lily was sharing with me about her transit experience at one of the china airports.
she was in a tour group, a throng of 15 people. at the airport, they had stayed in teh queue but decided to wander off for a while to kill time. upon return, they saw a china-looking guy jumping queue, moving in front of their big group of 15.
when being questioned by a tour member, he raised his voice in a rude manner. then, lily was really pissed off and went forward to rationalise things with him. out came from his mouth,"u ugly singaporean. i'm also a singaporean!" i was told that he spoke with american slang too!
lily soon discovered that he's a chinese mainlander who has gotten his singaporean citizenship and has moved to america for further studies. with him was another china lady and his dad, probably.
lily's experience set us thinking of how the govt had granted citizenship to many foreigners who simply used singapore as an escalating board to move forward in lives. it also makes me realise (though i had realised it long ago) how impt it is for our people to behave well when we are abroad.
somehow, the impression that pple hv of singaporeans are not too pleasant too!
on a side note, lily was in shanghai and saw ugly behaviour of the shanghainess, how at the sink, they would just stretch their hands above yours to wash without any expression of embarassment or apology.
well, we singaporeans are probably more kiasu, that's all. till today, i still find the jap women the most gracious in their behaviours, not rushing nor hurrying, always able to give in to others first, in a queue.
well, behaviours certainly tell of a person's breed. so, let's behave.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
independence vs moral support
i was reading wendy's blog about her 2 children taking 'o' level and 'psle' this yr.
yet, she has decided to travel with the hubby citing that the kids are supposed to be left independent in their work, after p4.
well, do i agree with her view? not fully.
in my opinion, my presence at home before the exams is not so much of pushing, nagging and sitting down with them like 陪读妈妈！it's more of moral support and for emergent standby role.
when kids knw that we are around, they will feel safe and peaceful. 安心can drive the kids to reach a great height. when they are hungry, i will prepare them a meal to warm their hearts. when they feel like releasing their stress through a badminton game or swim, i can be the one to accompany.
before long, they will grow up and fly independently. showering them with another few more yrs of attention and love (haha, not too much pampering, i hpe) will only help intensify the bond between us.
i swear that my 2 kids can share distinct memories of fun times that we had experienced while they were kids..... i am sure, their knowledge of us being the prime supporters of their growing yrs will make them feel loved.
only with love in their hearts would they be able to love others...a sermon that i heard of from church last sun. i totally agree with it.
yet, she has decided to travel with the hubby citing that the kids are supposed to be left independent in their work, after p4.
well, do i agree with her view? not fully.
in my opinion, my presence at home before the exams is not so much of pushing, nagging and sitting down with them like 陪读妈妈！it's more of moral support and for emergent standby role.
when kids knw that we are around, they will feel safe and peaceful. 安心can drive the kids to reach a great height. when they are hungry, i will prepare them a meal to warm their hearts. when they feel like releasing their stress through a badminton game or swim, i can be the one to accompany.
before long, they will grow up and fly independently. showering them with another few more yrs of attention and love (haha, not too much pampering, i hpe) will only help intensify the bond between us.
i swear that my 2 kids can share distinct memories of fun times that we had experienced while they were kids..... i am sure, their knowledge of us being the prime supporters of their growing yrs will make them feel loved.
only with love in their hearts would they be able to love others...a sermon that i heard of from church last sun. i totally agree with it.
lil conversation with claire
claire: mom, do u despise me? (haha, is this girl trying to impress me with the word 'despise'?)
me: of coz not! why do u ask such a question?
claire: becoz i'm not so focused and slow in my work.
me: that's not true, claire. u r not slow, rather u r just easily distracted and hence, takes a longer time to finish a piece of work. if u learn to put ur heart to ur work and disregard all noise, tv programs and electronic gadgets around u, u will be able to stay focused as well as joy and me!
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well, when i shared this with my hubby few hrs ago, he laughed heartily finding the whole episode very funny.
his only comment,"must be u telling her this and giving her the impression that she's not focused!"
yes, i might hv said it more than once recently!
like "claire, plse stay focused on ur work and quickly finish it up!"
or "see, joy can sit there like a statue to study!"
or "dun talk to me. i'm trying to finish up these math questions. i need concentration!"
well, that just goes to show that parents' words do hv great impact on the kids' mind. sth said with no intention to belittle, apparently has robbed her of some lil self-esteem.
now, i must think of how to 'repair' that lil 'hollow' to bring her self-esteem back.
hope i will be kinder in my words and not often reminding her of her 'spoken bad english'....must be the peers and the sch envt, i reckon.
well, even joy is not conscious of using proper english when she converses with pple.
her excuse,"i feel more comfortable that way. imagine if i speak perfect english with my dance frds, they will find it awkward. but dun worry lah mom, in front of teachers, i speak proper."
well, i ought to learn to trust joy's words. afterall, she always scores very high for her oral....so, i should compliment her for her 'versatile ability' to switch from broken to perfect english?
and for claire, i'm sure her esteem will be restored. afterall, how many times in a week do i hear joy telling her,"claire, i wish i can hv ur skin and legs..." i reckon, joy will include 'boobs' in the list soon.
hello everyone, u hear me?
me: of coz not! why do u ask such a question?
claire: becoz i'm not so focused and slow in my work.
me: that's not true, claire. u r not slow, rather u r just easily distracted and hence, takes a longer time to finish a piece of work. if u learn to put ur heart to ur work and disregard all noise, tv programs and electronic gadgets around u, u will be able to stay focused as well as joy and me!
