I have just finished watching the movie" Horton hears a Who". It's a really nice movie as it actually reminds us that we should be cuconsiderate. Anythng that you can't see and can't hear doesn't mean it is not there.
As for the Who kngdom in a speck of dust, it reminds me of our Mother Earth. I once went for a Science lesson at Science Centre and guess what we are like a speck of dust in the universe. Whoever says there are nothing out there? All the earthquakes and hurricanes could be someone shaking whatever they are doing just like the movie Horton hears a who.
Life is about trusting others. The kangeroo mother thinks she is right and went all out to get Horton to admit he is wrong. Somehow there are many people out there who really are like that. As for Horton, he went all out to keep his promise to himself. It was a difficut task and he nearly lost his life but he wanted to do the right thing. Somehow we might be intimidated and those who are not strong or courageous would have given in. The mayor was fisrt seen as a pushover and useless bum but he the courage to go against adversity as he wanted to save his people. Even his little boy whom the father never really understood stood up to the challenge.
Anyway for those of you who have not seen the movie, go out there and buy yourself a DVD. It's good to watch it and have some thoughts.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sharing Good health habits
Dearest all in Singapore,
Received this from friend and i have read it before. Good to share.
Subject : Health Advisory
The top five cancer-causing foods are:
1. Hot dogs
Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention
Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month.
If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.
2. Processed meats and bacon
Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.
3. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.
4. French fries
Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .
5. Chips, crackers, and cookies
All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.
-------------------------------
BRAIN DAMAGING HABITS
1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower
blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.
2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a
decrease in mental power.
3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.
4. High Sugar consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.
5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.
6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from
sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.
8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.
9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.
10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain
___________________________________________________________
The main causes of liver damage are:
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are
main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives,
food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as
possible reduce cooking oil use when frying,
which includes even the best cooking oils like
olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you
are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to
the burden of liver. Veggies should be eaten
raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should
be finished in one sitting, do not store.
We should prevent this without necessarily
spending more. We ust have to adopt a good daily
lifestyle and eating habits.
Maintaining good eating habits and time condition
are very important for our bodies to absorb and
get rid of unnecessary chemicals according
to 'schedule.'
Received this from friend and i have read it before. Good to share.
Subject : Health Advisory
The top five cancer-causing foods are:
1. Hot dogs
Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention
Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month.
If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.
2. Processed meats and bacon
Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.
3. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.
4. French fries
Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .
5. Chips, crackers, and cookies
All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.
-------------------------------
BRAIN DAMAGING HABITS
1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower
blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.
2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a
decrease in mental power.
3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.
4. High Sugar consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.
5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.
6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from
sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.
8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.
9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.
10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain
___________________________________________________________
The main causes of liver damage are:
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are
main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives,
food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as
possible reduce cooking oil use when frying,
which includes even the best cooking oils like
olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you
are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to
the burden of liver. Veggies should be eaten
raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should
be finished in one sitting, do not store.
We should prevent this without necessarily
spending more. We ust have to adopt a good daily
lifestyle and eating habits.
Maintaining good eating habits and time condition
are very important for our bodies to absorb and
get rid of unnecessary chemicals according
to 'schedule.'
Friday, August 29, 2008
sick soon
Yesterday we went for ice skating. It was really cold and I think I have caught a cold. Now I can't stop sneezing so I must really take care. Yesterday Channery woke up at 4 plus and refused to sleep. I kept her company and only crawled back to my own bed at about six. Tired but I can't sleep now. she is now taking her nap.
anyway, later still have to bring kids for their art lesson. Will take care as sick will be even more miserable. that's all
anyway, later still have to bring kids for their art lesson. Will take care as sick will be even more miserable. that's all
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Life here
Yesterday we went to the video shop owned by Chinese to rent some DVD. In the end, we ended buying the DVDs as the rental is more expensive than buying their copied DVDs. I wondered if it is illegal to buy from her but that's what she has been doing. Rental is $3 per disk and buying is $5. The compounded DVDs disk 3 disks whereby original has 30 disks. Of course we only as compared to rented original of the cheaper version of buying. If owning the disks is illegal, we won't take it back to singapor lo. I am not so sure of things in Singapore but that's how it's working here in Sydney. The shop has a variety of shows from Hongkong, Taiwan, hollywood etc. Maybe she is not doing illegal stuff as the compounded DVDs look original and made in China. She could have imported the stuff from China whereby the cost is cheap there??
Yesterday I could not sleep so I did a bit of thinking. The fact that my house won;t be ready for us so we should not go back. I think about it and this time there will be a difference to last year. LAst year my mother in law was staying with us and if we go back now, she would stay in her Toa Payoh Flat as she had told us that she was not going to move back in with us when we are back. She likes her Toa Payoh's flat as she feels so comfortable there with friends and things that she is familiar with. I think everyone has the right to make the choice. Her choice is good for all of us as she is not happy staying with us when she thought we were treating the maid
better than we treated her. I changed 4 maids as she could not get along with them. This time I will not be working and with the maid I surely can handle the things at home. Can you imagine you are the head of the household and yet you have to listen to your elders even though sometimes you feel that if only the elders could be more tolerant and understanding. There is bound to be differences in people in terms of ways of doing things and communication. Joe said that if he does not stand me, what will happen. We should xiang1 yi1 wei2 ming4 here alone in foreign land. Well! True that he is the nice guy and I am the troublesome one. I thrive in finding solutions and trying out new things and he probably will like things as they are. Stable and not spontaneous. Give me crisis and I will handle them with different solutions. I will try out all options but Joe will think and think and think and then settled on the best solution. That's how he is more successful than me as I will always spill a few buckets of tears and fall down a few times to make it the same place as him. My life journey will be filed with tears, laughter and new experiences as that's what I am. His will be smooth sailing as he will always opt for the best option. He is stable as rock and i will be like the sand, floating here and there and not yet ready to settle for anything. The won't die attitude means I will keep on moving - sometimes even I also do not know myself why I can't do no thinking. Sometimes I am so happy and contented to be alive and just be myself and be there for my family. Yet I will have different thinking the next day.
