"Seng Chor and pirates are good friends."
~ The Inspired Educator ~
23 July 2006
Monday, July 31, 2006
Graduation Gown
Collected my gown, hood and cap this morning from UM. Thank God that everything went smoothly and the queue was not too long. The size for the cap is the smallest but it is still a bit too big for me. I think it will not fall off. So, should be ok.
I have ordered the DVD for my session. I wanted to order the photographs as well but I was too lazy to go to the Examination Building, and moreover, I heard that the queue was very long. Maybe I'll go another day.
The Day is getting nearer, and I'm feeling more and more excited each day. I'm, at the same time, disappointed that my parents could not attend the convocation. They have played a vital part in my success. I owe them a lot. Ma & Pa, if you are reading this, thank you and I love both of you very much.
I have ordered the DVD for my session. I wanted to order the photographs as well but I was too lazy to go to the Examination Building, and moreover, I heard that the queue was very long. Maybe I'll go another day.
The Day is getting nearer, and I'm feeling more and more excited each day. I'm, at the same time, disappointed that my parents could not attend the convocation. They have played a vital part in my success. I owe them a lot. Ma & Pa, if you are reading this, thank you and I love both of you very much.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
PhD Viva
Ok...this happened more than one month ago...but I got to testify on God's goodness.
On Monday, 12 June 2006, I was on leave - just wanted to rest after the Singapore trip over the weekend. In the morning, I received a call from Ms Pappu, Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Malaya. She informed me that my viva would be on that coming Friday, 16 June 2006 at 9:30 am. I was surprised at the short notice, and I exclaimed, "so fast?". She replied that it was delayed already, which is true because it was supposed to be 1 - 2 months ago. This is it. The VIVA that I have been waiting for has FINALLY arrived. I started to panic a bit. Then, quickly sent sms and email for prayers. Sent an email to my supervisor for advice. He asked me not to worry, and advised me to review the latest research for my area. Glad that I took his advice. Thank God that Seng Chor was supportive. He missed his meetings and badmintons to take care of Jordan while I revised. So much to read but so little time. In the end, I had to cut down a lot things and focussed on a few key areas. Seng Chor gave a very good reminder actually. The viva is about defending your project work. So, he said "Just explain and defend". This prompted me to look into any 'loopholes' and 'patch' them with the appropriate answers. I managed to read my entire thesis once through and practise the presentation quite a number of times. I came to realise that I can never be fully prepared for anything. So, that was a comforting thought and I was more relaxed. I just need to rely fully on God. Surrender all to Him - whether pass or fail.
Below is what I wrote in my journal for that day:
On Monday, 12 June 2006, I was on leave - just wanted to rest after the Singapore trip over the weekend. In the morning, I received a call from Ms Pappu, Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Malaya. She informed me that my viva would be on that coming Friday, 16 June 2006 at 9:30 am. I was surprised at the short notice, and I exclaimed, "so fast?". She replied that it was delayed already, which is true because it was supposed to be 1 - 2 months ago. This is it. The VIVA that I have been waiting for has FINALLY arrived. I started to panic a bit. Then, quickly sent sms and email for prayers. Sent an email to my supervisor for advice. He asked me not to worry, and advised me to review the latest research for my area. Glad that I took his advice. Thank God that Seng Chor was supportive. He missed his meetings and badmintons to take care of Jordan while I revised. So much to read but so little time. In the end, I had to cut down a lot things and focussed on a few key areas. Seng Chor gave a very good reminder actually. The viva is about defending your project work. So, he said "Just explain and defend". This prompted me to look into any 'loopholes' and 'patch' them with the appropriate answers. I managed to read my entire thesis once through and practise the presentation quite a number of times. I came to realise that I can never be fully prepared for anything. So, that was a comforting thought and I was more relaxed. I just need to rely fully on God. Surrender all to Him - whether pass or fail.
Below is what I wrote in my journal for that day:
16 June 2006 (Friday)
PhD viva at 9:30 am in UM.
Reached UM 9:00 am. Went straight to see Ms Pappu to have my presentation installed. Then, she surprised me with 2 statements:
Yours will be short, probably 1 hour (My thoughts, “hmmm…sounds good or could be bad”).
After the viva, wait in this room. They will call you in to let you know the results ("Wow! So fast can know the results").
I waited at the Postgraduate room.
I was called in at about 9:30 am. Got 6 people in the room including my supervisor, Dr Sapiyan.
Presented using PowerPoint for about 25 minutes.
Q&A for half an hour by the external examiner.
Then, went back to the room to wait.
Within 10 minutes, they called me in.
