tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574391843904293252024-03-05T16:47:10.365+08:00milestone momentsme. my family. wherever we may be.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-76452322708158995512016-12-08T15:00:00.000+08:002017-03-28T14:44:16.747+08:00Redemption of Home Loan in Singapore <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can still clearly remember when we got our Permanent Resident application approval in September 2004. I was heavily pregnant then with Ira, who was due to come out in two months. When we went to get our Permanent Residency documents and our IC, the first thing in our plans was to <a href="https://milestone-moments.blogspot.sg/2010/01/buying-hdb-flat.html" target="_blank">look for a flat</a>. And so we did. We were lucky to be able to find one that satisfied most of our requirements, sellers who were willing to meet us somewhere in between, and an agent who was very attentive to our needs. So what's the next step?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fast forward to four years after we started our first mortgage payment in January 2005, we have gone through several revisions of loan period (shortening it from 30 years to 15 years then to 7 years), making capital repayments (using cash 92% and CPF 8% of the time) in addition to the monthly mortgage payments as and when means were available, and witnessing our mortgage interest rates more than double from 1.15% when we started to 4% in 2 years. We then decided, we wanted to settle the mortgage as soon as possible.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I called the bank to ask for the proper procedure in the redemption of loan. I was informed that we needed the services of a lawyer for this because we will be dealing with legal documents. So </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I called PKWA, the law firm in charge of processing our papers when we bought our flat but their fee was slightly higher. I scouted for other law firms to get a better / lower fee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then I remembered our property agent and asked if he could refer a law firm to assist us in the redemption of our home loan. Four years after he helped us find our flat he was of service to us again in providing a reliable and more cost-effective legal help.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KS Chia, Gurdeep and Param</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">490 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Singapore 310490</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tel#: 6254-1611</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The firm had better rates than other firms I've called for quotation so we hired their services for the redemption process. Our contact from the law firm informed us about the step by step process and the documents needed for redemption. And so our journey to home loan redemption began.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It took around 3 months for the whole process to be done, so we had to call the bank and the law firm again 3 months before our intended settlement date (when we intend to make the redemption payment). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the step by step process of loan redemption during that time (in case there are any changes to the process, please consult your lawyers and banks for updates):</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. I called the bank and the law firm 3 months before intended date of redemption. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> It is good to have a date in mind. It may be something meaningful to you or a day when you are sure your funds will be available.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> In our case, w</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e felt that everything fell into place from the moment we received our PR application approval to the time we found our flat and then to the loan redemption that we thought of setting the date of redemption to December 8, 2008 (which was our monthsary).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. We waited for the bank's letter informing us of the final loan balance.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> From this letter we knew how much money we needed to prepare to pay up the loan and planned the allocation of resources from which we would be paying the loan from. We used cash to pay 77% of the remaining loan and 23% from CPF Ordinary Account.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. We also received a letter from the lawyers containing the loan balance (a copy from the bank), CPF HBL3 form (for CPF deductions), HPS form (because HDB flats are insured under HPS - Home Protection Scheme) and warrant to act.</span><br />
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> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The forms are pretty straight forward. We just completed everything and mailed out to the lawyers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Fill up the forms given by the law firm and mail it back for processing. These were forwarded to the bank. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> We attached a copy of the latest CPF statement for the bank's reference</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. We received another letter from the lawyers containing a copy of redemption statement from the bank and a tax invoice. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> The letter specified the date when we were supposed to issue them the cheque based on our settlement date.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. We issued a cheque to the law firm for thr remaining balance of the loan as per bank records plus lawyer fees. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> there was the option of mailing the cheque or handing it over personally</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. Upon receipt of the cheque, our lawyers waited for the bank notice. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> Once the law firm was in possession of the legal documents (HDB flat title) from the bank, we received a call from them for the collection date.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> Take note: the lawyers do not mail the documents so you have to make time to come down to their office to do so. I think that is something worth taking a leave for or spending at least a few hours of one's time, isn't it?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By end of 2008, we were mortgage-free. And by January 2009, we were already in possession of the legal document for our flat. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you, God! And thank you, hubby, for working hard to make us debt-free :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's still a long way to financial freedom but it's a start. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what's the next after this? Fast forward to present, eight years after redemption, there are home improvements and DIY renovation. These activities will keep us busy for the next few months. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Watch out for snapshots of our (mostly, hubby's) DIY projects at home in 2017.</span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-24591097942219323942016-06-21T18:25:00.000+08:002016-09-15T13:28:32.949+08:00An Unusual Family Day at the Singapore National Gallery<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnBhJGuL12XP99WcdBZT7mMgsUWYe0fJPTQmIipc-DOi4_qGckgQkTB_7ybU5DAEDTnv8Ovhdl2py1A6enzNhFY_lwZHASzJiwB4EiH1k8QAZxkzGVlLRpXWKPvsbTYMKmUxV5CTyIkg/s400/20160618_142037.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">my boys at the grand staircase of the National Gallery</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnBhJGuL12XP99WcdBZT7mMgsUWYe0fJPTQmIipc-DOi4_qGckgQkTB_7ybU5DAEDTnv8Ovhdl2py1A6enzNhFY_lwZHASzJiwB4EiH1k8QAZxkzGVlLRpXWKPvsbTYMKmUxV5CTyIkg/s1600/20160618_142037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Every museum is full of nice things. That's the opposite of before. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>It was important things or serious things. Now we have interesting things." </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>- Gerhard Richter</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just last week, the boys and I went to the National Museum of Singapore and we did have fun, unexpectedly because we are really not (traditional) museum-going people. I saw how engrossed Ira was looking at the artefacts and listening to the facts and figures shared by the museum guide so I thought we could definitely go for another museum tour before the school holiday ends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One the came to mind was the Singapore National Gallery because I remember telling Ira when we passed by the building on our way to the Victoria Concert Hall that we should visit it sometime. I've heard from friends that the architecture and several displays were interesting so we gave it a go. I told my husband about my plan of going to the National Galley on the weekend of Fathers' Day. Surprise, surprise! His company actually had a corporate day scheduled that weekend</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. That meant we would have all-access tickets for free!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From City Hall MRT station, we headed to Exit B which should have led us to the Art Connector, a 5-minute walk via Coleman Street to the National Gallery, but we took the slightly faster route (according to Google Maps) from Stamford Rd, and turned right at St Andrew's Rd to get to Coleman Street gallery entrance.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qE1qyjmr2eI/V2k9DRDkJYI/AAAAAAABIRo/JSM2CTC4cuwn8EWDZJg-AdilEdn-6ZkcQCLcB/s400/20160618_135446_001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ira the painter<br />One of several interactive art installations <br />like that of Alive Museum or Trickeye Museum</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first thing that we saw was the Gallery Store. It gave us an introduction of sorts about the many things we would be seeing in the galleries. The photo below captured the boys' attention:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmm-fEGWFUkUiRUGLHf2utp-sBhp12WCt0-jH0lK5McqcDOLrWvLrdZ5IHSbYINbkdcIRS62XsksGvS8B6YbSqxsIgjKTaFfZbCVDk2y4Z9hsCLY5yLuwKRq-xCuZjck7pobC4QTc3IQ/s1600/20160618_135338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmm-fEGWFUkUiRUGLHf2utp-sBhp12WCt0-jH0lK5McqcDOLrWvLrdZ5IHSbYINbkdcIRS62XsksGvS8B6YbSqxsIgjKTaFfZbCVDk2y4Z9hsCLY5yLuwKRq-xCuZjck7pobC4QTc3IQ/s400/20160618_135338.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ira: Mom, look! A giant ball dispenser</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We asked where the ticketing counter was and we were instructed to take the escalator to the basement. The staircase that leads to the ticketing counter was one of the many photo op spots in the gallery but we saved it for last since there were still a group of people crowding the area. We got our tickets and a gallery map so we won't get lost (but we did anyway).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It did not occur to us how huge the National Gallery was until we actually got hold of our gallery map and started walking around. The National Gallery actually occupies two of Singapore's national monuments which are now called the Supreme Court Wing and the City Hall Wing. With five levels in total (excluding the basement) that's a whole lot of walking and looking at exhibits for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We initially wanted to have a more planned itinerary as we explored the National Gallery, but as what Dory said in Finding Dory: "What is so great about plans? The best things happen by chance." So we followed where our feet took us and here were some of the photos we captured along the way...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWqhmf-OLnLOvSNka5q3zgq6joCDrbHg_ntNQHeasDe9hyCJVXeV3cb247_0z7OOCzV4twsb9aS-8TNxjWyWhftTccoBVidOWsH44QCkymY-tfgrmRoruSaUxsbMtigRPgaBkbmtxzlY/s400/20160618_142009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">family photo with the grand staircase at the background</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxrpv2kKTPzSP_eUtzKSz6gMyrMH_Dcg4547K2EgLrGFlD13Ms06y7yfhvB634IYgGEtLuqkr03p4ieX00bBr8R4Fm0TPMHG0acBX2_jUddFqeSacx9W8otB2aXOf36Ub83cs3idae60/s400/20160618_135959.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">one of the big rocks at the Level 1 lobby</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO9BuVv_oo3UE883n6MBrMuNRZI0zRPoj1iJ214w08YzuLAnJ6RG0Y7AkQ_a-i7ZaNwKgRw3RvlXoVFkWoYw0uLNP2YI9nurz-Gw1QzAm17m203YWOkjl_Zz22IJRMBK7Mm2tk2CkcsI/s400/20160618_140149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">one of the many beautiful sitting areas in the National Gallery</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHpVU-KHPG9Nh7sG9i3r929rfw7tHXsERw068U_Usqx2QiFzWNeimYbe3NYoaNPAwBzARFOv6OFSiXYxPkJkZOTa6bWF3cA9q4ZDtKZ55XUXb3gp6Kh8CXC7SaNIwcuAA8NwkCBaz4w4/s400/20160618_141218.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">entering the Supreme Court Wing with our future Supreme Court Judge (?)</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqscEj0img2d8MqWUOkpl9X4OTWk9CwdGyMcmj-HDQgd7T60ypENzzAXIHnI3L6Maf2c4QMEO7sq059W1ssAvSPMvpZjU_P_Rx_qkz_2RIcQT6v7gTWy9nKZIvKKCLZBoyHlB9M3AMFw/s1600/20160618_141425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqscEj0img2d8MqWUOkpl9X4OTWk9CwdGyMcmj-HDQgd7T60ypENzzAXIHnI3L6Maf2c4QMEO7sq059W1ssAvSPMvpZjU_P_Rx_qkz_2RIcQT6v7gTWy9nKZIvKKCLZBoyHlB9M3AMFw/s400/20160618_141425.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another one of those displays where visitors can be a part of the paintings </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hlTnMvYHO71fcN-heZj7ZZDTSzVfr79FGHbfdUQKcqw3aw4JP-UvZD6W9w158MqWddl5sLAIvAhPogKUDfYEG87OeAnepiX8nGnsDEK7iB3vLkBCsQ8R3RYqCF-8MbXxtg9tstFFp-Y/s400/20160618_141506.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="331" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Daddy helping Ira to reach the pen in the man's chest pocket</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7QzxUTfnbc20Sb8RqrcbziKjwCJj3MjozJSO4rez2tTAZlGgFzl_0BErWuynaM2Lufs2L6-XDJfg26rWGP6VeQMeWIGRwlH9peJfm8-UPLIS66iO2mb72jl7D6u7BtZHvZOKgG1nLmk/s400/20160618_141348.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">the guys joined in the lecture</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9c061XqICEe2K9Rfmk5nSKL8Yz93xShQIZ_-kFzzcOCK8LVioNIVbJeXJYCGk6O4eW82CjI72W0CDLuNN4Q0LSBg8CFzYj1qZ5tulsY9BOLBQdAXJGiwTMB6-PcNfpD5FnwZgZ8Yhx8/s1600/20160618_142753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9c061XqICEe2K9Rfmk5nSKL8Yz93xShQIZ_-kFzzcOCK8LVioNIVbJeXJYCGk6O4eW82CjI72W0CDLuNN4Q0LSBg8CFzYj1qZ5tulsY9BOLBQdAXJGiwTMB6-PcNfpD5FnwZgZ8Yhx8/s400/20160618_142753.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRHcW1CaN0N5Ags-ta8wCPK6nBq-f-GRHMFXcg7Q6QaBfvFb7hArfSJ2JRJHPdEpXnTcYS5yGtejX_fChvAfV4ItJ6kDD-01KAC6iR9K1kYeH6e6KVPLgjGawCT19J3xu7vuxKJhJfVw/s1600/20160618_143134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRHcW1CaN0N5Ags-ta8wCPK6nBq-f-GRHMFXcg7Q6QaBfvFb7hArfSJ2JRJHPdEpXnTcYS5yGtejX_fChvAfV4ItJ6kDD-01KAC6iR9K1kYeH6e6KVPLgjGawCT19J3xu7vuxKJhJfVw/s400/20160618_143134.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">painting by famous Filipino artist, Fernando Amorsolo<br />"Fish pond in Malabon"<br />My husband could relate as he is from Malabon. I, on the other hand, missed the visits to my grandfather's farm.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU8GnOxplKJrqOskchSV2vfS1_UApXcqU1JQkgzpmUjYe4Nl5bLAGgWyF6AFcc-5tlTtq0jqT1LOHPiG39b0WdprwSYGLhoehFg-oZsl-68g9yBwHRqq51Re5ZbQvR940tTjXeSLxVXA/s400/20160618_144002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the sponsor for this gallery visit</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU8GnOxplKJrqOskchSV2vfS1_UApXcqU1JQkgzpmUjYe4Nl5bLAGgWyF6AFcc-5tlTtq0jqT1LOHPiG39b0WdprwSYGLhoehFg-oZsl-68g9yBwHRqq51Re5ZbQvR940tTjXeSLxVXA/s1600/20160618_144002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfPyAz79N9tW5qBYNt3PvqSVLtq4KBlO4sTefJyJ3UAMnG_8NfBUPyNSlzvfg5Z8UzuJ8bsKRXPejB-XBaPpT_vPSokNRN2xqqahatngZholv0FnRZHoCZaQ-iDikyGJ4e5-ZfTN9ONc/s400/20160618_145143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">capturing the fascinated onlooker</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6QXLFth7kxC2jwl5ItanB2vMA-nZuP6_kgSKw2TT8QcUNPtJZPAZGQZuYkugT2HOATenLTTXDogei1UOb8MN-v34MvsAD_2tg9QzA2NIYoA6W2vVaWfLKZacfr8W_8p93wu0aYxEEJs/s400/20160618_145341.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">father and son trying to relate to the painting in front of them</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwfNQewFFQ7E5uDJkFKXefBBXcdq0jhSbR1JcMwk8PF6r5VtwGEG4W1m6vUG3IWFhE5-rMnjr09m3nasg7sGkP_csMQq7jQaCdpYWn8r_XFWiPGqs8jDXZuR0AeaS5SFbIJs2nZU8yZg/s640/20160618_145511.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">titled "First Mass in the Philippines" by another famous Filipino artist, Carlos "Botong" Francisco.<br />A visit to the National Gallery not only awakened our somewhat interest in art (some pieces, at least) but we also felt a sense of pride admiring the works of world famous artists from our home country.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yUMPUjvPtEsow3OlazcN8tXQaFbwhmuewZ-WHNhFLiaBPRxX6eeQzN9r_kmmISYO6Vc1fLWWRNJ9t1ykS3f8-nlCM7jzG9pIVS99SghktQqJG9SOB5yINgzaX2-LhNF01n8dBZu8EkA/s400/20160618_145735.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we had a lot of these sitting down breaks as we went around the galleries.<br />The chairs were just too tempting.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfwZZ5QQhMn71GU0Sg9DboWkiC7-Rc6u1H_5awz-QPEo0u0flh5uSlxePFLjko6els-Cni4S0PUaGnTJoJhnjJli9WIXiijMiKeQqwGI3R4WScPlMXGZJrBOsxyVaM1d0H8IMKrHsl90/s1600/20160618_145855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfwZZ5QQhMn71GU0Sg9DboWkiC7-Rc6u1H_5awz-QPEo0u0flh5uSlxePFLjko6els-Cni4S0PUaGnTJoJhnjJli9WIXiijMiKeQqwGI3R4WScPlMXGZJrBOsxyVaM1d0H8IMKrHsl90/s400/20160618_145855.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here we were, finally exploring the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- REFRAMING MODERNISM</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtkZ6nMxRxwIw6sijmImFVjHvvZemh4PvqxlLUmWefoCzjChVBq5Dtdfta_d5yz6U9ZRfjAJ81nzDdpETVnE-wYFr3FhX6bD6S_dBcdQsVr_b1a7-0YXjA8L9STBXk3jLegnh8WALn_Y/s1600/20160618_145913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtkZ6nMxRxwIw6sijmImFVjHvvZemh4PvqxlLUmWefoCzjChVBq5Dtdfta_d5yz6U9ZRfjAJ81nzDdpETVnE-wYFr3FhX6bD6S_dBcdQsVr_b1a7-0YXjA8L9STBXk3jLegnh8WALn_Y/s400/20160618_145913.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxGVEjnuf1OJ2JGUCawkth0s7ail5TSn1B50YXSDpq-zx_KeCp_UouUqEgMGiuvk-nJIamBhD9RSMVZUBscrxwgCDqclL6RKyUu8HBRA2NoNRsgt5LLIDNl3brUEY4sZyulfVANHjqmk/s1600/20160618_145954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxGVEjnuf1OJ2JGUCawkth0s7ail5TSn1B50YXSDpq-zx_KeCp_UouUqEgMGiuvk-nJIamBhD9RSMVZUBscrxwgCDqclL6RKyUu8HBRA2NoNRsgt5LLIDNl3brUEY4sZyulfVANHjqmk/s400/20160618_145954.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcOFC_xB4fo/V2k9VUdpx4I/AAAAAAABITI/Ic8aPTZ4bR8Q3wZ9gHCbTOBw1DZ61KXJgCLcB/s1600/20160618_150317_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcOFC_xB4fo/V2k9VUdpx4I/AAAAAAABITI/Ic8aPTZ4bR8Q3wZ9gHCbTOBw1DZ61KXJgCLcB/s400/20160618_150317_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I specifically liked the shapes and play of colors in both these artworks. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3-ZEZB6sn0ikP19yaQggjs3P1UURKMwupxYWkVfnEMPx3Zo4yc4e6hBVfaBK1Kf4_pronXkHJxNirvtycCyvz3AGwliGUuhdEwDYYiHQ6853idKRZrJLdXXF9HX7Z9xeNFPRTfLj5Yk/s1600/20160618_150510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3-ZEZB6sn0ikP19yaQggjs3P1UURKMwupxYWkVfnEMPx3Zo4yc4e6hBVfaBK1Kf4_pronXkHJxNirvtycCyvz3AGwliGUuhdEwDYYiHQ6853idKRZrJLdXXF9HX7Z9xeNFPRTfLj5Yk/s400/20160618_150510.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfGv-E6p_c_uRIoegFIkxk0FeNm16atscSm5JOVKwwWI6vIigQViE4DkGjyBY9mxBg8yO9LSoywI-S_6KjzGLeCxkQ_AOi8qO3tMQ9BWNBoYu6d2IC_0vMfdsLqRdfRKomvoM7180EYY/s400/20160618_153713.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">father and son watching a short video. A break from all the walking.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbepyCGbifM/V2k9V_1wqVI/AAAAAAABITQ/9L0A5m8uGPwrVc5bbqCVVGXzLLJOPn9bgCLcB/s1600/20160618_154129_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbepyCGbifM/V2k9V_1wqVI/AAAAAAABITQ/9L0A5m8uGPwrVc5bbqCVVGXzLLJOPn9bgCLcB/s400/20160618_154129_001.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aside from art pieces displayed on walls, the National Gallery also houses remnants of what was once part of the Supreme Court.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qWJAJ48XFSR7EXSLf6SI8NhPiToo9CiQarlCQDdzJvpv9x3VwtIxoKgSfIPaZtWJAAi_b1y0Vsf-NfmWu__ScOEL9IBAkTN3Nwvt_wocSSXdnAoRiXFjkhOOlqTSIMtpR16kdh9TbNA/s1600/20160618_154215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qWJAJ48XFSR7EXSLf6SI8NhPiToo9CiQarlCQDdzJvpv9x3VwtIxoKgSfIPaZtWJAAi_b1y0Vsf-NfmWu__ScOEL9IBAkTN3Nwvt_wocSSXdnAoRiXFjkhOOlqTSIMtpR16kdh9TbNA/s400/20160618_154215.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlDcS2ioFGjhSOmltiBDMlCVXCRrTlYwI9zrBWNj0JjZ8eoHz83JIaG1QNPBT9iQ3l4Il9ELj1bmtYDUg1n_O_ykezS0pONoei-KZYK6dIG3879xgGaBpIB2W6s0pc1jmf9BFSyl4Q9o/s1600/20160618_154252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlDcS2ioFGjhSOmltiBDMlCVXCRrTlYwI9zrBWNj0JjZ8eoHz83JIaG1QNPBT9iQ3l4Il9ELj1bmtYDUg1n_O_ykezS0pONoei-KZYK6dIG3879xgGaBpIB2W6s0pc1jmf9BFSyl4Q9o/s400/20160618_154252.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxDComkea2c/V2k9bPtLLBI/AAAAAAABITc/ZSv2w_b3tRk9dRHNtc4u23ln8IZLFoUwgCLcB/s400/20160618_155154_001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here was another interesting piece which gave us the chills.<br />Arranged on a table, as if it was a chopstick, these finger bones </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGzHRQICyzORNfd0KWX4cCl4X000WwfL3WOGoEB14CYN1KbiVLwkYB11Gf7TsLA4lKuI5Ytwsv6DB8fw3k-gRCkbAexem4dEmzsdRsQfdF6FznK0aDdctDbt48USyC-_N4VbatJWc4ek/s400/20160618_155214.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a tower of bowls</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGzHRQICyzORNfd0KWX4cCl4X000WwfL3WOGoEB14CYN1KbiVLwkYB11Gf7TsLA4lKuI5Ytwsv6DB8fw3k-gRCkbAexem4dEmzsdRsQfdF6FznK0aDdctDbt48USyC-_N4VbatJWc4ek/s1600/20160618_155214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwPPzrShlfVEOWOgxgPlUEuZnv87_hUFXXIe3XXWwijtyuIH49vYnTICTmMMI_RwkWyqJmP4zq00J7G8pGZCP68G7-wAwYEEkh3toWTEOy0IegeNqQ6PyO9h3H_2cRL7Mq46jbgH5vHo/s1600/20160618_160724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwPPzrShlfVEOWOgxgPlUEuZnv87_hUFXXIe3XXWwijtyuIH49vYnTICTmMMI_RwkWyqJmP4zq00J7G8pGZCP68G7-wAwYEEkh3toWTEOy0IegeNqQ6PyO9h3H_2cRL7Mq46jbgH5vHo/s400/20160618_160724.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">another favorite part of our visit to the National Gallery was when we got to the Padang Deck and had a great view of the Padang and surrounding Singapore skyline.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIGs6EA1YoEgz0XyC_5Kjyknu-fTmlaw1B2iUDjpXKW8D4gUMKJRdqJwug22VTm9wQVkzHlq8ZeW7fUivXbGXLrBMmtZUGomXFszkLgsayuPUVb3FIAS3rvMgdW3hc0Ubd6JBaCPnU9o/s1600/20160618_160740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIGs6EA1YoEgz0XyC_5Kjyknu-fTmlaw1B2iUDjpXKW8D4gUMKJRdqJwug22VTm9wQVkzHlq8ZeW7fUivXbGXLrBMmtZUGomXFszkLgsayuPUVb3FIAS3rvMgdW3hc0Ubd6JBaCPnU9o/s400/20160618_160740.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzhkFgHFm6QAiGBU3k3khorSejotTx5ztopCMy8apTL2RySNpJ3gOOd7tsREN_2Rru7VocV8f_FsK0XK9QeddTkIq_fq9Ii2LUhO3KFTBGdyscPXtqBlyObvXktV3wm_1hkdbG7FDlZA/s1600/20160618_160758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzhkFgHFm6QAiGBU3k3khorSejotTx5ztopCMy8apTL2RySNpJ3gOOd7tsREN_2Rru7VocV8f_FsK0XK9QeddTkIq_fq9Ii2LUhO3KFTBGdyscPXtqBlyObvXktV3wm_1hkdbG7FDlZA/s400/20160618_160758.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b3O6xn7jIXwTKO7SXWBksVMgfjfS0vB-MOp452JOpze97IuHwweSx8GhM0RBqDSGmOCSYEB_CH4X2P70rRl8OooZq5f5eVCvbe4hCpqVJvp2cVKgOz9SsYnrtvBCXBEBnJjF3lZI2-0/s1600/20160618_161113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b3O6xn7jIXwTKO7SXWBksVMgfjfS0vB-MOp452JOpze97IuHwweSx8GhM0RBqDSGmOCSYEB_CH4X2P70rRl8OooZq5f5eVCvbe4hCpqVJvp2cVKgOz9SsYnrtvBCXBEBnJjF3lZI2-0/s400/20160618_161113.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkf5JBXBxEJ5fxaHRo2S_AKOtOKU-OUJoqH1wZnqtwkjovlIwOdAMj0k5pjymsukyK_BcLf1vXLQfdvQBpmAnci4owxy3EnAq-5n8HR7X0xZYjNAuFX8fkGaC9BdjgP-vWClGUd-StvY/s400/20160618_164540.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelvin recognized this piano on display <br />as the one which was used during the SG50 concert his chorale took part in</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkf5JBXBxEJ5fxaHRo2S_AKOtOKU-OUJoqH1wZnqtwkjovlIwOdAMj0k5pjymsukyK_BcLf1vXLQfdvQBpmAnci4owxy3EnAq-5n8HR7X0xZYjNAuFX8fkGaC9BdjgP-vWClGUd-StvY/s1600/20160618_164540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyX515lcTaxBl_XbTXFZQBUt9H46OqwPSnVRzkDm7pgPWIz4PBi3ZVuDgP4NJQGZqHTaZRF9L-jMcDPFf-LEhS41krTl6mWR3Xe8WcSwUzvnjcsJFil7Ff4TgfNuBetRAdw3gnIhb7v5g/s400/20160618_164946.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an intricate carving depicting everyday life</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJocFVYiwsiv0CUxONM8u2akzWNOu3Git8FXcoj4R8jUTz75MqYNHaSiwSq0lklZpdYjfkZwOtkdbtB_W-wvTTDERMADlOGWjku_goEza3hOGJdIs6Uo25dw8rRqJqR4prl4Qvuwt2Rc/s400/20160618_170532.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the boys curiously checking out Matthew Ngui's optical illusion chair</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalu_COdo2lYZH52HAsZbdfL_mrzdM73lMybeePlzZQdf69bDZfOe_BiJvpaxCUiyZKj0Apv_R2e6IoN3k4N6fa9nDH-0_4qSSYoKqAxgM2U2t2jSjVV6vV7KeCNM9XR58KW2gm3UnJyA/s400/20160618_170655.