Anyway life is not too bad here as weather not humid and no sweat. Children never bathe also no problem as no smelling. pace so slow that you can do things slowly without hurry. I will be where my family is so think it's here la.
Yesterday I could not sleep so I did a bit of thinking. The fact that my house won;t be ready for us so we should not go back. I think about it and this time there will be a difference to last year. LAst year my mother in law was staying with us and if we go back now, she would stay in her Toa Payoh Flat as she had told us that she was not going to move back in with us when we are back. She likes her Toa Payoh's flat as she feels so comfortable there with friends and things that she is familiar with. I think everyone has the right to make the choice. Her choice is good for all of us as she is not happy staying with us when she thought we were treating the maid
better than we treated her. I changed 4 maids as she could not get along with them. This time I will not be working and with the maid I surely can handle the things at home. Can you imagine you are the head of the household and yet you have to listen to your elders even though sometimes you feel that if only the elders could be more tolerant and understanding. There is bound to be differences in people in terms of ways of doing things and communication. Joe said that if he does not stand me, what will happen. We should xiang1 yi1 wei2 ming4 here alone in foreign land. Well! True that he is the nice guy and I am the troublesome one. I thrive in finding solutions and trying out new things and he probably will like things as they are. Stable and not spontaneous. Give me crisis and I will handle them with different solutions. I will try out all options but Joe will think and think and think and then settled on the best solution. That's how he is more successful than me as I will always spill a few buckets of tears and fall down a few times to make it the same place as him. My life journey will be filed with tears, laughter and new experiences as that's what I am. His will be smooth sailing as he will always opt for the best option. He is stable as rock and i will be like the sand, floating here and there and not yet ready to settle for anything. The won't die attitude means I will keep on moving - sometimes even I also do not know myself why I can't do no thinking. Sometimes I am so happy and contented to be alive and just be myself and be there for my family. Yet I will have different thinking the next day.
Anyway life is not too bad here as weather not humid and no sweat. Children never bathe also no problem as no smelling. pace so slow that you can do things slowly without hurry. I will be where my family is so think it's here la.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Love from Singapore
Just received email from Adalene. It felt so nice to hear from her. Somehow friends in Singapore are so busy that they have no time to email. She is doing fine and happy voluteering. For people who chose to uproot and stay elsewhere, won;t they miss the things they have back home? She advised me to stay put here as my house lease is till MAy 2010. If I go back earlier, where to accomodate the 5 of us? She asked me to send baby to playgroup/ day care and me to get a job. Definitely that's a good option but Joe has been complaining that our budget is tight. To cut down on children's after school activities to save money? I am really sian of being a housewife whereby I have no spending power. Joe is keen on budgetting but I do not like those stuff. Life is short and why think so much that u make life miserable? Maybe for his kind of personality, he feel stressed if no life plans and for my personaity I will die fast with too much control.
Called up mum and she said everything is still the same. I am tempted to come back as I am really like fish out of water here in sydney. No sense of belonging and no friends to mingle. Going to the shops and buying things are the very basic that I get to meet other people. i can't shop everyday so that is not a good option.
Somehow I am angry sometimes that things are being stagnant here. Life is boring to tears as I am just doing housework, minding Channery and shopping. No new things to spice up my life and i am going nuts!
Anyway, if I had stay put in singapore and with Joe not around to help, I would have done it in. The stress here of being too easy going and Ying2 still better than fighting the battle alone in Singapore.
Maybe those back home will be so pissed off with me as I am here wu2 bing4 shen1 yin2.
Called up mum and she said everything is still the same. I am tempted to come back as I am really like fish out of water here in sydney. No sense of belonging and no friends to mingle. Going to the shops and buying things are the very basic that I get to meet other people. i can't shop everyday so that is not a good option.
Somehow I am angry sometimes that things are being stagnant here. Life is boring to tears as I am just doing housework, minding Channery and shopping. No new things to spice up my life and i am going nuts!
Anyway, if I had stay put in singapore and with Joe not around to help, I would have done it in. The stress here of being too easy going and Ying2 still better than fighting the battle alone in Singapore.
Maybe those back home will be so pissed off with me as I am here wu2 bing4 shen1 yin2.
Monday, August 25, 2008
What happened to the car
The car was ready at 4.30pm. Neighbour's son only charged us $150 for the replaced glass window. As for the lock, it was not replaced as can't really find a replacement. After colecting car, I realized the lock is not working. we can only central lock it in the car and that's it. Really sian that the car's not working properly because of my carelessness.
