To me, social justice is a very "blurred" concept to me. Growing up, we were not really taught to fight for social justice. We were taught to do our very best in whatever we do and to excel in it. Every man should be responsible for themselves. There are supposedly to have unjust treatment to any Singaporeans. Anyway, to have a clearer idea of how I should understand it, I went internet to look out the following definition. Very interesting...
Social justice refers to conceptions of a just society, where "justice" refers to more than just the administration of laws. It is based on the idea of a society which gives individuals and groups fair treatment and a just share of the benefits of society. Different proponents of social justice have developed different interpretations of what constitutes fair treatment and a just share.
Social justice is both a philosophical problem and an important issue in politics. It can be argued that everyone wishes to live in a just society, but different political ideologies have different conceptions of what a 'just society' actually is. The term "social justice" itself tends to be used by those ideologies who believe that present day society is highly unjust - and these are usually left-wing ideologies, advocating a more extensive use of income redistribution, a more egalitarian society. The right-wing has its own conception of social justice, but generally believes that it is best achieved through the operation of a free market, and the promotion of philanthropy and charity. Both right and left tend to agree on the importance of rule of law, human rights, and some form of a welfare safety net (though the left supports this latter element to a greater extent (e.g. to provide for capable individuals in society) than the right).
Social Justice features as an apolitical philosophical concept (insofar as any philosophical analysis of politics can be free from bias) in much of John Rawls' writing. It is fundamental to Catholic social teaching, and is one of the Four Pillars of the Green Party upheld by the worldwide green parties. Some of the tenets of social justice, sometimes renamed civil justice, have been adopted by those who lie on the left or center-left of the political spectrum (e.g. Socialists, Social Democrats, etc). Social justice is also a concept that some use to describe the movement towards a socially just world. In this context, social justice is based on the concepts of human rights and equality.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Found at last
Yesterday i was still fretting over the lost story book and just now I found it among the stack of story books in kids' room. I had looked at that area before but it just slipped my attention. Maybe the fact that I was thinking it was blue in colour rather than the pink colour cover tricked my brain into not seeing it. See how powerful our brain can choose to deceive us and what we perceive might not be the truth.
After returning the book, Channery insisted on going to Campsie Centre for lunch. We ended up buying Happy Meal again. Somehow that's the kind of food she fancy. We share the food so at least I get to share half of the unhealthy things.
Now is 12 plus and I am feeling rather sleepy. Maybe the food did something to my body. Still have yet to hang up the washed towels so maybe I should be on the way to do the job.
will write again tonite if there's anything interesting. Able to find the book has already made me a happy gal.
After returning the book, Channery insisted on going to Campsie Centre for lunch. We ended up buying Happy Meal again. Somehow that's the kind of food she fancy. We share the food so at least I get to share half of the unhealthy things.
Now is 12 plus and I am feeling rather sleepy. Maybe the food did something to my body. Still have yet to hang up the washed towels so maybe I should be on the way to do the job.
will write again tonite if there's anything interesting. Able to find the book has already made me a happy gal.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Lost item
Up to this day, I am still looking for the lost story book "belly buttons". Really have no idea where it is and it is most frustrating trying to find it.
The library has sent me the letter and informing of the fines incurred since the book was due on 21st July. I really have no idea where to find already. Today I was tried looking for it but simply too tired to carry on.
First day of school terms and it really quite different fm school holidays and weekends. Boys received scolding from Joe after they came back from school. They have not even taken off their school uniform even though now is 8 plus. They really are quite stubborn in doing what is expected of them.
Tired now and really feel like sleeping so that's all folks!
The library has sent me the letter and informing of the fines incurred since the book was due on 21st July. I really have no idea where to find already. Today I was tried looking for it but simply too tired to carry on.
First day of school terms and it really quite different fm school holidays and weekends. Boys received scolding from Joe after they came back from school. They have not even taken off their school uniform even though now is 8 plus. They really are quite stubborn in doing what is expected of them.
Tired now and really feel like sleeping so that's all folks!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Life worth living
Whenever I read or learnt that someone had chosen to end his/her life, I will become rather disturbed. Disturbed in the sense that I felt pity for them. They really must have lost all hope and felt so miserable and chose death over living.
When I was a school counsellor, I went to a funeral wake of a kid as his mother had jumped off their flat. His mum had been combating depression for yrs and she finally took the plunge. Everything happened so fast and before long, she was down at the void deck. I was really feeling rather sad when I heard how the family had tried to cope. His grandfather told us that it was a relief for his daughter since she was finding living on so miserable. I knew both the sister and the child as I had been teaching in the school for the past few yrs. The sister never really revealed what was going on in the family and I really had no idea that she had a mother who was not coping well with life.
In fact, having a child to cope with parent committing suicide is devastationg. I have a friend whose mother hanged herself in their bathroom. She never could understand why her mother did what she did and she had the guilt that her mother did so because she was not good enough. She sometimes will become quite emotional and felt miserable. luckily for her, she had two children and she told herself she will be strong for them and she really loves her children to bits. Sometimes I do think that she is making up for what she had missed when she was a child.
According to Confucius, we do not know how to live our life to the fullest so we should not worry what happen after we depart from this world. Somehow we have this life and we should make full use of it and be contributing to the good of mankind. Escaping and able to handle what is in store for us is not really a good option. What we have, we appreciate. If not, try to improve the situation.
Once played a game. There was a line drawn at oppsite side of a rectangle. Everyone has to cross the lines with a different way. Guess what, we can be so creative and there will be tons of ways that we have not even tried before.
If you keep doing the wrong thing over and over again, pls do not expect a different outcome. Life is worth living if you embrace the changes along the way......
When I was a school counsellor, I went to a funeral wake of a kid as his mother had jumped off their flat. His mum had been combating depression for yrs and she finally took the plunge. Everything happened so fast and before long, she was down at the void deck. I was really feeling rather sad when I heard how the family had tried to cope. His grandfather told us that it was a relief for his daughter since she was finding living on so miserable. I knew both the sister and the child as I had been teaching in the school for the past few yrs. The sister never really revealed what was going on in the family and I really had no idea that she had a mother who was not coping well with life.
In fact, having a child to cope with parent committing suicide is devastationg. I have a friend whose mother hanged herself in their bathroom. She never could understand why her mother did what she did and she had the guilt that her mother did so because she was not good enough. She sometimes will become quite emotional and felt miserable. luckily for her, she had two children and she told herself she will be strong for them and she really loves her children to bits. Sometimes I do think that she is making up for what she had missed when she was a child.
According to Confucius, we do not know how to live our life to the fullest so we should not worry what happen after we depart from this world. Somehow we have this life and we should make full use of it and be contributing to the good of mankind. Escaping and able to handle what is in store for us is not really a good option. What we have, we appreciate. If not, try to improve the situation.
Once played a game. There was a line drawn at oppsite side of a rectangle. Everyone has to cross the lines with a different way. Guess what, we can be so creative and there will be tons of ways that we have not even tried before.
If you keep doing the wrong thing over and over again, pls do not expect a different outcome. Life is worth living if you embrace the changes along the way......
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Deep Fried Squid Rings Recipe
I was really tired of dishing out food that kids don't really fancy so I posted a question" what are you having for dinner". The other 2 dishes are okay as I do cook them but this deep fried squid ring is new. Found the recipe and would like to share with you all. Will try to make it next week since tomorrow I not cooking.....
Deep Fried Squid Rings
30 minutes Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 10 minutes (453 calories per serving)
2 pounds squid
1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
Directions
Cut 2 the cleaned squid body sacks into 1/2 inch wide rings.
Rinse well under cold running water.
In deep fryer heat oil to 375 degrees F.
In plastic bag combine flour, salt and pepper.
Add a few squid rings at a time, shake until well coated.
In a shallow bowl combine 2 eggs and 1 cup milk (beaten).
Dip squid in liquid then in about 1-1/2 Cups Italian Bread Crumbs.
Fry a few at a time about 45 seconds or until golden brown.
Drain and keep warm.
Serve with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.
Deep Fried Squid Rings
30 minutes Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 10 minutes (453 calories per serving)
2 pounds squid
1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
Directions
Cut 2 the cleaned squid body sacks into 1/2 inch wide rings.
Rinse well under cold running water.
In deep fryer heat oil to 375 degrees F.
In plastic bag combine flour, salt and pepper.
