Yellow, White & Gold

Most of my Asian girlfriends who are married to ang mos look WAY younger than their husbands.

As in, their husbands look easily a decade older than them.

So here's my question, do John and I have the "fu qi xiang?"
Or does it look like he rocked the cradle?

You can be honest.  We've been married for almost a decade now.
I can take it.

I have an especial dislike of Asians flashing the peace sign cutesily in photos.

It has become "our" classic symbol. 

WHY?!!!

Girls (and guys) do NOT look cuter just because they stick those two fingers out.

I would like to start a campaign to stop us Asians from doing that. 
Will you join my campaign?

You don't know my friend Julie, but she is the most amazing, sweetest friend ever.

We don't usually have a lot of time together, but she comes once a week for her girls' piano lessons. 
Each week when she comes, she puts together a meal for me.

I buy the ingredients from the store.  Usually one meat and two veggies.

This week, I ran out of time to go the store and forgot to wash the rice cooker so I grabbed a bag of bee hoon and soaked it in the sink.
I didn't have but minced lean pork and eggplant was on sale, so I purchased two of those purple thingies.  I have NEVER cooked eggplant (or brinjal as we call it) in my life!

I have no idea what she would put together from week to week.

But when you live here, and cannot cook to save your life, and everything you eat tastes "unsatisfying" there is something to be said about a friend like Julie.

She belongs to the old school type of Asian cook - she used to pluck every single head on the beansprouts I bought ( so I stopped buying that), she would slice out EVERY bit of fat on the dark meat chicken because she wouldn't want me eating that (so I started getting chicken breast instead, so she didn't have to work so hard), she sliced and diced everything to perfection - in the one and a half hours her girls had lessons.

She would do all of that just to bless me, just as I would teach her girls like my very own, to bless her. 

Tonight, her meal that she created with the ingredients I sloppily put together, blessed the very timbuktu corners of my soul and being.  It made me feel "right" again.  It felt like home.  It feels like love.  And bear in mind she uses all of whatever spices I have in my pantry and fridge - soya sauces, chillis, and WHO KNOWS what else!

It frankly is a miracle to me each week.  I buy a few things, and on Tuesday nights, VIOLA!  They transform into full meals. 

Thank you Julie.  You have no idea what a blessing you are to me. 
I love you!

Yesterday, I forgot to feed the dogs till about 3 hours past breakfast.

Yesterday I got a friend to lay hands on Aslan for prayer who was sick.  Usually John does all the praying over sick animals.

This morning, I heard the trash truck coming and ran out in the middle of my 7:30am lesson to get the bins out.

Tonight, a student's dad brought the bins in for me.

And then I finally remembered to get mail and the mailbox was already full to the brim.

I even scooped up poop this morning.  ewe. 

I'm hoping both cars don't run out of gas - coz I do not remember the last time I filled the tank.  I even remember parking on the wrong side the last time I got gas. 

I even sorta miss the football playing on some TV set in the home ..... ...... nah!  who am I kidding!

I guess I miss the hubberlizer.

He called 5 times today and I missed the first 4 calls.  nice. 
Where's Scotland anyway?

oh mighty Aslan?

I have not had so little sleep as in the past two and a half weeks.

And I'm still trying to get used to my 7:30am lessons.

I love you very much though, and pray the diarrhea will stop. 
But with or without sleep, I'll always be your momma, and I'll always take care of you. 

when you are bored with your face?

I will take all reasonable suggestions!

I wish I had a cute face like Nemo. 

And here it is.  The first day of the football season.

My husband, who usually will only hum church songs with wrong lyrics, or jive to the rhythm of the music in his head, went "da da da DA" around the house last week.  I wish I could play or record myself on blogs.  (E, D, C# A!!!!)

He was psyching himself with that NFL football music theme.  didi.  motif.  whatever that is.

