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.

Affirmation Award

Big girl came back with an Affirmation Award from school. Dunno for what but this is just for record purposes 

And she was given this file. Hee Hee! 

Which is scarier?

I called her tutor and asked if we can go to the air-conditioned venue today, as she had a fall recently and doctor advised no PE which equates to no perspiration. I'm not saying that she perspires by the rainstorm in tutor's place but I needed a comfortable place for girl since injury is still a little raw.

Tutor was really concerned about her and asked about her. And then she asked me a question, if it was an accident or she was being pushed. I told her it was an accident coz she was in a rush.

After that I thought to myself. Which would be scarier?

The physical accident - push and settle hatred once and for all OR the tormenting mental bully she got over the years?? 

Her FIRST fall

As a SAHM, I've literally watched my two daughters "firsts". First roll over; first crawl; first word; first .... But I wasn't around today to watch my older girl's FIRST MAJOR FALL. Her first fall that requires stitching. OMG! 

But like my sister says, it's all part of growing up. Everyone will get their major fall. I got mine, all thanks to the evil sister who kicked me down the L- shaped stairs in our Telok Kurau house and it's a miracle I survived. Maybe that's why I'm abit crazy, I must have a hard hit on my head thus affecting my brain. 

Hubby received the news first, well actually they called me first but it has to be planned in such a way that I had to accidentally leave the phone in the car when they called. (I hardly forget to bring down phone from car) So they called him next. When I got back to the car, I was puzzled over at some missed call numbers, didn't know where it's from but looks like it's from Marine Parade area. But decided to call hubby first who left an urgent message. By then it was already close to 3.40pm, I was on my way to pick lil' one up from school. Information was disseminated as "Athena had a fall in school on the stairs". My heart missed a beat, I envisioned she had take a tumble down the stairs, an epilogue to her mummy's accident donkey years later. And maybe legs fractured? I cancelled lil' one's ballet and tuition and headed down to KKH. Meanwhile hubby was already near the hospital. 

When I saw her, I was so relieved she was standing and walking. But the blood on her white blouse. Oh my! Her precious B+ blood. Just words of concern for her and no chiding, no point to chide her coz she must have felt awful too. But I was wrong, my girl was still so cheery. Need stitches still 不拍死. I arrived at the time when the plastic surgeon (at that time I didn't know he was a plastic surgeon. All I knew was he wasn't in green scrubs, so he must be some specialist) checking on the injury and I looked, a gaping wound about 2.2cm. Eeks! It must be very painful. But she wasn't in pain at all.  Honestly, I can't remember what he told me and I didn't even know what questions to ask him.

I asked if I could stay with her inside as she is afraid of needles. They didn't allow, however I'm amaze at how cool and collected she was. While waiting for them to prepare the stuffs, she whispered to lil' one "sitting in the ambulance is so fun". The big-mouth girl had to spout out loud, "che-che said its so fun sitting inside". She then explained that it was her first time sitting in an ambulance (of course! How many times does she want to sit in one?) Asked her what was inside, was a paramedic inside as well? "Nothing inside. The last question I asked her was if the siren was blaring away. She said it wasn't. So I told her they probably felt her injuries weren't that serious. Her remark after that left me laughing. "Aiyoh! It's around 2+. There's no traffic jam at that time!" 
I sms-ed brother, and he came by after work to see her. The whole time we were laughing & joking as if nothing had happened. Lil' one was seen munching a muffin. I didn't know where she got the muffin from, but she found it fun to be walking around in the kids clinic. She gets to miss her taichi class and her tuition. 
   

These are pictures of her, taken after stitches were done

At one point she was also amused with the patient tag on her left wrist. I asked if she wanted to keep it as a souvenir, she was figuring out how to take it out nicely. I told her I have to snip it off, they make it in such a way that nobody can yank it off. In the end, she hesistated and didn't want to keep it. 

Sigh....I seem to forget that she's still a child though she looks big size.

She was still able to read her phone messages. All from her friends, classmates who are so concerned about her. And in such time, I saw her even reading her storybook. Not bad huh? 

After almost everything is settled, when she is not needed, hubby sent them home. While I waited for the medicine, settle payment and update their address. Made my way home after that, having to carry all the bags that were left in my car. However I get the peace..

*** The next day 23rd July ***

She went back to school for her practice. Asked her if she wanted to miss it but she said she can't, she needs to go. So I told her, we'll see how it goes in the night. I was watching out if she'll get any fever. Thank goodness nothing happened so we sent her to school. However she did mention that the school asked her to stop practicing about 15 mins before band ends.

Her sense of responsibility and commitment is something I should be proud of.

 

The headache that comes annually

It's the time (yet again) I have this headache. Come every July, I'll have to wreck my brain on what to gift the teachers on Teachers' Day. Something practical; something handmade; something special. I must admit I'm really running out of ideas.

