Why the sudden U-turn

This blog was started in 2005 with the hope of penning down every moment of my boring life on an online diary, with some hidden agenda that this will be my Alzheimer's or some sort of "retrieval of my memory" treatment in the near future. 
With online danger lurking by exposing pictures of my family, I should have kept this in paper and pen. However knowing myself and my hubby, hubby will throw out things that don't belong to him heartlessly when he sees too much rubbish. I too don't like too much of a clutter, I believe I would have at some point of time choose to scan into the hard disk and throw the diary away (there goes my memory coz who would go through hard disk? That reminds me I had better remember to give my blog password and hard disks to my kids earlier should anything happen to me. At least they would have taken the time reading through the blogs; reminisce the photos I took of them in their ugly; sleeping and pretty time.)

My blog then was a relaxing point for me. While in the process I did not neglect my motherly, wifely, maidly and chauffeurly duties (no such words but you know what I mean) because I have the bad habit of writing, saving, editing an entry that sometimes it gets posted out late. As I speak, I have a few Drafts in here.

Subsequently, Facebook came along. I joined in 2009? Or was it 2008? And it was easier to post on Facebook as it was an App on the smart phone which made it so easy for me to vent my anger; share my joys and tears and shits. In recent time, I've suddenly realized (like a lost child who had walked  waywardly from religion) that Facebook is merely a place for people who wants Face Value. People are simply showing off, with their friends envying them putting them on pedestal. When their kids received awards, they post pictures without writing anything in it coz pictures paints a thousand words. Okay, I admit I also post entry of my girl winning awards but that would have been in my diary if I had resorted to paper n pen. Basically if you notice in Facebook, hardly anybody vents frustration as much as me, everybody lead such beautiful blessed life posting only the good things to show off when they bought a new bag;  received a coveted item as a present; while I lived a ...well my true life of ups and downs. Thus I decided to make a U-turn back and start writing back in here. I'll need to backtrack a lot of entries though as there were so many occasions when either girls made funny comments and I had written them down on Facebook. 
Facebook isn't that bad afterall, I've managed to link up with long lost friends; friends from overseas. What I like about Facebook is their "On this Day" app where prompts will be sent to you on your posts posted years ago on the same date. It's nice reading through what funny things had happened or silly things my girls do. 

They should have a Blogger app for ease of posting. Honestly, I have no idea who is reading this now but I'll be a little more hardworking. 

What I want to say is :

Sorry for the long intermission 

 I'm back 

Affiliation school changes

And so they announced that  "From 2019, the 27 secondary schools in Singapore that offer their affiliated primary school students priority in the Secondary 1 posting exercise will have to reserve 20 per cent of their places for students with no affiliation to the school." (source :  http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/20-of-secondary-school-places-to-be-reserved-for-students-with/3572204.html)

Thank goodness I only have two girls with the older one currently in my alma mater, come 2019 - yup! It'll affect my last kid. I don't think she'll be that bad to be unable to get into the sister school right? My God! Seeing her P5 results is ... her HMT is .... I can vomit blood. If it continues this way, I really have to start worrying.  

Over the last two years, che-che told me more and more of the primary school kids came back to the secondary school. When she was in Sec 1 (in 2015), not many of the primary girls went to the secondary school. Their results were good enough to go elsewhere. Infact statistically their PSLE results in 2014 was really the best! They had 100% pass and their overall performance were definitely better than the next 2 years. Thus leading to the low COP of the secondary school. 

To divert a little, I used to wonder why the COP in our secondary school is so low compared to another two more IJs. That's coz we only have one affiliated primary school whereas the other two have two affiliated primary schools. So majority of the space would have been filled up by their own girls thus leaving little space left. 

"Sorry girl, you gotta learn it the hard way."

I read this article 'Don't deliver kids forgotten items, school tells parents' 

And I totally agree and applaud with what the school is doing. Infact, I don't need the school to tell me what to do with my kids coz I have the mentality of giving and bringing up my girls in military disciplinary style.