From now till January - Superbowl Sunday - I will be husband-less on Sundays, and Monday evenings.  We usually drive separately to church, but during this time, it's not even a consideration for us to go together unless I leave with him the second church is over.
No talking, no jabbering, no bathroom break, no lunch fellowship, just home to "da da da DAH."

When I got home, all the TVs were turned on - but then I realize he was not watching any of them. 
He is on the computer, analyzing his fantasy football draft.

I don't even want to get into that whole riggermaroo. 
A whole bunch of men who get together to fantasize about football. 
Just go throw a football already!  At least you get some exercise doing that!

Aslan is so faithful to be under the desk with him.  Precious would rather sleep on the couch.
And I got the piano tuner to come at 1pm today.  During the first day of football season. 
Bb ... Bb ... a sharp Bb ... a flat Bb .... heh heh.  He had to mute the volume on all the TVs.  heh.  I'm so evil.

And there is another game tonight at 7pm. 
We were invited to a friend's birthday party. 
My friend's wife asked John if we had any plans tonight. 
He said "we don't, but I do."

So we're going, only because she will have the football game on at 7pm for him and all the other men.

Welcome to America.  I guess it could be soccer (football) instead.


                                                              da da da DAH!

I have suddenly lost all readership. 

This is due to the fact that I've been lazy and been posting pictures on fb instead.

Please come back!

I promise to try and post more pictures and blog more regularly!


A picture of a puppy to remind you to come back!

I cooked TWO meals today!

Chicken breast was on sale last week so I had some raw meat in the fridge.
John and I didn't feel like getting food, and so I offered to cook.  I told him not to "expect anything."

I called my friend Julie who makes chicken for John weekly when her kiddos are having lessons.  I just needed to "copy" what she did.
I fried it in a sauce pan.  With salt and pepper.
He ate it all!  (although he said it was slightly overcooked)

For dinner, I made spaghetti with ketchup and hotdogs for John.  That's what his mom makes him.
For me, I used "fish sauce" as I didn't have spaghetti sauce and cooked a chicken breast again. 
This time with some powdery spice I found in my pantry.

Anyway, I'm just happy that I found an easy recipe.  :)
And relatively healthy and available in my grocery stores.

So happy :)

(The picture has nothing to do with the blog post.  Just like pictures in my books, so adding photos to my blogs.  ha.  From last night when we danced at an Irish pub!)

Dear Thissy,

What's that song about being on a 'jet plane', and flying home? 
Well, I can't think of it, because there is some other song in my ears via my iPod.

This is my first time owning a laptop since I've returned to Singapore.
And the first time I've been online while flying.
How fun!

I am exhausted. 
It's been 3 days of the Guild, 6 months of teaching many students, adjudicating on many weekends, recitals, and 2.5 years of grad. school. 
I work up to a frenzy and then, I leave. 
Reminds me of college ... you are busy right to the very last final, and then you pack EVERYTHING and go.  And everyone leaves as well.
It's always sentimental, end of semesters.  There are new beginnings, and many endings.
I hated standing in Hendrix parking lots watching people pile out of the dorms, and all of a sudden, it is empty, and quiet, and lonely.

It's not that bad right now.  I just feel slightly nostalgic and sentimental, since I am on a plane. 

I am so thankful, that God provided for this trip.
That I get to take 5 weeks off.
That I get to go home. 
That I am so blessed to have loved ones at home. 
I believe that the sole reason home is always home to me, is because there are so many I love, and who love me there. 

So blessed.

And for now, I am doing anything and everything to distract myself from the cold. 
There are no blankets provided on this Alaskan Airlines flight! 
No food unless you pay, no blankets, but WAIT, there is free wi-fi!!

Heh heh.  I am so bored.

It's this hype up to the finish to get everything done.
I packed and cleaned all night, the house was sparkling - even John noticed when he woke up - and then now, I have NOTHING to do for 28 hours!  Lamak!
Reading is not one of my favorite things to do - unfortunately - I like to read, but I can't read for hours like my English Literature teacher sis. 