Add a few squid rings at a time, shake until well coated.
In a shallow bowl combine 2 eggs and 1 cup milk (beaten).
Dip squid in liquid then in about 1-1/2 Cups Italian Bread Crumbs.
Fry a few at a time about 45 seconds or until golden brown.
Drain and keep warm.
Serve with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.
Friday, July 24, 2009
人有三急
人有三急
Never really know the meaning of these few chinese words so I google for it. Expanation as follow:
现在“人有三急”多用来指饮食或排泄问题等等,说法不同。这种引用倒也形象贴切，无可厚非。
而有史可查的真正说法是“人有三疾”。三疾分别为“狂”（狂妄）、“矜”（矜持）和“愚”（愚昧），出自于《论语·阳货》：“子曰：古者民有三疾,今也或是之亡也。古之狂也肆,今之狂也荡;古之矜也廉,今之矜也忿戾;古之愚也直,今之愚也诈而已矣。”
这句话是孔子对上古淳厚人心的赞颂,也是对于当时“世风日下，人心不古”的社会状况发出的感叹。
也有另外几种说法：
1)上厕所急。结婚入洞房急。老婆在里面生孩子你在外面等急。
还有一种说法就是“尿急，屎急，性急”
(2)人有三急,所谓三急,是说人一天必须要的:
尿急,(小便)
便急,(大便)
屁急.
有时是憋不住的.所以称为三急.
(3):洞房,生子,如厕
我想就是这个吧
(4)根据古书上所记载人有三急是：
上厕所急。结婚入洞房急。老婆在里面生孩子你在外面等急。
(5)有几种说法：一说是人一生必须要的，“内急，性急，心急”——内急，即上厕所急。性急，即结 婚 入洞房急。心急，即老婆在里面生孩子你在外面等急。二说就是人一天必须要的，即“尿急，屎急，屁急”。其实尿急，屎急，屁急归根到底，都是内急的一种。
(6)尿急，渴急，饿急。
Never really know the meaning of these few chinese words so I google for it. Expanation as follow:
现在“人有三急”多用来指饮食或排泄问题等等,说法不同。这种引用倒也形象贴切，无可厚非。
而有史可查的真正说法是“人有三疾”。三疾分别为“狂”（狂妄）、“矜”（矜持）和“愚”（愚昧），出自于《论语·阳货》：“子曰：古者民有三疾,今也或是之亡也。古之狂也肆,今之狂也荡;古之矜也廉,今之矜也忿戾;古之愚也直,今之愚也诈而已矣。”
这句话是孔子对上古淳厚人心的赞颂,也是对于当时“世风日下，人心不古”的社会状况发出的感叹。
也有另外几种说法：
1)上厕所急。结婚入洞房急。老婆在里面生孩子你在外面等急。
还有一种说法就是“尿急，屎急，性急”
(2)人有三急,所谓三急,是说人一天必须要的:
尿急,(小便)
便急,(大便)
屁急.
有时是憋不住的.所以称为三急.
(3):洞房,生子,如厕
我想就是这个吧
(4)根据古书上所记载人有三急是：
上厕所急。结婚入洞房急。老婆在里面生孩子你在外面等急。
(5)有几种说法：一说是人一生必须要的，“内急，性急，心急”——内急，即上厕所急。性急，即结 婚 入洞房急。心急，即老婆在里面生孩子你在外面等急。二说就是人一天必须要的，即“尿急，屎急，屁急”。其实尿急，屎急，屁急归根到底，都是内急的一种。
(6)尿急，渴急，饿急。
Foster Parents
Babies are so cute. They really do not care who you are as long as you are kind to them. They are not prejudiced and really bring out the better side of human being. Children grow up in diferent home environment and they can become very different depending on how their parents interact with them. Sometimes money does not buy anything and some parents do need to reflect on how they are going about in their lives.
The other day we were watching "Dog hotel" and I really felt sorry for the kids who have no chance of finding love. In Singapore, being a foster parent is really not so common. I really hope one day I can open my doors to children of less priviledge family. Of course, I will do my best for my children first so that they will be useful citizens. They must be motivated and love life so that is really a very important task.
Before I can go out and help other kids, I will have to do my very best for my own.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Happy
Today is a happy day. Joe was free till 2 plus in the afternoon so we decided to go to powerhouse Museum. The children love going there since there are many things that capture their attention. It's like a Science Centre and has many exhibits.
At about one plus, we went out for lunch. There is a Malaysian restaurant nearby named Kopitiam so we decided to have our food there. It was our second visit to the 4restaurant. We only spend $48.40 in total so that was considered cheap. Joe walked to university and we went back to the Museum. We stayed and roamed around the Museum till abt 4pm. Joe's seminar supposed to end at 4 pm but in the end, he only walked out of his office at 4.30pm. We only waited for 15 mins so that was not too bad.
In the car, we discussed where to have our dinner and in the end, we decided to eat in. At first, we wanted to do indoor BBQ but in the end, I changed my mind since it will be too much hassle. Dinner was no problem since we kinda buy everything from supermarket.
After writing this entry, I am going to check my facebook account. Even if I don't share any thoughts, it kinda happy just to see how my friends are doing. :>
At about one plus, we went out for lunch. There is a Malaysian restaurant nearby named Kopitiam so we decided to have our food there. It was our second visit to the 4restaurant. We only spend $48.40 in total so that was considered cheap. Joe walked to university and we went back to the Museum. We stayed and roamed around the Museum till abt 4pm. Joe's seminar supposed to end at 4 pm but in the end, he only walked out of his office at 4.30pm. We only waited for 15 mins so that was not too bad.
In the car, we discussed where to have our dinner and in the end, we decided to eat in. At first, we wanted to do indoor BBQ but in the end, I changed my mind since it will be too much hassle. Dinner was no problem since we kinda buy everything from supermarket.
After writing this entry, I am going to check my facebook account. Even if I don't share any thoughts, it kinda happy just to see how my friends are doing. :>
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Carrom
joe and I bought a Carrom set for the kids and we have been playing for a few weeks. Boys need to have a game to sit down and pit their skills.
We never really follow the rules of carrom. ours is just to strike in the pieces and to be awarded points along the way. Black 2 pts, white a point and the red piece 5 pts. Somehow the rule can be so complicated, my children will not enjoy it much.
For great family time, buy a carrom set and have fun. Little things count.....
Rules and Laws ( not for us)
Two or four people can play carrom. If two, the players sit opposite each other, while with four, the opposite two are partners. As an exception, though, you can play with three players against each other for points.
Arrange the carrom men on the centre circle of the carrom board with the red 'queen' at the centre. The whites should be lined up to form a "Y" shape, with two sides aiming directly towards the corner pockets. Lastly, place in the blacks.
Each player sits on his side of the board and can only strike from that side. The contestant playing white 'breaks' or plays first, which can be decided by the toss of a coin. The object of the game of carrom is to sink all of your carrommen, using the heavier 'striker', in any of the pockets before your opponent. Your turn continues as long as you keep sinking your carrom men - luck shots count and all combinations are permitted.
When placing the striker on the board to shoot, it must touch both 'base lines', either covering the end circle completely, or not touching it at all. The striker may not touch the diagonal arrow line.
Shooting styles are very personal - whichever 'grip' works for you is fine as long as you 'flick' the striker and don't push it. Generally, it's best to orient your body in order to see the line of your aim while shooting comfortably; you may not move or leave your chair.
For forward shots, you can use your index finger, middle finger, or even the 'scissors' shot. Before shooting, try touching the striker with your fingernail, to be sure that its really on line. This will improve your accuracy and prevent you from hurting your finger.
No part of your body, except your hand, may cross the imaginary diagonal line nor may your elbow protrude over the frame in front of you. Even your feet or knees my not leave your quadrant.
The red 'queen,' can be pocketed at any time after sinking your first piece but must be sunk before your last one. After pocketing the queen, you must sink one of your carrommen, thereby 'covering' it, into any pocket in the next shot, or she is returned to the center spot.
Once the queen is covered, whoever clears all their carrom men first wins the 'board'.
The winner of a board collects one point for each of the opponent's carrom men left at the finish and three points for the queen if covered by the winner (if covered by the loser, no-one gets those points). No more points are collected for the queen after your score reaches 22.
A game consists of 25 points or eight boards, whichever comes first.
Sinking the striker costs you one piece and your turn. But, if you sink a piece in the same shot, then two come up and you shoot again.