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="263" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ira suggested for his dad to stand up in a specific spot to have this effect of him being a part of the chair.<br />It sort of worked a little, didn't it?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35R0ix_YsY2klXS56_v012ClsvvhBEIzKILtO1WQXtIHy2pfrjxnwwVKdJouZJTw9nqaF1Jx0U2Kh3sxq7USDuc-LssQki78XhvYCPMrTYbdq16HxbRF5rP3bBmc8bJsUhTchvefmGqQ/s640/20160618_171025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">light bulbs tied into strings which move up and down while they rub into mirrors. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTk7o1U-r1q0NY7gLXvUXHhdUT9VvEtX4QSefhsTB4KeUv305kt0ivSwRgO5r6b65xkUdkyiBLv_YdOfbLu2uHe5higiQ8oQoo-bKYxcbifsnCj58NCHHvwbdZPLnFW30OOPGxBF3Yvg/s640/20160618_171057.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">frame by frame depiction of how an artists work develops</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEnDziH3P4zMD2jvB5YYGvtSnlx5Uq5eJGb3bUBCsPpQFi2kOLoUdNRLuyKMYamvg6xfKUfF3PPlwYFt-be21KXFXZAo38UBq6mD1FvgbKPymYF3eqoz5kv2poK4qXjRqbY62o9jdCzY/s1600/20160618_172341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEnDziH3P4zMD2jvB5YYGvtSnlx5Uq5eJGb3bUBCsPpQFi2kOLoUdNRLuyKMYamvg6xfKUfF3PPlwYFt-be21KXFXZAo38UBq6mD1FvgbKPymYF3eqoz5kv2poK4qXjRqbY62o9jdCzY/s320/20160618_172341.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">visitors can pick up their favorite art pieces and make them into a collage</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIo-om70BEisaLWpFlEq7KeuFFUTxWF5grkX9HeLHOVeyksoMYE1EIkGwvhiqK4OyXgE_cU_rsQwvg3YZHHsj_rzYsVpgIR_EHt3exAboqhT2xz6xMIfAtEQwN8D_CXUvt67Q3gyl4RY/s1600/20160618_172412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIo-om70BEisaLWpFlEq7KeuFFUTxWF5grkX9HeLHOVeyksoMYE1EIkGwvhiqK4OyXgE_cU_rsQwvg3YZHHsj_rzYsVpgIR_EHt3exAboqhT2xz6xMIfAtEQwN8D_CXUvt67Q3gyl4RY/s320/20160618_172412.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8_Om1NNMw8ysNAtFMROngrWIpezXquM7Dq3Cdt2uvFQk55cDNYOiXZGJ3VVTb60rv-zT3XWVhJPWfY6eWDKBRIZCcqZmyfdhyphenhyphen3_8Ei-Hfo1jldub75ZTs56IqroN3TZdzXGfn4afoks/s1600/20160618_172734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8_Om1NNMw8ysNAtFMROngrWIpezXquM7Dq3Cdt2uvFQk55cDNYOiXZGJ3VVTb60rv-zT3XWVhJPWfY6eWDKBRIZCcqZmyfdhyphenhyphen3_8Ei-Hfo1jldub75ZTs56IqroN3TZdzXGfn4afoks/s320/20160618_172734.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this was another interesting place specially if you have kids</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfkbor246mfXRppIFecWreYLm7A0aGGX_99_y5gzZMOSiuTOivuY8nlUpGTy9yw2d__avbPsg4g-NWJDW_kGRxxMJuAqTMbNPgaJOMa_oaHJsJhGeeTXxNtnU3eeOksisSdz57b5MPBk/s1600/20160618_172754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfkbor246mfXRppIFecWreYLm7A0aGGX_99_y5gzZMOSiuTOivuY8nlUpGTy9yw2d__avbPsg4g-NWJDW_kGRxxMJuAqTMbNPgaJOMa_oaHJsJhGeeTXxNtnU3eeOksisSdz57b5MPBk/s320/20160618_172754.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX35aoMuc3VrawOq_MEr0_ckmnuY6txDqC-XYUepcKWCI_q56bVuiZJ8KhvZa5Xt_GoES9ol1yCnjIfVJKAHgWV5wdRHcd69swh-s33yl7eAXS1YHD7YvNa_k2a3Jcx07MqY3ubHmRpnE/s400/20160618_174209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and that concludes our trip to the National Gallery</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a different experience for us specially because we don't really frequent museums and are not art enthusiasts but we realized we did appreciate some pieces and it wouldn't hurt to go back and explore some more. The boys and I have visited 3 museums together this year and I think we could arrange for a few more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For your info:</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SINGAPORE NATIONAL GALLERY</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 St Andrew's Road. Singapore 178957</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Telephone#: 6271 7000</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Email: info@nationalgallery.sg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">website: www.nationalgallery.sg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Opening hours:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday - Thursday and Public Holidays 10am-7pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Friday-Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays 10am-10pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Admission Details:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tickets are required for admission into all exhibition galleries and Keppel Centre for Arts Education</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />General Admission (includes DBS Singapore Gallery, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, Wu Guanzhong Gallery, Chua Ek Kay Exhibition, Concourse galleries and Keppel Centre for Arts Education):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Singaporeans/PRs: free admission</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Non-Singaporeans: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Standard $20</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Concession holders and children (7-12): $15</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children under 6: free </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Special Exhibitions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reframing Modernism</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Singaporeans/PRs: Standard $15; Concession $10</span></li>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-83003506989477950132016-06-10T12:00:00.000+08:002016-06-27T18:20:12.082+08:00A trip to the National Museum of Singapore with friends<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwthSL27awWyfY1VHChDBSLBb79a6gJyoqsoKOiiO38vqT_mA3vZuzuV26QdEWGRIx7AP5C6wspxEwAbvfBQAJrI908Ob2S17fWRzjb2zkxD_qRxgrN_KEF-oHgyjyrf7PR3fndMWGblI/s1600/20160608_100931_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwthSL27awWyfY1VHChDBSLBb79a6gJyoqsoKOiiO38vqT_mA3vZuzuV26QdEWGRIx7AP5C6wspxEwAbvfBQAJrI908Ob2S17fWRzjb2zkxD_qRxgrN_KEF-oHgyjyrf7PR3fndMWGblI/s400/20160608_100931_002.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">walking towards the National Museum from Bras Basah MRT station via SMU exit</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This June school holidays the boys deserved a break from all the studying/revisions in preparation for their national exams this coming 3rd and 4th terms. My parent volunteer group of friends arranged some museum visits over the duration of the holidays and we were glad we were able to join them last Wednesday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was our first visit to National Museum with the company of fellow parent volunteers/good friends and fellow Montfortians. Our family is not really a big fan of museums but I thought the boys would enjoy being with the company of friends learning and seeing new things together. And they did.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TYca-umVmS2-YgXMhxuDAFOf_0Iq96mgrLDIV2G308W_9lJ8hTytTBC528JRbKoF8NM4ax10Up9HEZkPG2Gvhg9aMys33csBy5GMrLoe3h8fLIJcGVYSrVMBf0AqHz7RlaX4DrQ-dGs/s1600/20160608_101045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TYca-umVmS2-YgXMhxuDAFOf_0Iq96mgrLDIV2G308W_9lJ8hTytTBC528JRbKoF8NM4ax10Up9HEZkPG2Gvhg9aMys33csBy5GMrLoe3h8fLIJcGVYSrVMBf0AqHz7RlaX4DrQ-dGs/s400/20160608_101045.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Telephone#: (+65) 6332 3659</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://nationalmuseum.sg/">http://nationalmuseum.sg</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Opening Hours: 10am-7pm (last admission 630pm)</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">FREE admission for Citizens, Permanent Residents and visitors 6 years and below. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Others: Adults $10, Students and Seniors aged 60 and above with ID $5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Admission ticket includes Singapore History Gallery, Life in Singapore: The Past 100 Years Galleries, Goh Seng Choo Gallery and the special exhibition at the Stamford and Concourse Galleries.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Separate admission charges apply for Treasures of the World from the British Museum special exhibition.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For a limited time, for NTUC card holders admission to all exhibits is FREE.For updates on any ticket promotions, do visit the museum website.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The National Museum of Singapore is the country's oldest museum with a modern outlook. When some people think about boring as synonymous to museums, the National Museum explores multiple perspectives of history and cutting-edge presentations. It celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012 and reopened after a three-year revamp. This is the place to go if you want to know more about Singapore's history - its redefining moments, challenges and achievements through the years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boys and I arrived earlier than the rest of the group so we decided to walk around the main lobby/Level 1. I loved this dramatic staircase and couldn't resist to have my photo taken.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUbrCLsc5evQNwXkRDAaWAyHrnSWFMEHw9xoxpAgK1knfZ9_g5D92oIoZUIuQwvn_ro9PQuYqdJTmVrqYsJXwWvlRotxPgQAsILkTdgehWBzlE2zPOiMYpDF9M6ZS_XEiJLhYnpYd87s/s1600/20160608_101906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUbrCLsc5evQNwXkRDAaWAyHrnSWFMEHw9xoxpAgK1knfZ9_g5D92oIoZUIuQwvn_ro9PQuYqdJTmVrqYsJXwWvlRotxPgQAsILkTdgehWBzlE2zPOiMYpDF9M6ZS_XEiJLhYnpYd87s/s400/20160608_101906.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8RlUJfr_07FoS8v0b7BcToFtqGsE3U-J9qIo1H-CfhSapRU8O49uSich84-3_xiDjkc6Y73AuGv3GYCYm23_gdDVo_rl8h6FENKPje10UABmzubMZ-K-0l_sJLKOvJ7rkMcy_XNBM_4/s1600/20160608_101959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8RlUJfr_07FoS8v0b7BcToFtqGsE3U-J9qIo1H-CfhSapRU8O49uSich84-3_xiDjkc6Y73AuGv3GYCYm23_gdDVo_rl8h6FENKPje10UABmzubMZ-K-0l_sJLKOvJ7rkMcy_XNBM_4/s400/20160608_101959.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">this was also a good photo spot - representing British accents</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_deaSYHGG-my6917BWagEl17BYmzBizRvXRwPi7xiwOZOLG8uh4T-qPECQgQo9BrO2nNjRCt-56wEatWcpyjuwZNt6lmLj2Zj4HimTyZ3EAvhAIx0BZkk_0pNekzW7vLoSj-vvayUZo/s1600/20160608_102047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_deaSYHGG-my6917BWagEl17BYmzBizRvXRwPi7xiwOZOLG8uh4T-qPECQgQo9BrO2nNjRCt-56wEatWcpyjuwZNt6lmLj2Zj4HimTyZ3EAvhAIx0BZkk_0pNekzW7vLoSj-vvayUZo/s400/20160608_102047.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">felt like royalty sitting on this chair</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_Lzh-PJkLeyU0mvjnCBMX_fJG9-mMzFEhXR2KUUgzJS7o1a_vG5nrsi9F1ycCUqgyYu8pDf2o9fHeJyEwfTD-gwuqPstIuSDji9lDFrlWPc2F_xkJ5c9bsQs7j8rs0LlMd2uNCO5VG0/s1600/20160608_102153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_Lzh-PJkLeyU0mvjnCBMX_fJG9-mMzFEhXR2KUUgzJS7o1a_vG5nrsi9F1ycCUqgyYu8pDf2o9fHeJyEwfTD-gwuqPstIuSDji9lDFrlWPc2F_xkJ5c9bsQs7j8rs0LlMd2uNCO5VG0/s400/20160608_102153.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the dome from the inside</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the others arrived, we went to the ticket booth to get our FREE tickets and stickers and went on our tour of the National Museum. First stop, Level 1: We Built A Nation: Stamford Gallery and Concourse Gallery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singapore celebrated its Golden Jubilee and this section of the museum is a place for reflection. Different exhibits of the contributions of the pioneer generation with interesting artefacts, pictures, documents and more. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBXTmWgMFCtr14EFAqVebc1X9Y08yfdREDURePkDLWXd4vh0nev8ARSUm9ii58Vdz5EDusnmuIfSDE4yL2GHVe8J1S_b1J8HD6KvCiARLL2hf_zZe6-n7lbuIGmC0h-faL2yaqAqyx2s/s1600/20160608_102339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBXTmWgMFCtr14EFAqVebc1X9Y08yfdREDURePkDLWXd4vh0nev8ARSUm9ii58Vdz5EDusnmuIfSDE4yL2GHVe8J1S_b1J8HD6KvCiARLL2hf_zZe6-n7lbuIGmC0h-faL2yaqAqyx2s/s400/20160608_102339.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the signage leading to the galleries</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a sneak peak of some of the exhibits in the galleries:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGYoxPwVHdSghk64N6ASVzqS4q7J8JfP6bamogP5kJZVJmcfIZlD2wAf7BLMcMPrflt_c8UOT4USefIndaMFviwK-0OU3IiwMFWs4rb15VwttNeK3q6WFyGAxzNpljhlekADvZi05klg/s1600/20160608_104753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGYoxPwVHdSghk64N6ASVzqS4q7J8JfP6bamogP5kJZVJmcfIZlD2wAf7BLMcMPrflt_c8UOT4USefIndaMFviwK-0OU3IiwMFWs4rb15VwttNeK3q6WFyGAxzNpljhlekADvZi05klg/s400/20160608_104753.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">one of the first exhibits in the gallery<br />Model Sailing Ship from the mid-20th century made with ivory, mother of pearl and wood.<br />This was presented to Mr Lee Kuan Yew by a Hokkien shopkeeper in Toa Payoh during his constituency visits between December 1962 to September 1963 after the Referendum on Merger with Malaysia.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjug9Qb3pbY3b5Fj_fZo-7Al4K0bfOClul4siXt9YG-t7RTgOlcvKW6kIlNlAHNgv57mH-mwOh0CWj3IpDMzY8QaaqjUUAldKNDjn35MQaRVOggkLLfWRNCn3G3mYUnVWwdt6N1kXzBdxI/s1600/20160608_104955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjug9Qb3pbY3b5Fj_fZo-7Al4K0bfOClul4siXt9YG-t7RTgOlcvKW6kIlNlAHNgv57mH-mwOh0CWj3IpDMzY8QaaqjUUAldKNDjn35MQaRVOggkLLfWRNCn3G3mYUnVWwdt6N1kXzBdxI/s400/20160608_104955.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hon Sui Sen's Calculator (1970s)<br />One of the first calculators produced in the Hewlett Packard (HP) factory in Singapore.<br />A gift presented to then Minister of Finance.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tlEGxYRTKt58jPMiDWgRd4MVpLwcKhGu-EdE_9_5r8mdQVIDxSPwniipl1zqNRgo4a5p0gegrjEz4yqbAM6UE7F-6Ayt4h6MTg-eRs-VBGpeHfTzlya5ubxAnM64X7BzkbjsrCTeOVA/s1600/20160608_105318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tlEGxYRTKt58jPMiDWgRd4MVpLwcKhGu-EdE_9_5r8mdQVIDxSPwniipl1zqNRgo4a5p0gegrjEz4yqbAM6UE7F-6Ayt4h6MTg-eRs-VBGpeHfTzlya5ubxAnM64X7BzkbjsrCTeOVA/s400/20160608_105318.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a model of the Mr. Lee's residence at Oxley Road.<br />My friend Cynthia, whose grandparents used to live near this area, shared some stories of how it was like passing through the residence of the country's first Prime Minister.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrFDuAOni3EGkVcdA_9fQD2zIC5hNyjwKvrOOkntMVad3SvtjFWI4jtpFozvg79cS3cLUilH4dRd_2sWz7RvumWS58GwHx_7a0dPyPsNQsFaRkVhG72Z1p1TnmO4K0xaPB5v77fEgDZU/s1600/20160608_105611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrFDuAOni3EGkVcdA_9fQD2zIC5hNyjwKvrOOkntMVad3SvtjFWI4jtpFozvg79cS3cLUilH4dRd_2sWz7RvumWS58GwHx_7a0dPyPsNQsFaRkVhG72Z1p1TnmO4K0xaPB5v77fEgDZU/s400/20160608_105611.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">who wouldn't recognize this?<br />The Red Ministerial Box was used by Lee Kuan Yew while he was in political office,<br />the symbol of his unwavering commitment to Singapore.<br />I remember watching the news and seeing this on tv in a show to honor Mr Lee.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the Stamford Gallery, we headed further inside the museum past the staircase leading to the museum shop where the Singapore History Gallery was.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsORu7C3leSWCsIc19lBwlIp2Fi6OMCEnh7j3l0d8nVz7iNVgYVdInkqSloDxCzE0OO1PVV7IdwbW_iJQO3lKyp6nWh2MouTo3uT3KEtq0dF-PapFdzGsZSFMRKXYmqZf_tycg93vL9A/s1600/20160608_110645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsORu7C3leSWCsIc19lBwlIp2Fi6OMCEnh7j3l0d8nVz7iNVgYVdInkqSloDxCzE0OO1PVV7IdwbW_iJQO3lKyp6nWh2MouTo3uT3KEtq0dF-PapFdzGsZSFMRKXYmqZf_tycg93vL9A/s400/20160608_110645.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">this looked really cool and the displays inside were amusing for the boys</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzIzYNqnfyXw4TNMxrLLgJoilIMKfFWSmjoWokJqPr3wzgQxhbixfTUMJKDpFiau2qRpndEQ8jtMhr73HfgkYXuS5RfRWM_GU7uF4hpSm5WWEu8Ti-t2_-maXjTj3KX9bJgMekfMAMvs/s1600/20160608_110800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzIzYNqnfyXw4TNMxrLLgJoilIMKfFWSmjoWokJqPr3wzgQxhbixfTUMJKDpFiau2qRpndEQ8jtMhr73HfgkYXuS5RfRWM_GU7uF4hpSm5WWEu8Ti-t2_-maXjTj3KX9bJgMekfMAMvs/s400/20160608_110800.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">radios from the olden days</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqt_3dni7pQ_SgxgnT7iOKFpSH5fwzPrYks53fGxmHtnyTurujT-6r6EInNf5R3Qw5jnKbcPhuYrnMXUCAXzrIkHsDMSVKI8P7v_txL0OznLhtaXltoe29_qWWg8zDAI56Xgk7mkKypc/s1600/20160608_110834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqt_3dni7pQ_SgxgnT7iOKFpSH5fwzPrYks53fGxmHtnyTurujT-6r6EInNf5R3Qw5jnKbcPhuYrnMXUCAXzrIkHsDMSVKI8P7v_txL0OznLhtaXltoe29_qWWg8zDAI56Xgk7mkKypc/s400/20160608_110834.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the turntable caught Kelvin's attention</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXNcXFUrHO-SSaDay2pwVmvtVrd9Z1wu2gSoHjf9Jyw9fl9_LMxoTRMUrJ5IuWndZAgryXkIb317pd0HBiFuG5JHtGYe8_eYX_zVJqe95UK7QBkoxlMrdOwWOcpGmmyFdgPuSTlRMG7w/s1600/20160608_110951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXNcXFUrHO-SSaDay2pwVmvtVrd9Z1wu2gSoHjf9Jyw9fl9_LMxoTRMUrJ5IuWndZAgryXkIb317pd0HBiFuG5JHtGYe8_eYX_zVJqe95UK7QBkoxlMrdOwWOcpGmmyFdgPuSTlRMG7w/s400/20160608_110951.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the jukebox<br />Ira: so how is this going to play music?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPQAyP8Yrg3tjuR-2rQcR1-yERfO0i6i-CMTLh4RCk_waeWyHpQV7QiPyFSgsOpIFMx9pXrn07dwh0uJgtvkxXjsHppAqqRMKy-zChkROKC_AEHxYbkatEIQWWELd47qAkuD58blrzz0/s1600/20160608_111156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPQAyP8Yrg3tjuR-2rQcR1-yERfO0i6i-CMTLh4RCk_waeWyHpQV7QiPyFSgsOpIFMx9pXrn07dwh0uJgtvkxXjsHppAqqRMKy-zChkROKC_AEHxYbkatEIQWWELd47qAkuD58blrzz0/s400/20160608_111156.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pirates of the airwaves</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our boys experiencing how it was like to be a radio DJ</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMed4yJLeJvfvtaxAS5tPH1K9H1wF2jtOFEJlE4v8r-6SZcMZ90cG9GzCP4BoAvFZrr8MIB7hHqg8KHTonU2g4Ft0S3ls6hxroBhmDUrcfrnXivUQVlyjzXfxfqn_XKghnMYgIxR3WK4k/s1600/20160608_111239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMed4yJLeJvfvtaxAS5tPH1K9H1wF2jtOFEJlE4v8r-6SZcMZ90cG9GzCP4BoAvFZrr8MIB7hHqg8KHTonU2g4Ft0S3ls6hxroBhmDUrcfrnXivUQVlyjzXfxfqn_XKghnMYgIxR3WK4k/s400/20160608_111239.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEEj72_LRj_qRA2Pkg0QYUF6-2D2FWE1G6SaMlELHuTb-emg7iuOM0jhA7TS_CVhbcjGEiZG-WmQs8gP88sMOlGV2QJUjzdZodhsZFhVBwVL3WNaf7yOvrWxPSs6nuv-vyXYbE1I4m5M/s1600/20160608_111320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEEj72_LRj_qRA2Pkg0QYUF6-2D2FWE1G6SaMlELHuTb-emg7iuOM0jhA7TS_CVhbcjGEiZG-WmQs8gP88sMOlGV2QJUjzdZodhsZFhVBwVL3WNaf7yOvrWxPSs6nuv-vyXYbE1I4m5M/s400/20160608_111320.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">learning the script</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjf7ngSi8Yrig26lYuT8nNwYDlfOeYAVb53v0aNt_GGTCUpsTV6FCvgpT6IAjGN8Jg1p-LLzEB4t0WP9yRi8QtfLuKTMl_Mwo8RuxDzx2GkWdmv7avgtrVhLV62kKgKc68DqY-unkXvo/s1600/20160608_111629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjf7ngSi8Yrig26lYuT8nNwYDlfOeYAVb53v0aNt_GGTCUpsTV6FCvgpT6IAjGN8Jg1p-LLzEB4t0WP9yRi8QtfLuKTMl_Mwo8RuxDzx2GkWdmv7avgtrVhLV62kKgKc68DqY-unkXvo/s400/20160608_111629.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">pretending to talk to a caller</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is an activity corner where visitors can design their own LP and put them on display or bring them home. Our boys decided to take the kit to do at home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the Radio Days of the Past, we headed to the basement for the Treasures of the World exhibit from the British Museum. We were just in time for a guided tour which I think was very helpful and informative and educational. Hearing stories from the experts / Friends of Museums members is so much better than just reading the captions of the exhibits. There were so many stories/mysteries behind each artefact that mere captions could not do them justice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Treasures of the World exhibit holds artefacts from all over the world - "objects that tell stories of human experiences".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here were some of our favorite exhibits:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIMNc7OapIDsQgaMyodkegCDL93amtGp8INqjQwnA8qO2VE24ljjvCc6HL2iXPAxdvMAZST6JG0bVMiOLpRUQBxGPRYF9luJ2oxC1X-zI9uaD1WU0RsRI3nH_3G9Zvb34DtdY2jrY4Kg/s1600/20160608_114032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIMNc7OapIDsQgaMyodkegCDL93amtGp8INqjQwnA8qO2VE24ljjvCc6HL2iXPAxdvMAZST6JG0bVMiOLpRUQBxGPRYF9luJ2oxC1X-zI9uaD1WU0RsRI3nH_3G9Zvb34DtdY2jrY4Kg/s400/20160608_114032.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Egyptian mummy: the cursed one</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Eyi9YNmxwwavBvuHViw4U06pzdMpkQtGDtsh5M09rBBNsE_HrlTB9gYLPNjD9H4GXE1t5XkgQTCdMz5xpzbHc6sjrjvTZ2k65FC3d92JfFwadeHnZUB5GPgmmOcId89lUA2F-mb5eZ8/s1600/20160608_115302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Eyi9YNmxwwavBvuHViw4U06pzdMpkQtGDtsh5M09rBBNsE_HrlTB9gYLPNjD9H4GXE1t5XkgQTCdMz5xpzbHc6sjrjvTZ2k65FC3d92JfFwadeHnZUB5GPgmmOcId89lUA2F-mb5eZ8/s400/20160608_115302.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">would you believe this was used in the ancient times to drink chocolate?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Trivia: Chocolate/cocoa beans were the last beans left by the gods.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now I really must savor every bite of chocolate I eat.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz1jc7_0ecZY1Jz1veSbIhmR7v6moyUisXjz91LX3-kRyOMAEA9MmTXYJahi4PpLtYnsiQuEGdNtSJVkyGpBf1tCDVwBqlFc5EhBd3Ii6AC44kn8FUD3AhQkyTLGjrR3lbzh4EFfA758/s1600/20160608_115551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz1jc7_0ecZY1Jz1veSbIhmR7v6moyUisXjz91LX3-kRyOMAEA9MmTXYJahi4PpLtYnsiQuEGdNtSJVkyGpBf1tCDVwBqlFc5EhBd3Ii6AC44kn8FUD3AhQkyTLGjrR3lbzh4EFfA758/s400/20160608_115551.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Transformation Mask (Vancouver Island, Canada)<br />Used in a sacred initiation ceremony by the Nuu-Chah-nulth people in AD1890-1930</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRTL8w6IBcqKTSX8kzQTJecMmQaO3Qva_WvWIiqgVJo0o-trEYqmZiklpNC6Ai81aqYTbIEzDfytB55q7HG_EvXlsBAH3DEf9UXuNDa6OfHybf5Y5VwAS_gqV5qmgbv4gzRECcHSaiEc/s1600/20160608_115946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRTL8w6IBcqKTSX8kzQTJecMmQaO3Qva_WvWIiqgVJo0o-trEYqmZiklpNC6Ai81aqYTbIEzDfytB55q7HG_EvXlsBAH3DEf9UXuNDa6OfHybf5Y5VwAS_gqV5qmgbv4gzRECcHSaiEc/s400/20160608_115946.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a bust of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the Tivoli residence</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Trivia: this was created in detail that even the creases in his ear lobes were</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">captured well. It was said that the creased ear lobes were signs of heart disease.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGmaJesFf0EBXrSQyo14MkD31BAu14XvouMAoJO6zOPpd1cbptRTgYV0tuQdygKo_RpfKbvvTMezMz-d2mIPbMim4zSeimi_2db4E3gpnNNigD4y-aCx3TbGaq-5bLQAI_pOluBdRspo/s1600/20160608_120538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGmaJesFf0EBXrSQyo14MkD31BAu14XvouMAoJO6zOPpd1cbptRTgYV0tuQdygKo_RpfKbvvTMezMz-d2mIPbMim4zSeimi_2db4E3gpnNNigD4y-aCx3TbGaq-5bLQAI_pOluBdRspo/s400/20160608_120538.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a statue tablet in the middle east</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4g2wmCdzsnF06THLL_MqiMyofpmKwIyIbF3zmGfSy4HxJnXB5zpAfmM4t1pSTArYjS6UIMnI0gO0b6KZUmYcIKozeXoukozFec_avVu0oYHTFI1F2TxhGzrDI-jf1jcPKqaNTyAtM1jM/s1600/20160608_120627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4g2wmCdzsnF06THLL_MqiMyofpmKwIyIbF3zmGfSy4HxJnXB5zpAfmM4t1pSTArYjS6UIMnI0gO0b6KZUmYcIKozeXoukozFec_avVu0oYHTFI1F2TxhGzrDI-jf1jcPKqaNTyAtM1jM/s400/20160608_120627.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kelvin spotted this trivia board about the Philippine Eagle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4viajEduvMHhtb-x1pAlKrVE9AhMHY_6TcQoOEQ5F2yHM2xce_L7ZcKIEVpZgbSAgxfcAjBvEnVRL1MB3XuTot19D6HfwqIn7xuNFuUSvtlgzxR6k3UcFzLB0xvwZBAZKxef9gKTyZE/s1600/20160608_121914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4viajEduvMHhtb-x1pAlKrVE9AhMHY_6TcQoOEQ5F2yHM2xce_L7ZcKIEVpZgbSAgxfcAjBvEnVRL1MB3XuTot19D6HfwqIn7xuNFuUSvtlgzxR6k3UcFzLB0xvwZBAZKxef9gKTyZE/s400/20160608_121914.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ivory Figure of St Joseph, produced in a workshop in Manila.<br />17th to 18th century when the Philippines was under Spanish occupation.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRWXCcamFCcQfvW744BpxxnAW5pDtGKK2DsL_64CD7Zt4nIRn9SE8Y6ITKeiCyYo6MzsRnN9XuUq3PbWmXuINPp9iVsZUXRwDRgjeqPxhgR26eXuVvdT6gcv0srdlHn-1UfcziBc3m_Q/s1600/20160608_122137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRWXCcamFCcQfvW744BpxxnAW5pDtGKK2DsL_64CD7Zt4nIRn9SE8Y6ITKeiCyYo6MzsRnN9XuUq3PbWmXuINPp9iVsZUXRwDRgjeqPxhgR26eXuVvdT6gcv0srdlHn-1UfcziBc3m_Q/s400/20160608_122137.