Yesterday evening the boys refused to eat dinner together so Joe kept the food and Charles did not eat his dinner. We kept asking them to come in but Chantz came in ten mins before we keep the food and Charles just simply turned a deaf ear to our urgings. Joe felt that he should be taught a lesson of not being able to listen to instructions. In the end, Charles and Chantz decided to camp outside for the night but came in at 8 plus as they claimed they were afraid of cockroaches. I think more likely they are afraid of the darkness. Whatever they want, we let them be. They have to be responsible for their own actions.
Today we went to the schools nearby to have a look at how it is like in the new school term and to look at the uniforms. For Campsie Primary boys have REd top and black shorts and girls have checker dress. Charlynn likes the uniform very much. The other school Harcourt Primary has Yellow Top and Green pants. Funny but I think I preferred Campsie Primary as Harcourt Primary looks a bit disorganised. After that we drove to MarrevickVille. We had Dim Sum with Jean and then the children have their Art lesson at Jean's place. The Dim Sum was not cheap. We ate a total of $77. We ate only $38 last week but this week I think we ordered too many dim sum with prawns. Children will not have their Art lesson after they come back from Singapore in March. Joe, Channery and I went shopping while the kids were having Art lesson and we bought a lot of food. After fetching the kids, we went to reverse Garbage whereby we can buy second hand appliances, furniture and other stuff. Today we are there to get free mulch. We had taken many bagfuls of mulch but my backyard still needs a lot of these stuff. Children and Joe went shopping at the Bower- another shop selling recycled products and Charlynn bought a 50Cent doll. Joe is very supportive of recycling products but somehow for personel things I still prefer to buy new things.
When we reach home, it was very hot and humid. Children were made to do their chores and I went to prepare some vegetable fritters for them. Children went outdoors for their tent building. At dinner time, it started raining and their effort gone to waste. Now it's cool and wonderful and it's now my bed time. zzzzzzzz Sweet dreams
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Today Joe received a sms saying Meiling wants to talk on line. We quickly get on line and managed to see mum, Eng Hwee and Mei Ling. It's fun that we can communicate online via internet. Will do so more often as children are very excited about it. Children are excited as they get to see friends and relatives back at Singapore. When Joe was here in Australia initially that was how we communicated with one another.
With Techonology, people can talk to one another easily. When I was in Uk, we only relied on Calling cards and emailing system. Nowadays calling card is also so cheap it's not gonna burn a hole in the pockets.
Hwee and family coming over in June - It s the winter time in Australia but still not so cold. Highest about 15-18 and lowest 7-10 Degree C. I am very much afraid of chill so maybe I will feel the cold but not others.
Ok gonna go to look after the kids......bye
With Techonology, people can talk to one another easily. When I was in Uk, we only relied on Calling cards and emailing system. Nowadays calling card is also so cheap it's not gonna burn a hole in the pockets.
Hwee and family coming over in June - It s the winter time in Australia but still not so cold. Highest about 15-18 and lowest 7-10 Degree C. I am very much afraid of chill so maybe I will feel the cold but not others.
Ok gonna go to look after the kids......bye
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Keep in Contact
Checking my email and found Puay Hwa's email asking of I was awared that Yoke Sim's husband passed away. I am really glad that she took the effort to inform me. Everyone in Chongfu are so busy and happy to know that there's one person who has not forgotten about me. Ai Ling and Yet Wah are busy so lately that they hardly have time to write. the last time I received a mail was that afternoon which they informed me of the sad news. That is understood as Chinese New year jsut round corner and Term 1 is simply a mad period of the year. After replying to Puay Hwa's email, I decided to call Yoke Sim but can't get through. With the calling card, the calling expenses is not much. Will try to find time to call my loved ones as I am always so preoccupied in keeping the house clean and children out of mischiefs that I have no time for emails or calls. Maybe to surprise them by calling them is a great way to keep in touch.
Mum asking me to visit them on the2nd day we reach Singapore. well1 that was what we wanted to do. We only reached Singapore about 4 plus on 9th Feb after which we will have our reunion dinner with my mother in law. It's been nearly 2 months since we are living apart. She is coping well and enjoying her life. Happy for her as the children are simply tying her down and she felt obligated to look after them. With free time and no more responsibility, she can enjoy her golden years. Her siblings and friends are looking out for her. She will be having reunion dinner at her brother's place. Sometimes having options is good rather that you feel trapped and miserable. She was thrown to play the role of caregivers for my children one after another after my father in law's demise. Now she is having her life back and that's great. Here in Sydney we are able to do our parenting and caregivers' roles properly and that is great for us too. We are learning everyday and improving as well. Not perfect but that is life. Actually just 20 years down the road we will be grandparents as well!
As for now the life in Campsie has been rather blissful. We are looking forward to seeing our loved ones in Singapore and catching the good food there. For those who wanna contact us, do email to the singnet acc or just reply to our blog. We will definitely get back to you all k.
Mum asking me to visit them on the2nd day we reach Singapore. well1 that was what we wanted to do. We only reached Singapore about 4 plus on 9th Feb after which we will have our reunion dinner with my mother in law. It's been nearly 2 months since we are living apart. She is coping well and enjoying her life. Happy for her as the children are simply tying her down and she felt obligated to look after them. With free time and no more responsibility, she can enjoy her golden years. Her siblings and friends are looking out for her. She will be having reunion dinner at her brother's place. Sometimes having options is good rather that you feel trapped and miserable. She was thrown to play the role of caregivers for my children one after another after my father in law's demise. Now she is having her life back and that's great. Here in Sydney we are able to do our parenting and caregivers' roles properly and that is great for us too. We are learning everyday and improving as well. Not perfect but that is life. Actually just 20 years down the road we will be grandparents as well!
As for now the life in Campsie has been rather blissful. We are looking forward to seeing our loved ones in Singapore and catching the good food there. For those who wanna contact us, do email to the singnet acc or just reply to our blog. We will definitely get back to you all k.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Children's education
Yesterday night Joe and I had a talk about our children's development. We decided that they need to be supervise more closely and we must try to help them in their studies. Charles and Charlynn have no problem reading but Chantz is still very lacking in this aspect. They have no problem reading and listening but just not motivated to pick up a book to read. They love bedtime story but that is to listen only.
Today Joe's at home as it is a holiday. Children are assigned tasks and they did them nicely. Joe was there to supervise them. I am a bit lassie Faire style so children are quite ill disciplined. Need to have some firm control over them.
Now the children are watching television. They actually can learn a lot as "ABC" Australia broadcasting Coorperation has programmes that are very good. They are named the "Auntie" station as the programmes are suitable for kids. Willl limit their TV time but it's really difficult sometimes.
I am taking a rest now as children have done quite a bit of tasks. Will write again.
Today Joe's at home as it is a holiday. Children are assigned tasks and they did them nicely. Joe was there to supervise them. I am a bit lassie Faire style so children are quite ill disciplined. Need to have some firm control over them.
Now the children are watching television. They actually can learn a lot as "ABC" Australia broadcasting Coorperation has programmes that are very good. They are named the "Auntie" station as the programmes are suitable for kids. Willl limit their TV time but it's really difficult sometimes.
I am taking a rest now as children have done quite a bit of tasks. Will write again.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday's Blues
Today is Sunday and I woke up at 5am just to go toilet. After that, I tried to catch some sleep but just couldn't get back to sleep. By the time I dozed off, its already about 7 or 8am. However, I simply refused to wake up so I stayed in bed and only got up at 10am. In between I heard my children's voices etc but I simply ignored it. I decided to wake up and to my horror I see that the whole house was in a big mess, Joe is using computer and children just leave things lying around. Mad at the sight and I just blew my head. I scolded the children and made them clean up. Charles refused to help as he said that he had wahed up his own dishes etc and that is the work of the others. Joe not very happy with his attitude and self centreness so he got a slap from Joe. Charles really need to have some EQ. He does not know when people are serious or being funny.
For lunch I cooked Spagetti. Charles kept asking why I cooked this. Well! he really does not know to express himself and of course he gotten another scolding from me. When lunch is ready the boys said they do not want any food so we set the limit that by 1pm they don't eat, all food will be kept. They are stubborn even to only eat it just before 1pm. How do you handle the boys ? Maybe to outwit them is a better choice.
Actually today I wanted to go to the shops again but feeling very lazy so I am staying put. Must start thinking what to have for dinner. Must bring family out on Sunday. Sunday is simply too sian to stay at home. No nice TV programmes as well.
That's all for now. Take care all of you back at Singapore.
For lunch I cooked Spagetti. Charles kept asking why I cooked this. Well! he really does not know to express himself and of course he gotten another scolding from me. When lunch is ready the boys said they do not want any food so we set the limit that by 1pm they don't eat, all food will be kept. They are stubborn even to only eat it just before 1pm. How do you handle the boys ? Maybe to outwit them is a better choice.
Actually today I wanted to go to the shops again but feeling very lazy so I am staying put. Must start thinking what to have for dinner. Must bring family out on Sunday. Sunday is simply too sian to stay at home. No nice TV programmes as well.
That's all for now. Take care all of you back at Singapore.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Australia Day
Today is Australia Day and we went out to attend a council celebration. When we drove there, we were assigned to park at big field. It was a big event and there were a lot of people. It's just like our Northwest CDC event. The children have free funfair rides and free hotdogs. Yummy food. We had flags and removable flag tatoos too. It's the Aussie way of celebation - just like in Singapore. The children watched live concert too and the performance is great. BTW do you know that Australian has an inform National Song " Waltzing Matilda". It's a loving song and the Aussie love to sing it. We even took photographs with Spongebob Square pants. Today we really enjoyed ourselves very much at the event. We stayed till nearly 3pm before we decided to make it a day.
After that, we went to Hurstville. It is a town that has many Chinese immigrants. The shopping Centre there is great - JUst like one of the Centrepoint and Takashimayah back in Singapore. Campsie has one shopping Centre - Campsie Centre but it cannot be compared to the one at Hurstville. We went shopping after we took our lunch. Guess what we ate rice meal set at the Japanese Food outlet -The one at Northpoint Basement- Yo..... Not too expensive but somehow food at Singapore seems tastier.
We went outside to do our Chinese New Year Shopping but I realized the choices are not great. The things can be easily bought here at Campsie. Somehow we still spent quite a lot at the shop. I bought Dried Oysters and fa Cai, Yu Sheng, Chinese new year food stuffs like fortune Cookies etc. Won't buy a lot but in the end I still bought quite a bit. Unfinished goodies maybe must bring back to Singapore.
Now feeling very tired as I quickly started preparing dinner after we came back about 5 plus and managed to be free now. It's 9pm and I have yet to take my bath. Will write again tomorrow.
After that, we went to Hurstville. It is a town that has many Chinese immigrants. The shopping Centre there is great - JUst like one of the Centrepoint and Takashimayah back in Singapore. Campsie has one shopping Centre - Campsie Centre but it cannot be compared to the one at Hurstville. We went shopping after we took our lunch. Guess what we ate rice meal set at the Japanese Food outlet -The one at Northpoint Basement- Yo..... Not too expensive but somehow food at Singapore seems tastier.
We went outside to do our Chinese New Year Shopping but I realized the choices are not great. The things can be easily bought here at Campsie. Somehow we still spent quite a lot at the shop. I bought Dried Oysters and fa Cai, Yu Sheng, Chinese new year food stuffs like fortune Cookies etc. Won't buy a lot but in the end I still bought quite a bit. Unfinished goodies maybe must bring back to Singapore.