After sinking the striker, your opponent places the due piece(s) within the center circle. If you haven't sunk one yet, you owe one.
If while shooting for the queen, you also sink one of your carrom men in the same shot, the queen is automatically covered, no matter which went first.
If a piece jumps off the board, it is placed on the center spot. If pieces land on end or are overlapping, they are left that way.
If the center spot is partially covered when replacing the queen or a jumped piece, the piece should cover as much red as possible. If totally covered, the piece is placed opposite the next player behind the red spot.
If you sink your opponent's piece, you lose your turn. If you sink their last piece, you lose the board and three points.
If you sink your last piece before the queen, you lose the board, three points and one point for each of your opponent's pieces left.
If the striker does not leave both lines, go again. You get three tries to break before losing your turn.
We never really follow the rules of carrom. ours is just to strike in the pieces and to be awarded points along the way. Black 2 pts, white a point and the red piece 5 pts. Somehow the rule can be so complicated, my children will not enjoy it much.
For great family time, buy a carrom set and have fun. Little things count.....
Rules and Laws ( not for us)
Two or four people can play carrom. If two, the players sit opposite each other, while with four, the opposite two are partners. As an exception, though, you can play with three players against each other for points.
Arrange the carrom men on the centre circle of the carrom board with the red 'queen' at the centre. The whites should be lined up to form a "Y" shape, with two sides aiming directly towards the corner pockets. Lastly, place in the blacks.
Each player sits on his side of the board and can only strike from that side. The contestant playing white 'breaks' or plays first, which can be decided by the toss of a coin. The object of the game of carrom is to sink all of your carrommen, using the heavier 'striker', in any of the pockets before your opponent. Your turn continues as long as you keep sinking your carrom men - luck shots count and all combinations are permitted.
When placing the striker on the board to shoot, it must touch both 'base lines', either covering the end circle completely, or not touching it at all. The striker may not touch the diagonal arrow line.
Shooting styles are very personal - whichever 'grip' works for you is fine as long as you 'flick' the striker and don't push it. Generally, it's best to orient your body in order to see the line of your aim while shooting comfortably; you may not move or leave your chair.
For forward shots, you can use your index finger, middle finger, or even the 'scissors' shot. Before shooting, try touching the striker with your fingernail, to be sure that its really on line. This will improve your accuracy and prevent you from hurting your finger.
No part of your body, except your hand, may cross the imaginary diagonal line nor may your elbow protrude over the frame in front of you. Even your feet or knees my not leave your quadrant.
The red 'queen,' can be pocketed at any time after sinking your first piece but must be sunk before your last one. After pocketing the queen, you must sink one of your carrommen, thereby 'covering' it, into any pocket in the next shot, or she is returned to the center spot.
Once the queen is covered, whoever clears all their carrom men first wins the 'board'.
The winner of a board collects one point for each of the opponent's carrom men left at the finish and three points for the queen if covered by the winner (if covered by the loser, no-one gets those points). No more points are collected for the queen after your score reaches 22.
A game consists of 25 points or eight boards, whichever comes first.
Sinking the striker costs you one piece and your turn. But, if you sink a piece in the same shot, then two come up and you shoot again.
After sinking the striker, your opponent places the due piece(s) within the center circle. If you haven't sunk one yet, you owe one.
If while shooting for the queen, you also sink one of your carrom men in the same shot, the queen is automatically covered, no matter which went first.
If a piece jumps off the board, it is placed on the center spot. If pieces land on end or are overlapping, they are left that way.
If the center spot is partially covered when replacing the queen or a jumped piece, the piece should cover as much red as possible. If totally covered, the piece is placed opposite the next player behind the red spot.
If you sink your opponent's piece, you lose your turn. If you sink their last piece, you lose the board and three points.
If you sink your last piece before the queen, you lose the board, three points and one point for each of your opponent's pieces left.
If the striker does not leave both lines, go again. You get three tries to break before losing your turn.
Hide and Seek
Yesterday night, my three younger children were playing hide and seek and my youngest one really made my day. She is so cute as she is still so innocent and does not know how to play the game well. She was laughing under the blanket and making wabes, hiding among the towels and showing her buttocks and making small noises to indicate where she was hiding.
To her, it is such a fun game even though she has problems locating her siblings. she ran about and had a lot of fun. Joe, me and Charlynn stayed in the living room and we really enjoyed watching the kids at play.
Children grow up so quickly and before long they will leave their childhood behind. I remembered having so much fun when I was young. Playing with my siblings and our relationship is really strong. Now we are adults and we somehow drifted. I don't feel so close to them now as they seem to have so many things to handle in their lives. Now we are really playing hide and seek real life version I guess. I have the feeling physically we are so close during gatherings yet so far emotionally. Nobody sharing their thoughts and feelings with one another anymore.
Sad that siblings will grow apart and become strangers when they grow up....
To her, it is such a fun game even though she has problems locating her siblings. she ran about and had a lot of fun. Joe, me and Charlynn stayed in the living room and we really enjoyed watching the kids at play.
Children grow up so quickly and before long they will leave their childhood behind. I remembered having so much fun when I was young. Playing with my siblings and our relationship is really strong. Now we are adults and we somehow drifted. I don't feel so close to them now as they seem to have so many things to handle in their lives. Now we are really playing hide and seek real life version I guess. I have the feeling physically we are so close during gatherings yet so far emotionally. Nobody sharing their thoughts and feelings with one another anymore.
Sad that siblings will grow apart and become strangers when they grow up....
Mental Well-being
Thanks to Wai mun that I know that new puppies have to be micro-chipped since 2007. I am going to bring my pet back so I really have to find out more from AVA. I really think microchipped is a good move but many a times, puppies who were born at home and given away to friends might not be covered. Paying the dog license might not even be an option for others.
I am most grateful when someone can tell me the truths about things that I do not know. These people who are able to tell me what I need to know is really dear to me. Hate most when people keep quiet when you are on the wrong track and secretly gloat over yr misfortunates. The thought that I can be so ignorant in so many ways really is frustrating. There are so many things in life that I don't know or never pay attention to. Life is full of surprises if one is ignorant. Many a times, ignorance is not bliss and no proper preparation always lead to disasters.
Learning the facts about things the hard way can be very difficult and unpleasant too. There were a few occasions whereby I hope I will be better equipped or mentally prepared. When faced with things that I ought to have control and yet ignored to have proper plans to make it better really is annoying.
Joe fai is well-read and he has no problem in knowing the many things around our lives. I am the sotong one who is actually very dependent on him. I did not even read the electronic Straits time even though we subscribe so that we can keep in touch on what's happening in Singapore. Everyone has only 24 hrs and how we make use of it counts. I am not the intellectual type who likes to read practically everything. Joe is such a person. Me - I only read things that I like and many a times, important policies and news totally beyond me. Joe can spend the whole day reading the newspaper whereas I probably spend 30 mins or less.
For mental wel-being, I think being widely read is a good thing. Time to make time for reading.....
I am most grateful when someone can tell me the truths about things that I do not know. These people who are able to tell me what I need to know is really dear to me. Hate most when people keep quiet when you are on the wrong track and secretly gloat over yr misfortunates. The thought that I can be so ignorant in so many ways really is frustrating. There are so many things in life that I don't know or never pay attention to. Life is full of surprises if one is ignorant. Many a times, ignorance is not bliss and no proper preparation always lead to disasters.
Learning the facts about things the hard way can be very difficult and unpleasant too. There were a few occasions whereby I hope I will be better equipped or mentally prepared. When faced with things that I ought to have control and yet ignored to have proper plans to make it better really is annoying.
Joe fai is well-read and he has no problem in knowing the many things around our lives. I am the sotong one who is actually very dependent on him. I did not even read the electronic Straits time even though we subscribe so that we can keep in touch on what's happening in Singapore. Everyone has only 24 hrs and how we make use of it counts. I am not the intellectual type who likes to read practically everything. Joe is such a person. Me - I only read things that I like and many a times, important policies and news totally beyond me. Joe can spend the whole day reading the newspaper whereas I probably spend 30 mins or less.
For mental wel-being, I think being widely read is a good thing. Time to make time for reading.....
