LarocaTales

Holiday Homework

2011-06-27T07:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday morning, also the last day of the June school holidays, she told me that she has 1 more piece of homework to do. I wanted to scold her for procrastinating but she said that no hurry to hand in. So I did not nag her to do it.
We were rushing out to meet a friend so she said she will do this last piece of homework at night. The night came and past, i forgot, she don't want to remember, we didn't do the work.
Today, after first day at school, she came back telling me that some of her friends handed in that homework today. But never mind. She still have time. Teacher gave the rest till this fri. I thought still have time too until she told me the homework is to..... read 30 chinese books.

Baking with Shatec

2011-05-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

Got professional chef from Shatec to come teach the students baking. I sat in to supervise and benefitted greatly from the class. I have learnt:
- Be it cookies or cupcakes, once it's out of the oven, remove from the metal cooking tin immediately. Keeping it in the tin will allow the cookie/cupcake to be overcook, be exposed to water moisture at the base, resulting in a hollow (ugly) base. in the case of cookies, won't be crunchy anymore.
- Never over whisk the batter. max 4 mins. Over whisking will separate the oil out of the batter and the cupcake won't rise up.
- trick to adding fresh fruits e.g. blueberries, bananas, in the cupcakes. Cut into very small pieces so that it won't be too heavy and end up sinking to the bottom. Blot dry, sprinkle some flour if necessary to remove excess moisture.
- If trying to create oreo flavoured cupcakes, never sprinkle the oreo biscuit crumps/powder on the top. Colour of the oreo powder makes the cupcakes look as though it's mouldy. Unappitising.

Greetings

2010-12-27T21:00:00.001-08:00

QQ, WX and WQ wish all a Merry Xmas and Wonderful New Year. Hope 2011 be a fulfilling and joyous one.

Babies

2010-11-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

Wedding Anniversary

2010-11-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

I ROM on this day 11 years ago! Gone such a long way with Ed.
We received wonderful news today. WX can come home today and WQ's weight finally increased, after a 40g drop over the last 4 days.
We decide to bring WX back tomorrow cos we were not ready today. Ed, QY and my mom having flu. And Ed and I wanted to enjoy our last day of peace before we busy ourselves with baby care.
Spent my wedding anniversary catching a movie and eating fast food lunch. Not very romantic I know, but it's quiet and relaxing and we had each other without any distractions. And I must remember I watched a movie on this day cos I can't recall when and what was the last movie I had. Pathetic...

Eating durians

2010-10-25T02:55:00.000-07:00

I've never eaten so much durians in my entire life. Durians are suppose to be full of nutrients and good for babies. So in my bid to increase the babies' weight quickly, i am downing durian puffs almost everyday. I have to increase the girl's weight by 300g and boy's by 700g in 20 days.
I have always liked durians, but avoids eating them cos they are heaty and gives me bad sore throat and cough, illnesses that I can't afford to have when i'm teaching. But now, since I'm on leave and babies need to grow, there is no more reservations.

Active babies

2010-10-15T02:07:00.000-07:00

Gynae injected steriods to help babies' lungs to mature, in case I go into pre-term delivery. I suspect it wasn't just their lungs that developed quickly. The injections were supposed to take effect in 48hrs and during these period, the babies got into some growth spurt too and was very "high". Their movements became very strong and painful, went on non-stop for 2 days and nights. It just felt like they were having one great dance party in my tummy.

So Miserable

2010-09-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is making me feel so miserable. Other than my hair that does not hurt, nothing else on me is well. I have
1. headache - cannot sleep properly at night cos have to wake up for toilet, and can't find a comfortable position to sleep.
2. Left leg muscle ache - from an early strain which never completely recover.
3. Right leg calf muscle ache - from leaning over to my right too much to compensate the left leg problem.
4. Backache - tummy getting too big for back to bear.
5. Tummy strain - babies getting bigger. so scare I'll get stretch marks soon.
6. arms ache - using more of my arms to support myself while seated to give my back a break.
7. Fingers swollen - water retention.
8. eye strain - somehow vision getting more blur nowadays. dunno if it's due to lack of sleep, too much TV or some crazy pregnancy hormones.
9. Heartburn and nausea - even drinking water irritates my system and makes me retch. I hate that metallic taste in my mouth.
10. Giddiness - from the slightest hunger. But food makes me sick. And I have problems with food smell in an enclosed area. Smell from my mom's cooking, packet food in the car, food from VJ's bedroom make me sick.
11. Brainlessness: I can't remember what I did/said a minute ago.
12. Fatigue: On a non-working day, I sleep for 14 hrs a day. Rather amazing how much sleep I am getting. Even then, I am still tired.
13. Breathlessness: I become out of breathe so easily. Had to breathe so hard that I seem to be hyperventilating.
And these are physical discomfort only. haven't mention the teaching stress and unfinished marking of scripts. and there is also the demanding daughter, money problems, and unfinished nursery room for the babies.

I am 35

2010-08-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday. I turn 35. My birthday celebrations started two days ago when I watched the National Day preview fireworks. I don't know why I like fireworks and why it's such a big thing that I would want to have for my birthday. Guess I am one of those lucky few whose birthdays fall within this National Day period and there will always be fireworks. Through the years, I had the privelege to enjoy fireworks on every of my birthdays.
Ed treated me to a birthday lunch yesterday. It's one day before my birthday but we decided that I may be too tired after work today to enjoy the food so we ate earlier.
Today I went to my classes in an exceptionally happy mode. I am tired and back is aching, but I smile and put on a happy front. The students got the happy vibes too and at the end of it all, I can say I had a good time in my classes today.
Just received an SMS from a girlfriend who delivered her baby girl this morning. Now I have 1 more person to share the joys of my birthday with me! But on this special day, I do missed an ex-student. His birthday is also today. Where ever you are dear D, hope you are happy today.
Now looking forward to a buffet dinner at Raffles hotel with my best leo friends.

Lazy Fri

2010-07-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

It's a lazy friday. End of the week and my energy is almost gone. Printed worksheets for single period and scheduled tests for double period classes. Kids have been restless all week as they are looking forward to their 1 week camp at Pulau Ubin. So shall not force them to study too much, give myself a break too.
XX has been pressing on a nerve and causing shooting pain down my entire left leg. Pain to sleep, sit, stand, walk.... just no position is right to take the pain away. Can't sleep properly too. Feels so tortured and Ed had to keep sayang me while i cry miserably.

My helper

2010-07-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

She came to Singapore in September 2009 to work in another family but was later transferred. I took her cause she looked humble and friendly and willing to learn. QQ seems to like her too, picking her out from 2 other transfer maids.

She was humble, so much that I wonder if there is any pride or integrity in her. I cannot stand the way she bends her knees and lowers her body to a bowing, submissive pose everytime she walks past us.

She has very poor command of English and miscommunications between her and my family had caused alot of mistakes in her work. It's exasperating. I asked her to cook plain porridge but she mixed vegetables and prawns, which are meant for a separate dish into it.

She couldn't understand " boil xx amount of water, then put this packet of food inside. DON'T CUT open the bag". We understand that heating food up by immersing the packet in hot water is new to her so we gave detailed instructions and even show her how it's done. We gestured to her how much water is needed with a pot, took the food packet and simulated the "put the packet into water" action to show her, and stressed DON'T cut the packet. What she did..... boiled xx amount of water, cut open the packet and empty all the contents into the huge pot of water. Our much anticipated, brought back from Shanghai pork knuckle stew became nothing but tasteless meat soup.

Ok, maybe she is not used to our chinese way of cooking. I asked her to prepare some common Malay/Indon food. She blended 20 pieces of chilli paddis to make a little bowl of dip. Do Indonesians eat such tongue burning, spicy dips?

I gave her mangoes to cut. I assumed mango is a tropical fruit that should be common in Indonesia. She should know how to cut a mango. sigh..... First she tried to get rid of the skin by cutting it thinly, like the way we peel apples. I had to tell her to cut off more of the skin. Then she tried to cut the mango into half, through the stone and all. I give up. Conclusion: she had never seen a mango. No point teaching her, cos half the time she don't understand what I'm saying. Cut it once to show her.... then watch her clumsily try to cut the rest of the fruits.... by then I already need the fruit for cooking. So end up, I cut the mangoes myself.

For 7 months she knew to collect enough dark coloured clothings to form one washing load and to wash the whites and light coloured ones separately. Ed and I wore so much blacks that it is easy to collect one load every few days to wash. Recently I acquired 8 pieces of dark blue maternity clothings. Suddenly her routine of black-in-one-load got complicated. The programming in her mind says"dark blue is not a dark colour". So she mixed the dark blues with the rest of my whites and pinks.... QQ's sweet pink clothings are all an even shade of blue now. In defence of her actions, she told me she had put the QQ's whites in the laundry bag, meaning to say the bag can prevent the blues from staining the whites. She would have seem less idiotic if she had use plastic bags.

I think she is from the stone age cos she has no common sense of our civilisation. Ed was shocked to see her use the handle part of the wok turner/spatula to stir the cordial in my pitcher. A spoon or fork would have serve the purpose. Anyway, we rationalised that so long as she didn't use the broomstick or her arm to stir the drink, we can live with it.

She didn't know how to store my food. Cartons of fresh fruit juice and fresh milk were left in the open. Yogurt was stored in the freezer. Fresh prawns and meat which I told her were meant for lunch that day also went into the freezer. Frozen crabsticks and sotong balls that were suppose to be in the freezer ended up in chill compartment. She had gone to the supermarket with me to pick up these items. Didn't she see for herself where the supermarket store these stuff and she should probably store them the same way too?

