The Great Outback...

Was in Perth, Western Australia for an Adventure Course about 1 week ago. The trip itself was quite eventful with a handful of first times:

1) Frist time I venture on a trip alone without any family members in tow.
2) First time I left babies at home since they were born.
3) First time I went on an overseas adventure trip.
4) First time I had to cook for 27 people.
5) First time I had to wear 4 layers of clothings in summer.
6) First time I went into a REAL cave and spent almost 2 hours in there.
7) First time I had to walk down a path in total darkness.
8) First time I rock-climbed and abseil from a 46m high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.
9) First time I shared my ups and downs with strangers.
10) First time I kayak in the waters of the Indian Ocean.

The list is not exhaustive...

But one thing I am sure was that I totally enjoyed this course. Despite the fact that I was not "allowed" to use my mobile phone, there was much camaraderie amongst the participants. Initially, I was very uptight over the fact that I could not hold on to my phone because Kaden was not in the best of health. I wanted to be in the know in case any situation crops up. I am not sure how the management saw my appeal as. But like I had mentioned to them, I was doing what I did out of love for my family. I definitely do not want to be politically involved in the struggles or whatever you may call those.

We spent most of the time in the "jungles" and nature reserves over at Margaret River. What we saw were trees and plants and more of them as the days passes. We even had the chance to spend one night out pitching tents along a coastline and listen to the roaring waves lullabying us to sleep. Food was not a problem. we had fresh rations everyday. All the participants took turns to help cook or wash and it was like a big family event. So despite the fact that we were away from home, we could still savour authentic local chicken rice. Yummy!

Each of us went on the trip with differences. Some positive and some negative. But I guess each of us came back home being more appreciative of each other, our families and of course the local weather.

Tell me your problem...

Was on the way back home when mum called to say dinner has to be packed. Oh yes..it's been so since Kaden has been crawling everywhere..so the kitchen at home is now a sacred place.

So hubby drove to the usual place and just before we turned at a small junction, there was this motorbike hogging the traffic right in front of us. Hubby gave a short honk to indicate that they should move forward a bit to ease the traffic behind. The driver of the motorbike then turned around and "expressed" his unhappiness verbally. Since we were in the car, we could not hear the "expressions".

Just as we were about to move off, the little girl who was about 6 years old (I guessed), at the pillion, turned around and and started expressing herself verbally and physically! She raised her hands, hit the box behind her (those motorbike boxes at the rear) and did it for upteem times. I did not know to laugh or cry. For a little girl of her age, she's already expressing in the same way as that of an adult!

I really wanted to get off the car and ask her " Little girl, tell me your problem please?"

Educating our young

Was out with a fellow mummy in Orchard area when we were approached by some polytechnic students. They were on some charity mission to help the Yellow Ribbon Project. The only message I caught was that they were raising funds for the project and a donation of $10 would be welcomed.

One of them tried to coerce my friend to donate (which she eventually did). But not me. I asked one of the boys why he was in branded attire when they were doing charity work (out of curiosity) cos donors may think that they are some hippies who do not know the real reason for asking for donations. This was his answer:

" I wear branded because I am RICH. Therefore, I do not need to work and hence am here to do charity work."

I almost fainted.

(Anyone who sees this blog, please give your 2 cents worth.I really want to get some feedback on why this youth made such a remark and if it is justifiable to say all youths have such a mindset.)

Megan's Learning at Julia Gabriel's (Part II)

Megan has dropped out of Billingual PlayClub. No no no..not that she refuses to attend but that she can proceed further than her age group of learners.


Megan was transferred to JBLC's Drama Class w.e.f 10 Nov 2007. It was an enjoyable session. From the fact that it was only an hour's session, there was nothing much to lose on concentration. Megan is learning how to write her name on the worksheets provided at the end of the lessons where they are given the papers to draw circles and follow dotted lines. Considering the fact that she loves to doodle with crayons at home, this could not be a better chance for her to show off her colouring talent.

Megan was actually feeling confused over at the PlayClub class becasue there was this other "Megan" in the class who was seeking attention most of the time. Therefore, when "Megan" was asked to quieten down or sit down, our darling Meg would feel confused because she had done nothing wrong but was being called to. As I assured her that it was not her whom the teacher was calling out to, she gave me a silly look that says," Then why is my name always called out by the teacher?" And this expression was accompanied by a frown.

I saw her response and got quite worried...