I've never sent anything to the girls' schools before. I'd rather let my girls get the scolding from teachers. There were a few occasion when lil' one was in P2 or 3, she did her school homework but she didn't pack them into her bag coz it was hidden under her pile of additional work she did at home. I knew - coz I was tidying up her table the morning after they were in school. It was placed neatly on her table n she knew she was in trouble not only with teacher earlier in the day but she is going to have another hell nagging session from me (I think more with me coz teachers tend to be lenient). Well, she learnt her lesson after that. 

Having said that,I don't carry their schoolbags for them unless I'm rushing for time n their heavy shell is pulling them back. I don't take pity on lil' one though she's small size and she choose to carry the whole bookshelf with her. They ever complained before when they were younger but my reply to them is always very harsh. "You didn't pack your schoolbag, it's your problem." They will just carry it n not grouch anymore.

They just have to take responsibility.

Playdate with A

Lil' one's friend, A, has been asking her over to her house for a playdate for about a week. I asked if her mother is aware of this and asked for her mom's contact number so that I'm certain she is aware of this "invitation" (coz I was worried they were planning this secretly) and we can discuss on the arrangement after Sports Day.

She is really excited. If I remember clearly, this would be her first playdate alone with her friend. 

I haven't organised any playdate for lil' one

I spoke this for the longest time - years! Started since she got to know C, her MMI friend at 3 or 4 years-old. Gasp! That's 6 to 7 years. No wonder she said I was being unfair as che-che had so many playdates but she had NONE. We had friends over at our place so many times. 

Honestly, she can't blame me. As lil' one was growing up at the age when I had che-che's small little friends over, che-che was already in Primary school. There wasn't any way I could have her friends over when I had to shuttle che-che for her tuition/s. 

Perhaps I should really find a day to have her friend over at our house.   

Yay! USA here we come!

Great! we're heading to USA this year end. And that means che-che will miss her WBAS this year. Though she was enjoying herself last year and wanted to go again this year, she can't give up this trip as she has been asking us for the longest time to go back to US again. She's damn lucky! Some kids don't even get to go so far, are not so well- travelled like her.

Lil' one is super excited as it's her first trip to so far far away.

I'm excited too even though I've been there before. Nothing beats going on holiday right?

Not sure what hubby is planning. I used to plan itinery but I'm too tired now..... I can't cope with so many things on hand. I'm sure it's going to be a fun trip (provided the kids don't fight with each other)

Edusave Award

It's the first time che-che attends an Award Ceremony. That's because the very first time when she got two awards in primary school, one she wasn't eligible to get the monies as the monthly salary ceiling is above the requisite. However, she got the monies for another one but strangely there wasn't any ceremony. The cheque was simply passed to the girls in school.

Thereafter, she had another 1 more of EMB in between that time and now, which again she couldn't go for the ceremony. But I'm wondering...... there were some kids I saw who ..... I doubt their salary ceiling is below coz if they can stay in a condo, that means their salary must be of a substantial amount too right? So perhaps we can lie the next time any of the girl gets the award? 

This ceremony is held in our Function Room. Good right? Don't need to go and cram and sit through lengthy ceremony, just to get that few seconds shot of your child. Get to mingle with some neighbours, otherwise everyone is always so busy with their lives. And we're basically stuck at home coz' the girls always have to clear their school homeworks or tuition homeworks on weekends. 

The girl. She ASKED if she can not go for the ceremony and when I told her to neaten up her pleats for picture taking, she told me she can wear her pinafore the other way (anyway nobody knows also, they look the same front and back). GRRRR.... she's trying to be funny with me. She wasn't that vocal when she was younger now the true side of her shows. 

Didn't smile much, but luckily she managed a forced smile for this shot.        

EDUSAVE AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT, GOOD LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE (EAGLES)

All Singaporean students from Primary 4 onwards in Government and Government-aided schools, junior colleges/centralised institute, independent schools, specialised schools and the Institute of Technical Education are eligible for the Edusave Award for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service, which is given to up to 10% of students who have demonstrated leadership qualities, service to community and schools, excellence in non-academic activities, and good conduct. 