Then I taught her about food preparation and the need to be hygenic -- use different chopping boards for cooked and uncooked food. I specifically show her where I store these boards, basically the cooked and uncooked boards cannot mix together. In some effort to save space and make my shelves look neat, she stack all of them together. Ok, no concept of bacteria can cross contaminate. I can accept this, science no good. My breaking point came when she used the uncooked food board to cut my fruits. Then it occured to me that she never understood the words 'cooked' and 'uncooked'.

I am sending her back to the agent. If I have to go down to the last detail of matching food to chopping boards for every edible items in my house, I will be happier doing the chores myself.

malacca trip

2010-06-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

My Malacca Trip
Date: 11-14 Jun

A&W Restuarant! Long disappeared in S'pore, I was all nostalgic about their food. Order a bit of everything, root beer float, ice cream waffle, curly fries, coney dog, fried chicken, to relive the memories again.

A shop selling chinese calligraphy stuff at the heritage site.

Dinner for 7 adults at Old Newton Hawker. We spent less than RM100 for:

- 20 sticks otak otak

- satay

- fresh fruit juice for all

- half steam chicken with bean sprouts

- claypot rice

- mixed pig's organ soup

- 2 slabs sambal stingray

- sambal sotong

- 10 BBQ chicken wings

- fried carrot cake

- chee cheong fun (this one is shiok, smooth and thin skin, with lots of shrimps and charsiew fillings)

- herbal chicken soup

Worries

2010-06-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

Slept too much in the day, woke up at 2am and couldn't sleep again. In the quiet night, my mind began to wonder. Then worrying thoughts conjured. Worries about...
- Money. Where to get money to raise another 2 kids and providing them with the same, if not better standard of living as QQ.
- QQ going to P1.
- School work. Poor MYE results. lesson preparation.
- Twins' development. One of them may have heart problem, can only do a proper scan at 20 wks. What would i do if there is really a problem?
- My own gynae. Continue with KK which is so rigid and inconveniently located or go back to my private one, who may not have as much experience with twins and is going to charge me more.
- QQ's enrichment lessons. Which one to keep and which to stop?
I think myself into a headache and developed gastric pain. Plus SCV TV box is spoilt. I can't even go distract myself with the World Cup.

Gums in her hair

2010-06-09T02:09:00.000-07:00

The girl had came back from a shopping trip with my cousins insisted on taking a bath immediately rather than join us at my aunt's house to play with her baby cousin. I found it strange that she would want to bathe on her own. Usually I had to remind, scold, scream..... before she would want to bathe. But I didn't think much about it.
So girl went in the bathroom with maid. Then maid exit minutes later. Then girl's head pop out of the bathroom asking the dad to go in. Ed went in and came out immediately, exasperated, came to me:" Your girl has got chewing gum stuck all over her hair."
My cousin had given her chewing gum on the way back in the car. Girl ate, and upon reaching home, couldn't find a place to throw away. Scare to let me know that she ate chewing gum, girl tried to hide her gum behind her right ear. (She learnt this great idea from some character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Movie. That person was on a record setting feat to chew gum for the longest period of time. But whenever she needs to speak/eat, the gum must be taken out and that's when she will stuck it behind her ear).
Some hair got stuck in the gum of course. Still scare to tell me, asked maid to help. Idiotic maid aggravated the situation. Scolded both kid and maid. Goggled for solution, ie either use ice or oil. I choose oil, seems like a faster way. Thankfully it worked. Gum came off easily when I rub large amount of cooking oil on her affected hair.

haircut

2010-06-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

Mom found a lock of snipe off hair in her bedroom. Suspected QY immediately. Who else would try to experiment hair cutting on their own?
Questioned QY. The girl denied it at first but owned up almost immediately after that. Said she did it for fun but admitted that it wasn't so fun on hindsight. I had to put on an angry front and lectured her about loving and treasuring her body, needs to be trained to cut hair blah blah blah....
I had to quickly send her out before she sees the smile that I'm desparately trying to hide. I'm more amused than anything else actually. Just cannot stop smiling because another mother once told me with great reminiscent that she cannot understand why ALL her 3 teenage sons, at some point in their childhood, had tried to cut their own hair. Guess it's one of those must-do before growing up thingy.

2009-10-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

recently brought Qy to the adult section in the library and she was so thrilled to find a children's cookbook there. The book is meant for children, but dunno why it's in adult section.
She has been curious about cooking and I thought this is a good chance to get her to try making simple dishes for the family. I don't want her to grow up to become some kitchen idiot next time. Her kindergarden had let her baked cookies for some charity programme and hot cross buns for Easter. She had enjoyed the sessions and were most eager to let me taste them.
She showed the book to everyone, asking what would we like to have. Very much like a waitress with menu, taking customers' orders. We decided on a few more popular choices and last two weekends, got down to cooking them.
Dish one: Scramble eggs and toast.
She beat the eggs, added milk, cooked eggs in frying pan, added salt and pepper (I taught her how to add a "Pinch of salt"), trimmed off the bread crust, spread butter, toasted it in the frying pan. I told her presentation is important too. So she arranged the food nicely on her sets of IKEA children's plastic plates. Toast cut into triangular slices, a dash of black pepper on the eggs, a nice scoop of jam on the side. And it's ready to serve.
Dish Two: Fresh fruits kebabs.
We had a party at home and she wanted to make this for the occasion. We went to the supermarket to pick the fruits. I told her to pick 4 kinds of fruits and that we try to get contrasting colours which will look nicer when put together. she picked strawberries, pineapples, kiwi and black grapes. Back home, I cut the fruits into the right sizes for her to skewer them. Not easy for her. Sometimes she didn't get the stick in properly. The fruit ended up hanging loosely/sliding off the stick. I had to redo them, and eat up her messing, poked till disintegrating pieces of fruits. Made a mistake with the pineapples too and we had to replace it with canned peach. Finally let her pick from my collection of lacquer plates to present her food.
Dish Three: Fried vegetable spring rolls
I merely made her grate two sticks of carrots and it was already a torture for her. Within minutes, she complained of tired hands, messing carrots sticking on her hands, and got impatient. I tried to motivate her along "it's the most easy to do step", "we can only proceed when the carrots are done", "I will tell everyone that you prepare the fillings".... Didn't work and before long, she was sending SOS to Ec and Ed.
I took over the grating and delegate her to the bean sprouts; rinse with water, pick out the blackish stuff, drained... She managed that well. I fried the ingredients, let it cool and got her to start wrapping them. She helped to peel off the pieces of popiah skin, and wrap the filing in. She can't wrap so well, but improved with each piece she wrapped. She made about 10 (quite an achievement I think) while I finished up the rest of the 30 plus pieces. We brought the spring rolls to my grand's place and everyone complimented her.
These dishes were a pretty good start for her. I know she had enjoyed it cos she is asking me to photocopy those recipes for her to keep. She probably plans to cook them again.

I can't understand

2009-09-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

I can't understand why I need to spend 15 mins every mornig chasing people to get in line for the morning assemble. Why the reluctance to be the first person in line, or even to get in line?
I can't understand why people cannot stand at attention and show some respect for their national anthem. Why they will continue to fidget, stand with their legs wide apart, hands in pockets or crossed in front (as though at a funeral), lean feebly to one side, crack jokes and laugh, talk among themselves and totally disregard their anthem?
I can't understand why people will come in a multitude of coloured and designs hair accessories when the rule says strictly black, blue or white?
I can't understand why people can work in a litter-filled environment. Ants are crawling along the ledges beside them, the floor is filled with used facial blotters, bottle caps, sweet wrappers and food containers.
I can't understand why groups of good friends can get so bored with everyday life that they try insulting each other to see who can sprout the most vulgar language. When words fails, tussle and push each other, and cat fights if they are girls.
I can't understand why there is so many rude people around. As I speak, they interrupt. The volume of their voices escalates till I have I have no choice by to shut myself up.
Everyday, I go to work in such an environment. It's uncomprehendable and totally ugly.

Tasting Curry

2009-07-25T02:37:00.001-07:00

With lots of encouragement from us, Qq began tasting a little of curry from the roti prata stall. We went to different prata stalls and each time, she was gamed and eagered to try out the curry.
She can't take it so well of course. After each tiny drops of curry she takes, she use her hand to fan her tongue fervently. She would then dap a piece of prata with lots of sugar and quickly pop it into her mouth.
But she didn't give up. Today I cooked curry noodles at home. I also prepared non-curry noodles for her but she asked to taste our curry. She eats more of the curry today, but it's still spicy to her so she also gurlps down a whole cup of apple juice.