But all is well now. Megan is happily the only Megan in her present drama class. She still has the habit to speak in Mandarin but her teacher says she is doing well cos she can answer her questions to the point in words of English.

Ahh...hopefully this is a happy environment for her to learn proper English and converse well..I really do not mind her chatty nature now..especially her WHY questions. Really..cos she took after me. Hahahahaha..

Losing it..

Kaden has just lost it.

He lost his toothless grin.

His litttle milk tooth just popped from the lower gum, making him a one tooth baby. So now when he grins and smile or laugh, you see that little white tooth sticking out from his gum. Mum said babies usually grow the upper teeth first but not Kaden. He must be a special baby.

Kaden is learning fast. His favourite stunt is to wail aloud without tears and open his arms wide, like in the movie Titanic. So while he sits in his FisherPrice "HOP & POP" static walker, he'll do that to get mum's attention to be carried and hugged.

Just recently, Kaden was down with bad flu and had to undergo nebulisation 3 times a day at home. I was on leave the whole week just to do that with him. It pains me to see him struggling to get away from the mask and eventually loses energy and fell asleep. It simply reminded me of the good old days where live chickens were slaughtered at wet markets. The emotional pain was unbearable.

That's why when I read about babies being thrown away at rubbish collection centres, it pained me just to think of how the little one battled to stay alive but lost it eventually. It also angered me to think of how these irresponsible parents could have left the helpless one there. No matter how hard up they are, rubbish collection centre is definitely not a place for one to survive. That's why when I was in classroom teaching, I put into dicsussions during sexuality education lessons on whether abstinence is still the best way out. Surprisingly, the students agreed with me. Maybe because I pointed out the facts of abandoned babies, future lost for young parents..real life news.. and the students captured these feelings.

I am glad I have not lost the passion for teaching. It's just that I am still in midst of growing my knowledge bank. We never know, come one fine day, I may just want to end up as a counsellor. That is if I have not lost my faith and passion in teaching and guiding young lives.

Megan's learning at Julia Gabriel's

Megan has just started her Billingual Playgroup class at Julia Gabriel's Learning Centre (JBLC) at Forum Shopping Mall. 21st October was her first of the 5 lessons left.

For a start, there was a vacancy for the sunday afternoon class. I had wanted to put her in a morning class so that she will not feel too tired in the afternoon but JBLC is so popular we had to be put on a waiting list. Hence, I decided to sign her up immediately despite the hours just to get a place.

The 2 hour lesson was interesting. The teachers used music and drama in both english and chinese languages (1 hour each) to teach and there was art and craft lessons as well as snack time and play time. It was a condensed kind of nursery programme. The price is steep but as according to my colleague, it is an average pricing for private learning centres. Whatever the case is, I could see that Megan enjoyed herself very much. As compared to 5 days a week, 2 hours a day nursery classes, this may well be the best arrangement for her. Now she looks forward to her next lesson there. And of course, I am determined to be there with her for every lesson...as of her 45 minutes music class with ocean butterflies on saturdays. Hopefully these exposures will prepare her for the kindergarten classes to come.

JBLC is registered with MOE and has courses for early childhood courses for adults. I find them professional and organized for a start. Will continue to survey on their programmes though. Was thinking of putting Megan through to their kindergarten too. But we still have some years to go.

As for now, Megan shall continue to spend quality time on weekends at lessons and running at parks. Really can't wait for Kaden to be up and about too!

Driving Skills

Was out and about in the past week, driving around in dad's little red jazz. Honestly, having a car is really convenient, not to mention that petrol prices have soared high and above.

Morning traffic and evening traffic conditions are the worst. I really honestly do not like to drive at these times because it can really drive me mad. Just a few days ago, a female driver in a red mazada 3 was zooming on the road taking left and right as though there were no cars around. Hubby was driving and I was shocked when this red "AH LIAN" car zoomed in between ours and a bus in front. Luckily we were moving at a slow speed as we were approaching the traffic junction but she simply squeezed herself into that small space in between. Hubby honked her and when we moved off after, she took on another lane and stared hard at us! I mean, what is the world coming to? If I were driving, I would definitely give her a long long honk till all vehicles stop to look at her and her daring act. Talk about road accidents..but its just a thought. Hee..

I can't remember how many times I have honked at drivers who did not signal and immediately overtake, drivers who changed lanes faster than they swallow their saliva, drivers who cannot stay in their lanes but have to drive on the road with the white divider line right under their cars.

