to many, finding true happiness is a universal aspiration.
genuine happiness can't be faked, said Matthieu Ricard. after mri scanning in a wisconsin lsb in 2004,this man was tested off the charts, earning him his unusual scientific world title 'the happiest man in the world'.
this 64-yr old man is an author, photographer, former molecular geneticist and a researcher. his basic religious belief is buddhism.
matthieu quoted,"happiness is a deep sense of flourishing that arises from an exceptionally healthy mind. it's not what's happening around us that makes us unhappy, but rather the way we choose to react to it!"
i like it when he linked true happiness to a cluster of qualities that we can develop as skills like openness, genuine altruistic love, compassion inner strength, inner peace and inner contentment.
he further added that ego and self-centredness are the biggest threats to true happiness. taking focus off ourselves and concentrating on showing compassion to others is the beginning.
summing up his motto,"we need to nurture loving kindness, unconditional love, an act of generosity with no strings attached...and inner peace/ strength and contentment. together, those make a way of being - and that's what genuine happiness is all about'"
of course, on my part, knowing our creator and saviour is the most important truth that helps us live an enriched life.
amen.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
claire's tummy problem
for a while, claire has been suffering from tummy bloatedness with stitchy pain at different parts of her abdomen.
i knew she had to avoid cold stuff, spicy/ sour tom yam stuff and maybe heaty durian too. (yes, she took some durian puff on tues)
ystdy morn, she created an episode at home, yes, just before her sch going hr. rbr she had her immunisation jab in sch on tues aft and was whining a fair bit. maybe, she did feel uncomfortable with a lil temperature.
so, while getting ready for sch ystdy morn, she was almost in tears, when she came in to the bedroom to tell me that her stomach hurt. i could hv given her a day of off, if she has had fever or really felt sick. but on the basis of tummy discomfort, i would hv expected her to learn to manage her pain and proceeded with sch, but giving her the option,"if u truly feel unwell, call home in the morn and walk home with helper!"
she refused bfst and finally went into crying mode. it was hard for me to assess the severity of her tummy problem. so, she ended up being scolded by me again. gheez! to think that my morn was spoilt becoz' of her 'uncontrolled' behaviour and i had played right into it!
i sent her to sch eventually and decided to walk her in. so, instead of alighting her at the usual bus-stop for her to enter through the gate, i parked at the opposite public carpark to walk her in...then, she started her whole stressful whining again in tears,"why u nvr let me alight beside the gate? see lah, i'm going to be late again!"
wow, that was my last straw....i got down the car and disregarding the public stares, 我把她骂个臭头! she was totally embarassed and signalled me to stop my scolding.
her whole behaviour was a state of stress, fearing for this and that, and running from parade square to the sch hall lest she will be late.....i wonder why she can bear with the pain, when she's at home, watching tv or chewing on tidbits. but, to only kick up a fuss when it's sch going time! avoidance strategy?
the difficult part of it all was, it's hard to talk to the kids when they are whining and stressed out in tears...so, the whole matter was left at that.
in the aft when i picked her up, she was still complaining abt stomach discomfort and how she had tolerated it in sch. that was the point! tolerance.
my lecturing msg to her was simple,"it's knowing what food to avoid and learning to tolerate with pain. staying at home to laze ur time away isnt a wise strategy, unless a kid is genuinely sick! in the least, i would hv expected you to state verbally your level of physical discomfort, not cry....learning to manage one's stress is relevant. but to add on undue stress on one's shoulder is uncalled for!" she reslly ruined my morn.
she's been having some lousy teachers in sch and she's feeling the extra burden of sch work plus the exams coming? well, this is part and parcel of growing up, as i was advising her. without these, a kid will always remain young and childish!
i brought her to the doc to get some medication. she was simply diagnosed with colicky symptoms and was also prescribed with gastric syrup to overcome the problem. then, she happily went for her art class!
in the night, she was suddenly down with hot flush, probably a result of her jab the day before. some of her sch mates actually got fever! took panadol and seemed to recover fast.
i hope she will get better and meanwhile, i told her to cut down on cheesy and otak stuff, 2 of her favourite.
in the night, she was still working on her math problem sums but was certainly looking more relaxed. so, i reckon that she knew she's getting a day of rest on thur, so feeling no stress from handing in her sch work on time!
this is a growing up phase....but i want claire to gradually become more independent, be more mindful of what she eats and learn to deal with stress level! you either learn it now and or you will be attacked by it!
i knew she had to avoid cold stuff, spicy/ sour tom yam stuff and maybe heaty durian too. (yes, she took some durian puff on tues)
ystdy morn, she created an episode at home, yes, just before her sch going hr. rbr she had her immunisation jab in sch on tues aft and was whining a fair bit. maybe, she did feel uncomfortable with a lil temperature.
so, while getting ready for sch ystdy morn, she was almost in tears, when she came in to the bedroom to tell me that her stomach hurt. i could hv given her a day of off, if she has had fever or really felt sick. but on the basis of tummy discomfort, i would hv expected her to learn to manage her pain and proceeded with sch, but giving her the option,"if u truly feel unwell, call home in the morn and walk home with helper!"
she refused bfst and finally went into crying mode. it was hard for me to assess the severity of her tummy problem. so, she ended up being scolded by me again. gheez! to think that my morn was spoilt becoz' of her 'uncontrolled' behaviour and i had played right into it!
i sent her to sch eventually and decided to walk her in. so, instead of alighting her at the usual bus-stop for her to enter through the gate, i parked at the opposite public carpark to walk her in...then, she started her whole stressful whining again in tears,"why u nvr let me alight beside the gate? see lah, i'm going to be late again!"
wow, that was my last straw....i got down the car and disregarding the public stares, 我把她骂个臭头! she was totally embarassed and signalled me to stop my scolding.
her whole behaviour was a state of stress, fearing for this and that, and running from parade square to the sch hall lest she will be late.....i wonder why she can bear with the pain, when she's at home, watching tv or chewing on tidbits. but, to only kick up a fuss when it's sch going time! avoidance strategy?
the difficult part of it all was, it's hard to talk to the kids when they are whining and stressed out in tears...so, the whole matter was left at that.
in the aft when i picked her up, she was still complaining abt stomach discomfort and how she had tolerated it in sch. that was the point! tolerance.
my lecturing msg to her was simple,"it's knowing what food to avoid and learning to tolerate with pain. staying at home to laze ur time away isnt a wise strategy, unless a kid is genuinely sick! in the least, i would hv expected you to state verbally your level of physical discomfort, not cry....learning to manage one's stress is relevant. but to add on undue stress on one's shoulder is uncalled for!" she reslly ruined my morn.
she's been having some lousy teachers in sch and she's feeling the extra burden of sch work plus the exams coming? well, this is part and parcel of growing up, as i was advising her. without these, a kid will always remain young and childish!
i brought her to the doc to get some medication. she was simply diagnosed with colicky symptoms and was also prescribed with gastric syrup to overcome the problem. then, she happily went for her art class!
in the night, she was suddenly down with hot flush, probably a result of her jab the day before. some of her sch mates actually got fever! took panadol and seemed to recover fast.
i hope she will get better and meanwhile, i told her to cut down on cheesy and otak stuff, 2 of her favourite.
in the night, she was still working on her math problem sums but was certainly looking more relaxed. so, i reckon that she knew she's getting a day of rest on thur, so feeling no stress from handing in her sch work on time!
this is a growing up phase....but i want claire to gradually become more independent, be more mindful of what she eats and learn to deal with stress level! you either learn it now and or you will be attacked by it!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
pampered princess took an injection!
finally ,the 2 most adventurous (or rather dreadful) activities were over for princess claire.
firstly, it was the july p5 compulsory sch camp. anyway, she did it and had delightful time with few girls from another class, conquering feats of activities and enjoyed the adrenaline rush of flying fox, rock climbing and kayak -ing.
claire was glad that her canoe didn't over-turn, unlike a girl classmate of hers, who was put to sit with an over-weight 70kg boy.
the 2nd activity was the immunisation jab which she had ystday. i think it almost caused her to 'lose' her life.
when i called her at 7 plus after i finished class, she was almost liveless, losing her ability to talk. then, when i met her at home, she was 'whining' non-stop how the jab made her physically uncomfortable and gave her a feeling of tearing.....
when joy called her from outside and asked,"how are you, claire? heard u had an injection tdy!"
claire replied in self-pity,"i'm dying!"
joy and i had good laugh in the car, realising how exaggerating claire can be.
well, maybe she's one of those who 'sayang' her skin a lot. i recalled when she returned from her p5 camp, she was so mad with the sunburnt look on her skin, that every day, she would ask me,"mommy, how do i look fair again? any lotion for me to apply?"
anyway, i'm glad it's all over. moving in tandem with the kids' devts in sch is certainly interesting....
