Rainbow

One of the games I'm doing for Aricia is rainbow. Teaching her the colours of the rainbow as well as let her put the colour accordingly (using velcro).

All I wanted was a picture of a nice rainbow. And you know the moment you key in 'rainbow' on the search engine, everything came out.

I knew the colours of the rainbow - eh... I thought I did. But I got it a little wrong. I remember singing it to this song "red and yellow and pink and blue, purple and orange and green...." So everytime Athena asks me about rainbow I told her the colours but yet whisper the "pink" part, I don't remember seeing pink?!? But you know the mother gotta act like she knows everything right?? Macam act so confident but in actual fact quite doubtful about it myself.

What I found out in the Yahoo Answers is that the children in the US are taught this mnemonic :
Roy G. Biv for memorizing the traditional optical spectrum:

Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo
Violet

Were we taught this??

Something interesting emphasised by the writer :
The colors are arranged in the order of decreasing wavelengths, with red being about 700 nanometers and violet being about 400 nm.

In truth, since the spectrum is a continuum, the selecting or omitting of individual colors in a list of representative colors is arbitrary. The traditional inclusion of the color indigo is attributed to Isaac Newton, who wanted the number of colors in his spectrum to come out to seven to match the number of days in the week, the number of notes in the musical scale, and the number of known planets.[1][2] He originally (1672) named only five primary colors: red, yellow, green, blue and violet; only later did he introduce orange and indigo[3]. The Munsell color system, the first formal color notation system (1905), also uses only five primaries: red, yellow, green, blue and purple.

Another link, click here

Any myths about the rainbow?? I dunno, we've all heard about the pot of gold (obviously I haven't found it. If not I'll be jetting first class around the world now).

I found this on the internet :
In Irish, legend Leprechauns bury pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, but since a rainbow can only be seen at a distance, the gold is forever illusive. In Greek and Roman mythology, Iris the goddess of the rainbow was one of the messengers of the gods. A rainbow is a bridge used by soul boats in Indonesia. The Arabs and the Bantu people of Africa believe the rainbow to be a divine bow for firing arrows. In Christian tradition, the rainbow represents the throne of Christ.

With so much myth and legend associated with a rainbow, it was fitting that a rainbow should illuminate the sky for the people outside Newgrange while the fortunate few inside were experiencing the illumination of the chamber.

Mom said "it's good news when you spot it", I dunno how true is this statement since you can quite easily spot rainbows. In actual fact, I hardly see one. Even at the Niagara Falls, I wasn't that lucky to see a rainbow there. Brother and SIL were so lucky to have it caught on photo, I would have photoshopped my own photos and bluff everyone.Haha!
When only hubby and me did see one on our way out of Yosemite National Park at a small waterfall, mom commented "You two saw it, there's good news for the two of you." Coincident or not? I was already pregnant at that time (of course I wasn't aware of it)

Whatever myths out there, won't you agree with me that seeing it somehow cheers up your day? I would appreciate seeing one soon amidst my mad rush everyday. Meanwhile, this is something for you!
I hope you'll see a rainbow in your heart everyday

I'm still here

After a short hiatus from writing, decided to write in just in case everyone thought whatever had happened to me. Well, I guess nobody missed me or my boring entries in the first place.

A quick update.

Had been busy with the flashcards. Well, good news is now I've found those hard papers, so I can simply print it and presto! flashcards all ready. It used to be 2-3 steps, print cut and paste on cardboard and then laminate. Now, I can't be bothered to laminate.
Still, you need time to scan the pictures into JPEG and then print from there, it's much uniformed in size.
I was rather happy that I could finish quite alot of the LM cards, until sensei was saying it's best to have the big cards to flash as well. Argh! There's like 37 or 38 sets, each has approximate 100 pictures... you say die or not? Good thing that hubby's out of town again (after a really short transit), so I can do it in my room.

I think I can actually finish it, coz' these days I've asked KZ to help me care for Aricia. While I'll only bathe, play with her and give her her lessons. Not much time still, worst still! Athena had to come down with runny nose. No school for her! More headache!!

Target : finish all the bigger flashcards and a few more smaller ones by next week?? Provided no interruption from the children - which is unlikely in the case of my two (one whiny, one naughty) very reliant girls. DOM and more chicken essence.

By then, I'll only need to print the rests of the flashcards out - those I've been preparing. Still got more topics to cover but do it slowly liao lah! After I die, no need to flash cards to my children.

KIV :
1. Need to complete the rests of the * gasp * 30 over books for Japanese translation, print and paste in the books
2. Need to prepare Day 45-56 of the 65 Day Math programme into powerpoint. Burn it into disc. Need it for our trip
3. Try to do songs into flashcards - English and Japanese
4. DIY games for ESP, Image memory etc....
Hopefully by then I can "dong" the flashcards and games awhile. (told you ... I put myself in shit just coz' of the class)

Meanwhile, gotta :
1) remember to burn the children's photos into disc. Problem is, my laptop don't seem to have the burner ( I think so...) so gotta transfer files by USB flash memory and then copy over. Blah blah blah... all the steps will kill me.
2) burn some backup files into disc too, just incase the laptop decided to die on me - coz' I overwork it. I've got too many important things inside.
3) haven't even updated a proper blog entry for the children. Alot of funny things happened but....

Alpha wave music- what??

Honestly speaking, I had no idea that music has got dunno what different wave wave. I thought music is just music, you listen to what you like. But perhaps....if I use myself as an example, perhaps it tells you what the person lack. In my case, I'm probably always so hurried about in my work and life that I love to listen to classical, new age, instrumental. And when I'm very uppy and about, I go for Jazz, when I'm lagi more active - I go for vocal songs by Jim Brickman, Michael Buble, Vittorio. When I'm adventurous, I go for cuban music. I haven't hit the heavy metal part, I dunno where I will be then?

Okay, where shall I start from?
Once upon a time......

Let's just study about the brain waves first.

Brain waves are rhythmic pulsations of low voltage electrical current passing from one part of the brain to another.
There are four main types of brain waves: Beta (13-30 Hz), Alpha (8-12 Hz), Theta (4-8 Hz) and Delta (0.5-4 Hz).


Alpha brain wave
Alpha brain waves are associated with creativity, calmness, insight and centered energy. They occur at frequencies around 10 cycles per second (Hertz, Hz). They range from 8 to 13 Hz.
They are associated with closing of one's eyes. Alpha waves are associated with calmness and relaxation. Interestingly, when we pray, or when we meditate, we tend to close their eyes. Perhaps we are unwittingly trying to get ourselves into alpha states. People in alpha states are awake but relaxed.
Alpha brain wave indicates relaxation and meditation. It is a state of relaxed alertness good for inspiration, learning facts fast.