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Pets
Pets are like little children who needs our attention. I once had a pair of dwarf hamsters and they really reproduce like mad. They had so many babies that I do not know what to do with them. Kids in school love the little creatures so much and they really will pop in to talk to me while playing with the little hamsters. The very first time the female gave birth to babies, we were so blurred as to how to take care of them and had to search internet. It's really irresponsible to let the animals reproduce and throw the babies away. I did not have time to find out what happen to my hamsters. By the time we left for Sydney, there were 8 f them already. Tried to separate the males and females so that they will not mate and have babies but I do not know if my friend did that. She agreed to take over them for me. Did not call her as I lost her contact after I cut my hp line.
As for my two tortoises, I had no choice since nobody want to adopt them and I had to put them in the Kranji River beside my place when we made the trip to Sydney. Somehow I always wondered what happen to them. Are they okay or already dead?
Now that we are going back Singapore, we are again back at how to take care of our pet. JJ is such a baby. He chose me when we go to the animal rescue centre. He was so excited in seeing me and could not help clinging on to me. He melted my heart so we adopted him. Sometimes he is such a headache as he still has accidents at home. Not a very clever dog but definitely affectionate.
Now that I have read more about animal rescue, I am not going to buy another pet from pet shop. All my previous pet were bought as they look so cute and children kept pestering me to buy them. In Singapore, people are still quite naive/ ignorant like what I used to be. I would never know that animals are put to sleep when they were not adopted for a certain period of time or that certain species are not allowed in HDB and their dog had to be sent away. When the cute puppies outgrow their cuteness and become a full grown adult, some of them were discarded.
Here in Australia, all pets have to be microchipped whereby lost dogs can be traced back to their owner. If Singapore government can enforce the rule, many dogs can be spared being thrown away after they outgrow their cuteness.
A pet is for life. Some owners do not regularly take their pet for pet visits or keep up their immunizations. That is also some thing to ponder. Will you let yr child take the chance of contracting a disease just because you think it's too expensive to have the immunizations? Somehow that's what many Singaporeans are doing. Expensive to keep a pet? My answer is yes and not forgetting that besides money, time and effort as well.
As for my two tortoises, I had no choice since nobody want to adopt them and I had to put them in the Kranji River beside my place when we made the trip to Sydney. Somehow I always wondered what happen to them. Are they okay or already dead?
Now that we are going back Singapore, we are again back at how to take care of our pet. JJ is such a baby. He chose me when we go to the animal rescue centre. He was so excited in seeing me and could not help clinging on to me. He melted my heart so we adopted him. Sometimes he is such a headache as he still has accidents at home. Not a very clever dog but definitely affectionate.
Now that I have read more about animal rescue, I am not going to buy another pet from pet shop. All my previous pet were bought as they look so cute and children kept pestering me to buy them. In Singapore, people are still quite naive/ ignorant like what I used to be. I would never know that animals are put to sleep when they were not adopted for a certain period of time or that certain species are not allowed in HDB and their dog had to be sent away. When the cute puppies outgrow their cuteness and become a full grown adult, some of them were discarded.
Here in Australia, all pets have to be microchipped whereby lost dogs can be traced back to their owner. If Singapore government can enforce the rule, many dogs can be spared being thrown away after they outgrow their cuteness.
A pet is for life. Some owners do not regularly take their pet for pet visits or keep up their immunizations. That is also some thing to ponder. Will you let yr child take the chance of contracting a disease just because you think it's too expensive to have the immunizations? Somehow that's what many Singaporeans are doing. Expensive to keep a pet? My answer is yes and not forgetting that besides money, time and effort as well.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Happiness is fate
Life is full of surprises and we won't know what will await at the corner. An entry in facebook from Hui Li and we realized today some years back is a special day for them. Found out from Joe Keen they are actually celebrating the day they met. That's definitely a day to celebrate. Imagine meeting so many people in our lives and that special someone catches our eye on that special day. Being able to find someone to share our lives together is so wonderful.
The picture below is about a love story. Read this and felt really touched! The old rural couple travelled many miles to go to the city as the wife wanted to eat her favourite fried dough/Shao1 bing3. Old grandpa was so determined to bring her as he does not know how many more days they have to enjoy the little pleasures of life. Old Grandma is unable to walk easily due to old age but his husband helped her along. Finding someone who loved you and willing to go that extra mile for you is not easy. Old grandpa said his wife has sacrificed a lot for him and this little act is nothing compared to what he has been receiving from his wife over the years of marrige.
Meeting someone special means we must constantly count our blessings! Being able to grow old together and share the many things along the way is such a wonderful experience!
The picture below is about a love story. Read this and felt really touched! The old rural couple travelled many miles to go to the city as the wife wanted to eat her favourite fried dough/Shao1 bing3. Old grandpa was so determined to bring her as he does not know how many more days they have to enjoy the little pleasures of life. Old Grandma is unable to walk easily due to old age but his husband helped her along. Finding someone who loved you and willing to go that extra mile for you is not easy. Old grandpa said his wife has sacrificed a lot for him and this little act is nothing compared to what he has been receiving from his wife over the years of marrige.
Meeting someone special means we must constantly count our blessings! Being able to grow old together and share the many things along the way is such a wonderful experience!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
2nd day of holiday
This morning I got up feeling tired and a nasty headache coming. After breakfast, I chased the boys out to the park as they were playing with basketball at home. Told them again and again not to play any ball indoor as they always never fail to break things. I took the girls to library as Charlynn wants to borrow some books. while they were in the library, I went to buy groceries. We decided to have fish and chips for lunch. Boys were told to get back at 12pm and we were running late when we collected our lunch.
Guess what? Boys were still not back yet at 12.20pm. Joe called and I mentioned that and he said boys are like that, 12pm means they will only start walking back at 12pm. Anyway after lunch, they had nothing to do but mess around so maybe next time should let them play longer at the park.
Headache is still not really stopped. The painkiller is blocking out some pain but think it will come back after the medicine wears off. Joe's body is still playing hide and seek with him. His injury seems to come and go. Somehow he is feeling rather stressed lately as he has a presentation next Monday and his body is not cooperating with him. His office is full of germs. He seems to have caught a flu bug and has been having a blocked nose. He is stressed and seems to be angered by little things. Told him he should not stay at home for the whole of this week if not boys will drive him nuts. Hope he will recover soon and do well in his presentation.
I have not thought of any thing exciting to do yet as Joe is not well. The trip to Goldcoast has been shelved as he seems like unable to sit so long in a road journey.
Will try to get children to finish their bought assessment from Singapore if possible. Wish me luck in this!
Guess what? Boys were still not back yet at 12.20pm. Joe called and I mentioned that and he said boys are like that, 12pm means they will only start walking back at 12pm. Anyway after lunch, they had nothing to do but mess around so maybe next time should let them play longer at the park.
Headache is still not really stopped. The painkiller is blocking out some pain but think it will come back after the medicine wears off. Joe's body is still playing hide and seek with him. His injury seems to come and go. Somehow he is feeling rather stressed lately as he has a presentation next Monday and his body is not cooperating with him. His office is full of germs. He seems to have caught a flu bug and has been having a blocked nose. He is stressed and seems to be angered by little things. Told him he should not stay at home for the whole of this week if not boys will drive him nuts. Hope he will recover soon and do well in his presentation.
I have not thought of any thing exciting to do yet as Joe is not well. The trip to Goldcoast has been shelved as he seems like unable to sit so long in a road journey.
Will try to get children to finish their bought assessment from Singapore if possible. Wish me luck in this!
Monday, July 13, 2009
1st Day of school holiday
Today is the first day of my kids' 2 weeks winter holiday. They are actually quite well behaved. I gave them time for computer games and tV. somehow i suspect boys are really well behaved as chantz has a nasty leg wound and he could not move easily. He was lying down and not playing with Charles.
In the afternoon, I decided to bring him to doctor as I think his injuries seems pretty serious. Doctor said that he will have to go hospital if there is no improvement after taking the antibiotic for 24 hrs. She does not want blood poisoning or infection going into bone marrow. WoW! that sound pretty serious.
Now, the boys are playing a card game. Chantz's wound seems much improved. I fed him painstop and seems like he is not in pain anymore. The infection seems to be improving too. Thank God! if not I really hate bringing him to hospital. Got to go now as it's time for medication.
In the afternoon, I decided to bring him to doctor as I think his injuries seems pretty serious. Doctor said that he will have to go hospital if there is no improvement after taking the antibiotic for 24 hrs. She does not want blood poisoning or infection going into bone marrow. WoW! that sound pretty serious.