Meeting an old friend

2009-07-22T17:27:00.001-07:00

Ran into a long lost friend on Tues. It was Ed who spotted him from a great distance first. We didn't go over to catch up with him. I am in a somewhat social recluse mood. But after we're done with shopping and about to leave, we ran into him again, head-on, at the lift lobby.
Anyway, we chatted. He's married, eldest child in K2 now. His wife was an ex-teacher in a pri school. She resigned to take care of the children. I took the opportunity to ask him about his opinion of primary school here in the east. I presume his wife would know better and have discussed with him.... He named a few of his choices. It was a pretty pleasant reunion. Haha... He exchanged phone numbers with Ed. Ed being the salesman by nature and by profession, always makes it a point to build up his network of friends like this.
Ed and i had known him for ages, ever since my college days. He dated one of my girlfriend then, but it didn't work out. He was fun loving, thoughtful and easy to get along with. Would have made a good BF. What he was lacking then was qualifications. He dropped out of Poly, didn't have a diploma and for that i think, didn't score points with my girlfriend's parents. He set up his own business and should be doing well now, if he can let the wife not work. I wonder, if things were better then and my girlfriend married him, how would her life be now? Probably at home taking care of their kids, rather than slogging in some harsh corporate world.
Not that I envy stay-at-home-moms. As a working mom, it will be a dream come through if I can switch freely between work and not-work every now and then. If husbands can earn enough to support wives, allow us to stop worrying about expenss and don't work once in a while, I will be much happier. I will have more time for my family members, wake up late in the mornings, never have to worry about deadlines and never have to waste time sitting through unnecessary meetings. Hope this utopic day will come one day.

Malacca

2009-06-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Day 3
Found the hotel breakfast too crowded and would be ending quite soon, we decided to have our breakfast out. Ed prefers eating at traditional coffee shops which is much cheaper and with a more local taste.
We ended up at the chicken rice shop just in front of Stadhuys. The last time we visited the place, the shop was SO crowded, with a long queue to enter, we refuse to waste time waiting. This time round, the place is pretty empty at 10.30am in the morning. They serve “fishballs” which QQ will like. Feeling strange to eat Hainanese chicken rice without the rice, later we discovered that the “Fishball” was a rice ball. So nifty, rolled into small balls that’s just nice to have a mouthful. (breakfast + tea cost RM15)
After breakfast, crossed the road to visited The Stadhuys. Took a couple of photos at the square then quickly pop into the shops along the area to stay out of the heat. Bought some souvenirs at the shops. 2 pairs of slippers: RM20, QQ’s batik dress: RM20, woven bag: RM10, small batik bag for mom: RM20, 4 postcards: RM 0.80 each. Trishaw ride: RM10 for 15mins trip and a photo stop.
We returned to the Nonya dumpling shop to get lunch and buy the Dou Qian (Soya noodle) which Ed and I loved. The noodle sold here is the freshest that we can find and best tasting. We bought some the last time we visited the place a few years back. Ever since then, we had not been able to find anything as good as it is anywhere else, be it in Singapore or JB. Nonya dumpling: RM3.80 each, Dou Qian: RM12 for 3 packs. Along the way back, we found a stationery wholesale shop which sells colourful pencils with a wooden toy attached to the top. QQ can give that to her class on her birthday. Bought 36 of them for RM50, works out to SIN 60 cents a piece, quite cheap I think!

Parking Summon
We parked our car at a roadside lot without displaying a coupon. We decide to take a chance with the parking attendant since we didn't buy the local parking coupons. Malacca parking attendants turn out to be very hardworking and booked us less than 30mins after we had gone off. A RM50 fine,
We've heard enough stories of Singapore car who got wheel clamped or denied entry into Msia when they don't pay up their summons. Decided to be law abidding, we waste no time in asking the hotel concierge where we can go to settle our summon. We're told to go to the town council, a 20mins drive to the outskirt of the city. By taxi, it would cost approx RM25 one way. In my mind, I was thinking "no wonder people don't want to pay, their office are so inaccessible!" Concierge offers to pay on our behalf and fax the receipt back to us. We were greatly and I was already contemplating taking this easy way out, with a little tip for the guys who are so kind and helpful. Somehow we declined, perhaps still unwilling to part with the money.
Thankfully we didn't take up the concierge guys' offer. I later checked with 2 traffic policemen outside our hotel and they said that I can settle the summon in the shopping center beside our hotel which I did immediately. I was only charged RM5, cos I pay up within 24hrs of the offence. If beyond 1 day, then need to pay full amount. I saved RM95, haven't count in the trouble if I had really gone to the town council!!
Came back to Singapore, I wrote a complaint letter to the Equatorial Hotel GM about their concierge!! I was unusually kind and decided to give them the benefit of doubt, only claiming that they lacked knowledge of local traffic practices. Ed says I should make a bigger fuss about it, make them really guilty and perhaps offer us some compensation like discount on our next visit. Haha, I think I already had a good offer for this stay. One shouldn't be too greedy.

A Farmosa Resort

2009-06-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Day 2
We travel to A Farmosa Resort today. It was suppose to be just 30mins car journey there but being unfamilar with the streets, morning traffic jams and a outdated map, we took almost an hour to reach there.
First impression: Very run down, lacks maintenance, far away from city centre and rather deserted. I will never come back again.
Cost: Not cheap. RM65 for adults and RM51 for child, inclusive of
(1) entrance to Animal Safari + tram ride,
(2) Entrance to Water World and
(3) a set lunch
Good thing about the Safari:
The Animal Safari area is huge and with a large collection of animals. Almost every animals that we have in Mandai zoo can be found here. They took us into the safari in a old, noisy, caged up tram. But at least, don't need much walking around.
Bad thing about the Safari:
No narrator in the tram. Only a grouchy and disinterested looking driver. Safari is bared, there is no greenery or attempt to make the place more attractive and pleasant. Everything also must pay money. Elephant ride at RM6 per pax. Purchase of photo RM15.
The Water World is much more exciting. There is certainly more people here compared to the safari, makes one feels that the place is an attraction. We played in the artificial wave pool for quite long cos QQ seems to like the waves. Then to the kids water play area which QQ attempts to take a slide which is pretty steep and wavy after much persuasion from us.
Good thing about water world:
Pretty pleasant surroundings. Much more maintained than the safari.
Bad thing about water world:
water polluted by fallen leaves from nearby trees and sand from artifical beach. Need to rent the float for RM8.

Short Vacation

2009-06-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Ed changed the schedule of his working trip to China. Before that, I couldn't plan any vacation timing that suit all our schedules;
My parents US trip,
My school meetings and project deadlines,
Ed's travelling plans and some block out dates, and
QQ's drama camps and enrichment classes.
Now I can plan a short vacation to Malacca from 14-17 June.

BRONZE

2009-04-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

My choir got Bronze award. The girls cried buckets. Both conductor and pianist who had lots of experience with other choirs said they did well and can expect a silver. That raised their hopes. But the judges thought otherwise and gave them bronze.
The disappointment was unbearable. Even I felt so awful and went on a binge and shopping spree that night to make myself feel better.
The girls are rather inconsolable. They were still teary the next day when the school announce their results during assembly. They were supposed to ring the victory bell, a tradition in the schol whenever we win something, but nobody was willing to do it. One even wailed " they (the school leader) want us to ring the bell.... how to ring?" and burst out crying even louder than before.
Fabian and I had to do the damage control, to psycho them into the right mood so that they will be ready for the speech day performance the next day.

Learning to Swim

2009-04-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Qy starts learning to swim this week. It is more of water confidence for now rather than to learn the strokes. She is wary of the coach and maintained her distance. She is fearful of holding her breathe to go underwater. She is rather hesitate to put her mouth near the water to blow bubbles too. The coach had to resort to scooping up water in his palm, put his palm in front of her mouth and ask her to blow at the water. Still no bubbles. Just small waves in the palm from all her blowing.
Progress was slow, but being the first lesson, I should be more patient At least at the end of the lesson, the coach was able to gain her trust and was able to carry her. I am already very satisfied with that.

SYF

2009-04-06T21:12:00.001-07:00

Band won GOLD award in the SYF central judging. It's fantastic and everyone cheered for them. Choir's turn on 23 Apr. I'm worried. We had bronze 2 years back, and bronze for the last few judgings. Don't know if we can have any breakthrough this year.
Spoke to the person in charge of the band for advice and the secret to their gold. She says
(1) pamper them, spoil them, treat them like kings and queens. She brought food, flowers, snacks for them.
(2) write notes of encouragement to them, including conductor
(3) Wear red, including the intimates.
(4) Don't give the choir too much pressure. Don't say things like "if band can get gold......"

I agree with her pampering part. Shall feed the kids well these few practices, except they can't have chocolates or junk food, otherwise they voices will get affected. So that limits my choice of food quite alot. I have seen some pretty stationery at Yamaha, not too expensive. Maybe get those for the kids next week.

Cards

2009-01-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

Always hear about bribery cases overseas, but it was always hearsay and never really know anyone who had done that. But today i saw it happening at the JB immigration checkpoint.
I often had to take extra and stock up on immigration cards for Ed who frequent JB. The immigration officers were always stingy and will only give 3 or 4 at a time. They even put up a notice at the old checkpoint that each person can only take 4 and they will always languidly point to it whenever I ask for more.
However, the guy getting the cards before me was given a stack 2 inch thick. He had discreetly gave the staff something which the latter quickly pocketed. No wonder they had been so strict about 4 per person. There is benefits to be reap from those who want more.

Results

2009-01-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

O level results will be out in 30 mins time. In 30 mins, I will know if my teaching strategies have been successful or a total flop.
Terrible headache now cos couldn't sleep well last night. Keep having dreams about the results. I think I am as jittery as the students themselves.

Flower girl

2009-01-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

Cousin SY and Ad married on 3 Jan. QY and one of SY's niece were the flower girls at the wedding. Getting QY to be the flower girl had not been easy. Since early 2008, we already sounded her out if she is up to it. She said NO then, being afraid of the smoky effect (from the dry ice). Then she agreed when we promised/swear "no smoke".

By June 08, she asked to cut her hair short. She didn't like tying up her hair for school which my mom absolutely insisted on. So we snipped off her long tresses, giving her a bobbed look. Her short hair became a concern as I can't imagine a flower girl sporting short hair.