Distribution: regional, usually involves entire lobe; strong occipital w/eyes closed
Subjective feeling states: relaxed, not agitated, but not drowsy; tranquil, conscious
Associated tasks & behaviors: meditation, no action
Physiological correlates: relaxed, healing
Effects of Training: can produce relaxation
Sub band low alpha: 8-10: inner-awareness of self, mind/body integration, balance
Sub band high alpha: 10-12: centering, healing, mind/body connection

Beta brain wave
Beta brain wave indicates that your conscious mind is in control. It indicates a mental state of logical thought, analysis, and action. You are alert and awake talking, speaking, doing, solving problems, etc. Theta brain wave indicates deep meditation. This is associated with life-like imagination and is best for suggestibility and inspiration. This brain wave is dominant in children of age 2 to 5.
The beta band has a relatively large range, and has been divided into low, midrange and high.

Low Beta (12-15 Hz), formerly "SMR":

Distribution: localized by side and by lobe (frontal, occipital, etc)
Subjective feeling states: relaxed yet focused, integrated
Associated tasks & behaviors: low SMR can reflect "ADD", lack of focused attention
Physiological correlates: is inhibited by motion; restraining body may increase SMR
Effects of Training: increasing SMR can produce relaxed focus, improved attentive abilities,

Midrange Beta (15-18 Hz)

Distribution: localized, over various areas. May be focused on one electrode.
Subjective feeling states: thinking, aware of self & surroundings
Associated tasks & behaviors: mental activity
Physiological correlates: alert, active, but not agitated
Effects of Training: can increase mental ability, focus, alertness, IQ

High Beta (above 18 Hz):

Distribution: localized, may be very focused.
Subjective feeling states: alertness, agitation
Associated tasks & behaviors: mental activity, e.g. math, planning, etc.
Physiological correlates: general activation of mind & body functions.
Effects of Training: can induce alertness, but may also produce agitation, etc.

Gamma (above 36 Hz)

Gamma is measured between 36 – 44 (Hz) and is the only frequency group found in every part of the brain. When the brain needs to simultaneously process information from different areas, its hypothesized that the 40Hz activity consolidates the required areas for simultaneous processing. A good memory is associated with well-regulated and efficient 40Hz activity, whereas a 40Hz deficiency creates learning disabilities.

Gamma (40 Hz):

Distribution: very localized
Subjective feeling states: thinking; integrated thoughts
Associated tasks & behaviors: high-level information processing, "binding"
Physiological correlates: associated with information-rich task processing
Effects of Training: not known

Delta brain wave
Delta is the slowest of all four brain wave frequencies. Most commonly associated with deep sleep, certain frequencies in the Delta range also trigger the release of Human Growth Hormone so beneficial for healing and regeneration. This is why sleep - deep restorative sleep - the kind that Delta frequencies help induce is so essential to the healing process.

Delta is the brain wave signal of the subconscious, the seat from which intuition arises. That means Delta-based programs are not only an ideal choice for their sleep and deep regeneration potential, but also when you want to access your unconscious activity and help that wellspring of information flow to your conscious mind for clearing and for empowerment. Delta waves range between 0-4 HZ.

Delta (0.1-3 Hz):Distribution: generally broad or diffused may be bilateral, widespread
Subjective feeling states: deep, dreamless sleep, non-REM sleep, trance, unconscious
Associated tasks & behaviors: lethargic, not moving, not attentive
Physiological correlates: not moving, low-level of arousal
Effects of training: can induce drowsiness, trance, deeply relaxed states

Theta brain wave

Theta activity has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz and is classed as "slow" activity. It is seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for memories, emotions, sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. It reflects the state between wakefulness and sleep. Relates to subconscious.

It is abnormal in awake adults but is perfectly normal in children up to 13 years old. It is also normal during sleep. Theta is believed to reflect activity from the limbic system and hippocampal regions. Theta is observed in anxiety, behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition.

When the theta rhythm appears to function normally it mediates and/or promotes adaptive, complex behaviors such as learning and memory. Under unusual emotional circumstances, such as stress or disease states, there may be an imbalance of three major transmitter systems, which results in aberrant behavior.

Distribution: usually regional, may involve many lobes, can be lateralized or diffuse;
Subjective feeling states: intuitive, creative, recall, fantasy, imagery, creative, dreamlike, switching thoughts, drowsy; "oneness", "knowing"
Associated tasks & behaviors: creative, intuitive; but may also be distracted, unfocused
Physiological correlates: healing, integration of mind/body
Effects of Training: if enhanced, can induce drifting, trance-like state. If suppressed, can improve concentration, ability to focus attention

Oy! Scientist & researchers, can you all make life easier for us? Stop giving us bombastic names!!

So what exactly is Alpha wave music?

Music with a relaxed and positive aura, an emotional mix of Jazz, Pop and Soul with a touch of New Age. Also known in the USA as "Smooth Jazz" or "NAC", WAVE MUSIC combines soft, melodic sounds with cool, urban grooves – ideal for dreaming and relaxing.

What does it do?

"Alpha Wave Relaxation" is the process of calming the senses, centering the body and adjusting the thought waves to an alpha wave frequency in order to access the creative universe of the mind. It is a vital preparatory step to right brain learning because once the mind is in an alpha wave state, it can actively work with all the images stored in the vast chambers of the subconscious mind....Learning to relax has so many benefits; it increases love, it calms the senses and heals the body, and it helps you access the images stored in your memory."

So, I've been listening and enjoying alpha wave music all these while. It certainly didn't help me to "access the images store in my memory" coz' it relaxes me and puts me to sleep Zzzzzzzz......

Different views *re-edited*

And so the conclusion is :
Met Si Xian's mummy yesterday (again), it's very rare we'll bump into each other coz' she's a busy mom. And she'll be taking care of the two kids for one week as her mother (the carer) is on holiday. Only her first day she claimed and she cannot take it already "ai yah it's better to go out and work, not so tiring. I can't manage with 2."
Now Jenny told me she feels like quitting, she's too tired with the travelling around and busy work schedule. (actually she's one very good mummy. Altho' her 2 girls are at her mom's place in Pasir Ris, she makes an effort to bring them for their ballet and music classes from her workplace & home in west. She makes an effort to be there for them. If I were her, I would have surrendered long time ago.) Well what's my final conclusion?? The pasture is always greener on the other side. How to be a tai-tai when there's not many rich men around in Singapore?? Be somebody's mistress??