Now feeling very tired as I quickly started preparing dinner after we came back about 5 plus and managed to be free now. It's 9pm and I have yet to take my bath. Will write again tomorrow.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Life is so unpredictable
Our journey to this world can be long or short. Life is so unpredictable. I was truly saddened when I received the email from Yet Wah telling me that one of our colleague's husband passed away. I became rather close to this colleague after shifting to Yew Tee. She is a wonderful lady to befriend and talk to. To know her husband collapsed and probably suffered a heart attack just feel so depressing and I relaly hope I can be there to lead her my support. They are only about a few years our seniors .
In fact just a few weeks ago, Adeline was telling me the local artiste MC King died probably of a heart failure as well and I even told her I knew the news as Joe has subscribed the e-newspaper. . Being too stressed can be a cause and the lack of exercise due to our hectic lifestyle could also be a cause. We need to find a way to de-stress - to let out our pent up frustrations and anger. Well! I am doing hoola hoop exercise almost everyday. Just simple shaking my body and the hoop moves readily. A catch here for people my size is to buy a bigger hoop. I tried the regular one and it just dropped. My children can use the normal size hoop and they had so much fun and they tease me. In the end, I went to buy a normal bigger hoop and it works.
Anyway, walking/ hiking and bringing your children or pet dog out for a walk is also good exercise where you can feel relax. Let's all hope we can live to see many tomorrows till ripe old age....
In fact just a few weeks ago, Adeline was telling me the local artiste MC King died probably of a heart failure as well and I even told her I knew the news as Joe has subscribed the e-newspaper. . Being too stressed can be a cause and the lack of exercise due to our hectic lifestyle could also be a cause. We need to find a way to de-stress - to let out our pent up frustrations and anger. Well! I am doing hoola hoop exercise almost everyday. Just simple shaking my body and the hoop moves readily. A catch here for people my size is to buy a bigger hoop. I tried the regular one and it just dropped. My children can use the normal size hoop and they had so much fun and they tease me. In the end, I went to buy a normal bigger hoop and it works.
Anyway, walking/ hiking and bringing your children or pet dog out for a walk is also good exercise where you can feel relax. Let's all hope we can live to see many tomorrows till ripe old age....
Chinese traditions
Today I read Ailing and Irene's emails and felt really touched. At the other side of the world, there are people who cares and thinking of you even though they are pretty busy with life. Here I am in Sydney and I am really grateful to Joe of bringing the family together. The joy of togetherness doing things as a family and learning and growing together is very much what I want. Sometimes we get angry and frustrated with kids and when they show kindness in others and we will be overjoyed. What we want is just having responsible, caring and giving and honest kids. We were always not ready for the kids when they were growing up as we always feel so tired after a day's work at office /school. Nowadays we can be around to mould and hopefully advise them to change for the better. Joe is right afterall to uproot us here in Sydney. I won't feel happy if left in Singapore working and trying to coach the kids. We are actually doing well here even though I must be calculative on how I spend my money. We really can live life simply and happily if we choose. :>
Today is a sunny day and children are going for their Art lesson. Told Joe we must go and yum Cha first. Now waiting for kids to wake up. Chinese new year is just round the corner and I have not bought the stuff. I remember in UK I even made my own yu sheng. Well! must go do some marketing so that we can have a wonderful new year's eve ( chu Xi). As for food, we are not going to have so many things as we will be away for a whole month so it's not advisable to do so. Chinese traditions of cleaning up is also catching up on me. Just wash the pillow cases and bedsheets. WEll! Better start planning what I want to cook. All the essential ingredients for good luck and fortune must be included. Teh fa cai and hao gan must diligently go search for it. maybe we will go Chinatown in the afternoon.
Well! that's all for now I am going for my coffee .
Today is a sunny day and children are going for their Art lesson. Told Joe we must go and yum Cha first. Now waiting for kids to wake up. Chinese new year is just round the corner and I have not bought the stuff. I remember in UK I even made my own yu sheng. Well! must go do some marketing so that we can have a wonderful new year's eve ( chu Xi). As for food, we are not going to have so many things as we will be away for a whole month so it's not advisable to do so. Chinese traditions of cleaning up is also catching up on me. Just wash the pillow cases and bedsheets. WEll! Better start planning what I want to cook. All the essential ingredients for good luck and fortune must be included. Teh fa cai and hao gan must diligently go search for it. maybe we will go Chinatown in the afternoon.
Well! that's all for now I am going for my coffee .
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Joe's reaction to my writing
I asked Joe the other time how he felt about me writing or rather complaining about him and he said that it's just me and he is not too bothered about it. I am those who will aired out the grievences and then forget about it pretty fast too. Am I really like that? Maybe- mayybe not. Actually I will harp on the matter of nothing is being done. The way to shut me up is to rectify whatever problems I have. Anyway, I am too stubborn to back off sometimes so people must really have good reasons to persuade me if not I can be quite stuck in the mud.
Joe and I are getting along lovely. Sometimes looking at him can be so interesting. He can be so childish and does not realize it. He was brought up as an only child and his behaviour sometimes can be just that. He does not readily give attention to others and will wait for others to give him the attention instead. He can be caring only I screamed at him, demanding that he paid me the tribute. Sometimes the emotional aspect of mine has to be taken care of by myself - Love him and accept who he is. Joe might have lots of complaints about me too but he likes to keep it for himself. I sometimes will purposely "bait" him so that he can show some emotions.
Nowadays Joe will help put in the household chores but he is still very much not automatic. I now entrusted the gardening under his care. He was saying that gardening a good distraction for him as he feels that he has completed a day's work after doing his part. Well! happy for him as he can feel more useful. Actually he is busy doing the worm farm where he fondly referred the earthworms as his pets and feeding them regularly. The worms are definitely growing bigger with ours a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. They have no worries of lack of food except for the one month that we will be away at Singapore. We will leave them food and they won't die so easily. When we bought them they were packed in a box with only damp papers inside.
Okay back to Joe. This year we celebrated our 10th year of matrimony ( 11 yrs if considered ROM) in Sydney. Never thought it will be in another country. I wonder if we can celebrate our 15th and 20th years together at different parts of the world together. Who knows what tomorrow hold for us. For Joe, I am hoping he can be a bit more expressive and ready to take chances. How to make a man love you to distraction I wonder??
Joe and I are getting along lovely. Sometimes looking at him can be so interesting. He can be so childish and does not realize it. He was brought up as an only child and his behaviour sometimes can be just that. He does not readily give attention to others and will wait for others to give him the attention instead. He can be caring only I screamed at him, demanding that he paid me the tribute. Sometimes the emotional aspect of mine has to be taken care of by myself - Love him and accept who he is. Joe might have lots of complaints about me too but he likes to keep it for himself. I sometimes will purposely "bait" him so that he can show some emotions.
Nowadays Joe will help put in the household chores but he is still very much not automatic. I now entrusted the gardening under his care. He was saying that gardening a good distraction for him as he feels that he has completed a day's work after doing his part. Well! happy for him as he can feel more useful. Actually he is busy doing the worm farm where he fondly referred the earthworms as his pets and feeding them regularly. The worms are definitely growing bigger with ours a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. They have no worries of lack of food except for the one month that we will be away at Singapore. We will leave them food and they won't die so easily. When we bought them they were packed in a box with only damp papers inside.
Okay back to Joe. This year we celebrated our 10th year of matrimony ( 11 yrs if considered ROM) in Sydney. Never thought it will be in another country. I wonder if we can celebrate our 15th and 20th years together at different parts of the world together. Who knows what tomorrow hold for us. For Joe, I am hoping he can be a bit more expressive and ready to take chances. How to make a man love you to distraction I wonder??
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Growing Sprouts
Growing sprouts is something that I wanna try. Went to internet to do some research and pleasantly I found a lot of info on how to do it. Eating sprouts is so healthy and if the wrong kind of water is used, it can have adverse effect on our health. Well! wish me luck as I am going to make sure I have greeen beans sprouts and soya beans sprouts in a week's time if all gone well!
Joe at office and children are still down with flu/cold. Today's weather is warmer but the wind is still chilly. Yesterday we went pharmacy and bought $80 worth of medicine. Well! We can claim for doctor's fees via insurance so actually going doctor is fine but my kids refused so we are jsut buying medicine off the shelf. Yesterday Charles helped out in cooking. He kept saying he is stealing my receipe. Well! Mum's cooking and there is nothing special about it. We have baked rice yesterday afternoon and children loved it. Night time is just bao zi and some vegetables and chicken.
Today I woke up and was surprised to hear children discussing about Boy-girl relationship. They were vigorously discussing it and Charles even said he had a girlfriend at K2. Funny that they have the idea at such a young age. Well! let them be. The other day they even said they were getting married and how many children they wanna have. Well! I be glad that I can be a granny some day.
Anyway, today children ahve sign language class at library so I am going to bring them out later.
Luch time now..
Joe at office and children are still down with flu/cold. Today's weather is warmer but the wind is still chilly. Yesterday we went pharmacy and bought $80 worth of medicine. Well! We can claim for doctor's fees via insurance so actually going doctor is fine but my kids refused so we are jsut buying medicine off the shelf. Yesterday Charles helped out in cooking. He kept saying he is stealing my receipe. Well! Mum's cooking and there is nothing special about it. We have baked rice yesterday afternoon and children loved it. Night time is just bao zi and some vegetables and chicken.
Today I woke up and was surprised to hear children discussing about Boy-girl relationship. They were vigorously discussing it and Charles even said he had a girlfriend at K2. Funny that they have the idea at such a young age. Well! let them be. The other day they even said they were getting married and how many children they wanna have. Well! I be glad that I can be a granny some day.
Anyway, today children ahve sign language class at library so I am going to bring them out later.
Luch time now..
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Frustrating Half Day
Today I woke up feeling very crossed. Everything seems to be out of control. The house is messy. Children have left kitchen in a mess. Charles did the dishes but did not keep it neatly and Joe is there trying to teach them to read maps. I went outside trying to be useful by doing some gardening but the lack of tools really frustrates me. The gardening tools here are not cheap and Joe will give the ususal answer. Buy whateve ryou deem fit dear. Vey sick of that answer as that is an indication tha tI must spend the money wisely. He is really not giving me a fat household allowance. Mine is only $250 Aussie dollars a week. Guess what? I was so crossed I went and covered myself under the blankets after giving my piece of mind while Joe decided to go and do some gardening.
In the end, I got up and decided to go for a bath. The bath did the trick and I felt better and I started preparing lunch. Today's lunch is the bah Gu Teh, si guan and eggs and the baked beans.
I have to prepare Sushi for them to bring to the football match so I quickly get to work at one plus. While I was rolling the sushi, I baked the Pizza at the same time. Luckily for me, I remembered last min and the pizza was not burnt. I was preoccupied tryining to prevent the flies from coming near the food. The flies here are very terrible. It's a waste of money to buy the gadgets here to get rid of them so has to manually do the honour. Killing flies have become one of our greatest sport at home. I can kill the flies easily with a towel.
Channery woke up just before they went out and she cried to join them. Too bad for her, she is too young to enjoy the match and it will be another twenty dollars if we are bringing her along. I am not interested in soccer so that suits me well to just stay at home with her.We had great fun after that, we ate pizza, watch a few shows and just have silly games. Channery is now flipping pages of my story book, pretending to read. Well! It was not a wonderful morning but he afternoon was rather fulfilling.
That';s all happening so far. Take care and will write soon.
In the end, I got up and decided to go for a bath. The bath did the trick and I felt better and I started preparing lunch. Today's lunch is the bah Gu Teh, si guan and eggs and the baked beans.
I have to prepare Sushi for them to bring to the football match so I quickly get to work at one plus. While I was rolling the sushi, I baked the Pizza at the same time. Luckily for me, I remembered last min and the pizza was not burnt. I was preoccupied tryining to prevent the flies from coming near the food. The flies here are very terrible. It's a waste of money to buy the gadgets here to get rid of them so has to manually do the honour. Killing flies have become one of our greatest sport at home. I can kill the flies easily with a towel.
