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15 Dec - Rented a cab and set off to the countryside. Love the place, love the cottages! Up up up the winding road, down down down the curvy road… our driver Mr Teng was enjoying every moment, he was saying he didn’t step on anything but just let the car down by itself with just controlling the brake.
Our brunch @ Miss Marples’ Tea Room was awesome!
We had another drive up the mountain top - Mount Dandenong! I simply love the views! Thank God for the sufficient time, we then hurried over with the help of GPS to for a ride on Puffing Billy Steam Train. It was a nice experience as we sat on the ChooChoo train with our legs out of the window. We would probably have better views if we have more time for a longer journey. 
We returned the car, hurried back for a short rest before setting for a long walk to The University of Melbourne to support Jane at her graduation. It was a grand ceremony with chancellor, lecturers (all dressed up) others. Though there were many graduands but the ceremony was not that long or boring.
A busy and packed day ended with us searching high and low for our dinner cum supper as the shops in Melbourne close pretty early. We eventually settled down with sandwiches from Subway and Korean cup noodles.
16 Dec - an eventFUL and HOT HOT HOT day
We woke up pretty early as we have signed up for a day tour and got to catch the bus.
It was a loooooooong journey to our destination - Grampians National Park, 3hrs up up and 3hrs down down.
Throughout I really got to salute our female driver who drove for more than 6hrs (with just a few breaks), who drove verrrrrrry fast on a straight expressway and the curvy hills up and down. As I was at the window seat, I could actually see the bus at the edge of the mountain when she made those sharp turns - is like one mistake from her and our bus will go tumbling down.
We had many stops (included those we had our break) - we visited town of Beautfort, Halls Gap, among the trees to look for kangaroos, Bambruk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Boroka Lookout, the Balconies, Mackenzie Falls, Jaws of Death etc.
One of the challenges throughout this entire day tour was THE WEATHER! It was sooooooo hot where we constantly had to do the “Aussie Waves” aka shooing the flies. Another would be climbing 200 steps down and 200 steps up for the view of Mackenzie Falls - problem not on the legs actually but it was the air that made us hard to breathe.
Unlike many others who was soundly asleep throughout the ENTIRE or even half of the journey, I was enjoying myself looking out of the window for the beautiful scenery (the cloud especially) and of course enjoying the fast roller-car ride. Haha! I only went into dreamland on our way back to the city.
Our long day ended with a delicious Korean cuisine and followed by the delicious ice-cream (it was long queue when we went there) for dessert, our last night @ Melbourne so definitely must have another taste on the delicious ice-cream.
17 Dec - we started the day with breakfast and shop @ Queen Victoria Market. I had “borek”, something like chicken pie and is really nice!
We had another delicious brunch @ a HK style restaurant before we had a quick shop @ DFO and in the city. After two HOT HOT days, the cooooold weather back!
We left Melbourne to Singapore in the evening.
Was “selected” to take the Business Class and it was … … FANTASTIC!
Light snack before the plane takes off, solid appetizer, delicious main course, abundance of juice/wine, many choices of fruit/bread, pretty dessert, chocolate from Godiva!
Spacious space, comfortable seat with massage, 180dg bed, big LCD tv with big headset, special treatment, quality freebies given etc etc.
18 Dec - miss Melbourne! Haha!
Jetlag? Was so tired that I spent it on sleeping sleeping and sleeping.
Warning!!! Looooooooooong entries for part 1 and part 2.
Can’t really remember when was my last oversea trip but as the year draws to an end, I was really (x10) desperately longing for a holiday!
Taiwan? Bali? Melbourne? HK? Anywhere & anytime… I just want to leave Singapore!
Had an awesome five days four nights trip in Melbourne! * satisfied *
12 Dec night - departed via Emirates
Guess it was the longest flight I ever taken… 7hrs! The second longest will be 4hrs to Perth.
Throughout the smooth flight, I only managed to catch half an hour sleep cause my legs felt terrible but still I was all energetic and excited when I reached Melbourne!