Shichida
Asked Hiroe if she did let her 2 girls attend Shichida, I thought Japanese will be loyal to their country, people, brand?? And Hiroe would send her kiddos..but no.
Different people, be it Japanese or whatever skin colour, have different views. She shook her head and said "no", her body language showed me that she's not a believer in this." But she did explain that it's popular but not as popular as it is over here. "Japanese mothers are not so...." I completed the sentence for her "as kiasu as Singaporean mothers?" "Yes"
In my mind, I thought about the number of news we read every year how Japanese students pour over their books in preparation for the major exams and how some decided that ending their lives would be better. So which society is more kiasu or should I say death-defying??
Whatever it is, all mothers love their children all the same.
I did tell Hiroe that there is slight change in the method between Japanese and ours. She further explained to me that Shichida can be performed by anyone who's trained and in Japan is done mostly at home, unlike here which is so commercialized. I agreed with her on that view.
Well.. honestly I dunno if it'll work but I'm willing to try. But on the other hand, Athena who hasn't gone through Shichida has done well with the practices I did with her now. So what had helped her? In the end, too much $$ spent

Inborn genius? Yes, my daughter is a genius like all babies are - just that I had tapped on it when she was a baby. I didn't realise that all the foreign music CDs I had been playing for her; the games that I selected for her; the things that I did with her were tapping on her right brain. Oh no.. I am no Dr Shichida and I had no inking idea what it's all about except for flashcards at that time, and I thought it was the same 'wordy' flashcards likes GD style. There is a discussion between me and a piano teacher in a forum that music helps - she mentioned about Mozart Effect. I did have a few CDs. And my children were listening to it when they're inside tummy. Infact they listened to loads of it, helps too that I like classical music & I love music.
The VCDs & music CDs bought locally or online + games + GD (expensive$$$) flashcards + now preparing some more DIY + looking at some more Shichida stuffs (Jap speaking CDs - siao! I might as well marry a Jap in the first place!!). Oh goash! I I never calculated how much I've spent and still spending. Maybe I should start a home-based school to make up the amount I've spent. Haha!
Sometimes I wonder, why I do so much for them?? They are so smart that they can even argue back with me???

The only thing my Athena lack is confidence. I've been acting like a motivational guru "Athena, say I CAN DO IT."
Athena : I can doowit
Me : I can do it, I can do it. You can do it
Athena : I can doowit...........(looked at me puzzled) mummy do what huh?
Me : *slap own head*
Maybe should send her for motivational groups - more $$ spent.

Flashcard idea

Yay! I've thought of funny ideas to do my flashcards.

Branded bags, shoes, cars, different flashy condos etc...... and the first person I'm going to show?? - An Indian boy in Athena's class. He saw my keypouch and tell me "bor nia.... bor nia...my mummy also have this." I wondered then realised it's Bonia.

I'm going to flash to him "boy! It's LV- Louis Vuitton!! Not Bonia, see the difference??"

P1 admission

The schools :
St Nics - 210 avail
IJ Katong - 240 avail
RGPS - 300 avail

Phase 1 :
St Nics - 73 taken (35%), 137 avail for Phase 2A1
IJ Katong - 45 taken (19%), 195 avail for Phase 2A1
RGPS - 103 taken (34%), 197 avail for Phase 2A1

Phase 2A1 :
St Nics - 36 registered, 101 avail for Phase 2A2 (26% taken)
IJ Katong - 0 registered, 195 avail for Phase 2A2 (o% taken)
RGPS - 16 registered, 181 avail for Phase 2A2 (8.1% taken)

Phase 2A2 :
St Nics - 39 registered, 32 avail for Phase 2B
IJ : 32 registered, 82 avail for Phase 2B
RGPS : 48 registered, 67 avail for Phase 2B

Phase 2B :
St Nics - 50 parents fighting (pull hair, scratch fight) for the 32 available space left.
IJ Katong - 55 registered
RGPS - 59 registered

BALLOTING:
St Nics : 1km

Athena surprised me last Tuesday when I was driving along ECP to her violin class. As usual my eyes will be on the road while she looks around and she'll always scream in excitement when she sees an aeroplane.
And she can tell me it's "Singapore Airlines mummy" while I try to strain my eyes to see if it really has that yellow bird. Then she'll start singing........ singing what you ask right?
Goash! That girl I only sang the SIA Song to her once the week before and she started singing the chorus part "We're Singapore Airlines,.............coz' ....you're a gweat way to fry." (she was struggling with the "we do better everyday and be ...." part.) Almost jam brake in laughter, she sent me laughing and now I think with National Day coming soon, will she start saying "build a dying society" again?

Maybe it's the one time thing when she remembers this song?? Coz' sometimes she can tell you "I dunno mummy, I forgot mummy.."


Move house? Like so easy like that!
She asked me last Tuesday "mummy, why papa don't buy a house here. I go to your school here very near leh!" Actually I do like Marine Parade area too, I hope I can move back to the East one day.

Constellations

I am compiling more topics to prepare flashcards for the 2 of them. Somehow, constellations came into my mind first thing this morning.

Immediately, I saved the word 'constellation' in my mobile phone to remind myself. (I'm really quite forgetful, not useful since now I'm suppose to remember alot of things)

Constellation - it was something that I was curious about. Our world, ahem Earth alone has so many things to learn, not to mention something out of Earth into the galaxy. Constellation, was a topic , I was hoping any Captain or First Officer can impress me on - that's why no one did and I ended up marrying a non-pilot (haha!) Perhaps they didn't know this stewardess was thirsty for more general knowledge or pointing to me where are the brightest stars is better than buying me a 2ct diamond ring.

Anyway, click here to find out more ( I'm pressed for time)

Ps. I must admit that Shichida is going to make me a little smarter - coz' I need to find out more general knowledge informations for my children - but alas! my smartness comes 32 years too late!!

Guide to feeding your baby and toddler

Extracted from babycenter.com

Age-by-age guide to feeding your baby and toddler
Use this guide to find out what and how much to feed your child at every stage of development from birth to age 3. Don't worry if your child eats more or less than the amounts listed, though — they're only meant as rough guidelines.

Age: Birth to 4 months

Feeding behavior • Rooting reflex helps your baby turn toward a nipple to find nourishment

What to feed • Breast milk or formula ONLY

Feeding tip
• Your baby's digestive tract is still developing, which is why solid food is off limits for now.