Channery woke up just before they went out and she cried to join them. Too bad for her, she is too young to enjoy the match and it will be another twenty dollars if we are bringing her along. I am not interested in soccer so that suits me well to just stay at home with her.We had great fun after that, we ate pizza, watch a few shows and just have silly games. Channery is now flipping pages of my story book, pretending to read. Well! It was not a wonderful morning but he afternoon was rather fulfilling.
That';s all happening so far. Take care and will write soon.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Parenting
I feel that I should write about what happened yesterday even though it was only a short episode. Charles was playing with the twig cutter which we used to cut mangoes and it hit the ground. I asked Charles to come in and stop playing but the stubborn boy refused. I scolded him but he denied that he dropped the cutter. I was so mad I scolded him so fiercely. Even I even threatened to cane him if he does not come in after I counted to 3. The boy reluctantly came in and ran to open the front door. I was fuming mad at his dishonesty so I ran after him. I asked him to come in but he again refused. I was so mad and felt like giving him a smack. Instead I pulled him by the hair and dragged him in. Had a talk with him and he actually felt better after that. He really is a problematic child and I become a monster dealing with him. He has a lot of issues and he kept thinking everyone else is picking on him. Chantz is no better than Charles. He gets his tantrums but not as violent as Charles. Charles even threatened to kill us all and run away form home. Can u imagine the words to come so freely from a 7 yr old? It's really a very sickening feelings that they are your doings!!! Actually Charles is a super sensitive boy and he actually quite caring when he is not " steaming". Can you imagine he felt pain even by combing his hair. More likely besides dyslexie, he could be suffering from sensory problems as well.
In the afternoon, Joe came back and he dashed into the house giving all of us the shock of our lives. Poor Channery even woke up crying. The fact that the boys have again left the door open really frustrated me. time and again they are reminded they have to ask permission to open the doors but they simply turned a deaf ear to our instructions. Who knows my bedroom is right in front and a burglar could just walk in and get all the things from the house and we won't even have a clue. I really can't appreciate my boys. They simply too much to handle. Joe does not see them every hour of the day so it's easier for him to "appreciate" their goodness. My hope of the boys learning how to take care of others probably won't come true.
I know the best way to deal with the boys is to show them love and build up their self confidence. The boys felt inferior in all aspects of their lives so they are disguishing their anxiety with anger. When they were growing up, we as parents are always not there or simply turning a blind eyes to their behaviour. WEll! now is payback and undoing time. Never leave parenting job to others- your maid and mother in law really will not be the best persons to do this important task for you.
I am praying that boys will grow up to be caring and useful citiszens. God bless!
In the afternoon, Joe came back and he dashed into the house giving all of us the shock of our lives. Poor Channery even woke up crying. The fact that the boys have again left the door open really frustrated me. time and again they are reminded they have to ask permission to open the doors but they simply turned a deaf ear to our instructions. Who knows my bedroom is right in front and a burglar could just walk in and get all the things from the house and we won't even have a clue. I really can't appreciate my boys. They simply too much to handle. Joe does not see them every hour of the day so it's easier for him to "appreciate" their goodness. My hope of the boys learning how to take care of others probably won't come true.
I know the best way to deal with the boys is to show them love and build up their self confidence. The boys felt inferior in all aspects of their lives so they are disguishing their anxiety with anger. When they were growing up, we as parents are always not there or simply turning a blind eyes to their behaviour. WEll! now is payback and undoing time. Never leave parenting job to others- your maid and mother in law really will not be the best persons to do this important task for you.
I am praying that boys will grow up to be caring and useful citiszens. God bless!
Down with flu
Yesterday I was too sick to blog. Probably caught the flu virus. Anyway, the weather has turned chilly. All my children are down with sore throat and cough. Luckily, I bought some books so I was able to entertain myself while staying in bed.
Children woke up and they made their own breakfast. Joe was in office. In the afternoon I prepared Bee hoon with chicken and vegetables. Very sweet and nice. Children love it too. After that I even cooked potatoes wedges as snacks. Actually that was supposed to be the potatoes for my chicken curry. Children can't take spicy food so that is just for Joe and me. The curry was quite nice.
At night we have chicken with celery, braised chicken wings, baked beans with luncheon meat. Well! really need to have new ideas so as to cook creatively. Today the weather is like yesterday rainy and at 22 degrees. Feeling better but probably will go buy medicine at the pharmacy.
The children have a lot of fun doing chores and getting monetary rewards. We even give them an option of saving with us and getting interest for their deposits. Well! they really enjoyed having some power over their lives. They now have ataste of how many chores we have been doing for them and they are more cooperative. Well! let's see how things will work out in the future.
Today with everyone down with cough and sore throat, we decided to stay indoors. Really need to recuperate. Tomorrow Joe is bringing the three older children for a soccer match in the city. Children are looking forward for the outing with Joe. On the other hand, I am looking forward to having peace and quiet for a few hours without the kids.
Children woke up and they made their own breakfast. Joe was in office. In the afternoon I prepared Bee hoon with chicken and vegetables. Very sweet and nice. Children love it too. After that I even cooked potatoes wedges as snacks. Actually that was supposed to be the potatoes for my chicken curry. Children can't take spicy food so that is just for Joe and me. The curry was quite nice.
At night we have chicken with celery, braised chicken wings, baked beans with luncheon meat. Well! really need to have new ideas so as to cook creatively. Today the weather is like yesterday rainy and at 22 degrees. Feeling better but probably will go buy medicine at the pharmacy.
The children have a lot of fun doing chores and getting monetary rewards. We even give them an option of saving with us and getting interest for their deposits. Well! they really enjoyed having some power over their lives. They now have ataste of how many chores we have been doing for them and they are more cooperative. Well! let's see how things will work out in the future.
Today with everyone down with cough and sore throat, we decided to stay indoors. Really need to recuperate. Tomorrow Joe is bringing the three older children for a soccer match in the city. Children are looking forward for the outing with Joe. On the other hand, I am looking forward to having peace and quiet for a few hours without the kids.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Rest and relax day
Today all of us woke up at 9am as yesterday night there was a storm and weather very good to sleep in. Charlynn and I prepared pancakes for the family. It's really easy as we use a microwave pancake dish so there was no mess. 2 mins and you get 4 pancakes easily. The pancake mix is easy as we just add a little bit of water and shake it up and it's done in just a few mins. We usually eat the pancakes with butter and honey. Really yummy actually.
After that, we watched half an hour cartoon and off we go to Jen's house. Today children going to colour their mug before Jen send for 2nd burning the kiln. Children have such fun when they were at Jen's place and Joe and I get to relax by shopping around the area. Today we decided to go to the reverse garbage. Australia has a lot of second hand stuff. We bought children's clothes at $1 per piece and a coffee table at $10. Today we are here to get some mulch so that we can spread it in our garden. Mulch is the shredded trees parts and it is free here. We can prevent weeds growing and retain the soil. Interesting as I am never so green ( environmentally friendly) in Singapore.
After that, we decided to lunch at a Thai restaurant. Lunch is $7 and we order 4 different dishes. Guess what we could not finish the food. We had Singapore noodle, a special thai noodles, green curry with rice and Egg plant with pork with white rice. We enjoyed the food and it only cost us $28. Then we are off to shop at the supermarket next door. Bought a lot of things and the msot expensive of all is the chicken breast at $19.60. I thought it was $10.90 and ended up paying so much. The total cost for groceries is $59.
Back at home, we quickly get to work. Joe and children bring in the rubbish bin and hang up the laundry while I clean the baby for she has soiled herself. She can go pass urine herself but she still does not know how to pass motion herself. Need some training and we believe she will be able to do it soon. Children wanted to eat ice-cream which they bought yesterday. The icecream truck comes every 2 weeks and my kids love to choose their icecream. Joe and I decided to get the children to pay for the icecream and so we got $3 from them. They are now rewarded for completing chores so we must help them to spend the money. Good to be able to buy the things they like.
We are going out again later tot he hardware shop Bunnings as we need to buy some gardening things there. Alright that's all for today.
After that, we watched half an hour cartoon and off we go to Jen's house. Today children going to colour their mug before Jen send for 2nd burning the kiln. Children have such fun when they were at Jen's place and Joe and I get to relax by shopping around the area. Today we decided to go to the reverse garbage. Australia has a lot of second hand stuff. We bought children's clothes at $1 per piece and a coffee table at $10. Today we are here to get some mulch so that we can spread it in our garden. Mulch is the shredded trees parts and it is free here. We can prevent weeds growing and retain the soil. Interesting as I am never so green ( environmentally friendly) in Singapore.
After that, we decided to lunch at a Thai restaurant. Lunch is $7 and we order 4 different dishes. Guess what we could not finish the food. We had Singapore noodle, a special thai noodles, green curry with rice and Egg plant with pork with white rice. We enjoyed the food and it only cost us $28. Then we are off to shop at the supermarket next door. Bought a lot of things and the msot expensive of all is the chicken breast at $19.60. I thought it was $10.90 and ended up paying so much. The total cost for groceries is $59.
Back at home, we quickly get to work. Joe and children bring in the rubbish bin and hang up the laundry while I clean the baby for she has soiled herself. She can go pass urine herself but she still does not know how to pass motion herself. Need some training and we believe she will be able to do it soon. Children wanted to eat ice-cream which they bought yesterday. The icecream truck comes every 2 weeks and my kids love to choose their icecream. Joe and I decided to get the children to pay for the icecream and so we got $3 from them. They are now rewarded for completing chores so we must help them to spend the money. Good to be able to buy the things they like.
We are going out again later tot he hardware shop Bunnings as we need to buy some gardening things there. Alright that's all for today.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Cash rewards for completed tasks
Yesterday I was so sad I kept singing the sad Chinese songs. Felt better by singing sometimes just to express my feelings. We had noodles and dumplings for lunch yesterday and fried rice for dinner so there was not much washing. We have started a new scheme whereby children received 5/10/20 cents for completing a tasks for us. The tasks are easy ones so we are trying to let them learn the chores. Might withdraw the monetary gains in future for point system. Started off with points system but did not work so must use money to persuade them to do some housework
TASKS AMOUNT
1. Bathe sister 10
2. Fetch and wash milk bottle 10
3. Bring bins out to street 10
4. Brush teeth after meals 10
5. Carry groceries 10
6. Clean up bedroom 5
7. Clean up patio 10
8. Fill up water bottles for outing . 10
9. Fold clothes 20
10. Help in gardening 10
11. Help mum at kitchen 10
12. Help sister wears clothes 10
13. Help to hang up clothes 10
14. Help to set up dining table 10
15. Make milk for sister 10
16. Make up own bed 10
17. Mop whole house 20
18. Put clothes back to drawers 5
19. Put shoes back properly on shoe racks 10
20. Sleep before 10pm 10
21. Sweep floor of whole house 20
22. Take rubbish to collection bin 10
23. Wash clothes 10
24. Wash dishes 10
25. Wash toilets 20
26. Water the plants when instructed 10
27. Prepare breakfast for sibling 10
28. Telling a bedtime story 10
29. Cleaning up living room 10
30. Make up parents and sister bed 10
Today I made some bananas balls and crackers for them. did not eat proper lunch as they were having biscuits and other things so I did not want to cook. Later in the evening I will cook porridge as the weather is quite warm and I have no appetite for solid food.
The monetary system is doing well. Kids are more willing to help out and trying out the tasks given. Joe in Office and Channery having her afternoon nap. Tomorrow they are going for their art lesson at Jen's house. Their mugs are ready for colouring.
Take care my friends as I am going to watch a cooking show now.