Now, the boys are playing a card game. Chantz's wound seems much improved. I fed him painstop and seems like he is not in pain anymore. The infection seems to be improving too. Thank God! if not I really hate bringing him to hospital. Got to go now as it's time for medication.
Interesting Article about MEN
The Man Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the
guys' side of the story.
We always hear the Rules from the female side. Nowhere are the rules
from the male side.
Note: These are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!
1. Men are NOT mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it
down. We need it up, you need it down.You don't hear us complaining
about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do
not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say
it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's
what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In
fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways
makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it
done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it
yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during
commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.. Peach,
for example, is a fruit, not a color.Pumpkin is also a fruit.. We have
no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that..
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing,"We will act like
nothing's wrong.. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the
hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to,expect an answer
you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine.
Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to
discuss such topics as baseball or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1.. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the
couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like
camping.
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the
guys' side of the story.
We always hear the Rules from the female side. Nowhere are the rules
from the male side.
Note: These are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!
1. Men are NOT mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it
down. We need it up, you need it down.You don't hear us complaining
about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do
not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say
it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's
what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In
fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways
makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it
done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it
yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during
commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.. Peach,
for example, is a fruit, not a color.Pumpkin is also a fruit.. We have
no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that..
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing,"We will act like
nothing's wrong.. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the
hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to,expect an answer
you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine.
Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to
discuss such topics as baseball or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1.. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the
couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like
camping.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Family membership
This morning I sent an email to Singapore Zoologicl Gardens to feedback on their family membership. I am a parent who really love visiting the zoo with my young ones. The fact that I can teach things like global warmings, animal distiction etc and not forgetting creating fond memories together as a family is a reason that I love visiting the zoo.
Used to be able to send everyone of us in before 2005 as the family package is affordable and it includes 2 adults and 3 children. Now with Channery in the picture, enrolling as zoo member means I have to pay for one child ticket. We used to be able to go in without paying as she was still a baby. Now that she is a toddler, she will have to pay.
Singapore's government is promoting pro-family measures and I think limiting the number of children in membership is like taking a step backwards. As long as the kid is mine, I think the family membership should include having him/her in. We should have membership system that include parents and their children.
In Australia, family membership means a adult/ 2 adults with his/her/ their children as long as can be justified. Singapore's tourism board should look into ways to promote families to go out together. I think many international tourists might be also puzzled by the singapore system of definding Family whereby its 2 adults and 3 kids?????
In fact, another example which I think is worth mentioning is sydney railway whereby it has special offer for families if an adult travel with his/her kids during weekends to enable parents to bring their kids out and not paying too much. IT's everyone paying $2.50 for the whole day. This type of measure means parents are more willing to bring their offsprings out rather than staying at home. Taking the kids to visit grandparents also made more afordable like that right???
What is important? Family cohesiveness or just earning money. I want to make sure I am storing enough fond memories for my kids and me so that we can stay connected and strong together.
Used to be able to send everyone of us in before 2005 as the family package is affordable and it includes 2 adults and 3 children. Now with Channery in the picture, enrolling as zoo member means I have to pay for one child ticket. We used to be able to go in without paying as she was still a baby. Now that she is a toddler, she will have to pay.
Singapore's government is promoting pro-family measures and I think limiting the number of children in membership is like taking a step backwards. As long as the kid is mine, I think the family membership should include having him/her in. We should have membership system that include parents and their children.
In Australia, family membership means a adult/ 2 adults with his/her/ their children as long as can be justified. Singapore's tourism board should look into ways to promote families to go out together. I think many international tourists might be also puzzled by the singapore system of definding Family whereby its 2 adults and 3 kids?????
In fact, another example which I think is worth mentioning is sydney railway whereby it has special offer for families if an adult travel with his/her kids during weekends to enable parents to bring their kids out and not paying too much. IT's everyone paying $2.50 for the whole day. This type of measure means parents are more willing to bring their offsprings out rather than staying at home. Taking the kids to visit grandparents also made more afordable like that right???
What is important? Family cohesiveness or just earning money. I want to make sure I am storing enough fond memories for my kids and me so that we can stay connected and strong together.
Tax system in Australia
We are going to file our tax statement. Guess what filing means we get to receive money from government as the government has already kept the certain amount from the employer. We do not get full amount of salary. At the end of financial yr, you claimed back and for many that can be a small fortune. Those who enjoy the rebates can use the money on whatever they like. Tours with family, buying Christmas presents, buying new clothes and textbooks. Anything but provided you do the work of filing yr tax statement.
One thing bad at the system here is that it is so complicated that many need the service of accountant to help them in getting as uch money back as possible. One of the job always in demand here in Australia is Accountant.
In Singapore, our tax system is so easy that we can file easily by ourselves. If singapore converts to this system of getting the money first, there will be some problems at first but I think all Singaporeans will welcome the move.
Why I say so? Well! I know of many who will spend first and have practically no savings or enough savings to tide them over at least for a couple of yrs. To them the latest gadgets are so fabulous that it seems to be a must to have. During crisis this type of tax system is good as people will not be burden by their income which they earn a yr before. To those who had lost their jobs- paying house mortgages, car loans and if still have to pay the hefty tax incurred for their last yr's salary, it could be really disasterous.
With this type of pay first receive back later system, the jobless might even have the means to tide them over the critical period of joblessness when they get back their tax paycheck.
We can never curb people's spending habits to force them to save. Our CPF system is doing a great job of enabling people to have a roof over their heads by putting money away so they were forced to save. The tax system is another way to make sure families intersts are not forfeited because of poor money management. The yearly pay check if given at around Dec will help poor families to buy books, uniforms, long postponed holidays etc.
I am hoping to see this move as I really find that it will benefit all Singaporeans in the long run.
One thing bad at the system here is that it is so complicated that many need the service of accountant to help them in getting as uch money back as possible. One of the job always in demand here in Australia is Accountant.
In Singapore, our tax system is so easy that we can file easily by ourselves. If singapore converts to this system of getting the money first, there will be some problems at first but I think all Singaporeans will welcome the move.
Why I say so? Well! I know of many who will spend first and have practically no savings or enough savings to tide them over at least for a couple of yrs. To them the latest gadgets are so fabulous that it seems to be a must to have. During crisis this type of tax system is good as people will not be burden by their income which they earn a yr before. To those who had lost their jobs- paying house mortgages, car loans and if still have to pay the hefty tax incurred for their last yr's salary, it could be really disasterous.
With this type of pay first receive back later system, the jobless might even have the means to tide them over the critical period of joblessness when they get back their tax paycheck.
We can never curb people's spending habits to force them to save. Our CPF system is doing a great job of enabling people to have a roof over their heads by putting money away so they were forced to save. The tax system is another way to make sure families intersts are not forfeited because of poor money management. The yearly pay check if given at around Dec will help poor families to buy books, uniforms, long postponed holidays etc.
I am hoping to see this move as I really find that it will benefit all Singaporeans in the long run.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Marriage Vow
I take my marriage vow very seriously and hope my husband is the same. Can't say for him since I can never change him. Actually I never did write my own marriage vows but just answer "I do" during ROM. Come to think of it, it will be a good idea to renew our marriage vow every 10 or 5 yrs.
We were supposed to have a wedding photographs taken to mark our tenth marriage anniversary in 2006 but in the end never really go about doing it. We had photographs taken for my whole family instead. Joe not comfortable to don the whole thing -- he kinda thinks its wayang wayang.
We were officially married on 1st Oct 2006---Yes, the Children Day. Thinking back I still recalled a naive and blurred bride who was late for her ROM as she could not get a taxi. I could not control my tears when I finally reached the venue and learnt that we were still able to get married. Life is never so much of planning and more planning for me, I just let things happen naturally and embrace the challenges and surprises along the way.
When you love someone, you have to accept his/her shortcomings if not you going to make the choice to love or leave him. I take my marriage vow seriously but it takes two to tango. Many a times I have to lower my expectations and accept what I have. Joe and I are like two opposite poles- we complement each other but at the same time there are many conflicts of intersts. I know he has been putting up with my nonsense too and lower his expectations at the same time. What is marriage and can love and respect sustain it?? I sometime do not get his style of showing concern and love. What I need is just a shoulder to cry on and soothing words but I get someone to analyse the situation and solutions for me. When that happens, I have to tell myself that is how it's going to be...... Maye Joe thinks he is a normal guy and doing what guys do but I sometime really xxx it. He can be in a world by himself and won't share what is bothering him. It's like I am trying to break through a wall of defence.