The values of the award are as follows:

• $250 for Primary 4 to 6
• $350 for Secondary 1 to 5
• $400 for Pre-University 1 to 3
• $500 for Institute of Technical Education/specialised school

EDUSAVE MERIT BURSARY (EMB)

All Singaporean students in Government and Government-aided schools, junior colleges/centralised institute, independent schools, specialised schools and the Institute of Technical Education and Polytechnics who are not recipients of any Edusave Scholarship are eligible for the Edusave Merit Bursary, if they are within the top 25% of their level and course in terms of academic performance, have demonstrated good conduct, and whose monthly household income does not exceed $6,000 (or per capita income does not exceed $1,500).

The values of the bursary are as follows:

• $200 for Primary 1 to 3
• $250 for Primary 4 to 6
• $350 for Secondary 1 to 5
• $400 for Pre-University 1 to 3
• $500 for Institute of Technical Education/specialised schools/Polytechnics

EDUSAVE GOOD PROGRESS AWARD (GPA)

All Singaporean students in Government and Government-aided primary and secondary schools (from Primary 2 onwards), junior colleges/centralised institute, independent schools, specialised schools, the Institute of Technical Education and Polytechnics (from Year 2 onwards) who are not recipients of any Edusave Scholarship or the Edusave Merit Bursary are eligible for the Edusave Good Progress Award, if they are within the top 10% of their level and course in terms of improvement in academic performance and have demonstrated good conduct.

The values of the award are as follows:

• $100 for Primary 2 to 3
• $150 for Primary 4 to 6
• $200 for Secondary 1 to 5
• $250 for Pre-University 1 to 3
• $400 for Institute of Technical Education/specialised schools//Polytechnics Year 2-3

They are so different

I'm reminded just how different my two girls are.

School - related

Big one : Will be like in Lala-Land like that. She'll forget to pass me any notices / forms from teachers. She'll not write down homeworks in journal and sometimes forget what homework/s she needs to do. She'll take some time to think through because I don't like my girls to go to school without doing any homework/s

Lil' one : Very alert. Will shout and tell me what homework/s she has for the day. And then try to shove the consent forms into my face when I'm driving. Needless to say, she's the more responsible one. 

Nudging

Big one : Needs alot of nudging that I do get really angry with her. I die already also must come out of coffin to remind her to do something. She gets her work done after lots of scolding.

Lil' one : She reminds me things that requires my checking / acknowledgement etc.. She's very automatic.

Misc

During our holiday in Shenzhen, we bused back to our hotel from an attraction. The girls sat together and I told them how many stops away we are to our destination. Somehow I napped in the bus, for maybe 10mins? I woke up and then muttered "where are we now?" Lil' one responded "6 more bus stops" and I noticed she has her fingers either stretched or bent to a number. She's the one who is very attentive. Her sister? Just waiting for us to tell her where she needs to alight. 

God created them so differently. 

Baking

There's so many things I'd love to bake (though it seems like everyone in the family seems to cut down on desserts recently. Don't ask me why. Maybe everybody is getting conscious of their health??). 

I've been wanting to do nicely icing-decorated cookies; cake pops; fondant cake; lovely varied flavoured cupcakes; decorated brownies etc.. I've got so many books in the storeroom waiting for me to flip through and start using the recipes. I've got muffin trays; eclair trays all waiting for me. BUT I never seem to be able to find the time to bake. Why? In the daytime when the girls are in school, I spend my time cleaning the house. OCD me needs to have the house clean and neat. Even when I do decide to heck housework and start baking, I'll never ever finish baking in that 5hrs. Perhaps if it's something easy and no need decoration, perhaps that's achievable? But then my top priority will be the house cleanliness.  

When SIL asked me if I baked pineapple tarts this year, I told her I can't find the time. The previous year when I did, I had to bake halfway; keep the rest of the dough then continued late at night (that was a long interval in between). 

It's the satisfaction any avid baker will tell you that ...sometimes it's really hard to control and they do get moody if they can't bake. 