Age: 4 to 6 months
Signs of readiness for solid food Your baby probably won't do all these things — they're just clues to watch for. • Can hold head up • Sits well in highchair • Makes chewing motions • Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled) • Shows interest in food • Can close mouth around a spoon • Can move food from front to back of mouth • Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue • Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day • Is teething
What to feed • Breast milk or formula, PLUS • Semi-liquid iron-fortified rice cereal, THEN • Other grain cereals like oats or barley	How much per day • Begin with about 1 teaspoon dry rice cereal mixed with 4 to 5 teaspoons breast milk or formula (it'll be very runny). • Gradually thicken consistency and increase to 1 tablespoon dry cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, twice a day.
Feeding tips • If your baby won't eat the cereal on the first try, offer it again in a few days. • Get more detailed tips on how to introduce solids.

Age: 6 to 8 months
Signs of readiness for solid food • Same as 4 to 6 months
What to feed • Breast milk or formula, PLUS • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, oats) • Pureed or strained fruits (banana, pears, applesauce, peaches) • Pureed or strained vegetables (avocado, well-cooked carrots, squash, and sweet potato)	How much per day • 3 to 9 tablespoons cereal, in 2 to 3 feedings • 1 teaspoon fruit, gradually increased to ¼ to ½ cup in 2 to 3 feedings • 1 teaspoon vegetables, gradually increased to ¼ to ½ cup in 2 to 3 feedings
Feeding tips • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic. • Get more detailed tips on how to introduce solids.

Age: 8 to 10 months
Signs of readiness for solid and finger foods • Same as 6 to 8 months, PLUS • Picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp) • Can transfer items from one hand to the other • Puts everything in his mouth • Moves jaw in a chewing motion
What to feed • Breast milk or formula, PLUS • Small amounts of soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese (but no cows' milk until age 1) • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals) • Mashed fruits and vegetables (bananas, peaches, pears, avocados, cooked carrots, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes) • Finger foods (lightly toasted bagels, cut up; small pieces of ripe banana; well-cooked spiral pasta; teething crackers; low-sugar O-shaped cereal) • Small amounts of protein (egg yolk, pureed meats and poultry; tofu; well-cooked and mashed beans with soft skins like lentils, split peas, pintos, black beans) • Non-citrus juice (apple or pear)	How much per day • ¼ to 1/3 cup dairy (or ½ oz. cheese) • ¼ to ½ cup iron-fortified cereal • ¼ to ½ cup fruit • ¼ to ½ cup vegetables • 1/8 to ¼ cup protein foods • 3 to 4 oz. non-citrus juices
Feeding tip • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic.

Age: 10 to 12 months
Signs of readiness for additional solid food • Same as 8 to 10 months, PLUS • Swallows food more easily • Has more teeth • No longer pushes food out with tongue • Is trying to use a spoon
What to feed • Breast milk or formula PLUS • Soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese (but no cows' milk until age 1) • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals) • Fruit cut into cubes or strips, or mashed • Bite-size, soft-cooked vegetables (peas, carrots) • Combo foods (macaroni and cheese, casseroles) • Protein (egg yolk, pureed or finely ground meats and poultry, tofu, well-cooked and mashed beans) • Finger foods (lightly toasted bread or bagels, small pieces of ripe banana, spiral pasta, teething crackers, low-sugar O-shaped cereal) • Non-citrus juice	How much per day • 1/3 cup dairy (or ½ oz. cheese) • ¼ to ½ cup iron-fortified cereal • ¼ to ½ cup fruit • ¼ to ½ cup vegetables • 1/8 to ¼ cup combo foods • 1/8 to ¼ cup protein foods • 3 to 4 oz. non-citrus juices
Feeding tip • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic.

Age: 12 to 18 months
Signs of readiness for self-feeding • Can start to use a spoon himself (though proficiency will take a while!)
What to feed • Whole milk • Other dairy (soft pasteurized cheese, full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese) • Same food as family, mashed or chopped into bite-size pieces • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals) • Other grains (whole wheat bread, pasta, rice) • New fruits: melon, papaya, apricot, grapefruit (citrus is now okay) • New vegetables: broccoli and cauliflower "trees" • Protein (eggs; cut-up or ground meat, poultry, boneless fish; tofu; beans; thinly spread smooth peanut butter) • Citrus and non-citrus juice • Honey is now okay	How much per day • 2 to 3 servings dairy (1 serving = ½ cup milk, ½ to 1 oz. cheese, 1/3 to ½ cup yogurt or cottage cheese) • 4 to 6 servings cereals and other grains (1 serving = ¼ to 1/3 cup cereal, ¼ cup pasta or rice, ¼ to ½ slice bread or bagel) • ¼ to ½ cup fruit • ¼ to ½ cup vegetables • 2 servings protein (1 serving = 2 tablespoons ground or two 1-inch cubes meat, poultry, or fish; 1 egg; ¼ cup tofu or cooked beans; 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter) • 3 to 4 oz. juice
Feeding tips • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your child's not allergic. • Choking hazards are still a danger. Learn more about foods to watch out for.

Age: 18 to 24 months
Feeding skills to look for • Self-feeding • Food phrases like "more" and "all done"
What to feed • Whole milk • Other dairy (natural hard cheese, soft pasteurized cheese, full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, pudding) • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oat, mixed cereals) • Other grains (whole wheat bread and crackers, cut-up bagels, pretzels, rice cakes, ready-to-eat cereals, pasta, rice) • Fruit, cooked, canned or fresh, cut up or sliced (apples, bananas, peaches, strawberries, pears, cherries, grapes, plums, oranges, grapefruit) • Dried fruit, soaked until soft so it won't pose a choking hazard (apples, apricots, peaches, pears, dates, pitted prunes, raisins) • Vegetables, cooked and mashed or diced (carrots, green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, yams, potatoes, peas) • Protein (eggs; cut-up or ground meat, poultry, boneless fish; tofu; beans; smooth peanut butter) • Combo foods like macaroni and cheese, casseroles • Fruit and vegetable juices	How much per day • 2 to 3 servings dairy (1 serving = ½ cup milk; ½ to 1 oz. cheese; 1/3 to ½ cup yogurt or cottage cheese; ¼ cup pudding) • 6 servings grains (1 serving = ¼ to ½ slice bread or bagel; 1 or 2 crackers; ¼ cup pasta or rice; 1/3 to ½ cup cooked or ready-to-eat cereal) • 2 to 3 servings fruit (1 serving = ¼ cup cooked or canned, ½ piece fresh; 1/8 cup dried; ¼ to ½ cup juice) • 2 to 3 servings vegetables (1 serving = 1 to 2 tablespoons) • 2 servings protein (1 serving = 2 tablespoons ground or two 1-inch cubes meat, poultry, or fish; 1 egg; ¼ cup tofu or cooked beans; 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter)
Feeding tips • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your child's not allergic. • Choking hazards are still a danger. Learn more about foods to watch out for.

