Helen Plus Three

Son, taxi is still cheaper than renting acar.

2012-02-04T21:39:00.001+08:00

I dropped my son off at a birthday party somewhere in ulusville (to me that is, where I stay is probably someone elses' ulusville)... in Loyang and picked in up a few hours later. Another boys 11th birthday and it's the usual beyblades, Xbox and NERF wars....

You only have that kind of fun at this age and you are only 11 once.

So of course to and fro, taxi charges were $70 in total The surcharge in the evening racked it up another $10.

I told my son his bill for the night and he asked ' can we buy a car'. I suppose I'll have to explain to him that it is still cheaper than renting which is still cheaper than buying.

Oh well we'll see, life is so full of surprises.! Maybe I'll strike TOTO soon.

11-year olds and Nerf guns...

2012-01-29T20:54:00.003+08:00

My youngest turned 11. he got two parties this year, one with family including cousins and another with his school mates and neighbourhood playmates. He makes friends easily.

And of course where boys are concerned, the in thing now is NERF. So you can imagine, that's all they were talking about and bothering with from start to finish... fixing up their guns, attachments, bullets, extensions and who would have thought there were so many different varieties. I was concerned they would mix up their toys, but oh no... I'm told 'chill' 'no worries' ....

So I left them to it and they had great wild time in the park engrossed in their Nerf war..
Of course my living room looked like a battle zone with parts, and bullets and bags not to mention food and cups and drinks by the time we were half way through the party.
And what kind of party would it be without FAST FOOD!.

It is now almost coming to the close of my evening.

And for the family I hope they enjoyed my special treat of crabs.
I hope my son had a memorable birthday, and his friends had fun too and me I look forward to my bed soon.

Thank God for the lovely weather today.

Christmas cards and friendship

2012-01-20T22:17:00.000+08:00

Christmas gathering - a little late but no less joyful.....

Stamps from Penny Black (Christmas)

From Penny Black Stamps

Sizzix dies ..

Playing with distressed inks this Christmas season...

A Bildmalarna Stamp

Had a ribbon wrap around it, didn't update the photo...with Tim Holtz Distress inks..

Christmas cards for the year..

Renewal

2012-01-17T22:28:00.003+08:00

But sometimes you need to just take a look at it again to make sure it is still 'well'.

Some things last but eventually, they just break down.

Lately, the appliances in my home have been giving way one by one. The toaster, then the washing machine and then the microwave. Lights off and on...

It's like nature telling me it's time.

Some things can be repaired but some things just require renewal.

And like life I too will begin rejuvenation.

Birthday in December

2012-01-14T22:21:00.003+08:00

A birthday card for my sweet niece.

Stamp from Belles and Whistles set against a spellbinders die.

Pat's card, unfortunately I didn't update this photo, I modified it a litle bit more before I handed it off..

I d rather take the bus driver's place today...

2011-12-19T09:54:00.001+08:00

It's raining dinosaurs and dogs...today, I would rather be the bus driver. Sitting in his warm cozy seat, inside a a dry cabin, watching the rest of the world (us mere mortal) scrambling to get on to the bus in the pouring rain as we make our way to the office.

The wind is horrible today and umbrellas just a tad useful, bags wet, shoes soggy, hair with droplets, sleeves and arms catching water from someone else's umbrella or wet self.

We're probably getting the peripheral swipe of the typhoon that hit the northern parts of Asia.

Christmas is coming...

2011-11-28T23:01:00.001+08:00

A simply designed, slider card from last year's collection, using Reindeer stamp from Stamp City embossed in gold and a pair of paper Poinsettia flowers from Prima Flowers..

Advent has begun... time to prepare cards for Christmas again.

I've decided to play with the inks this year...mostly Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels here.

My first card made for 2011 Xmas

Two stamps used, one from Hero Arts the Nativity scene for the centre piece which is a Clear stamp and the background with the words is Penny Black "Christmas text' wood mounted.

Punch out is from EK. No die cuts here, used a design scissors to cut out the oval shape.

HUGS

2011-11-25T20:42:00.000+08:00

One can never get too many hugs.!

A blessed Sunday and pleasant week to all.

Busy November occasion card.. a Confirmation and a birthday.

2011-11-09T22:47:00.000+08:00

These stamps are from Heartfelt Creations, they're gorgeous and I just discovered them in time for this holy event.....and of course Martha Stewart's edge heart punch.
Get them at Paper Craft Garden at Suntec City or get them online...

Five birds ... a perching

2011-11-07T22:25:00.000+08:00

Five little birds sitting on a branch, preening themselves. Managed to grab a still and while I was fumbling with the camera trying to figure out how to switch to video, they decided they had sat long enough for me.

Such a pretty sight.

..... Bulbuls..

Warm & toasty Greetings.. Nov card

2011-10-29T09:17:00.001+08:00

An old Rose with Bow stamp from...Stampa Rosa (Santa Rosa) (1999)

Favourite wish stamps. 'God Sent His Best' from Stampendous, 'Be happy' from Santa Rosa, .....
" Warm.. toasty" from Sandi Gore Evans (Uptpwn Design Co) on paper backing from Cupcake (Basic Grey), bit of brown cardstock, loosely cut strips to give it a rough easel look.

Using a cuttlebug die on my sizzix machine on Yellow cardstock,..(die image on separate paper layered on front of card)

those tiny butterflies are the by-products of a spellbinders nestabilities((Butterflies circle) die image.

A mix of inks from Distress and .Versa Color and Versa Magic (pink and green and orange shades), ...
All Purpose Ink 72 Frost White lightly brushed on raised embossed areas.

A problem with this cardstock, embossing powder tends to get absorbed into the card and image becomes flat except for the copper powder on Warm & Toasty..

A card for my niece.

A locally composed song for Mother Earth

2011-10-25T11:29:00.004+08:00

Titled: World without Fences

The scenic views and sights mostly shot on Semakau island......

Hallo-ween

2011-10-19T22:41:00.000+08:00

We're not big on natural expressions, Asians are still relatively conservative you could say! But perhaps behind a horror mask it might be enjoyable and easier to be forward!

We're growing a larger international community and the practice of halloween here is becoming more visible among that crowd and the local younger educated ones are catching on to this in small ways through the pubs and clubs but other than that it's still a foreign festivity.

But it looks like a lot of fun for the kids.

For the Catholics, it's All Souls Day - a time to pray for the dead.. a solemn occasion. Let's not forget All Saints on the 1st - the good souls, not the scary ones... :)...

