DAVID COPPERFIELD

I have been glued to the TV for the past 4 Monday nites from 10pm to 11pm. Tonight, it is the last episode of David Cooperfield, what a sweet ending.

Arts Central has been playing David Copperfield since 09th July. Oh, silly hubby was asking me what's so special of David Copperfield who specialises in making disappearance of buildings and "things". When I explained further, he said he has no idea who 'Charles Chicken' was, so bad of him.

Sorry, this Copperfield that attracts me is not that Copperfield. This is a novel by one of my favourite author - Charles Dickens. During my childhood years, reading was my best companion. I could still remember the first book which I read was the biography of Beethoven, haha, amazingly at this age can still recall that.

Well, have read a couple of Dicken's works - A Christmas Carol, Hard Time, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, Little Doritt and of course the most famous The Adventures of Oliver Twist. I think there are over a dozen short stories, plays and some nonfictions, some of the titles were long forgotten. To me, Oliver Twist was the most unforgetable, I recalled watching a movie on it too.

Another great poet and writer is non other than William Shakespear. Got to know this great writer when we studied literature in our secondary days. Think the book we studied was "The Twelve Night", a comedy it was.

Other English master include : Jane Austen whose works include Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility (or Sensibility & Sense) , poems by HG Wells and George Eliot and other forgotten writers.

Think the most famous children writer must be Enid Blyton. Who has not read her books ? Children during my time loved her and I was a great fan of "The Naughties Girls ...", "FAmous Five", "Amelia Stories", "Black dolly golli ... something something", "Secret Seven" etc etc. The stories evolved elves, fairies, tea parties, girls in boarding schools ... so imaginative. Till these days, even my niece - Jennifer reads her books.

Well, during our secondary days, we would read Agatha Christie's detectives stories - was it Mr hercule (& Ms xxx) ???

The story of "Little Women" was another amazing one. I think this was the work of an American author - her name ?? The story was about 4 sisters, together they shared joy and sadness. It was made into cartoon and was very popular during my time. Another popular story book called "Daddy Long Legs" was the work of an American too.

Oh yes, how can any girl during my time forget about Candy Candy. It was a beautifully drawn comic / cartoon. I remembered owning sets and sets of Candy Candy stationery including pencil case, colour pencils, files, stickers, water bottle, eraser etc etc. It was the dream of every girl to own Candy Candy's stuff. The author is a Japanese lady who was in Taiwan sometime last year promoting her works.

I wish I can get hold a copy of the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling - one of the most powerful celebrites. Her Harry Potter work has indeed made her one of the richest women in the world.

Well, so much so on my beloved authors. Will try to re-read some of the books mentioned here one of these days (when ?)

FUNNY RYAN

Ryan has always been a jovial and resourceful little boy. His little mind contains so many funny ideas which you just could not believe it and couldn't help laughing aloud.

On this particular Sunday afternoon, he directed a little act and wanted it to be captured. He would request his photographer (that's me) to take certain shots of him.

So here it is, the get ready shot for swimming lesson.

APPLES OF THE EYES

These 3 'mouse-kee-teers' are the apples of Grandpa and Grandma.

Jennifer and Matthew and their family will be leaving for Texas sometime July 2007. Grandpa and Grandma have been busy catching up with them. Quality time are spent with these darlings and of course how can Ryan be omitted. These 3 kids simply love each other's company. They can play X-Box, board games, masak masak for the whole day. Think Jennifer can be a successful hawker aunty when she grows up as she loves selling food and drinks to the 2 boys. The boys will engage themselves in computer games and toy figurings and imagine themselves in some war scenes. Sometimes, Ryan will play them a tune and our 2 great audience will give him the fullest support. Occassionally they are made to read story to their strict aunty and they faithfully do so.

No matter how mischievous, noisy and messy they are, their great fans - Grandpa & Grandma will love them always. Our dear grandparents are so proud of their beautiful and diligent angels.

Jennifer & Matthew, take good care of yourselves and your little brother. Your Yeye & Nainai & Gugu & Guzhang, Ryan & Ron will miss you alot.

See you guys !!

RYAN & HIS COUSINS

RYAN'S ACTIVITIES (4)

RYAN'S ACTIVITIES (3)

GST HIKE - DOUBLE DEAL

The Straits Time of today did 2 articles while inspired me to pen the following

1st article : GST HIKE.

A lady was quoted "Happines is beating the GST hike ...with my $14,000 ring". Indeed, that's happiness in another's eyes.

Well, I was trying to beat the GST too. Some last minute shopping was made yesterday at Robinson. Haha, shopping for my must-have skin care products. Well, these items have been categorised as my current asset (inventory) and quarterly stock-take and replenishment is required. As they are necessities how can I possbily give up the chance to beat the hike. I felt so satisfied after getting the great deal.

To double the great deal, I met my long lost secondary school classmate - Seeto, our class monitor of Sec. 4, while q-ing at the cashier. I supposed he was doing some purchases for his wife as we were at Robinson's beauty hall.

Our monitor is married with 2 kids now. I have gotten his contact numbers and we had a brief update (hello old boys & girls we can include this long lost classmate of ours in our gathering list). This relate to the 2nd artilce in the ST : SPICE MUMS. I suppose that's life, all of us will undergo different stages of life.

RYAN & FRIENDS (2)

Ryan has a little friend by the name of Xermus who is 6 years old and he stays at our estate. The boys also attend the same abacus class on every Saturday evening. Both boys simply love each other's presence and Xermus has even made arrangement with Ryan's 'manager' to meet up at the playground during the weekends. He says that IF we couldn't locate him at the playground, we should go home instead. We should not waste time looking for him. Such eloquence for a 6-year-old is rare. He really has his unique style. Look at him in the photos, always ready to give me his best post.

The boys had a great time this evening. One was riding his bicycle while the other was doing roller blading. When Ryan fell while roller blading, Xermus was there helping him. When Xermus wanted to have a taste of roller blading, Ryan was ready to share his gear with his friend. Look, one simply laid on the slide while the other put on the gear.

So heart warming!! They are just like a pair of brothers, taking care of each other and enjoying each other's company.