TASKS AMOUNT
1. Bathe sister 10
2. Fetch and wash milk bottle 10
3. Bring bins out to street 10
4. Brush teeth after meals 10
5. Carry groceries 10
6. Clean up bedroom 5
7. Clean up patio 10
8. Fill up water bottles for outing . 10
9. Fold clothes 20
10. Help in gardening 10
11. Help mum at kitchen 10
12. Help sister wears clothes 10
13. Help to hang up clothes 10
14. Help to set up dining table 10
15. Make milk for sister 10
16. Make up own bed 10
17. Mop whole house 20
18. Put clothes back to drawers 5
19. Put shoes back properly on shoe racks 10
20. Sleep before 10pm 10
21. Sweep floor of whole house 20
22. Take rubbish to collection bin 10
23. Wash clothes 10
24. Wash dishes 10
25. Wash toilets 20
26. Water the plants when instructed 10
27. Prepare breakfast for sibling 10
28. Telling a bedtime story 10
29. Cleaning up living room 10
30. Make up parents and sister bed 10
Today I made some bananas balls and crackers for them. did not eat proper lunch as they were having biscuits and other things so I did not want to cook. Later in the evening I will cook porridge as the weather is quite warm and I have no appetite for solid food.
The monetary system is doing well. Kids are more willing to help out and trying out the tasks given. Joe in Office and Channery having her afternoon nap. Tomorrow they are going for their art lesson at Jen's house. Their mugs are ready for colouring.
Take care my friends as I am going to watch a cooking show now.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sad Movie- Grave of the Firefiles
Yesterday I stayed up to watch a Japanese Anime "Grave of the Fireflies"by Isao Takahata. It only started showing at 12.20am so it's this morning. It was amazing! I watched till 2am in the morning and only woke up at 9am today. Joe was off to office and children were up having breakfast and watching TV.
It follows the story of 2 children in Kobe made homeless by US air strikes during WWII. The story started with Seita, the young teenager lying on the floor of the underground train station and the cleaners just said it's another one - these unwanted creatures. People's lives can be so worthless during difficult. When the cleaner found a fruit drops can, he opened it and fireflies and ash were poured out. The can contains some of the ash of the teenager's baby sister and the two souls reunited and the story begins....
The teenager, Seita is about 14-16 yrs of age and he had a beautiful baby sister, Setsuko. She is about 3-5 yrs old and full of energy. The scene started where the mother was asking the young lad to bury some things in the soil. she wanted the little girl to listen to her elder brother and they agreed to meet at the rail station. The young lad ran off quickly with his sister at his back. They managed to stay alive. When they were out from safety, they were shocked to see the whole village in ruins and they can't find their mother. A neighbour saw them at the makeshift emergency centre in a primary school and told them that their mother was seriously burnt. Seita did not tell his baby sister and he took care of his mum. Their mum was too seriously burnt and died a few days later. Her corpse were covered with flies and maggots and I was really sad at that moment and can't stop my tears flowing. As their father is serving the Japanese navy and not around, the pair went to seek refuge from an aunt. The cruel aunt reluctantly agrees to take care of the pair but survival is precarious. The kids were always hungry and the aunt will say nasty things to them. However, at that time, food supply is limited and everyone is hungry. The aunt asked the kids to sell their mum's Kimono for food and they had some rice for a few days. The aunt kept better food for her husband and child and chided them of not being grateful. In the end, the children decided to move out and stay in a cave. They started cooking their own dinner and taking care of themselves. They had some money as the mum had left some amount behind. They had some freedom and happiness for a while. They watch firefiles flying around and catch them to illuminate their shelter. Setsuko being a kind hearted child buries the dead insects the next morning- given their mother was incinerated by the napalm. However, the duo's decision to move out was not really a good one. They have nothing to eat and Setsuko soon become very sick with malnutrition.The brother became a thief by stealing formt eh farmers. Once he was caught and beaten up so badly. When the farmer brought him to the police station, the kind hearted policeman let him off and threatened to charge the farmer for serious assault after seeing Seita's injuries. In wartime, the true colours of people can really be seen. Some people will go all out to help whereas others are not so kind.
After this incident, Seita dared not steal openly. Instead, he waited for air raids whereby others will be running to the shelter for their dear lives. He risked of being killed and went into people's house in search of food. Irony as the child has to do such a thing to stay alive.
The saddest part of the story was the part where the baby sister died after eating a piece of watermelon. She has been sick for so long and she was really in a pack of bones. The elder brother decided to withdraw all the mother's money and bought some food for her. However, the poor child was so sick and after tasting the sweet watermelon, passed away peacefully. Brother was out cooking the dinner and the little girl just left this world. Every time when the brother was out the little girl will longed for his return and kept calling out his names. Having a little girl like Channery and I just can't stop crying at the poor soul's pitiful life. The brother bought her a basket and cremeted her at the hills. After that, the brother left the shelter with only some ashes of his sister with him. Whatever happened at the city is beyond words. The whole show ended with such despair and I can't help feeling sorrowful and yet hoping that there is no war. During wartime, there are too many untold stories of sadness and despair.
I can't help but wonder what the kids' future will be if the kids have stayed with the aunt? She is mean but at least they have a roof over their heads. By staying in the cave, they were bitten by insects and subjected to nature's torment. The baby sister's body was covered with insects' bites and that was not a pleasant sight. Maybe if it is the mum and the child, they will survive but a teenager boy? The role of being the parents is just beyond him. After watching the show, I had an urge to make sure my boys know how to take care of themselve and others. One of the reason that the pair was not welcome in their aunt's house as they never make an effort to help out in the household chores. They could leave their dirty dishes around and the aunt had to wash up for them. The inability to realize that they ought to show gratitude to their aunt also angered her to make the sacarstic remarks. Anyway, too many thoughts after watching the show. Try to get the DVD if you are interested. MAybe they have it on utube too. I am rushing off to fetch Joe now......
It follows the story of 2 children in Kobe made homeless by US air strikes during WWII. The story started with Seita, the young teenager lying on the floor of the underground train station and the cleaners just said it's another one - these unwanted creatures. People's lives can be so worthless during difficult. When the cleaner found a fruit drops can, he opened it and fireflies and ash were poured out. The can contains some of the ash of the teenager's baby sister and the two souls reunited and the story begins....
The teenager, Seita is about 14-16 yrs of age and he had a beautiful baby sister, Setsuko. She is about 3-5 yrs old and full of energy. The scene started where the mother was asking the young lad to bury some things in the soil. she wanted the little girl to listen to her elder brother and they agreed to meet at the rail station. The young lad ran off quickly with his sister at his back. They managed to stay alive. When they were out from safety, they were shocked to see the whole village in ruins and they can't find their mother. A neighbour saw them at the makeshift emergency centre in a primary school and told them that their mother was seriously burnt. Seita did not tell his baby sister and he took care of his mum. Their mum was too seriously burnt and died a few days later. Her corpse were covered with flies and maggots and I was really sad at that moment and can't stop my tears flowing. As their father is serving the Japanese navy and not around, the pair went to seek refuge from an aunt. The cruel aunt reluctantly agrees to take care of the pair but survival is precarious. The kids were always hungry and the aunt will say nasty things to them. However, at that time, food supply is limited and everyone is hungry. The aunt asked the kids to sell their mum's Kimono for food and they had some rice for a few days. The aunt kept better food for her husband and child and chided them of not being grateful. In the end, the children decided to move out and stay in a cave. They started cooking their own dinner and taking care of themselves. They had some money as the mum had left some amount behind. They had some freedom and happiness for a while. They watch firefiles flying around and catch them to illuminate their shelter. Setsuko being a kind hearted child buries the dead insects the next morning- given their mother was incinerated by the napalm. However, the duo's decision to move out was not really a good one. They have nothing to eat and Setsuko soon become very sick with malnutrition.The brother became a thief by stealing formt eh farmers. Once he was caught and beaten up so badly. When the farmer brought him to the police station, the kind hearted policeman let him off and threatened to charge the farmer for serious assault after seeing Seita's injuries. In wartime, the true colours of people can really be seen. Some people will go all out to help whereas others are not so kind.
After this incident, Seita dared not steal openly. Instead, he waited for air raids whereby others will be running to the shelter for their dear lives. He risked of being killed and went into people's house in search of food. Irony as the child has to do such a thing to stay alive.
The saddest part of the story was the part where the baby sister died after eating a piece of watermelon. She has been sick for so long and she was really in a pack of bones. The elder brother decided to withdraw all the mother's money and bought some food for her. However, the poor child was so sick and after tasting the sweet watermelon, passed away peacefully. Brother was out cooking the dinner and the little girl just left this world. Every time when the brother was out the little girl will longed for his return and kept calling out his names. Having a little girl like Channery and I just can't stop crying at the poor soul's pitiful life. The brother bought her a basket and cremeted her at the hills. After that, the brother left the shelter with only some ashes of his sister with him. Whatever happened at the city is beyond words. The whole show ended with such despair and I can't help feeling sorrowful and yet hoping that there is no war. During wartime, there are too many untold stories of sadness and despair.
I can't help but wonder what the kids' future will be if the kids have stayed with the aunt? She is mean but at least they have a roof over their heads. By staying in the cave, they were bitten by insects and subjected to nature's torment. The baby sister's body was covered with insects' bites and that was not a pleasant sight. Maybe if it is the mum and the child, they will survive but a teenager boy? The role of being the parents is just beyond him. After watching the show, I had an urge to make sure my boys know how to take care of themselve and others. One of the reason that the pair was not welcome in their aunt's house as they never make an effort to help out in the household chores. They could leave their dirty dishes around and the aunt had to wash up for them. The inability to realize that they ought to show gratitude to their aunt also angered her to make the sacarstic remarks. Anyway, too many thoughts after watching the show. Try to get the DVD if you are interested. MAybe they have it on utube too. I am rushing off to fetch Joe now......
Monday, January 14, 2008
Today's weather suddenly become rather cold. It's 21 degrees and I am already feeling the chill. Of course, I am not wearing long sleeves or pants- just T-shirt and shorts. Yesterday the weather was about 30 degrees and we all could not stand the heat already but today after the rain, the weather turned chilly again. Well! Children are getting on very well except me- still very much afraid of cold.
Joe did not go to school today as he wanted to bring the kids to the Campsie library for the childrern party. The event will be held for 2 hours and we can go shopping. Early in the morning, Joe went out wiht Charlynn, Charles and baby Channery as they wanted to ask the petrol kiosk owner if he had seen our petrol tank's cap. When they came back, they told me the owner said no- did not see it and I was disappointed for a moment. After a while, Charles came by and handed me a box and said he had a surprise for me. When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised to see the cap. Hooray! The owner kept it for me as he was not sure who did not take back the cap. He must be laughing away and thinking who is so sotong" - blurred as to leave the cap behind. Well! I am the one as I was so pampered in Singapore. The petrol attendants always did the job for me. I will be more careful next time.
Okay enough of the cap, after preparing the food for lunch which I have chicken rice and vegetables soup, we set off for library. The children stayed in the library and baby Channery followed us to the shops. We had a lot of fun shopping for things. I bought a big umbrella as it was drizzling> I chose a big one as all the foldable ones we brought over from Singpaore were broken by Channery . Anyway, rainfall here is slight drizzle and here do not have heavy downpour as other parts of Sydney whereby trees were uprooted etc.
BTW I decided to buy a Bikini so that I can join the kids for swimming. I paid $20 for the Bikini as I bought it from BIG W - which is equivalent to our John little/Metro. Tried it on just now and I look alright k.
Back at home at about one and children were not hungry as we fed them "Bao Zi". The buns here are selling at 60cents a piece and they are actually quite delicious. The children took some soup and the chicken rice will be left for dinner. Hooray! I do not have to crack my head as to what to cook. I will cook one extra dish - fried eggs with leeks.