Plants for Lunar New Year 2017

Shopping for festival items

26th - 27th day : Shopping for festival items.

Honestly I've been shopping for these quite late this year; so decorations were up really late too (and had to be done in progression coz' I can't manage to do everything myself)

Goodies - Didn't get much this year as we always end up junking the food away. As I'm typing this, we're still struggling to eat that 4 bottles of goodies at home.

Festive plants were purchased on 25th Jan, the 28th day of the last lunar month. I shouldn't leave things to last minute. I thought that half hour to 45 mins should be sufficient but I was so wrong. Really! In my haste, I bought what I thought was orange is actually lime. I had a mismatch pair of Celosia pot. Sigh..... Fortunately they were able to have the plants delivered the next day, so I managed to do some arrangement before leaving the house to pick lil' one up. 

The balcony gate - coz it seems like all my visitors like to enter my house by this way. They forgot I have a main door?? 

I love the colours of these flowers. Remind me of the lovely pansies I love

Peach blossom!

So beautiful...................

        

Aspiring to be a monitor

For a number of times, lil' one has been wanting to be either a Class Monitress or Prefect. Every new school year gives her a ray of hope for that short moment (she'll behave extremely well) ,then after that she'll be downcasted for not getting to be one. Seeing her so disappointed 😔 somehow made me sad too. So the question is "WHY?" I know teachers are looking for that certain qualities in a child who is required to lead the class. 

Lil' one certainly do not lack in some qualities. She is responsible; over-enthusiastic; helpful and perhaps... BOSSY? Over the years, she's volunteered to help teachers this and that and she's really happy doing so. Needless to say, she's the one in the house who would help when asked. I asked her if she wanted to help teachers coz she wanted to skip the next lesson? She said no and she runs back to class, so she won't miss anything. Eh.... did I mention that she's kiasu/kiasi too? 
However I did say she "do not lack in some qualities. I also believe there's something lacking in her.  

Getting votes :

Last year, she and 2 other girls were asked to step out of the class while the teacher counts the votes. Sad to say she was the only one voted out. (so can you imagine how she looked when she stepped into the car and she slumped back into the seat.) Nobody likes her? Nobody votes for her? Does mummy and daddy and all the family members' hands count? 

Unfair? Perhaps yes. But she also needs to be well-liked by her friends for them to vote for her right? So this kind of monitor chosen by class may not neccessarily mean that they'll be prefects next time.   

I know it's bad of me but I always like to tell her that coz of the feedbacks from previous teachers that she isn't behaving well in class so the new teacher will not select her. That was a mood damper and perhaps some counsellors would feel that I've spoke in negative ways on my child. However I was hoping it's the other way; encourage her to behave herself coz she needs to know that teachers are watching.

This year, the same thing happened. Five girls out of the class but in the end only two girls got the job.

Feedback : Talking too much, running around in class. Over the years I get the same complaints from teachers. She finishes her work quickly and then goes to another table to talk to her friends. Other than that she's alright, so I think this was taken into consideration.

Yet again, I feel that a few girls during che-che's time were chosen to be monitor wrongly. There were (1) cases of favoritism, (2) case of just coz the teacher was lazy to choose so she told the class she'll get the first girl on the class register, (3) case of randomly choosing one without understanding the child. In the end, those girls were promoted to Prefects. We got a school bully and she was the first case of a Prefect almost getting her tie removed from her. Her parents had to come to school to vouch for her proper behaviour from henceforth.  Two heck-care prefects who can't be bothered to come to school early for Prefect duties; who don't attend any leadership camps. HUH! Notice my sniggerish remark. How all these girls wasted the space of other potential leaders. Obviously these people don't even stand a chance to be in the Committee or be the Head / Vice-Head.  
During that time, every monitress were made prefects the following year. They changed that (apparently) after 2 years? Only those observed to have carried out their work well deserves to be a prefect. Which explains why some girls in lil' one's years are always monitor but never made a prefect 