13 Dec - landed @ Melbourne International Airport.
Tight security check + nice airport. Only disappointing was that we waited for more than half an hour for our luggage.
Felt a blow of cooooold wind when I stepped out, thought it was the aircon but it was actually the wind! Opps!
After meeting up with Jane Dao You, we set off via a van sized cab to her house, our accommodation. It was a shocking ride to see the meter jumped $0.10 EVERY second.
Due to the lack of sleep, two of them actually stayed in to catch some sleep while another two of us set off with our Dao You to Queen Victoria Market (one of Melb’s places of interest) to pack lunch and a quick shop at the city & supermarket which is pretty cool - the people got to be their own cashier to scan their items, place their items in the bag, pay, get change etc.
I’m just amazed at how much the govt trust the people, the freedom they have @ the supermarket, the tram etc. Haha!
After a quick lunch, we set off via tram to the church Jane is attending, Planetshakers City Church!
Wow! Very impressed and touched by their “Gift Giving Service” - the members brought presents to give to the less fortunate children. Looking at the size/quantity of the presents just made me amazed at their generosity and effort. We even went for their “Newcomers Tea” and received their freebies. *shy* Haha!
Our night ended with a sumptuous but affordable dinner @ a pizza place @ Lygon St. We shared a BIG pizza and few other dishes. When the waiter placed the BIG pizza on our table, he looked at us and left with this “May the force be with you!”. Woooo… haha!
We then had suuuuuuuuuuuper yummy ice-cream on our walk home. I love the ice-cream! Oh man! They have different flavors like Tiramisu, Roche, and Snickers etc etc.
But the fun and greatest challenge is to eat the freezing ice-cream with our freezing hands along the freezing street. Haha! But I love it!
14 Dec - “messed up” by the timing … haha … as Melb is 3hrs earlier than Spore so got to adjust to the sleeping/waking up time and definitely the makan time. Just imagine having to take breakfast at like 5am+ and dinner @ 5pm+? Haha!
We had our brunch @ a restaurant inside a small alley. Good food! Though was struggling to eat cause of the portion and the time. The most nice part is that this meal and even for the rest of our meals was all with good quality and quantity but we didn’t spend a lot, all affordable prices.
All thanks to our Dao You for her recommendations!
We visited Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Visitor Centre, Federation Square, ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) aka like museum, State Library of Victoria, Chinatown where we had our roasted milk tea, had a shop @ Harbour Town Shopping Centre and Docklands where we had ice-cream accompanied by the freezing wind and followed by sets of fish & chips.
The last point was @ Crown Casino & Crown Entertainment Complex where we were entertained with a performance entitled “Christmas Spectular” - grand and awesome! And of course visited the casino and arcade before we set off.
Our day ended with a simple but delicious Vietnam cuisine which thereafter too full for dessert.
After monthssssssssssssssss of staying at home + absence in school and in church … he was finally back with us @ JAMs yesterday! =)
Well-behaved too… Praise the Lord!
Teacher Yanni is sooooooo happy to see him back!
Counting down… Few more days…
Though my official employment date @ LSK, my new workplace is next year but I was there for the whole of last week and yesterday.
No pay for the one week but was encouraged to go back (I believed there is a need too) to familiarize with the system, to go through/discuss the lesson plan, to prepare the resources/board etc.
It pretty tiring as was there from 8am+ to 5pm and definitely not free-and-easy time.
And just yesterday was there till 7pm!
Looking forward to my journey in LSK with friendly colleaguesssss, nice principal and a “healthy“ working environment. Keep me in prayers as LSK definitely runs DIFFERENTLY from my previous schoolhouse and even p_p kindergarten too.
A part of me is looking forward to take up the challenges but another part of me is actually pretty fearful that I will not be able to meet up to their requirements.