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well, when i shared this with my hubby few hrs ago, he laughed heartily finding the whole episode very funny.
his only comment,"must be u telling her this and giving her the impression that she's not focused!"
yes, i might hv said it more than once recently!
like "claire, plse stay focused on ur work and quickly finish it up!"
or "see, joy can sit there like a statue to study!"
or "dun talk to me. i'm trying to finish up these math questions. i need concentration!"
well, that just goes to show that parents' words do hv great impact on the kids' mind. sth said with no intention to belittle, apparently has robbed her of some lil self-esteem.
now, i must think of how to 'repair' that lil 'hollow' to bring her self-esteem back.
hope i will be kinder in my words and not often reminding her of her 'spoken bad english'....must be the peers and the sch envt, i reckon.
well, even joy is not conscious of using proper english when she converses with pple.
her excuse,"i feel more comfortable that way. imagine if i speak perfect english with my dance frds, they will find it awkward. but dun worry lah mom, in front of teachers, i speak proper."
well, i ought to learn to trust joy's words. afterall, she always scores very high for her oral....so, i should compliment her for her 'versatile ability' to switch from broken to perfect english?
and for claire, i'm sure her esteem will be restored. afterall, how many times in a week do i hear joy telling her,"claire, i wish i can hv ur skin and legs..." i reckon, joy will include 'boobs' in the list soon.
hello everyone, u hear me?
lil conversation with joy
joy : mom, i'm going back to sch tmrw. think i should get some of my results! what happens if i need to get retained?
me(awe-struck and jaw dropped): huh?
joy: if i really need to be retained, i will find another option!
claire (interrupted): u mean go poly?
joy (with her bemused look): no lah, i will surely appeal and appeal until the sch allows me to be promoted!
me: should hv worked harder lor!
joy: i'm sure the sch will let me go to jc2. afterall, my midyr results werent that bad plus my 'o' level grades were good too!
me: plse lah, joy, all vjc stdts also get the same 'o' level results as u, what!
joy: no mom, not everybody got 6As, ok?
me (tongue-tied): hope for the best lah.
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well, joy has many areas to improve. i always say that this girl only works hard for exams purpose. other than that, it's 1 km distance away from the books and reading materials....how tragic.
to me, reading up and learning more should be part of everyday's life affairs. i hope she will realise the imptce of keeping to a more consistent learning schedule so that study is not just for exams sake.....
me(awe-struck and jaw dropped): huh?
joy: if i really need to be retained, i will find another option!
claire (interrupted): u mean go poly?
joy (with her bemused look): no lah, i will surely appeal and appeal until the sch allows me to be promoted!
me: should hv worked harder lor!
joy: i'm sure the sch will let me go to jc2. afterall, my midyr results werent that bad plus my 'o' level grades were good too!
me: plse lah, joy, all vjc stdts also get the same 'o' level results as u, what!
joy: no mom, not everybody got 6As, ok?
me (tongue-tied): hope for the best lah.
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well, joy has many areas to improve. i always say that this girl only works hard for exams purpose. other than that, it's 1 km distance away from the books and reading materials....how tragic.
to me, reading up and learning more should be part of everyday's life affairs. i hope she will realise the imptce of keeping to a more consistent learning schedule so that study is not just for exams sake.....
unfair treatment at workplace!
a brief acquaintance,B told me that she's quit her administration job. thk goodness though, she's found a new one.
as she was relating the unfair practice at work since the boss employed a foreign talent (filipino), she shed tears. she's in the 50s and the new worker is in late
20s.
she said,"the filipinos are crafty!"
it's again a case of office power play. but knowing B, she's a responsible worker. she was pissed off upon learning that the new worker is paid more than her but worked shorter hours than her. the latter blatantly showed that she's taking over her job and showed no respect for her 'seniority' and 'experience'.
aye, she mentioned that the boss sided with the new worker and apparently, has disregarded all the overtime and commitment put in by B. it's disheartening, i guess, when one puts in many hrs of hard work, only to be granted, and have a new comer (foreign talent, yeah?) towering over her in many ways....
i wish her all the best and told her that the new environment might be better for her. i will surely look her up in the new office, should i drop by there. after all, she has really demonstrated her respy, commitment and hard work in her area of work.
competition from this foreigner....what can i say? i am indeed lucky not to be bothered by all this office politics, so is red.
as she was relating the unfair practice at work since the boss employed a foreign talent (filipino), she shed tears. she's in the 50s and the new worker is in late
20s.
she said,"the filipinos are crafty!"
it's again a case of office power play. but knowing B, she's a responsible worker. she was pissed off upon learning that the new worker is paid more than her but worked shorter hours than her. the latter blatantly showed that she's taking over her job and showed no respect for her 'seniority' and 'experience'.
aye, she mentioned that the boss sided with the new worker and apparently, has disregarded all the overtime and commitment put in by B. it's disheartening, i guess, when one puts in many hrs of hard work, only to be granted, and have a new comer (foreign talent, yeah?) towering over her in many ways....
i wish her all the best and told her that the new environment might be better for her. i will surely look her up in the new office, should i drop by there. after all, she has really demonstrated her respy, commitment and hard work in her area of work.
competition from this foreigner....what can i say? i am indeed lucky not to be bothered by all this office politics, so is red.
sleepless nite or pre-psle stress?
here i am, 2.30 am on tues morn. wee hour. weird hour to be up.
well, i had problem getting to sleep. not sure if it's the pms syndrome or the latent stress acting in my body system.
as i lay on the bed, it was just math questions popping in and out of my mind. yes, the questions that i will be going thru with the stdts over the next few days, before the psle math date on fri.