Can really feel the chill now. I better go wear a pair of socks and put on my sweater. Bye for now!
Joe did not go to school today as he wanted to bring the kids to the Campsie library for the childrern party. The event will be held for 2 hours and we can go shopping. Early in the morning, Joe went out wiht Charlynn, Charles and baby Channery as they wanted to ask the petrol kiosk owner if he had seen our petrol tank's cap. When they came back, they told me the owner said no- did not see it and I was disappointed for a moment. After a while, Charles came by and handed me a box and said he had a surprise for me. When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised to see the cap. Hooray! The owner kept it for me as he was not sure who did not take back the cap. He must be laughing away and thinking who is so sotong" - blurred as to leave the cap behind. Well! I am the one as I was so pampered in Singapore. The petrol attendants always did the job for me. I will be more careful next time.
Okay enough of the cap, after preparing the food for lunch which I have chicken rice and vegetables soup, we set off for library. The children stayed in the library and baby Channery followed us to the shops. We had a lot of fun shopping for things. I bought a big umbrella as it was drizzling> I chose a big one as all the foldable ones we brought over from Singpaore were broken by Channery . Anyway, rainfall here is slight drizzle and here do not have heavy downpour as other parts of Sydney whereby trees were uprooted etc.
BTW I decided to buy a Bikini so that I can join the kids for swimming. I paid $20 for the Bikini as I bought it from BIG W - which is equivalent to our John little/Metro. Tried it on just now and I look alright k.
Back at home at about one and children were not hungry as we fed them "Bao Zi". The buns here are selling at 60cents a piece and they are actually quite delicious. The children took some soup and the chicken rice will be left for dinner. Hooray! I do not have to crack my head as to what to cook. I will cook one extra dish - fried eggs with leeks.
Can really feel the chill now. I better go wear a pair of socks and put on my sweater. Bye for now!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Day's out at the NSW National Park
Today we decided to go for an outing at one of the many national parks. When we reached there we do not have to pay the entrance fee of $11 as we have signed up for the one year national parks entrance of $65. We can go to any national parks and do not have to pay. When we are in the park, we headed to the Garie Beach first. This is a surfers' paradise as the waves are powerful. We had a fun time there. What we did were standing on the beach and when the white foamy waves came in, we ran for our lives. The challenge is to make sure the waves don't wet our shoes. Today's weather is hot and sunny but not humid.
After that, we went to a nature walk where it will lead us to a picnic area beside a creek. There is not much water in teh creek now so it is a gentle stream now. The walk is only 700m but it seemed like a long walk. Charlynn and I took a branch each as a walking stick. Very useful to have support and we did not feel the strain on our legs.
When we were about to go off , a family of four came along. It was an Aussie couple and their sons. The elder one is probably 3 and the baby is 1 yr old. They seemed to have visited the place a few times. The locals love the nature and many actually are heading for the beaches. We knew because after that we wanted to visit the other 2 beaches in the nature reserve but did not managed as there was no parking lot and there were swarms of people. The area was filled with BBQ aroma. The Aussie simply love BBQ. They have electric and gas BBQ stove. Children wanted to buy one but Joe was afraid it will be white elephant so he has not given the green light. If I am the one having the freewill to spend, I would have bought it already. Well! money not mine so I have to shut up la evwen though I know it can be quite handy. On the other hand, guess I might end up doing all the BBQ if we have the set.
Okay back to today's outing. Lunch is bananas, fruit juice, bread and snadwiches. I have my super 3 in 1 coffee as there is hot water in the hot water flask. The flask cost us $24 Aussie dollars and I would say it is value for money. After we tried in vain to find a parking lot, we decided to go for a boat ride. When we reached the river, Channery refused to go out as she was sleepy. I stayed with her in the car while Joe and the 3 children went to hire a row boat. A family actually hired the row boat till 5pm but felt tired after rowing for an hour so they offered to let us have it for $20. They paid a total of $40 for the whole afternoon after 1pm. We decided to take their boat as by the end of the day, we can still get back $10, which means we can have the row boat for nearly 3 hours for $10 only.
By the time Channery awoke, Joe and children were out of sight. I took baby and her milk bottle to a site under the tree and waited for them. While waiting, a family of girls and ladies came up to the platform with their row boats, they were unable to keep their balance and the boat capsized. one of the lady's bag was lost in the lake. I was a bit worried for Joe and the children. When they came back safely, they offered to take us in the row boat. Baby and I have no life jackets but I think it should be quite safe so we went into the row boat. The ride was fun and relaxing. We rowed for another hour before going back to return the row boat. Guess we will get a scolding from whoever reading for this act but joe and I really feel not so threatened and we are confident we can do the necessary if the boat capsized la. The riverbank is not broad so we can easily swim to shore la.
After returning the boat, we made the trip back to Campsie. We are trying to get back to the petrol station near my place as I forgot to cap back the petrol tank cap the last time I went to pump petrol. Very forgetful right? Wrong, the answer is that Joe is always the one to do the job and We have the petrol attendants to help us back in Singapore. Here I have to do it and I just slam the petrol tank outlet close without realizing I left the cap in the petrol koisk.
Well! Tough luck, uncle decided to close early today and we detour to Campsie Centre for dinner. Children love the Happy Chef REstaurant so we went in for dinner. We had fried beef noodles for Charles , Rice with prawns in egg sauce for Charlynn , Fried seafood and vegetable and rice for Joe, Fried Chicken noodlefor Chantz and Beef laksa for myself. Food there is quite nice and we did not managed to finish the food. Next time I am going to limit their orders. The children shall have only 2 dishes if they are ordering individual dishes. The meal cost us $52.
Well! Now the children are having their baths. They watched Survivor China just now and received a sound scolding from Joe for not going for their baths. I will bathe soon as I am feeling a bit tired with all the driving and walking. Good nite k
After that, we went to a nature walk where it will lead us to a picnic area beside a creek. There is not much water in teh creek now so it is a gentle stream now. The walk is only 700m but it seemed like a long walk. Charlynn and I took a branch each as a walking stick. Very useful to have support and we did not feel the strain on our legs.
When we were about to go off , a family of four came along. It was an Aussie couple and their sons. The elder one is probably 3 and the baby is 1 yr old. They seemed to have visited the place a few times. The locals love the nature and many actually are heading for the beaches. We knew because after that we wanted to visit the other 2 beaches in the nature reserve but did not managed as there was no parking lot and there were swarms of people. The area was filled with BBQ aroma. The Aussie simply love BBQ. They have electric and gas BBQ stove. Children wanted to buy one but Joe was afraid it will be white elephant so he has not given the green light. If I am the one having the freewill to spend, I would have bought it already. Well! money not mine so I have to shut up la evwen though I know it can be quite handy. On the other hand, guess I might end up doing all the BBQ if we have the set.
Okay back to today's outing. Lunch is bananas, fruit juice, bread and snadwiches. I have my super 3 in 1 coffee as there is hot water in the hot water flask. The flask cost us $24 Aussie dollars and I would say it is value for money. After we tried in vain to find a parking lot, we decided to go for a boat ride. When we reached the river, Channery refused to go out as she was sleepy. I stayed with her in the car while Joe and the 3 children went to hire a row boat. A family actually hired the row boat till 5pm but felt tired after rowing for an hour so they offered to let us have it for $20. They paid a total of $40 for the whole afternoon after 1pm. We decided to take their boat as by the end of the day, we can still get back $10, which means we can have the row boat for nearly 3 hours for $10 only.
By the time Channery awoke, Joe and children were out of sight. I took baby and her milk bottle to a site under the tree and waited for them. While waiting, a family of girls and ladies came up to the platform with their row boats, they were unable to keep their balance and the boat capsized. one of the lady's bag was lost in the lake. I was a bit worried for Joe and the children. When they came back safely, they offered to take us in the row boat. Baby and I have no life jackets but I think it should be quite safe so we went into the row boat. The ride was fun and relaxing. We rowed for another hour before going back to return the row boat. Guess we will get a scolding from whoever reading for this act but joe and I really feel not so threatened and we are confident we can do the necessary if the boat capsized la. The riverbank is not broad so we can easily swim to shore la.
After returning the boat, we made the trip back to Campsie. We are trying to get back to the petrol station near my place as I forgot to cap back the petrol tank cap the last time I went to pump petrol. Very forgetful right? Wrong, the answer is that Joe is always the one to do the job and We have the petrol attendants to help us back in Singapore. Here I have to do it and I just slam the petrol tank outlet close without realizing I left the cap in the petrol koisk.
Well! Tough luck, uncle decided to close early today and we detour to Campsie Centre for dinner. Children love the Happy Chef REstaurant so we went in for dinner. We had fried beef noodles for Charles , Rice with prawns in egg sauce for Charlynn , Fried seafood and vegetable and rice for Joe, Fried Chicken noodlefor Chantz and Beef laksa for myself. Food there is quite nice and we did not managed to finish the food. Next time I am going to limit their orders. The children shall have only 2 dishes if they are ordering individual dishes. The meal cost us $52.
Well! Now the children are having their baths. They watched Survivor China just now and received a sound scolding from Joe for not going for their baths. I will bathe soon as I am feeling a bit tired with all the driving and walking. Good nite k
Friday, January 11, 2008
Charlynn's Birthday
Today is Charlynn's Birthday and we had a celebration. We had pizza early in the morning as the children pestered me to bake it. Well! I had one frozen one in the freezer so I took out and baked it.
After that, I started to prepare for Sushi. Today we will be having a small party at home and Charlynn likes Sushi. Children had pizza so they are not hungey. The boys helped joe in the backyard garden and they had a lot of fun while Charlynn helped in making the sushi. She insisted on omitting a few ingredients. This girl is very stubborn sometimes but positive side is strong willed. After making the sushi, I even fried chicken nuggets and fried some noodles.
After lunch, children went playing again and Joe and I took turns to have a nap. I felt quite relaxed with Joe around so I could relax a bit for I usually do not take afternoon naps. Another reason could be the hot weather. Today's weather is very hot. Only 30 degrees but makes people sleepy. The sun rays can be very painful on the skin as there is no clouds -not like in Singapore. Joe took the children out to choose a cake for Charlynn at about 4 plus as the shop usually closes at 5 plus. Thursday is the long hour shopping day. After they came back we went to the swimming pool near our place. It's a short drive just 2 streets away. the total cost is $16 for family if not each adult is $5 and each child to pay $3. The children's pool is indoor with heated pools but the baby's pool is out in the open. The birds actually join Channery while she was having a splash in the pool. The pool actually become a drinking place for the birds. The excitement of swimming is beyond words. The children had a lot of fun.
For me and Joe, we are not in the pool as we had both forgotten to bring our swim suits over form Singapore. BTW the Bikini here is dirt cheap, one set is only $5- $6 but I have no confidence to wear la. Guess what, the bathing rooms here do not have doors and the women and children just walk about naked. Charlynn and I had the shock of our lives and we went out of the bathing room almost immediately. Not used to seeing naked bodies walking about.
After the swim, Charlynn said she would love to have fish and chips and so I rushed home to prepare the dinner as I still need to defrost and marinate the fish. Luckily, I managed to dish out the dinner within an hour. Today;s dinner is Shui2 Jiao3, Fish and chips. BTW Children went outside with Joe to pluck the lemon from our lemon tree. Quite handy if we have a tree in the backyard.
After dinner, I quickly helped to wash up the dishes as I am catching the show" The Mask of Zorro". Now the show is still showing and I have yet to take my bath. In between, we had Charlynn's birthday cake cut and eaten. I preferred the black forest cake for the boys' birthday but Joe preferred this "Choc Wonder". The cake here is really nicer than those in Singapore. It cost about $30 a kg. If any one of you here, I will buy the black forest for you. It's simply too delicious. I will try new flavours in April as Joe and My birthday falls in April. Will keep all of you updated what cakes are nice here in Campsie.