I actually wanted them to smash the car window in the first place but the helpful neighbours insisted of saving cost and poking at the lock. Somehow their help backfired as I am now left with a spolit lock. Will see how the car's lock working. Joe kept saying nobody is interested in our car so no problem. Okay then, since he is the one to fork out money.
I realized I am not very happy to be here as I have no money. If the thing happen in Singapore, I will just fork out money to get things fix. Housewife means money not mine and I have to sought permission every time i wanna use money. Super Sian to be like a beggar. Will see how things go. If still feel miserable, I will be back in Dec and if I stay put, what can Joe do????
I actually wanted them to smash the car window in the first place but the helpful neighbours insisted of saving cost and poking at the lock. Somehow their help backfired as I am now left with a spolit lock. Will see how the car's lock working. Joe kept saying nobody is interested in our car so no problem. Okay then, since he is the one to fork out money.
I realized I am not very happy to be here as I have no money. If the thing happen in Singapore, I will just fork out money to get things fix. Housewife means money not mine and I have to sought permission every time i wanna use money. Super Sian to be like a beggar. Will see how things go. If still feel miserable, I will be back in Dec and if I stay put, what can Joe do????
An accident
This morning there was a small accident. Channery was locked in the car after we came back from the shops. It happened because I saw her happy ball at the side of the road and I was afraid of bursting it when I parked my car. I left the car with the engine on and the central lock went off by itself. Channery was left in the car with no aircon. I quickly went to ask my neighbour for help.
My next door neighbour who was working in a garage came and tried to force open the door. However, the central lock won't budge. In the end, I asked them to smash the driver's side window and Channery was safe. I quickly get the things inside and then came out with a broom and dustpan. The glass was everywhere. I on the DVD for Channery and went to clean up. I remembered to call Joe and told him to come back. Joe was worried about us and he decided to come back in a cab after he missed the train. I was angry when I saw him and raised my voice at him. Probably I was angry with myself of causing the mess. If I am not so careless, we would not have to incur extra cost.
Joe is really understanding and did not blame me. He came back and told me that my neoghbour had managed to find a replacement glass and the total cost will not be too high. Thank god its not going to cost more than $500. Will see what is the final bill after we go and collect the car. told him I should have just called him and wait for him snce he only took 20 mins to get back home in a taxi. He said that should not be done as the car will get heated up and Channery will be in grave danger. I don't think there is much danger but that;s what my neighbour said too. In the end, breaking the glass is a good option. Later, we will have to buy some gift for my neighbour for their help. His son is most helpful and we probably will buy a bottle of wine for him. They are really nice to help even though I usually never bother to interact with them.
Channery is fast asleep now. Think she is not sure what had happened but she was definitely affected by our reactions. I lost my cool and really not so steady.
Called up mum to tell her what happened. Everyone is fine and Irene's son just celebrated his first birthday. He chose calculator, pen and money when they placed things on table to predict his future career and so he probably will become an accountant when he grows up. I did this custom with my 3 kids but not on Channery. No point in knowing as you will tend to go towards the predicted outcome.
Anyway today's is very eventful and I am really feeling rather tired now.That's all folks.
My next door neighbour who was working in a garage came and tried to force open the door. However, the central lock won't budge. In the end, I asked them to smash the driver's side window and Channery was safe. I quickly get the things inside and then came out with a broom and dustpan. The glass was everywhere. I on the DVD for Channery and went to clean up. I remembered to call Joe and told him to come back. Joe was worried about us and he decided to come back in a cab after he missed the train. I was angry when I saw him and raised my voice at him. Probably I was angry with myself of causing the mess. If I am not so careless, we would not have to incur extra cost.
Joe is really understanding and did not blame me. He came back and told me that my neoghbour had managed to find a replacement glass and the total cost will not be too high. Thank god its not going to cost more than $500. Will see what is the final bill after we go and collect the car. told him I should have just called him and wait for him snce he only took 20 mins to get back home in a taxi. He said that should not be done as the car will get heated up and Channery will be in grave danger. I don't think there is much danger but that;s what my neighbour said too. In the end, breaking the glass is a good option. Later, we will have to buy some gift for my neighbour for their help. His son is most helpful and we probably will buy a bottle of wine for him. They are really nice to help even though I usually never bother to interact with them.
Channery is fast asleep now. Think she is not sure what had happened but she was definitely affected by our reactions. I lost my cool and really not so steady.
Called up mum to tell her what happened. Everyone is fine and Irene's son just celebrated his first birthday. He chose calculator, pen and money when they placed things on table to predict his future career and so he probably will become an accountant when he grows up. I did this custom with my 3 kids but not on Channery. No point in knowing as you will tend to go towards the predicted outcome.
Anyway today's is very eventful and I am really feeling rather tired now.That's all folks.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Watching Soap opera
these few days I had been busy watchig "she4 diao1 ying1 xiong2 zhuan4"2008. Bought the DVD for $12 and it had 50 episodes. Good to be able to get away from the reality and able to listen to Mandarin dialogues. Managed to watch all and quite nice. The china born actor hu2 ge1 and the lady actually very handsome. The Chinese are now able to catch up with Singapore's standard.
Never realized that I really missed the shows in Singapore. Maybe I should go and borrow some Cantonese soap operas so that my kids can pick up Cantonese. I too can brush up my Cantonese. When I was young, the only way we learn language was exposure. That might be a good idea so that they can master the language as Joe is not good with the language. His parents only used Chinese language to communicate with him when he was young.