this wkend, the kids hv another party at the hip hop dance coach's house/ function room. joy and her 4 other girls under 'dfunkatron' hv signed up for a competition organised by the coach. winner stands to win cash too, haha. but, i knw, it's just the fun and spontaneity that joy is after, not the money.
i'm glad that she's able to dance impromptu for pple these days. i must say, it takes a lot of courage but she's made it.
when will claire's turn be? i hv been encouraging her to teach her cousins how to od the indian dance....it's really comical.
firstly, it was the july p5 compulsory sch camp. anyway, she did it and had delightful time with few girls from another class, conquering feats of activities and enjoyed the adrenaline rush of flying fox, rock climbing and kayak -ing.
claire was glad that her canoe didn't over-turn, unlike a girl classmate of hers, who was put to sit with an over-weight 70kg boy.
the 2nd activity was the immunisation jab which she had ystday. i think it almost caused her to 'lose' her life.
when i called her at 7 plus after i finished class, she was almost liveless, losing her ability to talk. then, when i met her at home, she was 'whining' non-stop how the jab made her physically uncomfortable and gave her a feeling of tearing.....
when joy called her from outside and asked,"how are you, claire? heard u had an injection tdy!"
claire replied in self-pity,"i'm dying!"
joy and i had good laugh in the car, realising how exaggerating claire can be.
well, maybe she's one of those who 'sayang' her skin a lot. i recalled when she returned from her p5 camp, she was so mad with the sunburnt look on her skin, that every day, she would ask me,"mommy, how do i look fair again? any lotion for me to apply?"
anyway, i'm glad it's all over. moving in tandem with the kids' devts in sch is certainly interesting....
this wkend, the kids hv another party at the hip hop dance coach's house/ function room. joy and her 4 other girls under 'dfunkatron' hv signed up for a competition organised by the coach. winner stands to win cash too, haha. but, i knw, it's just the fun and spontaneity that joy is after, not the money.
i'm glad that she's able to dance impromptu for pple these days. i must say, it takes a lot of courage but she's made it.
when will claire's turn be? i hv been encouraging her to teach her cousins how to od the indian dance....it's really comical.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
hard to look for a reliable tutor?
one parent approached me to teach her lower pri girl.
too bad, i hadnt got the time slot. next yr, maybe.
when in conversation, she told me that she would prefer a pte home tutor, rather than sending her girl to tuition centre, coz' she understands certain limitation of classroom teaching. attention time span of the child being one of them.
she was against engaging undergraduates as tutors, which i fully understand too! it's an issue of reliability when it comes to exam period which may clash with the tutors'...
in fact, she was sharing with me about a male tutor responding to her call, boasting eagerly of how he could transform her kid to a gifted stdt, his familiarity with the GEP syllabus and having all the questions on his head....
the parent was appalled, citing "he doesn't even knw my girl and her strengths/ limitations. how could he talk this way? in fact, he even assured me that 'result is guaranteed!' ya, sgd 60/ hr!"
yes, my jaws almost dropped when i heard her experience. 'pissed off' was the phrase that she used when it came to giving her account of that tutor.
halfway, she asked,"actually, to be frank, i wasnt keen to pick up any tutor coz' i was holding out for you! u really can't take her, huh! how about just a short tutoring after my boy? i can pay you more..!"
i declined flat. it's not the fees, it's not the short time squeezed in....although hubby always indicated that i could charge more for certain stdts/ parents/ locations.
aiya, that's not my style. 有缘没缘，一眼就知道咯！
i'll continue my 'selective' style...thks to the fact that i'm not relying on this job as bread and butter. thks to my dear hubby! it's a great feeling when one is not compelled to work for livelihood reason.
too bad, i hadnt got the time slot. next yr, maybe.
when in conversation, she told me that she would prefer a pte home tutor, rather than sending her girl to tuition centre, coz' she understands certain limitation of classroom teaching. attention time span of the child being one of them.
she was against engaging undergraduates as tutors, which i fully understand too! it's an issue of reliability when it comes to exam period which may clash with the tutors'...
in fact, she was sharing with me about a male tutor responding to her call, boasting eagerly of how he could transform her kid to a gifted stdt, his familiarity with the GEP syllabus and having all the questions on his head....
the parent was appalled, citing "he doesn't even knw my girl and her strengths/ limitations. how could he talk this way? in fact, he even assured me that 'result is guaranteed!' ya, sgd 60/ hr!"
yes, my jaws almost dropped when i heard her experience. 'pissed off' was the phrase that she used when it came to giving her account of that tutor.
halfway, she asked,"actually, to be frank, i wasnt keen to pick up any tutor coz' i was holding out for you! u really can't take her, huh! how about just a short tutoring after my boy? i can pay you more..!"
i declined flat. it's not the fees, it's not the short time squeezed in....although hubby always indicated that i could charge more for certain stdts/ parents/ locations.
aiya, that's not my style. 有缘没缘，一眼就知道咯！
i'll continue my 'selective' style...thks to the fact that i'm not relying on this job as bread and butter. thks to my dear hubby! it's a great feeling when one is not compelled to work for livelihood reason.
how a smart parent talks to her child
i hv a stdt who's street-smart, learns things fast but is not fond of revising work.
so, u can imagine how his results would suffer a little, given that lousy revision effort is translated to so-so results....
so, one day, after my math lesson with him, i was conversing with the mom.
"well, j did very well today. his grasp of concepts and his speed of doing work! just make sure he revises his work so as to familiarise with the techniques!" i complimented genuinely.
his mom added on while the boy looked on,"well, i nvr hv an issue with his intellectual capability! maybe we should cut off a figure of ms verlyn, put it beside j during the exams, so that he would feel the pressure to rbr things..." after which she turned more serious twds him,"well, j, u said u want to be an artchitect. that means math ability is very crucial...u hv to work twds ur goal!.."
this is a parent who doesn't nag at kids. but she wants the kid to realise the importance of setting a goal and making steps to achieve it.
as for me, i always tell this boy,"u reap what u sow. this lil effort equates this much yield/ harvest in ur life. not that u can't do it, but it's just that how u prioritise ur time each day!"
yeah, he would prefer to be at the pc (not playing online games though) exploring with the architectural structure and altering/ transforming into nice designs. what a different world from the local kids!
i wish j all the best. in fact, given his nature, i'm constantly thinking of how best i could assist him with the lil effort that he put into doing extra bit for his academic study.
so, u can imagine how his results would suffer a little, given that lousy revision effort is translated to so-so results....
so, one day, after my math lesson with him, i was conversing with the mom.
"well, j did very well today. his grasp of concepts and his speed of doing work! just make sure he revises his work so as to familiarise with the techniques!" i complimented genuinely.
his mom added on while the boy looked on,"well, i nvr hv an issue with his intellectual capability! maybe we should cut off a figure of ms verlyn, put it beside j during the exams, so that he would feel the pressure to rbr things..." after which she turned more serious twds him,"well, j, u said u want to be an artchitect. that means math ability is very crucial...u hv to work twds ur goal!.."
this is a parent who doesn't nag at kids. but she wants the kid to realise the importance of setting a goal and making steps to achieve it.
as for me, i always tell this boy,"u reap what u sow. this lil effort equates this much yield/ harvest in ur life. not that u can't do it, but it's just that how u prioritise ur time each day!"
yeah, he would prefer to be at the pc (not playing online games though) exploring with the architectural structure and altering/ transforming into nice designs. what a different world from the local kids!
i wish j all the best. in fact, given his nature, i'm constantly thinking of how best i could assist him with the lil effort that he put into doing extra bit for his academic study.
a wonderful and unique bdae wish!
corny, despite her bz work schedule, had wished me on facebook a beautiful wish.
couldn't rbr the exact words. but it said sth to the effect, "age has not taken away ur beauty. it merely shift the beauty from the face to the heart...." wow, that's really sth to me!
aging is not scary, except when the spare organ parts give way. aging is akin to wisdom accumulation, in my opinion.
i will like to rbr this wish and live good examples of the fact that beauty is not just skin deep.
of coz, that doesn't mean that i will stop spending money on facial, hair, mani/ pedi, haha....it's impt to keep the appearance up, so that one will not look haggard and sloppy. surely, i wouldn't want to walk into yoguru one day and being laughed at,"wow, this aunty also knws how to eat yoguru yogurt!" (plse reference this comment to my previous post about 'bz sat - 23 july 2011'!
golden rule to rbr (akin to joy's golden ticket, haha).....
couldn't rbr the exact words. but it said sth to the effect, "age has not taken away ur beauty. it merely shift the beauty from the face to the heart...." wow, that's really sth to me!
aging is not scary, except when the spare organ parts give way. aging is akin to wisdom accumulation, in my opinion.
i will like to rbr this wish and live good examples of the fact that beauty is not just skin deep.
of coz, that doesn't mean that i will stop spending money on facial, hair, mani/ pedi, haha....it's impt to keep the appearance up, so that one will not look haggard and sloppy. surely, i wouldn't want to walk into yoguru one day and being laughed at,"wow, this aunty also knws how to eat yoguru yogurt!" (plse reference this comment to my previous post about 'bz sat - 23 july 2011'!
golden rule to rbr (akin to joy's golden ticket, haha).....
bz sat - 23 july 2011
early in the morn, we sent joy down to toa payoh cc for her dance audition. two of the other girls, g and j, came into our car from toa payoh mrt for a short ride to the destination.
g had a new rebonding hairdo with tinge of red on her left side. well, she's lucky to be in polytechnic coz' the rules are not stringent with hair color/ appearance. i thot she looked chio too! i mean, the hair color did carry a lil of k-pop dancer feel. j, in her usual naturel look, except with 2 big dash/ brush of strokes on her eye lids, was pretty too! j, while seemingly shy in public, has a powerful aura on stage!
i asked j,"u must hv got a lot of attn on the mrt, i mean ur net legging and the strokes on the lids.."