This year :
Out of the 3 girls who were not voted, if the teacher deem the girl/s suitable she may choose either 1 or 2 girls from this 'group'. In the end, she chose none of the girls and chose another 2 girls because they were monitor the year before in their form class. She explained after consideration she wanted someone with experience. 😏 
And apparently the teacher explained to lil' one the reason that she had wanted to choose her but eventually why she didn't. She explained that she had asked her BU4 classmates for feedback & they said that she sometimes don't hand up her school homework. I thought I heard her wrongly and asked her to repeat the last sentence again. IMPOSSIBLE!! She is a very responsible girl, infact she reminded many teachers over the years about handing up homework. It's more likely that the girls hate her for reminding teachers about homeworks rather than she not handing up her homeworks. Anyway, her reports have indicated that she has been religiously handing up homeworks on time. 不公平！ I felt the injustice here. How can the teacher get feedback from the girls? She should have checked with the previous year form teacher who will give unbiased feedback. Lil' one didn't even dare to tell her current form teacher that she's been maligned. As explained to her, if she didn't speak up for herself and (confidently) mentioned previous form teacher name to double-check, I'm sure the teacher will know that she's innocent.    

Oh well, I'm ranting away just because I didn't want my child to feel ...what's that word ...worse than being disappointed. 

Perhaps I should just make her a badge and make her be a Head Prefect at home. Will that appease her?  

WBAS - 12th Dec to 17th Dec

Since the girl is in the school Band, it has been expected that she's to be laden with a heavy responsibility. And it's one that she enjoys, though I must admit I'm not ready for her lil' sister to follow her footsteps (i'll be so tired doing all the chauffeuring).

This year, she went for WBAS where only successful applicants are accepted. An audition was held sometime in August. The funny thing was her teacher thought she wasn't going this year and kindda confirmed with her face-to-face "so you're not going this year right?" She went, though at first grudgingly (coz' we couldn't go to USA this year due to the short timing) thereafter she found it fun and wanted to go next year. 

For the whole week, I was lucky the man didn't mind sending her to and fro on his way to/back from work. I only had to take care of the lil' one and send her to her classes. Only the last day (Fri) where he needed to make a conference call, only then did I send her and pick her up.

The last day - 17th Dec (Saturday) - which is today, is the day they put up their performance in Esplanade.

During workshop days

Hugging her husband. She got to know some people from other schools. Like there's a saying "Music brings people together"

 With her friend

 A lovely gift from Youli. I don't even have the time to drop by any florist!!

    Till then, maybe she'll be there next year.

Hello Siri.......

Haha! Even Siri cannot tahan her, she was asking n probably irritating Siri until her phone is shut off. ?!?!

Year-end school holidays 2016

Athena : 7th week of break so far

Aricia : 3rd week of break so far

For che-che although school break started earlier for her, she has been kept busy with her Band. Going back to school in the afternoons; full day for practices, rehearsals, performances, concerts etc..

They will only look forward for the following week when we go on a holiday, however it's not the destination that they had wanted. the man wanted to bring them to USA on the condition that we had to leave on the 17th Dec (latest) as the airfare would cost more on 18th Dec. Best is we leave mid December as flying to and fro would have made us lose 2-3 days plus we need more time on driving leisurely from places to places. 

Sigh.............WBAS! Why? Why? Why? Maybe I should opt her out next year.  

Making me prouder of her

It was a surprise to receive this in the mail. 

But it's a great affirmation of her commitment to .....? what? First time she's getting an Eagles Award.  

I've always been proud of you, however having this makes me even more proud of you. 

又有钱拿了！！

Big baby is 14!

20th Nov (Sun) - The girl wanted Dynasty Paradise @ Vivo as her birthday treat

21st Nov (Mon) - Her birthday cake from Antoinette .We didn't cut the cake the day before as we were too full from dinner at Dynasty Paradise  

25th Nov (Fri) - What a way to spend her birthday! The girl had to be back in school for Band practice. Although we did say we didn't have time to celebrate for her, that was why she was given her birthday treat on 20th. But hubby, no matter what dotes on her (even though he doesn't display much affection), he worked from home and decided to go and pick her up from school and asked what she wanted to eat. Though it had to be a quick one - eat and return home - as he had some work to do.

