I HAVE MOVED!

OFFICIALLY MOVED OUTTA HERE.... to here!

i wuff you!

You won't believe it

So we were on one of those lazy afternoon strolls in broadway, and as per normal Mango half-dragged me into the pet store (where she loves to sniff the treats, kinda like the excitement a child experiences when they walk into a candy shop). I actually think she's sorta on a 'high'-- all the smells! Beef, liver, pork, fish, and even fish food!

ok, so she stops along a shelf labelled 'Roo sticks' and picks one of these dried-up sausage shaped sticks and attempts to make a run for it (to my horror!). She's becoming one of those hit and run dog shoppers who drag their poor owners into trouble. I'm going to end up in jail one day because of this pup. Anyhow, we find out its dried Kangaroo meat... and even i take a sniff. Ok, smells nice. I look at Mango-- she does one of those Shrek 'Cat' adorable eyes at me- almost begging me to buy it for her. Ok, i'm an affable owner. WRONG, i'm a weak owner! so i buy the Roo stick.

She follows me like in a trance all the way to the car, because i'm holding the roo stick. HAHA. so much for dangling a carrot in front of a donkey... or was it an asparagus in front of a horse? mm... ok, anyway the point i want to make is approaching.

i throw the roo stick into the back of the car, where Mango usually sits and she dives in right after it. Most of you know how long the drive from Brdway to my place is right, ok the point is- it's barely 3 mins. In between, Judy calls and i have a little chat on the phone- but still it wasn't too long.

We get home, i open the boot and 'where's the stick?' i ask.
Mango looks at me, i look at her. I check the boot again. i flip towels, overturn cushions.
Man, that dog has FINISHED the entire sausage roo stick in like 5 mins!
You won't believe it. I still don't.

babbling

Just sitting here in my room, with the doggie curled up at my feet... (i just bathed her actually, she rolled in something that smelt like fish this morning at the river...ewww. haha... but she's quite tired now after all that 'hey you can't do that' and 'stop it' and 'that's enough!' think she's not really a puppy anymore, more like an emotion-driven teenager... 'i want it and i don't care what you think'/ 'i'm going over there and you can't stop me' attitude)

ok, that was a pretty long bracket.
A close english-teacher-friend of mine would disapprove of that long bracketed sentence.

Talking about friends, I was just mentioning to A that i have very few friends. Den i thought about it and decided, not really... i have friends that really matter to me, friends i've known for eons, and friends who pray for me constantly, i have friends who call me from distant places, friends who go on random KL trips with me, yes... i have friends.

And den, i have family... A family who loves me- brothers who treat me like i'm the youngest anyhow, just cos i'm the shortest. Family who will give me the drumstick at the table, family who will buy me a new luggage because my old one is broken (tsk tsk, it was SQ's and english teacher friend's fault) Family who love to move house... Family whom i love to play Wii with... Family!

I have Jesus.

I have friends, family and Jesus.
(feeling pretty darn grateful now... =)

Alone?

I've been struggling with this- or maybe us, as women we do struggle with this feeling of 'You are alone/ When they see who you really are, you will be alone /No one will ever truly come for you.'

It's a fear which has crippled me for very long.

You know that scene from The Two Towers, which takes place in the land of Rohan, in the hall of the king, in the chambers of the lovely Eowyn. She is the king's niece, the only Lady of the court. Her dearest cousin, Theodred, the son of the king, has just died from wounds he received in battle. She is grieving her loss when Wormtongue- supposed counselor to the king, but a teacherous, vile creature- slinks into her chambers and begins to weave his spell around the unprotected maiden.

Wormtongue: O... he must have died sometime during the night. What a tragedy for the king to lose his only son and heir. I understand his passing is hard to accept. Especially now that your brother has deserted you. [Wormtongue arranged for his banishment.]

Eowyn: Leave me alone Snake!

Wormtongue: O, but you are alone. Who knows what you have spoken to the darkness in bitter watches of the night when all your life seems to shrink, the walls of your bower closing in about you. A hushed, tremulsome, wild thing. (He takes her face in his hand.) So fair... and so cold. Like a morning with pale spring, still clinging to winter's chill.

Eowyn: (Finally pulling away from his clutch.) Your words are poison.