And I had a little crisis with their gowns. These party dresses can be rather outlandish or overly flashy with too much lace, sequins and beads. The actually gowns from bridal studio cost a bomb. After checking several places, I finally found a suitable piece that I thought was good. Only Winnie's size was available then and I bought it. QY's piece was slightly stained and the store offer to hunt for another piece for me. A few days later, and 1 day before I go overseas for my holiday, the store called to say QY's size is out of stock islandwide. Panic. Only 2 weeks left before the wedding. Left instructions to call once they find a piece, even if I'm overseas. I can arrange for someone to pick it up, but no news for an entire week while i was away. Somehow by a stroke of luck, the same day that i return, I found the piece in the store. Can't be bother to question the sales staff why nobody call. I am just plain relieved that I found it, paid and get out of that place.

Then we're told that she is not to scatter/toss petals. Church rules. I worry once more. What is she going to do while walking down the isle? If she doesn't do something, she would just have to walk down the isle with everyone's attention on her, she'll surely get cold feet.

A week before the wedding, we had a rehearsal at the church. QY got so overwhelmed by the thought of walking down the isle unaccompanied, with a crowd watching her, she bursted into tears. Exclaimed that she doesn't want to be flower girl anymore. We tried using the gown, appeal to her vanity of wearing earrings and having make up, which all she loved and was looking forward to to entice her but nothing works. I was so upset with her. I had to warn everyone in the family NOT to discuss this crying episode again so as not to scare her further.
Thankfully, subtle hints and gradual brainwashing by the entire village of aunts and cousins eventually worked. We also let the girls walk hand-in-hand. She was all bright and chirpy on the wedding day. Photographer actually came to tell me not to affect the kids unless it's life threatening. Otherwise, just let them be their natural self. They will still look cute even if they get cold feet and ran off halfway down the isle, or burst into tears in front of everyone. Photographer probably sensed that I am more nervous than the kids or the bride herself.
All turned out well. They had some kiddish whispering at the entrance "you must walk now", "walk faster, hurry!!".... that sort of things, which everyone heard, thanks to the great acoustics of the church.
And to substitute the throwing petals part, I tried looking for a teddy bear or soft toy from the bride for QY to hug but she had none. Personally, I had always love floral posie so decided to get one for QY to hold. A florist quoted me an exorbitant price for one, suppose to be the cheapest, using the cheapest variety of fresh flowers. Said its hard to make and alot of work involved. If use roses which I wanted, will be even more expensive and won't last long too. Decided to DIY, which cost around $35, using roses made from soft foam. And no hard work at all for me. An hour to source for material, and an hour to make while watching TV serial Little Nyonya. Happy with the result, got a few comments that it's beautiful. Most important, QY likes it and was playing with it, swinging the ball of flower around whole day.

Holiday Activities

2008-12-09T01:41:00.000-08:00

Sent domestic helper home on 28th last month. Shall not engage any helper in Dec since it's my school holidays and I can become the full time maid. I love my holidays, get to spent the best of all quality time with QY. And also learnt alot more about her. I must record this down, it's as good as my achievement for this Dec holidays.
(1) She finally allowed me to bathe her. Previously she didn't as I was impatient and splashed water into her eyes. As of today, she learnt to bathe entirely by herself.

(2) Made a number of christmas greeting cards with her. She has mastered the use of scissors and is cutting very well. Still can't write well, I have to write in pencil and she is happy enough tracing them out. Also painted a few clay pieces and made into magnets.

(3) Went for numerous playdates and swim at Mel's place. Girl managed to do some artwork there. Painted a T-shirt, made chocolates, paper motif cutting. (4) attended Disney Princess show @ indoor stadium. She was so well behaved, I rewarded her with a magic wand which thrills her so much.

(5) attended shopping mall christmas performances. Dora at parkway(2x), Strawberry shortcake at Whitesands, Winx club at United Square. She loved this pink skirt so much. but it's borrowed from Ath.

(6) Borrowed a "scooter" for her to play with. She is proficient at it now, but suffered 2 cuts on her legs while learning it.
(7) Set up christmas tree at my mom's place.
(8) Visited the zoo new water play area. Took loads of photos.
(9) looking forward to a family holiday at Genting highlands with Mel and Siew's family.
(10) Borrowed Grandma's sewing machine and mended every torn clothes in the house.
(11) Been reading to her more often at bedtime.
(12) Negative: Introduced her to the playing computer games. She is currently going to the disneyplayhouse website alot.
Back to work next year, hope I won't be too tired out. I have learnt from previous holidays that if I don't have enough ME-time, I will burn out. So now eyeing my own short little holidays over the CNY long weekend. And must thank my dear cousin JM for chipping in every now and then, to be my part-time, highly dedicated and engaging babysitter.

Natasha's BBQ

2008-11-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

The 5N girls organised a class gathering yesterday. They invited a few of us to the gathering at Pasir Ris Costa Sands Chalet. Ed was kind of grumpy about going to this gathering with me, yet he follows knowing that I can't manage QY, carry 90 packets of packet drinks, and 3 bags of Satay all on my own. At the Chalet, he just ate, fed QY and then read newspapers. Poor guy, so left out. Qy was more eager and looking forward to this BBQ. She even wanted to know all the names of the people there.

The boys were sweet. They met me at the car park and hauled the food to the chalet. It's really nice to see all of them get together in a non-classroom setting. The girls have even painted 2 pretty butterflies motif at the bottom of their right eyes. This group of kids have journeyed with me since the beginning of my career as a teacher. While I teach them geog, they taught me to be a better teacher. Can still remember vividly some of them at sec 1. At least 3 hrs a week with them, sometimes up to 6 hrs. Pls a few overseas trips with them. I think I have grown rather attached to them, I am so going to miss them.

I left an hour plus. QY was eating too much Nachos chips from Natasha. And it was my wedding anniversary. Only fair to spend the rest of the evening with Ed.

Overheard

2008-10-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

".... forgot the number.... cannot go toilet..."
"Check your email for password before going toilet"
"Ladies' toilet not lock leh, we don't mind you using it. Aim properly pls."

Attending a new class

2008-09-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Checked out a Crestar Learning Centre branch at Siglap for suitable classes for QY. When we were there, we ran into her favourite ex-ballet teacher. QY's interest to learn ballet is re-ignited. I promised her I'll sign up for a trial class on the condition that I won't sit in. She will attend the class on her own and there is to be NO crying. She used to be so attached to us and insecure alone that she will come out of the dance studio weeping. It was so exasperating.

Then there was the English Speech and Drama class. We had experience with the teacher earlier this year when she attended her classmate's birthday party there and the teacher came in as facilitator to play with the kids. I was already impressed by the teacher then. There wouldn't many materials or teaching aids around, the classroom was pretty bare. Basically uncreative and boring. But I like that, cos I believe the lesser resources the kids have, the more creative and imaginative they have to become. And those are the qualities that I hope QY will develop.

QY attended the S&D trial class last sat. Timing was at 2.30pm which wasn't very ideal. Hot weather and it's her naptime. She was initially a little apprehensive and eyes turned teary and red. I guess she needs some time to warm up so i stood at the door for a while hoping to reassure her. Teacher quickly caught her attention with a storybook about an ape. They browsed through the book, she got them to imitate the actions of an ape. Next thing i know, QY was happily ape-ing around the room, laughing loudly and responsing very well to the teacher. RELIEF!!

I can't imagine how the teacher is going to occupy them for a hour but she did, and successfully too. For an entire hour, QY participated in all the activities and enjoyed herself tremendously. She came out beaming, jumping with joy (haven't wind down yet even though the class has ended) and asked to join the class. Even gave the teacher 2 high fives before leaving, so much rapport!!

I am definitely going to sign her up for this S&D class but not the ballet. Too many lessons, and one on each day of the weekend. No way am i going to travel to Siglap in the afternoon heat when I badly need the weekend to rest. Besides, the classes cost a bomb.

Bailed myself out of the ballet class by offering to go swimming with her instead. Frankly swimming is as tiring, but it is cheaper. I can swim too while she plays with her dad, and use that as another exercise session for myself. I bought her a swimming board to make my ballet-replacement plan look better. It worked!! No one must mention ballet again from now on.

QY turns 4

2008-09-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

It's QY's 4th birthday. We had 3 rounds of celebrations for her. One on the Sunday before actual day for my entire clan at home. Two on actual day; one in school with her classmates and teachers and one at Parkway with her two best friends.

I loved the home celebration. We gathered everyone, including Ed's Brothers VK and VY and their family. Food was delicious cos my mom prepared most of them while Ed ordered the remaining from Lily. QY warms up to her cousin Yun immediately although they don't meet often. After all, blood is thicker than water. I do want her to spend more time with her cousin Yun, am hoping that QY will grow up to be like her.

She receives lots of presents, no wonder children always say that their birthdays are the happiest days of their lives. Her most dreamt of gift came from aunt PL, who bought her a Barbie Totally Hair Color It Set. Her favourite would probably be the Disney Princess blouse and skirt that AK (my ex-student who adopted QY as his godsister) bought for her. But personally I liked her jewellery case cum musical box from SY best. And I think her doodle set from Yun was most appropriate for her learning at the moment cos she is learning to write.