"no lah, aunty, my dad fetched me here. coz' this morn, when my mom saw my eye make-up, she said i looked like a panda and told my dad to fetch me here!" j responded in a humorous manner.
i took off my sunglasses and told her,"look at my panda eyes. how could u beat me?"
well, off we whizzed the girls to the destination.
anyway, they got through the audition with favourable comments from the judges about their schronized choreo, appearance and power swing in hair. the only small feedback was that the costumes could be more uniform and some small steps could be perfected. the girls were elated coz' they were the first group to get the golden ticket, haha.
during the shoot after the audition, joy told me that she and the other 4 girls were natural and happy to pose, when the photographer's lenses were on them! she must be imagining herself to clear the semi-final and final round in sep, to get into the teens' cover page. well, may her wish come true, though i always tell her,"不要强求！"
afterall, these competitions meant a trade-in of study time. but at this age, she has won my TRUST on time mgt. in fact, she had discussed with me about the possibility of taking part in this competition, given that it will be near to her vjc's promo exams.
i said yes, only after her assurance that she would make earlier sch preparation.
claire also had an syf public performance at nlb, the plaza. it was a breezy afternoon with parents as supporters. when it came to her item, many kiasu parents flooded to the front to take videos and pics of their own kids. this blocked off many's views of the front stage. how unthoughtful, i was griping to hubby a little.
soon, we left for a bdae party at costa sands, where joy and claire had 2 common friends (siblings). for the first time, my 2 daughters helped out with bbq chickens and others. well, not a job for me definitely.
e-hub was certainly crowded, not a place for us. upon my recommendation, hubby and i went hunting for simple fish beehoon soup at the foodcourt. it was delicious and light, after our heavy seafood meal on friday night. yoguru was next in line, with 2 toppings of almond. haha, that filled up our whole bowl and 我们也吃得过瘾哦！we spent time playing some simple games, stacking letter after letter to transform into new words, while waiting for the kids.
i must say he was good....the usual creative mind was at work! from the word PLOT, we reached level 50 (ha, my best stdt with me had only reached level 16). i was truly satisfied. in fact, we used to play scrabbles over the wkend before joy's birth.
soon, a group of women came in to eat the yoghurt. naughty hubby remarked,"didnt knw that aunties also knw how to eat here!" i took a peek and responded,"hey, they are about our age, u knw? why call them aunties, it's our generation, yo!"
haha, maybe the MAN felt that he didn't look like an uncle? or my companionship at his side made him feel that he's younger, haha. in any case, as long as aunties and uncles could afford it, no one could forbid them to visit any places,rite? lame.
then, it was home sweet home! i was completely bushed as well as claire's. her dance performance usually drained her of a lot of energy, coupled with the fact that she only had light snacks like otah and satay for dinner at the party. i made her a cup of hot milo with 2 cream cracker biscuits....that wrapped up her 'lovely' supper meal....and it was time for 'ra ra' dreamland!
joy was still reeling from the hyper mood of the audition and managed to sleep only much after!
g had a new rebonding hairdo with tinge of red on her left side. well, she's lucky to be in polytechnic coz' the rules are not stringent with hair color/ appearance. i thot she looked chio too! i mean, the hair color did carry a lil of k-pop dancer feel. j, in her usual naturel look, except with 2 big dash/ brush of strokes on her eye lids, was pretty too! j, while seemingly shy in public, has a powerful aura on stage!
i asked j,"u must hv got a lot of attn on the mrt, i mean ur net legging and the strokes on the lids.."
"no lah, aunty, my dad fetched me here. coz' this morn, when my mom saw my eye make-up, she said i looked like a panda and told my dad to fetch me here!" j responded in a humorous manner.
i took off my sunglasses and told her,"look at my panda eyes. how could u beat me?"
well, off we whizzed the girls to the destination.
anyway, they got through the audition with favourable comments from the judges about their schronized choreo, appearance and power swing in hair. the only small feedback was that the costumes could be more uniform and some small steps could be perfected. the girls were elated coz' they were the first group to get the golden ticket, haha.
during the shoot after the audition, joy told me that she and the other 4 girls were natural and happy to pose, when the photographer's lenses were on them! she must be imagining herself to clear the semi-final and final round in sep, to get into the teens' cover page. well, may her wish come true, though i always tell her,"不要强求！"
afterall, these competitions meant a trade-in of study time. but at this age, she has won my TRUST on time mgt. in fact, she had discussed with me about the possibility of taking part in this competition, given that it will be near to her vjc's promo exams.
i said yes, only after her assurance that she would make earlier sch preparation.
claire also had an syf public performance at nlb, the plaza. it was a breezy afternoon with parents as supporters. when it came to her item, many kiasu parents flooded to the front to take videos and pics of their own kids. this blocked off many's views of the front stage. how unthoughtful, i was griping to hubby a little.
soon, we left for a bdae party at costa sands, where joy and claire had 2 common friends (siblings). for the first time, my 2 daughters helped out with bbq chickens and others. well, not a job for me definitely.
e-hub was certainly crowded, not a place for us. upon my recommendation, hubby and i went hunting for simple fish beehoon soup at the foodcourt. it was delicious and light, after our heavy seafood meal on friday night. yoguru was next in line, with 2 toppings of almond. haha, that filled up our whole bowl and 我们也吃得过瘾哦！we spent time playing some simple games, stacking letter after letter to transform into new words, while waiting for the kids.
i must say he was good....the usual creative mind was at work! from the word PLOT, we reached level 50 (ha, my best stdt with me had only reached level 16). i was truly satisfied. in fact, we used to play scrabbles over the wkend before joy's birth.
soon, a group of women came in to eat the yoghurt. naughty hubby remarked,"didnt knw that aunties also knw how to eat here!" i took a peek and responded,"hey, they are about our age, u knw? why call them aunties, it's our generation, yo!"
haha, maybe the MAN felt that he didn't look like an uncle? or my companionship at his side made him feel that he's younger, haha. in any case, as long as aunties and uncles could afford it, no one could forbid them to visit any places,rite? lame.
then, it was home sweet home! i was completely bushed as well as claire's. her dance performance usually drained her of a lot of energy, coupled with the fact that she only had light snacks like otah and satay for dinner at the party. i made her a cup of hot milo with 2 cream cracker biscuits....that wrapped up her 'lovely' supper meal....and it was time for 'ra ra' dreamland!
joy was still reeling from the hyper mood of the audition and managed to sleep only much after!