Sigh........ Ok I admit it's just me. Most parents won't be bother but buy gifts the day before Teachers' Day.

The list must be up of course. Used to get them involved in the process of making the gifts but I prefer them to take the time to study.

Then another headache, should we have any party for lil' one?  She's so happy that she didn't have to be in school (again) this year coz it's Project Click Day - a day where the kids do online work.

Grand Master Tan says there shouldn't be any form of celebration this year for our family. However the lil' one don't understand why; the man pampers on his lil' one and says to have one with the family. Thing is, the kids plus the birthday girl will be bored. If I hv a kids party, the adults will be bored. Should we have a party, all the planning and preparations should start NOW! Hmm....maybe I shall just quietly ignore.

Across the waters

This is the first time (ever!) we did not travel during the school hols. I'm so glad!

The man came back from Shanghai, so we need not make a trip up. With che-che needing to return back to school for the first and last week, we're left with only two weeks. Honestly, it's troublesome to  arrange for replacement classes when we go for a trip. Thus, the final decision was to stay in Singapore. I planned for a two nights stay in Sentosa though! Hub went to work while we girls had a good time getting our skins burnt!! It was a trip with no books and its only play play play. (Coz I usually do pack some work for them to do when we travel to Shanghai)

We went over waters 我们过水 (literally!)

On the 7th (Tues), we left the house with hub. He dropped us along the way and we walked to Sentosa dragging our luggage. It was really sweet of che-che to offer to pull the trolley for me at some point. It was 7plus, quiet and nice weather for a stroll. I had to do the most suaku thing with the only obliging (but getting to be not obliging soon) model. Take picture here; take picture there. 

Went to hotel first and dropped the luggage in the concierge and proceeded to the reception for an early check-in. 

The girls had a breakfast place in mind, Slappy Cakes. Che-che told us what we had to do. We ordered two bottles of mix and we were so full. We're not big eaters at all. It's quite fun and che-che made pancakes for me and lil' one. Nice to see them not fighting.

 Trypophobia!!

I remembered lil' one had one picture of her smiling at KZ and mom. Ahh.....I just can't recall her position and which side I took from.

Trying hard to recreate .... and hear her comment "cold! cold! the water is so cold!"

The only thing she loved. Sigh....... ok technically she's still 9. Still young

Went to the Southernmost point of the continent. Really or not?

We did the touristy thing, even joining a tour in Fort Siloso with four other Australians. The local guide commented that it's the first time he ever has a Singaporean on his tour. Well, I thought it'd be better to have someone bringing us around and explaining things to us. I have no inkling idea what was in Siloso and I must admit I really learnt something. The big girl was like "tsk tsk", abit showing off like she knows every thing. Well, she has to know everything coz she studied those in History lesson. My History lesson has gone down in history.Bleh! Though at some point I was regretting my idea to bring them to Sentosa, I could have done a staycation and idled in air-conditioned places. I was melting under the hot sun!

Sentosa has changed so much since we last went in 2007? We've been to Sentosa after USS began operations, but it's usually only RWS area we ventured. It must be God's plan for us coz just the day before, Underwater World announced that admission fees will be down to the previous fees. I had to bring them there, Aricia has no recollection of the place. Saw the turtles and they've grown SO BIG! Yah, my girls grew too!

Made two rounds on the travellator and we said our sayonaras to the fishies, sharkies wondering how long more they can live in Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. Though we were a little cooled down but we were too tired to walk anymore. We went back to the hotel, ready to get into our room and have a nice cold shower. 

Accommodation is in Hard Rock Hotel. The room is big, good for big families and can even lay tilam on the floor. However, there wasn't any sofa to relax. We had to watch TV sitting on the bed. I don't really like the room, they didn't even vacuum the carpet. Oh my! I can literally see crumbs on the carpet. I rate it 4/10. Staff friendliness 9/10. Once is enough. Won't waste the money to stay there again. The only good thing is we have  complimentary carpark coupon, so hub stayed at Sentosa with us, making his commute time to work shorter.

Compulsory stop over place. Dinner at Coca's. I really miss the chilli. Can we buy the special chilli dip?

After dinner, we wandered around trying to digest our food. It was the first time seeing USS in the night. We soon drew our attention to some loud noise and ran towards it. It was this electronic crane dancing with fireworks. I thought I've seen something similar like this before? Where was it? China?

8th (Wed) - USS

Before the start of the school hols, che-che asked when she can go USS with her friends. To save time, I asked her to go either on one of the days we're there. She will have her company, I will bring the little one around on my own. At first there were a few of them who showed interest but everyone is busy with either tournaments or banned (from going out too much during the first week of hols), in the end only one could make it. Another girl asked her to go the following week, I didn't allow.
Had Macs for breakfast and then we proceeded to USS. Got che-che an annual pass. Then her friend came and we went our separate ways. My girl is growing too fast; independent. Soon, she'll not want me anymore.
  