The children are all asleep now. They had a very tiring day playing all day long. Both Joe and I actually feel very relief when kids are asleep. They have endless ideas and we have to keep up not with one but four of them.
Now is advertisement time, I am going for my bath. Will update tomorrow....... :>
After that, I started to prepare for Sushi. Today we will be having a small party at home and Charlynn likes Sushi. Children had pizza so they are not hungey. The boys helped joe in the backyard garden and they had a lot of fun while Charlynn helped in making the sushi. She insisted on omitting a few ingredients. This girl is very stubborn sometimes but positive side is strong willed. After making the sushi, I even fried chicken nuggets and fried some noodles.
After lunch, children went playing again and Joe and I took turns to have a nap. I felt quite relaxed with Joe around so I could relax a bit for I usually do not take afternoon naps. Another reason could be the hot weather. Today's weather is very hot. Only 30 degrees but makes people sleepy. The sun rays can be very painful on the skin as there is no clouds -not like in Singapore. Joe took the children out to choose a cake for Charlynn at about 4 plus as the shop usually closes at 5 plus. Thursday is the long hour shopping day. After they came back we went to the swimming pool near our place. It's a short drive just 2 streets away. the total cost is $16 for family if not each adult is $5 and each child to pay $3. The children's pool is indoor with heated pools but the baby's pool is out in the open. The birds actually join Channery while she was having a splash in the pool. The pool actually become a drinking place for the birds. The excitement of swimming is beyond words. The children had a lot of fun.
For me and Joe, we are not in the pool as we had both forgotten to bring our swim suits over form Singapore. BTW the Bikini here is dirt cheap, one set is only $5- $6 but I have no confidence to wear la. Guess what, the bathing rooms here do not have doors and the women and children just walk about naked. Charlynn and I had the shock of our lives and we went out of the bathing room almost immediately. Not used to seeing naked bodies walking about.
After the swim, Charlynn said she would love to have fish and chips and so I rushed home to prepare the dinner as I still need to defrost and marinate the fish. Luckily, I managed to dish out the dinner within an hour. Today;s dinner is Shui2 Jiao3, Fish and chips. BTW Children went outside with Joe to pluck the lemon from our lemon tree. Quite handy if we have a tree in the backyard.
After dinner, I quickly helped to wash up the dishes as I am catching the show" The Mask of Zorro". Now the show is still showing and I have yet to take my bath. In between, we had Charlynn's birthday cake cut and eaten. I preferred the black forest cake for the boys' birthday but Joe preferred this "Choc Wonder". The cake here is really nicer than those in Singapore. It cost about $30 a kg. If any one of you here, I will buy the black forest for you. It's simply too delicious. I will try new flavours in April as Joe and My birthday falls in April. Will keep all of you updated what cakes are nice here in Campsie.
The children are all asleep now. They had a very tiring day playing all day long. Both Joe and I actually feel very relief when kids are asleep. They have endless ideas and we have to keep up not with one but four of them.
Now is advertisement time, I am going for my bath. Will update tomorrow....... :>
Thursday, January 10, 2008
All in a day's work
Yesterday was a really busy day so I woke up rather late at 8.40am today. Joe went office and I was still fast asleep and not conscious.
Yesterday we did our laundry and went out for MacDonald breakfast. Children enjoyed it as they get to play on the huge playground on site. The meal cost us $23 for all. After that, we sent the kids to Jean's place ( Joe's ex-landlady). She is an artist and the kids are learning pottery from her. Children really enjoyed doing the pottery and she has all praise for the kids of being well-behaved. She had them for nearly a one and a half hour and kids are occupied so of course my darlings are very good. Anyway my kids seem to be able to behave rather well with others. Who knows maybe the mum is too fussy and likes to pick on them.
After that, we came back to quickly hang up our clothes and take our lunch at the same time. We bought subway sandwiches so that was easy. Subway is our favourite fast food outlet since we arrived. Without fail, we have our sandwiches there once a week.
We left home again at about half past one as the children had a special programme in the Campsie library. They are having superhero Bingo. It's actually normal Bingo and Hangman. Joe stayed with the kids and I went shopping. There's nothing to buy and I just need some time off.
After I went back, Children still having fun and I decided to read a book. The library has Chinese story books in the library and I borrowed a book last week titled" Xing4 Fu2 Lu:2 Guan". Interesting enough and took me a day to complete it.
After the activity at Campsie library, we went to Bunnings where the locals find all their hardware and gardening stuff. We had bought a worm farm system and we have to buy worms. The worms are not cheap, 500 worms cost us nearly $30. The recommended worms is 1000 but we really do not have so much money to dump into the system. Anyway, the worms will multiply by themselves and they will reach maximum even if we used more worms or not.
We are now very environmentally friendly and that can never be done in Singapore. We need to cut down on the use of plastic bags though. Always rather forgetful and ended up bringing too many bags home.
I always seem to be cooking more than what the kids can eat. Need to learn to estimate properly. The left overs fried rive ended up as my breakfast and I actually okay with that.
Today I cooked the pig trotters as it only cost me $2.99 a whole piece. To cook the pig trotter I actually bought a "sha guo" for $8 as my cooking utensils are not suitable. I have just finished cooking dinner and children are not hungry. Today's menu is Broccoli, pig trotters, Chicken wings, and Soup( potatoes, carrots and corn). Chicken wings as children might not like the trotters. Lunch today we had fish and cabbage porridge and kids said they love the porridge very much. I think they probably felt so as they had it in the backyard under the shady tree. They moved their little tables and chairs there and had the food there. I will do up the backyard and have a table and chairs there. Actually I am trying to persuade joe to let me have a sitting swing there. It's selling at Bunnings for $169. Well! Maybe I will start to save towards buying it myself.
It's been quite interesting to be a housekeeper. Sometimes it's very frustrating but sometimes feel very much appreciated. The fact I have to budget and spend my money sensibly really is a great challenge to me. I am so used to earning and spending. :>
Today we went library again as I thought there is storytelling time but the staff said no as they will only start after the school holidays ( 28th Jan 2008). Children bought some books there at 50 cents a copy and we bought 8 books. At the exit, te librarian stopped us as the sensor beeped. The staff had forgotten to scan the books. Very pai say to be asked to come in again and be accused of not paying. Well! forgive the staff la she is just doing her job.
After that we went shopping and bought some fruit and vegetables. At the vegetable store, the worker asked me to put down the grapes lightly. Actually I felt like scolding him as I was already doing that. I think the reason is that I was choosing the grapes. He did not do his job of taking out the spoilt grapes and of course I will choose one bunch that is not damaged. The fruit here is charged according to weight and of course I need to choose a better bunch. The other customers before I walked over were doing the same. to avoid that, I think a better way is to cut out the spoilt grapes and leave the god grapes la. Well! Seems like staying in Australia one has to be a bit thick-skinned as the people here are rather blunt and rude sometimes.
Yesterday we did our laundry and went out for MacDonald breakfast. Children enjoyed it as they get to play on the huge playground on site. The meal cost us $23 for all. After that, we sent the kids to Jean's place ( Joe's ex-landlady). She is an artist and the kids are learning pottery from her. Children really enjoyed doing the pottery and she has all praise for the kids of being well-behaved. She had them for nearly a one and a half hour and kids are occupied so of course my darlings are very good. Anyway my kids seem to be able to behave rather well with others. Who knows maybe the mum is too fussy and likes to pick on them.
After that, we came back to quickly hang up our clothes and take our lunch at the same time. We bought subway sandwiches so that was easy. Subway is our favourite fast food outlet since we arrived. Without fail, we have our sandwiches there once a week.
We left home again at about half past one as the children had a special programme in the Campsie library. They are having superhero Bingo. It's actually normal Bingo and Hangman. Joe stayed with the kids and I went shopping. There's nothing to buy and I just need some time off.
After I went back, Children still having fun and I decided to read a book. The library has Chinese story books in the library and I borrowed a book last week titled" Xing4 Fu2 Lu:2 Guan". Interesting enough and took me a day to complete it.
After the activity at Campsie library, we went to Bunnings where the locals find all their hardware and gardening stuff. We had bought a worm farm system and we have to buy worms. The worms are not cheap, 500 worms cost us nearly $30. The recommended worms is 1000 but we really do not have so much money to dump into the system. Anyway, the worms will multiply by themselves and they will reach maximum even if we used more worms or not.
We are now very environmentally friendly and that can never be done in Singapore. We need to cut down on the use of plastic bags though. Always rather forgetful and ended up bringing too many bags home.
I always seem to be cooking more than what the kids can eat. Need to learn to estimate properly. The left overs fried rive ended up as my breakfast and I actually okay with that.
Today I cooked the pig trotters as it only cost me $2.99 a whole piece. To cook the pig trotter I actually bought a "sha guo" for $8 as my cooking utensils are not suitable. I have just finished cooking dinner and children are not hungry. Today's menu is Broccoli, pig trotters, Chicken wings, and Soup( potatoes, carrots and corn). Chicken wings as children might not like the trotters. Lunch today we had fish and cabbage porridge and kids said they love the porridge very much. I think they probably felt so as they had it in the backyard under the shady tree. They moved their little tables and chairs there and had the food there. I will do up the backyard and have a table and chairs there. Actually I am trying to persuade joe to let me have a sitting swing there. It's selling at Bunnings for $169. Well! Maybe I will start to save towards buying it myself.
It's been quite interesting to be a housekeeper. Sometimes it's very frustrating but sometimes feel very much appreciated. The fact I have to budget and spend my money sensibly really is a great challenge to me. I am so used to earning and spending. :>
Today we went library again as I thought there is storytelling time but the staff said no as they will only start after the school holidays ( 28th Jan 2008). Children bought some books there at 50 cents a copy and we bought 8 books. At the exit, te librarian stopped us as the sensor beeped. The staff had forgotten to scan the books. Very pai say to be asked to come in again and be accused of not paying. Well! forgive the staff la she is just doing her job.
After that we went shopping and bought some fruit and vegetables. At the vegetable store, the worker asked me to put down the grapes lightly. Actually I felt like scolding him as I was already doing that. I think the reason is that I was choosing the grapes. He did not do his job of taking out the spoilt grapes and of course I will choose one bunch that is not damaged. The fruit here is charged according to weight and of course I need to choose a better bunch. The other customers before I walked over were doing the same. to avoid that, I think a better way is to cut out the spoilt grapes and leave the god grapes la. Well! Seems like staying in Australia one has to be a bit thick-skinned as the people here are rather blunt and rude sometimes.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Catching them when they are good
After writing this morning, I felt that I have been rather unfair on the kids. They have been rather well behaved most of the time but I only write about their bad behaviours. Well! I am going to record their kind deeds as well.
For example, Charlynn helped me to clean up the boys room just now. We took a while to sort out the clothes for the boys. They are really good at accumulating things. The boys actually bought so many pants here as compared to their T shirts.
As for Channery, today she woke up feeling very agitated but after her tantrums, she fell asleep and only woke up at 1 plus. She was such an angel after that. Helping to take things and hugging and playing. She has grown up to be so active and she has learnt many things already. Now she can eat her own food with us and choosing her own clothes. Very good at getting her own ways.
As for Charles and Chantz, they are really behaving better. Now they will wash up after using the utensils and helping Channery. Like today, Charles shared his lunch with Channery and Chantz helped me to do mini doughnuts. They did some cleaning up of their room too after I threatened to cane them for messing things up.
Anyway, will have to look at their plus points. They need to know what they have done right so as to become better persons.....
For example, Charlynn helped me to clean up the boys room just now. We took a while to sort out the clothes for the boys. They are really good at accumulating things. The boys actually bought so many pants here as compared to their T shirts.
