A semester in London?

Big girl sent a message to me about doing a semester in London. Sound so exciting! I never knew they had such arrangement. In London somemore! 

I did some research and when I read the address Cromwell Road and was already thinking, it’s very close to the cabin crew hotel - Gloucester. It was confirmed further as I read it’s near Gloucester Station. 

I wish I can rattle off to her I know the place near her school well. Those were the days I’d walk to the station, passing by some Bombay food place in the hotel; Pret A Manger where I simply love their brownies. Not forgetting the place where I can pack a nice salad which I’ll pack for my dinner on days when we check into the hotel late. Since I hung up my kebaya, I’ve only been back to London once when che-che was 3, honestly a trip back to London is long overdue. I’d love to meet up with Terry and pay my respects to Velda, visit Karen and her lovely family. 

West End - she can finally go for some musicals. Her Prof is the one going along and she told me she’s a musical buff. Well, I think a trip back to London would be nice for her too. She’s more independent so I can safely let her go. 

Competition is stiff according to her, it’s not only the Socio students who will apply for this but the whole of UB. Only selected few will get to go. 

She will consider if she’s going to apply for it. Aiyah! Tell you this girl abit 麻烦 things she wouldn’t do. Then there’s the “what if she gets it?” she’ll only do a semester in USA. She’s attracted to the London semester as it’s the only semester that comes with work attachment. 

Came across this slides for 2017 Semester Guide. 

https://buffalo-sa.terradotta.com/_customtags/ct_FileRetrieve.cfm?File_ID=05057571744F05710202027172041C04080C0014757800006E0603067776737407747476777571060C

On This Day - 23rd July ( Reminders from FB )

23rd July 2016

Since suture was relatively fresh yesterday, just left the antibiotic on. This morning applied antibiotic, second application in the afternoon will try this eo on top of antibiotic. Hopes scar reduces and make look 美美 😀

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23rd July 2013

Their reward for getting all the scoldings from me.

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23rd July 2011

I'm amazed. Told girls that I'll let them nap for an hr, they get up at 5pm n start doing work. Mei-mei got up b4 5pm herself n came to bug a tired me. I told her "sleep till 5.30pm." she woke up and then she automatically sat down n did her work. Che-Che? Still snoring.. N difficult to wake her up.

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23rd July 2011

Cheap thrill for the girls. Like that also so fun?!

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23rd July 2011

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23rd July 2010

Buay tahan my lil' girl. Still harping over that "Cow", which her friends had except her. Explained to her Tchr Stella would do with her on Monday, she ok awhile then start crying again. Asked me to do with her first... sigh............

On This Day - 22nd July #Reminders from FB#

 2021

Thanks Dawn for another fun session!

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2017

First incident : 

I asked lil' one continuously to stop talking but eat first. 

That girl kept talking n final one said "no wait. I need to talk first." I had to raise my voice at her to "stop means stop". A few people seated near us in foodcourt looked up; one lady laughed at her and told her to eat first and then pat her head. Lil' one turned to look at her n listened to her and nodded her head. I had my peace n quiet.

On and off she kept giving me strange look when eating. Finally 4mins later, "Sigh..tsk...I can't eat when it's so quiet..tsk.."

Do you know why I've learnt the art of 'shutting off my ears?' Many times she would insist to keep talking when I tell her we need to get down the car first or whatever. Coz no point to argue with her as she wants to win all the time. A

Second incident : 

Another stranger (in one day) patted lil' one's head. 

She was grumbling at the cashier in 4leaves and the man told her "girl don't be choosy" (he walked up later so didn't really hear the content of her grumbles) 

I explained to the man "she was complaining why the strawberry wassant has only 3 in the box and the chocolate has 6 coz she didn't want to finish everything up since none of us liked it." He chuckled and told her while patting her head "aiyoh. Little also complain, too many also complain."

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2016

Che-che sat in ambulance for the first time and said its so fun. Wah lau eh! Then said wow so much blood came out, she didn't look scared and commented it has a funny smell. I think I should ask doctor to check her brain. Maybe she's gone bonkers. ?!?! 

Accompanied teacher asked what did doc say, if she's ok? I remarked that if she can be looking at her phone now, she's alright. 

Brave girl, endured stitching. 3 layers! And uncle can remark "Iggy just did a compo on this. Maybe you can be more descriptive n tell him what happened." 

I didn't know they called the plastic surgeon. Ah...you know we all rushed down to KK (i arrived later coz gotta pick the lil' one up from school) n suddenly this doc; that doc saw us. didn't hv time to ask what he does. He did a very good job in stitching. 