The rain brought much respite from the heat. I loved the cooling temperature BUT it's troublesome and most outdoor rides were suspended. We've been to USS 3-4 times already and this is the first time we encountered such thing. I asked one of the staff and he highlighted to me "lightning alert". It makes sense. But it'll be a luck thing, imagine a tourist coming all the way here and having paid so much and ..not like we can predict weather..
Oh my! I need to get my $74 worth. The lil' one is really a scaredy cat. (No Magic Mountain for her!)  We really can't take many rides so we left early as she wanted to play in the hotel swimming pool.

These are some pictures of her to show that she did go USS. 

I settled lil' one's dinner. While che-che had dinner with Vanessa in Vivo. And since her return time back to Sentosa is almost the same time as hubby coming back, I asked him to fetch her so that she don't have to walk back in the dark. 

It's our second and last night here.I'm thankful that I didn't have to work my butt off cleaning the house but it means that after this relaxation, I'd slog like doubly hard after that. 

9th (Thu)

Woke the girls up early to change into their outside clothes and passed hub the luggage. Wasn't sure if we would end early and head home ourselves, having the luggage out of our mind would definitely make travelling around easier. Had Slappy Cakes again and we went on to do some activities that were KIV-ed on first day. 
We went on the Luge, it's so fun. Lil' one is so cautious, braking intermittently and it's so noisy. The first time I asked che-che to go down on her own so I stayed with her watching out for riders coming from the back (just incase they can't brake in time) Staff happened to come down and assisted her. I had an idea what's the problem, she doesn't have the strength to hold on to same position for long so would let go thus stopping. Second time, undeterred, she wanted to go alone again. Che-che so kindly told me she would follow her and I can do the thrill of going down non-stop. I made an illegal stop by the side and waited for them, heard the irritating sound and knew they're on their way down thus managed to get some shots. Third time, che-che volunteered again that she'll follow her so I can make my way down fast. Wow! I thought  to myself, she's really so sweet. So I went down "weeeeeeeeee" very fun but still a cautious driver. After some time, I spotted che-che and was looking out for lil' one BUT she's not there. Then she came down and told me she kept stopping and she got frustrated so left her there. WHAT!!!! How can she do that? She's so 恨 to my baby; my darling; my precious (haha! Note all the endearing names). Should I go over and ask the 'tanned knights in shorts to rescue the princess on a luge? Would she be crying? Would she be frightened? Then I thought, maybe just wait a while. When she's alone, she'll be forced to be independent so it might be a good thing. About 5 mins later, we heard that irritating noise and relieved as she made her way down. I looked at her, no signs of distress, so didn't want to question her. I believe that leaving her alone should toughen her up a little. Fourth time we went, I asked her to sit with me so she can feel the thrill of going down quickly. Wah....I got one kiasi girl who kept telling me "not so fast mummy. Slow down" 

* eyes rolling * I brought my mother out; not my daughter. 

Had one last ride, coz they said if girl with me it's considered one ride. Che-che didn't want to go so I went my last ride for the day down really fast. Wheee...........FUN!   

Went on some 4D experience thingy. Told them we can skip Madam Tussauds coz no interesting people. I'd like to bring them to London's Madam Tussauds instead. As usual that scaredy cat girl, so afraid on rides. Buay tahan her! It was already close to 5pm, we decided to call it a day and asked hub if he could give us a ride back home from Harbourfont Centre.

Our short break has come to an end. The girls aren't looking forward to it though as it means it's work work work for them at home. 

An accidental encounter with the OILS

It's been three months since I walked into the oily path. Well, if you don't understand me... playing with essential oils. I shall not divulge which brand I'm using here as I'm not hard-selling them but rather use them for personal use. This is a personal blog entry and not meant as a marketing platform for businesses. * I will not hesitate to delete comments if anyone is trying to sell their brands here. TQ. * 

COINCIDENCE OR FATE?

The uncanny thing about this is that I bought two of their blends for my girls when I read about it on the internet. And that was like 4-5 years ago? I was shipping them from the US all the time since 2011 or was it 2012? 

One day, Friend 1 was telling me she joined this company. And asked if I knew what essential oils were. Of course I did I told her, I mainly buy to make the house smell nice. And I used tea-light diffuser. She was surprised when I told her essential oils have been ongoing for a very long time already. She chuckled and commented she's the backdated one. And then she mentioned about the store bought oils I usually buy vs theirs. To cut the long story short, the next day she passed me a bottle of Peppermint. Che-che opened the bottle and immediately she took the bottle and claimed it's hers and then start putting back the bottles of essential oils she took from me. She told me it smells different and she likes it. Wow! I wasn't convinced and told Friend 1, who said she isn't wrong to like it coz it's natural and the rests are chemical laden.

