Fan!

The staff room is terribly warm and stuffy today. It's absolutely stifling! The air con in the staff room has been failing us for the past 2 weeks. As it is, there is already very poor ventilation in the staff room. Teachers are falling ill one after another. The flu virus is rampantly spreading.

Though many of the teachers are planning to leave school early, I can't! I've got CNY rehearsal this afternoon. Arghhhh…. Help me! It's like a sauna in the staff room! My poor fan has been on the whole day, but it's still not helping! I need to break out of the staff room!

I must write in to suggest changing the entire air con system today!

P/S: There is ONE mistake in this post. Whoever can spot it and tag it in the Shout Box shall have one of my favourite pineapple tarts!!! Hurry, while stocks last! = D

Our beloved Grandma bought this for us! = )

5 Reasons Why I Like Chinese New Year

1) Tis's the Season to be Feasting! Falalalala Lalalala…
Yes! This is indeed the season to have a legitimate reason to snack all I want, eat all I want and worry about shedding the extra kilos later.


Reunion Dinner with my Family

2) The Irresistible Pineapple Tarts
One of the Chinese New Year goodies that I look forward to is the pineapple tart. I can give all the love letters, cookies and ba kwa a miss, but definitely not the pineapple tarts (especially those in the photo below)! Don’t let me get started on them, otherwise, I can polish them off in one seating!


These pineapple tarts cost 50 cents each. It's not about having the money to buy these tarts, it's about knowing the right contact who can help us take orders. The aunty who makes these tarts every year does not take orders from strangers. Hence, her identity shall remain confidential. Hahaha... I will post a daily update about the status of the pineapple tarts.

3) ZzZzZz…
During the CNY holidays, I can stay up as late as I want to, without having to worry about waking up early for school the next day (that’s provided my husband doesn’t wake me up at 7.30a.m for breakfast)!

So Mr Koh, if you are reading my blog, please have mercy on me! I will be ever so grateful!

4) Meeting up with Old Pals
My husband and I like to have friends over at our place. It’s a time to catch up with one another, have fun and be merry!

5) No Need to Work!
Last but not the least, I don’t have to work! Hurray!! I've been looking forward to the CNY break.

2 Reasons Why I Hate Chinese New Year

1) Spring Cleaning
Before the arrival of the CNY, it’s always the custom to clean up the house to welcome the New Year. Even though we employ a part-time maid to help us with the cleaning, it’s inevitable that we have to help out still as there is just too much to clean. Don't be surprised at the amount of dust and rubbish we have accumulated over the past one year!

2) Meeting my Overbearing Cousin
Yesterday, at the reunion dinner, she completely ignored me, even though I tried to be nice to her. When the bill came, I saw her cast a side glance at my husband's credit card to check out the credit card he was holding. Duhh.... I just don't understand why there's such a need to compare all the time. She must be one very miserable person!

Alright, enough of my grousing. I shan't focus on the things that will dampen my spirits. = )