Strangely though, why does Halloween happen just before Christmas?

Another foreign celebration, I'm glad Valentine's caught on a while back, I like that concept of a special day for special people (FRIENDS not just of the opposite gender kid) and that's taken on it's own local flavor.

Strawberry Moments - Card

2011-10-15T15:55:00.002+08:00

It's probably one of the oldest stamps in my collection.

The main stamp design is from The Embossing Arts Co.. called Strawberry Border,
against a Sizzix embossed leaf background, a Sizzix die-cut dragon fly and my favourite sentiment for always from Hero Arts.

Some pretty embellishments - a bit of crochet ribbon trim from Pinkpaislee and classic lace Prima flowers..a little sprinkling of flower-soft Summer dust ..

Life is made up of sweet bouquets of special moments and sometimes it's up to us to ensure that we get those moments and not just wait upon others to create them for us.

Rivers and old cemeteries

2011-10-05T17:23:00.002+08:00

I've been taking the 107 bus back home after work lately. It's not too long a journey I discovered about 35min tops as opposed to switching buses and then to the North East Line train, perhaps about 5-10 min difference.
It's quite a smooth ride mainly because of the bus lane hours.
One it gives me a nice comfortable, sometimes freezing, seat all the way. I get to relax instead of running in and out of transport and doing the balancing act on my 2 inch heels in a crowded train.

Two I get to read or just sit back and think.

then.....

Lately in my effort to be more PRESENT, I have started to take note of my surroundings. Kallang Way/Kallang Bahru I think, I go past two rivers, Kallang and Whampoa are quite refreshing sights. It's not all industrial. I have to admit the City knows how to look after its' waterways and integrate it scenically into the heartlands.

Most of the time the view I get is better cos I 'm sitting in a double-decker bus.

I appreciate it, that we have trees, creepers and shrubs at any possible space that allows it. That much greenery, that much less of a barren-dry stony feel and that much more oxygen, kudos to town planners and dear LKY.

now...

Of course it benefits the fauna too.

The other area that it passes is Upper Serangoon/ Woodleigh what used to be the Malay and Christian cemeteries for a long time. Of course the buried residents are no longer there, they have all been moved to alternate abodes mostly columbarium niches.

I feel no fear really nor am I 'haunted' in thoughts when I go by that way. I just think because I am old enough, I have that long ago picture in my mind of how it used to be; snapshots of visiting my grandparents' graves, while the younger set will only see it though historical photos.
Now that I think on it, somehow burial seems more restful than the current process of cremation, laid to rest in an urn in a tiny piece of real estate called a niche.... hmmmm.
Let's not go there.

As I passed it yesterday again, I thought how peaceful the empty fields of grass looked and so quiet. I wonder if any spirits still linger.

Time Out with the Animals

2011-10-02T12:05:00.004+08:00

I never tire of the Zoo. That’s where we went on one of theSeptember school break holidays. Surprisingly we got there in about an hour in all bybus from home. The weather, thank God was kind, it drizzled alittle for the very initial part of the walk but then disappeared and remainedwarm but not hot.

Ticket prices have also gone up and up .. something like $5more per person since the last time we were here. Unfortunately Alr does notqualify as a child any longer, only Arn so total admission was close to $100 with the boatride on the lake, which was something new to try.

We headed for the boat dock first, walking past the sleepingTapirs.

The boat ride was a pleasant 15-20 minutes, quiet, at aleisurely pace and smooth, could almost make believe we were NOT in Singaporefor a little while. Of course it was too slow for Arn.

We got off close to the new Kidzworld with the Water park, .but.we walked in the opposite direction to visit the old lions and thegiraffes first, one of our favourites. The lazy lions were asleep but the Giraffes were chompingaway at the leaves..all quiet. The fragile forest afforded the kids some excitement whenone of the mousedeers let us close enough to pat it. Strangely the butterflieswere missing. The bats were flying around more than usual, the sloth was wherethey usually were and there were more ducks and crown pigeons wandering thefootpath.

Arn enjoyed his first ride on a Carousel, we had lunch atKFC of course and we gave the water park, which was pretty crowded amiss. Do you know there's a pony-like critter called a falabella ?.

There is a fair bit of upgradingtaking place at the zoo, so of course some enclosures wereclosed or missing animals like the white tigers. We gathered some interesting new bits of information such asgharials and gavials – slimmer looking versions of the alligator/crocodilefamily. I don’t recall them at all from last visits.

At the centre, we grabbed Ben & Jerry’s ice cream – Ihad a fabulous strawberry cheese flavour, the kids had chocolate cookie doughwhile Alr decided on dimsum.

Since I was working the next day, I planned not to staybeyond 3pm, we took the tram down to the next stop hoping to see the whitetigers before we made our way back. But alas they were missing. We walked on;visited the kangaroos, said goodbye to the pygmy hippos and headed for theexit.

The Hug card (wih ingredients)

2011-09-29T09:55:00.000+08:00

Completed the card, finally.

Stamp set from Crafty Secrets(Clear) - Bouquet of Joy with Words using glitter back powder.

Background stamped using
- Versamark Dazzle ink
- Hero Arts/Basic Grey - Luscious Bold Flowers
- embossed with

Kaleidoscope powder (transparent) from

Stampendous
- Stencil drawn cut out /circle

- Sizzix Scalloped circle die cut on pattern paper from Basic Grey(Cupcake)

- Letters from Sizzix die cut set (Hugs)

- Edge Lace punch (top of card) from Friskars.

Colouring of design is created with a combination of chalk and Tombow pens

Almost blue

2011-09-27T22:15:00.000+08:00

A MOMENT in my Life

I took the bus home today from work. Got on the single decker, plenty of seats, sat down to a pleasant unconscious- oblivious-to-all ride while I read my Nora Roberts book.
I got an empty seat, took my place beside the window and relaxed.
Quarter way into the trip, an old man came up and sat down beside me.
Oh man ! He definitely, definitely had not bathe in a month or year maybe. I held my breathe, tried to breathe through my nose, tried to continue to read, still controlled my breathes and finally began to hope (pray) that the old man would get off really really soon or I just might have to get out of there before I comatose d!

About 15 tortuous minutes later he got up and left. Oh thank God (although I doubt God would call that a prayer), I took a huge breathe.
By that time I was already developing a mild headache from the ride and heat and lack of oxygen probably.