“… Christine, we will recommend to the Senate that you be awarded the Doctor of Philosophy.”
Praise the Lord! Wow! My heart was pounding. It was such a relief.
After that, had some discussion with Dr Sapiyan until almost 11:30 am. He told me that my presentation was good and my report was organised well for the examiners.
Called Seng Chor to tell him the good news.
Couldn’t call my Mama but managed to get my Papa.
Sms to Mama ("Ma, your cabokia is now a doctor"). Called Selvi and Yoke Kheng.
Returned to College after getting the Examiner’s reports from Ms Pappu. The reports were encouraging.
Called Aunty Luan and Max (my 'research assistant'). I was in tears as I told Aunty Luan the good news. It was tears of joy.
My heart was still pounding with excitement for a few hours after the results. It was so unbelievable. It was a miracle from God. I just kept on praising God for giving me the strength to go through it. Until today, I am still amazed and give Him all the glory.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Letter from UM
20 July 2006
Praise the Lord for this Award of Doctor of Philosophy! All glory and honour goes to our Lord Almighty.
Looking forward to my convocation on 8 August 2006.
"Dengan sukacita dimaklumkan bahawa Senat Universiti pada 14-07-2006 telah bersetuju untuk menganugerahkan Ijazah Doktor Falsafah kepada tuan/puan.
Ijazah ini akan disampaikan kepada tuan/puan dalam Konvokesyen Universiti. Butir-butir mengenai Konvokesyen adalah seperti yang dilampirkan.
Bagi pihak Universiti, saya mengucapkan tahniah di atas kejayaan tuan/puan."
Praise the Lord for this Award of Doctor of Philosophy! All glory and honour goes to our Lord Almighty.
Looking forward to my convocation on 8 August 2006.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Born Again, Born to Win
Born Again, Born to Win
I'm a child of God's creation
Born Again, Born to Win
I'm a child of the King
I'm a new creation
I've been washed in His blood
Had a transformation
And I living in the power of God
Born Again!
Anyone know the song above? I suddenly remembered this song few days ago and have been singing it since then. The first time I sang it was in the Overseas Christian Fellowship Wollongong, Australia, 1990. It's a simple song but very meaningful. Hope to teach some of you this song one day.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Eventful weekend
Let's see, where shall I begin? Ok...
Seng Chor arrived back safely from his company trip in Miri on Saturday night. He reached home only after 1 am. Jordan and I were sleeping. Overall, Jordan behaved well on Friday night and Saturday. I think he misses his toys. (He was at the babysitter for 3 days 2 nights). He played with his toys most of the time on Friday night until he felt tired and slept. For the past few nights, he didn't get up in the middle of the night. Phew!
On Saturday, he woke up around 10 am. I bathed him around 11 am+ , and played with him on the bed. He was rolling and crawling on our bed. As he rolled, he laughed. He can laugh really loud. (Hmm...did he get this from his kai-ma?). It's such a joy to hear his laughter. Aunty Chooi Kuan commented that if there is a competition for Baby's Loudest Laughter Competition, Jordan would have won it. Hee! Hee !
Jordan had a tiring day yesterday. GG in the morning, and Darren & Vivian's marriage blessing service in the afternoon. He didn't really have a good sleep until dinner time. After the service, he was still very much awake. We reached home around 5 pm. He played in his cot. Occasionally, wanted me to carry him. His daddy was already asleep. Later, Kevin, Raymond, Kenny, Yoke Kheng and Pei Lu came over. He played a while with them, laughing loudly again. Then, I fed him rice cereal. Almost, immediately after eating, he fell asleep. That was 7 pm+. Seng Chor stayed back to babysit, while we went to Ikano for dinner. Tracy joined us as well.
After dinner, we had a good round of "Up Down the River". It was really fun teasing one another again. No hard feelings. We still love each other. I actually got teased for spraying the table each time after our game. It's not that I really mind all the sweaty hands/fingers on the table, just that...some people can just get pretty messy when they eat/drink. Ha! Ha! Ha!
Well...Jordan was sleeping upstairs most of the time. He woke up 10:30+ pm. Seng Chor fed him. We thought that he would be awake the whole night. Thank God that he didn't. He fell asleep again after 12 midnight, and thankfully, slept until morning.
Seng Chor arrived back safely from his company trip in Miri on Saturday night. He reached home only after 1 am. Jordan and I were sleeping. Overall, Jordan behaved well on Friday night and Saturday. I think he misses his toys. (He was at the babysitter for 3 days 2 nights). He played with his toys most of the time on Friday night until he felt tired and slept. For the past few nights, he didn't get up in the middle of the night. Phew!