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">representation of Buddha as he did not want to be depicted as a human being</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaOh_EHOfiB1rNoDT7bLB5t7XFVBaNso97oRobSUUpqVgc3kqz0U7utcA993Elmo9zjOSYDJUwfPf425XipUyjrZ82f6dDIau0tki4i6Y2hDAWH5vB9ycMiJBBXoe_ZgQq8hry5rLJ4g/s1600/20160608_122314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaOh_EHOfiB1rNoDT7bLB5t7XFVBaNso97oRobSUUpqVgc3kqz0U7utcA993Elmo9zjOSYDJUwfPf425XipUyjrZ82f6dDIau0tki4i6Y2hDAWH5vB9ycMiJBBXoe_ZgQq8hry5rLJ4g/s400/20160608_122314.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">First representation of Buddha as a human being.<br />The heavy clothing shows Greco-Roman influence.<br />Cloth on the left hand as with Buddhist monks.<br />Binding of hair on top of head as in most Buddhist statues.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OBOGzU2FDseZ0UwKA6BZIeqb1gN8gLK6ncbJIkR18WhlwcZJn0JYM7y1jtnynEKle5DvdRze_AlzmnmdP7sqwq_jxyouwKud6B9ZLnIJ9DgOO4RpOtCIim8ZhSE5xtGUvO1s1V-l730/s1600/20160608_123210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OBOGzU2FDseZ0UwKA6BZIeqb1gN8gLK6ncbJIkR18WhlwcZJn0JYM7y1jtnynEKle5DvdRze_AlzmnmdP7sqwq_jxyouwKud6B9ZLnIJ9DgOO4RpOtCIim8ZhSE5xtGUvO1s1V-l730/s640/20160608_123210.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the last piece of our tour...<br />Woman's Cloth by Anatsui, AD2001.<br />Metal tapestry<br /></span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the Treasures of the World, we headed to the Singapore History Gallery as it was still raining outside. We decided we will have lunch when then rain stops just in time after the lunch crowd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the entrance of the Singapore History Gallery was this wall with a projection of a map drawn in the early years.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar2xn4lXVcLCyy5uU0MUsLoz30EGWyOmio_KWBeLxjJTo-5P4UacqsZpJNCRH3gAgV107WfpAewld3Cqc_gIDIvLdlUOiIEwZRiMJDkm4DSKfq2guNFgSISCWOgY52R-rUkWEgjom-4I/s1600/20160608_124640_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar2xn4lXVcLCyy5uU0MUsLoz30EGWyOmio_KWBeLxjJTo-5P4UacqsZpJNCRH3gAgV107WfpAewld3Cqc_gIDIvLdlUOiIEwZRiMJDkm4DSKfq2guNFgSISCWOgY52R-rUkWEgjom-4I/s400/20160608_124640_001.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">everyone thought we won't be seeing Singapore as it was just a small dot.<br />But there it was...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiMLk0tUGjTF84Hi6gAUy5dJC7nq3x9wCWxCtdkgHquu7Rv29HQrhGtmIwwzrrgg1DlL9W1btS825q11OpFsf5wf3yUHiCCyikweoDsRyEYX6E9IohbrZ_ClRJsYHH4jAjkPjqy0geJo/s1600/20160608_124649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiMLk0tUGjTF84Hi6gAUy5dJC7nq3x9wCWxCtdkgHquu7Rv29HQrhGtmIwwzrrgg1DlL9W1btS825q11OpFsf5wf3yUHiCCyikweoDsRyEYX6E9IohbrZ_ClRJsYHH4jAjkPjqy0geJo/s400/20160608_124649.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">we also found the map of a part of the Philippines then</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TcYi4PgVa5S3aRphjvMMiKTkU-J4ppCb7cXQ_8kskwTaOelFZPlQgKKUsOx9AQGfIsmcywdjdHZuqJQraPfXd4qzUB7yLY073gAtEkuuDEnAlOpD8_Jb_ptdR4pZdVOyi0udDLgGHR4/s1600/20160608_124909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TcYi4PgVa5S3aRphjvMMiKTkU-J4ppCb7cXQ_8kskwTaOelFZPlQgKKUsOx9AQGfIsmcywdjdHZuqJQraPfXd4qzUB7yLY073gAtEkuuDEnAlOpD8_Jb_ptdR4pZdVOyi0udDLgGHR4/s400/20160608_124909.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a big ship was a perfect photo op for the boys, but they were more interested<br />in how to go IN the ship</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1IQ0v58_HUBqsjYBO8lcMFtSojOtuTmoN30YAqSgfVGebV7O7Jspm7n91DbH0Jcoybw17G6KE6XYeKU0nB_ABETHGIp1ekifSryW_Yz_NZtUbFPMpgDyDHUuS52gHHxc9SI3BXogAn8/s1600/20160608_125518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1IQ0v58_HUBqsjYBO8lcMFtSojOtuTmoN30YAqSgfVGebV7O7Jspm7n91DbH0Jcoybw17G6KE6XYeKU0nB_ABETHGIp1ekifSryW_Yz_NZtUbFPMpgDyDHUuS52gHHxc9SI3BXogAn8/s400/20160608_125518.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">resting at this made up traditional shop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUTFOAW6OioX2ZKVia7_L8YevSu3ceyxuT7nOMSE1JyIBTAvFRURklSL7tPJ8jgvhKaluhYHE28kDiFF6J5BAc_mSYojhyphenhyphenAIlXaqkil9fGGjwBipzlcsOtMCyHEriOOqUn7gSfC8_gsc/s1600/20160608_125907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUTFOAW6OioX2ZKVia7_L8YevSu3ceyxuT7nOMSE1JyIBTAvFRURklSL7tPJ8jgvhKaluhYHE28kDiFF6J5BAc_mSYojhyphenhyphenAIlXaqkil9fGGjwBipzlcsOtMCyHEriOOqUn7gSfC8_gsc/s400/20160608_125907.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">how small is this tank which was used during the Japanese occupation?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ylgke3x2fUZnhym9RfWLIJ6T_bx7DyJ5J0hJXA8J_BIwYL62cshVdP0_jiIdJCRrYmzIbk-uSjPtoUJJls13joswyudxoVEzhqd56EKrKytFMH0zXNHZQtP_KfvZ-ieUDrVOoJu0D9o/s1600/20160608_125939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ylgke3x2fUZnhym9RfWLIJ6T_bx7DyJ5J0hJXA8J_BIwYL62cshVdP0_jiIdJCRrYmzIbk-uSjPtoUJJls13joswyudxoVEzhqd56EKrKytFMH0zXNHZQtP_KfvZ-ieUDrVOoJu0D9o/s400/20160608_125939.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the bicycles used by the Japanese to invade Singapore by surprise</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggp4y8bkb1IIwVnXpk7JKnVGT25V46mIPM5vbMuqVo2wBee8lu2jNrK5nCO3IXCBbkuPLj66TKElWobCJ0YgwGQzS_66DMYUXupf_tyxKDvr7O2-eOa8Oga2z-dqIOAdSKzGpR_HYeFk/s1600/20160608_130319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggp4y8bkb1IIwVnXpk7JKnVGT25V46mIPM5vbMuqVo2wBee8lu2jNrK5nCO3IXCBbkuPLj66TKElWobCJ0YgwGQzS_66DMYUXupf_tyxKDvr7O2-eOa8Oga2z-dqIOAdSKzGpR_HYeFk/s400/20160608_130319.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a door from the old Changi Prison</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZimp-kaQkb3du8-3I8Hkv0GCIVx_FxejtyY41vLZFrsopKdGsSGPGBIIfv77eKx90tsWQJt97pcZkLh_CUN2l0Iwki2WbSsWKKwNE0VucWOwn_LuTa46yHaInJ1L2o2bt8QWXH08-RQ/s1600/20160608_130639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZimp-kaQkb3du8-3I8Hkv0GCIVx_FxejtyY41vLZFrsopKdGsSGPGBIIfv77eKx90tsWQJt97pcZkLh_CUN2l0Iwki2WbSsWKKwNE0VucWOwn_LuTa46yHaInJ1L2o2bt8QWXH08-RQ/s400/20160608_130639.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">old currencies and passport copies</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSxoyWAoz6SFQ7LWEoMRUN0bWy-Sn_5kSOyFRomChmIeQAI1nZKwtovQHJZmn6Nda4y0vOdmmMHfaJs0a7vaNZ3jRfwWI5k0OJ7Q6RR-pYLlVyGJIUBAEUHgsfaSS9X0Y9LRe7mk94Is/s1600/20160608_130734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSxoyWAoz6SFQ7LWEoMRUN0bWy-Sn_5kSOyFRomChmIeQAI1nZKwtovQHJZmn6Nda4y0vOdmmMHfaJs0a7vaNZ3jRfwWI5k0OJ7Q6RR-pYLlVyGJIUBAEUHgsfaSS9X0Y9LRe7mk94Is/s400/20160608_130734.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">an old tv complete with opening and closing doors</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wtattu6BOjruXUkpZiPHQKKmNoMK0zacmqhwXl_HYp35F-bZBpRNgcHO2eiplzmxyu59dhbevQtZgyVot7Nvavs2aJIUc9OauiWycfT_xGkVFl83jV51xAqs_cFxbv66LeniuFDVJow/s1600/20160608_130912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wtattu6BOjruXUkpZiPHQKKmNoMK0zacmqhwXl_HYp35F-bZBpRNgcHO2eiplzmxyu59dhbevQtZgyVot7Nvavs2aJIUc9OauiWycfT_xGkVFl83jV51xAqs_cFxbv66LeniuFDVJow/s400/20160608_130912.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">old meets new...<br />an antique designed table with touch-screen features</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYUEG2_MSbREh7yDTq-U8LiKoJ1tYi6pEv8Vc97lxZ8RI3XuHwQ_tdEi9C8pA9pEhB3qTvNVw5xsWeXWK7ECaRt9mF7lfrI7CyNm7dta8Fppj2L9SVF7iOBBNXuvC_xxUu9reSvD2H10/s1600/20160608_131035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYUEG2_MSbREh7yDTq-U8LiKoJ1tYi6pEv8Vc97lxZ8RI3XuHwQ_tdEi9C8pA9pEhB3qTvNVw5xsWeXWK7ECaRt9mF7lfrI7CyNm7dta8Fppj2L9SVF7iOBBNXuvC_xxUu9reSvD2H10/s400/20160608_131035.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Test your olfactory organs at this exhibit...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-QYSMQ0OlcSJAAWBeNufT25gh6H-PO-mAcjyabchM-0uuWcYZvnt5hJyjH2skwALK6ySVgQ8bOASw_RU3BxxLKhC-feC0X7iSpo1zOZEDwlWlfzrAhJKXhtMxrFPJgwmjIIosag_sd8/s1600/20160608_131244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-QYSMQ0OlcSJAAWBeNufT25gh6H-PO-mAcjyabchM-0uuWcYZvnt5hJyjH2skwALK6ySVgQ8bOASw_RU3BxxLKhC-feC0X7iSpo1zOZEDwlWlfzrAhJKXhtMxrFPJgwmjIIosag_sd8/s400/20160608_131244.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the smell of the old Singapore river as a contrast to the smell of the blooms of the Tembusu tree</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This smelling station was the last exhibit we've visited before heading our for lunch at Pastamania in nearby SMU. We had to eat to pump up our energies after the first part of our museum tour.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOtg2gEVlVBMCkE0SL-MOhhIi4Z2jicKgSrsoyTjbDONkb-jHmNj5gLrf7-kfDXxJd9Shr1dYJMYoGyQGq_95dupXAY1LO7FbVeH5f160a-zh3WebRNJGHr3hENUwhnyOzrUdfbD4rgU/s1600/20160608_145200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOtg2gEVlVBMCkE0SL-MOhhIi4Z2jicKgSrsoyTjbDONkb-jHmNj5gLrf7-kfDXxJd9Shr1dYJMYoGyQGq_95dupXAY1LO7FbVeH5f160a-zh3WebRNJGHr3hENUwhnyOzrUdfbD4rgU/s400/20160608_145200.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the boys with their tummies full are striking a pose with the slabs of concrete in front of the museum</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part two of our museum tour was at Level 2 where the boys put their pedal powers into use.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIITSOwuyF3rxSDyb3jCTl6zLM3hdDIDjDUEtlzyXjkWwPwD0PSm4madBE3RbTB0n9obzfq3z-ZRWJpEeGMBRWKygivpR4mp5tWddzcp-CWfXQwGa8R4nBJCmmAo8C4BT0uw7Ll-jCPDQ/s1600/20160608_150213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIITSOwuyF3rxSDyb3jCTl6zLM3hdDIDjDUEtlzyXjkWwPwD0PSm4madBE3RbTB0n9obzfq3z-ZRWJpEeGMBRWKygivpR4mp5tWddzcp-CWfXQwGa8R4nBJCmmAo8C4BT0uw7Ll-jCPDQ/s400/20160608_150213.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">this one was to blow up a balloon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAa2fR1pcSkRJeNl9Xzx5syKbv6ksoih0wdJDvWvh9uJUEvlWpfkkqRh9JSCsF9HWTq1OGUIwBApm5WC2GQzrwPl2G5wLatYCzzLNAm-02Qec1gxD4wmZyBI6A0CNqmVXHKlbqw0qDUk/s1600/20160608_150357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAa2fR1pcSkRJeNl9Xzx5syKbv6ksoih0wdJDvWvh9uJUEvlWpfkkqRh9JSCsF9HWTq1OGUIwBApm5WC2GQzrwPl2G5wLatYCzzLNAm-02Qec1gxD4wmZyBI6A0CNqmVXHKlbqw0qDUk/s400/20160608_150357.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">this one was to power up a blender...<br />Blue juice anyone?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B-WayguKfDhU2spmCKvMCqhfKKcJCjkDlUTQcRLzQBqIQTgKLi2V1XU0LO75IfbMjrND4bla8e0wUhOCTJBj-xkqY5oBCoU0xUQWZVpkeFJQWXA_6r4uHu-OTDZVcMrcVejUtnsQDEc/s1600/20160608_151454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B-WayguKfDhU2spmCKvMCqhfKKcJCjkDlUTQcRLzQBqIQTgKLi2V1XU0LO75IfbMjrND4bla8e0wUhOCTJBj-xkqY5oBCoU0xUQWZVpkeFJQWXA_6r4uHu-OTDZVcMrcVejUtnsQDEc/s400/20160608_151454.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a must-stop, photo op before we went inside the remaining galleries..<br />How beautiful is this space?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8QZUJ6cdsWJyCcAniphjfT4KnqFZ3zn9DctScViXskWu1D8bKEug5S7ZGEdLtXZDWytL6YhEQDCr0U-3qXVCpjOCSHZnhzg-KDbrXtuKjGBOgLbvRqK2T6_bdUJtZakHajRjTZ7lyaU/s1600/20160608_152546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8QZUJ6cdsWJyCcAniphjfT4KnqFZ3zn9DctScViXskWu1D8bKEug5S7ZGEdLtXZDWytL6YhEQDCr0U-3qXVCpjOCSHZnhzg-KDbrXtuKjGBOgLbvRqK2T6_bdUJtZakHajRjTZ7lyaU/s400/20160608_152546.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">our boys, from the tallest to the cutest</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here were some of the interesting exhibits at Life in Singapore: Voices of Singapore, Growing Up, Surviving Syonan and Modern Colony:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0sl1Yn3xUu9pDvCXgOJsC8XFdbCZuTz3_hddJI8OxL00HiA6G5SWt-TR_k4OpkBVFTUnNGK1SVyC-iK2DhR5BmOnANEiouQpxthbi8YX9QSCm47S52Rm5tkXL6Lwj2LLrZR2KO92NuY/s1600/20160608_152351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0sl1Yn3xUu9pDvCXgOJsC8XFdbCZuTz3_hddJI8OxL00HiA6G5SWt-TR_k4OpkBVFTUnNGK1SVyC-iK2DhR5BmOnANEiouQpxthbi8YX9QSCm47S52Rm5tkXL6Lwj2LLrZR2KO92NuY/s400/20160608_152351.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kelvin seems to fit in this setting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOOQJEDL1wMeZlLM-MLlPdCUd0iIml7FQZr3ERfYaS9jYroYJ3zTxsXZtZs4OclOhtf5yNedPqJhHNJ-02xAWxxbGBKy2rWrs6a3I0AUhKOJlbuUQPEqBMEMfdHR7nZ1l0fe1rnlSSjo/s1600/20160608_151601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOOQJEDL1wMeZlLM-MLlPdCUd0iIml7FQZr3ERfYaS9jYroYJ3zTxsXZtZs4OclOhtf5yNedPqJhHNJ-02xAWxxbGBKy2rWrs6a3I0AUhKOJlbuUQPEqBMEMfdHR7nZ1l0fe1rnlSSjo/s400/20160608_151601.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the fashion of then</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8txkxBsopm-2KiEw-CUTrdqnuQwUEcFxmceKPEmywTD3Mt93NeY0E0rUPxeICGOP9FqtVvJynVnCh0ZY416Mr2dC_zrcbEQ-qxNkXP6ciaE7GW5OmPNgr2geDHMzbqGZnqGNpfmRnRTA/s1600/20160608_151738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8txkxBsopm-2KiEw-CUTrdqnuQwUEcFxmceKPEmywTD3Mt93NeY0E0rUPxeICGOP9FqtVvJynVnCh0ZY416Mr2dC_zrcbEQ-qxNkXP6ciaE7GW5OmPNgr2geDHMzbqGZnqGNpfmRnRTA/s400/20160608_151738.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">glamorous costumes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCIe6HhCjtSofrRLJHoxRy4-HzflUZU5eVJe9JLY2-GhN_OKy47MMjUsL6TzJ0indrphODn1W5AaLPeySEIS7oeELEOEjrkZzMfOZscJKVI1FtUOqaCBOzF_DhKRwWPD2MJOFK0Om-Mo/s1600/20160608_151713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCIe6HhCjtSofrRLJHoxRy4-HzflUZU5eVJe9JLY2-GhN_OKy47MMjUsL6TzJ0indrphODn1W5AaLPeySEIS7oeELEOEjrkZzMfOZscJKVI1FtUOqaCBOzF_DhKRwWPD2MJOFK0Om-Mo/s400/20160608_151713.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">fancy footwear</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQZowrMaLOVaqVa66052Bk_NQiCWzwDOCRgmcYFk0uMwRS9GvvWm7tqIkkTKqHltwlTpqadqs9bXZ7K6cnWd9Huta_jjNXTlILcl_ldbjkQ-cf7ehwzEs_AhTrzNu3UrrAMFhQ83vM_0/s1600/20160608_151822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQZowrMaLOVaqVa66052Bk_NQiCWzwDOCRgmcYFk0uMwRS9GvvWm7tqIkkTKqHltwlTpqadqs9bXZ7K6cnWd9Huta_jjNXTlILcl_ldbjkQ-cf7ehwzEs_AhTrzNu3UrrAMFhQ83vM_0/s400/20160608_151822.jpg" width="378" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ornate jewelry box</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEyBsjMHQUCEfNmYZE_KiMDWYDLYptF8_NaSJ439TXsl13khKAAQUUzxvw-_66Dk_EsJbvP6bNN18wp4n3NEOOExbqr-M3NdafsRo17FBHcy2RPW3qldkIQDzpS070YZFp1M4rx1EyJE/s1600/20160608_151843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEyBsjMHQUCEfNmYZE_KiMDWYDLYptF8_NaSJ439TXsl13khKAAQUUzxvw-_66Dk_EsJbvP6bNN18wp4n3NEOOExbqr-M3NdafsRo17FBHcy2RPW3qldkIQDzpS070YZFp1M4rx1EyJE/s400/20160608_151843.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">colorful gramophone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW_n2t0evhDH4Wu_5e45I6xJ90K_YbPZpH-ZGKV0apwWc1jKVv8XVZdYMLn3EZ6iRa79H0WIxyRXGqdi3FFjnNXjt0JcUppaSSLmuaRP66eP_QB71zcWmKHGeZblfhMu6xaJxKL1Q2C8/s1600/20160608_151921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW_n2t0evhDH4Wu_5e45I6xJ90K_YbPZpH-ZGKV0apwWc1jKVv8XVZdYMLn3EZ6iRa79H0WIxyRXGqdi3FFjnNXjt0JcUppaSSLmuaRP66eP_QB71zcWmKHGeZblfhMu6xaJxKL1Q2C8/s400/20160608_151921.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">silver, silver everywhere</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHNG986yWGBQLYXcrnuLMxprj7NGE7hG0yX0CIGAN9pJzCi6_iv6ErZQ1_zl8ovMDTzoLM7ypTKfn37AAMdHuGlXkrKJpMx2aTlhN5-zQMNDlDQkaHd2v11T6ol9Lu0BZ_O4v0zOMVJs/s1600/20160608_151952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHNG986yWGBQLYXcrnuLMxprj7NGE7hG0yX0CIGAN9pJzCi6_iv6ErZQ1_zl8ovMDTzoLM7ypTKfn37AAMdHuGlXkrKJpMx2aTlhN5-zQMNDlDQkaHd2v11T6ol9Lu0BZ_O4v0zOMVJs/s400/20160608_151952.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a sewing machine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QSNsHqej-mc0ZZVzKUmHRfa618KahYBTPjOVEEdKlyy0B3w2LIaIWjXz4PjrEWEq6tgLxadRT9sgPjssFZw7J_lTmp6jMjlqF2Oyf3s6xMd8F_kAelnmgy65Fw20qP3xZY0xLmvDyEc/s1600/20160608_153019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QSNsHqej-mc0ZZVzKUmHRfa618KahYBTPjOVEEdKlyy0B3w2LIaIWjXz4PjrEWEq6tgLxadRT9sgPjssFZw7J_lTmp6jMjlqF2Oyf3s6xMd8F_kAelnmgy65Fw20qP3xZY0xLmvDyEc/s320/20160608_153019.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">this was used to milk feed babies, imagine that!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczSHmhmknbabc2BDxD-Yx3xvYjXpUIqruvJlUTdm_CdyA7usN4Zn5_5VHpRhY0rU-OYNWJHRSsYX5LqPncRe4OMlCN8xQHcOr4aE8vOLB1NNhBwIeawmSR4IYB8MKetswv1ZQEQnlhJE/s1600/20160608_153830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczSHmhmknbabc2BDxD-Yx3xvYjXpUIqruvJlUTdm_CdyA7usN4Zn5_5VHpRhY0rU-OYNWJHRSsYX5LqPncRe4OMlCN8xQHcOr4aE8vOLB1NNhBwIeawmSR4IYB8MKetswv1ZQEQnlhJE/s400/20160608_153830.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">make that 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMY62Kt1CkSnumg1WOUB7GiTsAMF84ZVrR8qq-ThyphenhypheneayA66xUtD8ELygDLSFlg4jr4fBOHUUef5ZqmuIrl96bFU63KLtJrxTf7y5Z1f3giY2hqXhf2l1cvQvn4DylC1RD1CNPNF94W5o/s1600/20160608_153854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMY62Kt1CkSnumg1WOUB7GiTsAMF84ZVrR8qq-ThyphenhypheneayA66xUtD8ELygDLSFlg4jr4fBOHUUef5ZqmuIrl96bFU63KLtJrxTf7y5Z1f3giY2hqXhf2l1cvQvn4DylC1RD1CNPNF94W5o/s400/20160608_153854.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I can't resist to have my photo taken in this spiral staircase that leads to nowhere</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvJ9JGiiTqqtfYBa67Ng5qTh3w_SSTWdye9obIJS9epjZwPg4SRI1eGA9aNUbKAfMl72rrWxGQi4B4XobwBIcYjfog-sHOW5oO_FC2yBMwaJLK6ehuDT_8Y6XxGfwVjnvq9jHWkF3Lt0/s1600/20160608_154533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvJ9JGiiTqqtfYBa67Ng5qTh3w_SSTWdye9obIJS9epjZwPg4SRI1eGA9aNUbKAfMl72rrWxGQi4B4XobwBIcYjfog-sHOW5oO_FC2yBMwaJLK6ehuDT_8Y6XxGfwVjnvq9jHWkF3Lt0/s400/20160608_154533.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the last, but definitely not the least, exhibit we saw at the museum this.<br />Sports trophies that come alive! See them for yourself.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an enlightening and entertaining day for all of us. The children saw for themselves what they were taught in school about history/social studies. Hands on or experiential learning is really the best way to grasp information/knowledge/facts better. Ira could still remember what the museum tour guide has discussed during our visit. And I also learned more than a thing or two about the history of Singapore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This museum deserves a second visit.</span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-31791662807699613522016-05-09T12:00:00.000+08:002016-05-19T13:22:36.489+08:00Affordable Eye Health Check at Ngee Ann Poly<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: lime;">"Your regular eye exam: the least expensive </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: lime;">and most impactful investment in wellness." </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I read this quote online and I told myself no way it's cheap. Everything now is expensive especially in the field of medicine/health. But I guess I was wrong. You just have to know where to look for good deals or know someone who knows where these good deals are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In relation to my recent eye "upgrade", a fellow parent volunteer and friend recommended Ngee Ann Optometry Centre where she and her family went for eye health check. The selling point of the recommendation was the very affordable price of $5. Yes, you read it right. Five Singapore dollars! Too good to be true? Well, it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For just $5 you can get the following: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Thorough eye examination (eg. assessing eye power and eye health)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Eye coordination and colour vision</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Glasses and contact lenses prescription</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I got the details from my friend and immediately set an appointment for me and my husband. The two kids just recently had their eyes checked and were already prescribed with new pairs of glasses so I planned to make an appointment for them sometime before the year ends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">So we went to our appointment over the weekend. We took a train then transferred to a bus to get to Ngee Ann Poly. It took us almost an hour but it was all worth the trip for the money we saved on the eye check fees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Optometry Centre (NPOC) about 15mins before our appointment time. We registered based on our appointment schedule and were attended to shortly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I was called in first and my husband was called to another room. I didn't know what to expect but I was told by my friend that she had her eyes checked very thoroughly. The ones assisting are Optometry students. Mine was quite thorough. She had the eye check up check list on her mind and asked me the mandatory questions one by one and recorded my responses. Then I was informed that the whole process will take about 1.5 hours, as advised during appointment confirmation. I wondered what would be done in 1.5 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We started with the Eye Chart to see up to which row I could read without glasses. Not much problem there as I am far-sighted. Next, my eye was covered, alternately, and I was asked to wear the glasses where the student placed different lens powers to see which ones would make my eye sight clearer. That went on for a good 30 minutes or so. Then she left to get her adviser to verify what she just did. Then the adviser did the same thing and made some notes on the paper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, the front and back of my eyes were checked. That sounded weird to me when I was told about the next procedure. A tool was used which flashed light on my eyes, one after the other. Then the adviser was called again to verify.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, my eye pressure was checked. The student brought me to the hallway where another gadget was used. It blew air on my eyes in order to check eye pressure. Then we went back to the room for other eye health checks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I was released, the adviser came in for the last time to tell me about the result of my eye check. Aside from the fact that I did need to wear glasses for reading, my eyes were perfectly healthy. No immediate concerns to be worried about. She said wearing reading glasses is a sign of ageing. I guess I have to embrace that. Anyway, my new glasses proved to be very useful specially when I am reading for a long time or using the computer in the office or when I am coloring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The adviser also informed me that Kelvin's eyes were checked, for FREE! I guess since the two of them were just waiting outside, it was an opportunity for the other students to practice what they have been studying in the classrooms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The good thing about this eye check up is that even though the ones attending to us are students and are not yet certified optometrists (they are on the way there), their advisers always step in to verify their findings. That means we get the services of an expert in the field at a very affordable rate! And we get to help those who are going to be future licensed optometrists to apply what they have learned over the years. It's a win-win situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested to visit </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ngee Ann Polytechnic Optometry Centre (NPOC) for the long-delayed eye health check, here are the details:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">To register for an appointment, click </span><a href="http://www.np.edu.sg/hs/industry/Pages/NPOC_Registration.aspx" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span id="goog_2040160001" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span id="goog_2040160002" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or you can call </span><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: 'segoe ui', segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: green;">64607716</span>.</strong></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Opening hours (only during Teaching Weeks) Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 6pm, except on Thursdays, 9am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Address: Block 6, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Optometry Centre.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">From Clementi MRT Station, bus stop 17179, take bus 52, 154 or 184. Alight at Ngee Ann Poly, 9 stops away. The NPOC is just a few minutes walk from the bus stop.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.np.edu.sg/hs/industry/PublishingImages/NPOCMap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.np.edu.sg/hs/industry/PublishingImages/NPOCMap.png" height="532" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>photo taken from Ngee Ann Polytechnic website</i></span></td></tr>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-3002547756696259642016-04-28T10:26:00.000+08:002016-04-28T10:26:41.822+08:002016 PSLE Instructions to Candidates is out!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5vyUg3ZOn5VE95e2WRb3mKta29Zf1v1AvwD8CjXSwheHbN42VLqAj4nHBzR3vQY5-DGbrChRAxYUzeoLDeV9FO2xNS8xoOiqelLzKG1Gx3v6U4YouQBh8hntLgC7spAz5oeFI9egGIU/s1600/20160428_100705%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5vyUg3ZOn5VE95e2WRb3mKta29Zf1v1AvwD8CjXSwheHbN42VLqAj4nHBzR3vQY5-DGbrChRAxYUzeoLDeV9FO2xNS8xoOiqelLzKG1Gx3v6U4YouQBh8hntLgC7spAz5oeFI9egGIU/s400/20160428_100705%255B1%255D.jpg" width="268" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Calling all P6 students and parents... the 2016 PSLE Instructions to Candidates brochure is out! For parents who will be going through the PSLE stage with their children, this brochure will answer most of your questions in terms of schedules and what to expect before, during and after PSLE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your P6 children should have been given this brochure sometime last week or this week. Do browse through it to be familiar with the process of going through the final stage in your children's primary school education.