Friday, July 22, 2011
bdae treatment
i had a mani appt at a frd's shop. gel-ish nail, my favourite glittery pink. 3rd time i'm doing it.
at the end of it, the girls told me,"no charge. a bdae treat from boss!"
despite my repeated attempts to turn down (pai-seh lah), i had to accept my frd's good gesture.
well, i merely bought her a sgd1 croissant burger from BK for bfst. in return, i received sth more. i'd suppose it's the thots that count between frds.
she's been a great friend, very open about her feelings and experiences. i've always enjoyed talking to her, except that it's hard to find time to sit down and chat these days. we are all swarmed with our daily routine with kids and jobs...nonetheless, it warms my heart to knw that we hv a place in another's heart.
in fact, in her shop, her staff showed me a pic taken by the boss (ie. my frd) which flatters flesh flash (haha, good term). i told them that i wouldn't want to flash my front, coz' there's no 美感 (too flat). even if i hv the sizeable boobs, i also woundnt fancy pple staring hard at my chest zone.....in any case, fats are meant to be hidden from the eyes of the inquisitive, rite?
at the end of it, the girls told me,"no charge. a bdae treat from boss!"
despite my repeated attempts to turn down (pai-seh lah), i had to accept my frd's good gesture.
well, i merely bought her a sgd1 croissant burger from BK for bfst. in return, i received sth more. i'd suppose it's the thots that count between frds.
she's been a great friend, very open about her feelings and experiences. i've always enjoyed talking to her, except that it's hard to find time to sit down and chat these days. we are all swarmed with our daily routine with kids and jobs...nonetheless, it warms my heart to knw that we hv a place in another's heart.
in fact, in her shop, her staff showed me a pic taken by the boss (ie. my frd) which flatters flesh flash (haha, good term). i told them that i wouldn't want to flash my front, coz' there's no 美感 (too flat). even if i hv the sizeable boobs, i also woundnt fancy pple staring hard at my chest zone.....in any case, fats are meant to be hidden from the eyes of the inquisitive, rite?
my 46th bdae
oh mine, i've indeed crossed 45.
we had a casual dining experience at changi village. seafood. very delicious seafood. piping hot and fresh.
everyone enjoyed it although there was no romantic setting and air-con.
well, as one ages, it's the food quality that counts more than the ambience.
in fact, i was at porn's thai restaurant with a long-time frd for lunch. small serving for the price tag, i'd say.
my other half took trouble (or maybe nagging pain)to crack the crab shells for us so that we could enjoy the flesh. i found him so 'macho', as if bringing me back to the 'yunnan inn' restaurant, a place we used to frequent during courtship, watching sunset and romancing away....haha, those were the days! (haha, i'm still in romantic mood but not him. shoot!)
after dinner, we had a leisurely walk along the boardwalk. we played games like naming all the fruits/ animals. i was surprised how a person's mind could be stretched so far to think of all names...when it came to animals' names, the lame half actually cited 'cobra', 'anaconda', 'water snake'and claire 'flower crab'.....while i was scratching my head away abt 'water snake', he enlightened me saying,"水蛇'....
well, childhood memories do matter a lot when it comes playing games. claire even mentioned 'yeti' but hv no idea when this is. she merely assured us,"it's from my pet game, dun believe, i can show u when i get home!" ha, back in my mind, it could be a fictitious creature, just like phoenix.
then, the 2 girls showed us some dance moves and we were particularly thrilled with claire's indian dance moves. the other half and i tried doing it but it was a flop...instead of looking flexible with our bodies, we were just 2 stiff skeletons!
the end of the nite was wrapped up with claire asking daddy to chase after her at the lift lobby. he did and but ended up breathless, panting profusely....i spotted his face turning red too!
well, what did i conclude? claire is a sure fast runner, young and energetic while the daddy's age is catching up....he was a funny sight when i saw how 'challenging' it was to catch up with claire!
岁月不饶人，身体要保重哦，亲爱的一半!
we had a casual dining experience at changi village. seafood. very delicious seafood. piping hot and fresh.
everyone enjoyed it although there was no romantic setting and air-con.
well, as one ages, it's the food quality that counts more than the ambience.
in fact, i was at porn's thai restaurant with a long-time frd for lunch. small serving for the price tag, i'd say.
my other half took trouble (or maybe nagging pain)to crack the crab shells for us so that we could enjoy the flesh. i found him so 'macho', as if bringing me back to the 'yunnan inn' restaurant, a place we used to frequent during courtship, watching sunset and romancing away....haha, those were the days! (haha, i'm still in romantic mood but not him. shoot!)
after dinner, we had a leisurely walk along the boardwalk. we played games like naming all the fruits/ animals. i was surprised how a person's mind could be stretched so far to think of all names...when it came to animals' names, the lame half actually cited 'cobra', 'anaconda', 'water snake'and claire 'flower crab'.....while i was scratching my head away abt 'water snake', he enlightened me saying,"水蛇'....
well, childhood memories do matter a lot when it comes playing games. claire even mentioned 'yeti' but hv no idea when this is. she merely assured us,"it's from my pet game, dun believe, i can show u when i get home!" ha, back in my mind, it could be a fictitious creature, just like phoenix.
then, the 2 girls showed us some dance moves and we were particularly thrilled with claire's indian dance moves. the other half and i tried doing it but it was a flop...instead of looking flexible with our bodies, we were just 2 stiff skeletons!
the end of the nite was wrapped up with claire asking daddy to chase after her at the lift lobby. he did and but ended up breathless, panting profusely....i spotted his face turning red too!
well, what did i conclude? claire is a sure fast runner, young and energetic while the daddy's age is catching up....he was a funny sight when i saw how 'challenging' it was to catch up with claire!
岁月不饶人，身体要保重哦，亲爱的一半!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
it's my bdae!
well, i was half asleep at 7.20 am when joy/ claire came in to the bedroom to sing me 'happy bdae' song. a sweet gesture without gifts, i'd suppose. haha, it's the thot that counts.
whenever it's my bdae, i will reject pple's idea of buying me sth. for simple reason, i think i'm blessed to hv almost everything, if not all conclusive.
next, hubby stepped in to give his usual peck on my morning 'greasy' cheek and simply informed,"dinner tonight, ok? seafood, ya?" with my eyes half shut, i nodded. not even a bdae wish from him.
well, that's my other half. no flowery language, just responsible actions. uninteresting but dependable.
looking into my sms-es, i was surprised that faith was one of the first who greeted me, wishing me young and pretty ever. i wonder if she meant that i hv always looked young and pretty, haha. we had some hilarious exchanges of worms and sperms, and concluded that feeding on the living words of god is a surety way to be happy.
well, i'm keen to do sth different for the day. manicure is a must. i hope many things will unfold today which will make me happy. or maybe, i can render assistance to pple who need help. that will make my day.
well, i should be taking a good shower next and on the way out to catch the promotion BK bfst meal of sgd1, at east coast beach. it's not the price that attracts me. just want to do sth different on this day.
whenever it's my bdae, i will reject pple's idea of buying me sth. for simple reason, i think i'm blessed to hv almost everything, if not all conclusive.
next, hubby stepped in to give his usual peck on my morning 'greasy' cheek and simply informed,"dinner tonight, ok? seafood, ya?" with my eyes half shut, i nodded. not even a bdae wish from him.
well, that's my other half. no flowery language, just responsible actions. uninteresting but dependable.
looking into my sms-es, i was surprised that faith was one of the first who greeted me, wishing me young and pretty ever. i wonder if she meant that i hv always looked young and pretty, haha. we had some hilarious exchanges of worms and sperms, and concluded that feeding on the living words of god is a surety way to be happy.
well, i'm keen to do sth different for the day. manicure is a must. i hope many things will unfold today which will make me happy. or maybe, i can render assistance to pple who need help. that will make my day.
well, i should be taking a good shower next and on the way out to catch the promotion BK bfst meal of sgd1, at east coast beach. it's not the price that attracts me. just want to do sth different on this day.
getting hitched at 40
well, there's a rule set by the MAN in this family for the girls - getting married only at 40 yrs of age.
well, for simple reason that the new generation's mentality has altered so much that there's no more security in a marriage for the new generation y/z.
obviously, joy abhored the idea.
claire is too young to even comment about it.
so, while we were watching 'ah di' local drama at 9 pm last nite, i chanced upon the 'jin zhi' character in the show, who's a 40 plus spinster, and is often on the lookout for eligible bachelor, but to no avail.
and the MAN has to remind joy about the situation that she will land herself in, given another 23 yrs. she was so dejected.
then, i imagine joy in that 40 yr old category, and couldnt help but felt sorry for her....a beautiful young nothing with potential suitors to be thrown into a harrowing experience of being on the lookout for man to get hitched.
aye, indeed for women, age is a limiting factor. youth is always wondrous and magical. aging is a process that needs accompaniment...so, marriage is great if u hv someone to age gracefully with you.
well, for simple reason that the new generation's mentality has altered so much that there's no more security in a marriage for the new generation y/z.
obviously, joy abhored the idea.
claire is too young to even comment about it.
so, while we were watching 'ah di' local drama at 9 pm last nite, i chanced upon the 'jin zhi' character in the show, who's a 40 plus spinster, and is often on the lookout for eligible bachelor, but to no avail.
and the MAN has to remind joy about the situation that she will land herself in, given another 23 yrs. she was so dejected.
then, i imagine joy in that 40 yr old category, and couldnt help but felt sorry for her....a beautiful young nothing with potential suitors to be thrown into a harrowing experience of being on the lookout for man to get hitched.
aye, indeed for women, age is a limiting factor. youth is always wondrous and magical. aging is a process that needs accompaniment...so, marriage is great if u hv someone to age gracefully with you.