Some of the challenges/”new” task:
- to take a class of close to 30 children per session
- to conduct experiments, “messy” experiments with them
* this is where class room management tested
- to conduct visitation
- portfolio, check-list for EVERY child
- the way the school system run
- to follow the school's strict admin system
- etc etc
Woohoo~~~ =)
Woohooo~~~ Received “Best Blog Award” from one of my friends, Ing
Ing's blog is one of the blogs I visit regularly too~~~
Thanks Ing!
Just when I thought is “the end”, I received another sms from another parent from my previous schoolhouse.
It reallllllllly made me soooooooooo touched…
“Hello! I was quite shocked to hear that you left. Son was disappointed too. They had picnic in school today.
I have not thank you enough for giving my son so much confident in learning. Gx became more sociable and happier under your love and care.
All the best in your career. You are an excellent teacher! Keep in touch!”
“Most welcome! Dedicated teacher is hard to find. Keep it up!
I am sure you have a fulfilling career!
Teaching suits you! Hope to see you soon!
This Fri son got a checkup so wont be in school.
Tell you first so he don’t missed you again!”
Move down! You are strongly "encouraged" to read the following entries... =)
Attn! I seldom “encourage” readers to read any special entry in my blog BUT this time I strongly encourage all readers to read this entry (though rather long).
… pardon me for being overly-detailed for this entry
* shout it out * THANK GOD FOR FAVOR!!!!!!!!!
Is regarding my job. If you been a faithful reader to my blog, you would have know that the school I’m working in (used to work in) been changed from kindergarten to childcare.
To cut this entry “short”- right from the start, my principal JN & one of the big boss ST already know that I prefer kindergarten setting. But as it was a transition period for the school, they asked me to stay to help or at least to try out before considering again whether I want to continue in 2010. After a good half a year, I confirmed my decision to return to kindergarten. With that I tendered my resignation end of Oct. Somehow JN & ST already expected so the moment I went in to the office with an envelope, one of them said “Why? You also want to leave already right?” in a casual mode.
They tried to keep me, asked me to reconsider after listing all good points about childcare. But I didn’t accept as I was sure and firm with my decision this time. The short meeting ended nicely.
Less than 5mins after I left the office, ST personally came up to my classroom and asked me am I keen to go to her another childcare to work. If I were to go over, just for me she is willing to increase my leave from 14 to 21 days and increase my pay.
* wow wow * Hmm… I rejected her offer … opps … told S that I really appreciate her offer but I didn’t want to let her be in a difficult position too.
After the management accept my resignation, I started to break the news to my bestest colleagues and then I received dayssss of “nagging session”. Haha!
The favor of God is not over yet… =)
Seriously speaking, I wasn’t in a hurry to look for a new kindergarten. Opps!
My colleagues actually “scolded” me for that and said that I should actually find a school first before quitting.
I was actually rather passive in hunting for kindergarten.
I was still thinking that I will start hunting after my Dec holiday so I can enjoy my holiday peacefully … opps … =p
Everything was so timely!
Few weeks ago, two of my colleagues and myself were talking about the different kindergarten/childcare then my colleague suggested that should look for church instead of p_p kindergarten. The affecting factor is the pay.
I cant confirm much about but I also heard from one of my coursemates who works in p_p kindergarten that there’s a change to the “pay system” all across and somehow the starting pay for a teacher with Diploma is not that high.
So then I told myself “Ok! Once I am ready, I will try to look for church kindergarten!”
Everything was indeed timely! I cant, really can’t believe it myself!
On my graduation day, one of my coursemates TF asked me about my school, whether am I staying there for long. So I briefly told her I am considering leaving. Immediately she asked me whether am I interested to go try out her school. But somehow there wasn’t any confirmed details before we went on separate way.
Just when I thought everything back to normal (since I also don’t wish to get a job so quickly).
~A week later, TF called me to ask about it.
The school don’t publish ad on the newspaper, is all through recommendation.
Then I was likewise passive so I didn’t give her an answer immediately but instead I told her I will call back after I’m done with all the mega events @ schoolhouse first.
Ok… I also thought probably “let the time wash away all her memory” and I was somehow hopping that she won’t call back.