AS for hokkien, it s a really easy language so there is no need for that. we have been usig Mandarin at home so that will not be a problem too.
Never realized that I really missed the shows in Singapore. Maybe I should go and borrow some Cantonese soap operas so that my kids can pick up Cantonese. I too can brush up my Cantonese. When I was young, the only way we learn language was exposure. That might be a good idea so that they can master the language as Joe is not good with the language. His parents only used Chinese language to communicate with him when he was young.
AS for hokkien, it s a really easy language so there is no need for that. we have been usig Mandarin at home so that will not be a problem too.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Friendship
Yesterday we brought the kids to the skating rik for their ice skating lesson. Joe's colleague was there with her daughter. She was nice to talk to. she is really nice to suggest that we go shopping or have a coffee together. she does not work full-time. Only 2 times a week and she is actually quite free on other days. somehow I am not so comfortable with Strangers. will see how we can go out together. With Channery around, we probably will not stay out for too long. Wonder if Joe has been confiding to her about our problems.
Not motivated to call my parents and friends back i singapore as I am so far away and whatever happen, I can't be there to help.
Not motivated to call my parents and friends back i singapore as I am so far away and whatever happen, I can't be there to help.
Monday, August 18, 2008
National Day Dinner @ Sydney
We had National Day Dinner at Stamford hotel on Saturday. The food was not very authentic. Actually I think we are overpaying for the kind of food provided. I think most of the cost goes to the fresh oysters and wine which our family do not take at all. The singapore food they prepared was lousy. I think I can cook better than them.
We sat with a family whereby the husband is working for a German company. They had stayed in Germany for 2 years before the company posted the dad to australia. The company applied for their PR when they came here 6 years ago and they got it within 2months. The wife is not working and she is busy being the class mum. She helps in the classroom and keeps herself busy socializing with the other mums playing golf and tennis etc. Husband flies regularly to Germany as he is needed back in Germany. They had been PR for 6 years and definitely very Aussie already. To them, Singapore is a holiday destination. Their 2 boys are studying in the private school and the boys's days are scheduled for many activities. I think the mum is a bit kaisu to let the boys learn so many things. They are living an elite lifestyle and as comparison, we are not really living in style. Our neighbourhood is not very good with many immigrants. My kids are picking up bad language and habits from their peers. Joe think it is alright for them to be in the public school full of immigrants. I told him I wanna send them to a school where there are more Aussie kids but he said there was no need to. Jing zhu zhe chi, jin mo zhe hei, I can not be Meng mu as I have no say over the finances and the place we stay depends on how much Joe is willing to fork out. Maybe to save money, we should cut down on their after school activities and just bring them play balls at the park.
Feel like going home already. Can I tahan till next year DEC? My mum kept telling me to go back as she said I am being selfish and kids will not be able to catch up with their peers when they come back.
Told Joe I wanna go back this dec but he is against the idea. Maybe it's a better option as he will be free from us and does whatever he wants. As for the kids, they can do whatever they want and I just have to let them be la. i was too stressed out over their school refusal and not studying in Singapore. sometimes I think that no one is indispensable. My ex colleague can just dropped dead and the husband got married after a year. Her kids learnt to live with the step mum and step siblings and somehow they seem okay. We can only live once and who knows what will happen tomorrow????
.
We sat with a family whereby the husband is working for a German company. They had stayed in Germany for 2 years before the company posted the dad to australia. The company applied for their PR when they came here 6 years ago and they got it within 2months. The wife is not working and she is busy being the class mum. She helps in the classroom and keeps herself busy socializing with the other mums playing golf and tennis etc. Husband flies regularly to Germany as he is needed back in Germany. They had been PR for 6 years and definitely very Aussie already. To them, Singapore is a holiday destination. Their 2 boys are studying in the private school and the boys's days are scheduled for many activities. I think the mum is a bit kaisu to let the boys learn so many things. They are living an elite lifestyle and as comparison, we are not really living in style. Our neighbourhood is not very good with many immigrants. My kids are picking up bad language and habits from their peers. Joe think it is alright for them to be in the public school full of immigrants. I told him I wanna send them to a school where there are more Aussie kids but he said there was no need to. Jing zhu zhe chi, jin mo zhe hei, I can not be Meng mu as I have no say over the finances and the place we stay depends on how much Joe is willing to fork out. Maybe to save money, we should cut down on their after school activities and just bring them play balls at the park.
Feel like going home already. Can I tahan till next year DEC? My mum kept telling me to go back as she said I am being selfish and kids will not be able to catch up with their peers when they come back.
Told Joe I wanna go back this dec but he is against the idea. Maybe it's a better option as he will be free from us and does whatever he wants. As for the kids, they can do whatever they want and I just have to let them be la. i was too stressed out over their school refusal and not studying in Singapore. sometimes I think that no one is indispensable. My ex colleague can just dropped dead and the husband got married after a year. Her kids learnt to live with the step mum and step siblings and somehow they seem okay. We can only live once and who knows what will happen tomorrow????
.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
IELTs Tests
Yesterday I went for my test. We left the children alone at home and Joe sent me there. The listening, reading and writing test was 3 hrs flat and I was dead tired after that. My speaking test was at 1.20pm and after taking my lunch, I was back at the centre for the test.
I find the reading test quite challenging and I think I did not score well. I had no time to check my answers at all. As for the speaking test, I was already so tired that I really did not bother to impress the teacher.