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have captured what I think are the important pages to note in the brochure:</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gX6T6eRMgPnhNWgY4FTcouUoIcIoXlbv1AgFmC4dBpROoE9OJ76aegFJOZj81WHwpR7PSuezmXwwmnsKAQ6dQ43NHcDe2dYZnTJbwt-nP0lpqk7STx-whTtFkOsbu9jh-cMSa2DqnxQ/s1600/20160428_100643%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gX6T6eRMgPnhNWgY4FTcouUoIcIoXlbv1AgFmC4dBpROoE9OJ76aegFJOZj81WHwpR7PSuezmXwwmnsKAQ6dQ43NHcDe2dYZnTJbwt-nP0lpqk7STx-whTtFkOsbu9jh-cMSa2DqnxQ/s400/20160428_100643%255B1%255D.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">table of contents: gives an overview of what you will find in the brochure</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzN-EhmL1k9aP-0emO9e9iKOl28XksdEXnsKl6o6s0x6nf8oouH_73Jnl6_PJ13Aj-gNi_qqvEKff1NKJfhj1lYSzw8xBKxB-HTimeRE9jZdB6D9Pii-oSfoQBbAq_VSNC4WhdoXsVxo/s1600/20160428_100624%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzN-EhmL1k9aP-0emO9e9iKOl28XksdEXnsKl6o6s0x6nf8oouH_73Jnl6_PJ13Aj-gNi_qqvEKff1NKJfhj1lYSzw8xBKxB-HTimeRE9jZdB6D9Pii-oSfoQBbAq_VSNC4WhdoXsVxo/s400/20160428_100624%255B1%255D.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tentative date for PSLE results.<br />Important to take note of specially for those who want to travel after exams.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CUh9jk9PA8M9UZ0aMzuOz4g26yltKJLG1H7a1R_3mVqKFW4YgAFMmkxrD1ED72nbLLjShvCtl0qkoEmqL0vlg8rMQXsa3GFZIDqDDvXSKvdOCCApbKDwhVnj_5HOM-c9pXCpUA4aU_s/s1600/20160428_100601%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CUh9jk9PA8M9UZ0aMzuOz4g26yltKJLG1H7a1R_3mVqKFW4YgAFMmkxrD1ED72nbLLjShvCtl0qkoEmqL0vlg8rMQXsa3GFZIDqDDvXSKvdOCCApbKDwhVnj_5HOM-c9pXCpUA4aU_s/s400/20160428_100601%255B1%255D.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PSLE Timetable</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2T5IiePSkcgYux195lv0kiEmP66Bq3Z8F24r-pGHnGEUybFxk8FYFc6XulLmWJ1xeAa4Deaep7vjDRIE9JXAU_oF3niATdWPHiqNF85ETwPdgJBuNBN6hPj3pwTw-q3gkiwk4hMoG40/s1600/20160428_100540%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2T5IiePSkcgYux195lv0kiEmP66Bq3Z8F24r-pGHnGEUybFxk8FYFc6XulLmWJ1xeAa4Deaep7vjDRIE9JXAU_oF3niATdWPHiqNF85ETwPdgJBuNBN6hPj3pwTw-q3gkiwk4hMoG40/s400/20160428_100540%255B1%255D.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below are the lists of approved dictionaries for Mother Tongue Languages:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrIozHyG4dXrlr_BqcioCn31Opw29O0GSNlJfGd5gvD6gIbM74lkyUumnHIcpaMz5enj3sFSutGryz42MFi7QZtea740Qvr9VEpmpYXwLj1zJ0mSMMXsC4Vg-1MP6IJPOo8DJalFDrwQ/s1600/20160428_100519%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrIozHyG4dXrlr_BqcioCn31Opw29O0GSNlJfGd5gvD6gIbM74lkyUumnHIcpaMz5enj3sFSutGryz42MFi7QZtea740Qvr9VEpmpYXwLj1zJ0mSMMXsC4Vg-1MP6IJPOo8DJalFDrwQ/s400/20160428_100519%255B1%255D.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5yTsHw8F_sEJ33EB8ZOUIo8pI2i7s49G5X_Bqi_9ptR9RuLZNDHo54Nbpz-0tG94UXipCWKG2v3VxKAZqo3UKgjJLcarcN1qW7VC_gewAhsaaCFrawRC_f7OGKuqK_NNmd924a7Abus/s1600/20160428_100452%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5yTsHw8F_sEJ33EB8ZOUIo8pI2i7s49G5X_Bqi_9ptR9RuLZNDHo54Nbpz-0tG94UXipCWKG2v3VxKAZqo3UKgjJLcarcN1qW7VC_gewAhsaaCFrawRC_f7OGKuqK_NNmd924a7Abus/s400/20160428_100452%255B1%255D.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoOJ0hEUCSAk3xSwfWISDFChxGj9XvGZSEXi6BAlfTMEifD_WHFXG9H1C12VM8z9IhMU9PhKxeUro0VZfN0a0PxAGIlCvUH0ZNvWmH4ubnuJpF9E0mnG8ShPemIMLqS8gxBKaDpvGEXA/s1600/20160428_100358%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoOJ0hEUCSAk3xSwfWISDFChxGj9XvGZSEXi6BAlfTMEifD_WHFXG9H1C12VM8z9IhMU9PhKxeUro0VZfN0a0PxAGIlCvUH0ZNvWmH4ubnuJpF9E0mnG8ShPemIMLqS8gxBKaDpvGEXA/s320/20160428_100358%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure your children's calculators are in the list of approved scientific calculators.<br />Based on experience, and suggestions by teachers and friends before, I recommend to get your children a spare calculator just in case the other one runs out of battery.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information, do flip through the brochure with your children. It is best that they are also aware of the whole process and not just the part where they are the ones sitting for the exams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good luck to our children! Go, batch 2016!</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-38115947512864154202016-04-17T23:17:00.001+08:002016-05-19T12:04:15.506+08:00LOOKING THRU MY NEW PAIR OF EYES (Specs)<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two major headaches was all it took for me to finally decide to give in. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last night was the final straw. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It all started last year when I had a terrible headache after going through more than 20 pages of costing sheets with font size smaller than 8 I think. It was so bad that even after trying to take some rest and forcing myself to sleep, I still woke up in the evening with a throbbing headache. I usually have a high threshold for pain but I reached my lowest point during that night that I cried myself out because of the unbearable pain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went for an eye check in one of the optical shops. I was asked about my age because according to the lady attending to me age 40 is when people normally have eye sight problems. My eyes were checked using a machine then I was ushered in a room where further test was done.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was told that my eyes turned out to be of grade 50 but it was still up to me if I wanted to wear glasses or to put it on hold till another incident happens. I decided I'd observe first if the headache will recur or if I will have other problems in the following weeks. Fortunately, I didn't have any headaches after that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the start of 2016 though, I noticed that it felt more and more uncomfortable reading without bright light (and I mean bright) and my eyes get tired easily. I had to cut down on my reading or schedule it during daytime. My eyes also had difficulty focusing when I was doing my coloring so I had to stop for a while. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was frustrating not being able to do 2 of the things I love doing. So I decided it may be time to go back to the optical shop to have another eye check. Last week, we visited two shops near our place to canvass for eye glasses. I was asked two main questions: </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1) how old are you? and (2) do you want fashionable glasses? But since I was not really decided on a specific one, I put off buying for a few more day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then last night, I felt a slight headache in the morning which worsened towards the evening. I had to pop Panadol for headaches to help alleviate the pain. I knew it was somehow related to my eyes as we watched a movie in the late afternoon and I wasn't even able to finish watching it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So today, after going to mass and having lunch, we visited the optical shop at Nex Mall which was recommended to me by a friend. She said this shop offered reasonably priced specs (spectacles) and with good quality. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The shop had a range of designs simple, brand less ones to the more coveted, branded types. I looked at their promotional pairs and found one looked good and was affordable too.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The shop has a promotion, buy 1 free 1 (frame only) starting from $98 to $128 and above. Affordability and seemingly good quality, perfect combination for me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before my eyes were checked, I was asked to choose the frame (s) I prefer. The price is inclusive of eye check, otherwise, eye check alone would cost $30. Since the prices seemed reasonable and this was my first pair and will only be using for reading and not wearing it for the whole day I settled for one that fits my face well. Ok, I may be biased because I chose the one in my favorite color. My boys said it fits my face well so that was settled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">When the tests were done, I was asked to walk in the shop wearing the testing glasses used to see if I will be comfortable wearing it walking around and reading. Then I was asked again to read the words in a cardboard handout (those in the tiniest print). With the glasses I could read them at a distance less than 1 foot from my face. Without the glasses I had to bring the paper further away to see it clearly but still not as clear as when I wear the glasses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So it was settled. I had to wear spectacles for an eye condition called hyperopia (farsightedness) which means distant objects may be seen more clearly than objects that are near. We were told initially that the shop usually can have the specs ready in 2-3 days but specially for my case (yeah, I know, it's just sales talk) it can be done on the spot, while we wait. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">While we wait, Ira talked about how he wanted a new spectacle case and that he needed the cloth to wipe his specs which always get dirty because his eye lashes wipes off the lenses. We reminded him that he had those at home. Little did we know that the guy assisting us, Christopher was his name, was listening attentively. He then brought out a cloth and told Ira that he heard him saying he wanted one. That was followed by a free case, too. I'd say that's great customer service, not only because he gave items out for free, but he was listening to his customer's needs</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When my glasses were ready I tried it on and again was asked to read the tiniest words on a different cardboard. Perfectly clear! Now I can read and color all I want.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before we finally stepped out of the shop, we were given one final surprise by Chris. He said since Ira was complaining about his lenses always getting dirty because of his eye lashes he can try to do something to solve it. He brought out what looked like transparent rubber which he fixed into the nose pads of Ira's specs which moved the specs a little bit further away from his eyes. Problem solved! He gave this as another freebie. We couldn't be more thankful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks to my friend for recommending this shop.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are in a look out for new specs or if this is your first time to get one, I recommend visiting Visual Art's Optics at </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">#B2-34</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Nex Mall 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>*This is not a paid blog, by the way. I am just a satisfied customer.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Photo of my new look will be posted soon. For now, I'll try out my new specs and see if this really works for me. I'll keep you updated.</i></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-82077458202317204392016-04-04T19:23:00.001+08:002016-04-04T19:23:08.550+08:00My very first Mashed Potatoes<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-5e9d86c8-de81-2308-f059-8be94f163df5" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">Those who know me well are familiar with the fact that I am one of the very few moms who are not kitchen goddesses. I just don't share the same passion for cooking as most of my mommy friends do (I know, I know). That doesn't mean though that I have given up the possibility of learning new dishes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">The other day, my elder son thought of having mashed potato instead of rice which was our usual staple food. I love mashed potatoes and have tasted varieties of this dish but never have gotten the courage to make one on my own. This time I decided why not give it a try. How hard can it be?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">I knew we had some potatoes in stock so I googled the simplest recipe I could find (with some personal tweaks, that is) and started working on my very first mashed potatoes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">5 small potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steps:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">I boiled the potatoes in a small pot until they were soft. Added salt and pepper to taste.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">Drained water, mashed the potatoes and set them aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">Heated the same small pot, added butter then mixed and mashed the potatoes with it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">Then I added milk. Just right not making it too watery nor too dry.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">In less than 15 minutes, voila! A small serving of mashed potatoes was ready as part of Kelvin’s dinner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">The taste was OK with me but I had to wait for the final verdict from Kelvin. He said it tasted nice. I was happy to have gotten this right the first time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Ira got curious and asked to taste a small portion at the tip of his spoon. He also liked it and asked if there was more. Unfortunately, I only made a small bowl for testing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">My first mashed potatoes dish was a hit! Now I'm excited to make my next batch and maybe throw in the gravy too.</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-32864548042145885462016-03-25T11:33:00.003+08:002016-03-25T11:33:47.769+08:00PSLE 2016 Timetable is out!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">DON'T STRESS... DO YOUR BEST.... FORGET THE REST!</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so the countdown begins. My youngest son's turn to take the PSLE is just a few months away. I know many of the parents whose children are also taking the PSLE this year are stressing over whether their children have done enough or are doing enough to prepare for the much awaited (dreaded) national exam in primary school. There are some parents. on the other hand, who are taking things more lightly and giving their children are more balanced approach - with tuition classes in certain days and music/art/physical activities in other days to get their minds off the routine. We each have our own ways of dealing with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess I have to say I have learned from our experience when my elder one took his PSLE. I was more stressed and anxious then, pushing him to study, study, study. Finding out closer to the PSLE days that stress and worries were really not necessary. So this year, I'm taking it one notch down. I am still making Ira study as regularly as he can. I made a calendar of activities for him to do (sample exams) and make him correct his own papers. Then we discuss any corrections. The rest will be up to him and to HIM. I make sure that he prays at night to ask for guidance in his studies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we received the official PSLE timetable from school it meant crunch time. The dates and timings are there. This is happening. All we can do is prepare and hope for the best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who have not received their timetables from school yet, here is a copy for your reference:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKOCl3H0KSsm_GF08l0oUsN2S6KOu5I9P1F0ZGVtki1H9U8pt26ySlJESFwSjTuXR_MToewNTgY2h4mF-Q2piXTUWVGatdTkob1fbdyuTdzgWpcfrYPmCKM70_sgQmiV9YESgI1vIep4/s1600/2016+PSLE+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKOCl3H0KSsm_GF08l0oUsN2S6KOu5I9P1F0ZGVtki1H9U8pt26ySlJESFwSjTuXR_MToewNTgY2h4mF-Q2piXTUWVGatdTkob1fbdyuTdzgWpcfrYPmCKM70_sgQmiV9YESgI1vIep4/s400/2016+PSLE+1.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkFKCtFxbPeA5yRc5cOUD5zJewoOb9KXYW4VS0Vm9knrE7tigQZxlFM30ghOEVvmYg8yZ-ra4xV1o5D1_ORJ0ZbzLflqvpISGvRGetuwBxEatyte-700DrxMSujMKp7sowvfCPyn89bE/s1600/2016+PSLE+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkFKCtFxbPeA5yRc5cOUD5zJewoOb9KXYW4VS0Vm9knrE7tigQZxlFM30ghOEVvmYg8yZ-ra4xV1o5D1_ORJ0ZbzLflqvpISGvRGetuwBxEatyte-700DrxMSujMKp7sowvfCPyn89bE/s400/2016+PSLE+2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good luck to our children who are taking PSLE this year. May they bear in mind </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(and us parents take note)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">exams and grades are just temporary but education is permanent</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. What is more important is they enjoy their final year in primary school and make lots of happy memories with their teachers and friends that they can carry with them. PSLE is not the end but the beginning of the next stage in their education. As parents, let us be there to support them, guide them, nurture them so that they will be motivated to LEARN (not just to study) and to do their BEST. Let us work together with their teachers to GUIDE them in their education (not put pressure on them).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the best!</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-43059037803997849522016-03-22T18:47:00.001+08:002016-03-22T18:47:35.128+08:00I light Marina Bay 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK0DSoeFvgCiMXxyJvfBjAXVoqkwZRGXC-s-Sc0Sjah-s8UGU4xVvlS2zcp8P_ZLntw1qhZ6d0DUv0jrnCUoyY-n-zbf6diQKkofZJWcAFNb7CrAXNzrM7AiKYZRyOo9hajsoj7v3a-8/s1600/%255ED094665DC97FAC8240070FCADF4C7271A07E82C88A774A7752%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK0DSoeFvgCiMXxyJvfBjAXVoqkwZRGXC-s-Sc0Sjah-s8UGU4xVvlS2zcp8P_ZLntw1qhZ6d0DUv0jrnCUoyY-n-zbf6diQKkofZJWcAFNb7CrAXNzrM7AiKYZRyOo9hajsoj7v3a-8/s400/%255ED094665DC97FAC8240070FCADF4C7271A07E82C88A774A7752%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I Light Marina Bay was at the top of my list when planning for things to do during the school holidays. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Four weekends of festivities - yoga workouts, carnival, bazaar, light art installations and so much more - and we got to see some of it in during our visit last Saturday which was the 3rd week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Asia's leading sustainable light art festival, there were a variety of things to see and do. It was our first time to see Marina Bay during this festival even though it has been running for four years to date.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I checked out the <a href="http://www.ilightmarinabay.sg/" target="_blank">I Light Marina Bay 2016 website</a> for the list of events and listed down those which were happening on the day of our visit so we can plan our way around the area well. Here were some of the sights and delights of our late afternoon stroll:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We took the train to Esplanade Station as we wanted to make the Esplanade our starting point. As we made our way outside, we spotted a couple of pianos under the Esplanade Drive flyover. Of course, Kelvin was naturally drawn to it. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he was so excited to play his favorite songs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This piano was stripped to the bare minimum and given "wings" in its second life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now isn't it beautiful?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiCVymjm0K7CMnhuZFyoXLt0w618c0VmqYEQzU0k3ZEb0O8ru2jCVPdQ5VeuQOqN6NvilQntDqrkymsQPY4MLYoF9m2qBCHlfhoos-jD61_0i64Letj_nRPdL7W5EusA9KKNL2rJgr1k/s1600/20160319_181646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiCVymjm0K7CMnhuZFyoXLt0w618c0VmqYEQzU0k3ZEb0O8ru2jCVPdQ5VeuQOqN6NvilQntDqrkymsQPY4MLYoF9m2qBCHlfhoos-jD61_0i64Letj_nRPdL7W5EusA9KKNL2rJgr1k/s400/20160319_181646.jpg" width="225" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The supportive brother joined in and two played their version of "Let It Go" from Frozen. My boys did not take any lesson but are both eager to learn, specially Kelvin who is teaching himself to play. It helps that he is a member of the chorale in school so reading the music sheet is a breeze for him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These pianos were part of the #playitforward initiative by local artists who refurbish secondhand or unwanted pianos which are then placed in public places. Anyone and everyone who has the interest to play are welcome to use them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">musical instruments given a new lease of life and served as art installations</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAMoa0aHHff0GCea0MWm6o3uzg1Eno7MV658jmJaMWLqO7-4lO_sdTV85GJG9LLjnEx5xSflw0JDkEE7ZV0a6Wsg-HTgTfmLe1XfYOz3d7kZf-qpCV56oAcouX9R7vPD6Swm7cPT-yVk/s1600/20160319_181930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAMoa0aHHff0GCea0MWm6o3uzg1Eno7MV658jmJaMWLqO7-4lO_sdTV85GJG9LLjnEx5xSflw0JDkEE7ZV0a6Wsg-HTgTfmLe1XfYOz3d7kZf-qpCV56oAcouX9R7vPD6Swm7cPT-yVk/s400/20160319_181930.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">this piano even has a name! With its colorful design who wouldn't be enticed to sit and play?</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We continued our walk towards the floating stage as we admired the view of the skyscrapers in the Marina Bay area. It was not illuminated yet as the sun has not set.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL0ke-3sVB03EZCOyASdbR0Fvy39HbpPk4VHSymMeaZ6mhsAMDzz4qDgx-uQhBYyKXGmpOvANvpDcSnx5X9Job6D7AfLj9N6PlK2KSSMsIgwM3hNNtjFu78oTvzWyH32nyr26SfnED4U/s1600/image-0dec2d8bd38f834108b43aa6e0306061be08b3cf1f34e24a866b73d7058b58c7-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL0ke-3sVB03EZCOyASdbR0Fvy39HbpPk4VHSymMeaZ6mhsAMDzz4qDgx-uQhBYyKXGmpOvANvpDcSnx5X9Job6D7AfLj9N6PlK2KSSMsIgwM3hNNtjFu78oTvzWyH32nyr26SfnED4U/s400/image-0dec2d8bd38f834108b43aa6e0306061be08b3cf1f34e24a866b73d7058b58c7-V.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then a group of scouts approached us. We initially thought they were going to ask for donations but they were actually helping gather signatures for PEAT-itions. This is in support of the peatland in Indonesia, burning of which is the major cause of haze in Southeast Asia. We actually heard about this PEAT-ition on TV before leaving home and were more than willing to fill out the forms (Ira was so eager to sign his signature for this cause). We were given stickers afterwards. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS4lmiymuEDG1uHOz9yUZv7EKSYqC8ZtShb-Lc-LfIime9_P8eExWJIAIrX66C-F__k4I1YoFcKjmhLOCnGSdAbGOFuA4GyfNAc09MSsxLHuZjeA_jvrZZ-Rpb38zRHCI_F78rWm-dYo/s1600/20160322_172439%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS4lmiymuEDG1uHOz9yUZv7EKSYqC8ZtShb-Lc-LfIime9_P8eExWJIAIrX66C-F__k4I1YoFcKjmhLOCnGSdAbGOFuA4GyfNAc09MSsxLHuZjeA_jvrZZ-Rpb38zRHCI_F78rWm-dYo/s400/20160322_172439%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">these were the 3 stickers given to us for signing the PEAT-ition. <br />I pasted it on the I Light Marina Bay brochure to keep and include in a scrapbook.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the floating stage were droves of yoga enthusiasts who participated in yet another record-breaking feat for Singapore. My focus though was on the MegaFash Art Market located below the Seating Gallery of The Float @ Marina Bay. It was supposed to start only at 730pm but we found several booths already in operation. Located just outside the main entrance to the Art Market was this art installation:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqAxYI2Q1d4a0a76r3rpxWXRnTp9fg-kQil2lMtPb0fFTtg9xuO5wie9VRdw7X2oT50RLp0o4h-6p9QgE1VTCB8POvZPt6_aIHNeKnpCF0tAzYzXei8SbyAsmFiNOueKDSuRjAySPo_c/s1600/%255E3C8EF8566F43B8064372B9DF22109515C7FEDDC6AB5AE3BB22%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqAxYI2Q1d4a0a76r3rpxWXRnTp9fg-kQil2lMtPb0fFTtg9xuO5wie9VRdw7X2oT50RLp0o4h-6p9QgE1VTCB8POvZPt6_aIHNeKnpCF0tAzYzXei8SbyAsmFiNOueKDSuRjAySPo_c/s400/%255E3C8EF8566F43B8064372B9DF22109515C7FEDDC6AB5AE3BB22%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Ground Control to Major Tom"<br />by Rohan Abdullah and Stanley Yeo from Singapore; co-created by Lightning Images.<br />Even when not illuminated yet, this light installation showcased a rainbow of colors inviting passers-by.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>MegaFash Art Market</b> took inspiration from the world's flea markets. Some of the items on sale were leather goods, sports wear, fancy jewelry, scented candles, clothing, bags and FOOD! You can still catch these interesting buys next week, March 26 & 27, from 730pm-11pm, for their final week. Free admission.