As for Channery, today she woke up feeling very agitated but after her tantrums, she fell asleep and only woke up at 1 plus. She was such an angel after that. Helping to take things and hugging and playing. She has grown up to be so active and she has learnt many things already. Now she can eat her own food with us and choosing her own clothes. Very good at getting her own ways.
As for Charles and Chantz, they are really behaving better. Now they will wash up after using the utensils and helping Channery. Like today, Charles shared his lunch with Channery and Chantz helped me to do mini doughnuts. They did some cleaning up of their room too after I threatened to cane them for messing things up.
Anyway, will have to look at their plus points. They need to know what they have done right so as to become better persons.....
Today I woke up feeling quite ok. Yesterday woke up and yet felt quite "sian". Had my breakfast and before long children are up. they always seem to have bouts of energy and I just can;t keep up. Did some house keeping chores and before long, the whole house in a big mess. Rather frustrating to be the maid in this case. I told kids I need to take a half and hour to an hour nap and wanted them to just watch TV for awhile but they were noisy. Before long, I smelt something burning and had to run out. My Darling Charles had burnt a seafood stick in the microwave oven. Asked him questions and he simply kept quiet. I gotten so mad I smacked him with the hand mittens. He jsut ran off and be naughty after that. Somehow, they simply can't have the safety concerns in mind. On the road, they can push one another and ended up being scolded. These boys have no sense of being helpful and differentiating good from bad. They always engaged in trouble and then regret later. Joe and I will be semding all to the local school when we come back in March. Even Channery is picking up the boys' bad manners and habits.
Joe met us at he Campsie Centre as we need to buy groceries. We bought doughnut maker yesterday so we need to get the ingredients to make the mini doughnuts. Everyday we have to think of fun things to do or else the children are bored. Yesterday I allowed them to play in backyard garden for an hour and they at least well occupied for a while. They were so excited when someone delivered the worm farm. We are going to do our own garden soil using worms. Very exciting as the children can see how the worms transformed waste like potatoes peelings, paper into soil.
We had pizza, garlic bread and spagetti for dinner. Easy to prepare as all ready made. I just have to cook them in the oven. Sometimes children prefer to eat these unks rather than the healthier choices. Will keep a food diary so that we know what We are feeding them. Not too much of a kind of food. Charles was brought up with lots of fish and his behaviour is a bit wierd. Maybe too much mercury in his diet. Need to observe if a change of diet has a change in his behaviour. The Scientific findings here said that having too much fish can be harmful to kids.
Well! Today is another day and we shall see what the children's have in store for me. Praying to God today they are good and well occupied.
Joe met us at he Campsie Centre as we need to buy groceries. We bought doughnut maker yesterday so we need to get the ingredients to make the mini doughnuts. Everyday we have to think of fun things to do or else the children are bored. Yesterday I allowed them to play in backyard garden for an hour and they at least well occupied for a while. They were so excited when someone delivered the worm farm. We are going to do our own garden soil using worms. Very exciting as the children can see how the worms transformed waste like potatoes peelings, paper into soil.
We had pizza, garlic bread and spagetti for dinner. Easy to prepare as all ready made. I just have to cook them in the oven. Sometimes children prefer to eat these unks rather than the healthier choices. Will keep a food diary so that we know what We are feeding them. Not too much of a kind of food. Charles was brought up with lots of fish and his behaviour is a bit wierd. Maybe too much mercury in his diet. Need to observe if a change of diet has a change in his behaviour. The Scientific findings here said that having too much fish can be harmful to kids.
Well! Today is another day and we shall see what the children's have in store for me. Praying to God today they are good and well occupied.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Yesterday was a very busy day. We did our cleaning up, did the laundry and prepared some snacks before going out. We decided to bring the kids to explore some parts of Sydney. We drove to the parking lot near Campsie station and then walked to the train station. We are going to purchase Daytripper's ticket which can be used on trains, buses and ferry. We were going to take our kids on the ferry rides. We boarded the train and saw the train officers at work who fined those who did not ourchase tickets. The stations do not have the gates like our MRT back in Singapore and people could actually take free rides. However, when caught, the fines can be hefty.
We alighted at Circular Quay and boarded the ferry to Manly Beach. It was a very famous beach in Sydney. We drove there a few times but taking ferry was fun as the currents were strong and the wind was cooling. The most important fact is that we did not have to find a parking lot to park our car.
The tickets cost us only $40. We purchased 2 adults' tickets and one child's tickets. The country is pro-family so a family always has a better deal. Joe is always the navigator and I will drive. Actualy driving can be quite tiring in Sydney. From Point A to B can be easily reached if there is a straight road but we have to go in a roundabout way as they do not have the easy way out.
We had an interesting lunch. We bought some plums, a charcoal chicken and a 2 litre Cola. We managed to find a shady place facing the sea. The scenery was great and the food was delicious.
The cool breeze was very relaxing and we could easily have stayed at the seaside for a whole day if we wanted.
However, we decided to make a move as we would like to take a river cruise up to Parramatta. When we reached the wharf at Circular Quay, we were rather early so we decided to go for a treat - yummy ice cream. Very expensive but very yummy. Joe and I had the ice cream when we last visited Sydney last year. A child's scoop was $3 and an adult was $5.50 for 2 scoops. Total cost $17.
The river cruise was stuffy and hot. We did not expect it to be so tiring. The one-hour ferry actually was a torture. Channery was running about in the ferry and the air was stuffy. I think a winter's ride won't be so bad but not in summer. People actually take the ferry to work.
After the ride, we walked to the Parrametta train station to catch a train to Burwood before taking a bus ride back to Campsie. The wait for the bus seemed endless and we waited a long time for the bus. When we reached Campsie, I decided that we shall go home for dinner as I have prepared some stir-fry pork with mushroom before I left. By the time we reached home, it was already 8pm. I quickly prepared dinner. Dinner was just noodles, vegetables and stirfry pork but we enjoyed the food.
Tiring day but I still managed to watch a show at 9.35pm- The Chatterley Affair. The book sold a total of more than 2 millions copies as there was a court case on whether it was a book which would "corrupt" people's minds. Interesting movie and definitely not suitable for young children. The TV programmes here are listed clearly on what can be shown as those having M or MA are really not for the children's eyes.
Well! That's all for now. Will write again if I have the time. Now is free time as kids are all sleeping but it's time for my breakfast.
''
We alighted at Circular Quay and boarded the ferry to Manly Beach. It was a very famous beach in Sydney. We drove there a few times but taking ferry was fun as the currents were strong and the wind was cooling. The most important fact is that we did not have to find a parking lot to park our car.
The tickets cost us only $40. We purchased 2 adults' tickets and one child's tickets. The country is pro-family so a family always has a better deal. Joe is always the navigator and I will drive. Actualy driving can be quite tiring in Sydney. From Point A to B can be easily reached if there is a straight road but we have to go in a roundabout way as they do not have the easy way out.
We had an interesting lunch. We bought some plums, a charcoal chicken and a 2 litre Cola. We managed to find a shady place facing the sea. The scenery was great and the food was delicious.
The cool breeze was very relaxing and we could easily have stayed at the seaside for a whole day if we wanted.
However, we decided to make a move as we would like to take a river cruise up to Parramatta. When we reached the wharf at Circular Quay, we were rather early so we decided to go for a treat - yummy ice cream. Very expensive but very yummy. Joe and I had the ice cream when we last visited Sydney last year. A child's scoop was $3 and an adult was $5.50 for 2 scoops. Total cost $17.
The river cruise was stuffy and hot. We did not expect it to be so tiring. The one-hour ferry actually was a torture. Channery was running about in the ferry and the air was stuffy. I think a winter's ride won't be so bad but not in summer. People actually take the ferry to work.
After the ride, we walked to the Parrametta train station to catch a train to Burwood before taking a bus ride back to Campsie. The wait for the bus seemed endless and we waited a long time for the bus. When we reached Campsie, I decided that we shall go home for dinner as I have prepared some stir-fry pork with mushroom before I left. By the time we reached home, it was already 8pm. I quickly prepared dinner. Dinner was just noodles, vegetables and stirfry pork but we enjoyed the food.
Tiring day but I still managed to watch a show at 9.35pm- The Chatterley Affair. The book sold a total of more than 2 millions copies as there was a court case on whether it was a book which would "corrupt" people's minds. Interesting movie and definitely not suitable for young children. The TV programmes here are listed clearly on what can be shown as those having M or MA are really not for the children's eyes.
Well! That's all for now. Will write again if I have the time. Now is free time as kids are all sleeping but it's time for my breakfast.
''
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Outing at The Fairfield CityFarm
After making the Sushi, we went to Fairfield CityFarm. The admission fees is $45 for a family of 2 Adults and 3 children. Channery is under 3 yrs old so she has free admission. We went in for the tractor ride around the farm. The tractor ride is $2 per pax and we spent a further $10.
The farm was rather small but interesting enough. We went into the animal nursery and children get to touch the little lambs and kids ( Goats' babies) . Children loved the playground there where they played with the excavator. They enjoyed digging the soil. After which we had our lunch. We had hotdog, chicken burger, french fries and of course our Sushi. The sushi tasted quite nice even though it's our first time doing it. After lunch, we went to watch a Sheep shearing show. The sheep was struggling and the inexperienced Shearer had a hard time finishing his show. Interesting as he is only doing one show a day.
After that, we went to the working dog show. It was just like the movie "babe" whereby the dogs are able to listen to instructions fron the farmer. The dogs are so cute. Even did tricks for us. Can you imagine we seen the show while there was a drizzle??
After the dogs' show, children went back as "BOB The Builder" They have lots of child's play with the equipment. Sometimes having them to invent their own games is fun. They simply ahve lots of ideas. They were so engrossed that they missed the " Koala Talk Exhibition" at 2pm. I was the only one there as Joe was overseeing the kids at play. I am very sleepy and had to have my sip of coffee so I took a seat listening to the farmer. Guess what if you carry the Koala bear like a baby, you will hurt its ribs. In Australia, it's illegal to carry a Koala Bear and the way to handle them is to pull them by their wrists.
Children would continue to be builders if not for a sudden shower. We went into the animal nursery again. Children kept asking Daddy to let them buy the $10 baby rabbit but dad said no. The landlord had mentioned there will be no pet in our rented house. Anyway, the animal feeding time started and children were busy doing the fun things. they had the chance to pat the rabbit and fed the lambs. Hungry animals can be very scary where you see them snatching and fighting for food.
After the feeding of animals, children decided to get back being the builders. We let them be as they were really very interested in their own game. Fifteen mins later we were at the "milking of the cow" station. The cow was led to the milking area with there head loosely tied to a stand of feed. The happy cow was fed and my children had a chance to milk the cow. I volunteered as the photographer as I definitely not interested.
Anyway, the children and I had a lot of fun today. When we reached home, I even had energy to cook fried bee hoon for them. Nowadays, I am really quite happy being the chef. :>
The farm was rather small but interesting enough. We went into the animal nursery and children get to touch the little lambs and kids ( Goats' babies) . Children loved the playground there where they played with the excavator. They enjoyed digging the soil. After which we had our lunch. We had hotdog, chicken burger, french fries and of course our Sushi. The sushi tasted quite nice even though it's our first time doing it. After lunch, we went to watch a Sheep shearing show. The sheep was struggling and the inexperienced Shearer had a hard time finishing his show. Interesting as he is only doing one show a day.
After that, we went to the working dog show. It was just like the movie "babe" whereby the dogs are able to listen to instructions fron the farmer. The dogs are so cute. Even did tricks for us. Can you imagine we seen the show while there was a drizzle??