Meanwhile, the surprise has been up in her room. Lil' one was hushed not to spill the beans.  

The moment she looked up her room door from the living room, she suspected something (moreover she noticed me angle my handphone in vertical way) and deliberately detoured and walked to my room first. Yup! Got the video down. Oh man! She hates taking pictures that it's so hard to get any nice shots of her.

Checking out the big balloon.Smiling .......

Happy Sweet 14th my darling girl! 

Dreading 2017

In just two months 2016 will come to an end. We'll usher in 2017, make resolutions (though I don't make them anymore coz I never make an attempt to work out my resolutions. I need magic not resolutions!) and wham! girls are in their upper level in their respective school. Another new phase as they're a step closer to their major examination.

Though I've walked the whole primary level with the older one, it's a new start for me to handle all over again, in a different style as every kid is different. 
Primary 5 is also tougher as it's getting them ready for Primary 6 and PSLE. The examination formats changed; the weightage changed; the grades dropped in first semester / term (you'll be lucky if the child maintained good results) 

Been pre-empting her that Primary 5 means staying back in school more; more homeworks plus since she's taking HMT she'll have added work amongst some others. I'm not sure if she can cope but we'll try and see how it goes. Infact, I didn't have much of a break the moment the older one finishes her PSLE. I realized the P3 (lil one in 2015) was almost similar to what her older sister has been doing. The standard has raised up yet again!! That's a span of 4 years. I can't believe what would happen when it comes to my grandchildren time. 

The older girl - 
Hopefully we have made the right risky choice for her subject combinations. We had to drop her weakest subject, the school didn't give her the subject so I guess it's some big hint the school is dropping on us. She's taking her favourite subject - History. With heavy commitment in Band, I had to be realistic. She wanted this subject; that subject and I kept questioning her if she can cope. As much as I'd love her to take Pure Biology and Pure Chemistry, I don't think she can cope with it. Looking at "how well" she's been doing her time management for the past two years, with my constant nagging leading to harsh scolding ....  Nah! I think the less subjects the better for her, so she can concentrate on acing each subject. To think that she had been harping on doing EMP, promising that  she'll  manage her time well etc.. I'm just so sick and tired of her empty promises; of her talk but no action. No way! I don't want to have that commitment then realized she's not keeping her promises; I'll be like stuck to caring for a dog for life when I'm not prepared for hard work. Plus, if she takes EMP, she needs to spend an additional day after school hours in another school. I have no idea which day it would be, whichever day it is, it might 'eat into the time' of her tuition or piano lesson. Sounds easy huh? But I've got to handle another kid also. Though she can take bus but that means more time wasted on travelling. 

Although she says she wants to get into JC, I'm just keeping my options open for her. I don't even know if she'll 'wake up' and work hard as she should have been. Anyway, hell no I'm not going to send her overseas to study if she fails miserably for her O'Levels. She can come out to work and then do part-time studies next time. There comes a time when I just want to give up on her. Should just let her learn her lesson the hard way.    

7th Oct 2016 #Birthday wishes or postings on FB#

I was in denial that I'm another year older until I received this surprise jelly cake from you, Youli Song. Thanks a lot! I truly appreciate all that you've done.

It was a day just like any other day where house chores still had to be done; the same routine as on every Fridays. What made today a little more special is I received messages from everyone via FB, SMS, a birthday card from my best friend who never fails to send me a card every year. I was reminded again to count my blessings - to be thought of this day by my family and friends. 

I couldn't ask for anything more... I'm truly blessed and very lucky.

Birthday song is sung at 10pm. But that's just our routine for Fridays, with a minor tweek for today - a later shower for lil' one

*****

Birthday wish from REHENA, my pretty LSS

41 and not any wiser

Honestly nothing to rave about. It's just like any other ordinary day for me, the girls need to eat (I have to cook!), the house needs to be cleaned (I need to clean the house), the girls schooling and after school classes go on as usual. No need to raise pom poms; no need any big celebration. Infact, we didn't have time for it until late in the night at 10pm when everyone is home.