So.  I am bored.  Over 26 hours to go. 

La la la la la la la ...

What should I eat first in Singapore?

Had my end year recitals today. 
I have a massive headache right now - because there is so much to do in these events.

I had two recitals back to back, and without a doubt, these were the largest recitals I've ever had.
I wonder why.
Especially since it was Mothers' Day, I thought there would be a poor turnout.
And only two thirds of my students performed!
So, if all my students played, I'd be in so much trouble.

Anyway, being a musician, you ALWAYS have equipment.
Mics, stands, keyboard, music, music stands ...
and being a piano teacher, there's always a whole bunch of other stuff - trophies, medals, certificates, awards ... the table was so full of things my students won and earned for the year, I got tired just putting the names on all their awards!
But being the girl I am, I just HAVE to dress up for the recital.  I mean, I make my kids dress up, so I can't exactly show up in jeans right?

But let's just say, carrying ALL that stuff, and RECEPTION food stuff, in heels to the recital hall which is in the mall, in a skirt ... is tough stuff.
I think that was the toughest part. 
Really. 

I am soo stinkin exhausted.  All my helpers were gone by the end of the recital (coz I had so dang many recitals, and so dang many students! :) and I had to haul it ALL on my own! 
And I hate making several runs so I had two bags, a large monitor, mic stand AND keyboard stand at one time.  While in a skirt and heels. 

I am tired to say the least :)
But it was a really good recital. 
I am really starting to see or hear I should say, the fruit of my labor. 

Today I bought two packages of cup noodles.
That only indicates one thing - I am taking the long flight back to Singapore where they don't feed you for hours as they want to cut back costs.  I don't buy cup noodles otherwise, ever.
So, that only elicits one response from me - utter exhilaration. 

Or, in simple 'mathematical formula'

Cup noodles = out of control excitement and giddiness in Singaporean chick living in the U.S.

I am going home in 17 days and about 7 hours. 

I try to curb any thoughts about going home.  Because it completely overtakes me. 
I can't think straight, I get so thrilled ... so I tuck it all neatly in my pocket ... or else I can do NOTHING else.

By the time I got to the check out line at the Asian mart, I had forgotten about those two Nissin cup noodles (beef and chicken flavor - in case you were wondering.) 
When the cashier took them out of the basket, oh my gosh, it sent a chill down my back again!

I get flashbacks of humidity, of the squirly birds that live in the "jungle" by our flat, my mum's morning routines that wake me up, the smells - good and not so good, and oh, the food, the glorious food!

Speaking about food, my Indonesian friend that cooks for me did not come last week as her daughter missed her piano lesson.  So, in the last week, I've had instant mee three times, and fried eggs, three times.  Tonight my belly said "Enough!!!!" and emptied itself of all of the ridiculous content. 

hahaha.... I laugh at what a ridiculously lousy cook I am. 

BUT WHO CARES???!!!  I GO HOME IN 18 DAYS!!!

Oh by the way, did you hear?  I GO HOME TO SINGAPORE IN 18 days!!!!
I SEE MY FAMILY IN 19 DAYS!!!!!  (except my sis)
I STEP FOOT IN HUMID SINGAPORE IN 19DAYS!
oh my heart is pumping, my brain is swirling ... ooops, my stomach is churning from the cheese and soya sauce.  Later gators.  Gotta go. 

Coming from a country where I was clearly in the majority, it has been an eye opening process to acclimatize to being part of the WAY minority race.

Recently I have found several websites of young, edgy Asian Americans who speak up about being the minority and about the many ways we are stereotyped.  Their blogs are entertaining to read, and comforting because I "understand."

I am not one to look for offenses - in fact I dislike any way that gives folks "slack" just because they're in the minority.