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBX07d4kYk7AHdEnORWbGAJz5K6EppEtXUvchtSSuN0RsNAW76cN6o2nCVowj85-Q8NWO_H4aF5PbWuHmdlWsxgkoumjs3b24FtDXZaZUTx3_qYbYFrqNWrO2ZiralBLi7tKurve_uBmI/s1600/%255E7C3CB27AD1F68707E82E8BCB1490E18E65B16ED504929A8144%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBX07d4kYk7AHdEnORWbGAJz5K6EppEtXUvchtSSuN0RsNAW76cN6o2nCVowj85-Q8NWO_H4aF5PbWuHmdlWsxgkoumjs3b24FtDXZaZUTx3_qYbYFrqNWrO2ZiralBLi7tKurve_uBmI/s400/%255E7C3CB27AD1F68707E82E8BCB1490E18E65B16ED504929A8144%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This specific booth had very friendly people and Kelvin said their cake was good. Maybe I'll bring some friends along for tea some time soon.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the Seating Gallery, we crossed the Helix Bridge all the way to the Shoppes at Marina Bay. At the MBS Event Plaza was <b>Pasarbella Goes To Town</b>, a new place to try for the foodies out there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They have seafood, meat, dairy, fresh produce, wines and more. Since we have a picky-eater with us, we let him choose which food he wanted to try. Obvious choice was the fried chicken leg (Southern Fried Chicken) which cost $12 for any 3 of the fried chicken options (Southern, Korean, Signature Har Cheong Gai). We tried all 3. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ira gave the Southern Fried Chicken an oily thumb's up</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRryDfKklfxa1dDIjZG4_Um8xnUWs_8k6_ogaNUXg41Mji3cciQfvReGWtggPv8VQs2tkdHVcU4xAt1ftiI3ytYvCMbFje4pjk6mwQ2wv-_g-zTUcmJ417fabiYXlO_dN98PcUwRBVaY/s400/image-a909148af2ce37425ba1af17e01d10af1ae752ffc06143e3ddb549f1a54a9069-V.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">can you guess who obviously loved his fried chicken?</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRryDfKklfxa1dDIjZG4_Um8xnUWs_8k6_ogaNUXg41Mji3cciQfvReGWtggPv8VQs2tkdHVcU4xAt1ftiI3ytYvCMbFje4pjk6mwQ2wv-_g-zTUcmJ417fabiYXlO_dN98PcUwRBVaY/s1600/image-a909148af2ce37425ba1af17e01d10af1ae752ffc06143e3ddb549f1a54a9069-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pasarbella Goes To Town is on-going until April 3, 4-11pm (Mon to Thu) and 4pm-12mn (Fri to Sun). Pick your date and don't be late!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After our light snack, we walked to the Event Square where the <b>Marina Waterfront Bazaar </b>was. The shops offered a variety of products including handicrafts, LED products, clothing and gadgets. The first shop we saw was selling mini drones/quadcopters. They were so cute that we almost bought one for the family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking further, we passed by some light art installations but they were, unfortunately, not well-lit (must be Earth Hour). There was the Groove Light Light Walk (both without the light). We were a bit disappointed but were drawn to the bright Bayfront Event Space (like bugs to the light) where the LED kites and the carnival were located.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAHu55rZ3oGkljuwzQRISMg8zHLwmvG5_VRwY1i5DEqAWvczhUwIWPRIXKBxdlcTyACM2xRz1NhY7z7PIvzS7L6je5yK1lpVKSH8mNf6XcHDG4C8kol2NU0W4Y8R3jROBb-aTbjUQ0dQ/s1600/%255E1F96C058EC0209661A250E2A3572ED0BD5582B33FB69214110%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAHu55rZ3oGkljuwzQRISMg8zHLwmvG5_VRwY1i5DEqAWvczhUwIWPRIXKBxdlcTyACM2xRz1NhY7z7PIvzS7L6je5yK1lpVKSH8mNf6XcHDG4C8kol2NU0W4Y8R3jROBb-aTbjUQ0dQ/s400/%255E1F96C058EC0209661A250E2A3572ED0BD5582B33FB69214110%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the colors of this kite/art installation stood out in the dark night</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMy_QEUP6K1bDy2ECNtID36Lvn00y13jnCgByi68QIg3gwXqjPrYmNB_D6L5wVq9dD2z8onfj2wYIDmAMbn9BMTHNCHlnmXDw0w5wH4oK1AQFrV5WTiFvbGiE3X3QjYPEyBBLfeKP2M8/s1600/%255E35C5F8BB81263FFB511BF28DF0A077E1B4C684E43C4A49839E%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMy_QEUP6K1bDy2ECNtID36Lvn00y13jnCgByi68QIg3gwXqjPrYmNB_D6L5wVq9dD2z8onfj2wYIDmAMbn9BMTHNCHlnmXDw0w5wH4oK1AQFrV5WTiFvbGiE3X3QjYPEyBBLfeKP2M8/s320/%255E35C5F8BB81263FFB511BF28DF0A077E1B4C684E43C4A49839E%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" width="214" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">even the signboard glowed in the dark</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5MpVdl7-3x7EnWp6noAMYZxcGzoMdk6ABQ1Wl4zNXc6Kfvjuvg-pDD17ty3zD4XaZUWgFqwk38M1OnT4bAWwYvcNHc6o_2gy8Jo2soCrgGraGwNY6dF9EGN2WDnl-8-q9Qp18X-2tRs/s400/image-51a3a786ac6c0ae52226fea975b2abb187adc11d6a3ed4854b61aa7536ddda1c-V.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lighting up the night sky with LED-lighted kites flying to the beat of the music.<br />Mesmerizing. <br />The shapes of the kites and how they moved <br />reminded us of the scene from the movie Alien (Transformer's too!).</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5MpVdl7-3x7EnWp6noAMYZxcGzoMdk6ABQ1Wl4zNXc6Kfvjuvg-pDD17ty3zD4XaZUWgFqwk38M1OnT4bAWwYvcNHc6o_2gy8Jo2soCrgGraGwNY6dF9EGN2WDnl-8-q9Qp18X-2tRs/s1600/image-51a3a786ac6c0ae52226fea975b2abb187adc11d6a3ed4854b61aa7536ddda1c-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can still watch the LED Kites Aerial Performance this coming weekend, March 25 & 26, from 9pm to 11pm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our final stop in this 3-hour long walk was the I Light Carnival, located just past the LED Kites area. You wouldn't miss it, marked by the illuminated lighthouse see in our photo below.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IL9wDGwx-j9FAfXFZHVz-D8yAQwBhbFja4GQmk-2OHML7Qm_6oIsvpmSVUcbsEtKXQvdOV6eFtC0AzQB1CLCiy_Vgj5QCvjYCD6cyr-sfvUbz9cTKkP-rHnTcbuJqe8jAXlmxGySjP8/s1600/image-c46af9cf34b322858b9d1e0ae4c9a683d1ed102489fee98320715e3daf27dcff-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IL9wDGwx-j9FAfXFZHVz-D8yAQwBhbFja4GQmk-2OHML7Qm_6oIsvpmSVUcbsEtKXQvdOV6eFtC0AzQB1CLCiy_Vgj5QCvjYCD6cyr-sfvUbz9cTKkP-rHnTcbuJqe8jAXlmxGySjP8/s400/image-c46af9cf34b322858b9d1e0ae4c9a683d1ed102489fee98320715e3daf27dcff-V.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ira was so excited to see what games we could play and prizes we could win. We saw the Minions were given as prizes in the "shoot the ball in the milk bottle" booth and Ira was sure he wanted to play that. We insisted we watch first to see how others were playing to get some tips. But, as expected, not many win the big prize. So we walked around and checked what other games there were. I think this was his first time to be in an outdoor carnival but the games he was quite familiar with. We saw a few other games we wanted to try, mainly because we wanted what prize came with winning. We bought a game card (which was the only payment accepted at the game booths) for $22 (value of $20, non-refundable). Played 4 games and came home empty handed. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOC-c4-NFv2oPDArlFqd0Hik5cFbSvOHXGko25t8VDIOGUENRA5wl65i6CyHKjy-qnCaLHuYeB2F18EsoQVtwbAAShcTf-0cF2eBgSktzIQjEwwyIUK0aJj3q2xHXoXYeVQ4wi-YyNPs/s1600/%255E8A7FFE33D7BC33322A36EFED46659B992AF5D3BC2F60F03CDD%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOC-c4-NFv2oPDArlFqd0Hik5cFbSvOHXGko25t8VDIOGUENRA5wl65i6CyHKjy-qnCaLHuYeB2F18EsoQVtwbAAShcTf-0cF2eBgSktzIQjEwwyIUK0aJj3q2xHXoXYeVQ4wi-YyNPs/s320/%255E8A7FFE33D7BC33322A36EFED46659B992AF5D3BC2F60F03CDD%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at least we got to take home this play card</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ira was so disappointed that we never won anything at all citing the difficulty and possible "cheating" done by the carnival since no one seemed to get a big prize. We explained to him that going to a carnival is not really all about getting a prize but more about enjoying playing. He said that next time we go to a carnival, he already knows what our game plan should be:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out what games are available</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Go to Google for the right technique to ace the game</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Play only one game so you can get the hang of it and have higher probability of winning something bigger.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe we will get to apply this the next time we visit another carnival. Next week, you think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those who have not gone to Uncle Ringo's carnival yet, you have until March 27 to stand a chance to win something. It's open 6-1030pm daily at the Float@Marina Bay, and 6-1030pm (weekdays) & 5-11pm (weekends) at the Bayfront Event Space. Hope you will enjoy your time there, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Since we didn't have enough time (and energy) to make it to the rest of the I Light Marina Bay light art installation venues, we will probably be visiting the area again before the exhibit comes to a close. In case we miss it, I will definitely reserve this time of the year for next year's I Light Marina Bay events. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a list of the other events happening before the end of March:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaHIKDpROhD5KZADavsS7vNQksYkS_QqFxIfQUDAraab-gp_0I93R0NT3O_kCnpYGMrhKTtcoMy7VZykLU3DbBbZ9Zm0qEdPX6aWB9-FDIFBONy_Fu_TttYcMNn7zCN-GRZ9Cfkt-zHo/s1600/%255EF9FA2F6175AA951AD11AF0E8990C58E96298B82A17FE383A6B%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaHIKDpROhD5KZADavsS7vNQksYkS_QqFxIfQUDAraab-gp_0I93R0NT3O_kCnpYGMrhKTtcoMy7VZykLU3DbBbZ9Zm0qEdPX6aWB9-FDIFBONy_Fu_TttYcMNn7zCN-GRZ9Cfkt-zHo/s400/%255EF9FA2F6175AA951AD11AF0E8990C58E96298B82A17FE383A6B%255Epimgpsh_fullsize_distr.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also download a guide thru this link: <a href="http://www.ilightmarinabay.sg/Discover/Festival">http://www.ilightmarinabay.sg/Discover/Festival</a></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-17577817840471820652016-02-21T19:16:00.002+08:002016-02-21T19:16:48.666+08:00Shoe Expanders work wonders!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="EasyComforts Women's Large Deluxe Shoe Stretcher Set of 2" height="320" src="http://ll-us-i5.wal.co/dfw/dce07b8c-3899/k2-_2e90f69d-39fa-4a9f-a6f0-85bbea6a1131.v2.jpg-51daea9ba3c60ec9b046b0e4e5c8c3654463c4f3-webp-450x450.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/EasyComforts-Women-s-Large-Wood-Shoe-Stretcher/41517423?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=41517423&placement_id=irs-106-t1&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=5438adc7-2e6a-4c85-ba92-5ea87fa98190&customer_id_enc&config_id=106&parent_item_id=39402546&parent_anchor_item_id=39402546&guid=8abc3146-cdbc-49ed-97a7-7a9ddcace345&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n" target="_blank">Walmart</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever heard of shoe expanders? I have to admit I've only heard about it a week ag when my friends and I were chatting about how I often complain about the shoes I buy. It's not really the fault of the shoes, it's more of how sensitive and wide my feet are that even with a fabric or softer material I still need to buy those gel pads to avoid chafing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, my friend (who is also my fashion adviser) mentioned that I could actually request from shoe shops for my shoes to be expanded. She said that shoe expanders/extenders are used to extend/expand shoes to make them fit more comfortable especially for those people who have wide feet (like me) or those who have bunions. Since that was the first time I was hearing about this tool, I googled about it and realized that I have actually seen one before. I just didn't know then what it was called and what it was for. Apparently, it does wonders but I had to prove it for myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I called the shop where I recently bought a pair of shoes and asked if it had a shoe expanding service. Of course, they did! So I dropped by the shop a week after a bought my shoes and was asked what kind of stretching I wanted to be done. I specified what I needed and was told to come back after 30 minutes. I was anxious to see and how my feet would feel after the shoe expansion. I was pleasantly surprised by how snugly and more comfortable the fit became. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would definitely recommend shoe expanding/extending for those who have the same condition as I have. It can also be used when shoes shrink, feet swell and other foot conditions that cause discomfort to our feet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you plan to get one for yourself, the better choice according to my readings is the one that</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> can stretch both the length and the width of shoes.This one is called a two-way shoe stretcher. There are also different types of shoe extenders - for flats, high heels, boots and other types of footwear - so make sure that you specify for which type of shoes it will be used for if you're buying one. In my case, however, since the service is free in shoe shops, I'd rather the shoe experts do the deed for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is really a never-ending learning journey. I have proven that recently and I am now comforted by the fact that there is a solution to my very sensitive feet (not just gel pads). From now on I will always have very happy feet because shoe expanders work wonders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Reference: </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>http://shoes.about.com/od/fitcomfort/a/shoe_stretchers.htm</i></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-32574567754386024242016-02-10T19:56:00.000+08:002016-03-10T19:57:41.211+08:00Celebrating Lent in 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every year Lent Weekly Reflections booklets are handed out to parishioners and I always make it a point to get one for the family so we can do our own reading and reflections at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year's booklet is titled "Living as one in the community of Jesus Christ" and the page artworks (swirl of colors) represent the priest's adding of water ("humanity") to the wine ("divinity") for consecration during mass. "Once you put water into the wine, it's impossible to take it out again." We are made one in Christ through Jesus, and in this communion we are called upon as one family in Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would like to share with you the Lent family activities that are listed in the booklet. I believe that these activities can bring families closer together during this Lenten season and pave the way for more fruitful bonding moments with each other. You can do them as instructed or use them as a guide and think of similar related activities for your family to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Putting up a JESUS PASSION TREE</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This will symbolize our new life in Christ. It can be made of branches arranged in a vase or pot. You can also make a drawing or cutout of a tree and paste it on a paper.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reflect on a passage based on the week's gospel or daily readings and pick a verse to prayerfully linger over as a family then respond as a family.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Decide on the simple action you want to do to apply and obediently live out the gospel/scriptures.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Choose an artwork based on the scripture and hang or paste on the branches of your tree.You can also think of other creative ways to do this (eg. drawing a picture). Write the scripture at the back of the picture.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other items that can be hung on the tree are actions or sacrifices by each family member (written on the leaves) and specific prayer offerings.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During this Lent, we can reflect as a family on Jesus' love and mercy. </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Encourage each other to <b>be more mindful of the relationships they have</b> within the family as well as outside of the family by <b>paying more attention to almsgiving, fasting and praying</b>."</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is a simple guide to the weekly prayers and reflections with the family as written in the booklet. I have summarized them into a table for easy reference:</span></div>
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<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="137"></col><col width="263"></col><col width="224"></col></colgroup><tbody>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Intention and Prayer</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Actions for the week</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 1:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Love’s Invitation</b></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be with us, Lord, as we pray as a family.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay with us as we contemplate the invitation You hold out to us. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Be with us. Fill us. Let us feel Your love.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Give us the patience to stay with it this week, to pray with it, and to be patient with it. Amen.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make changes in your lives that will </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>improve relationships</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - between spouses, siblings, family members and friends.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pray for someone specific this week</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make time for each other</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit grandparents</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Less media distraction and more interaction time</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Help each other with household chores</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 2:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Transformation</b></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let us pray that we may increase the intensity of our desire for God’s help.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Lord, help us look deep into our hearts, the parts that are very dark, that need to be transformed by your loving graces. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Grant us the graces of honesty, sorry and deep gratitude.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We ask you now to soften the hardness of our hearts toward others. Amen.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week let us </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>be conscious of the way we treat others - in our actions and words</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Let us do things:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Patiently and calmly</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">justly/truthfully</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cheerfully</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Include the examination of conscience in your daily night prayers.</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 3:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Mercy</b></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God of mercy, we feel our heart overflowing with your tenderness. We sense your touch deep within. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We ask for Your help in our weaknesses that we might be faithful to Your word. Thank you, Lord, for this </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>gift of mercy and compassion</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We await the joy of Easter with new longing and patience. Amen.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week we want </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>to be aware of God’s love and mercy</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Making </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>family life more pleasant</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by: parents - not being irritable or speaking harshly; children - being helpful and obedient.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>less critical</b></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>more charitable</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - perhaps a jar or box in the center of the table to collect donations for a worthy charity. Give thankfully so others can thankfully live. </span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 4:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Desire to Remain</b></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week dear Lord, we want to love You more deeply.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Jesus, we want to receive the grace and courage to live our lives the way You did. Please be with us in our struggle to remain with You. We can see the many ways we cling to our pride and arrogance, please help us to accept our limitations, to resist the things in this world that keep us from you. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Jesus, we renew our desire, our passion, our choice, to be with You.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Yes, this is what we want. To be with You, Jesus. Amen.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week let us c</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>onsider how we can use our gifts/talents to respond to God’s invitation</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By loving our children/parents</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In accepting the difficult challenges of our job/school project</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In acting against a bad habit</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fasting from wanting more</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 5:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Forgiveness</b></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let us sit in silence with forgiveness that is God’s gift to us. God’s love for us is deep and vast despite all our flaws.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you, Lord, for this </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>gift of forgiveness and love.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This week we enter into our desire to not only believe in God’s forgiving mercy towards us but also to experience it, accept it, and celebrate it. Help us carry this love throughout our week. Help us to really believe this love and not to listen to the voice inside us that tells us we are not worthy of Your love. Amen.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week as a family, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a family, fast from social media for a stipulated time per day. Spend that time reading the Good News or read up about a favourite saint.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make Easter cards for family and friends.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Fast from negative words, instead use life-giving words</b></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Smile - practice joy</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 6:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Healing and Reconciliation</b></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear, Jesus, it is our desire that You accompany us along the path to holiness. Please begin Your healing in us. Please </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>let Your healing free us so that we can serve You as You deserve, with more and more of our hearts.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Heal us from the many ways we are unable to love and accept others. Heal us from the many ways the pains of our pat hinder our ability to care for others. Teach us how to heal and care for the people with the love we receive from You. Thank You for Your faithful love for us. Amen.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week we pray for the many who are in need of God’s healing. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Be the hands and feet of Christ everywhere you go. With joy, let us give ourselves to nourish others</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast from procrastination, so that we can be persons of action.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -17px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consciously refrain from being angry.</span></div>
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</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Some actions to practice throughout the season of Lent:</i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving</b> are the three obligations of Lent, with growth in charity their aim.</i></div>