The oral test only lasted 20 mins and I was off shopping at Broadway shopping centre. Joe brought the kids for their Chinese lesson before he could come to fetch me. By the time I see Joe, I had throbbing headache.
After we reached home, I had a rest and took a painkiller but I could not go to sleep. Children back at 5pm and we quickly changed our clothes and out of the house at 6pm for the National Dinner.
I had a talk with Joe and I told him I do not want to go through the ordeal of taking the test again. The children and I are going home next year Dec so there is really no need to become PR. The application will cost $4800 and if the application lasted a year, we will back in singapore by then. Eve though kids love the school here, they need to go back Singapore no matter what. The earlier we go back, the more they are able to adapt back to the Singapore system.
Actually I hate the weather here so I really don't see the need to apply for PR. :>
I find the reading test quite challenging and I think I did not score well. I had no time to check my answers at all. As for the speaking test, I was already so tired that I really did not bother to impress the teacher.
The oral test only lasted 20 mins and I was off shopping at Broadway shopping centre. Joe brought the kids for their Chinese lesson before he could come to fetch me. By the time I see Joe, I had throbbing headache.
After we reached home, I had a rest and took a painkiller but I could not go to sleep. Children back at 5pm and we quickly changed our clothes and out of the house at 6pm for the National Dinner.
I had a talk with Joe and I told him I do not want to go through the ordeal of taking the test again. The children and I are going home next year Dec so there is really no need to become PR. The application will cost $4800 and if the application lasted a year, we will back in singapore by then. Eve though kids love the school here, they need to go back Singapore no matter what. The earlier we go back, the more they are able to adapt back to the Singapore system.
Actually I hate the weather here so I really don't see the need to apply for PR. :>
Friday, August 15, 2008
Children after school lessons
My children are having ice skating lesson every Monday and Thursday at the Canterbury Ice skating rink near my place. They are having lots of fun. The cost is 16 lessons at about $120 per child. We think it's a good investment as children look forward to the lessons. We told them they have to face the consequences of not going lesson if they do not complete their homework for the week. Monday is normal skate school where they learn the basics and Thursday is speed skating. After seeing the people having speed skating, I can understand why the kids are so excited over the sport. They race and turn corners like a machine going against the centrifugal force. They must feel very high going around the skate rink like a speeding car.
Anyway, I am still not very used to the cold in australia. Everyone is adjusting well except me. What I like is staying indoors with the heater on.
My children learnt roller blades back in Singapore and so they were able to keep their balance on the skates. They get to work off their excess energy and become more disciplined as they have to take orders from the coach.
This afternoon the kids will have Art lesson. My kids love to express themselves during the Art lesson. Art is a great way to cultivate creativity and patience. In fact, the children were really excited to know that someone had bought their charcoal paintings during the last Open house. chantz sold 2 pictures so he was really proud to have $4 and Charlynn and Charles both sold one piece each. I wanted to throw the pictures away when they first brought them back. I know they said I do not know how to appreciate their "masterpieces" but I find their work quite childish.
Good for them to build their self confidence via Art and Sports. Many parents find spending money on Tution is essential for a better future for their kids but we find that with ability to self regulate themselves, we do not have to worry about their school work. The ability to enjoy learning and have the passion to want to acquire knowledge is more important than lots of paper work.
Anyway, I am still not very used to the cold in australia. Everyone is adjusting well except me. What I like is staying indoors with the heater on.
My children learnt roller blades back in Singapore and so they were able to keep their balance on the skates. They get to work off their excess energy and become more disciplined as they have to take orders from the coach.
This afternoon the kids will have Art lesson. My kids love to express themselves during the Art lesson. Art is a great way to cultivate creativity and patience. In fact, the children were really excited to know that someone had bought their charcoal paintings during the last Open house. chantz sold 2 pictures so he was really proud to have $4 and Charlynn and Charles both sold one piece each. I wanted to throw the pictures away when they first brought them back. I know they said I do not know how to appreciate their "masterpieces" but I find their work quite childish.
Good for them to build their self confidence via Art and Sports. Many parents find spending money on Tution is essential for a better future for their kids but we find that with ability to self regulate themselves, we do not have to worry about their school work. The ability to enjoy learning and have the passion to want to acquire knowledge is more important than lots of paper work.
Monday, August 11, 2008
detective quizzes
Every night the childern asked me to give them quizzes before they sleep. I have run out of ideas and quizzes. Logging on to the net and still there are limited choices.
I realized the chinese websites have more quizzes to choose from. Really have no time to look at the various website as Channery will take up all my time when she is awake. Now I am free to use computer as she is taking a nap. If u all out there have detective quizzes that are interesting, do share with me so that I can test the kids
Lately I have not been sleeping well. Been having many crazy dreams and disrupted my sleep. I am those who used to be able to sleep through the night before I got married. After children, a tiny sound from their bedroom will wake me up. These few weeks, I am still very alert at night. I seem to sleep and yet not so. The dreams that I had were also very "out of this world". Wondered why I can't get my beauty sleep lately. With not enough sleep, my face has all the evidence as I have many pimples on my face.
Now feeling a bit sleepy so I am going to take a nap .....