Definitely not one of those times to 'live in the moment!

Are you in a better place now ?

2011-09-23T10:31:00.000+08:00

Has Life left it's mark .

Interestingly another way to look at where one is now 'if you had not been there, you might not be where you are now'.

So is it a better place to be now ?

For me the 'there' refers to a horrible plac, now.

it is better. ... but I cannot say good yet.

Wise reflections from a hard journey

2011-09-22T23:52:00.000+08:00

The book I just completed.. A Song Flung Up To Heaven – MayaAngelou.

There are many lessons to be reflected upon in Maya’s story, one ofthem seems to be about ‘balance’ where many of us tend to constantly thinkabout rushing forward.

In more than a couple of times Maya deliberately stops togather herself, assimilate to the environment/situation, settles herself inorder to move forward and because she is able to I believe that is one of thereasons she succeeds in getting where she needs to go.

“In order to join New York’s ebb and flow, I had to spend some timelistening to the sounds, watching the streams of people coursing east and westand north and south. When I thought I had my balance, I dared to look for anapartment.”

Another lesson seems to be to live wholly. Maya had moved many times, from one place to another, but when you reflect at the why, when, what necessitated the moves, and whereto she was somehow always moving forward in her life, whether she was certain or unsure of the destination or worried about her son.
For my part I think she had a very efficient guardian angel.
.

During her last night in Hawaii, she did her best show in dance. You can feel her whole being poured into her request when she writes " I asked for the music, then invited it to enter my body and find the broken and sore places and restore them. That it would blow through my mind and dispel the fogs. " and she let the music move her in dance. It feels pure and powerful, a prayer that Heaven cannot refuse.

Need time for my feet !

2011-09-21T22:51:00.003+08:00

No those aren't my feet. Who does not love a good foot pampering!

The one thing about getting your nails painted is, you gotta keep getting them painted ... and painted otherwise remove them altogether.

My toe nails are looking so pathetic, I haven't had time to do anything about them much less go get a pedi.. so I think I'll just have to make do with a patch up job for the time being .. tonight... cos I just can't stand the way they peek out through my favourite pair of shoes.

Bookaholic's seconds

2011-09-19T16:02:00.004+08:00

Is this... bookaholism !!. I'm completing one book by Maya Angelou and still got two other unfinished books on my night stand. In many instances I have a few choices tugging at me that I want to read, the books seem to be queuing up and I want to read them all, but just don't have enough time to do it. So that's how I end up with books-in-progress.

One of them is also by Maya Angelou (Wouldn't take nothing for my Journey Now) and the other is more psychological/philosophical by Erich Fromm.

It's like this, this book by Maya is meant to be read chapter by chapter, a selection of topics are treated separately, it's inspiration and wisdom wrapped up in very down-to-earth writing of experiences from her real life. So I take my time, pick it up again, now and when it calls and even re-read certain chapters. Maya's books are wonderful.

The other book, well this is a little heavier and deeper to read but oh so very interesting on the difference between having and being, exploring human nature's essence. I pick it up read a couple of chapters for a day or two and then put it down to mull over it for a whiiile.

Any free, waiting moment outside the home is time to fill with reading - on my journey to and from work, in a taxi queue, at the bus stop, standing on the train, at the hair saloon, sometimes at lunchtime if I'm by myself and finally before I sleep at night .... I usually indulge in all the other types of books start to finish, mostly fiction or inspiring biographies.

At home, there is not really much time unless the kids are doing their own thing like gaming and other play. There are books to go through too.. assessment books, school books, notebooks etc etc.. get the picture The Weekends are just too short to be spent on oneself when one has school age kids.
And when there is that serious extra long window to relax which is far and few - that's when the scrapbooking stuff comes out.

If you work hard, you just have to allow a few little indulgences.

The First Communion Card

2011-09-14T10:57:00.000+08:00

This was spur of the moment inspired for my niece. I had not stocked up on religious stamps apart from Christmas ones and well, occasions are ad hoc and so we don't always want to buy something that would hardly be used. I got my Alx to draw a chalice, cos I figured her free hand drawing would top mine any day. Ran an embossing pen along the borders and lines and used Hero Arts Gold embossing powder to raise the glitz with some glitter glue on the corners. And well I bought a couple of embellishments which popped in front of my face at the strangest place and time - the Bookshop.

The cross and the praying hands are actually hand sewn pieces that are meant to be ironed on to clothes. These were very appropriate for what I needed to add on.

I had created the card originally without these two embellishments and I felt that the essence of the occasion ('holy-ness') was missing and so that is how it all came together.

The big embossing die (background) is from Sizzix (simple and yet classic I thought), add a dash of white glimmer and a touch of green glimmer chalk and a bit of blue for the swallows. I had originally thought to leave it all white, but then possibly an adult might appreciate that but not a child.
The 'host' is a circle punch out from my old Carla Craft punches and the letters from Quickkutz dies. Add a light green paper background for little border and green inked leaf stamps all around.

The lighting is terrible. my apologies.

The final touch of course was to add a prayer inside the card.

Have car will travel

2011-09-03T13:34:00.001+08:00

We took the dog to the vet this morning.

Getting there we were lucky, didn't have to wait to long on the call ah but getting back was the kicker....many cabs, none stopped, we waited , I called, waited, called... . .. waited for an hour before a cabby came by and agreed to take us with the dog. God Bless him and his Silver Cab

The other grievance with cabs, they don't take 5 persons.

It is frustrating.

If you want life without a car in Singapore, don't have 3 kids, have 2, don't have a pet and getting around will be much easier and smoother.

'Branded'

2011-09-02T10:43:00.001+08:00

Branded stuff, I’ve never been really been into any of it for 'brand' sake, be it shoes or bags.
Call me practical.

I enjoy having new things and it’s probably due to the lack of when growing up, hand me downs and second hand stuff. ‘Newness’ not novelty, there’s a difference, does wear off but it lasts almost as long as the non-branded accessory does, which is good. I didn’t spend a bomb on it, so I can dispose off after a reasonable length of time and good use. I am a long wearer, I buy 1 bag and use it forever continuously and do not change it. As for shoes, I’m stuck on a couple or three (different heights/work or casual), only until they wear off and it’s time to get new ones.

So less access or waste. Hence it would not be cost effective for me to buy branded names nor practical when I myself do not need it to have a long lifespan.
It’s nice to have but eventually they do fill up the cupboard for the lack of use and the lack of wear. I understand it's not only applicable to females!