Anyway, was discussing with xf on the different ways drivers use and talk about their car horns. There are quite a few versions: " honk", "por", "beh", "bi", "horn". It can get quite comical when you hear drivers describing one of their most unusual incidents with the usage of such animations. It's really hilarious.

Was just reading in the papers on the issue of blowing the whistle on sex offenders. Section 509, a neutral law on both sexes states that a person who insults the modesty of a woman using any word or gesture could be jailed up to a year or fined. It got me to think that I should memorise this statement in case I were to meet a road bully on the road on day, I can use this to protect myself and clam him/her up.

Haa..just a big silly morning thought.

Potty Training

Time flies...

Kaden is 6 months old and Megan is old enough to be trained on potty.

Just recently, mum and I decided that it is no longer too early for Meg to be trained to use the potty. So we tried to let her go "diaper-less". Initially Meg found the idea fresh and interesting and was soon running around the house without her diapers. However, when she first found her urine dripping out from her shorts, she got a shock! This became an understatement when her poo starts rolling out onto the floor...ermm..okay..no more further details.

Anyway, Meg got a shock of her life as she stood there watching the poo on the floor and was on the verge of crying as she did not know whether she should move an inch. Luckily mum went to her rescue and assured her that she has done nothing wrong but that she needs to tell an adult when she needs the toilet.

The reward would be: 1 sticker for alerting that she wants to pee and 2 stickers for alerting that she wants to poo. But of course, if there are no results, there will be no rewards. Trust mum to be so creative. Haa..

Since this is only the second day, everyone in the house is still waiting for more good news to come. Megan has been trying hard and being very cooperative. I guess she is doing it out of love for Mum. Not so much that she feels sorry for mum having to clean up after her mess but for the fact that she will get to see mum's smile when she does use the potty.

Keep it going Megan, mummy's all the way behind you!

2 issues...Bite ME!!!

My last entry was about procrastination. I have never thought I will be writing about it so soon.

I have been thinking long and hard...have I been procrastinating? Is it me? I came to realise that it is the others who have been, and I have just taken the rap for them.

I wonder why..

Am I stupid or what?

It is not the case, it is just the reality of office politics which I have failed to sense earlier. Office is definitely no heaven, our backs must be watched at all times. One little mistake or missing instructions will cause you to tumble and fall or simply take the rap for the others.

My only outlet and not to think of work is when I get home to see how my babies have grown. No..this is not another mummy talk. But I simply can't keep my smile when I see them. Am already not spending a lot of time with them, only about 3 hours per day. Hence, I promise myself never to bring my work home.

Little Kaden has just learnt to do his tummy roll very well..he is learning to sit upright. Everyday, mum reports to me on the well-being of both the babies. It is so assuring to leave them with her.

Recently at a megamart, I happen to see this maid feeding her employer's baby son. She was feeding him with some biscuits and was using a few of her fingers. As she fed him, she also fed herself. What I felt disgusted was when she started licking her own fingers. worse still, after licking, she continued to feed the baby boy and even pushed her fingers into his mouth!

My my my! I will never employ such a helper. She is more of a hindrance than help. Imagine the germs she would have passed to the child. A child being young would not have that many antibodies, so what's more with such unhygenic feeding process?

Now I totally understand mum's FIRM intention of not having any maid around at home.

Procrastination

PROCRASTINATION
Never leave till tomorrow what you can do today...

I have often come across this poster sold in bookshops and news stands but never did I really work my brains to give it a second thought.

In life, there are plenty of opportunities which present us with the chance to procrastinate. It is whether we succumb to it. And when we succumb, we would have already lost the battle. Not against anybody else but ourselves. Finally, I came to sit down at my work desk and realised that procrastination shall disappear from my dictionary, at least for now, and PRIORITISE shall sit in its place instead.

Work and family are important to me. In the past, I have often procrastinate about doing things for the family. But now that I am at a new working environment, I realised that I can give my family the priority over my work. Not that I am going to be a slacker at work, but that the interests of my family shall be placed above everything else.

The growing years of a baby to a toddler only happens once in a lifetime. I definitely do not want to miss any of their growing milestones. Be it their first tummy roll, their first teething experience, their first immunisation jab and the list goes on.

I am glad I have made an effort in the planning of activities during their growing years. It may be tedious but seeing that they are growing well and happy really takes off all fatigue. Of course, I also thank my babies who chose to keep themselves happy and smiley and of course, their grandma, my mummy, who played a significant role in their well-being.