Age: 24 to 36 months
Feeding skills to look for • Self-feeding • Eagerness to make own food choices
What to feed • Low-fat milk • Other dairy (diced or grated cheese; low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding) • Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals) • Other grains (whole wheat bread and crackers, cut-up bagels, pretzels, rice cakes, ready-to-eat cereal, pasta, rice) • Fruits, sliced fresh or canned • Dried fruit, soaked until soft so it won't pose a choking hazard (apples, apricots, peaches, pears, dates, pitted prunes, raisins) • Vegetables, cooked and cut up • Protein (eggs; cut-up or ground meat, poultry, boneless fish; tofu; beans; smooth peanut butter) • Combo foods like macaroni and cheese, casseroles • Fruit and vegetable juices	How much per day One serving for a child this age is about ¼ the size of an adult serving. • 2 to 3 servings dairy (1 serving = ½ cup milk; ½ to ¾ oz. cheese; ½ cup yogurt; ¼ to ½ cup cottage cheese; ¼ cup pudding) • 6 servings grains (1 serving = ½ slice bread or bagel; 1 or 2 crackers; ¼ to ½ cup pasta or rice; 1/3 to ½ cup cooked or ready-to-eat cereal) • 2 to 3 servings fruit (1 serving = ¼ cup cooked or canned, ½ piece fresh, or ¼ to ½ cup juice) • 2 to 3 servings vegetables (1 serving = 2 to 3 tablespoons) • 2 servings protein (1 serving = 2 tablespoons ground or two 1-inch cubes meat, poultry, or fish; 1 egg; ¼ cup tofu or cooked beans; 1 tablespoon peanut butter)
Feeding tips • Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your child's not allergic. • Choking hazards are still a danger. Learn more about foods to watch out for. • Your child may seem to eat less than before — that's perfectly normal at this stage. If you wonder whether he's getting enough calories, use this guideline: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child get about 40 calories a day for every inch of height.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Let's take our car that goes 'vroom vroom' to watch this Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical, coming to Singapore end of this year.

I might want to go for it, will ask hubby if he wants / or keen to go with me.

Synopsis :
After saving Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the junkman’s fiery furnace, Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke), a somewhat crack-pot, absent-minded inventor, gets the broken-down old racing car roadworthy again and sets off for a day at the seaside with his two children, Jeremy (Adrian Hall) and Jennifer (Heather Ripley).

On the way they pick up Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes), the beautiful daughter of Lord Scrumptious (James Robertson-Justice), who joins the outing.

After a picnic on the beach, Potts, who is something of a daydreamer, begins to tell the youngsters a story about pirates when a tugboat appears on the horizon.

Potts immediately weaves the boat into his story. It is not a tugboat, he says, but the yacht of Baron Bomburst (Gert Frobe), the most evil man in the world who has come all the way to England from Vulgaira to steal Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

No Sooner has he spoken than they realize that the tide has come in, cutting them off from the beach, and that the Baron’s yacht is bearing down on them, canon at the ready.

It is then that they discover that Chitty is a magical car. Suddenly her engine roars into life and she becomes a hovercraft, skimming them across the waves to safety.

But Baron Bomburst is hysterically intent on having the car for himself and sends two spies ashore, who mistake the children’s eccentric Grandpa (Lionel Jeffries) for the inventor, Potts, and summon the Baron’s zeppelin to kidnap him while he is in his privy, which they believe to be his laboratory.

As soonas Potts, Truly, and the children spot the zeppelin gliding overhead trailing Grandpa and the privy beneath it on the end of a rope, they give chase. And once again Chitty comes to their aid with her magical powers. Potts drives the car so fast in pursuit that he is unable to stop when they reach the cliff edge and they plunge over the edge towards the rocks below. But suddenly Chitty sprouts over a pair of wings and a propeller, pulls neatly out of her deathdive and soars across the sky after they airship.

They follow the zeppelin to the Castle if Vulgaria and land Chitty near the local village, where they discover that Baroness Bomburst (Anna Quayle) hates children so much that she has ordered that they all be killed on sight.

The village toymaker hides Jeremy and Jennifer while he and Potts investigate the area, but on their return they learn that Vulgaria’s evil Childcatcher (Robert Helpman) has captured the youngsters and hauled them off to the castle, where Chitty, too, has been chained in captivity.

Determined to rescue the children, Grandpa and the car, Potts, Truly, and Toymaker go to a secret cave beneath the castle where all the village children who have not been caught by the Baroness live like urchins.

Potts tells them of his plan to liberate Vulgaria. First, he and Truly smuggle themselves into the castle as life-size puppets ¯ the birthday gift of the Toymaker to Baron Bomburst. Then, at a given signal, all the children burst into the castle though ventilators and pipes to join the attack. After a running battle, the Baron’s men are defeated; Jeremy, Jennifer, Grandpa and Chitty are freed and, realizing that all is lost, Bomburst and the Baroness try to make their getaway in the zeppelin.

But a prod from Grandpa’s umbrella as they fly by in Chitty punctures the airship, dumping the Baron and Baroness in the lake below.

With a dip of its wings, Chitty sets a course for home, accompanies by cheers and waves from the jubilant people of Vulgaria.

Back in the beach in England, Jeremy and Jennifer sigh with delight. It has, of course, all been one of Potts’ daydreaming tales for the youngsters. But by now he and Truly realize that they are in love and when she agrees to marry him he promises that in the future he will concentrate more on his responsibilities instead of daydreaming so much.

It is fine to have dreams, he says as they drive off. “But, just because you dream something up doesn’t mean it’ll come true.”

And with that, to everyone’s amazement, Chitty slowly rises into the sky and they fly over the hills and away…

Interesting things I've found from the movie:

Song: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Jeremy:
What a funny noise it's making!

Caractacus:
It's talking to us--all engines talk!