Haha! Both mother and uncle can still joke. But good thing she's laughing along.

News travel fast. She says she dunno how come her classmates know. 

Btw, the running accident was not due to play play running. Rushing for CCA.

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2016

Taken exactly 6 years ago: 

They've known each other since Primary 1. They've had a weird friendship, they can be charmmy together; then can be with another group of friends separately. But between these 2 girls, they know they remain true as a friend to each other all these years. I know che-che defended her (twice? thrice?) when people say bad things abt her friend. I know twice she stood by che-che and spoke for her too. It's not about the numbers but the reason why you stand by your friend. 

First incident - I was surprised with her maturity when she came back from school one day and said somebody said bad things abt her friend and she told me what she did. I was so proud of her coz for a timid girl to do that is not easy. And told her to be a good friend, she must be sincere so everyone can feel her genuine care. (Ha! But she's enemies with her one n only sister 😬) Most importantly as what che-che told me, she's a trustworthy friend. 

That's what true friends do, they support one another. Let's hope they continue to be good friends throughout their growing up years.

Even their primary form teacher asked me if they're still together and she's filled with all praises for their strong friendship.

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2015

Itchy but rusty hand. Decided to do a quick bake last night, buttercream was prepared a day earlier. 

Was so set to bake Nutella rocher cupcakes, the two to-die-for chocolate mixed together. Mmmmmmm...... 

Everything was alright until I noticed batter spilling out. I totally forgot to lessen the cakemix portion. Gasp! 😱 I didn't have any flat surface to do my piping. 

Then, I stared at my piping tips. It's been a long long long long while since I piped something. For a moment I took out the 1M tip and the coupler and was trying to figure out how to fix. I was like - I can't be that bad right? I totally forgot everything? Anyway, few seconds later I suddenly 💡, 1M don't need coupler. Next disaster, the new buttercream recipe I did...somewhat melt after I piped though cupcakes cooled down. I can't add another rocher on the top, not with a slippery buttercream n not flat top. I tried, it slipped so it went into my mouth. I can't flatten cupcake coz I put rocher inside too. Some didn't sink down.. Hmm...

Piping looks really messy. Anyway, I better stick back to my Italian meringue, shape last longer though it's a tedious process. Indeed, I checked the website the one I did melts under warmth. 

My consolation? My family gets to eat it no matter what. Nice or not nice, they just give me the thumbs up. 

我要加倍努力。加油！ がんばって

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2015

Lil one's don't really look like Rilakkumma bread with Rilakkumma shaped agar agar

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2013

Aricia just now say she wants to wear tights tmrw. I say cannot, must wear dress n below knee. She pointed to her mermaid costume. "There! This one is vy long." 😃

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2013

My 2 sok-sok (crazy) daughters. Tchr tak boleh tahan them today. 

Aricia : playing a piece which is not her exam piece coz tchr turn to the page thinking that's her piece. (Ok, she plays almost all the songs in the book then she selects). I sat down then looked so puzzled "that's not her song!" Tchr "huh? Last wk I corrected her this song she didn't tell me."

Athena : starts playing her piece but page turns to another song. Tchr laughed n actioned to me but girl still playing happily.

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2013

My girl shake her backside when she was doing the "beats" aural instead of emphasising on clapping. 

Siao liao! Unless its male examiner, maybe she can shake her skinny bum bum. Hahaha!

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2012

Where's Aricia? Can you find her?

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2012

All the best,mei-mei! 

Pls don't repeat the same mistake again.

2012

Her first kick-kock (her term for high heels) shoes. And she's really happy with it; walked around the whole house with it. And it has a light behind!!

2011

My big nonya girl. And she told me how she played zero-point in her sarong kebaya. " I lift up my skirt n then go over and my Velcro keep coming out." gasp! chorlor girl!

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2010

Time to start 弁当-ing again for the kids. 

Click on these links or copy & paste to my blog : 

http://athenamummy.blogspot.com/2008/03/blog-post.html

http://athenamummy.blogspot.com/2008/04/books-cute-overload.html

On This Day - 21st July #Reminders from FB#

21st July 2016

The joke is on the lil' one. 

She wet her bed at 3-4am this morning. And so I asked her in the afternoon why did she wet her bed. Her reply was "I heard the thunder and I ...." 

"And it rained on your bed before it rained outside?" ⛈💧💧💧

Must remind her not to rain on her bed again tonight.

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21st July 2014

Only the ill' one wore costume to school. The older one wore a blue n white costume. Hee!