Fake or original I can’t tell the difference, I have friends who buy into the whole brand thing, it makes them feel good, I feel something bad for them when I don’t recognize it, anyway, they are quite happy to highlight it to me.

Adding on anxiety with technology

2011-08-24T09:31:00.001+08:00

Bus apps on the mobile, great idea ? Maybe, sometimes.
Mine is the for-android version..... am not an IPhone fan.

On the one hand, it helps pick which route to take or which alternative is faster, on the other it can be stressful.

Once upon a time, we were able to take our time, wait patiently, because we did not have expectations of the bus arrival. But today with the bus app, before you reach the stop, you can check on the arrival. And so you time yourself and get ready to meet that time or fret you might miss it or curse that you have missed it.

Did we just add a pile of anxiety to our plate ? Seems like everything we do gets put on the clock and we help ourselves to it. Download any more 'helpful' apps lately?

The Bee card with Hero Arts Floral scallop and Sixxiz dies

2011-08-21T22:15:00.005+08:00

I've been experimenting with my new tool, this is my latest card for one of my craft buddies, a close friend who introduced me to this hobby... 'the master poisoner' we affectionately call her.. who 's just an expert at handicrafts. The white background makes use of a sizzix embossing die, a little hard to see, unless you enlarge.

Big Flower in centre made with Sizzix dies, the white pattern is stamped on.

Flower Pot Card /using Prima flowers(miniature to add on to main card)

I'm still muddling through colour blends and mix as I work. ....More to come while I have the time...

Have a good work week (I'll try) and happy crafting if you do...

Going for Walks

2011-07-23T19:19:00.001+08:00

When I move, this will probably be one of the things I miss the most. Stepping out and walking in any direction, taking in the cool breeze, sitting in the park.. the quick 'hop, skip and a jump' to church..
It will not be the same in a HDB estate, especially when the high blocks seem to close one in. No I'm not taking a snobbish point of view, just speaking as plainly as possible, this is what it is.

Sure there will be greenery and trees, but somehow it will still not be the same. I suppose for the major part of my life, I have lived in a more open space environment. But I will get used to it, adapt like everything else that has passed in my life.
It will be a small price for peace and comfort. We'll carve out our space like we always can and accept it; and eventually to add to pleasant memories. We can still take our walks. Not so much to mourn about, positive changes, the ones who matter are with me. A loving family is all that matters.

I'm sure there will be new experiences to add, I look forward to them.

Card Making - die cut & embossing

2011-07-18T15:04:00.003+08:00

My first card using a die cut / embossing machine.

I resisted for so long, just wanting to stick with my enjoyable rubber stamping card-making endeavors. but I finally succumbed to getting the die cuts....Well it was more the embossing that pulled me and pulled me... and so here we are in the next stage of evolution of card making for me....

Too many channels to plug!

2011-07-16T00:01:00.000+08:00

When you say no TV, remember to specify Youtube, cos Youtube is not TV.

When you say no games, remember to specify TV and pc, AND mobile phone.

It's the technicalities that the kids will get you on. They are so sharp when it comes to that kind of stuff and yet they can't apply it at school.

There are way too many channels to plug, and if the kids are in need of reminding to be responsible, just wave the wand on the 'parental controls' and block it all. When the battle cries have calmed down and they then can hear what I am saying, I release some of the sites, but not before I 've looked them over.

Beware of gambling card games hidden well within innocent looking kids games.

Balance: not possible

2011-07-14T09:29:00.000+08:00

I recall a line that went something like, the best part about going away for a vacation, is the coming back.

Instantly I shook my head and went uh-uh, no way..

Sure it’s about the comfort and not having to worry about hotel rooms. laundry and the suitcase!

But coming back means returning to reality.

So if life is about balance, why is there always more reality than vacation time ?

Patience - a lost art..

2011-07-11T18:22:00.001+08:00

Are you in the age group that can remember the old telephone.

Yesterday in the mall, we passed one of these decorative replicas and my daughter asks me ' I don't understand how do you dial..' . For a moment, my brain sort of stalled, it's not something I would have worked out an explanation for before now, ever I think!. So I explained, if you want the 8, you put your finger into the slot, go round to the metal stopper and then let it go back and then you pick the next number like a 6 and do the same.
And she gave me this strange wide-eye look.. that said ..making a call would like take FOREVER....
And I started to laugh and then I said 'we grew up doing many things patiently, you can't imagine that can you, everything is instant these days, at the click/tap of a button or key.' These young people, get flustered when the internet explorer runs too slowly or files take 15 sec longer to download or emails don't get through fast enough.

Imagine waiting for each tel digit to go through!

No rapid train transport then, getting from point A to B by bus took at least 2 hours and up.

Imagine how using an old(manual) typewriter felt like for documents, I don't think fingers have that kind of strength anymore.

The fingers did get a lot more exercise in the old days.

..... I feel old...

Sunday Musing: simple daily rules for the living Heart

2011-07-10T12:02:00.034+08:00

Need inspiration for living, please visit Sandra at Healthier and Wealthier -. a blog on all subjects that improve health and wealth and wisdom (and that includes chocolate). You'll come away refreshed.

I found these few simple rules to follow everyday, displayed very succinctly on her blog. They point us towards a more peaceful life. Sandra has graciously allowed me to reproduce them here.

I am practicing what I read in the -Triangle of Truth-.

So many books. methods expounded and so much written on the subject of better living, how much do we recall. If you're busy and harried all the time, try these 6 simple tenets(printed it out), not too difficult to remember and put into practice... Of course I'm speaking for me too.

Just Do It Everyday

* Appreciate What Is Working In Your Life
* Find The Gift In Every Situation
* Focus On What You Want, Not What You Don't Want
* Make Time To Be Quiet
* Trust Your Faith
* Walk Away From Negativity

Another note to remind us how we can keep our hearts open.. Father R Rolheiser's writes in his latest column " God puts us into this world with huge hearts, hearts as deep as the Grand Canyon. The human heart in itself, when not closed off by fear, wound and paranoia, is the antithesis of pettiness." (Catholic News, 17 July 2011)

In essence, we ourselves are in charge of what takes control and what affects the 'size' of our heart. and we can aim for 'a noble heart by access[ing] what is 'best, highest, within [our]selves'.

Happy Sunday!

Movies in spades..

2011-07-09T20:07:00.001+08:00

Why couldn't they time the movies to launch during the June holidays.