I realized the chinese websites have more quizzes to choose from. Really have no time to look at the various website as Channery will take up all my time when she is awake. Now I am free to use computer as she is taking a nap. If u all out there have detective quizzes that are interesting, do share with me so that I can test the kids
Lately I have not been sleeping well. Been having many crazy dreams and disrupted my sleep. I am those who used to be able to sleep through the night before I got married. After children, a tiny sound from their bedroom will wake me up. These few weeks, I am still very alert at night. I seem to sleep and yet not so. The dreams that I had were also very "out of this world". Wondered why I can't get my beauty sleep lately. With not enough sleep, my face has all the evidence as I have many pimples on my face.
Now feeling a bit sleepy so I am going to take a nap .....
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Good to hear from H that she seems to be doing okay. Had emailed her and must tell her to delete her personal email address from her blog if not people will start flooding her with nonsense. will check and delete my side.
Today feeling better as I am not worried. Seems like it's really PMS. Joe seems to know my reactions and body more than I. With Joe and my older children around, Channery is not so clingy and attention seeking. Maybe is is a good time to send her to childcare. The cost can be 60-$100 per week but at least she will learn from other kids.
Next Sat we will meet fellow Singaporeans for National Day Dinner. Cost us $180 but we get to meet fellow Singaporeans. The dinner will be held at a hotel owned by a Singaporean and the food will be authentic Singapore style. I have ielts test on that day. Teh writing, listening and reading will take a full three hours and the oral section wil be about 15 mins. If I score 8 point and above for all the test items, i will proceed to apply for PR. Somehow the statistics shows that it's quite difficult to score the required points. Will try my best la.
Am I happy here? I think others are really worried about me. Actually I am feeling okay and still very much alive. I write to release my frustrations and that help me as I always feel better after writing. It seems to be so easier to handle after I write it down. It allows me to move on and deal with the problems.
BTW for those who read my blog, I never go back to check my entries as I find it scary to do so. They are full of grammer and typo mistakes as they were usually done in less than 5-10 mins.
Take care all of you out there as life still goes on and I am actually feeling very blessed. Cowardly acts will never be my option as I must be responsible for the little ones that Joe and I had created. Somehow saying it out will strengthen my belief that life is still beautiful.
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you are absolutely correct.
Nobody can affect you, except yourself. Think positive and things will work out well.
Today feeling better as I am not worried. Seems like it's really PMS. Joe seems to know my reactions and body more than I. With Joe and my older children around, Channery is not so clingy and attention seeking. Maybe is is a good time to send her to childcare. The cost can be 60-$100 per week but at least she will learn from other kids.
Next Sat we will meet fellow Singaporeans for National Day Dinner. Cost us $180 but we get to meet fellow Singaporeans. The dinner will be held at a hotel owned by a Singaporean and the food will be authentic Singapore style. I have ielts test on that day. Teh writing, listening and reading will take a full three hours and the oral section wil be about 15 mins. If I score 8 point and above for all the test items, i will proceed to apply for PR. Somehow the statistics shows that it's quite difficult to score the required points. Will try my best la.
Am I happy here? I think others are really worried about me. Actually I am feeling okay and still very much alive. I write to release my frustrations and that help me as I always feel better after writing. It seems to be so easier to handle after I write it down. It allows me to move on and deal with the problems.
BTW for those who read my blog, I never go back to check my entries as I find it scary to do so. They are full of grammer and typo mistakes as they were usually done in less than 5-10 mins.
Take care all of you out there as life still goes on and I am actually feeling very blessed. Cowardly acts will never be my option as I must be responsible for the little ones that Joe and I had created. Somehow saying it out will strengthen my belief that life is still beautiful.
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you are absolutely correct.
Nobody can affect you, except yourself. Think positive and things will work out well.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Happy National Day to Singaporeans
Today is Singapore's National Day. We are going to celebrate it by having BBQ at home. Children are so excited. There is another cause for celebration as I found out that I am not pregnant. Singapore's government said to have babies only if you can afford them. Well! I had mentioned in my earlier blog that we won't be able to afford if we are going to have quality of life. Many of the youngsters probably felt the same, more children means they have to give up on luxury items and less holidays board. Having children in Singapore is a constant challenge for many singaporeans. Women especially as the working culture in Singapore is not pro-family. If you take too many no pay leave, you will be asked to leave as you are not being profesional.
The choice of having 4 kids was that Joe being an only child and he said it was too quite sad growing up alone. During my father-in-law's hospitalization, he had to struggle to take care of his dad and he had nobody to turn to. We had Charlynn and the twins came along after that. We decided to have another young one as it will be nice to have someone to tag along us when the older kids were older.
Anyway, enough talk on children. What is ours, we take care. My family is not perfect but we are learning everyday as to how to become better parents. Maybe the government should have courses for the young adults to teach them how to be better parents so that they can handle their children at ease and will be encouraged to give birth to more children.
Happy National Day Singapore and the trend now is having skilled immigrants to boost the population. Our ancestors are immigrants and wherever the pasture is greener, teh people will move. Besides having more babies, are we doing enough to keep our fellow valued Singaporeans as well!
The choice of having 4 kids was that Joe being an only child and he said it was too quite sad growing up alone. During my father-in-law's hospitalization, he had to struggle to take care of his dad and he had nobody to turn to. We had Charlynn and the twins came along after that. We decided to have another young one as it will be nice to have someone to tag along us when the older kids were older.
Anyway, enough talk on children. What is ours, we take care. My family is not perfect but we are learning everyday as to how to become better parents. Maybe the government should have courses for the young adults to teach them how to be better parents so that they can handle their children at ease and will be encouraged to give birth to more children.