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21st July 2012

Yay! Another unsupervised class with mei-mei. First was Shichida on Thursday then it's Yamaha today. But it means bad news for che-che. Eyes on her doing her work; cannot slack.

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21st July 2011

Little nonya with nonya goodies for her friends

My little Nonya 

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21st Jul 2011

 Goodies - kueh lapis, kueh salat, mini rice dumpling

Packed up for kids instead of eating it there coz I reckon they'll hv 24 other food. In a little bucket style container.

When will this end?

𝖨'𝗆 𝖿𝖾𝖾𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗌𝗈 𝗌𝗈 𝗌𝗈 𝖾𝗑𝗁𝖺𝗎𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖽. 𝖠𝗅𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝖨'𝗆 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 ex𝖺𝗆𝗌 

That was probably how I felt 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗂 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗌𝗍𝗎𝖽𝖾𝗇t, though the pressure is not as bad as now. I hated 𝖾𝗑𝖺𝗆𝗌, I 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗌𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗁𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖺𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗌 often 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖽𝗂𝖽n’t 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗉𝖾, 𝗎𝗇𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝗐. 

During my time, most of us grew up as latchkey child. I don’t think parents were as bothered then to even know what is mental health. They just tell us to study, there was no such thing as tuitions we just study regurgitate everything out. Exams were easier then. Or maybe 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 are 𝗂𝗀𝗇𝗈𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝗈𝗋 𝗇𝗈 𝗆𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗒 𝗍𝗈 𝗂𝗇𝗏𝖾𝗌𝗍 in anything to help us. There was no internet then! All adults could rely was print materials or hearsay from the 三姑六婆 neighbours. The only luxurious thing we can drink is Brand’s Chicken Essence 😂, unlike now … desperate mother like me will resort to 𝖾𝗌𝗌𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗈𝗂𝗅 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗎𝗉𝗉𝗅𝖾𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝖾𝗍𝖼... 

I used 𝗍𝗈 𝖿𝖾𝖾𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂𝗍𝗌 𝖻𝖾𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝖾 𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍. 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗇! 𝖭OW 𝖨 𝖳𝖤𝖫𝖫 𝖬𝖸 𝖪𝖨𝖣𝖲 𝖳𝖧𝖠𝖳 𝖻𝖾𝗂𝗇𝗀 a 𝗌𝗍𝗎𝖽𝖾𝗇t 𝗂𝗌 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍. All a student could ever get is comparison of grades. Working adults get appraisals, backstabbing, toxic working environment etc..

I 𝗐𝗈𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 feel 𝗂𝗇 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾. Will they tell me "𝗆𝗈𝗆. 𝗂𝗍𝗌 𝖻𝖾𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗍o 𝖻𝖾 𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍." 𝗋𝖾𝗆𝗂𝗇𝖽  𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝖺𝗌𝗄 𝗆𝗒 𝗄𝗂𝖽𝗌 𝗇𝖾𝗑𝗍 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝗈𝗋 𝗉𝖾𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗌 𝗂𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒’re 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗉𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾 𝗀𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗆𝖾 𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝗌𝗐𝖾𝗋. 

Prelims in July to Aug. Main paper in Sep/Oct

Jiayou! Jiayou! Mummy and lil’ one jiayou 

Rose Quartz Guasha

I have a jade face guasha but I wanted another different type for my use. 

To have some questions you may have, I shall post some answers I was looking for.

Is rose quartz or jade better for guasha?

extracted from : https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/gua-sha-skincare-benefits-how-to-use/387929

Traditionally, different crystals have different purposes. Jade is used to balance yin and yang energy, whilst rose quartz supports heart energy in particular. It's good to gua sha on the chest with rose quartz because the action tonifies the heart qi.

I’m not sponsored or paid to do this, but do read this : https://www.mountlai.com/blogs/mount-lai-guidebook/a-guide-to-choosing-the-right-stone-for-your-mount-lai-facial-tools

About Rose Quartz Face roller and guasha set

Rose Quartz Face Roller & Gua Sha Set.Gua sha is a form of TCM therapy that uses dermal acupressure and rhythmic strokes to massage acupoints and gently scrape the skin.

• Release blood and fluid stagnation
• Dispels toxins
• Boosts blood circulation
• Improves fine lines and wrinkles
• Boosts collagen & elastin production
• Promotes lymphatic drainage
• Relieves muscle tension
• Relieves stress and aids in relaxation

A comparison between the genuine and fake rose quartz guasha 

I paid S$6.65 for this fake plastic guasha tool. Pls don’t be fooled like me. The moment I touched this, it feels so plastic-y.