this is not the 1st time. my mind gets really active before the exams. i will hv numbers jumping up and down. there will be fundamentals nagging me and reminding me,"remember to go thru with the kids about ...."
being able to sleep well is a blessing.
but i reckon, this is the trend that i go thru each semester...so used to it.
of coz, i knw how i would look tmrw....tired and wanting to catch up with a morn nap. luckily, i dont' hv to send the kids to sch anymore. hubby takes care of it all!
counting down the days...hoping that the kids will give their best shot! if only they take more respy to revise and recall effectively, i will be able to sleep better now, haha...
well, i had problem getting to sleep. not sure if it's the pms syndrome or the latent stress acting in my body system.
as i lay on the bed, it was just math questions popping in and out of my mind. yes, the questions that i will be going thru with the stdts over the next few days, before the psle math date on fri.
this is not the 1st time. my mind gets really active before the exams. i will hv numbers jumping up and down. there will be fundamentals nagging me and reminding me,"remember to go thru with the kids about ...."
being able to sleep well is a blessing.
but i reckon, this is the trend that i go thru each semester...so used to it.
of coz, i knw how i would look tmrw....tired and wanting to catch up with a morn nap. luckily, i dont' hv to send the kids to sch anymore. hubby takes care of it all!
counting down the days...hoping that the kids will give their best shot! if only they take more respy to revise and recall effectively, i will be able to sleep better now, haha...
Friday, September 23, 2011
a strange encounter
mom shared with us (red and me) a funny incident that happened in the food court ystday.
in the midst of a meal session, mom noticed an elderly lady staring at their table, particularly looking at trisha. she was puzzled and thought it might be someone that trisha knew.
almost twds the end of the meal, the lady went up to mom and asked,"is this your granddaughter?"
"yes!" mom replied.
"aiyo, i was just thinking, this girl is pretty looking, but her way of eating is really awful..!"
red and i laughed our heads off when mom told us the way trisha chewed on her food. not using the molars but probably working harder on her front teeth and incisors. and not forgetting that trisha has already lost one of her front teeth and the other one is running the risk of drop-off anytime.
red asked trisha,"do u always eat with the front teeth?"
"sometimes," trisha replied, with eyes glued to the TV.
thereafter, trisha was deaf to any questions asked.
red and i were just shocked how quickly she could get 'suck into' the tv realm, haha.
i imitated the way trisha in front of nana. she found it comical and up came her sister, who asked me to demonstrate once more.
well, a pretty face is impt. but the manner that one moves around or eats is even more impt, i reckon. i always say that nana has a very gentle disposition that boys will like. in fact, i think she's growing prettier each day with nice features showing.
maybe 美女多作怪吧！
in the midst of a meal session, mom noticed an elderly lady staring at their table, particularly looking at trisha. she was puzzled and thought it might be someone that trisha knew.
almost twds the end of the meal, the lady went up to mom and asked,"is this your granddaughter?"
"yes!" mom replied.
"aiyo, i was just thinking, this girl is pretty looking, but her way of eating is really awful..!"
red and i laughed our heads off when mom told us the way trisha chewed on her food. not using the molars but probably working harder on her front teeth and incisors. and not forgetting that trisha has already lost one of her front teeth and the other one is running the risk of drop-off anytime.
red asked trisha,"do u always eat with the front teeth?"
"sometimes," trisha replied, with eyes glued to the TV.
thereafter, trisha was deaf to any questions asked.
red and i were just shocked how quickly she could get 'suck into' the tv realm, haha.
i imitated the way trisha in front of nana. she found it comical and up came her sister, who asked me to demonstrate once more.
well, a pretty face is impt. but the manner that one moves around or eats is even more impt, i reckon. i always say that nana has a very gentle disposition that boys will like. in fact, i think she's growing prettier each day with nice features showing.
maybe 美女多作怪吧！
visit to mom's place
i saw my youngest niece, nini at mom's place tonight.
she seemed to hv lost some weight due to recent illness but remained alert with her rolling eyes. she's no longer so fearful of me too. that's great news.
again, i saw the way she ate fruits, apple and rock melon, and actually popo for more!
she was accidentally pushed down by blur trisha who was trying to cross nini's path in a hurried manner. poor nini's butt landed on the floor and shed a little tears. but with so many consolation words from the other older cousins, she quickly recovered. aiya, i told red that nini has enough fats on the butt to cushion the fall lah!
i caught nini hanging her 2 hands and then wrapping around the mommy's shoulder and neck. it was a very cute sight. then, she sat in between red's open legs on the floor...omg, i exclaimed,"look so alike leh. i mean, the legs!"
i took red's camera and snapped few cute pics...turned out red complained that my skill was bad. all turned out so blur. well, i'm never a gadget person, probably couldn't even hold the camera firm in my hand.
the other kids all had great time, asking for few more minutes and eventually, it was up to 10 pm and i chose to walk out of mom's place, so that my claire will not hang around in the room for play anymore.
i'd always enjoyed staying at my mom's place once every fortnight to chat with her. my parents are very open-minded and positive people who can influence the children and grandchildren's behaviour. let's hope the playroom will always be a treasure place for the kids to explore, quarrel and patch up.....growing up with more cousins is always fun!
she seemed to hv lost some weight due to recent illness but remained alert with her rolling eyes. she's no longer so fearful of me too. that's great news.
again, i saw the way she ate fruits, apple and rock melon, and actually popo for more!