Oh, but you are alone. This is the way of the Evil One toward you. He plays upon a woman's worst fear: Abandonment. He arranges for her to be abandoned, and he puts his spin on every event he can to make it seem like abandonment.
Our own sins have a large enough role to play and the Evil One will drive home the point- he fears who you are; what you are; what you might become.

This is the voice of your King. This is God's heart toward you:

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn
her salvation like a blazing torch.

The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah (my delight is in her),
and you land Beulah (married)

for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
As a young man marries a maiden (he pursues her)
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride (you are lovely)
so will your God rejoice over you.

Isaiah 62:1-5 (itallics added)

I might take a lifetime to understand this:
That I am passionately loved by the God of this universe,
and I am passionately hated by his Enemy.

Just some thoughts!

[ Two Tower quotes and bible verses taken from 'Captivating' by Stasi Eldredge]

Dog Beach

I have a list of Dog beaches around Perth... We'll probably tick each one off as we visit them and decide which one's the best! =) Douro Rd Dog beach (near Freo) was nice and clean! With shower facilities to rinse off and sufficient parking! =) Not enough shade though! =( Mango was enjoying herself and running amock, there were other dogs too!

A fun day out!

Had a fun visit to R's place today! With her sons P and M =) We swam, ate, played in the pool... Mango was so thrilled to see the pool again (Robyn's house had a pool too). The boys were splashing and playing fetch with her. Maggie wasn't too keen on the water, but the puppies loved having one another for company! Mango is so gentle with Maggie, although Maggie was a little boisterous and rough-- nibbling Mango all over, Mango didn't even bark! =) It was really hot! glad we had sunscreen on... Mango's all played out now-- tired, fell asleep on the ride home... =p
We shall do that again soon!

haha, as you can tell i'm playing around with Picnik and the effects! the little pictures are fun.
I've uploaded videos of the doggies playing on Facebook. Go check it out!

Thankful

Whilst showering i was just thinking about how great it is that i could travel and yet not worry about Mango. It's just such a relief that Judy and Robyn would love and care for her as much as i do. She's in such good hands... =)

I miss my Baby girl....

Getaway

Zi and I went away to KL for the weekend... =) and all we did was climb, eat, shop, eat, eat, climb... sleep, eat.... walk... Climb.

Uploaded more Pics on Flickr! =)

Home

It's been a strangely quiet christmas, just hanging out at home- playing Wii, watching 'Little Nonya', eating, reading, a birthday dinner, lunch with Guma, mahjong sessions... It's good to be home. Blessed Christmas to everyone who reads this =)

Picture courtesy of Pauleon

Learning to Trust the Master

By Max Lucado

A man and his dog are in the same car. The dog howls bright-moon-in-the-middle-of-the-night caterwauling howls. The man pleads, promising a daily delivery of dog biscuit bouquets if only the hound will hush. After all, it’s only a car wash.

Never occurred to him—ahem, to me—that the car wash would scare my dog. But it did. Placing myself in her paws, I can see why. A huge, noisy machine presses toward us, pounding our window with water, banging against the door with brushes. Duck! We’re under attack.

“Don’t panic. The car wash was my idea.” “I’ve done this before.” “It’s for our own good.” Ever tried to explain a car wash to a canine? Dog dictionaries are minus the words brush and detail job. My words fell on fallen flaps. Nothing helped. She just did what dogs do; she wailed.

Actually, she did what we do. Don’t we howl? Not at car washes perhaps but at hospital stays and job transfers. Let the economy go south or the kids move north, and we have a wail of a time. And when our Master explains what’s happening, we react as if he’s speaking Yalunka. We don’t understand a word he says.

Is your world wet and wild?

God’s greatest blessings often come costumed as disasters. Any doubters need to do nothing more than ascend the hill of Calvary.

Jerusalem’s collective opinion that Friday was this: Jesus is finished.

Such is the view of the disciples, the opinion of the friends, and the outlook of the enemies. Label it the dog-in-the-passenger-seat view.

The Master who sits behind the wheel thinks differently. God is not surprised. His plan is right on schedule. Even in—especially in—death, Christ is still the king, the king over his own crucifixion.

Can’t he do the same for you? Can’t he turn your Friday into a Sunday?

Some of you doubt it. How can God use cancer or death or divorce? Simple.