But I was wrong… seem like TF was more active than me!
The day after my concert, she called me again. I missed her first call but she called back and then is when she asked me to go over her side for interview.
I told her yes but actually at the point of time, I don’t really have the heart of going but rather to “entertain” her or even to stop her from calling after that… oops!
Everything FAST - the interview was arranged the following day.
It was a short, simple and nice interview with the motherly principal. It was awesome!
Due to some official moe letter, nothing was concluded and she only can briefly shared with me about their kindergarten.
I went back again three days with the official moe letter as she needed that to continue our interview further. The moment we started our 2nd interview, I was so @@ that the principal actually passed me the rough schedule of events for 2010. * I was puzzled *
Then she moved on to tell me the requirements, expectations, job scope etc etc.
To cut it “short” again - I’m actually selected for a post of a teacher!!!!
* shout it out * THANK GOD FOR FAVOR!!!
I was telling the principal that I’m actually overwhelmed by her offer.
I was actually expecting like after our 2nd interview, probably she will tell me “Ok! You can go now. We will call you back again whether you are selected a not” BUT instead at my 2nd interview (or even before that), I’m already been selected.
* shout it super loud * THANK GOD!Not forgetting one of the days, my big boss ST actually smsed me a contact of another church kindergarten - she asked me to call and try. Guess the kindergarten’s principal is her friend. I don’t just have one source of new kindergarten but rather two! Wow wow!
That‘s not the end yet. =)
The pay offered by the new kindergarten - Will it be lesser? Will there be a mega drop from childcare?
With the consideration of my experience and qualifications, the principal offered me an amount that caused me to be @@!
It was MUCH MORE than what I expected as I was actually expecting a big or at a very obvious drop from my childcare pay that I’m withdrawing afterall shorter working hour.
Just when I thought I want to wait till Dec then look for job…
Just when I thought it will be a long time for me to find a kindergarten…
Just when I thought I may have to go for many interviews…
Just when I thought I will “struggle” to look for job..
I WAS TOTALLY WRONG! “Truly God can do exceedingly and abundantly all that we can ask or imagine"
~ my current desktop background ~ Who says only children will have =( moments when they experience changes/transition? Adults too… or at least for Cher Lim.
I must say this farewell @ HT schoolhouse is very different and more emotional from my farewell years ago @ p_p kindergarten. I guess is the bond/closeness I have with the children and parents.
Totally overwhelmed/touched by the love of the children and parents.
I gave the K2 children my hp number. But of course before that did some “nagging” first. Haha!
And just less than a hour after dismissal, I received callssss.
One from Child D’s mum - she was telling me that Child D was crying when she get home. And mum was shocked that I am leaving.
Soon after Child S’s mum called - likewise saying Child S was crying @ home and wants me to visit her when she go to primary school. And from like 2pm plus to 10pm plus, my hp was flooded with calls from children and smses from parents. Esp this particular child Chloe’s mum (look below with **) as my leave seem to have a big impart on her. Some smses from parents:
“a BIG thank you to you and all the best to you for whatever you are going to do!”
** “Thanks! Chloe wants to call you but is scared, she cried on the way to and from school just thinking about you.”** “She is ok as she don’t think too much about it. You are the first teacher she misses so much to cry. She is usually not so emotional. She must really love you a lot.”
** “No prob! Thanks again for making Chloe so happy!”
… this sms was made after Chloe get me on the phone.
“Hi Teacher Lim, is it true? So where will you be teaching next, still in preschool? The boys are very sad when they told me.”
“Thank you very much for your guidance and patience with my boys. I wish you all the best and the boys will miss you!”
“So sad to hear that but I am sure it must be a better move thus you’ve decided to move on. Thanks for everything! Are you on Facebook or any email address that we can keep in touch with you?”
~in facebook’s pet society~ “This flower is for you… on behalf of Ethel!”