she was accidentally pushed down by blur trisha who was trying to cross nini's path in a hurried manner. poor nini's butt landed on the floor and shed a little tears. but with so many consolation words from the other older cousins, she quickly recovered. aiya, i told red that nini has enough fats on the butt to cushion the fall lah!
i caught nini hanging her 2 hands and then wrapping around the mommy's shoulder and neck. it was a very cute sight. then, she sat in between red's open legs on the floor...omg, i exclaimed,"look so alike leh. i mean, the legs!"
i took red's camera and snapped few cute pics...turned out red complained that my skill was bad. all turned out so blur. well, i'm never a gadget person, probably couldn't even hold the camera firm in my hand.
the other kids all had great time, asking for few more minutes and eventually, it was up to 10 pm and i chose to walk out of mom's place, so that my claire will not hang around in the room for play anymore.
i'd always enjoyed staying at my mom's place once every fortnight to chat with her. my parents are very open-minded and positive people who can influence the children and grandchildren's behaviour. let's hope the playroom will always be a treasure place for the kids to explore, quarrel and patch up.....growing up with more cousins is always fun!
Monday, September 19, 2011
to save a life
i watched a movie ' to save a life' at maureen's church.
a teenage show that depicts reality of life. too bad, joy wasnt there but claire was with me.
the gist of the show - jake, a popular basketball player who was loved and idolised by many. he partied and was often gathered by many, at the expense of leaving his childhood friend, johnny behind. johnny is a black negro who grew up with him and had indeed saved jake's life once. he's lame and not good looking, so was shunned my many in school.
one day, johnny fired some shots in the sch campus and eventually killed himself too. jake started to question if johnny could hv been spared his life, had he knew that jake still cared.
then, jake met a youth leader pastor who injected many probing questions into jake's mind. just when everyone deserted jake in one party due to police raid, it was the pastor who picked him up with one of his phone calls. even his girlfriend, amy, drove his truck away.
he started going to church to understand more, formed a group in the campus and even befriended an asian guy who's deemed an uncool nerd.
as the story unfolded, 3 mths after he was distant from amy, she announced herself being pregnant and intended an abortion. at the same time, jake's parents' marriage was crushed and pondering divorce.
jake questioned GOD,"where r u when i need u? i go to church, give my life to u, and this is what i'm getting! it's just not worthy for me to put my trust in u!" nonetheless, he knew that he had no way out for himself, except to continue trusting GOD to show his the way.
the ending was positive, jake stood by amy throughout the whole gestation period, the baby finally delivered was given up for abortion to a childless couple. as for his parents, they decided to unite...jake proceeded with his dream of entering a top university.....
i think, the msg is simple, happiness cannot be bought by money, fame, beauty.....incidentally, ystday, pastor johnaton also shared during the sermon many famous writers, singers, artistes who chose to end their lives through suicides....in the public opinion, they almost had everything!
so, let's ponder about what exactly gives a person happiness? i think it's having real peace at heart and knowing that the pple u care for, also care for you. plus doing sth in life that helps to enrich the lives of others.
truly, giving is often more blessed than receiving.....
a teenage show that depicts reality of life. too bad, joy wasnt there but claire was with me.
the gist of the show - jake, a popular basketball player who was loved and idolised by many. he partied and was often gathered by many, at the expense of leaving his childhood friend, johnny behind. johnny is a black negro who grew up with him and had indeed saved jake's life once. he's lame and not good looking, so was shunned my many in school.
one day, johnny fired some shots in the sch campus and eventually killed himself too. jake started to question if johnny could hv been spared his life, had he knew that jake still cared.
then, jake met a youth leader pastor who injected many probing questions into jake's mind. just when everyone deserted jake in one party due to police raid, it was the pastor who picked him up with one of his phone calls. even his girlfriend, amy, drove his truck away.
he started going to church to understand more, formed a group in the campus and even befriended an asian guy who's deemed an uncool nerd.
as the story unfolded, 3 mths after he was distant from amy, she announced herself being pregnant and intended an abortion. at the same time, jake's parents' marriage was crushed and pondering divorce.
jake questioned GOD,"where r u when i need u? i go to church, give my life to u, and this is what i'm getting! it's just not worthy for me to put my trust in u!" nonetheless, he knew that he had no way out for himself, except to continue trusting GOD to show his the way.
the ending was positive, jake stood by amy throughout the whole gestation period, the baby finally delivered was given up for abortion to a childless couple. as for his parents, they decided to unite...jake proceeded with his dream of entering a top university.....
i think, the msg is simple, happiness cannot be bought by money, fame, beauty.....incidentally, ystday, pastor johnaton also shared during the sermon many famous writers, singers, artistes who chose to end their lives through suicides....in the public opinion, they almost had everything!
so, let's ponder about what exactly gives a person happiness? i think it's having real peace at heart and knowing that the pple u care for, also care for you. plus doing sth in life that helps to enrich the lives of others.
truly, giving is often more blessed than receiving.....
the rope
pastor johnnaton shared a sermon ystdy. here's one interesting insight of how christian believers relate to the almighty GOD.
there was a man who's inclined to self-glorification. he loved mountain climbing and sought to train and surmount height on his own! so, one day, he was on an expedition and due to mis-calculation, he was unable to reach up to the peak when night fell.
he was rather panicky at that point in time and suddenly, he tripped and fell off the mountain, of coz with his harness still strung to the rope.
he called out for help and vaguely heard GOD responding,"what can i do for you, my son?"
"GOD,save me! i knw i hv not been obedient and good. but i promise u that, if i survive this ordeal, i will give full glory to u and ...."