Celebration in school was simple and over in half an hour. We arrived at noon, brought in the goody bags and the "Wink" design, 2kg cake. The table for birthday cake was quickly set up. All the kids are already seated and ready for the mini celebration. She posed for photos first with Ed and I, then with all the boys, then the girls, and finally with her teachers. We all sang the birthday song in 3 versions, English, Chinese, and May the good Lord bless you. Then she blew out the candles, teacher quickly cut and distribute the cake to everyone. The kids are so seasoned to such celebrations and knew precisely what to do that everything went like clock work mechanics. By 12.30pm, everyone finished the entire cake, some had a second round of spaghetti (prepared by the kitchen), drank water, washed and clean up, tables cleared, all disposables thrown into bin, queue up and ready to move to music room for next activity. Wow! That was so organised.

After school she met up with her 2 best friends for more fun at 3pm. We had wanted to go to Bouncing Castle at Katong Mall, but the place is empty, bared! Contingency plan put into action! Other gyms nearby were considered but Mel thought that the kids are far more advance for these gyms now, so not worth spending the money. We decided to push forward the remaining programme. We went straight to do the Window Art Handicraft (something that QY has been looking forward to since she was 2, but I kept postponing it). Then the kids spent a long time playing at Isetan Toy Dept and at the kiddy rides till 5pm. She picked a Disney princess water bottle there as a gift from aunt Siew. THe kids made alot of noise, terrorised a English girl while she was taking a ride in a "van" by clambering all over the vehicle and trapping her girl inside. We had early dinner at Swensens where she was given a free sundae with 3 scoops of ice cream. Home by 8pm when she baths and fall asleep almost immediately.

Return to Sanity

2008-08-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today marks the end to 7 weeks of madness at work.
1st week: term 3 begins. Daily rush to chase forms, payments, homeworks, assignments.
2nd week: Organised Youth Day Concert + staff meeting.
3rd week: Crescendo concert rehearsals and performance + NDP rehearsals
4th week: Racial Harmony week planning and rehearsals. Fell sick.
5th week: Racial Harmony week celebration. Attend interviews. Still sick.
6th week: Pen Pic + performa + setting Prelim exam papers + NDP rehearsals which end at 6.30pm + run detention class + run anti-drug abuse campaign + teacher's day audition + MY BIRTHDAY
7th week: NDP rehearsals which end at 6.45pm + run detention class + more teacher's day audition + hunt for16 cheap, plain red, size XS t-shirts

Gosh, it's finally over.

My Birthday Present

2008-08-01T01:26:00.001-07:00

I gave myself a birthday present today. I accepted the offer to work in a better (i hope) environment. One that will give me more space, and opportunity for personal development.

Racial Harmony Week

2008-07-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

My 2 capable chairmans from 2006-2008.

Had this bunch of students since 2004.

Core Geography Class 2008

Feeling bitter

2008-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Got tricked by some 17 year olds today.

Me: Where is your friend? Why is he not here today?
Guy 1: He died already.
Me: He is your good friend, you shouldn't curse him.
Guy 2: ok, ok, he went to the dentist.
Me (don't recall seeing any dentist in the school today): He went to the dentist in school or outside?
Girl (sniggering): you really believe he went to the dentist? bluff you one lar.
And all 3 laugh out loudly.

I have spent 3 whole years of my life with them, nurturing and educating them. This is a group of teenagers whom I've grown to love and trust. I don't understand why they need to trick me this way. Do i look so gullible to them? Or am I wrong to trust them? I told them straight in the face that I am disappointed that they made a joke out of this. I asked the girl that if I don't trust them, am I suppose to be on my guard all the time, and to question every word they say? I can't live this way.

It feels so awful to be tricked and laughed at by people whom I have loved and trusted. And I am crying as I blog this.

Bathing Independently

2008-07-07T06:41:00.003-07:00

Managed to train QY to bathe independently. She is able to soap herself and rinse clean. My main concern was whether she can reach her back, which she manages very well. But still can't shampoo yet cos she is terrify of water getting into her eyes.

Overspent

2008-06-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

24/6/08: Spent $165 at Dr Loke's clinic which includes a $50 ultrasound to ascertain that I am not ovulating and a $60 painful jab in the bum to get me to ovulate.
25/6/08: Back pain came back. Spent $35 on painkillers from Dr Wong's Clinic.
Today: Our 8 yr old PC monitor died on us. It has been turning into a sickly blue these days. We knew it's end is near. Rush out to buy a new monitor. It's a Samsung 19 inch. $255. Cheapest samsung model that we can find at Sim Lim Square. Also bought a wireless keyboard and mouse for $47 to replace the cranky ones we had.
We visited the temple to pray and I took the opportunity to ask Guang Yin if I will have any luck winning the 4D or ToTo betting, having spent so much in 3 days, I was hoping to recoup some losses. But the lot says NO. Sigh. Draw another lot to ask if there is any chance for a baby soon. It was generally a mediocre lot. Actually in the entire interpretation, there wasn't even an answer to my question. Ed says my questioning technique was bad, and Guang Yin did not know what I was asking for, therefore no answer. Sigh again.

A meeting

2008-06-17T04:33:00.001-07:00

Attended a 3 hr meeting today. The meeting is for all upper management to come together to prepare a yearly report on the company's previous and present working processes, and look for areas for improvement to work on in the following year. I had to take care of a small portion, 2 out of 4 sub-sub-parts, of 4 sub-parts, of 5 main parts. Very small percentage of the entire report but they needed me to be around in case there is any questions. 2 hrs and 45 mins past discussing portions irrelevant to me, before the meeting came to my portion. It had taken longer as the boss came in half way, and they had to update her. She added her inputs, they discuss again.... Everyone was so eager to end the meeting, nobody questioned what I did or did not do. I did not speak a single word at the meeting.
It was good initially when real problems were identified and rectified. But after a few years, we sort of went out of problems. Now i think we are trying to find problems that do not pose a problem in the first place. In addition, these problems shouldn't be too hard to solve, otherwise we will be shooting ourselves in the foot. Hahaa, no wonder everybody is overworked and low morale.

Fishing

2008-06-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

Brother got interested in fishing as a past time. He says he likes the patient wait, the excitment of a catch and all the adrenalin rushing thrills of pulling the fish up.
Organised a trip with 6 other friends to Endau, East coast of Malaysia. They got a reasonable offer from Dad's contact; 900 ringgit, for 24hrs rental of the boat.
Came back with bountiful catch! This is only a portion of what they caught, but it's enough! Previously, at every meal, mom would say "this fish is caught by JT". That went on for 2 weeks. I think I must go learn how to make salted fish.

Hakka Abacus Seed

2008-06-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Found a recipe for making Abacus Seed in the newspaper. I was thrilled as I always wanted to learn how to prepare this dish. After all, I married a Khek, and should fulfil my traditional duties of a wife, ie cook for the husband. Like Real!
First attempt at lunchtime failed although I followed every instruction in the recipe.
AAR: there were too little yam left after I slice off the rotten parts. I added too much water. Actually the instruction "add enough water to cover the yam" was misleading. Compensate the excessive water by adding 50% more tapioca flour. Using wrong type of flour; I added plain flour after I used up all the tapioca flour was the final straw that killed the abacus seeds. I scalded 2 fingers trying to kneed the piping hot dough. It was a disaster. Poor helper had to clean up my mess while I go and ask Eddie what Macdonalds value meal he would like to have for lunch.
Later afternoon, Aunt PS dropped by to visit QY. I complained and whined miserably about my failed abacus seed and burned fingers. She laughed and scoffed why I didn't i call and ask her for the recipe. We had one of these cooking session at her friend's place 2 decades ago to learn this dish, I didn't expect her to still remember the recipe. Besides, there weren't any proper recipe then cos it's all based on the ar-ga-ra-tion of an old lady (her friend's mother). She would have just tell me to add enough water to cover the yam too.
But instructions over the phone is different for having her in person at my place. My aunt is fantastic in the kitchen and I pestered her to show me how to prepare it since all the ingredients from afternoon still unused. We went out and found another yam. It is not easy to find a wet market still open on a Sunday evening.
So, for the benefit of those attempting to cook abacus seed...
Ingredients
1 kg yam, cut into small pieces to facilitate steaming, stir fry with 5 cloves of garlic for 3 mins. Add water to cover all the yam. Cover wok and steam until all the water evaporates, approx 20-25mins. Mash up the yam, mix with 130g of tapioca flour. Add more flour till dough does not stick onto fingers.

Make the abacus seeds from dough and cook in boiling water. Add some oil to boiling water to prevent the seeds from sticking together. Scoop out of water when the seeds float.

Adjust these ingredients' portions according to taste and preferences.
minced pork (500g)
black fungus (10 dried pieces)
Chinese shitake mushroom (10 medium size pieces)
Dried shrimp, chopped up coarsely
chopped garlic
green vegetable e.g. xiao bai cai (optional)

Fry garlic, shrimps, mushroom and black fungus till fagrant. Add pepper, salt, light soya sauce, a little fish sauce and a little dark soya sauce for colour. Add abacus seed, mix properly. Add vegetable last.

It was fun and so enjoyable making it second time round. QY came to help with making the seeds.