Monday, July 18, 2011
k-pop audition - 23july2011
well, another k-pop dance audition to look fwd to.
who else, but joy?
it's her 'dfunkatron' group of 5 girls from her private hip hop studio, having signed up for another competition.
she's truly excited with the audition event this sat at toa payoh. our chauffeuring svc is again expected. claire, on the other hand, has a public performance at NLB and we will be watching her.
in the night, both the girls will meet again to attend a frd's bdae party at costa sand. it will be a day of fun for them, i reckon.
"i think our time now revolves around their activities!" i was telling hubby.
"ya lor!" came a nonchalant reply.
anyway, my girls asked that i joined in the bdae celeb too, coz' i hv brief acquaintance with the bdae girl's mom too!
well, why not? it's always good to be in the midst of young pple...or at least, i can hv a romantic walk at the beach with my other half, reminiscing about the good old days of singlehood! haha, would he even be so sentimental? well, have faith, GOD says.
who else, but joy?
it's her 'dfunkatron' group of 5 girls from her private hip hop studio, having signed up for another competition.
she's truly excited with the audition event this sat at toa payoh. our chauffeuring svc is again expected. claire, on the other hand, has a public performance at NLB and we will be watching her.
in the night, both the girls will meet again to attend a frd's bdae party at costa sand. it will be a day of fun for them, i reckon.
"i think our time now revolves around their activities!" i was telling hubby.
"ya lor!" came a nonchalant reply.
anyway, my girls asked that i joined in the bdae celeb too, coz' i hv brief acquaintance with the bdae girl's mom too!
well, why not? it's always good to be in the midst of young pple...or at least, i can hv a romantic walk at the beach with my other half, reminiscing about the good old days of singlehood! haha, would he even be so sentimental? well, have faith, GOD says.
princess massage
after her mon's gruelling dance cca session, claire would normally complain in the night when i got home.
"mommy, today, they made us do very tough stunts leh....we hv to split, pull our body backwards....now, my whole body is aching! can u help me or not?"she griped.
"take the ointment here, i will apply for you!" i agreed.
while spraying the ointment on her body and lightly rubbing for her, she said, "more here, yes, on the 胯(kua)- ie groin!" haha, she even could tell me this word (must have learnt it from her china coach! btw, i'm not sure if i hv picked up the right chinese word!
then, she asked if i could give her a 'princess massage'! aiyo, from princess bath to princess massage, this girl still have an aura of royal feel about her! what does that make me to be, i wonder!
i knw of many artistes in taiwan who grew up with 公主病, always waiting to be served and treated like a royal being. i sure hope claire will hv a servitude attitude in life, at least, that's how i'm trying to teach them now.
well, maybe, it's nice for girls in growing up age to think that they receive princess treatment, at least they feel that they are being loved and would not think it a norm when being treated shabbily by guys of the modern era.
i too wonder, how many gentlemanly beings are there in today's society? bring me to the 60's era, i could find many, my hubby being one of them! (dun laugh, no kidding, yo!)
"mommy, today, they made us do very tough stunts leh....we hv to split, pull our body backwards....now, my whole body is aching! can u help me or not?"she griped.
"take the ointment here, i will apply for you!" i agreed.
while spraying the ointment on her body and lightly rubbing for her, she said, "more here, yes, on the 胯(kua)- ie groin!" haha, she even could tell me this word (must have learnt it from her china coach! btw, i'm not sure if i hv picked up the right chinese word!
then, she asked if i could give her a 'princess massage'! aiyo, from princess bath to princess massage, this girl still have an aura of royal feel about her! what does that make me to be, i wonder!
i knw of many artistes in taiwan who grew up with 公主病, always waiting to be served and treated like a royal being. i sure hope claire will hv a servitude attitude in life, at least, that's how i'm trying to teach them now.
well, maybe, it's nice for girls in growing up age to think that they receive princess treatment, at least they feel that they are being loved and would not think it a norm when being treated shabbily by guys of the modern era.
i too wonder, how many gentlemanly beings are there in today's society? bring me to the 60's era, i could find many, my hubby being one of them! (dun laugh, no kidding, yo!)
princess treatment
after returning from her 4D3N p5 sch camp in 1st wk of july, claire was whining about her dark skin, resultant from performing activities under the scorching sun.
"can u do anything about it or not, mommy? i dun want to look dark leh!" claire asked.
"u start ur bathing session 1st, i will give u a milk bath later!" i cajoled.
"really? what is it like?" she probed.
"u will see lah!" i ended the conversation.
so, into the fridge, i dug my carton of cold fresh milk out, poured some into a cup and brought it to the bathroom.
while claire was happily cleaning her body and scrubbing her hair after many days of sloppy shower in the camp premises, i asked,"are you ready?"
without her noticing, i poured the cold milk onto her body, bit by bit....wow, it was so 'shiok'!
"ha, u mean it's real milk?" she quizzed.
yes lah, i recalled only queenie cleopatra will have the privilege of such a bath, man.
anyway, after the bath, it was giving her the right whitening moisturing lotion to apply on her skin......
the next few days, she was still complaining about the colour of her legs and hands and was asking for miraculous whitening effect!
well, luckily singaporean girls need not do NS duty, else i bet u, claire will be whining away non-stop, and i will be the unceasing butler/ chambermaid attending to her needs....
btw, who gave claire the idea of 一白遮三丑！
"can u do anything about it or not, mommy? i dun want to look dark leh!" claire asked.
"u start ur bathing session 1st, i will give u a milk bath later!" i cajoled.
"really? what is it like?" she probed.
"u will see lah!" i ended the conversation.
so, into the fridge, i dug my carton of cold fresh milk out, poured some into a cup and brought it to the bathroom.
while claire was happily cleaning her body and scrubbing her hair after many days of sloppy shower in the camp premises, i asked,"are you ready?"
without her noticing, i poured the cold milk onto her body, bit by bit....wow, it was so 'shiok'!
"ha, u mean it's real milk?" she quizzed.
yes lah, i recalled only queenie cleopatra will have the privilege of such a bath, man.
anyway, after the bath, it was giving her the right whitening moisturing lotion to apply on her skin......
the next few days, she was still complaining about the colour of her legs and hands and was asking for miraculous whitening effect!
well, luckily singaporean girls need not do NS duty, else i bet u, claire will be whining away non-stop, and i will be the unceasing butler/ chambermaid attending to her needs....
btw, who gave claire the idea of 一白遮三丑！
Friday, July 15, 2011
claire's ndp show
finally, 16th july is here!
claire is looking fwd to the show. i hv given her 'inside' info, after hearing from two p5 kids of other schs, that the show was enjoyable, especially the musical and the popping of confetti into the air! must be a grandeur feel, haha.
furthemore, the weather seems to be so perfect tdy, no more humidity in the air. i sure hope claire will enjoy her invaluable experience of being in this national event!
well, joy is all excited too tdy coz' she's celebrating her 17th bdae with over 30 invitees this eve. her bunch of cronies from sec sch will be here early to help her blow balloons and hang the stuff.
in fact, she was planning the games last night and the prizes award. well, everytime i look at joy, i feel that she's very organised, though not the most diligent girl on earth. she's neat in her planning, though not the earliest planner. she's easily excited about things and is pleased whenever she has a good bonding session. her dad always thinks that she has a strong affiliation needs, unlike claire.
well, in fact, hubby was asking me why joy, at this 'matured' age, still needs to celebrate her bdae.
wow, i thot it was a lame question. what has bdae celeb got to do with age? celebration gives one a feeling of homely touch, knowing that our friends are with us and give us the best memory imprint in future years. on our side, it's just a little financial backing, that's about it!
afterall, we are only young once. 17th is but a one-time experience.
so, i replied, " imagine if one has no friend and no one to celebrate with. certainly, i would like her to have plenty of friends and a day to remember! it's not much effort on our part, now that she's doing everything on her own, incl. buffet catering, planning games, decorating the function room...." haha, indeed, having good buddies helps a lot!
i wish both my girls will have a tremendously wonderful time today. though joy's dad has lamely mentioned that he would not be present at her party, i will play my part to help make the bdae celeb a fun one....so, am i supposed to hold the silly blanket for the names calling again?
whatever....joy has even booked me for the dog-and-bone game, sadly not as participant, but referee or the organiser (huh.
claire is looking fwd to the show. i hv given her 'inside' info, after hearing from two p5 kids of other schs, that the show was enjoyable, especially the musical and the popping of confetti into the air! must be a grandeur feel, haha.
furthemore, the weather seems to be so perfect tdy, no more humidity in the air. i sure hope claire will enjoy her invaluable experience of being in this national event!
well, joy is all excited too tdy coz' she's celebrating her 17th bdae with over 30 invitees this eve. her bunch of cronies from sec sch will be here early to help her blow balloons and hang the stuff.
in fact, she was planning the games last night and the prizes award. well, everytime i look at joy, i feel that she's very organised, though not the most diligent girl on earth. she's neat in her planning, though not the earliest planner. she's easily excited about things and is pleased whenever she has a good bonding session. her dad always thinks that she has a strong affiliation needs, unlike claire.