Another time, I talked to Friend 2 coz once che-che told me she went to their house and saw so many bottles of essential oils around the house. I had no idea whether she was a fervant fan or just a passerby. I told her the whole story about how che-che is able to sniff that bottle Friend1 passed and friend was pleased that she has acute sense of smell. (I don't! Coz I kept asking "what's the difference. Isn't stronger smell better than the subtle smell?") Friend2 was so excited and really a guru, she started telling me what I can use with certain oil etc.. 

The next day she passed a bottle of Peppermint to my girl when I told her she likes Peppermint. Same thing again, she smelled and kaput the bottle and return me the first bottle Friend1 gave, saying that this is better. Again, I kept saying it smells just the same. Something must be wrong with my nose. She claimed it doesn't and she prefers this better. Then I took a look at the bottle. The label .... something is so familiar... I ran back to my room to take out the blends and checked. If only I can strike 4D as accurate as this. It's the same company! I asked Friend2, "you mean they have an office in Singapore now? How long have they been in Sin? I've been buying their 2 blends from the US all these while!" 

I guess it's just fated for me to bump into this company here. I did some read up on the companies as both friends are members of different company. Needless to say, my one and only judge, che-che, passed her verdict. She likes company 2 better, perhaps she was already accustomed to the smell since she used their blend for years? Even when we have two other oils from both companies to compare, she's still biased with her preference.

I decided it's no harm to join the company as I will need to get the oils. But I had many bottles of the other brands' essential oils. It'll be a waste to junk them away, as much as I would like to slowly get rid of chemical laden products in my home, I will have to do it progressively as I will get rid of them by using them in the toilet bins, toilet bowls. But ask me to drop the new oils into the toilet bowl? It's so .... wasted because they cost $$.

ONE MONTH INTO THE NEW PARTIALLY HOLISTIC LIVING
Che-che was telling me about her friend (her mother is Friend2) would always use oils in class in primary school. Their classmates didn't like it but they didn't tell her off and endured for the years they were together. Her friend would use this "weird smell in school but I'm so used to it." "She would also drop ### in the excursion bus such that the whole bus stank. When we went Malacca, we're the only group who didn't get any mosquito bite coz she protected us with her oils. During camps, she would go round the whole room and pour lavender." I answered, "isn't it good. She's putting all of you to sleep." "I don't mind, I love the smell of lavender and she did it to repel insects." Haha! Okay I have no complaints but I'd freak out if I found out my daughter is using oils like water. 
One day, a lady walked past us in Macs and immediately she told me "that's ###!!"  
I remembered her mom was telling me to get this ### which is really good. She started telling me what to do with the oils. It's really nice to have a learned person guiding me. I bought and che-che kaput from me (again). She helped herself to my bottles and put them in her room.          

ONE AND A HALF MONTH INTO THE NEW PARTIALLY HOLISTIC LIVING   
One day,I started with a little of that "gasping for breath" cough. That same bad cough which I got last year when I fell really sick during the impending move into our new home. I googled and decided to use the oils to heal myself. I was a little skeptical. Well you can't blame me, a person who believed in antibiotics to get rid of that sickness before I use TCM. This holistic living is a total different ball game from the two medicinal worlds. You can say I was sold into it because IT WORKED! I told mom I didn't go to the doctor but used oils. 
Then another day, mom came over and stayed. She suddenly felt feverish. I was a little hesistant to apply oils on mom as she is a renal recipient, and I really need to be very careful. But I decided to try on her somehow. IT WORKED! 

TWO MONTHS PLUS INTO THE NEW PARTIALLY HOLISTIC LIVING
I have a lot to learn, it's so interesting (like taking up a third language) but I really have no time to read up on more. However, there's one oil which is indispensable - Lavender. Lil' one is slowly loving it and would allow me to apply it topically on her. Whenever she feels itchy, she'd ask for the anti-itch spray I prepared. Also ask to apply the oil neat on her. "mummy mosquito bite me. Put lavender." 
Something which I need to remind myself. I need to read up before I apply any oils topically. Obviously I don't and a funny mistake I did was to put two drops of peppermint on my hand and rub her scalp. It's refreshing! Her eyes started to get smaller and she kept rubbing her eyes. "I cannot open my eyes.." Haha. Should put it in her mouth so she won't be able to open and talk, right? Then I read "Peppermint is a hot oil. Be careful when using on children."   
I do find myself reaching out for the oils more now. I mean, this is not as hard as cooking right? I get the feeling, then think a certain oil will help to remedy. Nobody suffers from inhaling wrong oils as compared to eating horrible food. I was angry with the girls once, really angry. After scolding them, I went to my room. 
I felt horrible and applied an oil on myself. Not too long after, I felt so much better, I didn't have that feeling of something gripping my heart.
The oils will change our lives, slowly. 

Looking forward!