After the Pirates of the Caribbean, X Men just barely made it, then followed after the hols by the Green Lantern, then the Transformers and now Harry Porter.... that's literally $50+ bugs per movie in a series of weeks.. do the math..... Well the kids are in movie heaven at the moment. What happens when the frenzy(cinema) dies down.....withdrawal ??.. (enough already... .. back to the books with you)

I thought X Men Classic was excellent in portrayal. Then after I was asking the question, why do they create movies in a backward sequence these days.. jump into the middle like for Star Wars, Star Trek, Batman.
I'm glad Lord of the Rings was shown in the right sequence.
Is it perhaps true that we would not be as interested to see the origins until we have seen the middle of the story?

Did I catch them in 3D , nah.. I think it's overrated if there aren't really that many special effects. Why pay $4(per person) more to see a perfectly good movie while fumbling with 3d goggles for marginal special dimensional effects.
I would consider it for the animated shows. Will there be a Transformers classic ?

I'm looking forward to more heroic action.... Captain America and Cowboys and Aliens (that will be a weird one!).
What's next after Harry Porter?

Child deaths...

2011-07-08T09:56:00.001+08:00

First it was Caylee, now I read about another child.

How does a child of 13 years, go missing for 2 years with no one missing him.
Anyone following the story of Christian Choate would ask this question first.

And to think that the family services were already aware of the child.

I hope it's a wake up call for relevant authorities and not just another tragedy.

It's so, so sad.

Odd thoughts (and doubts)

2011-07-07T17:39:00.002+08:00

I don't always know what's best but I know what's right.
I may not be the best mother in the world, but I do my best.
Every child has a right to live, to feel safe, to be loved. It is my job to ensure they do.
No child is perfect, they are all perfect to me.
Mischief! It's all part of the plan
If it doesn't feel right, it's not. If it doesn't feel natural, it cannot be.
If my child is not happy, I'm not.
If my child cannot express himself out loud, there is a reason.
Is there enough laughter
Are there enough cookies.
Have I given my child memories of balloons, fries and ice cream.
Is it enough.........
I cannot follow my mother's parenting pattern,
but I can follow how (much)love is given.

Mummy means 'Lost and Found'

2011-07-04T22:27:00.004+08:00

The lost and found department, that's me. I'm the first person they come looking for when they've lost an item. Mummy is the finder of lost items.

The kids are always loosing stuff, why? Of course, because they don't know where they walked off to; and I end up looking for them and finding them.

It's amazing isn't it, I'm the one who's supposed to be with the Bad memory, and yet I'm the one who seems to recall seeing this or that or remembering a glimpse of said item.

Can I help but nag about tidying up spaces.
Even my eyesight seems to top theirs. I have a 7th sense, I even see things sitting right in front of their faces that they can't.

I'm thinking of charging for the service!

Triangle to peace....

2011-06-28T17:18:00.001+08:00

Lisa Earle Mcleod writes a book that makes a lot of common sense. While we have always been thought to tolerate and compromise in relationships to keep the peace so to speak, she has added an interesting perspective which is not compromise but to listen and take in the opposing view and combine it with yours and output a result that is far superior from the original thoughts. It keeps the peace of the situation, with the other party and within ourselves too.

What it leaves is no baggage, no residual resentments and no bad blood. It opens new thought trends and moves one out of the box where new opportunities abound.

So life doesn't have to be complicated, we just allow it to get that way and wallow in it. The solutions and alternatives are there, we need to avail ourselves of them.

It's about changing your immediate response in a conflict situation. Hard!. Our usual communication and work process itself takes tweaking. In our fast track lives, slowing down a tad in order to do this is an exercise that requires meditative action. Tougher !.

Basic skills of thorough listening are quite absent with the amount of information passing through our hands and brains. Hence the friction in meetings and stress in arriving at satisfactory-to-all outcomes.

It's a good read for me, the stubborn (my nemesis for now), the righteous, the myopic, the moderator, the quarrelsome(same nemesis) and the leader. I have a colleague I'm always (everyone else seems too) bumping heads against, she 'll be the best person for me to practice this on. .

I especially like the idea that I have a reptilian portion of brain left in me, that explains alot ...:).

Beautiful Cambodia (June 2011)

2011-06-26T13:59:00.018+08:00

Horrors and wonders.... Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...

more than 1000 years of History and rich cultures inter mingled and it's where probably many of our Asians have our origins and links ...
and no, let's not forget too the more recent horrors from 35 years ago(killing >2mil people including women and children) - the despicable action of man's tyrannical rule - Pol Pot; and evidence of reckless land minds in surviving victims.
Still today, there are wounds and healing stories from among second generation descendants of lost loved ones.
The country is beautiful, and clean especially Siem Reap, if you have strength in your legs, see it now. There's lots of walking and climbing to be done...

Get the Banana Fritters in Siem Reap, couldn't locate those in Phnom Penh !.

1 of the 200 odd (torture) prisons set up by Pol Pot,
the grey border marks
the cell walls where they once used to be,
for 1 person and a little box for crap and pee.

shackles

Bayon Temples Siem Reap


Gorgeous architecture									and rich carvings

Bayon temple, glorious stone work, designs, MAGNIFICENT!

Cultural village presenting the many tribes of Cambodia

Floating Catholic Church on the Tonle Sap lake

Kulen Mountain... 9th Century temple.. (legs needed)

View our own tropical lights from Bakheng Hill., from the ruins of a 9th century temple,
waves of rainbow colours at sunset reflecting off the waters of the Lake
(not just legs needed by courage to climb the steep steps, worse getting down!!)

Angkor Wat

Feel the air around you, touch the stones and let it pass through your senses

Silver Pagoda .. next to the King's Palace - Phnom Penh... lots of gold...and silver....

Take a break or get Broken.

2011-05-31T09:45:00.000+08:00

Finally getting away, further than Malaysia with the kids.
Savings ? Never enough so why?

You take the load with the kids while it 's school term - push push, clear books, tidy bags..work through maths problems or project issues after work, a continuous cycle, of pushing, driving, moving them forward... until the exams are over. And then it is not just they who need the break but me too.

Take a break or get broken!
I can feel it happening...

Just got tired and decided , let's go somewhere different, so borrow a little and let's get back to working your &*&*.. off once you get back. Nothing will change but at least I will take this window and create some new memories in it to carry me through the next few years (you think?).

Life is unpredictable.

What really matters in one's youth ?