GOD asked,"do u really trust me?"
the man replied,"yes, i certainly do!"
"then, cut yourself off from the rope!" GOD advised.
"but but...how could i?" the man hung even more closely to the tightrope, fearing that he might fall anytime.
the next day, he was found frozen to death by some medical research team of workers. they were surprised to see the way that he had died....knw what? he was only a short distance from ground landing. in other words, GOD knew it and had given him the proper advice, but due to his distrust and mistrust (preferring to trust himself), he had lost his life!
had he cut the rope off, he would have landed safely on the ground and escaped a free man!
i'm not sure if this story is true. but it does drive home an impt msg - it is impt to listen, obey and respond when the calling is there! no matter how difficult a situation might seem, GOD will always hv a way out! patience in waiting is the key...
there was a man who's inclined to self-glorification. he loved mountain climbing and sought to train and surmount height on his own! so, one day, he was on an expedition and due to mis-calculation, he was unable to reach up to the peak when night fell.
he was rather panicky at that point in time and suddenly, he tripped and fell off the mountain, of coz with his harness still strung to the rope.
he called out for help and vaguely heard GOD responding,"what can i do for you, my son?"
"GOD,save me! i knw i hv not been obedient and good. but i promise u that, if i survive this ordeal, i will give full glory to u and ...."
GOD asked,"do u really trust me?"
the man replied,"yes, i certainly do!"
"then, cut yourself off from the rope!" GOD advised.
"but but...how could i?" the man hung even more closely to the tightrope, fearing that he might fall anytime.
the next day, he was found frozen to death by some medical research team of workers. they were surprised to see the way that he had died....knw what? he was only a short distance from ground landing. in other words, GOD knew it and had given him the proper advice, but due to his distrust and mistrust (preferring to trust himself), he had lost his life!
had he cut the rope off, he would have landed safely on the ground and escaped a free man!
i'm not sure if this story is true. but it does drive home an impt msg - it is impt to listen, obey and respond when the calling is there! no matter how difficult a situation might seem, GOD will always hv a way out! patience in waiting is the key...
Friday, September 16, 2011
safe haven
i brought claire to a flea market to 'hunt' for treasures in early afternoon.
i met james, an ex-teacher and now a professional counsellor, who's actively involved in counselling work, dealing with all kinds of addiction issues.
we had a lengthy conversation, mainly with me listening to what he had to say.
there was an interesting insight made by him, that kids' lives are fallin apart these days, coz' the grandparents are no longer a part of their lives. has such thot even crossed our minds?
he recalled, how as a young boy, he would get home after sch (while his parents worked) and to him, having the companionship of his grandparents was the greatest safety net in his life. he would sometimes grieve, and they would just listen! no intellectual advice was given, but just valuable words of wisdom.
in this context, he's now doing his PhD and also involving with counselling job in schools and other institutions, while volunteering his svc in charity organisation too!
in his opinion, young kids/ teenagers just need a trusting place that they can go to, for voicing out their grievances, with no judgement to be passed on them! so, he had gathered retire folks who are properly trained as mentors, to help in this area!
truly, the role of counsellor is to listen, to understand and to ultimately win the trust of the counsellee!
though i do not knw him well, i think he's enriching his retirement life through participation in many meaningful activities. well, who knws, one day, i might join him!
i met james, an ex-teacher and now a professional counsellor, who's actively involved in counselling work, dealing with all kinds of addiction issues.
we had a lengthy conversation, mainly with me listening to what he had to say.
there was an interesting insight made by him, that kids' lives are fallin apart these days, coz' the grandparents are no longer a part of their lives. has such thot even crossed our minds?
he recalled, how as a young boy, he would get home after sch (while his parents worked) and to him, having the companionship of his grandparents was the greatest safety net in his life. he would sometimes grieve, and they would just listen! no intellectual advice was given, but just valuable words of wisdom.
in this context, he's now doing his PhD and also involving with counselling job in schools and other institutions, while volunteering his svc in charity organisation too!
in his opinion, young kids/ teenagers just need a trusting place that they can go to, for voicing out their grievances, with no judgement to be passed on them! so, he had gathered retire folks who are properly trained as mentors, to help in this area!
truly, the role of counsellor is to listen, to understand and to ultimately win the trust of the counsellee!
though i do not knw him well, i think he's enriching his retirement life through participation in many meaningful activities. well, who knws, one day, i might join him!
eating togetherf
family who eats together stays close together!
i try to have bfst with my parents fortnightly. it's always a blissful picture when u see children accompanying their parents for meals.
all my siblings believe in that.
during sch holidays, the young kids will follow. esp claire, who's so enthusiastic about sitting down in a coffee shop to have bfst (her fav pancake and noodles) with her cousins...then they will proceed to the bookshop to browse thru things!
somehow, there's this eating culture in my family. today, i am convinced that family who spends time eating tgther will bond and grow together!
all my nieces and nephews like to visit my parents and they are so comfortable just hiding in the room and playing amongst themselves. fights are inevitable, yet they will forgive and forget quickly!
just this morning, the 3 kids requested to play the 'jackpot' games and guess what, with $3 or so, they won 6 pens with angry bird designs. small treats but having the same rewards make them feel closer together!
i would hv stayed longer to let claire play with her cousins, if not for her accidental fall from the wave board. she landed on her butt and needed to rest a while before getting up...fearing of bruises, i took her home for detailed examination, haha!
well, i hope the eating culture will continue in my family.....such small gesture can nvr be underplayed!
i try to have bfst with my parents fortnightly. it's always a blissful picture when u see children accompanying their parents for meals.