“Heard that you resigned?? Oh dear, Jermaine is looking forward to go to you for K1. All the best to you!! If possible, do let me know where will you be next. Take care!”“No wonder Brendan told me Cher Lim have a secret to tell on Thurs… Hee! Ok, do keep in touch!”
I tell you, all this smses really made me … you know you know. =/
I do believe is just a transition for the children and of course myself.
Probably you may be thinking why is Cher Lim so emotional?
Haha! I also don’t know… is just different, very different this time!
Think I may need some time to get over this.
I have never get so emotional over any of my “departure”.
Though my angels in HT schoolhouse may be sad over my “departure” but I’m sure they will get over soon.
BUT BUT no matter what happens in the future… what I really treasure is the time now!
This will be the most precious moments of my life! =)
After the successful end of the concert, the past weeks in school been busy, with Parent-Teacher Meeting, clearing of works etc.
Putting aside the busyness, there is a part in me that is feeling =(
My last day with HT schoolhouse is near.
Having to spend a good 3 years… it can be a challenge to leave the comfortable environment, the familiar culture/system, the friendly colleagues and of course the adorable little angels.
26 Nov 2009 - my official last day with HT schoolhouse. =(
I prepared my angels few days ago that I will be telling them a “secret”. Just as I thought they may forget about it, they didn’t. The moment I entered K2 classroom, the children immediately asked me to tell them.
Actually been thinking should inform my children or just leave quietly - one colleague said “better not” but other colleagues said I should.
After experiencing the “shock & constant questioning” when two of my colleagues left previously, I decided that I should at least let my children know and probably the parents who I am closer with. Don’t want to leave them with ???.
Due to the changeover, the children who turned up during the "holiday period" was not that many. K1 with 3-4 absentees daily and K2 only half the class came so bit disappointing can't get to bid my last farewell to everyone.
When I informed the K1, they looked calm but you could see the changes on their face as I continued further. But it ended off nicely after my photo-shoots with them and giving them a little gift. =)
But it was a total different feeling @ K2- somehow I struggled to start. Afterall they are my babies who I have taught for 2years but most of them I know them for 3years. Seriously, the children from K2 has a special place in Cher Lim’s heart.
Recently this class been very expressive. Probably they know they are graduating from preschool.
Particularly this two girls, whenever they see me coming near, they will run over and hug me (tight) and refuse to let go until I shake them off. Haha!
And this girl kept going around to tell her friends “Teacher Lim is my best friend”. Haha! There was once I was somehow angry with the class and this girl came over, put her hand around me and said “Best friend Teacher Lim!”. And that of course cool me down.
Believe me a not, it was an emotional time with K2.
The moment I announced my "secret", all of them were shocked and there was this Boy A who cried. You must see his expression - how he starred at me and tears flooded his eyes. Actually I’m very shocked with his reaction cause he is actually one of the boys who I discipline verrrrrry often. With a sobbing voice, he asked “then who is going to teach us?”
I explained… answered their questions… calmed them down…
Qns like "what's the name of your new school?" "why you want to go?" "why you don't to go in Dec?"
It didn’t end after the photo-shoots & gifts-giving.
The huggggggggging, “intense” hugggggggggggging then started.
I gave ALL my K2 children a hug before I did the last dismissal.
* the moment was the hardest ... got to try hard to control my tears *
At the door, most of the K1 took the effort to turn back and wave/shout goodbye to me.
On their way to the school bus, two of the K2s kept turning back to wave goodbye.
One of the K2 girls just don’t seem to want to leave till I shoo her off.
The rest of the children who are still around just stood near me.
I waved goodbye, the last goodbye to all my angels...
Goodbye my angels in HT schoolhouse~~~
Recently managed to get hold of our school’s Concert cum Gradation Ceremony DVD so watched it couple of times.
After that, I cant help but just to blog about my angels again.
They simply rock~~~~~
K2, the graduating class
They were like the “main stars” that night - as that’s their graduation day as well.
They were involved in sooooo many segments, much expectations were required of them.