He’s smarter than we are. He is to you what I was to four-year-old Amy. I met her at a bookstore. She asked me if I would sign her children’s book. When I asked her name, she watched as I began to write, “To Amy …”

She stopped me right there. With wide eyes and open mouth, she asked, “How did you know how to spell my name?”

She was awed. You aren’t. You know the difference between the knowledge of a child and an adult. Can you imagine the difference between the wisdom of a human and the wisdom of God? What is impossible to us is like spelling “Amy” to him. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:9).

I keep taking Molly to the car wash. She’s howling less. I don’t think she understands the machinery. She’s just learning to trust her master. Maybe we’ll learn the same.

From
Next Door Savior
© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006) Max Lucado

John 4:3-30

Look who's back!

I'm sitting here at my desk in school writing reports.

Yes, those report slips you dreaded to show your parents at the end of school term because you feel like ending-it-all-syndrome. Look, teachers dread it too... we hate making judgements, especially when it involves putting pen to paper.

Maybe you had some of these words describing you? Here's what they really mean if you are a parent. (just for laughs okay! i'm stressed remember i'm doing close to 100 comments/ reports)

"@@ is a pleasure to teach and her work is outstanding. She contributes positively in class and shows continual interest."
i.e Your daughter is a lovely and brilliant girl. Thumbs up for your parenting skills!

"@@ is a polite and willing student who has worked hard to achieve above average results."
i.e Your child is courteous and is such a joy to teach!

"@@ has achieved good results through maturity of attitude and consistency of effort."
i.e Your child works hard and does not complain! Give her a treat!

OR

"@@ tends to work erratically and consequently has not achieved a result that @@ is capable of."
i.e Your child is a pain.

"@@'s lack of self discipline in class activities has resulted in a poor standard of work."
i.e He is not doing his work.

"@@ is too easily distracted in class. If greater effort is made next semester to complete all set work, this grade could improve."
i.e Too hyper, give him less sugar for breakfast.

"@@ needs a more organised approach to ensure that all assignments are submitted on the specified date."
i.e Your child needs a file, instead of handing in pieces of scrap out of the bottom of his bag.

"@@ refuses to apply himself fully to the tasks he is assigned either in class or at home."
i.e It would be better if he just stayed home.

And all the other euphemisms teachers use.
expressive= talkative
polite= quiet
enthusiastic and lively= disruptive and noisy
confident= back chatting all the time
responds to incentives= loves bribes

lots more here ...

What the Teacher Says--> What the Teacher Means

Poor attendance is affecting performance -->I think I actually saw your child one time. Long black hair, black clothes, black trenchcoat, smells like cigarette smoke? If you could send in a photo it might help me recognize him if he comes to class again.

Oral communication needs improvement -->Your child's entire vocabulary appears to consist of 117 curse words and two pronouns.

Oral communication has improved -->Your child learned a new curse word this week.

Well-suited to a career in public service--> The phrase "Would you like fries with that?" will be very helpful in your child's future. Have him practice it on a daily basis.

Basic math skills are deficient--> Unfortunately your child can't add one plus one even with a calculator.

Wears inappropriate clothing -->Being dressed like a fifteen-year-old prostitute is probably the reason your daughter got frostbite during the fire drill last week.

Lacking necessary course materials -->Your son lost another textbook. The replacement is $50. Should we put it on his tab?

Parental reinforcement recommended -->If you'd talk to your child for just a few minutes at least once every other month, then maybe it wouldn't come as a complete surprise to find out that she's failing all her classes.

Comes unprepared to class -->No textbook, no pencil, no notebook, no calculator, no homework. Does bring his Nomad Jukebox everday, however.

Does not follow directions well--> In the off chance that your child was actually listening to what was being assigned in the first place, he would refuse to do it anyway.

Follows directions well -->Actually did what was asked for once! Nearly caused a disturbance in the Force.

Written work needs better structure--> If I could read your child's writing, then there might be at least a chance I could grade it.

Written expression is problematic -->Needs to learn that complete sentences typically contain more than one word.

Poor performance on fitness tests -->Puked after walking one lap. Does he ever turn off the vidoe games and get off the couch?

Laboratory skills are deficient -->Lit the student next to him on fire while playing with the bunsen burner.

Please telephone teacher--> Your child's behavior and performance are so far outside our standards that we actually don't have codes to describe him.

Differentiated instruction has been given to student--> I put his lazy butt in another room and and told him to actually attempt to do something for a change.