well, in fact, hubby was asking me why joy, at this 'matured' age, still needs to celebrate her bdae.
wow, i thot it was a lame question. what has bdae celeb got to do with age? celebration gives one a feeling of homely touch, knowing that our friends are with us and give us the best memory imprint in future years. on our side, it's just a little financial backing, that's about it!
afterall, we are only young once. 17th is but a one-time experience.
so, i replied, " imagine if one has no friend and no one to celebrate with. certainly, i would like her to have plenty of friends and a day to remember! it's not much effort on our part, now that she's doing everything on her own, incl. buffet catering, planning games, decorating the function room...." haha, indeed, having good buddies helps a lot!
i wish both my girls will have a tremendously wonderful time today. though joy's dad has lamely mentioned that he would not be present at her party, i will play my part to help make the bdae celeb a fun one....so, am i supposed to hold the silly blanket for the names calling again?
whatever....joy has even booked me for the dog-and-bone game, sadly not as participant, but referee or the organiser (huh.
direct sch admission
a mother told me about her girl, now at p6, trying for direct sch admission into 2 top 2 schs, on account of drama talent.
apparently, this mom favours her daughter to enter into a top sch in the east zone, within proximity of home. however, the father has been drilling into the little girl's mind since young that her aim should be tagged at a top-notch school in dark blue pinafore uniform.
to me, every kid has her own strengths. this girl is a good drama performer and a fairly good swimmer. but academically, it's a lot of tuition that helps to prop up the score. yet, results hv not reached the very high range to qualify for the top-notch school.
parents have the tendency to 'impose' their unfulfilled dreams on the offspring generation. so, it's no surprise that i heard this from the mom. however, it's impt that the kids' interest be prioritised first, else it might affect her future confidence and destroy her future path.
like how claire loves to put it,"i would rather be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in the big sea!"
i see many parents sending their kids to top pri schs. even with the headstart of 6 yrs, these kids who eventally couldn't cope with the demanding syllabus ended up in neighbourhood sec schs.
well, in a nutshell, it's knowing your kids and caring about their interests that made the difference to their confidence level.
apparently, this mom favours her daughter to enter into a top sch in the east zone, within proximity of home. however, the father has been drilling into the little girl's mind since young that her aim should be tagged at a top-notch school in dark blue pinafore uniform.
to me, every kid has her own strengths. this girl is a good drama performer and a fairly good swimmer. but academically, it's a lot of tuition that helps to prop up the score. yet, results hv not reached the very high range to qualify for the top-notch school.
parents have the tendency to 'impose' their unfulfilled dreams on the offspring generation. so, it's no surprise that i heard this from the mom. however, it's impt that the kids' interest be prioritised first, else it might affect her future confidence and destroy her future path.
like how claire loves to put it,"i would rather be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in the big sea!"
i see many parents sending their kids to top pri schs. even with the headstart of 6 yrs, these kids who eventally couldn't cope with the demanding syllabus ended up in neighbourhood sec schs.
well, in a nutshell, it's knowing your kids and caring about their interests that made the difference to their confidence level.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
teens relationship
i bumped into an ex-stdt's mom. a tall handsome guy now, he's in sec3 level.
the mom informed me that the boy is attached now, while her 2 daughters remain free and easy, despite being actively courted by boys.
what surprised me was that the boy is attached to an indonesian girl who's 2 yrs his senior
i asked if she didn't worry at all over his son's relationship at this young age.
well, she, who has mothered 4 kids, shared her views,"teens are like that. just let them experience it once and they might just kick out of the fantasy. i dun think it will last long, it's just to satisfy his curiosity! i only remind him not to fool around with the girl, else he will end up in jail!" well, that's surely a massive threat!
well, my ex-stdt's elder bro, who's now past 20s, also had similar experience of early courtship. in this manner, the mother is pretty experienced in handling such affairs at home.
to her, it's wiser to make friends with the sons' girl friends than keeping them out of bay in relationship.
so, i would say, she's a smart mother, despite not having the highest education.
in any case, she's blessed with 2 very sweet and obedient girls, who put study as their priorities.
life is always fair, out of 4 kids, she already has 50% satisfaction, haha.
the mom informed me that the boy is attached now, while her 2 daughters remain free and easy, despite being actively courted by boys.
what surprised me was that the boy is attached to an indonesian girl who's 2 yrs his senior
i asked if she didn't worry at all over his son's relationship at this young age.
well, she, who has mothered 4 kids, shared her views,"teens are like that. just let them experience it once and they might just kick out of the fantasy. i dun think it will last long, it's just to satisfy his curiosity! i only remind him not to fool around with the girl, else he will end up in jail!" well, that's surely a massive threat!
well, my ex-stdt's elder bro, who's now past 20s, also had similar experience of early courtship. in this manner, the mother is pretty experienced in handling such affairs at home.
to her, it's wiser to make friends with the sons' girl friends than keeping them out of bay in relationship.
so, i would say, she's a smart mother, despite not having the highest education.
in any case, she's blessed with 2 very sweet and obedient girls, who put study as their priorities.
life is always fair, out of 4 kids, she already has 50% satisfaction, haha.
another cellulite saga?
i was talking to joy while she was at the pc.
as usual, my tummy was exposed coz my home t-shirt was a tad shorter.
"yee...what's that?" she yelped.
"what, fats lah!" i remarked.
"no, it looks like cellulite!" she retorted.
"hello, that's not cellulite. it's stretch mark! hvnt u seen them before?" i grieved in reply.
"no, mom, what stretch mark? i never saw them before!" joy retaliated in disbelief.
"thks to you and claire lah, stretch my stomach lining so much until like that!" i replied in singlish.
yes, all mothers have stretch marks. i always say, no matter how well a woman maintains her waist and body, the stretch marks are the inevitable marks left of their pregnancy memories.
well, that explains why we can't wear low-cut bikini...i mean, besides the tummy fats, there's also the issue of 'cellulite', in joy's definition.
as usual, my tummy was exposed coz my home t-shirt was a tad shorter.
"yee...what's that?" she yelped.
"what, fats lah!" i remarked.
"no, it looks like cellulite!" she retorted.
"hello, that's not cellulite. it's stretch mark! hvnt u seen them before?" i grieved in reply.
"no, mom, what stretch mark? i never saw them before!" joy retaliated in disbelief.
"thks to you and claire lah, stretch my stomach lining so much until like that!" i replied in singlish.
yes, all mothers have stretch marks. i always say, no matter how well a woman maintains her waist and body, the stretch marks are the inevitable marks left of their pregnancy memories.
well, that explains why we can't wear low-cut bikini...i mean, besides the tummy fats, there's also the issue of 'cellulite', in joy's definition.
Monday, July 11, 2011
claire's dilemma
16th july, joy's 17th bdae celeb.
the honourable presence of claire would be missed on that day, coz it coincides with her sch's ndp show day.
claire was obviously upset that she's going to miss the games and food....plus helping out with the decoration job.
she requested,"joy, can u save some chocolate eclaire for me?"
joy's response was lame,"huh, i dunno whether the food would be enough for my friends or not leh.."
"but i like it, also some tidbit snacks!"claire relentlessly persuaded.
here comes mommy,"aiya joy, i will separately prepare fries and popcorn chickens for ur friends lah...just saving 2 choc eclaires for claire will not be that difficult, rite? just agree with her!"
"ok, claire!" joy sang the same tune as me.
then, joy suggested,"well, claire can still attend my bdae."
"how?" asked the eager claire.
"either ndp show or my bdae lah!" joy's lame answer, as usual.
"but mommy said it's once in a lifetime..." claire responded.
yes, i did tell her that such an event is not easily attainable unless one is successful thru balloting. furthermore, to watch it with her friends at the breezy floating platform area is sure a wonderful experience.
but, guess what, claire blatantly declared that she's only after the goodies bag, not the show (which she claimed is boring). i told her that sharon au would be back for the show and would be putting up a skit...it should be enjoyable!
hope both my kids' experience at the show and celeb would be a memorable one. hubby and i would just be spectators.
that's the advantage when our kids grow up, we get less involved with such things. only financial backing matters, haha.
the honourable presence of claire would be missed on that day, coz it coincides with her sch's ndp show day.
claire was obviously upset that she's going to miss the games and food....plus helping out with the decoration job.
she requested,"joy, can u save some chocolate eclaire for me?"
joy's response was lame,"huh, i dunno whether the food would be enough for my friends or not leh.."
"but i like it, also some tidbit snacks!"claire relentlessly persuaded.
here comes mommy,"aiya joy, i will separately prepare fries and popcorn chickens for ur friends lah...just saving 2 choc eclaires for claire will not be that difficult, rite? just agree with her!"