It's like the Chinese song "Shou4 hai4 zhe3" (Victim) when her boyfriend found someone new. all her love and effort in making the relationship worked just did not work and she wondered who was really the victim... She or her boyfriend who was unable to receive her love???? Can I hope that we will be together.......
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."
We were supposed to have a wedding photographs taken to mark our tenth marriage anniversary in 2006 but in the end never really go about doing it. We had photographs taken for my whole family instead. Joe not comfortable to don the whole thing -- he kinda thinks its wayang wayang.
We were officially married on 1st Oct 2006---Yes, the Children Day. Thinking back I still recalled a naive and blurred bride who was late for her ROM as she could not get a taxi. I could not control my tears when I finally reached the venue and learnt that we were still able to get married. Life is never so much of planning and more planning for me, I just let things happen naturally and embrace the challenges and surprises along the way.
When you love someone, you have to accept his/her shortcomings if not you going to make the choice to love or leave him. I take my marriage vow seriously but it takes two to tango. Many a times I have to lower my expectations and accept what I have. Joe and I are like two opposite poles- we complement each other but at the same time there are many conflicts of intersts. I know he has been putting up with my nonsense too and lower his expectations at the same time. What is marriage and can love and respect sustain it?? I sometime do not get his style of showing concern and love. What I need is just a shoulder to cry on and soothing words but I get someone to analyse the situation and solutions for me. When that happens, I have to tell myself that is how it's going to be...... Maye Joe thinks he is a normal guy and doing what guys do but I sometime really xxx it. He can be in a world by himself and won't share what is bothering him. It's like I am trying to break through a wall of defence.
It's like the Chinese song "Shou4 hai4 zhe3" (Victim) when her boyfriend found someone new. all her love and effort in making the relationship worked just did not work and she wondered who was really the victim... She or her boyfriend who was unable to receive her love???? Can I hope that we will be together.......
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."
When are you going to live yr life to fullest?
Received this email from friend. Have read it before but re reading it still very much affected......
A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:'This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package.' He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.
'She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on , was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing. He was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died.
He turned to me and said:
'Never save something for a special occasion.
Every day in your life is a special occasion'.
I still think those words changed my life.
Now I read more and clean less. I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.
I spend more time with my family, and less at work. I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day........
I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.
I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever
I want to. The words 'Someday...' and ' One Day....' are fading away from my
dictionary. If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it
now....
I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends. She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels.
I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favourite food. It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come...
Each day, each hour, each minute, is special. Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one. If you got this, it's because someone cares for you and because,
probably, there's someone you care about.
If you're too busy to send this out to other people and you say to yourself that you will send it 'One of these days' , remember that 'One
day' is far away.... or might never come....
Do spemd some time reading it sometime, it holds useful messages for the soul.
A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:'This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package.' He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.
'She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on , was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing. He was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died.
He turned to me and said:
'Never save something for a special occasion.
Every day in your life is a special occasion'.
I still think those words changed my life.
Now I read more and clean less. I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.
I spend more time with my family, and less at work. I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day........
I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.
I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever
I want to. The words 'Someday...' and ' One Day....' are fading away from my
dictionary. If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it
now....
I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends. She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels.
I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favourite food. It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come...
Each day, each hour, each minute, is special. Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one. If you got this, it's because someone cares for you and because,
probably, there's someone you care about.
If you're too busy to send this out to other people and you say to yourself that you will send it 'One of these days' , remember that 'One
day' is far away.... or might never come....
Do spemd some time reading it sometime, it holds useful messages for the soul.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Births
Yesterday we watched the show' The zoo" whereby a first time female elephant gave birth its calf in the zoo. Can see that she was clearly struggling to bring forth the 100kg baby. When the baby was born, the keepers rushed in to help tearing the baby from the membrane. Mother elephant was in pain and agitated. Luckily she was able to calm down and did not reject her newborn. The elephant is now 3 weeks old and the other day, we saw a photograph of it in the newspaper. First elephant to be born here in Australia. We were all so excited over the birthing process. Even the keepers and vets could not contain their joy and relief and shed tears of joy and happiness.
I am writing this entry as just finished reading an article on today's paper. It is a sad story whereby a husband found his wife unconcious on presciption drugs for post natal depression and his twins dead. The seven month old twins were not breathing when their father arrived home. In the weeks leading up to the twin's death, mother has posted comments on facebook about feeling tired and sleep deprived. It is understood that family members took turns to visit her and one of them spoke to her at 11plus and noted no indication that any thing was wrong.
Somehow whenever I read about women suffering from post natal blues always feel really sad. How they suffer - nobody wil know except themselves. Just like backache and nerve pain, the pain can be so drastic at certain one point and really everything seems so grey.
For mums of multiple births, the hormones imbalance can set about the depression. Furthermore looking after two or more babies can be a really tiring job. Having one is already a handful, let alone 2 or three.
I feel that this tragedy can be prevented if there is another person living with the family. Visiting is not enough as she is emotionally unsound and need a helping hand. simple tasks like feeding can also be really dificult for her. She needs counselling and learn coping strategies on how to think positively. Husband must be supportive and help to find ways to help with her condition.
Women are under a lot of pressure to perform --- one of them being a good mum. Somehow we women need to know that we can't be superwoman who can do all.
Been there, done that and life will go on happily if you choose to be happy. Miserable if we chose to be the victim and looking at the dark side of things. I made my choice and still having a whale of the time. What I can't deliver, even if you torture or kill me, you won't have it. What you see is what you get!!!
I am writing this entry as just finished reading an article on today's paper. It is a sad story whereby a husband found his wife unconcious on presciption drugs for post natal depression and his twins dead. The seven month old twins were not breathing when their father arrived home. In the weeks leading up to the twin's death, mother has posted comments on facebook about feeling tired and sleep deprived. It is understood that family members took turns to visit her and one of them spoke to her at 11plus and noted no indication that any thing was wrong.
Somehow whenever I read about women suffering from post natal blues always feel really sad. How they suffer - nobody wil know except themselves. Just like backache and nerve pain, the pain can be so drastic at certain one point and really everything seems so grey.
For mums of multiple births, the hormones imbalance can set about the depression. Furthermore looking after two or more babies can be a really tiring job. Having one is already a handful, let alone 2 or three.
I feel that this tragedy can be prevented if there is another person living with the family. Visiting is not enough as she is emotionally unsound and need a helping hand. simple tasks like feeding can also be really dificult for her. She needs counselling and learn coping strategies on how to think positively. Husband must be supportive and help to find ways to help with her condition.
Women are under a lot of pressure to perform --- one of them being a good mum. Somehow we women need to know that we can't be superwoman who can do all.
Been there, done that and life will go on happily if you choose to be happy. Miserable if we chose to be the victim and looking at the dark side of things. I made my choice and still having a whale of the time. What I can't deliver, even if you torture or kill me, you won't have it. What you see is what you get!!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Naughty Channery or Mummy
Should I regret and repent?
Left Channery standing alone in a shopping complex for 10 mins and hid in a corner observing her after she refused to go to the car after story telling session. She was so headstrong, I decided to walk of and see if she would follow me.
In the end, found her at ease and even climbed up the side of escalator and played a make-shit slide. Stepped in only when security guard appeared and asking for her parent.
She kept saying " I don't want u....." when I pulled her away back to car.
What had just happened?
I should have more patient and squat down to her level to talk to her by looking in her eyes and told her what is expected of her. somehow I was angry and also anxious to come back to take in the laundry.
Been there and done that and still I made the mistake. Why is it my buttons are so easily pushed???
Definitely naughty mummy as she should know better!
Left Channery standing alone in a shopping complex for 10 mins and hid in a corner observing her after she refused to go to the car after story telling session. She was so headstrong, I decided to walk of and see if she would follow me.
In the end, found her at ease and even climbed up the side of escalator and played a make-shit slide. Stepped in only when security guard appeared and asking for her parent.
She kept saying " I don't want u....." when I pulled her away back to car.
What had just happened?
I should have more patient and squat down to her level to talk to her by looking in her eyes and told her what is expected of her. somehow I was angry and also anxious to come back to take in the laundry.
