So much has happened since my last blog that it is hard to actually remember them all but in a gist...
1. My dog died. 
Happy Chng has been a part of the family since 1994 and when it was time for her to go to heaven, we all wept. Despite her fiesty nature(grrr....) and protective demeanor(BITE ALL strangers!Apologize later!), we all loved her deeply. We are gonna miss coming home to her smiley face and waggy tail and begging hands to be carried like a baby and tummy-rubbed.
Old age is not pretty to watch, even on dogs. It was heart-breaking for my parents to watch their beloved dog slowly degenerate with each passing day, going blind, then deaf, and then most cruelly, being invaded by extraterrestial tumors that eventually led to her death. 
Fast forward... Before, I was adamant on getting a puppy for my family so that my kid(s) can enjoy the same loyal affection I have had with Happy. But when I burst abruptly into tears the minute I knew my dog had died some continents away and I wasn't even there to say goodbye, I felt a little piece of my heart break off and I knew that I can't subject my kid(s) to such future reality(and cruelty) when the time comes for the dog to go to heaven too. Actually, I almost howled via Skype with my parents.
I am sure the kid(s) would be deeply scarred for life if their beloved pet dies when they are only 10 or 12 and could scarcely grasp the concept of life and death. To spare Emmanuel and I the cost of future therapy sessions for the kids to deal with their grief, I guess I made the inevitable decision to stick to just having plants. And to enforce my decision, we even went as far as to get artificial plants.
2. A new "ME-DO" after eons...
I can't remember when was the last time I ever sported short hair but I finally chopped off my long locks! I didn't have an exact idea of how short or what style I wanted it to be but I kinda blind-trusted the hairdresser and he gave me this.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Surprisingly, the long locks he left me was kinda comforting to me as if I still had my long hair(even tho' I felt like some kind of showy bird like a... peacock?) and I had no regrets.
Hopefully, I dun have to vacuum the floor as much now that my hair is shorter...keke... ;p
3. Embracing the COLD....Brrr....
Oh yeah! It will be -28celsius this week and we have been told to bundle up REAL well cos who knows if the wind is howling as well and it might add another 10-20 celsius to that scary number!
We're adapting real well and lil' Theoden is a real survivor. Bravo!
We also learned that Quebecois bring their own shoes to change into from their chunky snow boots, be it shopping in the mall(you can deposit your coats and snow boots at the service counter for free!), going to the clubs or visiting a friend's house. Cool.
4. My son turns ONE.
It's hard to remember what life was like before the arrival of Theoden. We wake up everyday jumping out of bed and can't wait to greet our cheerful and happy baby boy and see his smile light up the rest of our day. Every little new action he makes, every cheeky look, every twinkle in his eyes...it simply makes our hearts melt...
Watching him grow each day is the highlight of my life and it's kinda like being immersed in a really good book, you just can't wait to turn each page and find out how the plot is going to unfold. I'm that impatient to see my son grow up but at the same time, I want every second to linger longer cos I want to enjoy every minute I have with him.
Now that he is finally 1yo and officially a toddler, I am beginning to miss the baby I had... the irresistible tiny toes, the humongous baby belly after a feeding, the uninhibited midnight fartings from his crib like an old man having indigestion, the helplessness(it is "twisted" but it's nice to feel needed by someone), the immobility then(compared to the monster who touches every bright button and opens every drawer now) and his overall tinyness.
At 5 months old:
5. Learning French
Just became a student today after a long hiatus and it feels weird to be surrounded by so many young people! I had to do a grading test so that they know where to place me among the foreign students learning French and guess what?!?! I think I am the MOST beginner student there in the whole lot!
Everyone had some high school French before or at least 2-5 years of French and I simply dunno how I ended up in the class!?! Maybe that is the most beginner class they have...? All I know is...I will drown before I learn to swim.
Wish me luck. 3more months to go.
Un, deux, trois!!!
Bonne chance!!!!
Garlic roasted pork tenderloin with raspberry glaze and lemon couscous with plump raisins. 
Departing from the US, I am SO glad to find that they have their own coffee joints here, which are WAY much BETTER than Starbucks! I especially love this Mocha Framboise(raspberry) from Cafe Depot which is my "Go-to-coffee" whenever I hit the malls. The dark chocolate flakes that melt on the frothy milk are always a delight for me. Second Cup also makes the best tasting Vanilla Latte on this planet. My other "Go-To-Coffee" as well! =)