Jemima:
What's it saying?
It's saying Chitty chitty, chitty chitty, chitty chitty, chitty chitty,
chitty chitty,
(Bang - Bang)
Bang Bang!
chitty chitty
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Chitty Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Oh you pretty Chitty Bang Bang,
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
We love you.
And, in
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
What we'll do.
Near, far, in our motor car Oh what a happy time we'll spend.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend.
Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Oh you pretty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
We love you.
And, in
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
What we'll do.
Near, far, in our motor car
Oh what a happy time we'll spend.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend.
Your sleek as a thoroughbred.
Your seats are a feather bed.
You'll turn everybody's head today.
We'll glide on our motor trip
With pride in our ownership
The envy of all we survey.
Oh Chitty You Chitty
Pretty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
We love you.
And Chitty, in Chitty
Pretty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang what we'll do.
Near Chitty, far Chitty, in our motor car Oh what a happy time we'll spend.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend.....(hold)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Fine four fendered Chitty Chitty friend.


Song: Doll on a Music Box/Truly Scrumptious


What do you see
You people gazing at me
You see a doll on a music box
That's wound by a key
How can you tell
I'm under a spell
I'm waiting for love's first kiss
You cannot see
How much I long to be free
Turning around on this music box
That's wound by a key
Yearning
Yearning
While
I'm turning around and around
What do you see
(Truly Scrumptious)
You people gazing at me
(you're truly truly scrumptious)
You see a doll on a music box, that's wound by a key
(scrumptious a...)
How can you tell I'm
(whe...)
Under a spell I'm
(...)
Waiting for love's first kiss
(honest truly, your the answer to my wishes)
You cannot see
(Truly Scrumptious)
How much I long to be free
(though I may seem presumptuous)
Turning around on this music box that's wound by a key
(ne..)
Yearning
(my heart beats so unruly)
Yearning
(because I love you truly)
While I'm turning around and around)
(honest, Truly I do)


Song: Chu-Chi Face


You're my little chu-chi face
My coo-chi, coo-chi, woo-chi little chu-chi face
Every time I look at you I sigh
And you're my little teddy bear
My lovey lovey dovey little teddy bear
You're the apfel strudel of mine eye
Your chu-chi woo-chi nose
Your chu-chi woo-chi eyes
They set my heart a flutter
Your ooo-chi coo-chi ways
Your ooo-chi coo-chi gaze
Wilts me down like meltings butter
You're my little chu-chi face
And you're my teddy bear
Together we're a chu-chi woo-chi, ooo-chi coo-chi pair
Whatever you may ask becomes my happy task
I only live to serve you
I never will divine what magic made you mine
I only know I don't deserve you
You're my little chu-chi face
And you're my teddy bear
Together we're a chu-chi woo-chi, ooo-chi coo-chi
Chu-chi, Woo-chi, Ooo-chi, Coo-chi pair
Chu-chi
Woo-chi
Ooo-chi
Coo-chi pair


Song: Toot Sweets


Caractacus:
Don't waste your pucker on some all day sucker
And don't try a toffee or cream
If you seek perfection in sugar confection
Well there's something new on the scene
A mouth full of cheer
A sweet without peer
A musical morsel supreme!
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
The candies you whistle, the whistles you eat.
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
The eatable, tweetable treats!

Truly:
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
The toot of a flute with the flavor of fruit!
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
No longer need candy be mute!

Caractacus:
Don't waste your pucker on some all day sucker

Truly:
and don't try a toffee or cream!
If you seek perfection in sugar confection,

Caractacus:
well, there's something new on the scene:

Truly:
that mouth full of cheer;

Caractacus:
that sweet without peer;

Both:
That musical morsel supreme!
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
A bon-bon to blow on at last has been found
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets,
with tweetable, eatable sound!

Scrumptious:
No--take it away!

Truly:
Father, please! (he takes one)
Toot! Hmm-Hmm. Toot! Laughter from Truly and her father. (He takes a bite)

Caractacus:
He likes it!

Cast:
Hooray!

Caractacus:
Their value is intrinsic,

Truly:
surpass any mint stick

Kids:
Or marshmallow mouthful you munch

Caractacus:
Though licorice is chewy

Truly:
And gum drops are gooey

Kids:
And chocolate is charming to crunch

Caractacus and Truly:
That savory fife,

Women:
that sweet of your life

Kids and factory workers:
It's clearly the best of the bunch.

(Dance break)

All:
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!

Caractacus:
That savory fife

Truly:
That sweet of your life

All:
Is clearly the best of the bunch
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
A bon-bon to blow on at last has been found
Toot Sweets!
Toot Sweets!
The treat that's so tweetable,
lusciously eatable,
with that unbeatable--(break) sound!


Song: You Two
Caractacus:
To me the answer's clear;
it's having someone near; someone dear
Someone to care for; to be there for.
I have You Two!
Someone to do for; muddle through for.
I have You Two!
Someone to share joy or despair with;
whichever betides you.
Life becomes a chore, unless you're living for
someone to tend to be a friend to.
I have You Two!
Someone to strive for, do or die for
I have You Two!
Could be, we three get along so famously,
'cause you two have me, and I have You Two too.

(Breakfast is behind made, then Caractacus sneezes)

Kids:
Someone to care for; to be there for.

Caractacus:
I have You Two!

Kids:
Someone to do for; muddle through for

Caractacus:
I have You Two!
Someone to smile once in awhile with;
whenever you're lonesome
I've a happy lot,
considering what I've got.
But, I couldn't do more
Than you do for your poor Father.

(Kids: Daddy!)

Things go asunder
and I wonder why you bother.
All:
Could be, we three get along so famously
'cause

Kids:
we two have you,

Caractacus:
and I have You Two

All:
too

Quite a few more I found but too tired to post it.

Credits :
zepuka & shaush from youtube.com
allmusicals.com

Yak yak yak

Sourcing for more toys!
Yes, you didn't read wrongly. I must be crazy, she's got so many toys at home and I thought I swear never to buy her anymore things after she drove me crazy and mad..

Athena apparently have solved all the puzzles in her previous almost similar game by Djeco, so now I'm keen in getting this : for her which is said to be for 5-9 or older.

Gymbabes

The Programme
Each 45-minutes session is designed to develop children's physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing through the use of brightly coloured Tumble Tots equipment. This programme also incorporates music and language skills through use of action songs and rhymes.

The Key Objectives
* General Motor skills
* Self confidence
* Self discipline
* Social Awareness

Its Importance
Child psychologists and educators agree that a structured program in movement should be a part of every child's education.

Programme Structures
This programme is progressive in its methods. Recognizing emotional changes and stages of development in a child’s life, each class is structured to cater to different physical skill levels, behavior and emotions of the age groups.