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<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spirit of fasting - limiting television watching, internet surfing, playing video games, shopping and going out with friends</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The family can choose main "give-ups" that all will observe (eg. desserts or a favorite TV show).</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Refrain from complaining, gossiping, grumbling, or losing one's temper.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Abstain from favourite drinks, desserts or fast foods, donate the same to charity.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Curb forms of entertainment (eg. dining out, watching movies)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Give up smoking, caffeine, bar and liquor.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Eat less at meals, or no snacking between meals - and while we put up with little hunger pangs from not eating between meals we could offer a prayer for those who are forced to spend their whole day in hunger.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Fast or abstain extra days in Lent besides Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"Lenten practices help us in our daily duties to be more attentive to acquiring and strengthening virtues like obedience, charity, humility, chastity and perseverance. In the process, we improve the quality of our family life as we spend time in family activities and just being together in moments of quiet. We can enjoy being together, talking and sharing events with each other and maybe reading some Lenten reflections. Every member in our family deserves to be treated charitably and patiently. We need to make concerted efforts to be cheerful in our home, and not just save it for strangers. Our family deserves our best."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These prayers, reading of the scriptures and suggested actions have been very helpful in my reflections during the Lenten season. The suggested actions also served as points of discussion where our family reflect on what have been doing, what we can do more of and what we should do less of from this point forward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One good deed at a time makes such a difference in our lives which affects our relationships with others. I am grateful for the opportunities like this when I am reminded of the things I may have taken for granted for some reason. These wake up calls I welcome with open heart and mind because with every realization I make I am one step closer to a better me. That is a gift I can give to myself and in turn to my family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope this can also guide you and your family in your observance of lent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqclXcfviivJO4irPKPXOIiepgy5hdgLJfbqfTRLizvdCK5WVwW7Bk6vFgikTizNbHto02QuE_sy0Ypv1NdaLgAelpJXAKBPtvIGeXbp9mCMrv9NveVkcfHQuZgUZtgeHfq4ltXse5rPY/s1600/20160310_114938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqclXcfviivJO4irPKPXOIiepgy5hdgLJfbqfTRLizvdCK5WVwW7Bk6vFgikTizNbHto02QuE_sy0Ypv1NdaLgAelpJXAKBPtvIGeXbp9mCMrv9NveVkcfHQuZgUZtgeHfq4ltXse5rPY/s640/20160310_114938.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-69392119975622939602016-01-17T12:49:00.001+08:002016-02-22T01:25:57.479+08:00Celebrating Montfort Schools Centennial <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Celebrating our past. Charting the future."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was not our normal Saturday routine. I was up and about by 530am preparing the boys to be in school before 715am. What's the special occasion? Their schools (Montfort Junior School and Montfort Secondary School) were kicking up the centennial year with a mass held at the Church of the Nativity, which was beside the former location of the schools. And they were both part of the school choir/chorale. What an honor to be able to take part in this special centennial celebration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a part of the Centennial Celebration Mass was something our family would not miss. So my husband and I were there at the church 30 minutes before the mass started and got better seats. Although it was not as close to the choir where we could see our boys sing songs of praise but we were there nonetheless. I took a photo of them before the mass started.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">our boys singing their hearts out in this very special centennial celebration</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Montfortians and former Montfortians (alumni) were key role players during the mass celebration. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Archbishop William Goh (a proud Montfortian) officiated and was joined by several priests from Singapore. Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang, another former Montfortian, flew to Singapore specially for the occasion. Principals of both schools served as the readers. Another former Montfortian, whose voice was like that of an angel's, was the cantor. The MSS Chorale and MJS Choir were joined by the Church Choir in singing gospel songs beautifully. The MSS Band, my favorite band, accompanied the choirs during their rendition of the school song, "The Song of the Brave" while the rest of the congregation - former principals, teachers, students and parents, Catholics and non-Catholics - joined in with heartfelt emotions. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother Dominic, the last Singaporean Gabrielite Brother, said his thanksgiving message, ending it by saying "Thank You" in several languages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Archbishop Goh also began his sermon with a message of thanksgiving and gratitude for celebrating the centennial is a such an achievement. One hundred years is fifty more than Singapore's celebration of it's independence. He continued on by enumerating three important factors in the schools' long history: Catholic faith, the caring mentors and strong school values. He mentioned Catholic faith was much more apparent during the early years when there were more Catholic activities like first Friday masses, Thursday reconciliations, angelus at noon time. These days, he said, Catholic schools seldom have these greater emphasis on Catholic teachings/activities because of secularism. His hope and appeal to the Catholic schools, especially Montfort Schools is to bring the Catholic faith and values closer to the students because that is what is important in molding the children of today. He gave thanks to the thousands of Montfortian mentors then and now. Passionate teachers who really care for the well-being of the students. They are the ones who have had a big impact on the lives of the students and molded them to be who they are now or who they will be in the future. He cited his personal experiences in developing his faith through the positive influence of his teacher. He emphasized the relevance of school values. That the reason why non-Catholic parents send their boys to Montfort Schools is because of the school values imparted to the children.He said the schools "should not disappoint" them. He said that greater emphasis should be on the values instilled in the young because no matter how successful and excellent they are academically if they don't have the values instilled in them, there is no giving back to the community because they will only think of themselves. I find myself nodding with every word that he said and saw parents in front of me doing the same. He is right and we agree with him. As a parent volunteer, I thought about my role in helping the school impart in the boys the values that it upholds. It's a big responsibility for the mission, for the school and school officials, for the teachers and for parent volunteers alike but we can do it. I was teary eyed at the end of his sermon. I could see how passionate and serious he was about every word he said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the mass celebration, everyone headed to the nearby hall for lunch reception. We were serenaded, more like brought us up to our feet, by the MSS Band with their rendition of YMCA and several other upbeat music. I was hoping the MSS Chorale would have performed, too. Maybe next time. I also got to see former principals and glad to know they are warmly welcomed by the students even after they have left the schools. With this gesture you would know these principals were loved and appreciated by the students. They have had a positive impact on the boys.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrating the centennial mass was a chance to hear the history of Montfort Schools from the experiences of Brothers and former Montfortians. Their personal reflections on how the school, the brothers/teachers have helped guide them to where they are now. It was an opportunity to watch how the schools started a hundred years ago, what changes it has gone through and what future it has in store. My take away from this celebration was knowing that we made the right decision in putting our boys in these schools. They have met teachers who truly care for them, their learning and well-being. They have enjoyed their years with friends. They found something worth remembering in their journey in Montfort which they will carry with them through the years. My only hope is, as what Archbishop Goh mentioned, that years after they have left the school and are in their respective successful lives, they will not forget the values instilled in them by the teachers in school and that they give back to the school and to the community as what St Louis de Montfort would do. To be men for others.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">another take home...<br />this Centennial Candle</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the school motto states:<b> Age quod agis. Do well in whatever you do.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live by the CHRISTE values of compassion, humility, respect, integrity, service, teamwork and excellence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Centennial, Montfort Schools! More blessed years of guiding and positively impacting the lives of students.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">proud parents of Montfortian Chorale/Choir members<br />Proud to be part of the centennial celebrations.</span></td></tr>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-59943537284451043012015-11-27T13:30:00.000+08:002016-10-15T15:37:58.106+08:00Our First Official Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year, during our fall/winter holiday in the West Coast, we were fortunate to be able to spend Thanksgiving with our family in Arizona. It was our first Thanksgiving and I was all too excited about it. The catch though was that we had to drive for about 8 or so hours from Pasadena all the way to Arizona and arrive there in time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with the spirit of Thanksgiving goes, I am so grateful that we made it there safe and sound. Having to spend it with my cousin who is also my childhood best friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many things to be thankful for, not only last year but the years before that and the years that will come. For the lessons learned, for the blessings received, for the friends I've made and the struggles I have overcome.</span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-70489932030332672722015-11-14T18:54:00.001+08:002016-02-12T12:29:46.585+08:00Revisiting Chinatown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a while since I've been to Chinatown. I love coming here for the shops, the food and the ambience. Chinatown is one of the most popular areas in Singapore which attracts thousands if not millions of visitors (both local and foreign) every year. It was nice to be able to come here again after some time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I find Chinatown very entertaining. Immediately after you exit the mrt station leading to Pagoda Street you'll see the lanterns which is almost synonymous to any Chinatown in the world. Then there are the endless shops along the street plus some food stalls here and there. It can be quite hot coming here in the morning till late afternoon but I find that tolerable since I usually prefer to wear walking shorts and sleeveless top when coming here. Comfy clothed and footwear makes one comfy shopping and strolling experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking from shop to shop always gives me this inexplicably happy feeling. Just looking at variety of trinkets they sell excites me. And since i haven't been here for some time there were a lot of new Singapore souvenir items to feast my eyes on. I was like a little girl in a candy shop. It gave me an exhilarating feeling. Even more so when I find a shop with very accommodating sellers (esp when they give me special discounts). That's not always the experience in Chinatown though as some tourists and friends could attest to. There are pushy sellers and there are those who totally ignore you once they sense you're not 100% going to buy anything from their shops. I dislike those kinds of sellers. They shouldn't shouldn't be in the retail business with that kind of attitude.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway, my experience in Chinatown today was a very pleasant one. I came across very nice sellers who entertained my every request and patiently answered my every question. And the best of it all was that I got good quality items from their shops on top of the quality customer service they rendered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mission accomplished!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I can't wait to go back to Chinatown again. Maybe for some makan (eating) session next time. </span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-40812366431637231412015-06-04T13:52:00.003+08:002016-02-22T00:52:51.550+08:00Pentatonix: On My Way Home Concert, Singapore<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our hands are stinging</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our voices are a bit hoarse from all the screaming (and singing along)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">That goes to show how much we enjoyed PENTATONIX' singing!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the time the announcement to turn off hand phones (before the group came out) to the time the group performed their last song (how we wish it wouldn't end), everyone's adrenaline was on all-time high. The Star Performing Arts Centre was transformed from an empty concert venue into one packed with fans of all ages. There were groups of teenage friends, groups of young girls, couples in their golden age, and families like me and my son.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although the concert started 30mins late, around 8pm, it was all worth the wait. They started off with "Problem" which got me moving in my seat. It was followed by a medley of songs they have covered for the past few years. Then there was "Telephone", "Lalalatch" (definitely a big hit to everyone), "Let Me Love You", "Rather Be", the French song "Papa Ou Te", "Aha" and a lot more. Kelvin performed a special number playing his cello and beat boxing at the same time while their sing off history video was shown in the background</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They also sang a new song (4 5 Seconds) as they walked around the theatre closer to their fans. Unfortunately, the security cordoned off the second half of the area so not everyone could shake their hands. There was also a time when Mitch took a picture of the audience and posted it on their instagram (ptxofficial). Kelvin showed me the photo immediately after he saw it pop in his instagram account. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A surprise song they did was "Uptown Funk" and everyone went crazy. It was a famous Bruno Mars song and Kelvin and I have not heard them do it before (and i think so did the rest of the crowd). The beat was just so inviting. Everyone almost wanted to get on their feet and dance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A ritual on every concert (according to Kelvin) was that the group brings a female fan on stage and sings to her. During this concert, they chose someone who was sitting just a few rows from the stage and sang "Let's get it on" to her, led by Scott. Everyone was jealous, of course! I even made a joke of going in front to be the "chosen one" but I wouldn't really want to embarrass my teenage son.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another crowd favorite, and Kelvin's too, was the "Evolution of Music" which was one of the videos we watched at home just before leaving for the concert. Pentatonix said it was one of the most difficult medley they have ever done. It covers music genre from the 1600 up to the 2010s and they did perfectly well!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the most moving parts of the concert was when the group told their story, from when Scott, Kirstie and Mitch started the group and found Avi and Kevin before joining sing off. A month after winning sing off (which we were able to watch, by the way), they were dropped by their record label (I bet they are beating themselves now) and they decided to upload videos of them covering several popular songs. This was what led to their success. A new record label took care of them and the rest is history. Thank goodness they didn't give up. It would have been such a waste of their talents and a loss to us if we weren't able to listen to them perform.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another exciting part of the concert (aside from the rest of the night when we were listening to them do what they do best) was when they divided the audience into 3 groups - one each for Scott, Kirstie and Mitch. This was for the song "On My Way" which also happens to be the title of their concert tour. Kelvin and I were in Team Scott singing "I'm on my way" while Team Mitch got the part "ohohohoh" and Team Kirstie got "I'm on my way" (lower version). Kelvin and I looked at each other and belted out to the top of our lungs (he probably sounded better than I did). Audience participation at it's best (except for the 3 ladies sitting in front of us who seemed to be in the wrong place because they weren't joining in the fun).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the very first note to the very last, Pentatonix gave it all their best. </span><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fans couldn't contain themselves, me and my son included. Screams of cheer and admiration filled the air every time Avi hit those out of this world low notes or when Scott sang swoon-worthy songs with that voice of his or when Kirstie belted out unbelievably outrageous tunes or when Mitch hit those crazy high notes or when Kevin played his cello and beatbox at the same time (ok... so that accounts for more than 98% of the show). How I wish that night wouldn't end. My son and I could listen to them everyday.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But the concert has to come to an end. Pentatonix bid farewell, thanked their fans and left the stage. The crowd was not ready to go yet and had not gotten enough of this very talented group of musicians. What better way to bring them back on stage than to sing / chant what we were all taught just a few minutes before they left the stage:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(ohohohohoh) I'm on my way / I'm on my way</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(ohohohohoh) I'm on my way / I'm on my way</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We waited and waited and there they were back on stage again. Nothing felt better than seeing them there again.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the group's request, there was total silence in the concert hall as they sang "That's Christmas To Me" with only a mic to be shared by them. That was the most solemn (and quiet) part of the night. A perfect way to "cool down" after an hour and a half of singing and dancing to their beat even if it was just on our seats.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The finale was the upbeat "One More Time" which brought the house down and the crowds of PTX-crazy fans up on their feet and dancing the night away. What a way to end this a cappella extravaganza. We didn't want the night to end but as they saying goes, all good things come to and end. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7000007629395px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'd say this is the best mother-son bonding activity by far. And the best a cappella group ever!</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9X4CQ2EksDwHx-1pE8s41fiq-glZCChj4Y5pifcogxVwx8dCa075DIorDt26S4pM_vCkSOBQIyvzKNOMSgRDZKXIReHWmjNqPgVDfKGJzxTKJxJtITVnRwzGTEyROjE8G9VnIaQ4LKI/s1600/20150601_181742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9X4CQ2EksDwHx-1pE8s41fiq-glZCChj4Y5pifcogxVwx8dCa075DIorDt26S4pM_vCkSOBQIyvzKNOMSgRDZKXIReHWmjNqPgVDfKGJzxTKJxJtITVnRwzGTEyROjE8G9VnIaQ4LKI/s400/20150601_181742.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">we're on our way there</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V-KhXwrc7M98SahvvFlv0y05ylPv4libtsHXRHwxjahtAC6hRd-fgQV_fR44OIFH9I0ROvLeqlFImaw1I1eKJeJo2wNZ-cGyClnW_gG_DAckjujihGMMelnNWhKQSVKO9qGzEXuukkU/s400/20150601_214348.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Star Vista - Performing Arts Theatre</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V-KhXwrc7M98SahvvFlv0y05ylPv4libtsHXRHwxjahtAC6hRd-fgQV_fR44OIFH9I0ROvLeqlFImaw1I1eKJeJo2wNZ-cGyClnW_gG_DAckjujihGMMelnNWhKQSVKO9qGzEXuukkU/s1600/20150601_214348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-31368480687057980262015-04-30T11:36:00.003+08:002016-02-22T00:50:39.054+08:00Parenting Workshop in Secondary School (part 1)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
have recently attended a parenting workshop at Montfort Secondary School and I
thought some of the issues we’ve discussed are worth sharing. Parenting after
all is a lifelong learning process – from the time our kids were born up to the
time they have families of their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
specific workshop invited parents of Secondary 3 boys – teenagers and
challenges parents face in this stage. Although we have not encountered any
serious problem having a teenager in the house, I felt there is still a need to
educate ourselves (myself and my husband) on the HOWs and WHYs and WHATs, to
know what to expect as we all go through another phase in our child’s life.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
topics listed in the letter to parents were as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Revisit
your own adolescence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Be
a boundary</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">A
period of tremendous change</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Teens
think differently</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
found the workshop very helpful in opening up new insight about parenting as
well as enlightening me in some issues that have been troubling me for years. I
was quite impressed with the speaker, Mr Alvin Ong, who is also the Director of
Pivotal Lifeskills. He has more than 10 years of experience as life skills
trainer and promoter of healthy family values. His warm and bubbly personality
created a very cozy atmosphere to the parents to open up. He conducted the
workshop in a more interactive and fun way so the attendees didn’t feel too
serious and restricted. He introduced himself and asked each of us to do the
same (name and how many kids we have). Then he asked us to stand up, shake
hands and tell each other something good about our sons. Would you believe we even
played thumb wrestling to loosen our nerves? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway,
here are some highlights of the parenting workshop that made me reflect on my
parenting ways and make necessary adjustments, if need be, to achieve a more
harmonious and struggle-free relationship with my boys.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Parents
want control, children want freedom. </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Isn’t
that true for most of us? Even when we think about our teenage years, some of
us probably have gone through this stage of wanting more freedom to do what we
want to do because we thought we were already becoming adults. At this stage
though, parents are still hanging on to that role as someone who has control
over their teenagers because as the saying goes, “we know what’s best for our
children”.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alvin
asked us to rate ourselves (from 1 to 10) what we think is our control level.
After that, he asked us to rate our spouses. Most of those who rated themselves
very high have rated their spouses low. It shows that someone usually takes a
more controlling role between the parents while the other seems to be more lax.
This issue of control has to be discussed clearly between parents so as not to
confuse their already bewildered teenager. Wouldn’t it be better if we can
strike a proper balance between our want for more control and our teenagers’
yearning for more freedom? Two words come into mind – <b>LETTING GO</b>. I have to always remind myself to learn to let some
matters go and let my boys explore, make mistakes and learn from their
mistakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Remember that </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">it’s just a phase</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">. We’ve gone through it, got pass it, and grew up
to be mature individuals (I hope). Expect problems to arise because our boys are
going through physical and hormonal changes. They themselves are also confused
about what’s happening to them at this stage. If we are not there standing by
them, guiding them, supporting them and </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">growing
with them</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">, it becomes a more challenging life chapter for both parents and
teenagers. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Believe
you are the best</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">.