"ok, claire!" joy sang the same tune as me.
then, joy suggested,"well, claire can still attend my bdae."
"how?" asked the eager claire.
"either ndp show or my bdae lah!" joy's lame answer, as usual.
"but mommy said it's once in a lifetime..." claire responded.
yes, i did tell her that such an event is not easily attainable unless one is successful thru balloting. furthermore, to watch it with her friends at the breezy floating platform area is sure a wonderful experience.
but, guess what, claire blatantly declared that she's only after the goodies bag, not the show (which she claimed is boring). i told her that sharon au would be back for the show and would be putting up a skit...it should be enjoyable!
hope both my kids' experience at the show and celeb would be a memorable one. hubby and i would just be spectators.
that's the advantage when our kids grow up, we get less involved with such things. only financial backing matters, haha.
lucas' 3rd bdae celeb - 9th july 2011
everyone was present.
chattering sounds were heard in every nook and corner.
lucas appeared to be the most handsome and cheerful. afterall, it was his big day. he strut confidently showing off his new (and first ever) takane brand watch, presented by me.
in fact, claire was telling me that he was extra careful not to wet his watch, when he washed his hand.
joy, the dance coach, taught the young cousins, some dance moves. apparently ,trisha and lucas demonstrated the most interest and were gyrating their bodies away with the k-pop songs.....
for the first time, i had my hands on an 'ipad', no kidding! it was a word game introduced by red, who informed that she and orange had already escalated to the 66th level, while i probably ended at 20th level.
aye, on-line games addiction really applies not just to the kids....no wonder, red's young toddler is already so intelligent with the ipad moves, excelling in different games at such young age.
it was time to sing bdae song. you bet, lucas had such fun time blowing 2 re-ignited candles, brought in by me....till the cake smacked of his saliva, haha.
claire had great time playing with the cousins, as usual.
well, this sat would be joy's celeb, with her friends. i was contemplating whether to invite aunties and uncles, then on hindsight, thought of giving it a miss, since claire wouldnt be around (ndp show, compulsory at p5) and hubby/ i would probably just laze around, not participating much in the bdae event.
joy would be 17, how quickly time flies. to me, she was just a chubby cute little girl with nice set of teeth then, but now, a slim girl who likes to wear push up and sports bra, to give the double effect...haha, sorry joy, shouldnt hv let out your secret.
chattering sounds were heard in every nook and corner.
lucas appeared to be the most handsome and cheerful. afterall, it was his big day. he strut confidently showing off his new (and first ever) takane brand watch, presented by me.
in fact, claire was telling me that he was extra careful not to wet his watch, when he washed his hand.
joy, the dance coach, taught the young cousins, some dance moves. apparently ,trisha and lucas demonstrated the most interest and were gyrating their bodies away with the k-pop songs.....
for the first time, i had my hands on an 'ipad', no kidding! it was a word game introduced by red, who informed that she and orange had already escalated to the 66th level, while i probably ended at 20th level.
aye, on-line games addiction really applies not just to the kids....no wonder, red's young toddler is already so intelligent with the ipad moves, excelling in different games at such young age.
it was time to sing bdae song. you bet, lucas had such fun time blowing 2 re-ignited candles, brought in by me....till the cake smacked of his saliva, haha.
claire had great time playing with the cousins, as usual.
well, this sat would be joy's celeb, with her friends. i was contemplating whether to invite aunties and uncles, then on hindsight, thought of giving it a miss, since claire wouldnt be around (ndp show, compulsory at p5) and hubby/ i would probably just laze around, not participating much in the bdae event.
joy would be 17, how quickly time flies. to me, she was just a chubby cute little girl with nice set of teeth then, but now, a slim girl who likes to wear push up and sports bra, to give the double effect...haha, sorry joy, shouldnt hv let out your secret.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
gentler words
is it so difficult for boys to use 'gentle words' on the mothers?
i was told by this absent-minded boy that, one day, in sch, he needed to txt his mom to deliver a pair of soccer boots to his sch. so, his frd did him a favour by starting to write,"mummy, can you....?"
the job was performed alrite.
then in the eve at home, round the dinner table, the mom asked him,"wow, today, ur txt was so polite ,addressing me as 'mummy' leh!"
"huh..oh, it was my friend who typed in for me...u knw, i dun call u that way!"
so, when this was related to me, i asked the boy if it would be so difficult for him to greet the mom with a polite term when requesting for sth. he said, he wasn't used to it!
i told him,"i'm sure u friend is a nice boy to the mom, to think that he can address his mother in a friendly manner, when he seeks help!" he simply nodded his head.
truly, what's so difficult about saying 'thank you', 'sorry' at the right moments? pple with great sense of pride find it hard, so it's easy to detect such kids with pride, from the way they behave.
over dinner, i saw the mom try to talk nicely to him, but it was only a short time before she started to nag or scold him again, over things that he didnt seem to do right.
at one stage, he was saying,"stop scolding me lah!" then, he started to show an angry face and 'shut' himself down.
at the end of the day, it's not easy managing such kids, the proud and strong-willed ones. not that they are bad, but it's just impt to know them inside out. they may appear strong and stubborn, but in actual fact, they need plenty of affirmation and kind words. they dun share so freely about their inner feelings and yet, expect parents to give them leeway......
well well, no 2 kids are the same...so, parents must hold the reins tight and not fall off the horse's seat!
i was told by this absent-minded boy that, one day, in sch, he needed to txt his mom to deliver a pair of soccer boots to his sch. so, his frd did him a favour by starting to write,"mummy, can you....?"
the job was performed alrite.
then in the eve at home, round the dinner table, the mom asked him,"wow, today, ur txt was so polite ,addressing me as 'mummy' leh!"
"huh..oh, it was my friend who typed in for me...u knw, i dun call u that way!"
so, when this was related to me, i asked the boy if it would be so difficult for him to greet the mom with a polite term when requesting for sth. he said, he wasn't used to it!
i told him,"i'm sure u friend is a nice boy to the mom, to think that he can address his mother in a friendly manner, when he seeks help!" he simply nodded his head.
truly, what's so difficult about saying 'thank you', 'sorry' at the right moments? pple with great sense of pride find it hard, so it's easy to detect such kids with pride, from the way they behave.
over dinner, i saw the mom try to talk nicely to him, but it was only a short time before she started to nag or scold him again, over things that he didnt seem to do right.
at one stage, he was saying,"stop scolding me lah!" then, he started to show an angry face and 'shut' himself down.
at the end of the day, it's not easy managing such kids, the proud and strong-willed ones. not that they are bad, but it's just impt to know them inside out. they may appear strong and stubborn, but in actual fact, they need plenty of affirmation and kind words. they dun share so freely about their inner feelings and yet, expect parents to give them leeway......
well well, no 2 kids are the same...so, parents must hold the reins tight and not fall off the horse's seat!
blood trails
joy called at 7 am while i was out having bfst with hubby this morn. yes, it was an unusual experience for me.
we just happened to get up early and decided to enjoy a breezy walk downstairs at 6.30 am, before heading for bfst in the market.
"mom, what happened to the 2 of u? where are u now?" she asked in a nervous manner.
"oh, we r on the way back now, after bfst! dun worry, dad will still send u to sch!" i thought that was her concern.
"no mom, i'm very worried. i thot someone broke into our house and fire a shot at u! can u plse tell me what there's blood stains on ur bedsheet?" she probed further.
"oh, i get dad to explain to u when he's back.." i tried to sound mysterious.
"no, plse tell me, what happened to the 2 of u?" she sounded like she was going to faint.
"aiyo, i menstruated lah..." i explained in truth, but she didn't believe it.
"dun bluff me. it's such a big blotch of blood and in different patches...." she answered in disbelief.
"believe it or not lah..i'm coming back now!" i ended the conversation.
back home, she pestered me again.
"do i hv to show u evidence of my menstrual blood?" i asked.
haha, she really took a peek into my pte area and then commented,"but this is so little. the one on the bed is such a big patch.."
after much explanation, i gave up and told her,"i hv told u the truth, believe it or not lah!"
guess what was her lame response?
"if u dun tell me the truth, i'm not gonna talk to you anymore!" she had the cheek to talk that way.
aye, how could i control the flow of blood, rite? if it decided to come in a gush, could i even say,"hush, baby, slow down!"
of coz, i knew joy was just concerned at her end that it was nothing serious.....luckily, claire is still in camp, else i will hv 3 monstress girls pestering me, and that would sure ruin my morning.
we just happened to get up early and decided to enjoy a breezy walk downstairs at 6.30 am, before heading for bfst in the market.
"mom, what happened to the 2 of u? where are u now?" she asked in a nervous manner.
"oh, we r on the way back now, after bfst! dun worry, dad will still send u to sch!" i thought that was her concern.