all my siblings believe in that.
during sch holidays, the young kids will follow. esp claire, who's so enthusiastic about sitting down in a coffee shop to have bfst (her fav pancake and noodles) with her cousins...then they will proceed to the bookshop to browse thru things!
somehow, there's this eating culture in my family. today, i am convinced that family who spends time eating tgther will bond and grow together!
all my nieces and nephews like to visit my parents and they are so comfortable just hiding in the room and playing amongst themselves. fights are inevitable, yet they will forgive and forget quickly!
just this morning, the 3 kids requested to play the 'jackpot' games and guess what, with $3 or so, they won 6 pens with angry bird designs. small treats but having the same rewards make them feel closer together!
i would hv stayed longer to let claire play with her cousins, if not for her accidental fall from the wave board. she landed on her butt and needed to rest a while before getting up...fearing of bruises, i took her home for detailed examination, haha!
well, i hope the eating culture will continue in my family.....such small gesture can nvr be underplayed!
claire is in house dance!
well, for the first dance, i heard claire declaring her interest in dancing for her green house on sports day!
she has always been shy about public performance. except for her chinese cca dance that she's enthusiastic about....so, it was with pleasant surprise that she's taking part in the house dance this yr.
she was approached by a girl from another class, supposedly the house captain. claire, in turn, roped in a classmate, to join her. the practice will start next week, and i suggested,"why not u teach them hip hop?"
probably that's a good way for her to start assuming some leadership role in what she's naturally good in. i think her body movement rocks, just that she's too bashful about shaking her boot in front of others....but, i hv seen thru it all!
frankly, i hv only seen mebelle (claire's cousin) dance very confidently and expressively...well, having been admitted to SOTA isnt easy, anyway!
let's hope both my girls will excel in their passion subject to not forgetting their basic responsibilities and accountability to their ownselves!
she has always been shy about public performance. except for her chinese cca dance that she's enthusiastic about....so, it was with pleasant surprise that she's taking part in the house dance this yr.
she was approached by a girl from another class, supposedly the house captain. claire, in turn, roped in a classmate, to join her. the practice will start next week, and i suggested,"why not u teach them hip hop?"
probably that's a good way for her to start assuming some leadership role in what she's naturally good in. i think her body movement rocks, just that she's too bashful about shaking her boot in front of others....but, i hv seen thru it all!
frankly, i hv only seen mebelle (claire's cousin) dance very confidently and expressively...well, having been admitted to SOTA isnt easy, anyway!
let's hope both my girls will excel in their passion subject to not forgetting their basic responsibilities and accountability to their ownselves!
the next blur queen descendant
well, i hv been called 'blur queen' or 'blur blob' since young. but i always said, 小事糊涂，大事精明嘛！
but just today, i declared myself freed from such bondage term coz' there' a descendant for this title.
7 plus am in the morn. hubby got ready for work. joy would normally take a lift from his, although her college is just a stone's throw away...
while dressing her feet, she exclaimed,"oh no! i think my econs paper is in the afternoon. let me check!" true enough.
next, she said,"great. econs paper still got hope. i can take a power nap now!"
well, for the first time, she studied until 1.30 am the nite before. nothing to shout about coz' all her friends burnt midnite oil like crazy...
after a 2-hr nap, she was up and awake. so, 愚人冲冲冲。。。。不到一秒，还不知是赢是输咯！
anyway, i just checked with her if the few hrs gained in the morning had helped in any way in dealing with her exams paper. her reply was nonchalant,"ok lah. think it's better than my midyr!"
well, i wish her good luck. only to wish that she will not repeat such blur incident again. imagine if the paper is in the morning, and she had gone in the afternoon.
poor joy, inherit my blur-ness and poor road orientation...but she has my good genes too - focus and sincerity! maybe shopping spree too, haha.
but just today, i declared myself freed from such bondage term coz' there' a descendant for this title.
7 plus am in the morn. hubby got ready for work. joy would normally take a lift from his, although her college is just a stone's throw away...
while dressing her feet, she exclaimed,"oh no! i think my econs paper is in the afternoon. let me check!" true enough.
next, she said,"great. econs paper still got hope. i can take a power nap now!"
well, for the first time, she studied until 1.30 am the nite before. nothing to shout about coz' all her friends burnt midnite oil like crazy...
after a 2-hr nap, she was up and awake. so, 愚人冲冲冲。。。。不到一秒，还不知是赢是输咯！
anyway, i just checked with her if the few hrs gained in the morning had helped in any way in dealing with her exams paper. her reply was nonchalant,"ok lah. think it's better than my midyr!"
well, i wish her good luck. only to wish that she will not repeat such blur incident again. imagine if the paper is in the morning, and she had gone in the afternoon.
poor joy, inherit my blur-ness and poor road orientation...but she has my good genes too - focus and sincerity! maybe shopping spree too, haha.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
durian pancake
we were at lavender food centre.
for the first time, claire tasted her pancake (usually with cheese and egg) with durian filling.
well, claire has taken a strong liking for durians for some mths now, strongly influenced by her daddy, who will occasionally buy them for home tasting.
she even begged her daddy to take her to geylang area for an experience of trial consumption. well, why not? it will enhance the bond between the two members and it's always great when kids share a part of our hobbies, passion and diet interest!
for many yrs, i hv been trying to introduce to the kids the kind of games that we played during childhood, the biscuits that we grew up with and the kind of food that we enjoyed.....