Alvin threw a question which most of us found difficult to answer. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>“Who
do you think is the best parent?”</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> No one dared to raise a hand. Maybe
out of modesty. Maybe because we all believed we weren’t. He then approached
one of the parents and said that since she thinks she’s not the best parent
would she be willing to give her son for other parents to raise? She
immediately answered with a resounding NO. His follow up question was “why”?
Her answer, and probably what all of us in that room thought about, was,
“because </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>there is no best parent to raise our kids but ourselves</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">”. That
kept us quiet in our seats as realization sank in and Alvin reassured us that
we are the best parents to our own children. He followed up by asking us to say
this reaffirming phrase, </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>“I am the best parent to my children</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">”.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At one point during the workshop, he
also asked us to look at the parent on our right and give him/her a pat in the
back, then look to the one on our left and give him/her a pat in the back. Then
turn to ourselves and give ourselves a pat in the back. We have done and
continue to do the best we can to guide our children as they grow up and for
that we deserve a pat in the back. Sometimes we are so hard on ourselves that
we forget to acknowledge our own achievements as parents. No one is a perfect
parent but the fact that we try to be the best for our children is already good
enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
<b>Cycle of Parenting </b>was also
discussed. It took into account different parenting strategies more applicable
and effective to use in the different stages of our children’s life. I thought
that if couples have this information way ahead of parenting stage it will be
more reassuring knowing we know where to go from and where to head to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">age
of imitation</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> (age
0-5) – at this age, parents should instill </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">DISCIPLINE
</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">to their children. Parents act as </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">role
models</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">. </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">age
of instruction</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> (age
6-12) – at this stage, children are old enough to be follow instructions.
Parents should </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">TRAIN </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">their children
according to what their reasonable expectations are (eg. In terms of studying,
manners, etc). We teach them what’s right and wrong, and the repercussions of
doing what is wrong.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">age
of inspiration</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> (age
13-21) – at this stage, parents should act as </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">COACH</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> to their teenagers. Someone to give them inspiring words,
reassuring them that they are there to support the children every step of the
way. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">age
of maturity</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> (age 21
and above) – </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">BEFRIEND</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">. At this
stage, children have already matured and become adults like their parents. And
what better way to have a closer relationship to your children than to be their
friends who treat them as matured adults and still be able to gain their
respect as parents.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These
parenting strategies for each stage in our children’s lives reinforce the idea
of “<b>growing with our children</b>”. Some
rules, conditions, boundaries and punishments applicable in the earlier stage
of our children’s lives are no longer be appropriate at the later stage.
Although the age limits set in the stages mentioned are arbitrary given that
children mature differently from each other, we have to be able to gauge what
parenting technique is most effective in their development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alvin
shared a story pertaining to this matter:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">During
dinner, a mother calls her son who happens to be playing games in the computer
(wearing a headset). When the son did not reply, the mother shouted and
threatened to turn the computer off if the son doesn’t go to the dinner table
immediately. Still, there was no action from the son. The mother shouted again
and this time walked to the son’s room carrying a cane and about to hit the son
with it. The son blocked her mother, took the cane out of her hand and threw it
outside the window. Then he went back to playing his computer game.</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
question thrown at us was whether the son was wrong in doing that to his
mother. Most of us said it was very wrong and disrespectful for the son to do
that. Others thought that the mother was in the wrong. The twist in the story –
the son was already an adult, an ITE or poly student. Some of us may say it is
still not right for the son to behave the way he did with his mother but the
point of sharing that story was to show that the mother did not progress in the
cycle of parenting. She was stuck in the stage where she used discipline and
instruction and treated her son as if he was still a little boy who would
cringe with fear at the sight of a cane. The mother’s shouting also didn’t help
as it made the atmosphere between them more strained. Instead of calmly
approaching her son, she barged into the room threating to beat him. The story
made me reflect on the times when I was not able to control my temper and resorted
to raising my voice instead of calming myself down before confronting my son. I’ve
personally experienced the difference in outcome when I do consciously choose
to have a more calm approach to a heated situation rather than blow up in front
of my kids. How we retain our composure does affect the outcome of such
encounters with our children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
is just the first part of the workshop that I wish to share with you. Part 2 is
coming up. There I will share topics discussed during the workshop about <b><i>boundaries with teens</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel
free to share your parenting experiences which you found effective in dealing
with your children, especially teenagers. I would love to read about parenting
techniques that I may be able to apply at home.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt good leaving the workshop with a renewed commitment to continue being the best parent my children could have. Sometimes we just need someone to remind us, reassure us. And that we shouldn't be too hard on ourselves when things don't go the way we planned. It's just a phase and we will go through a lot of theses phases with our children. If we don't learn to let go of some for them to be able to spread their wings, we may well be hindering their development and the possibility of building a very good relationship with them when they grow up to be adults.</span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-25362422308376188812015-03-23T18:23:00.000+08:002016-02-12T12:28:21.933+08:00Rest in Peace, Mr Lee Kuan Yew<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for lee kuan yew quotes" height="265" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS57OI4WJNBscTqVmO2utHltldKV3c-SyY8fZKos5KEMZB0QGP1IQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken from therealsingapore.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been days since speculations about the worsening health condition of LKY started circulating online. All eyes were on the Prime Minister's official website for the latest (positive) news. Prayers and well wishes were pouring in the Prime Minister's Facebook wall. But today, a disheartening news brought tears not only to Singaporeans here and abroad but to those who have called Singapore their home for years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After being hospitalized for more than a month due to severe pneumonia, the Father of Singapore has succumbed</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to ill health. Monday, which generally would have been seen as a start to the bright week, became a day of mourning for millions, gloom reaching across the globe. Singapore has lost a very important part of it's history, four months shy of the country's 50th National Day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was actually looking forward to SG50 and lined up some activities and places to visit (and revisit) in time for the grand (festive) celebration. Our family has only been here for 15 years. We've only seen a third or so of the country's history. But in that span of time I've come to know (and love) things about this country (affordable education, equal opportunities for those who strive to achieve more, good food), its people (some of whom have become very close friends) and its Founding Father (even though I may have not personally gotten close to him). We have called this country our home. All of the good and great things we've experienced in this country was because of the hardships and hard work of the leaders of Singapore. The most important one being Mr Lee Kuan Yew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Founding Prime Minister of Singapore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The man who ruled with an iron fist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Profoundly intelligent. Compellingly articulate. Obsessively passionate." - Yahoo Singapore</span></div>
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<tr><td><img src="http://www.fivestarsandamoon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/984158_785166031533749_7956530433981508571_n.jpg" height="181" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">taken from fivestarsandamoon.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I watched a recording of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's speech this morning, I shed a tear. If there was one person who would have hurt the most, it was him. Let us respect his, and his family's, wishes. "Even as we mourn his passing, let us honor his spirit". </span></div>
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<img src="http://therealsingapore.com/sites/default/files/field/image/lky.PNG" height="291" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken from therealsingapore.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No words can ever describe our gratitude for all that you have done for your country, our home. A safe environment to raise our families. A country that is full of possibilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, you will forever be remembered. Your spirit will live on.</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-47894313501240590792015-03-12T17:20:00.001+08:002016-02-22T01:35:22.985+08:00Red and Zumba: Two of the things I love <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myheart.org.sg/upload/files/Community%20Education/Go%20Red%20for%20Women-with%20bleeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://myheart.org.sg/upload/files/Community%20Education/Go%20Red%20for%20Women-with%20bleeding.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.myheart.org.sg/event/dance-into-shape/54</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chanced upon this advertisement first on the newspaper. <b>"Keep Calm and Go Red"</b>, it said. Red caught my attention being my favorite color. Then there's the Zumbathon event where women are invited to join in an afternoon of keeping fit while having fun. So what's this about and where do I sign?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Go for Red Women Roadshow 2015 Keep Calm and Go Red</b> is a program by <b>Singapore Heart Foundation</b>. It aims to empower women to take charge of their health by holding events which create heart health awareness. There will be </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">blood pressure and atrial fibrillation screenings during the roadshow. There will also be women's health information and quizzes, tribute contest gallery, and lucky draw prizes and goodie bags. It's good to be in the know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the ad, "heart disease and stroke combined, is one of the top 2 killers of women in Singapore". Scary isn't it? But we can do something about it, now. Spread the word and inform all the women you know of this event. Visit the Singapore Heart Foundation website for more info (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.myheart.org.sg/event).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the info above isn't compelling enough, then just go for the sake of having fun. You'll be benefiting from it. You know you will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for me, it had me at <b>Red</b> and <b>Zumbathon</b>, two words I can totally relate to. I've missed going to zumba classes and have only been doing it at home from time to time following Youtube videos. It will be a more enjoyable experience to be around other women who are into dancing, exercising and keeping fit. The bigger the crowd, the higher the energy, the more calories we can all burn! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Date: 25 April 2015, Saturday</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time: 2pm-4pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Venue: Bishan Junction 8, Roof Garden (Level 3)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* <i><a href="http://myheart.org.sg/upload/files/Community%20Education/Go%20Red%20for%20Women%20Zumbathon_Registration%20Form%20.pdf" target="_blank">Pre-registration </a>is required and based on a first come, first served basis.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So register now and I'll s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ee you then!</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-24350951566046732982015-02-26T12:22:00.000+08:002016-02-22T01:35:22.884+08:00Free Health Screening at Singapore Cancer Society <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazVdjEgXmd6Q9UKLxqBdxN7EByQO8XlB-t7GxWIlMS4ayy73k_zzl09zDqtgvRHn904VmBvGFWR6fJ4Z9c3sIaAhEzQj8pOkffcSF1Hh9MYUu6demfbKWU5iw26I74btfXggl-70xnWs/s1600/20150226_113809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazVdjEgXmd6Q9UKLxqBdxN7EByQO8XlB-t7GxWIlMS4ayy73k_zzl09zDqtgvRHn904VmBvGFWR6fJ4Z9c3sIaAhEzQj8pOkffcSF1Hh9MYUu6demfbKWU5iw26I74btfXggl-70xnWs/s1600/20150226_113809.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singapore Cancer Society Free Cancer Screening Services brochure</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s
has been said over and over again that prevention is better than cure. What
better way to live by this than to have regular health checkups, especially if you
have a current medical condition or family history of medical conditions (for
breast and colorectal cancer), or has been sexually active (for the case of cervical
cancer). Regular cancer screening is important because early detection saves
lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cervical
cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer as well as common cause of
death from cancer for women worldwide (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cervical_cancer">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cervical_cancer</a>).
In Singapore, it is the 10<sup>th</sup> most common female cancer and 190 cases
are diagnosed every year (<a href="http://www.singhealth.com.sg/patientcare/ConditionsAndTreatments/Pages/Cervical-Cancer-Cervix-Cancer.aspx">http://www.singhealth.com.sg/patientcare/ConditionsAndTreatments/Pages/Cervical-Cancer-Cervix-Cancer.aspx</a>).
That being said, it is highly recommended that women who have been sexually
active go for screening. The frequency of testing depends on the result of the
screening, as recommended by doctors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve
gone through 6 Pap smears for the past 12 years (including this year’s
screening) and have had normal results (thank God) so a 3-year interval was
suggested. Of the 6 screenings I’ve undergone, the first 2 were paid for in
full (one at a private clinic while the other at a polyclinic), the next 2 were
subsidized (free testing, pay for consultation fees only, done at selected private
clinics), and the last 2 were totally free of charge, done at Singapore Cancer
Society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
had very positive experiences from both screenings at the Singapore Cancer
Society clinics (old Tanjong Pagar office and new Bishan office) with very
accommodating receptionists and very professional doctors. The administration
officer in Bishan has a very bubbly personality (and was still wearing a
cheongsam top in celebration of the Chinese New Year) and greeted me with a
smile. I wasn’t expecting a personalized “hi, Karen!” from her as I approached
the counter. All my anxiety melted away. After the casual greetings, she asked
for my IC and handed me a form to fill in (basic health questions, that’s all).
I was called in to an office for verification of personal information, and
several minutes after, was called to the doctor’s office for the procedure. The doctor did a breast exam first. She reminded me to do breast self-examination every
month and to be aware of any changes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
whole process took just a few minutes (results to be mailed in 3 weeks) and I was out of their office in no time
but not before the doctor told me to spread the word and inform friends and
family members to call their office for an appointment. She handed me brochures to give to friends but I thought it could benefit more people by sharing the brochure and my experience on my blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Here is the rest of the pages of the free health screening brochure from Singapore Cancer Society:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP3PwUKZ7yK72VqTd7dfft3O8h_a2_hw2W8I_y4S8zcAZUj4oogipivCH5fSt5KIWGGm-mtdAEtzTumHlkviUWoEgUIBk6rK7BMmluXOv6_SgJGUd831wT9UFrAx_fK1o-K6D1VTwQ3M/s1600/20150226_113851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP3PwUKZ7yK72VqTd7dfft3O8h_a2_hw2W8I_y4S8zcAZUj4oogipivCH5fSt5KIWGGm-mtdAEtzTumHlkviUWoEgUIBk6rK7BMmluXOv6_SgJGUd831wT9UFrAx_fK1o-K6D1VTwQ3M/s1600/20150226_113851.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhxEYTeOOtmqmWEoOxJCkXpQZfzcaH_WCKIqU8hhTm0NW8bQGkSJohuRSBQIZQazjohuQBzvBZw7MoTisMTW_hCjhDhJoNGg-UE_JoI4_QQ1U2IfDFTO045AfrSEqPAKVJq8OfC-GCEo/s1600/20150226_113911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhxEYTeOOtmqmWEoOxJCkXpQZfzcaH_WCKIqU8hhTm0NW8bQGkSJohuRSBQIZQazjohuQBzvBZw7MoTisMTW_hCjhDhJoNGg-UE_JoI4_QQ1U2IfDFTO045AfrSEqPAKVJq8OfC-GCEo/s1600/20150226_113911.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XXlrSRa4riZ8ORJgN_W1FJo1tMetusJeQNEEN6KMw344m-fSOlR2fo4PIG-CdSKcdKqKU2j2G7zC_RSfOlaJLagQHgYtzpbD1HbJjUahS55z5D5tL1PKKBC28t7W7WsVoS13LfWEPnU/s1600/20150226_113926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XXlrSRa4riZ8ORJgN_W1FJo1tMetusJeQNEEN6KMw344m-fSOlR2fo4PIG-CdSKcdKqKU2j2G7zC_RSfOlaJLagQHgYtzpbD1HbJjUahS55z5D5tL1PKKBC28t7W7WsVoS13LfWEPnU/s1600/20150226_113926.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For more details about Pap Smear, visit </span><a href="http://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/WhatWeDo/PapSmear.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">http://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/WhatWeDo/PapSmear.aspx</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Providing
free health screening increases the participation of more people, thus raising
the probability of diagnosis, early detection and cure. So ladies in the house,
pick up the phone, set up an appointment and go for your Pap smear. The same
goes to those who are interested in going for breast and colorectal cancer
screening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For more information
about Singapore Cancer Society:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Visit <a href="http://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/">http://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Address: 9 Bishan
Place, Junction 8 Office Tower #06-05 Singapore 579837<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Telephone Number:
6499-9133<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How to get there:</span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">By
bus</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">at
Bishan Bus Interchange – 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 410<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">in
front of Bishan MRT Station – 13, 52, 54, 55, 58, 88, 128, 156<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Along
Bishan St 11 – 52, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 410<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">By
train – Bishan MRT Station exit A</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Free
Cancer Screening provided:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Faecal
Immunochemical Test (FIT) for colorectal cancer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pap
smear for cervical cancer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Clinical
breast examination for breast cancer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-75509384613440514912015-02-10T14:34:00.002+08:002016-02-12T12:28:40.444+08:00Welcoming 2015 and the Year of the Goat<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxQ_jKJDSbzxJ5hnG87w1gsF-qimhcWJsMSmYkwBVv6GAQ9HmYzAXTAgEaT8Ikap3wC3ceDFNhoKYsZMQLsolz_LDg7qMs9AVsb716W-He2usLDWtCajHfzIJUQkigJmJPzCr7QQRXLE/s1600/IMG_9589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxQ_jKJDSbzxJ5hnG87w1gsF-qimhcWJsMSmYkwBVv6GAQ9HmYzAXTAgEaT8Ikap3wC3ceDFNhoKYsZMQLsolz_LDg7qMs9AVsb716W-He2usLDWtCajHfzIJUQkigJmJPzCr7QQRXLE/s1600/IMG_9589.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken at Lake Toya, Hokkaido</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Few
weeks ago we celebrated the coming of the New Year and just around the corner we will
be welcoming yet another one. This time it’s the Chinese New Year. Both
celebrations have always been big events all over the world with almost everyone
counting down to the New Year (and the Lunar New Year). Every nation has its
own way of welcoming the New Year and almost always it involves partying, music, performances, and the final countdown (whether be it a ball drop or
fireworks on top of iconic buildings or bridges). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In
Singapore, commercial establishments almost immediately change into the festive
CNY mood just a few weeks after the celebration of the New Year. Chinese New
Year (CNY) has its fair share of grandiose celebrations. The glitzy Christmas decors
of mostly silver and gold along Orchard Road and several other shopping areas are
replaced by predominantly red-themed Chinese ornaments. In place of Christmas
trees and lanterns are now Goats/Sheep in different sizes, varieties and colors
which represent this year’s Chinese Zodiac. The festivities just keep coming as we get into the middle of February which happens to be the beginning of
the Chinese New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Aside
from families joining in the holiday atmosphere by decorating homes for the
season, the common denominators for both celebrations are the gathering of
families and friends to share a feast (or even feasts!) and the observance of
traditions passed from generation to generation. It’s a time when family
members living overseas make their way back to their home countries, or visit
their families abroad, to touch base and bring back sweet memories of the past
and discuss great possibilities for the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
year, my sis-in-law and her husband were with us again to welcome the New Year
in Singapore. We watched as New Zealand welcomed the New Year with fantastic
fireworks. We counted down with Mediacorp artists at the Marina Floating
Platform. As our cuckoo clock sounded off at the stroke of midnight, I bounced
Ira up and down as he tried to keep himself awake (barely) on the sofa. We
exchanged New Year greetings and hugs. To spice up our New Year celebrations, we
came up with a modern twist to the traditional twelve round fruits prepared by families
in the Philippines to bring good luck - we bought a few of our favorite round
selections (pastries and Japanese this year). Plates cleared. Cravings
satisfied. No wastage. Now I’d say that’s a great welcome to the New Year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wRKVjlTkWbeC5_woi29lgd06y-VKw0S_AJhcQAzw8dZTPT9jVR4WLZy0zNddgzIym1GUcARaBaftk_2KVKElvVe6eNk3W4e2mTsgtl81SC5oeHPMWXhZDOrY0p2kGfLZXr1R8JzQwM0/s1600/2015-01-01+00.20.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wRKVjlTkWbeC5_woi29lgd06y-VKw0S_AJhcQAzw8dZTPT9jVR4WLZy0zNddgzIym1GUcARaBaftk_2KVKElvVe6eNk3W4e2mTsgtl81SC5oeHPMWXhZDOrY0p2kGfLZXr1R8JzQwM0/s1600/2015-01-01+00.20.13.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our modern way of welcoming the New Year </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">– Twelve Cupcakes, Donuts, Chocolate and Sushi – they are round alright</span></div>
</td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydhwdbdz9-kqqlzdKvQTnY3PlEfMc5elvoPIT2s1k6jTouPPVBq6TzAg7Q36H_0WBbkMFAMdHDstjI-v5LPfMwPQWUi_Gp43AD12IPZMHHv03e26BslLGAIn5Om9lTWCSwLwRuEPPzyQ/s1600/20150101_001806.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As for the coming of the Lunar New Year about a week from now, our family has already
been gifted with Chinese goodies by our friendly neighbor. It's been an annual event, this gift-giving between neighbors, since we moved to our home 10 years ago. In other aspects of the Lunar New Year celebration, even though we
don’t decorate our home for this occasion, I have my fair share of CNY
decorating in school. We’ve just finished putting them all up two weeks ago,
just in time for the first Parents Engagement Session with the new Principal. I
didn’t just hang CNY decors (I’ve done it over the years); I also got to know
bits and pieces of historical and cultural significance from fellow parent
volunteers as well as teachers who shared their knowledge about Chinese customs
and traditions. And every year, I have to say, I learn something new (I hope I’d
remember them all, though). Oh, and yes, this year I'm going to wear a cheongsam for Chinese New Year, too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As
I walk through another first day of another new year, I’d like take each day of
the year as opportunities for countless possibilities. Positivity while
enjoying the journey, that’s gotta be my motto for the year. Enjoying as I let things go from time to time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cheers
to 2015! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-88501186092919020322015-01-19T14:57:00.001+08:002016-02-22T00:50:39.150+08:002015: A Year of Celebrations<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ebVCY01w6Q3du_G1hpV_hMTTsZ2Ku-zsW-LUqFM5nPys-BcSBWkfA_dwGrWiE64xV9GI57gyWKes0917keAJ5NdKCb48CCQaX2U4G1XAj4PTQRYaAuwzcoIJsYsQQQVy56YelLid8l0/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ebVCY01w6Q3du_G1hpV_hMTTsZ2Ku-zsW-LUqFM5nPys-BcSBWkfA_dwGrWiE64xV9GI57gyWKes0917keAJ5NdKCb48CCQaX2U4G1XAj4PTQRYaAuwzcoIJsYsQQQVy56YelLid8l0/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t
we all want to have good stories written in our book of life? I sure want that
for me and my family. As 2015 is a momentous year for Singapore commemorating its
50<sup>th</sup> national day, there are several activities lined up leading to
the month of August when the grand celebration will happen. This year also
marks a number of special anniversaries and special events close to our heart.</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First
on my list of special events is the visit of Pope Francis to my home country,
the Philippines. Even in his short stay in the Philippines, he has touched many
lives not only of the people who personally saw him or heard his mass but even
for people like me who are miles away. Seeing him on tv, hearing him speak, and
reading transcripts of his sermon/speeches gave me goosebumps.