"no mom, i'm very worried. i thot someone broke into our house and fire a shot at u! can u plse tell me what there's blood stains on ur bedsheet?" she probed further.
"oh, i get dad to explain to u when he's back.." i tried to sound mysterious.
"no, plse tell me, what happened to the 2 of u?" she sounded like she was going to faint.
"aiyo, i menstruated lah..." i explained in truth, but she didn't believe it.
"dun bluff me. it's such a big blotch of blood and in different patches...." she answered in disbelief.
"believe it or not lah..i'm coming back now!" i ended the conversation.
back home, she pestered me again.
"do i hv to show u evidence of my menstrual blood?" i asked.
haha, she really took a peek into my pte area and then commented,"but this is so little. the one on the bed is such a big patch.."
after much explanation, i gave up and told her,"i hv told u the truth, believe it or not lah!"
guess what was her lame response?
"if u dun tell me the truth, i'm not gonna talk to you anymore!" she had the cheek to talk that way.
aye, how could i control the flow of blood, rite? if it decided to come in a gush, could i even say,"hush, baby, slow down!"
of coz, i knew joy was just concerned at her end that it was nothing serious.....luckily, claire is still in camp, else i will hv 3 monstress girls pestering me, and that would sure ruin my morning.
Friday, July 1, 2011
kids' independence
when claire and i left mom's home at 9.35 pm, n&n sisters also planned to leave.
i queried,"u 2 going back on ur own?"
they answered,"ya, mommy will be back only at 11 plus!"
wow, i thought they were really independent to stay around on their own.
actually, i was relating to mom how much effort is needed to teach a kid the right values. sometimes, our breath can just be wasted and washed down the drain.
in my opinion, it's so impt for the parents, esp the mother who's always the daughters' figurehead role at home, to accompany the kids in the growing up years. else, where and how else would the bond be created?
white also shared that trisha always wishes for the mommy to pick her up from sch. her smile would beam broadly, everytime her dream was fulfilled.
that brought me back to the question with claire, reminding her how fortunate and blessed a child she is. having companionship of parents and joy jie jie with her all the times. we always plan things for her to do and even tell her to invite friends, if required. but, she's not someone who just goes out with any friends! unlike joy, having friends from all walks of lives!
so, at this stage, it's always playing with cousins, from both paternal and maternal side.
in fact, claire will be attending her 4day3nite camp in coming week. joy, who's done with her exams, asked for permission to bring her out today. just to spend time together, since she thot she's gonna miss claire!
mind u, i'm excluded from this whole outing! aye, when kids grow up, they need their own space too! well, maybe i should just have 二人世界with the other half, provided his eyes are not glued to the electronic gadget racing into the virtual land!
i queried,"u 2 going back on ur own?"
they answered,"ya, mommy will be back only at 11 plus!"
wow, i thought they were really independent to stay around on their own.
actually, i was relating to mom how much effort is needed to teach a kid the right values. sometimes, our breath can just be wasted and washed down the drain.
in my opinion, it's so impt for the parents, esp the mother who's always the daughters' figurehead role at home, to accompany the kids in the growing up years. else, where and how else would the bond be created?
white also shared that trisha always wishes for the mommy to pick her up from sch. her smile would beam broadly, everytime her dream was fulfilled.
that brought me back to the question with claire, reminding her how fortunate and blessed a child she is. having companionship of parents and joy jie jie with her all the times. we always plan things for her to do and even tell her to invite friends, if required. but, she's not someone who just goes out with any friends! unlike joy, having friends from all walks of lives!
so, at this stage, it's always playing with cousins, from both paternal and maternal side.
in fact, claire will be attending her 4day3nite camp in coming week. joy, who's done with her exams, asked for permission to bring her out today. just to spend time together, since she thot she's gonna miss claire!
mind u, i'm excluded from this whole outing! aye, when kids grow up, they need their own space too! well, maybe i should just have 二人世界with the other half, provided his eyes are not glued to the electronic gadget racing into the virtual land!
fashion parade
fashion parade show.
at mom's place, in the cozy room.
i told the girls,"3 awards. best, sexiest and funniest award to be given, based on individual voting".
they were all thrilled, esp white's 2 kids.
'can we vote for ourselves?" one of the kids asked.
"yes lah, can!" me replying in broken english. must have been lucas rubbing on his 'singlish' expression to me.
whole nite, i heard him saying,"no lah.." , haha.
so, guess who was awarded accordingly.
claire got all the awards, i think. even though i voted for nat on 'most sexy' and lucas on 'funniest' category.
well, i told the kids, we hv to vote from our hearts. ie. no cheating or skewed votes, haha.
indeed, claire gave her very best and made everybody laugh.
on the way back, she asked,"was i really funny? i dun find it leh!"
i told her, "yes, the reason why your cousins voted for u was, u were bold and dared to try the poses....furthermore, u hv an advantage coz' u and joy always did such fashion parade since young, for fun..." in fact, i think joy might still possess some of the videos. very comical and entertaining.
the whole idea was to tell claire that having early exposure to different things would be beneficial. coz' u started overcoming ur shyness and would be more ready to demonstrate your talent.
white's 2 kids are really spontaneous. that's what i like about them. just do it and laugh over it....no grandmother story! lucas was always the first one to act, when there's any request from me.
nat was also doing her best, probably taking the boldness from claire, just to shake the butt and act sexy. na was a little shy, but still i told all, it was a good effort for everybody to give it a shot.
i think the kids had great time....laughing away in the room.
on the way back, claire told me,"mommy, they said i'm very funny leh. am i funny?"
"well, it's always good to let down your hair and play to the maximum. if u can entertain pple with ur show, showcasing your talent, why hide behind the curtains, rite?"
afterall, kids learn from one another. give me a bunch of spontaneous kids, anytime!
after her bath at home, claire was quite inspired to try out indian and peacock dance for her daddy. i tell u, her indian dance steps were so funny, short of her looking dark-skinned and dorning a sari, that's all!
i told her,"u gotta teach your cousins the indian dance and present to ergu when she's back. coz' it's really entertaining and will make one laugh..."
i shared with hubby that uncle mano should be the rightful audience to such show...he will surely appreciate it and 一解乡愁，哈哈!
(p/s: kids need plenty of encouragement. i would be happy to turn claire's inhibitions into courage to perform. to me, she has the flexibility and talents, but just too reluctant to showcase! hope she will overcome all obstacles in due coure....)
at mom's place, in the cozy room.
i told the girls,"3 awards. best, sexiest and funniest award to be given, based on individual voting".
they were all thrilled, esp white's 2 kids.
'can we vote for ourselves?" one of the kids asked.
"yes lah, can!" me replying in broken english. must have been lucas rubbing on his 'singlish' expression to me.
whole nite, i heard him saying,"no lah.." , haha.
so, guess who was awarded accordingly.
claire got all the awards, i think. even though i voted for nat on 'most sexy' and lucas on 'funniest' category.
well, i told the kids, we hv to vote from our hearts. ie. no cheating or skewed votes, haha.
indeed, claire gave her very best and made everybody laugh.
on the way back, she asked,"was i really funny? i dun find it leh!"
i told her, "yes, the reason why your cousins voted for u was, u were bold and dared to try the poses....furthermore, u hv an advantage coz' u and joy always did such fashion parade since young, for fun..." in fact, i think joy might still possess some of the videos. very comical and entertaining.
the whole idea was to tell claire that having early exposure to different things would be beneficial. coz' u started overcoming ur shyness and would be more ready to demonstrate your talent.
white's 2 kids are really spontaneous. that's what i like about them. just do it and laugh over it....no grandmother story! lucas was always the first one to act, when there's any request from me.
nat was also doing her best, probably taking the boldness from claire, just to shake the butt and act sexy. na was a little shy, but still i told all, it was a good effort for everybody to give it a shot.
i think the kids had great time....laughing away in the room.
on the way back, claire told me,"mommy, they said i'm very funny leh. am i funny?"
"well, it's always good to let down your hair and play to the maximum. if u can entertain pple with ur show, showcasing your talent, why hide behind the curtains, rite?"
afterall, kids learn from one another. give me a bunch of spontaneous kids, anytime!
after her bath at home, claire was quite inspired to try out indian and peacock dance for her daddy. i tell u, her indian dance steps were so funny, short of her looking dark-skinned and dorning a sari, that's all!
i told her,"u gotta teach your cousins the indian dance and present to ergu when she's back. coz' it's really entertaining and will make one laugh..."
i shared with hubby that uncle mano should be the rightful audience to such show...he will surely appreciate it and 一解乡愁，哈哈!
(p/s: kids need plenty of encouragement. i would be happy to turn claire's inhibitions into courage to perform. to me, she has the flexibility and talents, but just too reluctant to showcase! hope she will overcome all obstacles in due coure....)
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