just this afternoon, joy had tomyam fried spaghetti and she couldnt stop complimenting how savoury the food was to her....and everytime, she would cajole me into opening a food outlet and she will promise to bring her friends there to support my biz....funny idea!
i always tell her, "i only cook for my family members. it's becoz of the love for u all, that the food ends up tasting good!"
anyway, claire also enjoys the durian puff from roxy mercure hotel...this girl has expensive taste - abalone, lobster, prawns, etc....cheese diary is her favourite too!
for the first time, claire tasted her pancake (usually with cheese and egg) with durian filling.
well, claire has taken a strong liking for durians for some mths now, strongly influenced by her daddy, who will occasionally buy them for home tasting.
she even begged her daddy to take her to geylang area for an experience of trial consumption. well, why not? it will enhance the bond between the two members and it's always great when kids share a part of our hobbies, passion and diet interest!
for many yrs, i hv been trying to introduce to the kids the kind of games that we played during childhood, the biscuits that we grew up with and the kind of food that we enjoyed.....
just this afternoon, joy had tomyam fried spaghetti and she couldnt stop complimenting how savoury the food was to her....and everytime, she would cajole me into opening a food outlet and she will promise to bring her friends there to support my biz....funny idea!
i always tell her, "i only cook for my family members. it's becoz of the love for u all, that the food ends up tasting good!"
anyway, claire also enjoys the durian puff from roxy mercure hotel...this girl has expensive taste - abalone, lobster, prawns, etc....cheese diary is her favourite too!
movies' week
last wk, claire watched 3 movies in total.
'spy kids', 'smurf' and 'the way home'. i'd supposed she enjoyed the animated one best.
well, looks like claire is like me, enjoying basking herself in the cold theatre watching good movies. the only difference is, she's a tidbit muncher and i'm not.
she's grown mature and is able to handle a movie without adults' supervision. she normally watches it with her cousins, and u bet how much they enjoy being left alone. the only setback is, she can only watch up to pg 13 rated show.
there's a new show coming - dolphin related. she's already booked me for the movie. well, maybe i'll invite hubby and joy as well. in fact, the only movie that the 4 of us hv watched tgther is, 'pirates of the carribean'....and it was so boring that hubby slept halfway, i fidgeted so much, claire took so many toilet breaks and topping up of snacks to kill time in theatre, haha...u bet, what joy was doing then?
she confessed to me after the show, she hardly got the gist of the movie content.
i guess, we are all different.....i'm more into romance movies, claire is into animation/ fantasy titles while joy is probably into the hipster/ comedy titles.
but i'm really glad that hubby has started watching movies with us again....i've been a loner all this while without companionship. dun pity me, coz' i enjoy watching movies on my own. it's a quiet break from everybody else, why not?
'spy kids', 'smurf' and 'the way home'. i'd supposed she enjoyed the animated one best.
well, looks like claire is like me, enjoying basking herself in the cold theatre watching good movies. the only difference is, she's a tidbit muncher and i'm not.
she's grown mature and is able to handle a movie without adults' supervision. she normally watches it with her cousins, and u bet how much they enjoy being left alone. the only setback is, she can only watch up to pg 13 rated show.
there's a new show coming - dolphin related. she's already booked me for the movie. well, maybe i'll invite hubby and joy as well. in fact, the only movie that the 4 of us hv watched tgther is, 'pirates of the carribean'....and it was so boring that hubby slept halfway, i fidgeted so much, claire took so many toilet breaks and topping up of snacks to kill time in theatre, haha...u bet, what joy was doing then?
she confessed to me after the show, she hardly got the gist of the movie content.
i guess, we are all different.....i'm more into romance movies, claire is into animation/ fantasy titles while joy is probably into the hipster/ comedy titles.
but i'm really glad that hubby has started watching movies with us again....i've been a loner all this while without companionship. dun pity me, coz' i enjoy watching movies on my own. it's a quiet break from everybody else, why not?
Sunday, September 4, 2011
girls' concert - 4 sep 2011
finally, the day arrived!
it went past without our knowledge too!
over 3 hours or so, the whole concert was over! what was left behind was touching moments for the performers, a sense of great achievement and lastly, a tired body....
well, in a nutshell, the girls had shown improvement from yr to yr...this is their third yr of hip hop learning. for claire, it's still her usual relaxed movement, not much breakthrough! however, i would like to compliment claire in her independence, taking care of her belongings, changing, make-up and everything.....she has indeed grown more mature these few months, having been put to gruelling period of training and at the same time, has developed new friendship with other participants!
as for joy, we are all proud of her! not that she's particularly outstanding in her dance, but she has tried so hard to put 'things' together in the midst of her school studies and cca stuff!
out of 17 items, she actually participated in 12 of them, having to run in and out for clothes change, and how i was struck in awe with her ability to remember all dance steps.
while she had the perseverance, she lacked fitness! towards the last 2nd item, hubby and i could already see her 'tyre in punctured state'...her body movement was somewhat lagged, while the other participants in her dance group were still energetic! well, one of them actually said,"erm..i didnt really train my physical fitness, i only run 5 times a week!" heard that, joy? she's an undergraduate who dabbles between dance and music plus teaching too, yet she can manage her time so well! how could i not salute to her?
poor joy, maybe she was also not in best energy state, having sore throat for some days.
as usual, her friends came to support her, bestowing her with gifts. her best friends, zy even spent time making balloon sculpture for her and 3 others....she's always so sweet in her thots!
nonetheless, i hope that after this concert, both girls would realise some truths from their daddy's afterword:-
joy should realise put time to train in physical fitness else she will face stagnation in her dance achievement. his 'prophesy' has finally come true!