All I am thankful is getting to live past another year. It's really scary to think that being one year older is being one step closer to my non-existence.

My nottie girl is 10

I can't believe it. My youngest girl is 10. Soon, she'll grow up and leave home. I must admit I'm not looking forward to this at all as it also means I'll be old and wrinkly by then.

Can I put a standstill to time?

We didn't have a party for her this year. Have to maintain a low-key for all celebrations this year. Maybe we'll organise one for her when she is 11.  

She's lucky that she didn't have to go to school on her birthday this year. It seems like for many years, this date coincides with something that she is given a special holiday from MOE. This year is Project Click, where the kids get to stay at home and do work assigned by teachers in mconline. However, the next two days after that is her Oral examinations. So it's not exactly a nice enjoyable treat for her either. She will have to mug the books revising apart from doing the assigned work given by school teachers.

The day before : 18th September (Sunday)

We brought her out for lunch at NEX. She had wanted Swensens but the queue was very long, so she settled for MOF instead.

Days ago, she told me she wanted a birthday cake from Polar. She wanted those cute image cakes. She suggested that she can choose the design she wanted. We chose a small cake coz' the whole family seems to cut down on cakes. Hmm... I wonder why? Though I had a crazy idea to bake her a small TsumTsum swissroll. In the end I gave up the idea, I simply can't find the time to bake.

Che-che and I thought this cake looks cute. However it's a big cake (but still smaller than some other cakes) the birthday girl didn't want it

She settled for this $7.50 cake in the end. She used to like Tweety. Practical coz three of us got to eat a small piece, che-che got half of it and everyone's happy. I've got a practical and easily contented child (I think)

She asked daddy for a birthday present - A DOG!! As usual, we'd go to Pet Safari to look at dogs. (It's a routine thing the girls would do when we're in NEX) Then as usual,  in her usually loud voice she'd say she wants this dog and that dog. Nope! No dogs; no cats; no fish; no terrapin. There were a few cute ones, I especially like the black sheltie.

After we got home, I decided to let them relax today. I'll start panicking and dump one whole load of stuffs to make her memorise tomorrow. Let her play in the pool with the crocodile float I bought some time back. She had such a great time.

At the pool, she hardly played with it when a small boy came up to her. And she asked him if he wanted to play with it? So sweet right? There's something about this girl. Though she drives me/us crazy with her non-stop yakking; she irritates us by asking silly questions. She has the heart of gold. She's a nice, caring girl. They had so much fun playing together. After the boy left, she had the whole float to herself. But just as we were leaving, a few kids came and one of them asked me if she could play with lil' one but I explained that I needed to go back home already, perhaps we can play together next time. Well, if that girl asked her direct for sure she'll (lil' one) gladly jump down from her float to let her play. 

Dinner was something simple. They wanted to make their own pizza. Followed by her birthday cake. She's one happy child!

She was bored to tears after finishing her cake. Nobody made any move, just acted so normal. Dad walked into the room; che-che went back to her room; she was stuck outside at dining table playing with a canned drink while I was busy washing dishes. Perhaps she was feeling a little disappointed that nobody remembered to give her anything. I would feel that way you know...... She said she was bored, she didn't know what to do. So I suggested studying and she rebelled. Then I told her I just remembered my "essential oil parcel came and I needed to top up my oils and she can help me open up the box" She didn't suspect a thing but found it strange to have newpapers inside instead of the usual bubble wrap. And when she saw that bottle.... I got it down on video... That look makes me so super happy.  

Posing with her presents from us. Well actually..... it's more than these. On Friday, she asked for a file & a Tsum Tsum compact scissors from Character& Design as her present. Weeks before, she asked for a Tsum Tsum pencil case. She wanted Marie but they didn't have it so she got the Alien from Toy Story.Wah..... my girl knows how to ger-tok the mother!! 