2011-05-28T18:49:00.000+08:00

When you are in your 40s and 50s and you think back to your younger days, what 's really important, what is it that matters the most in those memories?
Is it the time you spent studying or is it the time you spent life in other ways? With friends, doing things with your hands or the activities with family.

If the current outcome of your life is success and happiness borne out of that time mugging away, perhaps that study may seem important but is it what that matters when you recall that life. Do you wish you had lived life a little differently and derived more enjoyment from it, exploring more than you had done before.

So what really counts?

There's no turning back the clock, but I can use my lessons for my kids. As I look at my kids now, and even as I encourage them ( nag) to study etc etc, I also want them to have more to remember of this time in their life besides the school stuff. Sure grades are important. I want them to ensure they are doing their best and yet I want them to have more (not materially). When I look back I recall my study days mostly. I don't think I really experimented and lived much in that sense, nothing in particular that stands out that I can recall and truly say that was good or fun to do. Shouldn't there be more and isn't youth the only time for that.

And so I want that for the kids, something more and yet not at the total sacrifice of study time.
Balance is not always easy in today's competitive society.

Digitally-wired kids !

2011-05-22T13:08:00.004+08:00

I'm reading Future Minds at the moment and oh my goodness, I think Richard Watson is describing my youngest ..... the attention deficit, hyperactivity fleeting from subject to subject, unable to entertain themselves, bored always bored when there are a thousand things to do ..... .

Are you afraid of leaving home without your cellphone?

While we are at instant coffee, they are at instant answers. While we enjoy and can savour our tea, they can't slow down to do that, much less think and reflect for deeper and wider issues. Do they realise you can reset to solve problems.
If they are hooked to the screens, it's difficult for them to read or to want to read... cos it's slow, it's boring, it's not interesting There's little practise to engage from their part, because the screens always engage them. Traffic is one way

What's happened to imagination. Has the brain already been re-wired, am I too late, it's scary.

Holidays are coming SOON. First I had exam fever, soon I'll have holiday fever, to ensure the screens don't grab all their brain cells.
So it's me, parental controls and screen-time wheeling and dealing vs kids must-do list (book attention in varied forms).

Not quite so smooth..

2011-02-03T22:08:00.000+08:00

Been off blogging for a while, miss it, lots on my mind and with much less time than I used to have. It's the first day of Chinese New Year holidays. We checked out the new Sentosa Boardwalk along with a hug crowd heading towards Sentosa. I'll leave that for my next post.

The weather has gone berserk, for a supposed post-monsoon period we have been having continuous rains. Last weekend it just rained and rained non-stop for 3 days practically. It's a consequence of the extra cold weather above the equator that's keeping our monsoon weather going. It's been so cold, I'm starting to imagine it could snow here on the almost equator where we are. Still I should not be complaining hearing about worse weather news in other parts of the world like Australia and China.

The kids were caught up in this recent flu epidemic, one by one. And me, I'm just wondering what's keeping me standing, 'touch wood'.. it hasn't got me yet.

Arn turned 10 recently. I have hopes for him and I believe his purpose for being will show itself sooner or later. He is mature in a way for his age, but he has lived through more stress than most kids.
Alx did well in her studies, but somehow 'well' just isn't enough anymore in Singapore it seems. Now the worry is for the next phase, where and how to achieve her goals. She wants to be a vet. Education finances are one hurdle, but getting to that point is the step to worry about first; I keep saying one step at a time. But in my head, I worry about that next hurdle.
Alr seems to need more of my time and energy recently.

Life goes on in the meantime, school is busier, the children seem to be acting out on different issues, worklife is busier. I am tired and yet I believe it is God's grace that keeps me going in my head, my heart and my body.
With everything that is happening, there is some invisible fabric that still binds us and it is hope for a better tomorrow soon.

Quiet New Year's Eve

2011-01-01T22:19:00.001+08:00

This year the rest of the family went missing on New Year's eve. So it was just me and the kids. We took in the swing at the circus, which was no real big deal I'm sorry to say. There were games which unfortunately folded by about 11pm which was about the time we made our way down. After all it was supposed to be a countdown party.
Well the best past of it was the fireworks, which we caught up close, a rare treat indeed.

Well we had our own little treats, caught some TV before the witching hour, and ushered in the new year with the rest of Serangoon Gardens for the moment and then returned home. The food haunts that were open definitely enjoyed roaring business for the night and early morning. Kudos to all those volunteers young and old who had to put in help with grassroots commitee and organisers.

The kids had ice-cream, drinks and snacks(that was a treat at that hour) and that was our 2011 celebration. Lots of people brought their dogs out and lots of the residents turned out, which surprised me, I suppose, not everyone goes to and has parties on the eve themselves.
I'm thinking we should get a dog too.

Tis the season to be busy and dream of cookies..

2010-12-23T11:23:00.000+08:00

Preparing in drips for school
getting the kids to write names on their books
spring cleaning here and spring cleaning there
in spurts ....
looking forward to Christmas
listening to Christmas songs via You Tube in the office
looking forward to wearing that new dress
looking forward to Christmas goodies (especially sugee cake)
Thinking about what to prepare for the big family feast
settling the presents list
wrapping the gifts
did I miss anyone out ...

looking forward to Christmas mass

and then the New Year..

Sweet and Heavenly greetings to all this season.

Clear signs ...

2010-12-09T11:54:00.000+08:00

If only the signposts of our life were this clear..!
Signs should be direct. I like this one.

Alx took this while in Melbourne....

School hols outings.. finding ways to entertain the kids

2010-12-04T21:07:00.000+08:00

School hols are stressful unless you can afford to take them on long overseas holidays. How to keep them occupied, is always the question at the top of your mind. What to do? The kids have to get out of the house or they would be vegetating with the digital games.

We took a trip to Sentosa, during the Hari Raya Haji holiday. Surprisingly it was not crowded at all, as we expected.

We had not been to Sentosa in a while so why not. Sentosa can be an expensive place with a family of 3 kids, unless you plan to slump on the beach of course. But the kids needed to get out and do things.
There were no long queues which was great.

We took a few rides on the Luge, 2 for me and 3 each for the boys. It was fun.
Alr was a real speeder, almost crashing into the slow sign barrier.

Once done,we took a walk to the other end of the beach to look for the Mega Zip (the flying fox thingy). That was expensive like a lot of the amusements on Sentosa. I decided to let the boys have a go without me, and waited at the end of the rope to see if I could snap a photo of my phone cam. The photo didn't come out right, by the time it snapped, I only got the feet of them moving downwards.