All of them were required to memorize their individual Chinese & English speech, their Chinese poem, their English poem/song, the procedures for their graduation ceremony, their Chinese dance steps, their English dance steps, the finale song, their different position/formation for the different segments and for few of them even got to memorize lines/steps for their Speech & Drama item.
K1
Compared to K2, they were given much lesser time to learn/practice their dance but yet their performance were excellent! They really blew my mind off!
Never underestimate children! =)
And for K1 English dance, I really want to thank God - time was running out and I was still struggling to find the right song for the theme, World Around Us. And when I finally found one, I totally have no ideas how to come out with the steps but amazingly within a few days of brain-squeezing, I came out with the steps. At the end of the day, the song fitted perfectly to the theme. And then with the props/costumes-getting etc, everything turned out well.
Despite of the little time given to them…
Despite of the little full-rehearsals at the exact venue…
Despite of the little confidence/experience they had…
ALL OF THEM DID IT! Just totally amazed by them! =)
Though was prepared but didn’t expect AAA and BBB to be that so realistic.
When CCC needed help, despite how “difficult” it may be, I will be available and agreed to it…
When DDD asked for something, I will be quick to accomplish…
When EEE requested something, despite how “discomforted” I may feel, I still agreed…
Throughout I have never demand anything about FFF from GGG…
All was fine until I passed HHH to III and immediately everything changed - this was taken away and that was not given as promised.
Haiz… just don’t understand why can one be so realistic??And then when for the first time I requested for something, AAA and BBB rejected!!!
*disappointed*
But one thing, I thank God for the grace to "handle" this - that I didn't choose to be angry and bear grudges. This time round I guess the disappointment level is higher which I know I will be able to forget totally about it and move on from here! =)
Few weeks back I went to “shop” for one of my friends’ birthday present.
Actually already know what my friend wanted so when I reached the shopping mall and saw “it“, I was so happy cause I found it without much trouble. Just nice - they left with the final piece as is a popular item so selling fast.
Though beforehand was rather mentally-prepared but still I got a little shock when I saw the price tag … haha … as not sharing with anyone so will be covering the total cost so thought that price may cost a hole in my pocket.
Hmmm… did I get it in the end?
… … … … … Yes! Of course I did! =)
Though I may seldom get to meet up with this birthday friend of mine but this friend of mine definitely has a place in my heart. =) This friend made a difference in my life! That’s is why this friend deserved my best… even it cost a hole in my pocket. Heehee!
I then was reminded about Friend Y… I have learnt “giving gift with excellence” firstly from Friend Y.
Every year @ my birthday, Friend Y will blessed me with not just any gift but gift with quality (in term of $$$ too). I was always be in state-of-shock whenever I opened up present from Friend Y. This friend of mine may not be rich but Friend Y is always willing to spend that $$$ just for me.
We returned the car, hurried back for a short rest before setting for a long walk to The University of Melbourne to support Jane at her graduation. It was a grand ceremony with chancellor, lecturers (all dressed up) others. Though there were many graduands but the ceremony was not that long or boring. 
A busy and packed day ended with us searching high and low for our dinner cum supper as the shops in Melbourne close pretty early. We eventually settled down with sandwiches from Subway and Korean cup noodles.
One of the challenges throughout this entire day tour was THE WEATHER! It was sooooooo hot where we constantly had to do the “Aussie Waves” aka shooing the flies. Another would be climbing 200 steps down and 200 steps up for the view of Mackenzie Falls - problem not on the legs actually but it was the air that made us hard to breathe.
Unlike many others who was soundly asleep throughout the ENTIRE or even half of the journey, I was enjoying myself looking out of the window for the beautiful scenery (the cloud especially) and of course enjoying the fast roller-car ride. Haha! I only went into dreamland on our way back to the city.
Our long day ended with a delicious Korean cuisine and followed by the delicious ice-cream (it was long queue when we went there) for dessert, our last night @ Melbourne so definitely must have another taste on the delicious ice-cream.
We left Melbourne to Singapore in the evening. 