Thank you QY sweetie

2008-05-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you QY sweetie, for being there for me when I was ill. I was feeling so miserable and closed to tears alone at home, till you came back smiling and gave me a big hug. I am glad you were there for me, staying by my side, stroking my hair and speaking so gently and lovingly to me. You remembered how you daddy place a cup of water at your bedside when you are ill, and you did the same for me. I am touched by your empathy and your care.
Your daddy asked you to take care of me and you willingly brought all your sleep stuff (1 big pillow, 2 small pillows, 2 bolsters, baobei, Caleb and Harrod) to sleep beside me, although you have always complained tha my mattress was uncomfortable.
You became so much more sensible knowing that mommy is ill. You know that I can't take care of you for a while, and you took the initiative to take care of yourself. I am so proud that you changed into your pyjamas without me asking. You were brave enough to switch on the toilet lights and entered the toilet alone although you never dared to do that in the past because you were terrified of the rats* there. I have always helped you to apply toothpaste and supervised your brushing, but now I know you are fully capable of doing it yourself. Dearest baby, you are so wonderful and I am glad you have grown and learnt so much. Thanks for bring so much care and warmth to me.

* Sorry dear, there is actually no rats in the toilet. It just your daddy's trick to get you into bed and close your eyes, so that you can fall asleep quickly.

She cheats again

2008-05-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

She cheats again while playing 4-in-a-row. This girl can't take defeat or a draw. Everytime she realised she had played wrongly and I was going to win, she took out all the tokens and mess up the game. Then there was a game that started well, we keep encouraging her at every 4-in-a-row that she formed. We soon had a 2-2 draw, but she couldn't take the draw, and again messed up the game. That was the last draw, I got angry and walked off, declaring to my entire family that she CHEATED, and I am not going to play with her again.

She threatens to leave home

2008-04-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

It all started with her wanting to eat chocolate and I didn't allowed it for fear of aggravating her cough.

QY (throwing a tantrum): ni bu rang wo chi, wo qu bie de jia, bu yao hui lai le.
You don't allow me to eat, I'll go elsewhere, I won't come home anymore.

ME (questioning): ni yao qu na ni?
Where do you want to go?

QY: wo bu zi dao, zai xin jia po bah.
I don't know, somewhere in Singapore probably

ME (Concerning tone): ni qu xin de jia, bu hao. mei you wo meng zai na ni?
Going to a new home is bad. None of us is going to be there with you.

QY (without much thinking): wo dai ni yi qi qu.
I bring you with me.

To my brave girlfriends

2008-04-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

An acquaintance recently passed away. I usually do not like to write about deaths or any unpleasant stuff that bothers me. My delusional self thinks that if I don't write it down, I will soon forget it (which I usually do), and all will be well again. But now I am going to write about both his death and his unpleasant stuff as this is something I must always remember, as much as it bothers me.
He had a family; a wife and 2 children. He also had a mistress. He stayed with his mistress most of the time. His wife who once led a sheltered life as a homemaker, had to venture out now to make her own living. It was hard for her to re-enter the workforce after such a long time. We could all see how she suffered.
Many years later, he came down with cancer. Exhausted his savings and pension on treatment and had to return to his wife. Indifferent and perhaps numbed, she actually took care of him till he breath his last.
I reflected on the depressing outcome of their marriage. Then I looked at some of the husbands and wives I know. Among them, I can name at least 10 men, who have done disappointing stuff to jeopardise their marriages. But I can't think of any women who had done the same.
What is happening to all the XY species around us? I observed the kids in QY's classes, the girls definitely seemed smarter and bright. Among the teenagers I associate with, the girls are always more matured, thoughtful and sensible. So lovable. While the boys are... put simply, testosterone-driven. I haven't got much faith left in men.

A girlfriend was recently asked, if she had known how her marriage is going to bring her heartaches, would she still get married then? She had no answer to the question and was glad about that. To her, it means that she has accepted her lot and she has no regrets. For me, I think I will still go through the marriage too. But I will definitely demand for a bigger bride price as now that I know the kind of gamble I am taking and how big my losses can be, I certainly must secure more collaterals. I must remember to secure more collaterals.

To all my brave girlfriends, who tolerated and forgive all the rubbish from your husband, who had cried in your heart while sleeping next to the man, who waits patiently for that silly mule to throw away his pride and open up to you, who ploughs on and support the family while the husband takes light years to get a job, you are a saint.

2 graduations in a night

2008-03-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

QY graduated from Tiny Notes course at Yamaha. 22 lessons with a teacher named Miss Liu. Only when we proceed to the next level with another teacher that we realised how wonderful Miss Liu was. She is so patient, sweet and charming to the kids. QY definitely prefers her to the current teacher. Miss Liu's schedule is full and she can't take any more students. :(
After her graduation performance at Marine Parade, I rushed off to Pasir Ris to attend a second graduation of the night. A special 3Day course on Motivation ends that night and I was invited to attend the closing ceremony cum graduation by some of the participants there. What does their graduation have to do with me?
Well, part of the motivation process is to know who REALLY cares and love oneself. And one will be motivated to do something for that person who really cares so as not to break that person's heart. The facilitator relates a 40mins long sorrowful story of a part of his life when he didn't appreciate someone who cared. Now he regrets it like mad cos the person is dead. Moral of the story: We should all show our appreciate to those who care about us TODAY with a big hug. His story got everyone teary, weeping and thinking about who they had taken for granted. I was invited to this as I am one of those caring people around who are constantly taken for granted. I received more than 40 hugs at the ceremony.
Post-ceremony evaluation: The motivation vibes last for a while and they were to a large extent, motivated for about a week. But beyond that, the magic fizzies off and they are back to their old self.
But the secret is, I have attended this course 3 times before and know this was going to happen. So while they were still under the appreciative spell, I did all my emotional blackmailing and got everything that I asked for. *evil grin*

Cheating in Games

2008-03-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

Recently bought a boardgame called Candy Land for the girl. Easy game, meant for kids aged 3 and above. Players take turn to draw a card. Card determines how many steps one can move. Bonus cards to accelerate but sometimes deccelerate too. First one to reach finish line wins.
QY plays it once and quickly learns the ropes. By the 3rd game, she is using all means to win, basically CHEATING. She fought to shuffle the cards, but sneakily put in the bonus cards in the order that she can draw them. She deliberately take more steps to get to the finishing line quicker. She even draw out and hide some of the bonus cards under the pillow near her, then produce the cards along the game to gain advantage.
Ed and I pretended to be angry and refuse to play with her any more. But secretly we were quite glad that she is being street smart, to the extend of cunning. Not some goody-goody girl who will stick to the rules and let everyone else win. At least we can be assured that she can fend for herself and will not easily get bullied.

Bonus Day

2008-03-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

I get my performance bonus today. Notice about the bonus and when it will come was emailed to me last week. And since then, I have been looking forward to this day!!
Initially hoped to go shopping with my newfound wealth. Enjoy, pamper myself a bit. But I have so much work to do, and working so late, that I lost all energy to go shopping by the end of the day.
But still MUST spend some money today... Maybe bring QY out for haagen daz ice cream after dinner.

Work

2008-03-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a hectic week. It's going to be uphill all the way.

Just got scolded by my gym buddy gf for my poor gym attendance. I seemed to have gradually reduced our usual twice weekly workout to just once a week for the past 2 weeks because of work and stuff. Then this week, it's I-CAN'T-MAKE-IT for all days.

Usual gym days, tues and Fri, taken over by work. Tues to accompany clients to a concert at VCH. Fri will be an overnight round island trip. Then there will be the usual mad rush to complete my work before I go for a break next week.

It's going to be a lonely week too. Ed will be going to China tomorrow for an entire week and V Jun returning to Malaysia for a month. Qy's is going to be at my mom's place. I'll be all alone at home.

Yamaha music lesson

2008-02-27T05:02:00.000-08:00

IKEA

2008-02-27T04:55:00.000-08:00

She asked to visit Ikea. We brought her to 2 ikeas over 2 days. Went to Alexandra branch to get 2 stools for her. She has learnt to go toilet (get on and off the toilet seat, wash hands at the sink) independently by climbing onto the stools. Went to Tampines branch purely for fun. She just want to play at the kids section there.

Both visits we ate sausages and bread, ice cream and had drinks before we go off. We all love the ikea's chicken sausages.

Alone with QY

2008-02-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday 24/2/08

150mins, 4.30-7pm, alone with QY. Maid was off, Ed was at a meeting.