Happy National Day Singapore and the trend now is having skilled immigrants to boost the population. Our ancestors are immigrants and wherever the pasture is greener, teh people will move. Besides having more babies, are we doing enough to keep our fellow valued Singaporeans as well!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Joe said it's PMS
These few days i have been feeling rather agitated and stress out. No news from H and I dared not call her to check how she is back in Singapore. Waiting for news can be rather scary and stressful.
Called up Mum and she was doing well in Singapore. She had decided to go out and hang out with the aunties. They always ended up having a card game but who cares as long as she is happy. Mum in law also is enjoying herself in Singapore. Good that we are not tying her down.
These few days Channery had been really difficult to handle. Maybe it was my own reactions but she really becoming a little monster sometimes. stubborn and like to shed crocodile tears. She had been going to sleep only at abt 12am and she woke up in the middle of the night crying for me. She is becoming very clingy and I feel really sian.
Who can understand my emotions and frustrations? Telling JOE is of no use. We are poles opposite and he simply not able to address my needs. He said I am feeling so because it's PMS. Good for him to be able to go out and talk to someone rather than his family members.
Being overshadowed by my neighbour's tall house, I can't help but feel depressed. Told Joe it's no good feeling and bad fengshui but he is reluctant to move. I really hope to be able to shift to a better home. This one is simply no good for mental health. i have very negative thoughts when I feel depressed and defeated. Never told Joe before but the feelings and thoughts are there. Another reason maybe I feel constantly cold in this house. The negative thoughts kept repeating themselves in my head. i have to keep self talk to myself to be positive. Try thinking that you are sandwiched between two lebonese families and they are speaking a language you do not know. We have no connections and does not interact with them at all.
PMS - Joe's answer to my distress. Maybe he is right and that I have to have some control over myself.
Called up Mum and she was doing well in Singapore. She had decided to go out and hang out with the aunties. They always ended up having a card game but who cares as long as she is happy. Mum in law also is enjoying herself in Singapore. Good that we are not tying her down.
These few days Channery had been really difficult to handle. Maybe it was my own reactions but she really becoming a little monster sometimes. stubborn and like to shed crocodile tears. She had been going to sleep only at abt 12am and she woke up in the middle of the night crying for me. She is becoming very clingy and I feel really sian.
Who can understand my emotions and frustrations? Telling JOE is of no use. We are poles opposite and he simply not able to address my needs. He said I am feeling so because it's PMS. Good for him to be able to go out and talk to someone rather than his family members.
Being overshadowed by my neighbour's tall house, I can't help but feel depressed. Told Joe it's no good feeling and bad fengshui but he is reluctant to move. I really hope to be able to shift to a better home. This one is simply no good for mental health. i have very negative thoughts when I feel depressed and defeated. Never told Joe before but the feelings and thoughts are there. Another reason maybe I feel constantly cold in this house. The negative thoughts kept repeating themselves in my head. i have to keep self talk to myself to be positive. Try thinking that you are sandwiched between two lebonese families and they are speaking a language you do not know. We have no connections and does not interact with them at all.
PMS - Joe's answer to my distress. Maybe he is right and that I have to have some control over myself.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Feeling tired and frustrated
Charles was realy well behaved these two days. He was polite and even helped out at home. I think he had thought through and wanted to be a good boy. Anyway, I think we were unable to take care of his emotional needs so he always does things to get attention. Even though the negative ones.
Yesterday we did not go out except going to the park for a while before dinner. I lost my temper while trying to clean up the house and ended up slapping Chantz and taking a nap till 2.30pm. Joe did not prepare lunch for kids as he said they were not hungry. I heated up the baked rice we had on Saturday and they finished everything.
The time at the park was fun and children were able to run about for half an hour. After that we went for dinner at 5.30pm. We only had fried noodles, fried tou fu and tom yam but the food seemed just nice.
After we reached home, we watched some shows before asking children to go to bed at 9 plus. They were so used to going to bed late during the weekends that they complained that they could not go to leep. I think we should only allowed them to sleep late on Friday nite. Sat to be the usual bed time. We had story time and after a while everyone was asleep except baby. She kept me up till about 11 plus and I was dead tired by the time I hit the bed. Somehow as it was over the very sleepy stage, I could not sleep at all. Seemed to be wide awake and yet not so.
.
Children have chess lesson today and I wondered if they were okay. slipped a note in their lunch box and hoped they remembered to go during lunch hour.
I watched " Super nanny USA" just now. Seems like children all over world quite the same. Throwing tantrums an trying to get their ways around adults.
I think Sunday should be a day we out from the house. STaying at home can drive me crazy and I am not going to do housework when children at home as I will flare up and ended up punishing them for being inconsiderate and mess up the place.
Yesterday we did not go out except going to the park for a while before dinner. I lost my temper while trying to clean up the house and ended up slapping Chantz and taking a nap till 2.30pm. Joe did not prepare lunch for kids as he said they were not hungry. I heated up the baked rice we had on Saturday and they finished everything.
The time at the park was fun and children were able to run about for half an hour. After that we went for dinner at 5.30pm. We only had fried noodles, fried tou fu and tom yam but the food seemed just nice.