Happy Birthday, my dear girl.

I love you very much

Recollection

As I sat infront of the study table in our room, the aircon just above me blast mercilessly at me. I got up to take my blanket and wrapped it over my head; covering my legs as well. Immediately I was transported back to the years 2000 to 2002. That was the time I did evening classes with MDIS pursuing my Dip and later Adv Dip in Mass Communications. I did my studies; my projects during my flights lugging a loptop, file and tapes along. You read it right - tapes. Then I wasn't savvy about digital recorder and so passed a tape cassette recorder for my friend to help me record the lessons. I would listen to them when I'm in Singapore and overseas. Must say I'm a diciplined studious person.  

Sigh

Anyway, back to the wrapping myself up. Outstation, we weren't able to adjust the aircon temperature. Most time I'll be cold in the room. And when I was, I would bring a towel (not a duvet unless it's a single bed I'm sleeping on) and wrap myself comfortably. Sit cross-legged. Prepare my steady supplies of water and snacks and I'll push the big chair to the table and work. I can even take a 10 minutes power nap on the table in between. That's how comfortable I was. 

             

Advancing Technology

Things just gets slimmer and lighter and better. Our previous laptop was with us for 3-4 years and recently I can't type certain letters on it, namely b, x and z. An additional bluetooth enabled keyboard was the solution until the man decided it's time to change it. 

It was suppose to be che-che's computer but I end up using it more often than her. Had my programs & cutesy fonts installed in the laptop and I must admit if not for the frustrations for not being able to sync the keyboard and of course the inconvenience of lugging an additional keyboard outside, I would be happy with the old laptop. I don't have to start all over again re-installing softwares. 

This is so much lighter and slimmer. If che-che wants to bring this out to do her class projects with her friends, it would be so much easier. I remember her mentioning to her friend the other day, she can't bring her loptop coz some letters don't work. So, her friend brought hers and green eyed monster is just filled with envy seeing how her friend carry it in her backpack so easily. 

So tempted to get one on my own. Haha! Then I'll have to start imposing and threatening to confiscate the laptop from che-che when I notice she's distracted with it.         

Meanwhile, I'll need time to install printer and what nots inside here.Update my blog post, 2 has been in the draft box for the longest time. 

不够时间

And I've finally decided not to proceed with planning any Halloween trick-treating event this year. I can't cope with housework and some scanning to do,tidying up the house. 

Seems like I spend alot of time scanning this and that huh? Before we moved, I've scanned quite a couple of things that the girls need so that I can junk the hard copies away. However, if you remember I was one Supermom who had to handle EVERYTHING all by myself for the renovation and the move, there were some stuffs that were still undone. I could only do them progressively. I had to scan some Young Scientist magazines, National Geographic magazines and some other magazines that I used to subscribe for che-che. 

Also, seems like I still need to tidy and organize the place. WHY? Moved in one year already still have things to organize? I have two daughters who mess up the place faster than I can tidy.  

One pair of hands, surely I can't handle all these by myself now. I gotta prioritize.

I will wait and see if MC is organizing anything.

Volunteering In School

I've doing this six years (I think) in running. This year tasked to take charge of the little babies - Primary 2. Half the time I've taken care of the lower primary and though it sounds easy, since they will be the "little angels listening to you" opposed to the slightly defiant upper primary girls.  I still prefer to get the upper primary girls. WHY?

As far as I remembered, I'm always getting these whiny girls who would complain to me every nitty gritty things. "Aunty, she pushed me", "Aunty she hit me", Aunty they are fighting." If there's one thing I can do - I'd lock both kids up in the toilet and force them to make up with each other before I can let them out. Haha! Sounds really evil. 

I wonder how teachers can endure all these grouchy fussy babies in class. Task me to handle my two girls already I'm about to disown them, what more 30 other kids!! With that, a BIG SALUTE TO TEACHERS.

PV chairperson : Please give me the upper primary the next 2-3 years I'd help out. All I need to do with the girls is to ensure their safety.