4.30pm: QY woke up. Disoriented. Questioned me angrily why is she sleeping in the bedroom? Strange. Where else does she expect to sleep? Honestly I can't answer her cos it was Ed who settled her in. I was long asleep before her. She went out of the room sobbing for her daddy. Got even more upset when her grandpa told her daddy was not around.
4.45pm: I want to nap some more but can't. QY was still very upset. I felt abandoned. But had to distract her some how. "let's bring your [foil] balloon to Parkway to re-fill. Then we go look for a new bolster case for your baobei. After that we can have tea while we wait for papa to finish his meeting." Fed her milk, got her dressed and out of the house in 10 mins.
5pm: Reached parkway. She got drawn to the arcade. Dragged me around the place for sometime, tried on the mock motorbikes and cars, engage in imaginary games of racing bikes and stuff. I'm fine with her spending time there since I had all the time to spare. She eyed theose huge soft toys that require players to spend a fortune to use some flimsy tongs to pick up. I managed to convince her that the soft toys were too expensive there and we can get cheaper ones elsewhere. But I think I am over-reacting, she never quite fancy those soft toys. We watched people play electronic games. There were some simpler ones that QY could play too. We got tempted and spent $5 on the games.
5.30pm: refill balloon, buy bolster case, played on kiddy rides. She wanted to put in money but I told her we had overspent at the arcade, so can't waste money on the rides now. She watched longingly at others, and I felt a huge pang in my heart. But I have to stay firm, let her learn about trade off.
6pm: Wanted to have dinner at Swensens but the queue was extremely long. No way QY was going to stay in line and wait patiently. We moved on to check out Ajisen and found seats there. Browsed through the menu. Dismay to find no ice cream sold there. But luckily there was some kind of cold pancake with ice-cream sandwiched in the middle. The pancake was not in the regular menu. It was a special item in the promotional set meal of the month. The bloody set meal cost an obsene $19.90. Expensive because it has 3 scallops, some prawns and squids in it. I can already feel the cholesterol swimming in my blood stream and my blood vessels clotting up.
6.15pm: Ordered the set meal. No choice with the potentially fatal cholesterol contents. I promised QY ice cream. Just felt compel to compensate her, poor girl kept looking at the door behind her to see if her papa is here.
6.25pm: Noodle and side dishes served. She enjoyed my ice tea and sipped non-stop. I had to pry the cup out of her hand and take it away. She loved the noodle very much. I know that she has always liked noodle (yellow ones) but dunno why she exceptionally liked the Ajisen ones. Has beeen so since she first tasted it in 2006. She finished 3 servings, which is 3 times more than her usual intake. Even more motivated to eat and to eat on her own when she realised she was very epted with the fork and spoon. She rejected the pumpkin corquettes and cuttlefish cake thou.
7pm: Her daddy finally came while she finished up her last spoonful of noodle. She happily reported her last 2 hours of activites to him. Took half of the ice cream pancake.
Despite the high cost and bad cholesterol, we had a good evening at Ajisen. Now I know where to bring her the next time round for her favourite food. But I am so going to hunt for Ajisen substitutes to cook on my own at home. I can't pay so much just to satisfy that princess's expensive tastebuds.

Weight

2008-02-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

She gained 0.5kg, to 12.5kg.
I lost 1kg!

Misa the Husky

2008-02-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

My cousin YH was given a 3 wk old husky pup. His mom, my aunt was strongly against keeping such a big animal in their newly renovated 5-rm apartment. The puppy is still small now, but we all know that she will grow up to be very big.
YH named the pup Misa, after some bimbo character in a movie he recently watched. For a dog so big, regal and thoroughbred, we found the name rather misfitting. But it's HIS dog, so we went along with Misa. YH took care of the pup singlehandedly in the first 3 days, which include feeding her milk from a bottle every 2 hours, cleaning up pee and poo, washing her, playing with her etc. Misa is really adorable and lovable. After all, all things small are beautiful. We all loved her, Qy too! She asked to go play with Misa everyday. Good thing my aunt stays just upstairs, so Qy only need someone to bring her up in the lift.
After the initial 3 days, YH realised the difficulties of keeping a dog and sort of gave up. He left all his responsbilities to the maid. Poor maid's life now is like confinement, and Misa is her newborn baby. She is stuck at home everyday, attending to her baby. It's a sorry sight, Misa can pee and poo 5-6 times in a hour! Hard on the maid but we selfishly hope they keep the dog cos she is all so furry and soft to stroke and fun to play with.
For my brother and I, there is another motive. JT and I LOVE dogs, we had been pestering our parents to let us have one since the day we can speak. My mom was adament against having a dog, or just anything furry as a matter of fact. She issued us the ultimatum: Choose between her or dog. If we choose dog, my mom will leave. haha, sounds childish... i mean my mom, not us. But I can understand why. It's the only way to prevent her two persistent kids from taking matters in their own hands and bringing back a dog without permission. The closest I ever got to owning a dog was to adopt my best friend's spitz as my god-dog.
It's better with Misa, almost like a dream comes true. So ideal; the convenience of having a dog to cuddle and play with anytime, minus the problems that comes with the dog; hair flying around the house, dog's stench, grooming expenses. My brother's wife was even contemplating shifting from Redhill to stay with my mom so that she can have quicker access to the dog.
Anyway other than my aunt + my mom + an uncle (their brother) + my grandmother (their mom)... basically those whose surname is TAN are cracking their brains to get rid of the dog, the rest of us (13 cousins + respective partners + Qy) pray for the dog to stay.

Chinese New Year

2008-02-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve: Qy dressed in traditional chinese attire to celebrate the festival in school.

1st day (7/2/08) of CNY

Qy learnt to use the self timer in the camera. We had fun in the living room setting the timer together and taking this photo while my mom prepared reunion lunch for the family.

2nd day (8/2/08) of CNY

Sentosa Flower Show with Keyi and her mom, and Mel's Family. Qy missed Athena terribly and was excitedly looking forward to meeting her at the flower show. Our timing was good this year. Must stick to such timing in future. Arrive early at the show, preferably around 9am. This is the best time as it is cool and the sun is not glaring. Good for photography. The place is also not that crowded and we can move around to take photos easily. Must finish by 11am as that's when the place gets too sunny and crowded with people and Qy gets sullen.

Hormone Inbalance

2008-02-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

Was taking medication for the entire month of January to correct a hormone inbalance which was giving me a terrible time. I had prolonged, heavy menses flow for more than 2 weeks. It was plain hell. Everyday i was worried about leakage and staining my clothes and bedsheets. Non-stop bleeding was making me wozzy, giddy and weak. I felt so sickly.
Gynae checked and diagnose hormone inbalance. At least it wasn't something more serious or incurable like cancer or something. She put me on the hormone pills, suppose to take it for at least 3 weeks to have effect. I took it for 3 weeks and 2 days. I do not know how the pills work. But somehow i think it succeeded in getting 50% of my mind to think, "don't have menses, don't have menses", while another 50% of my mind still think, "have menses, have menses". End up, my menses stopped, but I still suffer from all PMS possible... backache, bloated tummy, giddy spells, headaches, nausea. My greatest consolation to all these suffering lies in something my gynae says, "the pills will correct the messy hormones so well that many women (with hormone related infertility) get pregnant the month after they go off the medication." I hope I have such luck.
Hormone inbalance was suppose to be stress induced. I didn't think my work was stressing me out. After all, I have just returned from a long break. I should be recharged and ready for the challenges at work. Besides, I thought my workload was manageable and I am quite happy with several of the projects that I have been assigned to. Maybe the source of my stress is not the company, but home. Financial situation at home has not been good and I am constantly worried about money. Kid has been demanding and difficult to handle. Helper is yet another set of problems. I feel tired and down constantly.
I am determined to get my life back. Already gave up massage and some of my grooming expenses when finances got tight. Now can only exercise and lose some weight, rest of the beauty regime must DIY. But I am determined to get my confidence and happiness life back.

Happy Schoolgirl

2008-01-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

London Almond Cookies

2008-01-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

Homemade goodness.... Almond centre, wrapped in thin layer of buttery cookie, coated in generous layer of bittersweet chocolate, sprinkle with roasted crushed almonds.

QY made her kiddie version. She made one batch with her cookie moulds, coated with chocolates and sprinkled with colourful star-shaped crisps.

First Birthday in 2008

2008-01-27T22:07:00.000-08:00

We celebrated cousin KT's birthday on Saturday. It's our first birthday celebration since last September. QY was naturally estatic, she loves (i stress LOVES) birthday celebrations, thus she was in a wonderful mood all day. She was already singing the birthday tune hours prior the celebrations. Was all hyped up when we went to buy a cake. And excited beyond herself when it comes to the actual celebration.

Hit the Gym

2008-01-22T05:34:00.000-08:00

I finally felt well enough to resume my exercise. Jogged on the treadmill for 20mins, burned 103 calories. Then stationary bike for 15 mins, burned 50 calories. Slow start, but I'm now aching all over. Probably the walk over to Mel's place in heels added to my exercise and made my calf muscles ache badly.
Had dinner at Mel's place. It was one simple but healthy home cooked meal. Good for me anyway, cos' I wouldn't know what to eat if we go out. Mel tried making bread, with expensive Irish bailey's. She adapted the recipe too much and the bread didn't turn out the way she wanted it to be. As she puts the dough into the oven, we both had this very bad feeling, and were guessing if we were going to get cookies (soft or crunchy), cup cakes, or bread? Finally, we decided that it may well turn out to be r0ck cake. haha.
Lately I have a strong craving for fresh oysters. 2 days ago slipped out to Jack's Place and took half a dozen behind Ed's back,but the oysters there were so costly and so small, i was unsatistifed and my cravings worsen. Where can i get cheap and good oysters?

Traumatic Experience

2008-01-21T23:47:00.000-08:00

A colleague, a few years my senior met an abusive client today. My colleague had given him some kind advice regarding his behaviour. Unfortunately his good intention was not appreciated. Client turned angry and rude, hurled insults, cursing my colleague, his parents and his 18 generations of ancestors in all colourful languages that only he can think of. Colleague was shocked. Didn't expect such awful words to come out from this young man. Then client turned violent, shoved and overturned 2 tables near him as he stormed out of the room. Everyone in the room were so traumatised that they all probably gonna need counselling for this.
Don't understand what kind of issues this guy has. It's kind of sad that he has so much anger in him. He ought to learn anger management, otherwise it's just going to eat him away eventually.

Mobility

2008-01-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

My brother went for a holiday and left his car with me. With this new found mobility, i can go around so much faster and conveniently. Already made lunch appointment with JM and gym with Siew, and planned for mani-pedicure, massage and shopping.
But first must pump petrol, his tank is empty.

New Year's Eve

2008-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

New year's Eve celebration at Aunt PG's house.

In good company...

The adults played mahjong, we cousins played Blokus, the rest entertained QY.