There were a couple of other challenges like rope bridges and wall climbs but I thought I'd hold off for another time, another reason to make our way to Sentosa.

I must say that the changing rooms and toilet facilities along the beach front have improved tremendously and multiplied. I thought ok, we could make our way here on another day just for the kids to enjoy the beach. This was actually more accessible (transport wise than Changi beach or East Coast).

Since we had no queues delaying us, we were done quite early. What to do next besides shop at VivoCity?

Grab lunch first, Hot Dogs - the boys were unanimously ok with it, just outside the Underwater World, plain old fashioned (Cheesy) Hot Dogs with mustard, tomato and chilli sauce with fries was actually quite yummy. Glad we gave the pasta on the beach a miss. Instead of walking back to the monorail station, the boys got a thrill out of sitting on the beach tramp. Every little thrill counts.

Next we headed for VivoCity, where we were to rendezvous with Alx. She was going to have lunch while we grabbed ice cream.
VivoCity was so crowded, so packed it was irritating to make our way within the place really.

What next to kill time and let the boys have more fun time? Of course, the water area on the roof. I had brought no change of clothes, but of course Arn got almost all wet, Alr was not really in the mood and just sat by the side. I left them for awhile to go get a $2 towel from Daiso.

When I got back, the black clouds were starting to roll in, the wind had turned cool and you could see that further out to sea, it was already raining. Time to head back.

Grabbed a drink at Banquet and then hopped on the train. That was almost a full day, tired out for me, time to rest and get ready for work the next day.

What next? Well two days later we caught Harry Porter Part 1.

Next .....

Moody blues...no leave...soon to come...perk up it's Christmas

2010-11-26T11:23:00.000+08:00

moody blues
amid
green trees
coloured lights
and
glitter for
a wet
not white
Christmas....

Street decorations, festive lights, giant Christmas trees are out and the festive mood is slowly encroaching on me. I've been trying to put it off but not for long. Advent is here.

Not been able to do much with the kids for lack of leave, that's depressed me more I think. My company starts off leave with a miserable 10 days a year. Well I remind myself, give and take. 5 days of leave translates to 2% a year of not working. So the long-timers here essentially work 2% to 4% less every year compared to those 'new' like me. If you are in a job that constantly practises ROI, how should one interpret that..

It's the mood, how does one get into it, when you're still slaving away at work, without much leave days. It's depressing.

Whether you like it or not, pull up your socks, time to make out that shopping list, gift list, dig out the tree and ornaments and think about what to wear for Christmas mass.

Funny bone - do you have one?

2010-11-22T22:27:00.005+08:00

Mine doesn't always work.

Do you have a sense of humour.? Not everyone does.

One of my three kids does not I discover, somehow I am not surprised, sad but it's not his fault. It's something one develops (or not) as a consequence of life, at the right point in life. I only hope one can develop it and it 's never too late.

I think if you are happy enough and secure enough in your own shoes you probably would have one already.

Nothing is more curious than the almost savage hostility that humor excites in those who lack it. ~George Saintsbury

So can you laugh at yourself ? If you can then you are well- adjusted.

Who else would agree with me .....

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place. ~Mark Twain

Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is. ~Francis Bacon

God and we ....C S Lewis

2010-11-15T11:06:00.003+08:00

I've been reading the Screwtape letters, slowly but surely I get a clearer(more reassuring) picture of God through the eyes of Screwtape, the demon. It's dark I'll admit but there's an upside and really it's hilarious, because humans are so accurately portrayed. The psychological meanderings of our minds and physical weaknesses are depicted chapter after chapter.

Would you get drawn in the wrong way? I doubt it, because our wonderful God the Father is painted with quite lovely descriptions really of love and mercy, and we are forever hopeful in his eyes rather than hopeless; created for the purpose to be one with him. It paints a need for our purpose to be deserving of that oneness with him.

On the reverse it also shows us the workings of the evil mind. The blatant self-serving is juxtaposed against the selfless which becomes clearer as you read.

Says Screwtape.."He really does want to fill the universe with a lot of loathsome little replicas of Himself - creatures whose life on its miniature scale, will be qualitatively like his own, not because he has absorbed them but because their wills freely conform to His .." .. The devil want cattle (us) for food, but God "wants servants who finally can become sons".

Now isn't that reassuring!

Mind-blowing onde onde

2010-11-12T15:10:00.002+08:00

Mind-blowing onde onde

yummy..Ondeh Ondeh, I luuuuve them. click on the link title.. to see where to find the good ones..

Holding our kids' hands....

2010-11-07T16:33:00.001+08:00

Today as I went through some practice maths with Alr (getting the logical side of my brain to work), I'm thinking my folks never really sat down with me, not close to 10% as much as I have to now with the kids.
Is the curriculum harder or are the kids softer ?

We have to check on their bags, remind about homework, packing worksheets etc etc ..... nag nag nag to clean up after themselves.. toys and books. I don't remember as much, I don't think we were that good.
Or I think we just didn't have that many things.

They need to be entertained more and can't seem to do so by themselves unless it comes with a game console attached. Board games only hold their attention for so long and reading instructions seems painful.

More sheltered, I suppose too. Last Saturday, Alr and I caught a cab to go to Sengkang. It was a 20 minute ride at best. The thing is, there was a stench in the cab. The smell was something like dried(preserved) fish or prawn, some passenger before us had probably just came from the market and with closed windows of course the inside of the cab just soaked up the odour.

Anyway I could bear with it, but my son could not. He complained about it all the way, and I think tried to hold his breathe for the most part of the trip. And I said to him, there are worst smells than this. To him this was bad.
I said to him that he was lucky to have mostly clean spaces in Singapore, no slums or random dumpsites where you could get the strangest smells. So they are less tolerant too.

Do we shelter them too much or is it that they need that much more attention today?
Or are we just that much more demanding and protective?

Home Sweet Home

2010-11-05T18:39:00.002+08:00

The new house is quite cozy, the first informal house warming was today. There's still a bit of work to be done, but it didn't get in the way.

Dad's got a lovely view out his study window, there's a huge green tree with a good distribution of branches, a breezy sway today and feels very cool. Settling in with his TV sets and electronic gadgets. Still lots of wires to go into place.
Soon he'll be putting his plants in and smelling the roses.

Mum's finally getting comfortable. Soon her spanking new kitchen will be filling up with the old smells of spice, curry and onions.