Brought Aricia for her trial session today. It started with circle time where she was so good, coz' it involves music. Then massage time and then it's your own free playtime.
In the end, I decided not to sign her up - wait till around Athena's age (that time) and let her join. I mean, I've been rolling up my blankets and whatever nots to play with her, surely that is equally as good as their equiptment rights? FOC also!


Found a free software
After my failed attempt (coz still using the old floppy disk) to purchase the Suzuki Violin MIDI file (to reduce speed of songs) from Music Essentials, I managed to find out from the staff there what alternatives I have.
1) buy one equipment which costs $1000++. Siao! for one song?? I won't be using once she finishes this song, she must be really stupid if she still needs it for Volume 2.
2) download into computer which costs $50++. She suggested SlowGold which I tried but can't seem to do it.
Good thing is I got a free download of Amazing Slow Downer - to reduce the speed for the time being. Very easy to use for a computer dummy. Thought I can burn but can't... oh well! what to do since it's a free thing.
Ps. Seems like there's another one - SeventhString which I didn't try.

Perhaps this might help me with my DIY preparation for Speed Reading?? Which comes to the topic of "where do I get short storybooks with audio CDs? If I borrow a book and do my own recording, speaking in my 'horrible voice', I think I will sound like 'kena raped' - haha!

Photos

Naughty Aricia kept throwing out the flashcards from this box, that I decided to put her inside.
Ignatius has turned to his tummy. He looked funny at one point, when he kept swaying his body from left to right and back.
20th - see what mum has done to her hair again. Photos of me and my kiddos
21st - at Hougang train station, we found one pair of hands that fit hers snuggly
Being naughty myself, I asked her to look at the wall... she obediently did so. When I got her shot, I told her "you look like a thief lining against the wall."

All rubbish summed up ( be warned : vy vy long)

Si Xian mummy
Had a chat with Si Xian's mummy as we both bumped into each other (after such a long time)

She always look like she's in a rush - even the way she talks. She complains about being very busy & tired. Her younger son (1 month younger than Aricia) is currently being looked after by her mom in Telok Blangah and only home on Fridays. But she has no choice but to work, they can't survive on her husband's salary, and how they are making ends meet (her Baby bonus for 2nd baby has been utilized already by paying Si Xian's school fees)

I guess I am blessed that I have the luxury of not working if compared to her and Athena's other classmates' mothers. Aptly, I can be called a bum! But then again, I told her taking care of kids is tiring, even more tiring than working and how some mothers prefer to work. She don't understand me... infact not only her, everyone else (I had the same thinking too when I was preggie) would think it's easy job.
While I can empathise with her and said "yes, I know what you mean. I used to work at one point..and was still in workclothes at 11pm cleaning the house." I did not elaborate further that I was over exhausted by housework & giving her little lessons, she simply said "no you don't understand." Ehh........I think she wasn't listening to me, I did empathise with her didn't I?

Then I start thinking about the different categories of mothers :

1) Work but have help at home
These people are a bunch of lucky people, they have their own steady income and they don't get stressed by taking care of their own kids. Sometimes, they are some parents who are helpless when they're left alone with their own kids.
They have the help from their helper or someone else to share the burden. Well, there's advantage in staying together with your in-laws or husband's sister (I know of some people) or the helper - depending on how much you can trust to leave your child alone with helper alone.

2) Work but no help at home
Depending on how much help the hubby can help. And it also depends on how fussy or how clean the mother is. I am very obsessed about cleanliness. Clean surfaces everywhere, it was practically eg. I walk to kitchen to put back tablecloth & there's something to do there. Then I clear something from the kitchen top to put in cabinet, noticed cabinet untidy then... continuous work.
No doubt, I was very naggy. eg. there I was trying to quickly wash Athena's school clothes while I let her watch TV while waiting for her porridge to cook, she messes up the place. Then I ask her to eat by herself while I quickly sweep the floor,she messes the floor. And hubby travels alot, at that time and now - even when I have help - whether he's around or not, makes no difference.
Some mothers can cope coz' they only clean their house on the weekends. *gasp* - I can't. Buay tahan!

3) SAHM and no help
It's something like 2), only thing is probably you can rest when child is resting. Then again, it all depends on whether you can plonk to bed just like that. And whether you can plonk to bed without worries. I can't! I must finish my work before I can relax...
With Athena, I was without help. But I was busy even when she's napping. I'm lucky she's able to be left alone even for a short while. But I'm with her all the time, the time when she's napping, I do housework. When she wakes up, it was GD, reading, VCDs, music and movements etc...

This gf I know :
Her hubby is totally hands on everything. And mind you she's not working - shouldn't the hubby be resting sufficiently not her?? Please mothers who are reading this, I'm not suggesting that we don't need rest - clearly I need more rest than my hubby. But you should know that I'm suggesting we should pamper a little on our hubby who are bringing the bread home. (sayang them so we can get more allowance from them - haha!)
Like I said her hubby is hands on everything including the child. So the hubby took leave while she's doing her confinement (and she had a confinement nanny) and fed baby all the time. Even when she's finished confinement, he did the night feeds.
Housework was done once a week. But still......she didn't have to do anything.
Oh my! She's really lucky to have such a good hubby.

4) SAHM and with help
This category of mothers will be a little relaxed over the household chores part. Then again, there are some mothers who totally rely on their helpers with the caring of their children. And they don't do anything with their children. They can be termly called the tai-tais.

Clearly I don't fit in this category coz' I'm very hands on with my children.
I only leave the putting to sleep (Aricia) to helper, while she's doing that I quickly check emails or do whatever I need to do now - list stated in another header.
Dunno to say I'm still very suay that I can't even fit into the tai-tai category. I think it's just me, I'm very pro "stimulate the child in whatever way" - except for erotic ways. So will do and buy things to make my children smarter than mummy. I have that strong sense of responsibility & discipline towards Aricia (that's why it's good for me to send Athena to full day school) that sometimes I thought I'd sneak to do some shopping in town after gym - but instead I zipped back home to give her her lessons. Too selfless liao!

5) SAHM with help & they don't care about their children!!
This group of mothers are not fit to be called mothers. They only think about enjoying themselves and then the poor children are brought up to be sum-seng giah.
The naughty boys, Joseph & Jeremy's mummy falls in this category. They have been in alot of trouble with the school.. and they're only in K1 &K2, wonder what will happen in Pri and Sec

**********************************************************************************************

Shichida 3rd lesson & 5 mins suggestion
She was way too active during her class on Friday. Kept wanting to climb on the table to reach out for the books, and when I bring her down she makes alot of noise. She was interrupting the class, the otherwise guai guai boy boys class.
Kept throwing things from the table, I was more aggitated than ever!