On Saturday, he woke up around 10 am. I bathed him around 11 am+ , and played with him on the bed. He was rolling and crawling on our bed. As he rolled, he laughed. He can laugh really loud. (Hmm...did he get this from his kai-ma?). It's such a joy to hear his laughter. Aunty Chooi Kuan commented that if there is a competition for Baby's Loudest Laughter Competition, Jordan would have won it. Hee! Hee !
Jordan had a tiring day yesterday. GG in the morning, and Darren & Vivian's marriage blessing service in the afternoon. He didn't really have a good sleep until dinner time. After the service, he was still very much awake. We reached home around 5 pm. He played in his cot. Occasionally, wanted me to carry him. His daddy was already asleep. Later, Kevin, Raymond, Kenny, Yoke Kheng and Pei Lu came over. He played a while with them, laughing loudly again. Then, I fed him rice cereal. Almost, immediately after eating, he fell asleep. That was 7 pm+. Seng Chor stayed back to babysit, while we went to Ikano for dinner. Tracy joined us as well.
After dinner, we had a good round of "Up Down the River". It was really fun teasing one another again. No hard feelings. We still love each other. I actually got teased for spraying the table each time after our game. It's not that I really mind all the sweaty hands/fingers on the table, just that...some people can just get pretty messy when they eat/drink. Ha! Ha! Ha!
Well...Jordan was sleeping upstairs most of the time. He woke up 10:30+ pm. Seng Chor fed him. We thought that he would be awake the whole night. Thank God that he didn't. He fell asleep again after 12 midnight, and thankfully, slept until morning.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Motivation to Blog
I must give credit to my hubby Seng Chor for motivating me to blog. Well...he didn't actually motivate me but I was surprised that he started blogging before me. I was really amazed after reading his blog yesterday. He could actually write quite well. So, I must keep up with him and start my own blog as well. Kenny gave me the final push to set it up yesterday.
I have a personal journal on my notebook and PDA as well. I used to buy diary/journal and write almost everyday. Now, I prefer to use the computer because for some reasons my handwriting has become more and more 'lousy'.
I learned about journalling from my mother. She writes everything - from the weather to the meals she cooks. I am very grateful that she helped me to journal during the birth of Jordan. She even wrote down what the confinement lady cooked for me. She's simply superb! I have introduced her to blogging. Maybe she will start one soon. :)
I have a personal journal on my notebook and PDA as well. I used to buy diary/journal and write almost everyday. Now, I prefer to use the computer because for some reasons my handwriting has become more and more 'lousy'.
I learned about journalling from my mother. She writes everything - from the weather to the meals she cooks. I am very grateful that she helped me to journal during the birth of Jordan. She even wrote down what the confinement lady cooked for me. She's simply superb! I have introduced her to blogging. Maybe she will start one soon. :)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Return to BBC SS - Add on
I just got to add this sms from Yoke Kheng that encourages me:
"Hi Christine, it’s really good to have you back in BBC SS. Praise God for the 31 children we have today. Let’s continue to give our best to the Master as we teach them."
20:22:55
9-Jul-2006
All glory and praise goes to God!
"Hi Christine, it’s really good to have you back in BBC SS. Praise God for the 31 children we have today. Let’s continue to give our best to the Master as we teach them."
20:22:55
9-Jul-2006
All glory and praise goes to God!
Back to BBC SS
Last weekend was my second time at Bukit Beruntung Chapel Sunday School after my leave. The first was on 9 July 2006. The feeling was overwhelming. There were 31 children! Last week, we had 21. Still overwhelming. Ok, let me recall my experience on 9 July 2006...
I had mixed feelings. I had a tired weekend with Jordan. So, I even thought of delaying my return to BBC. There was a struggle within me. Eventually, I overcame that thought and set off to Sunday School with Kenny and Yung Ling. I managed to have forty winks in the car. On arrival, the first word that came into my mind was "Wow!" So many kids. Next thought was, "How am I going to fit in?" I felt kinda lost in the midst of the children. It took a while for them to settle down. Yoke Kheng reintroduced me to them. Told them about my baby, and even asked them to guess Jordan's name by playing Hangman. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! What a way to introduce Jordan's name. No one got 'hanged' as a smart kid managed to guess the name correctly. Next, we sang some songs, followed by a simple Bible study on God being All-knowing. I didn't do much that day. Guess I was still adjusting myself.