 A real rose quartz guasha is cool to the touch, and this is. 

I paid S$53.72 for the roller, S$35.62 for the guasha lifting tool. Got it from iherb. 

Cost S$43 for the Guasha lifting tool in Sephora, and they sell the set at S$80. Argh! They carry it months after I received mine from iherb. 🤨

10 Stress-Busting Techniques For Exam Success

10 Stress-Busting Techniques For Exam Success

extracted from : https://www.euyansang.com.sg/en/10-stress-busting-techniques-for-exam-success/eysstress1.html

Stress is an inevitable part of a student’s life, but dealing with it doesn’t have to be a challenge. In TCM, stress affects the flow of Qi within the body, which may affect internal balance and trigger some health problems.

Therefore, while it’s important to study hard, it’s equally important that we study smart too.

Here are 10 stress-busting techniques to make sure you are well-prepared for the exams. Learn to manage stress, improve your appetite and get better sleep with these simple steps.

1. Sleep

Sleep is essential – not only is it a form of rest, it is also a physiological function that helps your body recharge and perform at its best the next day.

According to the meridian clock, which maps out a specific time for different organs in the body to work or revitalise, the ideal time to get some sleep is between 11pm and 5am. Of course, it is recommended that you get at least 7 or 8 hours of rest, so adjust your sleeping patterns and ensure you get adequate sleep every night.

2. Meditate

When your mind is relaxed, your body will return to its harmonious state. Meditation helps you focus only on your breathing, which is calming and promotes relaxation whenever you feel a little stressed.

To get started, simply sit or lie in a comfortable position. Close your eyes, and concentrate only on breathing in and out for a few minutes. You will feel refreshed and ready to continue with studying.

3. Nourish the Heart

The state of your Heart can affect your mind or spirit. TCM believes that if the Heart is weak, it may lead to emotional imbalances such as insomnia, palpitations or anxiety. Strengthen and nourish your Heart with Chinese herbs such as biota seeds, which replenish blood into the Heart.

4. Take A Break

It’s important to take a break from studying every now and then. For starters, your eyes need a good rest for a few minutes every hour or so.

If you have to, leave your study area and take a walk around the room. Let your mind rest – little distractions such as a snack or a quick phone call to a friend can do wonders to your concentration level for the rest of the day.

5. Eat Smart

Avoid greasy food and foods that can affect your digestive system. Take ‘brain foods’ that provide energy for your brain, including meals that are high in protein (white meat, soybeans, eggs), calcium (milk and other dairy products) and omega-3 (walnuts, salmon and several fruits and vegetables).

Eat healthily and wisely – start your morning with a nutritious breakfast so you can think, learn and concentrate your best for the rest of the day.

6. Exercise

Have a good work out at least 3 times a week to feel the benefits of exercise. Improve Qi and blood circulation while releasing endorphins into your body – these will help minimise the effects of stress when you are studying.

7. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of several ancient Chinese medical procedures. It is believed to help relieve pain and aid in de-stressing the mind. Acupuncture on the right meridian points may even enhance the Heart’s function.

A typical treatment involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to elicit a healing response. These needles are so thin that most people feel nothing more than a slight tingling sensation when they are inserted.

8. Organise Your Study Area

Have a neat, designated study area and create a study pattern so that you are mentally ready whenever you revise. When a desk is clutter-free, it allows you to better concentrate on your work, and also gives you a peace of mind.

9. Eliminate Internal Heat or Fire

If you’ve been sleeping late and have irregular eating habits due to exam revisions, this may lead to a stagnation of Liver-Qi, and generate internal Fire.

To treat this, take herbs and supplements that help to eliminate this internal heat, such as Foxglove Root (Shengdi, 生地), Asparagus Root (Tiandong, 天冬) and Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit (Wuweizi, 五味子).

10. Set Realistic Expectations

Manage your expectations, and understand your capabilities. Instead of setting one long-term goal for the whole year, set smaller, achievable and realistic ones throughout the months. This can help you keep track of your strengths and weakness and will motivate you even further to achieve your next goal.

Lash Resurrection - 3rd appointment on 13th July

 Right eye

left eye

Other MT clearance

5th July - Chinese listening comprehension 张开你的耳朵！听好好！写好好！

7th July - Chinese oral. First day of oral. Quite scared myself coz was told first day is usually tough. Was suppose to be the first candidate but she says another girl, Kiera, went first coz she was needed for some Drama thing for their BMW. She’s happy coz she was prepared for this topic and she knew what to say. Ok lah! As long as she don’t aunty talk to the examiners can already.