In good food...

Hakka Yong Tau Foo Dinner: $50 (prepared by my mom, Aunt PL and Aunt PS)

Choz Chocolates: $62

Sushi platter: $42

Sashimi platter: $64

Wine/sparkling juices/drinks: $35

Banana Chocolate muffins: $25 (Home made by cousin JM)

Australia Cherries 28mm: $35 (1kg)

All damages will be beared by Aunt PG.

Cheers! And wish you have a happy 2008!

QY's First Day of School

2008-01-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

Received at 10.56am from Ed

"Your daughter has just started her journey... walking to school with 2 body guards (your mom and Ah Mah), with cheering from Ah Kong from 4th floor."

Received at 11.09am from Ed

"Now she is a bit quiet with a few kids in her class. Your mom is with her and Ah Mah is watching her from outside thru window. In fact this morning at home she refuse to go to school when I asked her. Later at your mom's house, after fetching Ah Mah then she is ok."

Received at 1.24pm from my mom

"So far so good. Kept a 3-4m distance from her throughout the 2 hours. But no crying.

2 New Sports in a Day

2007-12-29T19:48:00.000-08:00

She received an art set from Siew for Christmas which has 2 boxes of chalk in it. We haven't got a chalkboard, so decided to bring the chalks to the void deck and draw there. Introduced her to hopscotch. She can manage jumping around on 1 leg very well. Then we improved the game to having our "homes" square which the other party cannot step on. I am impressed that she can understand this rule and can stay out of my square successfully. I shall improve the game further to make it more advance for her next time we play. *evil laugh*

Later at night we went to her uncle VK's chalet at East Coast. The chalet has changed management and is now called Island Resort instead of UDMC East Coast. Her uncle introduced her to Badminton. She plays it solo, but of course can't hit the shuttlecocks at all, but he keeps encouraging her by saying "good, ok, 123.....". Each time she swings the racket and attempt to hit the shuttlecock, he says GOOD. Then she picks up the shuttlecock and puts it on the racket, he says OK. As she ready herself to swing again, he preps her by saying 123. That goes on for at least 15 times, till QY was repeatedly mumbling the words "good, ok, 123" to herself, concentrating hard on her practice. But all this time, VK had already walked away. It was hilarious.

Expensive lessons

2007-12-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

Parted with $330 to pay for QY's music and ballet course fees. $165 each, for a term of 11 weeks.
Had wanted to stop her ballet after this term as it has been difficult getting her to go into the room unaccompanied. She wailed and came up with all kinds of excuses to not dance. No amount of negotiations or bribery works. I tried talking to her umpteen times, gave her the cold shoulder, scolded, coerced... all failed. Makes no sense to pay $165 a term for all these rubbish behaviour.
But while i was at the cashier making payment for her fees, she began to sing one of the songs she learnt at ballet class and was prancing around. That made me change my mind and decided to let her continue with ballet. But I am transferring her to another class, with another teacher, who allow parent accompany. This new class's timing at 2.45pm is less appropriate as it clash with her nap time. On top of that, I'll be rushing around as it goes back to back with my own yoga class. It will be hard. But I know she loves dancing and I just can't bear to take her out. Her only fault is she is just not ready to be on her own and i have no choice but to be patient and wait for her to become more independent.

Getting ready for first ballet class. She was happy at this stage, still unaware that she is going to be alone in the class later.

She is happy attending music class though. Mainly because I am with her for this class i guess. It seems an extravagence to spend so much on a 3 yr old. She doesn't learn much but I think it's a good way to engage her as well as a good opportunity for us to spend time together. On the long term, I would rather she spend time learning something (at my expense) than passively playing computer games, watch TV or off gallivanting.

Rhapsody of the Sea

2007-12-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

Went on a 5D holiday on the Royal Caribbean cruise with Ed and Qy. It was our first trip away as a family. Just the 3 of us and it was great spending quality time with Qy. I've been always busy with work and my own stuff, and I know I have been rather hands-off with her. Sometimes even think that I'm better off working fulltime than taking care of her. But this trip had proven me wrong. Ed and I took care of her without helper and it was good. Cruising was considered a new experience for me. The last cruise that either Ed or i took was 2 decades ago. Cruise, although an oversea trip, is so different from taking a flight. All customs procedures are done on board (ie don't get to see custom officers stamp our passports which QY was looking forward to). We surrender our passports upon boarding the vessel, in exchange for a seapass. Seapass is used as a key card, credit card (for all payment made on board), as well as identity card. We disembark at Phuket and Langkawi without passports. For some unknown reasons, we received a custom stamp in our passport for Phuket but not Langkawi. I rely on these stamps in my passport to keep track of when and where I've been. So it's kind of disappointing that they didn't stamp my passport for Langkawi.

Anyway, other than a stamp in my passport, there is nothing to miss about Langkawi. We arrived there on a day of a major holiday (Hari Raya Haji). We hired a taxi for RM60, bargained down from RM100, but it's still RM20 more expensive than usual. Just have to take that as their holiday surchange? It took us to town and back. The entire town is dead quiet and unhappening. Only a handful of tourists here and there. Resorts are empty, low occupancy. Shopping centre offers little, few shoppers in sight. Pathetic. Only excitement on Langkawi was our taxi ride. It was as good as a roller coaster ride cos the roads were narrow and hilly, and driver was speeding and seemed in a bad mood.

Thankfully that we didn't followed Siew's family on their trip, which included a visit to a batik factory, padi fields and cable car ride. It was a harrowing experience for her. The tour was overbooked, coach didn't arrive on schedule, cable car couldn't operate as it was too windy, padi fields was empty cos it was a public holiday, batik factory owner wield a saw at the group and hurl angry words at them.

Phuket was more fun. We berth at Patong beach, a very happening place for tourists. Beautiful scenery, fine sandy beach, lots of shopping areas, food outlets, entertainment. We booked an Phuket Overview and Cultural Show tour, which broght us to visit a temple, cashew nut factory, Thai cultural show and onto a hilltop that overlook Phuket town for photo stop.

On board, we tried out as many activities as possible. I played Bingo and tried rock climbing for the first time. Attended origami, line dancing, towel folding classes. Best of all, Siew and I managed to sneak away for some "ME" time at the spa and had plenty of chats along the journey while watching the kids play. It's so good to be able to relax and catch up with each other. Ed and I sneaked out every night after QY slept, mainly to supper, then strolled along the decks, enjoy the moon and the stars, ocean breeze and each other's company. QY had a wonderful time on board too. She loves climbing up and down the pull down bed. And I think she enjoys the fact that she gets to co-sleep with us cos she sleeps so well every night. Food was plentiful and she gets to eat lots of ice creams, cakes and strawberries (her favourite) every day.

She had a great time playing with BY and his cousins too. It's good to have play mates on a trip. Helps to keep her occupied, otherwise she simply clinged onto us and wants to be carried by Ed all the time. She was especially affectionate towards baby Adele, BY's 10 mth old cousin, and keeps looking out for the baby. Not sure if she sees the baby as a doll to play with, or someone for her to fuss over, or is it simply a case of nurturing nature, but it does makes me more motivated to have another sibling for her. They also attended the on board play group for a short while. She wanted us to stay with her at the play group but they didn't allow adults accompaniment. In the end, Ed and I had to take turns to stand outside the room but within her sight for a whole 1 hour, liken to students standing outside the classroom as punishment. But it's a milestone for her to be on her own and to play with a English speaking facilitator and 5 other kids.

QY and BY playing outside Windjammer Cafe. Background: Counter to get beverages and drinks and QY's favourite ice-cream.

Both photos taken at Phuket on 3rd day of cruise.

Climbing up and down the ladder of the pull down bed. She cut herself on a sharp edge on the ladder, she got frightened by the blood and cried big time.

QY music class

2007-10-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

I have been attending her music class. But yesterday, i couldn't as i had to give tuition. Ed attended with her instead and twice during the lesson, she stopped in the midst of an activity, looked at Ed with teary eyes, and said," i missed ma ma."

Awwww..... I missed her terribly too and feels awful that I could not be with her. No choice, tuition kid having exams next week. Needs intensive tuition if she wants to scrap through.

Medical Checkup Results

2007-10-12T02:23:00.000-07:00

Got my medical checkup results back. Didn't offer much explanation for my constant tiredness and body aches. It's not diabetes, tyroids, cancer nor rheumatoid arthritis, which I am relieved to hear. Only 1 problem, nothing serious, just that E.S.R is too high. What's that? Doctor likens ESR to a barometer, knowing that I majored in Geography. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, it can show impending rain or good weather at a place. High pressure means going to rain, but dunno when rain, and dunno where the rain clouds are from. Same as ESR. It shows there is an infection or virus somewhere in the body, but dunno where it is exactly or when it will flair up.

He hinted that my symptoms may be caused by chronic fatigue syndrome. Work is too demanding, life's expectations are too high, too much stress, not enough rest, lack of exercise... I think he is right on all counts.

Meanings

2007-10-12T02:05:00.000-07:00

An employer's guide to testimonial language

1. Capable of independent studies = skip school all the time
2. Critical thinker with an analytical mind = dreaming in class
3. outspoken and responsive = talkative in class
4. Able to lead and give clear instructions to peers = gangleader, able to influence members into wrongdoings
5. demonstrate leadership and can utilise resouces to achieve goals = gangleader, able to mobilise members quickly to outnumber enemies during confrontations
6. Resilence and handles criticism well = hardcore, unrependent despite all the scolding and punishment