Perhaps she was protesting or the 5 minutes suggestion didn't get through to her. Reason being on 2 nights I did with her,- 1st night : was rather pleased with myself and about to end when she turned to look at me. Sleeping or not?? 2nd night : she wailed. 3rd night : she was probably too tired to hear me.

Really worry if she has ADHD -ate too much durian when preggie? I need to get her meditation CD - found this online. Will it help her? for sure I know I don't need (I love New Age and classical coz' it helps me relax & sleep. Now I'm overly exhausted that I'll sleep) or maybe I should give her cleeping pills.

Yippee! Booked!! Finally booked the tickets today to Athena's long waited Hi 5 show. Had been holding back coz' we needed to finalize plans. So by now (weeks later) for sure I can't get the first row - kiasu mother. I got the third row from the front. Yippee! Actually I hope it's a good choice, dunno if they're allowed to stand up. You know Category 1 sits on the floor, Category sits on elevated platform. Umm.... hope she can see. And what was my request from Athena? She can't eat Sakae Sushi for 4 months. Hubby said it's too long, I think it's better this way otherwise I can end up in Sakae with her at least once a week. *sians* The date's 31st August. Kathleen not here, replaced by ?? Tim not here too??

KZ'S here for one year already
I traced back my previous entries, and slowly I'm transported back to one year ago. KZ came home with us on July 16th. Prior to her arrival, I raved about our household having a stranger in the house, and how hubby cannot be half-naked and I must remember to wear my bra.. and be dressed even I need to quickly run out of toilet to get something in my room..
Updates : hubby was dressed, then I think he couldn't take it so now he's half naked again. I guess she must be used to it now, no blood shot eyes from her?! Ha!
Stranger in the house? She's already part of our family, on the contrary I know I will miss her when she goes back home next year. She has no intention of continuing work coz' of her aged parents but she dare not tell me. But she's rather hesistent in going back too, coz' otherwise she'll have no chance to get out of her otherwise regime country
Said she's learning to speak mandarin. She's more keen in polishing up her English. Her English has improved but I can't say much about her appalling pronunciation, which sends me tearing my own hair like Prof Higgins (she's Eliza Doolittle) and correcting her. Instead of teaching her "The Rain in Spain..." I went " A says eh not uh" - coz' she pronounces alot of words eg. panty as in "pun ty. Her sentence :Athena, you wear your pun-ty the wrong side. " Argh!
Her cooking & the thawing joke:
She used to really whip up what mom taught her but now she's more chin-chye. And we're rather chin-chye too, as long as our stomach filled (I can't criticise much coz' I can't cook)
"Why is she so black black?" - Athena said this. She's obviously fairer now.

Backpack
It's taking too long for me to sew it. I've more or less finished Athena's backpack, that girl wanted stars in her bag. At the rate I'm going, I dunno if I can finish all. I've yet to start on Aricia's bag. Hoping I can finish it soon. I only have time on Saturday, I'm one crazy woman sitting in Yamaha with a stupid string, needle and a child scissors. Haha!

Dreamz again
Ai yah... I have been dreaming about me in that kebaya again and working with my sightseeing kaki LSS. It's either hinting to me that I've finally lost weight to pre-pregnancy and can definitely fit in my uniform or... I'm simply missing the job. I don't deny I love my kids, I can't do without them. But I also love my previous job (oops! previous previous job). Gf Wilma was saying I did complain about missing hubby whenever I had to go on flight before Athena decided to give us a big surprise.. and my conclusion is - not to marry at all! Then I'll probably be one bitchy CSS by now slapping anti-wrinkle cream on my face. Destined to be a spinster working hard to be the superbly bitchy IFSS. Haha!

I'm pressed for time / what I need to do
- Birthday stuffs
- flashcards - alot of flashcards (Sawako, countless topics of flashcards, LM) *gasp*-I'm supposed to do my own flashcards GD style since I've gone through with Athena countless times.. wah piang eh....like that I better commit suicide and die a faster & painless death.
- powerpoints
- Translation of her I Can Read books into Japanese, since I'm on the road in exposing her to Japanese more than other foreign language
- shichida materials

And there are the non-urgent case :-
her scrapbook
burn photos into disk & developing them.

My day in a flash
I have so many things to do but no time to do. Then what the heck am I blogging now? It took me days to type in this, edit while running other programmes in my laptop. My scanner's working at the same time.
Are there any pills out there to take - so that I can go without sleep, and I'll work through day & night.
Anyone willing to help me 100% take care of Aricia while I quickly sum up what I need to do??

Been sleeping late lately, body's ripping apart. Chicken essence and DOM won't help me. Scared I'll fall sick so have to drink herbal tea.

My daily buzzing around
Morning :
- bring Athena to school
- go gym (some days only). Home by 12-1pm

Afternoon :
- shower Aricia
- quick lunch
- Aricia's "study"
- play & do whatever else I need to do with her
- KZ puts her to nap around 2+ 3pm. I quickly check emails or try to finish off what I did yesterday and the days before. Haven't finished and she's awake!
- 4+pm, leave to pick Athena up

Evening :
- while Athena have her dinner, I either quickly give Aricia another GD & Shichida style flashcards session or feed Aricia. It all depends on what my helper has to do, we work as a team - she's busy I take over.
- shower Athena
- Athena's assessment books & 2 x music lessons, games with her, her flashcards.
- end of day,my throat sore from screaming at her.
- they sleep.. around 11+. What to do? I can't print, everyone esp the younger one will wake up. And I dowan to be seen as doing a illegal business out from printing things - counterfeit notes?? Haha!

Not forgetting too that I can't do anything with her on Wednesdays - YJC. Oh! I bring out her assesment books on that day, so while having dinner waiting for class to start, I do the books with her.
Can't do much on Tuesdays - violin, so I let her play those IQ games. Saturdays - worst still her classes take up half a day, needs to nap how to do anything with her. Sundays - if daddy is in town, we go Punggol Plaza to have breakfast and then grocery shopping. By then she still needs to nap, can't do much and now, gotta do spelling revision with her, music lessons, finish off what I haven't completed over the weekdays.

Aricia
Remembered did mention that Aricia was gentler in utero and said maybe she's gentler than her che-che. Now I must attest that the opposites happened after birth.

Drawing
I thought it was a dragon, but before I made any comment I looked at another girl's drawing to figure out what it it.