After we reached home, we watched some shows before asking children to go to bed at 9 plus. They were so used to going to bed late during the weekends that they complained that they could not go to leep. I think we should only allowed them to sleep late on Friday nite. Sat to be the usual bed time. We had story time and after a while everyone was asleep except baby. She kept me up till about 11 plus and I was dead tired by the time I hit the bed. Somehow as it was over the very sleepy stage, I could not sleep at all. Seemed to be wide awake and yet not so.
.
Children have chess lesson today and I wondered if they were okay. slipped a note in their lunch box and hoped they remembered to go during lunch hour.
I watched " Super nanny USA" just now. Seems like children all over world quite the same. Throwing tantrums an trying to get their ways around adults.
I think Sunday should be a day we out from the house. STaying at home can drive me crazy and I am not going to do housework when children at home as I will flare up and ended up punishing them for being inconsiderate and mess up the place.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Charles's behaviour
On Thursday night Joe brought the children to the ice skating rink for speed skating. Children enjoyed the lesson very much but Charles was acting up at the end of the lesson as he was last skating around the rink. He came back not so cooperative. Joe pointed out that he even did not listen to coach and did his exercise. Anyway, Chantz had an accident at the rink as he bumped into a boy and had a deep cut on his lips. We showed concern for his injury and I wondered if that was why Charles became jealous and he acted out later in the night.
After dinner and when the children were about to go to bed, Charles suddenly declared that he had not done his work and he wanted to do his work. We let him be and let him do the homework himself. At about 11pm, he only had a last question "what I did this week." I gave him some suggestions and told him he should go to bed and do it the next day but he refused. After that, he started to scream and shout very loudly and even threatened to kill everyone and run away from home. Joe spanked him and he continued and refused to listen to reason. In the end, I went to him and told him that our neighbours were at the balcony and if they called the police, we would be in trouble. This worked and he managed to go to sleep.
The next day, Charles woke up and still he refused to cooperate, he kept saying he was not going to school. In the end, we managed to get him to eat his breakfast and when we were just about to leave the house, he started to do his homeowrk. He really tested our patience but we controlled ourselves and did not punish him. In the car, he suddeny said he got the wrong shoe and I was afraid that he might go back home and not going to school so I said it would be funny shoe day and see if anyone noticed that he had the wrong shoe. Actually the fact is that he had the shoes correctly but he was finding excuse to go back.
WEll! We were hoping things will be okay after that right? Well! He proved himself to be a handful. When Joe went to pick them up at the school, he was so jealous of Chantz receiving a gift from the teacher that he tore his and Chantz work in front of his teacher. His form teacher, Ms Nam saw how headstrong he was and told him off. Joe told him to stand at a corner and continued to talk to the teacher for a few minutes.
Joe was supposed to bring the kids for their Art lesson and after talking to teacher, he realized Charles was missing. Joe and the children searched for him and could not find him. He called me and I told him to call Art teacher that we would not be there as Charles was missing and he was to bring Charlynn and Chantz back home. Our Mr Charles simply took off and he only came back at 4pm. Joe and I went to school and we told his Principal and form teacher that he was missing and we sought permission to look around the school. No luck so we decided to drive around the neighbourhood.
Anyway, we came back after Charlynn called us to say he was back. I really hope he will learn his lesson and try to control his emotions and temper. When he is good, he is an angel but sometimes he has the outbursts and that is worrying.
God bless that he will grow up to be a sensible boy who wil act responsibly.
After dinner and when the children were about to go to bed, Charles suddenly declared that he had not done his work and he wanted to do his work. We let him be and let him do the homework himself. At about 11pm, he only had a last question "what I did this week." I gave him some suggestions and told him he should go to bed and do it the next day but he refused. After that, he started to scream and shout very loudly and even threatened to kill everyone and run away from home. Joe spanked him and he continued and refused to listen to reason. In the end, I went to him and told him that our neighbours were at the balcony and if they called the police, we would be in trouble. This worked and he managed to go to sleep.
The next day, Charles woke up and still he refused to cooperate, he kept saying he was not going to school. In the end, we managed to get him to eat his breakfast and when we were just about to leave the house, he started to do his homeowrk. He really tested our patience but we controlled ourselves and did not punish him. In the car, he suddeny said he got the wrong shoe and I was afraid that he might go back home and not going to school so I said it would be funny shoe day and see if anyone noticed that he had the wrong shoe. Actually the fact is that he had the shoes correctly but he was finding excuse to go back.
WEll! We were hoping things will be okay after that right? Well! He proved himself to be a handful. When Joe went to pick them up at the school, he was so jealous of Chantz receiving a gift from the teacher that he tore his and Chantz work in front of his teacher. His form teacher, Ms Nam saw how headstrong he was and told him off. Joe told him to stand at a corner and continued to talk to the teacher for a few minutes.
Joe was supposed to bring the kids for their Art lesson and after talking to teacher, he realized Charles was missing. Joe and the children searched for him and could not find him. He called me and I told him to call Art teacher that we would not be there as Charles was missing and he was to bring Charlynn and Chantz back home. Our Mr Charles simply took off and he only came back at 4pm. Joe and I went to school and we told his Principal and form teacher that he was missing and we sought permission to look around the school. No luck so we decided to drive around the neighbourhood.
Anyway, we came back after Charlynn called us to say he was back. I really hope he will learn his lesson and try to control his emotions and temper. When he is good, he is an angel but sometimes he has the outbursts and that is worrying.
God bless that he will grow up to be a sensible boy who wil act responsibly.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