as for claire, she has the fitness (having been trained since p1 in her pri sch chinese dance cca) but lacks the sharpness in her movement. maybe, it's the little 'aiya, care less' attitude in her, thinking that pple will not notice lil flaws.
i wish them all the best and of coz,jacky's sms to the kids summed it up all -
'dearest students, i'm very proud of you all today. i've seen how hard u had pushed yourselves to your maximum potential on stage tonight. i'm very touched to see the many new and closer friendships made thru this process. i hope tnite's concert and preparation process will stay in your memories for a long time and had made a differnce and given colours and meaning to your life.'
p/s: what's most encouraging is to see 3 of joy's good friends, ting, charlene and meiying also a participant of the concert....each has brought along their supporters and fans, and that's surely a way to test friendship, haha.
it went past without our knowledge too!
over 3 hours or so, the whole concert was over! what was left behind was touching moments for the performers, a sense of great achievement and lastly, a tired body....
well, in a nutshell, the girls had shown improvement from yr to yr...this is their third yr of hip hop learning. for claire, it's still her usual relaxed movement, not much breakthrough! however, i would like to compliment claire in her independence, taking care of her belongings, changing, make-up and everything.....she has indeed grown more mature these few months, having been put to gruelling period of training and at the same time, has developed new friendship with other participants!
as for joy, we are all proud of her! not that she's particularly outstanding in her dance, but she has tried so hard to put 'things' together in the midst of her school studies and cca stuff!
out of 17 items, she actually participated in 12 of them, having to run in and out for clothes change, and how i was struck in awe with her ability to remember all dance steps.
while she had the perseverance, she lacked fitness! towards the last 2nd item, hubby and i could already see her 'tyre in punctured state'...her body movement was somewhat lagged, while the other participants in her dance group were still energetic! well, one of them actually said,"erm..i didnt really train my physical fitness, i only run 5 times a week!" heard that, joy? she's an undergraduate who dabbles between dance and music plus teaching too, yet she can manage her time so well! how could i not salute to her?
poor joy, maybe she was also not in best energy state, having sore throat for some days.
as usual, her friends came to support her, bestowing her with gifts. her best friends, zy even spent time making balloon sculpture for her and 3 others....she's always so sweet in her thots!
nonetheless, i hope that after this concert, both girls would realise some truths from their daddy's afterword:-
joy should realise put time to train in physical fitness else she will face stagnation in her dance achievement. his 'prophesy' has finally come true!
as for claire, she has the fitness (having been trained since p1 in her pri sch chinese dance cca) but lacks the sharpness in her movement. maybe, it's the little 'aiya, care less' attitude in her, thinking that pple will not notice lil flaws.
i wish them all the best and of coz,jacky's sms to the kids summed it up all -
'dearest students, i'm very proud of you all today. i've seen how hard u had pushed yourselves to your maximum potential on stage tonight. i'm very touched to see the many new and closer friendships made thru this process. i hope tnite's concert and preparation process will stay in your memories for a long time and had made a differnce and given colours and meaning to your life.'
p/s: what's most encouraging is to see 3 of joy's good friends, ting, charlene and meiying also a participant of the concert....each has brought along their supporters and fans, and that's surely a way to test friendship, haha.
情侣装
周末，和老公到柔佛的jusco逛一逛。悠悠闲闲的，两个宝贝不再身边，还真有点不习惯！
临走时，他在为两个女儿打包肯德基的cookies and cream crushie时，我看到一对蛮年轻的夫妇走过。两人都穿黑色的tee shirt，裤子也是一致的，好不登对。
仔细一瞧，我看到男子的tee shirt写着，“老婆最棒！”
当然，老婆的tee shirt也恭敬地写着，“老公最棒！”
这种画面印在眼前，我觉得还挺有趣的！
心想，这对夫妇应该是新婚吧，还会在穿着方面制造情趣！
十年后，我希望他们还是会保持着那份童真爱着对方，更希望他们不会觉得这些字眼无聊尴尬！
如果你问我，“你和另一半会穿这样的衣服上街吗？”
我的答案是，“为何不？”只是，另一半可能会觉得不好意思吧！
无论如何，我们很多时候，爱一个人，都是没说出口。尤其是东方人，都爱把亲密的话语放在心上，等到要说的时候，也可能太迟了。。。。。所以，我认为那对年轻夫妇树立了一个好榜样，值得我们学习！
当然，很多时候，我更珍惜action speaks louder than words......
临走时，他在为两个女儿打包肯德基的cookies and cream crushie时，我看到一对蛮年轻的夫妇走过。两人都穿黑色的tee shirt，裤子也是一致的，好不登对。
仔细一瞧，我看到男子的tee shirt写着，“老婆最棒！”
当然，老婆的tee shirt也恭敬地写着，“老公最棒！”
这种画面印在眼前，我觉得还挺有趣的！
心想，这对夫妇应该是新婚吧，还会在穿着方面制造情趣！
十年后，我希望他们还是会保持着那份童真爱着对方，更希望他们不会觉得这些字眼无聊尴尬！
如果你问我，“你和另一半会穿这样的衣服上街吗？”
我的答案是，“为何不？”只是，另一半可能会觉得不好意思吧！
无论如何，我们很多时候，爱一个人，都是没说出口。尤其是东方人，都爱把亲密的话语放在心上，等到要说的时候，也可能太迟了。。。。。所以，我认为那对年轻夫妇树立了一个好榜样，值得我们学习！
当然，很多时候，我更珍惜action speaks louder than words......
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