There's no place I'd rather be..than to be with my family...

It's a Wonderful World !!

It came as a surprise..we wanted to go for the NDP so badly, we sent out all posssible sms-es for the free tickets. At long last, we managed to have 4 precious tickets. One cannot imagine the moment of joy when the tickets were held tightly in the hands of the lucky one.

As we set off in the MRT train in our ever so red t-shirts, Meg was obviously fascinated by the objects surrounding her. Her gestures and purrs of joy were quickly noticed by a family of Indian tourists who videoed and photographed her. I was rather hesistant to have her pictures taken by complete strangers but they looked friendly and harmless so we got Meg to pose for them. Hopefully Meg left them with fond memories of Singapore.

We went through strict security checks before getting our goodie bags. It was not long before we got to the viewing gallery. The seats were much more comfortable than the old benches in the National Stadium and the weather played an important role too. There was no sun, no rain, only thick clouds and whisks of wind.

As we waited for the arrival of the contingents and guests of honour, simulated and non simulated, Meg was already digging into the bags and having a great time with the mini fan, animal hats, clappers and of course her favourite, the sunshine bread.

While Meg was happily dancing to the National Day tunes, a photographer came up to her and started snapping busily from different angles. I was taken aback for a moment for I thought it was another baby fanatic who saw potential in our Megan. But he happened to be an official photographer and Meg was obviously unwavered by such special attention and continued to dance to the tunes, waving the state flag and clappers in her hands.

The parade finally commenced and it was followed by 3D and laser performances. A pity that we could not see the actual layout from where we were sitting but there was the great big screen which showed the performers from all angles. Then there was also the SSO and SCO as well as other local great musicians and a small choir made up by River Valley High School.

The highlight of the event came at 8 pm, where the fireworks burst into the air, creating such a beautiful piece of art. It was exhilarating.

The preview left us tired and hungry but we were all oh so proud to be Singaporeans.

Kaden's First Tummy Roll !!

Day 3 of work was busy, that's why I had no time to write about it. In any case, I sat in a meeting for the first time and was feeling very much like a civil servant. Hahaha..most probably my last designation did not provide such a platform for me to experience.

Had lunch with sis and it was very much enjoyed. Just as we made plans for me to pick her up after work, she received a last minute call from her mother-in-law to savour home cooked dinner at her place. Ah well, first time since I started work that I left before 6. It was suppose to be exercise day. But I did not know about it till yesterday. So, maybe will start next week..that is if hubby gets my running shoes which had been ordered but not delivered for soooo long.

Got a surprise when I got home. Both babies were sleeping. Kaden woke up for a feed and decided to tickle his sesame street playgym mates. he was having much fun till I had this brillant idea to get him to do the tummy roll. As I helped him along, he seemed afraid but after he succeeded, he wanted to do it again and again! The second time he did it, he actually managed to roll himself on his back before trying for another time. He smiled, giggled and laughed so much then. It was the first time I saw him so happy! He has learnt something new and that's what makes him so happy!

Sometimes I wonder if Kaden feels that he has not been given enough attention as a baby like Megan. But then again, as long as he is healthy, happy and loves to play, I guess he will pick up learning very fast.

My philosophy for my children: Learn through Play.

Sinus bother..

I am down with sinus infection again.

Am always bogged by this constant relapse. This time round had to go on oral medication as well as nasal spray. What a way to start anew at work!

Doctor says am prone to this infection by dust, air conditioning and flu. Guess I have all 3 with around me. I never had sinus when I was always outdoors. Since starting to teach and staying in air conditioned place to work, I have been down with this dreaded "disease". Just hope that this new job will enable me to have better lifestyle and slowly build up my health again. Haizz..

Sinus sinus go away,
Dun you ever come again.
Little flu will make you stay,
But an apple will make my day!

My oh My...

This is Day 2 at work..

As usual, it's the computer and me. Air is still as fresh..finally managed to use the msn though of a different interface. (ah..my shifu say cannot teach others where and how and also cannot say who my shifu is..hiak hiak hiak!)

Had to run an errrand today..the kind colleague got me to go along. Ahh..it was in midst of lunch time and we had to go to 3 different places to deliver certificates which were quite urgent. I was also taught how to claim for the distance travelled. But honestly, I rather hail a cab and let the driver do the thinking. All I need to do later will be to produce the receipt to claim. How easy. But the claiming system for private vehicle is not difficult too. Even a 3 year old can do it..serious!