There is a rap called "Asian Girl" by Murs and 9th Wonder that almost stereotypes all the Asians in the U.S:  Vietnamese and their Pho, Koreans, our slanted eyes and what Americans consider our "exotic" look.  Laotians, Thais, Taiwanese, Chinese and Japanese were all featured.  No Singaporean mentioned in the rap though.

In Singapore, I have always been Singaporean, or Chinese.
Over here, there is a wide variety of my kind. 

Here are some of our common stereotypes:
- my piano student got ranked #13 in her class of over 800 students, and her friends called her "Asian-smart."
- the Asian posse at our local (HUGE by the way - over 3000 students) High School is made up of mostly Orchestra and other musicians
- piano competitions are the one time I am NOT in the minority
- the Koreans run the dry cleaners
- the Vietnamese run the nail salons
- the Indians (they are of Asian descent too!) run the gas stations
- we are soft spoken and petite
WHICH IS WHY ... when they DO hear the Chinese speak, they are often shocked. 
Chinese are the Asian version of the Italians, and Americans don't know this.
We talk loud, laugh loud, and every event is centered around food.  Asian food.  Yum. 
And we give money as gifts, just like the Italians.

Anyway, I am having fun with these stereotypes.  At first glance, I'm pretty typical for an Asian American over here, EXCEPT, I am NOT Asian American.  I am, and always will be, a Singaporean living in America.  :)  If you really know me, you'd know I am the loudest of the crew.  The comedian of my friends.  And not quite at all like the non-vocal Chinese person I seem to portray. 

With an ang mor husband.  And a Golden dog.  :) 

I often say I am the most opinionated non-mother about parenting. 

I believe I really am. 

I teach so many students and I see the spectrum of mothers, and some dads.

Parenting is not a "gift," it is absolutely a necessity when you are a parent. 

I call my students my kids - and I feel I was given the responsibility to be some of their mentors and disciplers.  Especially those whose parents are friends and share similar beliefs.

Discipline is possibly one of the most important things in my book. 
The most angelic of children need it. 
Structure, routine, rules are absolutely imperative in my opinion.

I just grieve the fact that so many children today are not charged with the need to work hard, be diligent and be committed.
Piano lessons reflect greatly on my students and especially, the parenting styles at home. 

I see these kids more than some of their grandmas ever do.
I see them weekly, for private time, and we share the sweetest, most musical, and disappointing moments as well.
Most often, unfortunately, I see the potentials that have been left unfulfilled and untapped due to lack of hard work and discipline. 

Perhaps that is why I am still not a mother in the natural. 

I am so sad that I will not be able to run for awhile!
I've been upholding my resolution and have been running and working out very regularly since I graduated in December. 

Folks tell me I better not do a thing or it might be a permanent injury.

I don't even know how I did it, I think I just bent down wrong while working out, or picking up weights, but I do remember the sharp pain.   

I couldn't sit right all day while teaching.
I couldn't stretch to point at music.
I couldn't get up and sit back down easily enough to play duets.
And I couldn't adjust the students' bench.

I really hope and pray this will not be prolonged. 
Or else I will have to take up swimming. 

Boo.  :(

I'm just sitting and thinking and writing ...
I'm supposed to be reading John.  I'm behind on my daily reading.
(probably why I'm blogging!)

There is snow on the ground today, the first day of Spring.  We got 8 inches.
Just two days before that, I was in the park with my friend and her cute son. 
Tomorrow, the snow will all be gone.  It will return to Spring-like temperatures.
John says that snow lingers for 3 weeks in Connecticut, where he grew up. 
Not over here!

Apparently Texas is known for her "bipolar" weather. 

Spring Break is over.  I had a wonderful week.  Did you get some time off if you're a teacher or student?  What did you do?

Precious was digging in the snow today, and refused to come back in.  (She's an inside dog)
It is absolutely remarkable that she does not get cold at all.  Buried in it, with the wind howling. 
Nope, not the least bit chilly.
I wonder how much happier she would be in Vermont, or Canada sometimes.
She just loves, loves, loves the snow. 
And her momma loves, loves, loves the summer. 