Been there and done that and still I made the mistake. Why is it my buttons are so easily pushed???
Definitely naughty mummy as she should know better!
Meet the parents session
This week children still in school as they have a wk 11. Today is meet the teacher session and will be meeting the kids teacher to discuss kids progress.
When I was a teacher, I always look forward to meeting the parents as I can enlist their help and have a deeper understanding of the family background and kids' difficulties. I find that meeting parents is such a valuable experience for me. Those parents who do not find time to come and see me, I really pity their kids.
When I was a school counsellor, I really felt really bad after talking to neglected kids. Mind you - some of these kids have all the material things in the world and their parents can be earning good income. Their parents are so blinded by their own pursuits of life that they do not take care of the emotional aspects of their kids. Many a times, I am most affected when meeting kids whose parents are either not on good terms or divorced. Can really see the struggle these kids have.
I love helping children as they are really receptive and really do give their trust to you. It is a good job to be able to reach out but the kids also affected me to ponder about my life. Kids with no Daddy and mum working and no time for them?
Will I go back to the job as school counsellor? Not when my own life is in chaos whereby my kids are screaming attention attention.....all the time la... :>
When I was a teacher, I always look forward to meeting the parents as I can enlist their help and have a deeper understanding of the family background and kids' difficulties. I find that meeting parents is such a valuable experience for me. Those parents who do not find time to come and see me, I really pity their kids.
When I was a school counsellor, I really felt really bad after talking to neglected kids. Mind you - some of these kids have all the material things in the world and their parents can be earning good income. Their parents are so blinded by their own pursuits of life that they do not take care of the emotional aspects of their kids. Many a times, I am most affected when meeting kids whose parents are either not on good terms or divorced. Can really see the struggle these kids have.
I love helping children as they are really receptive and really do give their trust to you. It is a good job to be able to reach out but the kids also affected me to ponder about my life. Kids with no Daddy and mum working and no time for them?
Will I go back to the job as school counsellor? Not when my own life is in chaos whereby my kids are screaming attention attention.....all the time la... :>
What will be will be
Ever wondered if your child will be some VIP or wanted criminals? As a parent, I am really afraid to think of them getting into either category. If they are VIPs, that means they will not have normal lifestyle and that we are to be constantly on our toes too. Not going to push them to be what they do not want to be. Normal working people that do their very best in whatever they are doing will be just fine for me. Having said so, Charles once told me he wanna be a firefighter and I immediately told him to reconsider. That was a few years back whereby he was only 4 or 5 yrs old. The nature of work in my eyes is simply too dangerous. At that time, I was really protective of them and scope and view of life is rather limited. Now i think back, I realized people do grow -- not in terms of sizes but thinking as well. what will be will be, can we change their thinking. Answer is definitely no.
If Charles still thinks that being a firefighter is a career he wants to pursue, I think i will encourage and support him now. Who am i to tell him not to become? We make our own marks in this world.
Actually my friend once commented that if the parents are too outstanding, the kids will not be as good as the kids' needs are well taken care of by the parents and they might not have the motivation to do their best. I think there is some truths in it except that if parents are outstanding, kids will look up to them as role models. Having good role models means your life is half way over the mark.
Yesterday's show about the couple who used hammer and screwdriver to fight is a good example whereby the parties involved are used to domestic violence. They do not know how to talk nicely or negotiate except to shout and fight. We learn how to be parents from who else but our parents. I know I am more towards laissez-faire parenting style as that was what I grew up with.
Anyway, what parenting style do you have?
Read and find out for yourself at
http://www.talaris.org/spotlight_parenting_styles.htm
I am not going to let my child grow up like weeds so I wanna try to be the Emotional coaching parents who knows how to empathize and guide.
Tough to be so but trying........
If Charles still thinks that being a firefighter is a career he wants to pursue, I think i will encourage and support him now. Who am i to tell him not to become? We make our own marks in this world.
Actually my friend once commented that if the parents are too outstanding, the kids will not be as good as the kids' needs are well taken care of by the parents and they might not have the motivation to do their best. I think there is some truths in it except that if parents are outstanding, kids will look up to them as role models. Having good role models means your life is half way over the mark.
Yesterday's show about the couple who used hammer and screwdriver to fight is a good example whereby the parties involved are used to domestic violence. They do not know how to talk nicely or negotiate except to shout and fight. We learn how to be parents from who else but our parents. I know I am more towards laissez-faire parenting style as that was what I grew up with.
Anyway, what parenting style do you have?
Read and find out for yourself at
http://www.talaris.org/spotlight_parenting_styles.htm
I am not going to let my child grow up like weeds so I wanna try to be the Emotional coaching parents who knows how to empathize and guide.
Tough to be so but trying........
Monday, July 6, 2009
Raising responsible kids is so difficult
Joe been having nerve pain for the past few days and I do not know how to help him. After much persuasion, he finally visited a doctor yesterday. somehow tried all kinds of massage and hot pack but still no good. He is very stubborn when it comes to visiting the medical profession. Youngest Daughter kept saying she was the doctor and would look after him. He had been staying at home but still think pain will go off. The anti-inflammatory medication seems to work. Hope he will get well real soon as without his input, parenting role and household chores can be rather tough with 4 kids to juggle.
Come to think of it, if we go back early in Dec, can I cope? Will get a maid to help out and maybe that will be okay.
Been really busy with household chores this morning. I don;t really need them to do dificult tasks. They just have to throw their own rubbish in the dustbin, keep their toys after playing, take back and wash their own utensils and put dirty laundry in the laundry basket. These are the simple tasks that they can do. Frankly speaking I am really afraid to sweep floor every Monday as I will find funny things all over the place. Like uneaten or half eaten cheese, food wrappers and cups with funny contents. Tried assigning a different coloured cup each and ended up they claimed their siblings took their cups and they are not the culprit. food wrapper is worse, they can be found on bed, under sofa, all over the place. I think the culprits are the 3 younger ones as charlynn is really sensible and her things are always in order. channery and the twins are the ones not so sensible!!!
My solution now is to stop buying anymore. They will live with oatmeal, bread and milk powder. No more packet drinks, energy bars and titbits. I find that the only way to stop rubbish piling is to stop buying. Somehow it works better than teaching them to take care of their own thrash.
Come to think of it, if we go back early in Dec, can I cope? Will get a maid to help out and maybe that will be okay.
Been really busy with household chores this morning. I don;t really need them to do dificult tasks. They just have to throw their own rubbish in the dustbin, keep their toys after playing, take back and wash their own utensils and put dirty laundry in the laundry basket. These are the simple tasks that they can do. Frankly speaking I am really afraid to sweep floor every Monday as I will find funny things all over the place. Like uneaten or half eaten cheese, food wrappers and cups with funny contents. Tried assigning a different coloured cup each and ended up they claimed their siblings took their cups and they are not the culprit. food wrapper is worse, they can be found on bed, under sofa, all over the place. I think the culprits are the 3 younger ones as charlynn is really sensible and her things are always in order. channery and the twins are the ones not so sensible!!!
My solution now is to stop buying anymore. They will live with oatmeal, bread and milk powder. No more packet drinks, energy bars and titbits. I find that the only way to stop rubbish piling is to stop buying. Somehow it works better than teaching them to take care of their own thrash.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Interesting D-map
Read a magazine article called the D-Map. D stand for dick.
Article like this:
A lady went for a long walking 2 weeks Nature tour In Africa after his ex-boyfriend got married at Sydney. Ended up when she was finally out in civilization, she met two guys from UK. A coffee and some chit chat, they revealed that they just came back from Australia to attend a girlfriend's wedding whom one of the guy had a fling many years back. After talking a bit longer, the lady realized the wedding they attended was his boyfriend and his British wife. The bride had a sexual relationship with one of the guys many years back. That realization led to the article.
What a small world right??? Well! Like face book, everyone can be connected in one way or another. D map is the map whereby people map out their sexual partners. The list can go on and on. You could have only one sexual partner but he/she has a relationship prior to yours, you could be in for many surprises. What about other relationship before and history of our partners......
It can be really scary as the author asked some to do their D-map and some ended up with so complicated situations and question marks. What about diseases that has been passed around if there are any???
Nobody has any control over others' actions and who knows what will you ended up with if you are so careless with your body.
Hopefully I am raising my kids to be responsible adults who respect others and not just giving in to their animal instincts.