Am beginning to think that my poor kind colleague is being left alone by the others for certain reasons which I do not know of. He is the most experienced and going to retire soon..perhaps that's part of the reason?

Ah-hem..I am definitely not into any cliques for now..not ready yet cos not familiar with people and environment. Like shifu says, do not speak ill of your co-workers. It's sinful! Yeah yeah yeah..I know that. I kind of miss the old chinatown..no secrets, no cliques, no grudges. But it may be too early to condemn any place anyone. So am keeping my eyes wide open and ears glued back!

Today is also the first day I experience dad's job as a "chauffeur". Not too bad but rather stressful because the morning traffic can be quite challenging. As long as I am not late for work and everyone is happy, I am happy. But then hor, my car poolers, please try to wake up earlier hor..hehehe

Just Kaden...

Kaden has been a loud hailer and a TV addict. Oh, he's more and more attached to electronics nowadays. Wonder what he'll be when he grows up..hmm...

Kaden loves to watch TV. He watches National Geographic, Discovery, Kids Central, Boomerang and best of all, he loved the Food channels. There was once we caught him pressing his lips together and drooling as he watched in amazement how the smelly toufu was cooked. Quite a special appetite for a baby I should say.

On days when TV is off, Kaden will either sleep or sit on his rocker and stare into the little bit of blue sky outside the window...hmm..does he sound like a poor thing? Recently, we bought him a playgym on Sesame Street characters by Fisherprice. No doubt this is by far still my favourite brand for kiddies toys. Kaden would try his best to hit at Elmo or Big Bird and grab the rattling ball on his left while he kicks the rattling shapes on his right. He will even talk to them with his "uh..ah..uh..hu". Guess that's how babies are!

Megan loved the playgym too but she was too old to be playing with it. To be fair, we gave Megan her share of toys to play with. It was Playdoh. Now she spends time imagining what those dough are and creates new special receipes for the family. One other thing we noted was that Playdoh is made of wheat and is safe for toddlers if consumed accidentally.

Ah..so much about the kids, hubby is outstationed again..wonder if I really have to become supermum in time to come. Hmmm...

First Day @ Work...

Woo-hoo..

First day at work..what can I expect? New colleagues, new desk, new boss..hahaha..even the air fresherner smells new!

It has been a great morning. I came into office 10 minutes before official time and was showed around by a friendly and experienced colleague. He even treated me to kopi at the prata shop opposite office. As I did not have access to any internal systems, I did quite a bit of packing to my new found space.

I can't help but comment on this space. Look, I may sound a bit sua-ku here but after being cooped in a 5 by 4 desk for 5 years, this new found space is really something enough to thrill me for the week! Even as I was clearing the stuff left behind by the temp staff, I couldn't help but smile to myself..."What is all these compared to the lot I packed from my 5 by 4?"

Lunch was at Toa Payoh. As my boss and other colleagues were out for meetings and such, the kind colleague who orientated me in the morning invited me for lunch. He's really a kind soul, even treated me to an orange after lunch. Ah well, he's one health conscious soul.

I was lucky I brought along my Lisa Ekdahl CD. It made me feel not so lonly in this so empty office. As I am writing my blog, my colleague, the kind soul trottered out for an important meeting and was telling me, " It's the whole office to you now!" Haaa...

The day has not ended. Am looking into some work as instructed by my boss. She has been kind enough to give clear instructions, which I am very very grateful for.

Honestly, I am not totally aware of what I want for now. It's not the money that matters. I just want to do something close to my heart. For my parents, my children and my husband, I hope this is a right decision.

Believe it or not..

Having written in friendster's blog for 2 years, I thought it was time to move on.

Now that I am moving on to another area of work, it could be a good start. I am neither afraid nor am I confident. It is complicated. I only know that this is an area of work where I am familiar with and have a passion for.

I never thought I will be missed but I was. Some of the concerns were genuine while some were simply out of convenience. Nevertheless, I had painstakingly made an impact in the lives of these well-wishers. I will remember them and I hope they will remember me too.

In the past, I never believed that co-workers can be your best friends. But there they are, the special angels who changed my mindset. They will be dearly missed.

It is never easy to find true friends. I am lucky to have found them. All genuine and true.

In this new blog, I shall religiously update my life and work...just for those whom I dearly miss and who cares for me.

This I promise.