Talking about it with my friends moved me to tears. His words served as reminders
to me of how life should be lived – with love, patience, humility and faith –
not expecting anything but doing things with pure love. Everything should really start from
within.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As
Singapore celebrates its 50<sup>th</sup>, our family looks back to 15 wonderful
years in the country and 10 blessed years living and raising our family in our
own home away from home. We also look forward to our 15<sup>th</sup> year of
wedded bliss and my husband’s 40<sup>th</sup>. Then there are the birthday celebrations, friendship anniversaries, gatherings, school events and a whole lot more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In line with SG50 celebrations,
I would like to remember (and honor) the people, places, food and life events
which made Singapore our home away from home for the past decade and a half. It’s
like going through the pages of our 365-page book for the past 15 years – what a
journey that had been for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
will be a year of reminiscing and thanksgiving, and of aspiring for more
blessed years with family and friends. Who knows, maybe some of you even share the same favorite food or memorable place or meaningful event with me. Let me see if I can make it to 50 memorable people, places, food, things.</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-51590975082900722592015-01-15T23:30:00.000+08:002016-02-22T01:25:57.467+08:00Pope Francis visits the Phillipines<div dir="ltr">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwQ70JSlzPUZMr50nrIY4Qn4nFXua2k2CcaWgm3nYSU1YfFImMmVKkXTVrLyoO9V2mKWzgCxHEmi5tAHOz5_BP9Z3tjzj8fHUDcgtsKdkIDEYbO9Z7n_dVrEmfbjWi60u5RjQy2EJ7n8/s640/2015-01-15%25252022.50.36.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“If He asks much of you, it is because He knows you can give much.” - Pope John Paul II</span></b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></b></i><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></b></i><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As Catholics in the Philippines (and Filipinos all over the world) welcome Pope Francis, we unearthed this memento I got from the last time a Pope (John Paul II) visited the country. Ira got this from my stash of papers as we were revising his spelling list few hours ago. Coincidence?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqKaBXql9hQNbcGh1tPHX6k41dmeO44yNyHj1OiU48gmWTIyB-x-DqErkjU6mOh__FMmS82PcsZ3JnhbfbkwRu9D-GdoPUTMBvlLQKHxX-dGCVYprnZ85jd0Lqb01OZWaW7euqRpbiqA/s1600/2015-01-15%25252020.45.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqKaBXql9hQNbcGh1tPHX6k41dmeO44yNyHj1OiU48gmWTIyB-x-DqErkjU6mOh__FMmS82PcsZ3JnhbfbkwRu9D-GdoPUTMBvlLQKHxX-dGCVYprnZ85jd0Lqb01OZWaW7euqRpbiqA/s640/2015-01-15%25252020.45.20.jpg" /> </a></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I didn't get the chance to see the Pope in person then in 1995. This was the closest I could get to experiencing his presense, having a part of him with me all those years. This year, I also didn't get the chance to be close to Pope Francis but with the media coverage and thousands if not millions of people taking personal snapshots and videos of his every move it feels like I'm also there with them closer to him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our dear Pope Francis, may you have a safe and fruitful visit to our country. May you give hope to those in despair. May you continue to pray for us and bless us all. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight, I leave you with this quote from Pope Francis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">"The perfect family doesn't
exist, nor is there a perfect husband or a perfect wife, and let's not
talk about the perfect mother-in-law! It's just us sinners." A healthy
family life requires frequent use of three phrases: "May I? Thank you,
and I'm sorry" and "never, never, never end the day without making
peace." (Meeting with engaged couples, Feb. 14, 2014).</span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwQ70JSlzPUZMr50nrIY4Qn4nFXua2k2CcaWgm3nYSU1YfFImMmVKkXTVrLyoO9V2mKWzgCxHEmi5tAHOz5_BP9Z3tjzj8fHUDcgtsKdkIDEYbO9Z7n_dVrEmfbjWi60u5RjQy2EJ7n8/s1600/2015-01-15%25252022.50.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These two quotations remind me to face my troubles with faith - in myself and in God - and to be respectful, grateful, humble and forgiving. </span></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-20702916694837764512015-01-13T12:27:00.005+08:002016-02-22T01:10:12.000+08:00Back to school in 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBVWGXtzzVSVb29FC2jXBkm19QkAVjSiLtthAQn97PgMkNv9RsncBm_IWyLtikNZpE9nau1d6x4eAc6KBBzPEFPhzqzzJQb2EJRkQdQFgO5-CCXdM7iF8lJqL5AiwXnsPcxOip4EKdOk/s1600/20150102_065519.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="232" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my boys are growing up so fast</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s only the second day of the
New Year and my boys were already geared up for the new school year. Friday was the first day of school this year
(yeah, I know!) and it has to be a family event. That meant daddy had to wake
up early and go with the rest of us to the bus stop (special request by Ira).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whereas others may still be
enjoying their holidays elsewhere or are still taking advantage of the last few
days of late morning routine, my boys and I were already up by 6am. Ira’s
simple breakfast request was kaya toast with no butter. He has been eating this
for breakfast almost every day since December! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both of them will be joining new
classes and possibly some new faces (teachers and classmates) this year. Kelvin is in Secondary 3 now – officially in
long pants. He has been confirmed as one of the student councilors last year and
will be taking on more leadership roles this year. To start off the year, he
was assigned as one of the student group leaders in the Secondary One 3-day
orientation. Ira is in Primary 5, the
first in line, and has decided to join the Choir CCA in addition to continuing
with his Robotics CCA. His hands will be quite full this year but he is looking
forward to singing along with new friends and building Legos with friends from
previous years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uniforms, check!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">School bags, check!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stationery, check!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water bottles, check!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friendly smile, check!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I bid goodbye to on the first day of school, I wished them good luck
and reminded them to have fun. That’s how they are supposed to feel going to
school, in school, and coming back from school. After all, learning is easier
when you’re having fun, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and yes, I also had to be in school early on the first day to help welcome the new P1 boys and their parents. We parent volunteers assisted in the P1 orientation and movement of parents in school. As we greeted old friends a happy new year, we also ushered in new faces, new parents and possible new friendships.</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-10530064814926672042015-01-03T21:30:00.000+08:002016-02-22T00:50:39.019+08:00Garden in a Bottle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jzIOQqqVQCcac-mRPn65WPnudpdk8dgUwz-4ttZpPwwSd2MWzr7kYgyPZxxJyxnrmqvfG4ogBsVNKw0JX_vOxui5oF31PJOvSWttdKYG8sVLbtigoCWorf2zUSifVN8TIYBpYDdrndU/s1600/20150103_200030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jzIOQqqVQCcac-mRPn65WPnudpdk8dgUwz-4ttZpPwwSd2MWzr7kYgyPZxxJyxnrmqvfG4ogBsVNKw0JX_vOxui5oF31PJOvSWttdKYG8sVLbtigoCWorf2zUSifVN8TIYBpYDdrndU/s1600/20150103_200030.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting the year with an
activity close to his heart, our young naturalist participated in an activity called “Garden in a Bottle”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a prize-giving event
hosted by actor Bryan Wong and there was a drum performance and several free
goodies and activities. We were on our way home after having dinner when we
were sidetracked by the sound of the drums. Three drummers were performing
lively on stage. We decided to watch the whole performance and were impressed
by how good they were. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The youngest of
the three drummers was very much into his performance that we could actually
feel his energy on stage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the performance, Ira
spotted the popcorn machine and asked if he could have one. We checked out what was
required to avail of the free popcorn and they only needed receipts worth $3 from
any of the shops at Rivervale Plaza. Ira asked if we had any valid receipts
and, luckily, I kept my receipts from previous days’ purchases. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our way to the popcorn stall
we saw several other stalls with other goodies and DIY activities – macarons,
DIY bracelets, color-your-own coin banks and garden in a bottle. I asked if he
wanted anything else aside from popcorn since I had several receipts in hand. Of
course, he chose the DIY garden in a bottle. We were given a box with a bottle
and cork topper and were asked to choose three items from the accessories box.
Then we were instructed to go inside the venue where someone would teach us how
to do it. Ira was so eager to get his hands to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYt64rJn6zWU16zzZ0xngfm35fYgx4YuDogAkavwkjHWz6njfR4DBwVajS4WPsoz_ebjfXtEZ5vr0pgg-j7mAvJJgUBSZ6HLc0d67DlN2-JNps1fku0MoveMmKNYF2jHqhQKfiishTqw/s1600/20150103_195305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYt64rJn6zWU16zzZ0xngfm35fYgx4YuDogAkavwkjHWz6njfR4DBwVajS4WPsoz_ebjfXtEZ5vr0pgg-j7mAvJJgUBSZ6HLc0d67DlN2-JNps1fku0MoveMmKNYF2jHqhQKfiishTqw/s1600/20150103_195305.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiUQy1zR_3UcIax7ZSmwB7F6Nh0G9atdKt_uxdNN7damSYCbZnt7yDjGs_HkxgqESjRBzfX0yindqYj9u6vIFXbiwYtjBMgCFspmp9CLPD4vSXLakTL039Voj1TegVpI47PdiHZn942I/s1600/20150103_195331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiUQy1zR_3UcIax7ZSmwB7F6Nh0G9atdKt_uxdNN7damSYCbZnt7yDjGs_HkxgqESjRBzfX0yindqYj9u6vIFXbiwYtjBMgCFspmp9CLPD4vSXLakTL039Voj1TegVpI47PdiHZn942I/s1600/20150103_195331.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, he had to put some of the small rocks into the bottle. Then he put enough soil to hold the plant and dug two small holes where he planted his chosen plants. He picked spots for the three accessories he chose (squirrel, mushroom and ladybird) and placed them carefully in the bottle using tweezers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lpa1uNr761zC0uxkxfkpOR43FEzy5jUbnWzZSuAcznYt072Q56uEUvZv5WQGgXcyavQPNAQ4b3FrnUkc0SjjLjng3smXDAj5XZ12qQ8HJpnuZAyG04rjpfRW1f7ixFqMeSS07Qf8gHs/s1600/20150103_195827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lpa1uNr761zC0uxkxfkpOR43FEzy5jUbnWzZSuAcznYt072Q56uEUvZv5WQGgXcyavQPNAQ4b3FrnUkc0SjjLjng3smXDAj5XZ12qQ8HJpnuZAyG04rjpfRW1f7ixFqMeSS07Qf8gHs/s1600/20150103_195827.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnobBkpagWelifiZTk6rk4fB8C8Xm8TDGGIUkZ6PuMr3B2GbdkYEI0AKdnxGsFeC-ghd8CvjpWfUdR6wADurI0PnlIFU76vF7j2wPAP4k5rBo747NNXm1uZ7EzutqA5xZFhMx8ocbB0c/s1600/20150103_200019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnobBkpagWelifiZTk6rk4fB8C8Xm8TDGGIUkZ6PuMr3B2GbdkYEI0AKdnxGsFeC-ghd8CvjpWfUdR6wADurI0PnlIFU76vF7j2wPAP4k5rBo747NNXm1uZ7EzutqA5xZFhMx8ocbB0c/s1600/20150103_200019.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Voila! He’s done with his first garden in a bottle project. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257439184390429325.post-1355947767869005762014-12-12T10:30:00.000+08:002016-02-22T00:50:39.026+08:00Weekend Biking cum Picnic Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S2EQ8GrOtiM72zAO55GeIVhxMZzUMiV9lZvIkep75l1dCyGJEV8MH90PR7l38FW1OifHe827EJne38YVk9T7rw4iifKyMl7pUQjdrslxcLvaaGVYPcRazlqW-61XfkDzwn141UyukZk/s1600/2014-11-29+18.07.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S2EQ8GrOtiM72zAO55GeIVhxMZzUMiV9lZvIkep75l1dCyGJEV8MH90PR7l38FW1OifHe827EJne38YVk9T7rw4iifKyMl7pUQjdrslxcLvaaGVYPcRazlqW-61XfkDzwn141UyukZk/s1600/2014-11-29+18.07.02.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For two weekends in a row our family went biking to Pasir Ris park in the late afternoon. We brought with us some snacks, our picnic mat and tent, dropped by Popeye's for take out dinner and cycled our way to the park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cycling is an activity that everyone of us enjoy. It's also a good form of exercise. Since it's already the school holidays, Kelvin doesn't have his Saturday catechism classes and we can go for this weekend biking trips. Ira always looks forward to these weekend trips because he could play in the sand also play football.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhQoWWz8SGXyTEw3mrE2N_1gGNVO2wX9LoXVgwqU4xJxI9cNP3jqgK1v1VC6REFo-bMc-Mq4mhTVb1GWptTygAt5NfXQvZX2ywNzvlL7JK3_bvuF4wGoe2YieVQn-_DdTz-62CLriOJg/s1600/20141129_180110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhQoWWz8SGXyTEw3mrE2N_1gGNVO2wX9LoXVgwqU4xJxI9cNP3jqgK1v1VC6REFo-bMc-Mq4mhTVb1GWptTygAt5NfXQvZX2ywNzvlL7JK3_bvuF4wGoe2YieVQn-_DdTz-62CLriOJg/s1600/20141129_180110.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHzmwZnd7mElQIgEax_7Bwj70EemKmFIzpzS4T8rz1rCa2nCp1ZEYIRJ2d1zfJDGb4BL7aCk78l15RFQ7o3mrTZcgHWPjZlhVz_AZifdVrznlzpNL0Xo0jyMdVvvwPFgc6a2VxKCzBhw/s1600/20141129_180515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHzmwZnd7mElQIgEax_7Bwj70EemKmFIzpzS4T8rz1rCa2nCp1ZEYIRJ2d1zfJDGb4BL7aCk78l15RFQ7o3mrTZcgHWPjZlhVz_AZifdVrznlzpNL0Xo0jyMdVvvwPFgc6a2VxKCzBhw/s1600/20141129_180515.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDXEJG9gGWUm9XNXNV2DLn5EvBwJZud49xPcgg7JTuJ0MUXJ-irFe00ZRm6JVyyVntjHoRxMqUwdutGhho6vEMuONKELOBUVF_-U2iX9Scpo9HznGj_YG9lrnYZvO4m4zXu02mx-dmO0/s1600/20141129_180833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDXEJG9gGWUm9XNXNV2DLn5EvBwJZud49xPcgg7JTuJ0MUXJ-irFe00ZRm6JVyyVntjHoRxMqUwdutGhho6vEMuONKELOBUVF_-U2iX9Scpo9HznGj_YG9lrnYZvO4m4zXu02mx-dmO0/s1600/20141129_180833.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here he was two week ago, building sand castles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two weeks ago, we cycled to Pasir Ris park taking a different route and ended up on the area just before the connecting bridge. We decided we camp here for the day for a change. This was the "no overnight camping" zone. We pitched our tent while Ira made his way to the sand.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs08ZuGVInLwHaNT49lVm0ExAh_pYPcvoYe2bcPhGkcBmY2pJ1bS-oZ8sC_ABSxjbVE6Q1YsSVV_juCxTSNHobRuWkCRDBe5GNx9-6_xFMn6aL5aHWacgf-pevW-WsjOTiWuaubbfhMYM/s1600/20141129_185502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs08ZuGVInLwHaNT49lVm0ExAh_pYPcvoYe2bcPhGkcBmY2pJ1bS-oZ8sC_ABSxjbVE6Q1YsSVV_juCxTSNHobRuWkCRDBe5GNx9-6_xFMn6aL5aHWacgf-pevW-WsjOTiWuaubbfhMYM/s1600/20141129_185502.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boys played football when Ira was done building sand castles while Mark and I watched them from the tent.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDEyhLABe1fUjl3I4tctg-QCnfAIQuiGrTHwnI0Yd6lQj0mZdYkpBMDCV4-fUh5VNtwxD6TUyTaIIevNsUWhzGN_mCXGKz3XyuMrVyBua_LfnjuRMr7mlatUtfZtg3nLsEMwg86Np4ng/s1600/IMG-20141129-WA0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDEyhLABe1fUjl3I4tctg-QCnfAIQuiGrTHwnI0Yd6lQj0mZdYkpBMDCV4-fUh5VNtwxD6TUyTaIIevNsUWhzGN_mCXGKz3XyuMrVyBua_LfnjuRMr7mlatUtfZtg3nLsEMwg86Np4ng/s1600/IMG-20141129-WA0026.jpg" height="130" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this was our early dinner treat - our favorite Popeyes take away chicken</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhqwP_BBJb2sgY4uGZ70CUC-k13eJ-8LcvQOF1vIgwfkHZ8mvLmCnuHGZdE9pkUT3KVuoj135lY7DblSE-4I_-e3bGrYJDZ_MgtuXWgk0FDckzdlzYaT28oduXgin7_G91lSS46JSdT8/s1600/IMG-20141129-WA0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhqwP_BBJb2sgY4uGZ70CUC-k13eJ-8LcvQOF1vIgwfkHZ8mvLmCnuHGZdE9pkUT3KVuoj135lY7DblSE-4I_-e3bGrYJDZ_MgtuXWgk0FDckzdlzYaT28oduXgin7_G91lSS46JSdT8/s1600/IMG-20141129-WA0027.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7t95Uqc-AwpWpPEcqAaxqZRtftP1goVPEmfQ2ercpC4t53GIa5av6AdUfsH7zIyqJSEkDG2qwT0s-_R6Mb73zO4ce_ps20mxkcQuDGD3Y77-vimeTWIHQlRlSdnA978ZCrN11wTqUnU/s1600/20141129_175724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7t95Uqc-AwpWpPEcqAaxqZRtftP1goVPEmfQ2ercpC4t53GIa5av6AdUfsH7zIyqJSEkDG2qwT0s-_R6Mb73zO4ce_ps20mxkcQuDGD3Y77-vimeTWIHQlRlSdnA978ZCrN11wTqUnU/s1600/20141129_175724.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week, it was low tide when we arrived at Pasir Ris Park. We were back to our usual location, closer to the kelongs and picnic areas. While I fixed the picnic mat, Mark and Ira went for a walk by the shore to look for hermit crabs and seaweeds.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkO0V2oK3pbLdvToiTKKqVKpX7E1H8LN1Rf55hyGmVJOI1mWgRtUM7DEk2T9enKmEbTCMOuhHLzLuAYLBhxg-OzqirtZllMC5CQSErkz2xMLC6qgwzlx7VhBc57Y9yhOkk6E_vHjhsuA/s1600/20141206_171622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkO0V2oK3pbLdvToiTKKqVKpX7E1H8LN1Rf55hyGmVJOI1mWgRtUM7DEk2T9enKmEbTCMOuhHLzLuAYLBhxg-OzqirtZllMC5CQSErkz2xMLC6qgwzlx7VhBc57Y9yhOkk6E_vHjhsuA/s1600/20141206_171622.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyUTOpo3gbWsXUlaeFSuz1OilcnIg39EjUwzk9bdnUeCUZ-dR3OpiQhsVEWBi7wOoeIBV-EVVElLWR8kS1-SmMlg0fsFn_wB9zEWCcSrsO_RLBDqV17UGlI83fkoD4wfIiNw6Bz3sSUc/s1600/20141206_171844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyUTOpo3gbWsXUlaeFSuz1OilcnIg39EjUwzk9bdnUeCUZ-dR3OpiQhsVEWBi7wOoeIBV-EVVElLWR8kS1-SmMlg0fsFn_wB9zEWCcSrsO_RLBDqV17UGlI83fkoD4wfIiNw6Bz3sSUc/s1600/20141206_171844.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLdT5UbTiCyP5U6z0j0x8zGdorhfnjdZvagvKXVrS1RqVbQZDFe_y17lkCRoH2z7sKmE8dWrWU5Ehq3O-vDCMiAwRwhQq5QM8BV80KGSqmaOfcqkr6ObYBdHTLZXq6uc75PPnyG8xTKE/s1600/20141206_171907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLdT5UbTiCyP5U6z0j0x8zGdorhfnjdZvagvKXVrS1RqVbQZDFe_y17lkCRoH2z7sKmE8dWrWU5Ehq3O-vDCMiAwRwhQq5QM8BV80KGSqmaOfcqkr6ObYBdHTLZXq6uc75PPnyG8xTKE/s1600/20141206_171907.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelvin and I settled in our picnic mat. I told him because there was a cool breeze it was better to stay "outdoors" and reserve the tent in case it drizzles. But they insisted we put the tent up so I let the three of them do it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2NFOq6bSPAI8JJcVLKAmdFCpuDdp35epD_qjdABv4xmAmRxE9_K4B5CXc2Nxi9NNC6HsBWiOh2K0dsRFEZe8-rFxCn73ZhVtwUnjAtLGS7hors0gfjFy9QqAND97Mo_Y8ft2FP2NjFs/s1600/20141206_172805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2NFOq6bSPAI8JJcVLKAmdFCpuDdp35epD_qjdABv4xmAmRxE9_K4B5CXc2Nxi9NNC6HsBWiOh2K0dsRFEZe8-rFxCn73ZhVtwUnjAtLGS7hors0gfjFy9QqAND97Mo_Y8ft2FP2NjFs/s1600/20141206_172805.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2ZqJ9YwHbZbCICVRA1QrfAZp_MBmeIMFxlKXc_Rxi1Rz6vSrRXS7Qg0Pp1VngakOMb0pWUdl4JEGkMxWjA52VIfFyfTBZvtRAcbCw1fbJQHvkp7z5fPpe_ETae-3hA3no8lOCBBYplA/s1600/20141206_172635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2ZqJ9YwHbZbCICVRA1QrfAZp_MBmeIMFxlKXc_Rxi1Rz6vSrRXS7Qg0Pp1VngakOMb0pWUdl4JEGkMxWjA52VIfFyfTBZvtRAcbCw1fbJQHvkp7z5fPpe_ETae-3hA3no8lOCBBYplA/s1600/20141206_172635.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These were my boys doing the legwork all by themselves. No help from mommy at all. Ira was holding the pegs and made a musical instrument out of them, hitting them rhythmically as dad and Kelvin were fixing the tent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the tent was up and we were settled inside, it was football time. At first it was only Kelvin and Ira playing. After a few minutes, Ira came to the tent to ask his dad to join them for a bigger challenge. I was the spectator/photographer for my soccer boys. Ira was very competitive and tackled his dad as he tried to kick the ball to the goal.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUI-sIo4JVKLPQz0C6FGhzhTmA0z2S_Ph73XmfO0z4b4W_fDcvCruGYIUTlzmM8TtT7Q7AzIPt4p4wTshiUMTtUgMPHkWj3ZjQHwrUHPLX3AaM-1QqZSgFHwfGf4Y6yYsNleCHOHXePc/s1600/20141206_181439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUI-sIo4JVKLPQz0C6FGhzhTmA0z2S_Ph73XmfO0z4b4W_fDcvCruGYIUTlzmM8TtT7Q7AzIPt4p4wTshiUMTtUgMPHkWj3ZjQHwrUHPLX3AaM-1QqZSgFHwfGf4Y6yYsNleCHOHXePc/s1600/20141206_181439.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFkB0k2gY5p-q8Mfcym0TjUd_q0sAV2ykg1Lz0dEVexKu-nWKb9YXtI3WcaHGQpwOWR3fxQ-11hsms7Qz2TWWO5tfeW88tjyizxjWJGO-ZAnlU2wFUXMputRa-IZzMW-7WT5odKii_y4/s1600/20141206_181432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFkB0k2gY5p-q8Mfcym0TjUd_q0sAV2ykg1Lz0dEVexKu-nWKb9YXtI3WcaHGQpwOWR3fxQ-11hsms7Qz2TWWO5tfeW88tjyizxjWJGO-ZAnlU2wFUXMputRa-IZzMW-7WT5odKii_y4/s1600/20141206_181432.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v69ZjDg8XimXHpxm7dj97LTdS8qNGNtBDjnRLRZWjNQXyLZ0tgqq6GIhL0grZSjQjOHcZoRcL3a6Z4XC6cwFBvPFNw-7mxubf97v9wbfKo9MyS5Oift1VwXgbHV1T4FOiN1P2aej1RI/s1600/20141206_182006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v69ZjDg8XimXHpxm7dj97LTdS8qNGNtBDjnRLRZWjNQXyLZ0tgqq6GIhL0grZSjQjOHcZoRcL3a6Z4XC6cwFBvPFNw-7mxubf97v9wbfKo9MyS5Oift1VwXgbHV1T4FOiN1P2aej1RI/s1600/20141206_182006.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruEEE-wMtAZfKFRUf-q_L1NdFFYC05_jEqn8mREBSmS4EIeBdy5QQZ_u0qzYzXRmgC4D3mpT1gXCMBs8e8h2TClkKiOG-4D9uCXWHOzfniGZ9Ui9gjAAT6LQ_FfYdprrkxI-uBq9RYwA/s1600/20141206_182336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruEEE-wMtAZfKFRUf-q_L1NdFFYC05_jEqn8mREBSmS4EIeBdy5QQZ_u0qzYzXRmgC4D3mpT1gXCMBs8e8h2TClkKiOG-4D9uCXWHOzfniGZ9Ui9gjAAT6LQ_FfYdprrkxI-uBq9RYwA/s1600/20141206_182336.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7KvXShaj-ojGCWbgjjEASfp8JZCqeY92ptF6_N9-WwBdtYwrf8xOMrppDLuUCzN6GBT8_RQSFzuumuRvrCGkYzgze2eE9026avD9PGuYjNK_uIEHZnyLevbrqwzq1hkD7LtbUGkYkrc/s1600/20141206_183014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7KvXShaj-ojGCWbgjjEASfp8JZCqeY92ptF6_N9-WwBdtYwrf8xOMrppDLuUCzN6GBT8_RQSFzuumuRvrCGkYzgze2eE9026avD9PGuYjNK_uIEHZnyLevbrqwzq1hkD7LtbUGkYkrc/s1600/20141206_183014.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From my shots above you could see the sun setting behind them by the trees. That was the sign for a half-time break. Off they were to the wash rooms to get cleaned up in time for dinner.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXI40sbaT_7AKkfv33W_LmR6qjqcr1qF3i6_952JWZWVq6bxWoq75wwolcpKXkXTbCLTz7Ex_Q5jlAOQ1YYAGiMwytnalP5aHmZBoQerl7_1ggwttC9l3nmNpxf-myLlI78_HmAWzIUA/s1600/20141206_185844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXI40sbaT_7AKkfv33W_LmR6qjqcr1qF3i6_952JWZWVq6bxWoq75wwolcpKXkXTbCLTz7Ex_Q5jlAOQ1YYAGiMwytnalP5aHmZBoQerl7_1ggwttC9l3nmNpxf-myLlI78_HmAWzIUA/s1600/20141206_185844.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although we didn't have the sunset on this side, we did see the moon. A giant moon, that is, as it slowly moved up and disappeared into the clouds. I was lucky to get two shots of it in the clear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What an afternoon of laid back fun it was for the family. Who knows, we may go back to Pasir Ris park again this Saturday afternoon.....</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0