Spring represents new life, and is always the most exciting season for me. 
I love it when the first warmth creeps in. 
When I get a foretaste of summer.
When the first buds appear. 
Poor buds, they got buried in snow today.  (check out picture below - tree thinks it's Spring, snow says it's winter)

Easter is right round the corner. 
The best representation of new life. 

What are you enjoying today?

Before:                                                                           After:

On my way back from working out, I thought I'd make a quick pit stop and stop by the "2nd hand" store to look for anything cheap and cool.  Being in the vicinity of Stonebridge Ranch, that store often has REALLY nice branded stuff.  

GUESS WHAT I GOT???

A pair of True Religion jeans that fit me! 
It has the white threading that many of my students have right now.
I secretly covet my students' stuff because they wear branded Luckys, Aeropostles, Ambercrombie and Fitch, UGGs, wear Coach shoes, and branded clothes ... and once in a while, I'd like to have what they have... but for nothing their parents paid.

I paid less than $14 for it!

And I looked it up online - they START at about $200!!
I take picture for you, ya?  :) :) :)

All these ladies whose blogs I read have amazing and inspiring things that they do - clean, decorate, sew, cook, home school, and/or raise beautiful children. 

I, on the other hand have nothing, absolutely nothing.  (Except a furr ball I just bathed yesterday <grin> )

So, today I shall blog about my journey in working out.

When I graduated in December, I couldn't wait to start a new workout program.  I was bored of my usual routine. 
I've always loved sports and exercise, so that was not too difficult (unlike my resolution to learn how to cook.)

After about 6 weeks of running 4-6 times a week of 2 miles, I found a workout facility at a local church ( a super large one) that had an entire fitness center.  And their rates were FANTASMATASTIC!  - like I pay less than $1 to go for each class I take right now.

So, as of tomorrow, I have been taking an hour class three times a week on top of running 3x a week. 
I love that we do devotions and pray afterward, and that our instructor shouts things like "Thank you Jesus for our muscles!" 

It always makes me laugh.  One instructor uses ALL worship music, and I end up singing (breathlessly) while killing my hamstrings. 

I am thankful I get to work out for such a low price, and being able to avoid running at freezing temperatures for the last 3 weeks.  What a blessing. 

I have not lost a pound.  But I know I'm getting fitter.  I can now do a string of men's push ups in a row.  So, I guess, I am glad.  And I hope my butt is shrinking a little :)

If you need motivation in getting back to working out, think of me, and go out for a jog or swim (if you're in S'pore)! 

On a side note, John's girls got baptized last Sunday.  It was a very moving and sweet time for all of us.  God has really taught me so much in these years of being their "bonus mom." 

Some recent pictures of my students.  On C's birthday, I had a cupcake ready to celebrate her day, and she wore a cupcake shirt! 

Kegan and Mal are my 12th graders, who've watched Precious since she first came to my home.  I will be so sad when they graduate. 

C and M are dressed as Superheros.  :)  And it wasn't even Halloween.  You know who they are? 

Recently, I've been super home sick.  And I'm tired of it. 
I'm not the kind who wallows in self pity, or in sad feelings.  So, I don't get it.
Why do I pine to live in Singapore?  When most Internationals love it here?

Even John has noticed it. 
He's been super sweet about helping me out ... even though I've been unreasonable and picking fights  ... fights like, it's all your fault I live here.  :)  Those are fun.  Because they don't last very long, but I get to pout and kick a fuss.  He even bought me a caramel frappuccino today, and a starbucks gift card.  heh heh.  :)

I am so blessed. 
I'm just so stinkin' homesick I can't freakin' stand it anymore.
I cry even when I'm running!   
I miss having friends I can actually talk to face to face - not just online!  :)  Coz I love YOU!