After the dogs' show, children went back as "BOB The Builder" They have lots of child's play with the equipment. Sometimes having them to invent their own games is fun. They simply ahve lots of ideas. They were so engrossed that they missed the " Koala Talk Exhibition" at 2pm. I was the only one there as Joe was overseeing the kids at play. I am very sleepy and had to have my sip of coffee so I took a seat listening to the farmer. Guess what if you carry the Koala bear like a baby, you will hurt its ribs. In Australia, it's illegal to carry a Koala Bear and the way to handle them is to pull them by their wrists.
Children would continue to be builders if not for a sudden shower. We went into the animal nursery again. Children kept asking Daddy to let them buy the $10 baby rabbit but dad said no. The landlord had mentioned there will be no pet in our rented house. Anyway, the animal feeding time started and children were busy doing the fun things. they had the chance to pat the rabbit and fed the lambs. Hungry animals can be very scary where you see them snatching and fighting for food.
After the feeding of animals, children decided to get back being the builders. We let them be as they were really very interested in their own game. Fifteen mins later we were at the "milking of the cow" station. The cow was led to the milking area with there head loosely tied to a stand of feed. The happy cow was fed and my children had a chance to milk the cow. I volunteered as the photographer as I definitely not interested.
Anyway, the children and I had a lot of fun today. When we reached home, I even had energy to cook fried bee hoon for them. Nowadays, I am really quite happy being the chef. :>
Day's happenings
Today is a sunny day. Yesterday was really quite a hectic day. Joe went office and children stayed at home with me. They were rather noisy and the place was messy. I threatened to cane them and they quickly cleaned up the place. They can keep the house clean if they want but they are so used to having maid to clean up so they never bother lifting a finger. It's a blessing afterall as their mum is a fussy pot over cleanliness.
Joe came back when they were doing their maths sums and they just stopped halfway. It's really difficult to do work when Channery is awake so I only can do so when baby having her nap. Joe said we will send the kids to local public school after we came back from Singapore in March. That is really good news as the kids simply can't be cooped at home. Home study can do so after they come back at 3pm. The school hours is from 9am-3pm and I think the kids will love it.
I went shopping with Charles and Charlynn in the afternoon. We bought a big hoola hoop. Children had theirs already and they asked me to buy one for myself so that I can exercise. The things here are interesting. Some are expensive some are cheaper. Imagine I bought nearly $20 for fruits alone. The Kiwi fruit is the most expensive. Anyway, will have to study where to get cheap and nice food items.
We went park last evening and children had a lot of fun. They really love outdoor and the park opposite our place is a good place for them to run about. I cooked fried rice in 15 mins so that I can join them. Well! Good to be outside of house as well.
At night, Charles was throwing tantrums again. He refused to have his bath. In the end, Joe had to escort him into the bathroom. Channery had a nasty fall from sofa and hit the back of her head. Will have to monitor her for 48 hrs. Hope she will learn her lesson and don't climb up and down again. Well! It's part and parcel of growing up but still feel very angry of myself of not able to catch her when she was falling.
Today we got back our car - Kia Carens from servicing. Cost $700 and the engine definitely runs smoothly. We got rid of our monster Toyota Tarago as the car is huge and seems to be falling apart. Still not comfortable going out on my own. Will slowly go around the neighbourhood to explore the area if possible.
Anyway, today we going to do sushi and let's hope it'll be fun and successful...... will keep all of you updated of the outcome k
Joe came back when they were doing their maths sums and they just stopped halfway. It's really difficult to do work when Channery is awake so I only can do so when baby having her nap. Joe said we will send the kids to local public school after we came back from Singapore in March. That is really good news as the kids simply can't be cooped at home. Home study can do so after they come back at 3pm. The school hours is from 9am-3pm and I think the kids will love it.
I went shopping with Charles and Charlynn in the afternoon. We bought a big hoola hoop. Children had theirs already and they asked me to buy one for myself so that I can exercise. The things here are interesting. Some are expensive some are cheaper. Imagine I bought nearly $20 for fruits alone. The Kiwi fruit is the most expensive. Anyway, will have to study where to get cheap and nice food items.
We went park last evening and children had a lot of fun. They really love outdoor and the park opposite our place is a good place for them to run about. I cooked fried rice in 15 mins so that I can join them. Well! Good to be outside of house as well.
At night, Charles was throwing tantrums again. He refused to have his bath. In the end, Joe had to escort him into the bathroom. Channery had a nasty fall from sofa and hit the back of her head. Will have to monitor her for 48 hrs. Hope she will learn her lesson and don't climb up and down again. Well! It's part and parcel of growing up but still feel very angry of myself of not able to catch her when she was falling.
Today we got back our car - Kia Carens from servicing. Cost $700 and the engine definitely runs smoothly. We got rid of our monster Toyota Tarago as the car is huge and seems to be falling apart. Still not comfortable going out on my own. Will slowly go around the neighbourhood to explore the area if possible.
Anyway, today we going to do sushi and let's hope it'll be fun and successful...... will keep all of you updated of the outcome k
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Parenting
Children will be children. At this minute they really drive you up the walls and the next minute they bring a smile to your face. Sometimes I wondered if we have been too harsh on the children- the boys especially. They have only just turned 7 but we are treating them like they ought to have been 17. Anyway, they like it or not, I still think they need to be punished for bad behaviours and be praised for behaving well.
Today Channery broke my $799 Lumix camera. I was really hopping mad but what done cannot be undone and I just have to accept the fact. The fact that Joe allowed the children to handle the camera in the first place already spells disaster. I have the old camera and I should have insisted that the children use the old camera instead. Well! it's a lesson learnt again. If I go against Joe too often, children might try to manipulate us so we ought to be on the same side in terms of parenting.
Today I made the children copied the stories from story books and Charles refused to do it. He created a scene and screamed and shouted, trying to get away from completing the task. Guess what? He even threatened to kill himself. After much thought, I finally decided to help him out by holding his hand and helping him to write. After completing his task, he was as happy as a lark again. He really ought to grow up and do what he has been told to do. The copying is a way to learn proper grammer, improve handwriting and learn new vocabulary. Let's hope we can have this exercise more often.
I am free now as Joe has brought children to the park for a jog. Wonder what to cook for dinner tonight? I will decide later after seeing what I have in the fridge. Did my marketing only twice a week so I really have to be creative on what to cook. There is always lots of vegetables and fruits and a meat dish. Seafood not so keen as quite expensive here.
Ok! Better be off to prepare dinner.
Today Channery broke my $799 Lumix camera. I was really hopping mad but what done cannot be undone and I just have to accept the fact. The fact that Joe allowed the children to handle the camera in the first place already spells disaster. I have the old camera and I should have insisted that the children use the old camera instead. Well! it's a lesson learnt again. If I go against Joe too often, children might try to manipulate us so we ought to be on the same side in terms of parenting.
Today I made the children copied the stories from story books and Charles refused to do it. He created a scene and screamed and shouted, trying to get away from completing the task. Guess what? He even threatened to kill himself. After much thought, I finally decided to help him out by holding his hand and helping him to write. After completing his task, he was as happy as a lark again. He really ought to grow up and do what he has been told to do. The copying is a way to learn proper grammer, improve handwriting and learn new vocabulary. Let's hope we can have this exercise more often.
I am free now as Joe has brought children to the park for a jog. Wonder what to cook for dinner tonight? I will decide later after seeing what I have in the fridge. Did my marketing only twice a week so I really have to be creative on what to cook. There is always lots of vegetables and fruits and a meat dish. Seafood not so keen as quite expensive here.
Ok! Better be off to prepare dinner.
2nd day of 2008
Yesterday Joe went back office and I was left with the kids. They were pretty well-behaved at first but after a while, the boys became restless. They really need to use and expand their energy. They received some scoldings but managed to clean up their own mess. Joe finally said he was coming back at 4 plus. I was really happy to hear that. The need to have a proper study time table is very essential. We went to the shop and we taught them to add up the cost of the groceries. They helped out in carrying the things. The boys aren't reading so we must find a way to encourage that. Reading to them is a chore as they are dsylexie, having difficulty in recognising print. Let's hope they will employ all the strategies taught to them to overcome this learning difficulty.
I have no confidence that the children can do home study. Maybe it's better to enrol them in local school? That will cost us $15k a yr. Joe is very positive but he has no plans or doing the teaching. I have no say as he is the one footing the bill. Having no work means everything has to be budgetted and I have to get a weekly allowance from Joe. That's really a miserable feeling. :<
I have no confidence that the children can do home study. Maybe it's better to enrol them in local school? That will cost us $15k a yr. Joe is very positive but he has no plans or doing the teaching. I have no say as he is the one footing the bill. Having no work means everything has to be budgetted and I have to get a weekly allowance from Joe. That's really a miserable feeling. :<
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year
Dear all my friends,
Today is 1st day of 2008 and we decided to start a blog to record down our daily happenings in Australia. Do give us your comments if you have anything to say to us.
Today started with us having our breakfast early in the morning. My three older children prepared an egg for me as I am the one to get up the latest(8.15am). After that, we decided to go to the Australian Museum. We went to the petrol station first before driving 20 mins to the city. We paid $20 for 15 litres of unleaded petrol. Petrol here considered quite cheap. The admission cost us only $27 but we spent an equal amount at the snack bar. The exhibits were interesting and informative and we spent the whole afternoon there before going for our lunch/dinner at 5pm. We had Thai food - tom yam soup, green curry and Thai noodles. Guess what the meal only cost us $37.
Btw how do all of you celebrate the New Year's Eve? We did not join the crowd so we stay at home to watch the live telecast. The fireworks were spectacular. Guess what, my neighbours here love fireworks and they have been giving us free firework display since Christmas. The displays were just as great. They simply "Bo Chap" even though police mentioned in news that they would take action against anyone caught playing with the fireworks. I wondered if the fireworks were very cheap here?
Life s been great so far. Children have started to help out in household chores and we actually spent more time interacting with them. In Singapore, I never really have time for them as I seemed to be always busy. Anyway, we have adapted well here. The weather is rather hot out in the open but in the house, it's cooling. Btw I really become very environmentally friendly by doing my recycling bits everyday. Rubbish truck only comes every Thursday and I only have 1 recyling bin and 1 rubbish bin for my week's rubbish. Will take photos to show all of you k
That's all for today. We are going to bed zzzzzz.........
Today is 1st day of 2008 and we decided to start a blog to record down our daily happenings in Australia. Do give us your comments if you have anything to say to us.
Today started with us having our breakfast early in the morning. My three older children prepared an egg for me as I am the one to get up the latest(8.15am). After that, we decided to go to the Australian Museum. We went to the petrol station first before driving 20 mins to the city. We paid $20 for 15 litres of unleaded petrol. Petrol here considered quite cheap. The admission cost us only $27 but we spent an equal amount at the snack bar. The exhibits were interesting and informative and we spent the whole afternoon there before going for our lunch/dinner at 5pm. We had Thai food - tom yam soup, green curry and Thai noodles. Guess what the meal only cost us $37.
Btw how do all of you celebrate the New Year's Eve? We did not join the crowd so we stay at home to watch the live telecast. The fireworks were spectacular. Guess what, my neighbours here love fireworks and they have been giving us free firework display since Christmas. The displays were just as great. They simply "Bo Chap" even though police mentioned in news that they would take action against anyone caught playing with the fireworks. I wondered if the fireworks were very cheap here?
Life s been great so far. Children have started to help out in household chores and we actually spent more time interacting with them. In Singapore, I never really have time for them as I seemed to be always busy. Anyway, we have adapted well here. The weather is rather hot out in the open but in the house, it's cooling. Btw I really become very environmentally friendly by doing my recycling bits everyday. Rubbish truck only comes every Thursday and I only have 1 recyling bin and 1 rubbish bin for my week's rubbish. Will take photos to show all of you k
That's all for today. We are going to bed zzzzzz.........
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