Student should edit his/her writing more diligently -->The plagiarism was way too easy to catch.


Disrespectful toward teacher and peers--> Your son is a nasty, foul-mouthed, immature, disrespectful brat. Any chance you're moving any time soon?

Undecided spring

I think spring this year is like a really bad lady driver. She can't decide if she'll change lanes or speed up. She's constantly swerving and breaks really hard, and i presume she'll keep being unpredictable until Summer takes over. ( this analogy has nothing to do with my driving)

Mango and I have had long nice walks this weekend, gave her a nice bath on Saturday-- all ready for the week ahead! Just love it when her doe-like eyes just gaze at me, really manja. Been doing alot of swimming- she's a natural and she loves the water!

Gah, it's week 3 and counting!! I'm just really glad i get long holidays... that's the part about my job that i love. And also the little things- had mini-serious-i-hope-also-inspirational-conversations with my students... really lifts my spirit and hopefully theirs.

ok over and out.

First week of madness

Back @ school last week after the holidays was nightmarish!
haha, actually i think i was too used to doing nothing... and the week was a wake up call.

I forgot how difficult it was to stand/ walk the whole day, talking for most of the time.
The kids come back after the break still on holiday mode as well, which makes it harder to kick start the syllabus that we've got to cover.
This term's a little shorter (8 weeks?), so much to teach so little time!

Had a bit of a drama with Mango over the weekend as well!
Poor girl had a minor eye injury on thursday- ran into the bushes n smthg might have cut her eye causing it to swell on friday. Brought her to the Vet, just minor thank God, will heal naturally... need to wash n clean the eye and give her anti-biotics.
So now she's her happy self again! She wasn't too happy when she couldn't see properly out of her eye- sorta like one-eyed for a day... she slept mostly out of boredom!

Okay, will update again when the time comes!

A little amusement

Getaway

I love how I can just take a long drive to have a short holiday! Made a mini retreat down to Myalup beach (between Harvey and Australind, near bunbury!) Had a great time bushwalking, romping around sand dune vegetation, deciphering animal trails in the sand... Mango had fun at the beach!
Here are some pictures, the rest on Flickr!

You never really left...

Dear Jean,

When you came into our lives we did not know what to expect. You were a white ball of fluff, your previous owners loved you tremendously- despite your struggles and injury, you always remained cheerful and happy with the little things in life. Jean, i remember carrying you home the first day (dec 2006). You are a part of our family, and we will miss you dearly.

It was really sudden, but i guess there was no long suffering or enduring pain.
Everything will remind us of you- your basket, waterbowls, towels we used to wipe and blow dry you after your shower, your fluffy toys which you loved to play with so dearly.

How can i say i'm sorry? For being so far away when you left, i never even got to say goodbye. You were always there for me when i was feeling down, when i slept on the floor mattress you would come lie on my pillow next to my head. You were so faithful Jeanie baby, always waiting for us to get home and always happy to see us.

I remember how you got sick once, too weak to lift your head, too tired to wag your tail. Even after your spay operation you were so glad to be home. I cannot imagine how much mommy and daddy miss you. When at last you gave in, on the way to the hospital.

We can cry and cry, that we couldn't bring you back, that we will not hear your footsteps in the house, or you wolfing down your food in the kitchen.

Empty spaces where you should be, in the corner watching Dad doing the housework, lazing by the tv, bringing your toy and insisting we play with you, lying down to sleep on the bed.

Is it selfish of me to want you back? To cuddle you one more time? To bury my face in your baby-shampooed fur? We all need you so much, you have taught us so much... but now you are resting. No more hobbling around, no more pain...

Where are you our jeanie? Do you miss us? Do you know how much we miss you? Will we see you again? I think you are still here, forever etched in our memories... still wanting boiled chicken, some sliced apple, hagling for a quick playful romp.

Our little white fluffy angel. We will see you again soon.

I love you so much,
Your big sister mishi

I lay on my bed sobbing after the news of jean came thru my phone via sms this morning.
Mango came to snuggle beside me almost to say "Don't worry mama i'm here" , she knew i was upset- such is the unconditional love of dogs.

If only dogs lived longer lives, I know one day this sorrow will return. But for now, i will love Mango with all my heart.

iRack

The most funny and smart political stab at the US government i've seen in a long time!

just for laughs!