On 16 July 2006 - my second trip back, I was more prepared. I was able to fit in better. Few children approached me. I remembered one of them calling me "Aunty". How sad ! If I heard correctly, one of them did call me "Cheh-cheh". Hmm...sounds better. Anyway, I was not as tired as last week. Feeling more and more excited now. The BBC team had a good dinner after the Sunday School. Actually, I was hoping for a 'welcome-back' treat. Hee ! Hee ! Hee ! Just kidding.
Looking forward to continue to serve Him in BBC.
I had mixed feelings. I had a tired weekend with Jordan. So, I even thought of delaying my return to BBC. There was a struggle within me. Eventually, I overcame that thought and set off to Sunday School with Kenny and Yung Ling. I managed to have forty winks in the car. On arrival, the first word that came into my mind was "Wow!" So many kids. Next thought was, "How am I going to fit in?" I felt kinda lost in the midst of the children. It took a while for them to settle down. Yoke Kheng reintroduced me to them. Told them about my baby, and even asked them to guess Jordan's name by playing Hangman. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! What a way to introduce Jordan's name. No one got 'hanged' as a smart kid managed to guess the name correctly. Next, we sang some songs, followed by a simple Bible study on God being All-knowing. I didn't do much that day. Guess I was still adjusting myself.
On 16 July 2006 - my second trip back, I was more prepared. I was able to fit in better. Few children approached me. I remembered one of them calling me "Aunty". How sad ! If I heard correctly, one of them did call me "Cheh-cheh". Hmm...sounds better. Anyway, I was not as tired as last week. Feeling more and more excited now. The BBC team had a good dinner after the Sunday School. Actually, I was hoping for a 'welcome-back' treat. Hee ! Hee ! Hee ! Just kidding.
Looking forward to continue to serve Him in BBC.
My First Blog
Hmm...my first blog. What should I write?
Well...this morning, I sent my baby boy Jordan to the babysitter. Hubby Seng Chor is away for his company trip in Miri. He left after 5 am this morning. As usual, after breastfeeding Jordan, I drove my Kancil with Jordan safely strapped onto the car seat. He looked rather tired. Didn't really move much throughout the journey to SS2. It was different from last night. Last night, he actually turned around to face the windscreen. Probably, trying to get a better view from the car. Still in the car seat, he banged on the dashboard a few times. Seng Chor said that, that was the second time he turned this way, and twice also with me in the back seat. He doesn't behave like this when I'm not in the car. I think he was excited to see me. Hee! Hee! When Seng Chor drives, he doesn't strap him to the car seat but I do because I'm not strong enough to control him while I'm driving. Anyway, we reached the babysitter's place safely. He was still pretty quiet. He gave quite a big yawn as I was leaving.
I'm going to miss him tonight. As Seng Chor is not around, I have decided to leave him at the babysitter for two nights. So, will pick him up after work on Friday. He has been bullying me when Seng Chor was not around. Whenever he sees me, he cries for my attention. I had a tough time with him last weekend, and also when Seng Chor was away in Kuantan for work. With a heavy heart, I decided to keep him in SS2 for 2 nights. But I'll probably have a hard time with him on Saturday as Seng Chor will be back late. I can still leave him there until Seng Chor returns...but on second thought, no. Just hope he behaves better. :)
Well...this morning, I sent my baby boy Jordan to the babysitter. Hubby Seng Chor is away for his company trip in Miri. He left after 5 am this morning. As usual, after breastfeeding Jordan, I drove my Kancil with Jordan safely strapped onto the car seat. He looked rather tired. Didn't really move much throughout the journey to SS2. It was different from last night. Last night, he actually turned around to face the windscreen. Probably, trying to get a better view from the car. Still in the car seat, he banged on the dashboard a few times. Seng Chor said that, that was the second time he turned this way, and twice also with me in the back seat. He doesn't behave like this when I'm not in the car. I think he was excited to see me. Hee! Hee! When Seng Chor drives, he doesn't strap him to the car seat but I do because I'm not strong enough to control him while I'm driving. Anyway, we reached the babysitter's place safely. He was still pretty quiet. He gave quite a big yawn as I was leaving.
I'm going to miss him tonight. As Seng Chor is not around, I have decided to leave him at the babysitter for two nights. So, will pick him up after work on Friday. He has been bullying me when Seng Chor was not around. Whenever he sees me, he cries for my attention. I had a tough time with him last weekend, and also when Seng Chor was away in Kuantan for work. With a heavy heart, I decided to keep him in SS2 for 2 nights. But I'll probably have a hard time with him on Saturday as Seng Chor will be back late. I can still leave him there until Seng Chor returns...but on second thought, no. Just hope he behaves better. :)
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