Interesting article and after all the laughing, can't help but ponder......
Article like this:
A lady went for a long walking 2 weeks Nature tour In Africa after his ex-boyfriend got married at Sydney. Ended up when she was finally out in civilization, she met two guys from UK. A coffee and some chit chat, they revealed that they just came back from Australia to attend a girlfriend's wedding whom one of the guy had a fling many years back. After talking a bit longer, the lady realized the wedding they attended was his boyfriend and his British wife. The bride had a sexual relationship with one of the guys many years back. That realization led to the article.
What a small world right??? Well! Like face book, everyone can be connected in one way or another. D map is the map whereby people map out their sexual partners. The list can go on and on. You could have only one sexual partner but he/she has a relationship prior to yours, you could be in for many surprises. What about other relationship before and history of our partners......
It can be really scary as the author asked some to do their D-map and some ended up with so complicated situations and question marks. What about diseases that has been passed around if there are any???
Nobody has any control over others' actions and who knows what will you ended up with if you are so careless with your body.
Hopefully I am raising my kids to be responsible adults who respect others and not just giving in to their animal instincts.
Interesting article and after all the laughing, can't help but ponder......
Friday, July 3, 2009
Holiday plans
Tomorrow will be the last day for Chinese school. Bought some titbits to share with my students as last 45 mins of the day will be party time. Kids will have school holidays till 1st August. Actually looking forward to the 2 wks holidays. It's time to recharge and recuperate.
For the first wk Joe will be busy at school and so I will have to jaga ( look after) them mysel. The second wk we will probably drive out to Goldcoast. At least a solid 15 hrs if non stop on road but we will probably break our trip two to three times along the way by staying one to two days at each stop. Everything is not finalized yet as Joe has been been busy and he still have muscle pain. Somehow will take a short break before school reopens on 26th July.
Actually now is winter and the snow in snowy mountain will be beautiful. however, the thoughts of buying extra clothings and other gears for skiing really put me off. Not forgetting we can't drive there but have to pay for transport. Children would love to see snow but we have decided that bringing them to snowy mountain is too troublesome and expensive. They would want skiing lessons etc and that won't be advisable since they probably will get hurt. They will have to travel on their own when they are bigger. If it snows in Blue Mountain, we will drive up and let them catch the snow there.
For me, the ideal holiday destination is somewhere sunny and beautiful scenery. Don't like noise so must be serene and calm somewhere like Phuket. Of course some may say we are so near to Fiji, we should book a trip there since the islands definitely fit my way of holidaying. Somehow the kids around, don't feel so motivated. I think the best holiday for me will be club med.
Okay anyway we need to comb as much australia as possible before we go back in December so Goldcoast definitely. The next holidays we want to go New Zealand as that was our plan when we were doing our honeymoon - Bring our kids here to marvel at the fantastic views!!!
For the first wk Joe will be busy at school and so I will have to jaga ( look after) them mysel. The second wk we will probably drive out to Goldcoast. At least a solid 15 hrs if non stop on road but we will probably break our trip two to three times along the way by staying one to two days at each stop. Everything is not finalized yet as Joe has been been busy and he still have muscle pain. Somehow will take a short break before school reopens on 26th July.
Actually now is winter and the snow in snowy mountain will be beautiful. however, the thoughts of buying extra clothings and other gears for skiing really put me off. Not forgetting we can't drive there but have to pay for transport. Children would love to see snow but we have decided that bringing them to snowy mountain is too troublesome and expensive. They would want skiing lessons etc and that won't be advisable since they probably will get hurt. They will have to travel on their own when they are bigger. If it snows in Blue Mountain, we will drive up and let them catch the snow there.
For me, the ideal holiday destination is somewhere sunny and beautiful scenery. Don't like noise so must be serene and calm somewhere like Phuket. Of course some may say we are so near to Fiji, we should book a trip there since the islands definitely fit my way of holidaying. Somehow the kids around, don't feel so motivated. I think the best holiday for me will be club med.
Okay anyway we need to comb as much australia as possible before we go back in December so Goldcoast definitely. The next holidays we want to go New Zealand as that was our plan when we were doing our honeymoon - Bring our kids here to marvel at the fantastic views!!!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Today's happening
Chant walked to school by himself as he was not ready when I left with the other 2 at 8.25am. He should be taught to bear the consequences of his own choice. I wondered if Chantz was scolding himself of being foolish today while walking to school. Somehow hope he will learn his lesson and cooperate with us when told in future.
Joe did not go to work today as he was having muscle pain on his thigh. It started with his back and now the thigh. Maybe he should go and see a doctor if he still does not get well soon.
I suspected the muscle pain is because of the fact that we sit on the floor and type with the laptop on the coffee table. Therefore, I cleared up the table at the kitchen and placed it in the living room. Hopefully with a proper chair, he will not recover soon.
At about 11am, I brought Channery to the library as today is story telling session. Now they have 2 sessions - one at 10.30am and another time slot at 11.30am. Channery enjoys going to the sessions as we get to listen to the interesting stories as well as doing some singing afterwards. She loves to stay on to colour the picture provided but I told her I was too hungry to stay and wanted to get back for lunch. Joe at home so must come back. Actually not really keen to have lunch outside as she always chooses fast food.
Cleaned up the place and felt really tired so I had a nap after fetching the kids home. Well! not very stressful day afterall.
Joe did not go to work today as he was having muscle pain on his thigh. It started with his back and now the thigh. Maybe he should go and see a doctor if he still does not get well soon.
I suspected the muscle pain is because of the fact that we sit on the floor and type with the laptop on the coffee table. Therefore, I cleared up the table at the kitchen and placed it in the living room. Hopefully with a proper chair, he will not recover soon.
At about 11am, I brought Channery to the library as today is story telling session. Now they have 2 sessions - one at 10.30am and another time slot at 11.30am. Channery enjoys going to the sessions as we get to listen to the interesting stories as well as doing some singing afterwards. She loves to stay on to colour the picture provided but I told her I was too hungry to stay and wanted to get back for lunch. Joe at home so must come back. Actually not really keen to have lunch outside as she always chooses fast food.
Cleaned up the place and felt really tired so I had a nap after fetching the kids home. Well! not very stressful day afterall.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Sons
My sons broke the garden light yesterday's evening. They were always in trouble and we have to keep reminding them to be careful. Will have to drive to the hardware shop to see if we can find a replacement.
Joe said he was at least glad that they admitted they were sorry about it after breaking it yesterday. I think they informed us and apologise because they were afraid we will find out this morning. Anyway considered that a small step to sensibility.
Anyone with sons will tell me boys will be boys. I even have a book "Bringing up Boys" but somehow I find myself still getting mad at them.
Yesterday did the hair treatment for head lice for them again. Guess what? My boys screamed and complained that I hurt them whereas my girls were pacified with my words. They kept saying not going to do it again and etc. Complaints and lots of screams. Somehow I thought boys are supposed to be tougher than girls but they really very diu1 lian3. Do boys have a lower threshold of pain or that they just supersensitive on touch??
Now they are going 9 yrs old- another 9 yrs to go to send them for NS. Wondered how to survive the 9 yrs with them getting into trouble now and then? One of my friends was sent to boarding school in UK since 12 yrs old. IF being together means trouble, maybe sending one away to boarding school is an option. But --- the million question is which of the twins should I send? Charles or chantz?????
Joe said he was at least glad that they admitted they were sorry about it after breaking it yesterday. I think they informed us and apologise because they were afraid we will find out this morning. Anyway considered that a small step to sensibility.
Anyone with sons will tell me boys will be boys. I even have a book "Bringing up Boys" but somehow I find myself still getting mad at them.
Yesterday did the hair treatment for head lice for them again. Guess what? My boys screamed and complained that I hurt them whereas my girls were pacified with my words. They kept saying not going to do it again and etc. Complaints and lots of screams. Somehow I thought boys are supposed to be tougher than girls but they really very diu1 lian3. Do boys have a lower threshold of pain or that they just supersensitive on touch??
Now they are going 9 yrs old- another 9 yrs to go to send them for NS. Wondered how to survive the 9 yrs with them getting into trouble now and then? One of my friends was sent to boarding school in UK since 12 yrs old. IF being together means trouble, maybe sending one away to boarding school is an option. But --- the million question is which of the twins should I send? Charles or chantz?????
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