I thought it would feel small but it didn't, it felt comfortable, it felt like home.

The contractor took close to two months and it's not totally completed, odds and ends still not done yet.
It will be my turn to move house soon, I'd better start making notes and get advise on good contractors.

Reminder to pray..

2010-11-01T23:48:00.006+08:00

Lord, if what I seek be according to our will, then let it come to pass and let success attend the outcome. But if not, my God, let it not come to pass. Do not leave me to my own devices, for you know how unwise I can be. Keep me safe under your protection Lord my God, and in your own gentle way guide me and rule me as you know best.
Amen.

Call me a 'tired old' Catholic, but I am trying, the sentiment would apply as to a very elderly person
It's been a long two weeks, now and another long week to go... .

Eat, Love and Pray

2010-10-28T19:40:00.001+08:00

If I could do just that for a whole week. What I would give to have been in Elizabeth Gilbert's shoes.

I fell in love with Rome and the Italian language just by her story telling. There are many feelings that roamed her mind that I can relate to, the doubts, the uncertainties and the vulnerability. Yet I admire the way she was able to do exactly what she did. Of course one must have the resources, but one must also have that inner push which she had to help the outer push (her 'divine' experience) propel her forward.
There's a lot of truth about the subject of religion as relayed by Lizz without putting a label on it, it's almost identifiable in all the religions that are out there (most of them).

I could feel her tumult at the beginning and I could sense the gradual diminishing of it during her stay in Bali.
It isn't about romance or companionship or performing duty or charity or morality, it is about finding an inner peace in the mind that means contentment, it's about reaching down to your very core, seeing it clearly and being aware of it.

You learn a fair bit of history and about places in Rome. Italy and Bali, not so much for India.
Strangely in India, she managed to escape being touched by the extreme poverty and conditions in spite of staying there for such a length of time. It 's not so much the outside world that converts her so much as her own realization of all the turmoil that is inside herself.

I have not quite defined it yet, exactly what she attained, but it is halfway to wisdom and contentment.
Is there more power in her prayer, I'm not so sure about that, there may be something to it, after all it is the power of the 'enlightened' mind in clear communication with a higher power.

What you experience as the reader, is her journey - moving from troubled to contentment-, of Elizabeth rescuing herself, reaching down deep and pulling herself out of darkness and into the light. Finding peace has been expressed a few different times and in many ways (by different persons), simply 'let go'.

I enjoyed her wit and style of writing which was mostly very direct. Even in expressing her thoughts there was very little mincing of words.
One of the many statements I liked, the privilege of being human is that we have hands...."That's our privilege. That's the joy of a mortal body. And that's why God needs us. Because God loves to feel things through our hands." .. and that is food for thought.

I will probably read this again soon.

(PS : I just read an update on her website .. so sad, I liked what I read of him, Richard of Texas has passed away)

In other words...

2010-10-27T12:34:00.008+08:00

Sunday 24 Oct.....

Why is it sometimes it feels like particular days are designated as argument day. Out of the blue, tempers flare, patience goes on vacation and (temperature rises) heated words get exchanged by all parties. We all just get ignited simultaneously.
Perhaps it is the air!
This happens between 17 year old, 13 year old and me the adult.

Hmmm, I see the problem now., it's got to do with teenage hormones, they outweigh and outrank the natural order. In other words, I'm outnumbered.

Whatever the case, there is NO EXCUSE for blatant insolence.

Ommmmm

Bookshop at the Ion

2010-10-25T10:30:00.000+08:00

On Saturday, I decided to take advantage of the bookshops special discount offer of 25%. I wanted to buy more academic practice books for the hols.. yeah yeah kiasu. But the sale was only at the Ion where the Popular outlet is called Prologue. I suppose the name 'Popular' just won't do in a upscale mall like the Ion. Just as 'Harris" is at Suntec. Anyway this was my first actual visit to the Ion. I usually avoid Orchard Road cos I don't like crowds.

Well despite getting lost, walking every which way but the right way, we finally got to the store on the 4th level. (I must add they do have very polite information service persons posted here and there for help but it didn't help cos the lifts were full). The Ion was crowded, it was a Saturday night I suppose. We found the lift lobby but just couldn't get in and decided let's find the escalators and find a way with more walking.

We found the store. It didn't look like the Popular we are used to in the heartlands but of course duh!..it looked expensive and posh and dark. Bookstores should have more light shouldn't they, but then I suppose ambience outweighs the practical. But wow and happily, it was filled with a lot more reading material for adults than the usual Popular. We spent a fair bit of time, I spent a fair bit of money, all three kids managed to find books they LIKE to read.

Alr 's selection will probably last him for a year - some sci-fi space to-do, Alx couldn't find one thick enough on - of course- some vampire saga and Arn found some beast range series.
Notice, there is nothing normal about ordinary human beings in the lot !!!

I found some many things too, but held myself back of course, Dan Brown's latest book, I passed it to dad to read first, I'm still on my 'Eat, Love, Pray', (I rub my hands in glee.)

We finished late, so there wasn't any time to window shop even, we were hungry, and of course we had dinner there at the food court. Just keep this in mind, add a dollar to what is normal pricing outside except for the tasty fish soup noodle; . Nasi Lemak was $6 - that was unbelievable!

Don't forget to Love Yourself

2010-10-24T11:58:00.001+08:00

"I am never proud to participate in violence, yet, I know that each of us must care enough for ourselves, that we can be ready and able to come to our own defense when and wherever needed." - M Angelou

In other words, love yourself, never let yourself be bullied.

Purple shoes

2010-10-18T13:50:00.000+08:00

Purple shoes well not exactly purple purple, you know it’s sort of deep purple, so in non-white light it almost looks black.

What am I going on about, I decided to adventure into another new territory of non- black shoes. It started with red strappies two years ago, I thought that was major. Ok.. this is just another branch.... or stem.

In the daylight you can see it’s purple. Call me old-fashioned, non-adventurous but fashion and I just never had the opportunity to get to know each other that well , we just started getting acquainted in the past 10 years with a sort of a coming out into my own, really, really late bloomer, hence my obsession with pink in the last few years.

Never really had the opportunity in my younger days to explore for the lack of pocket money and a conservative home. And then as one ‘matures’ one doesn’t quite dare dip the feet in until some major catharsis hits like the approach of the middle ages.

Anyway today I wore the purple shoes (deep purple), and suddenly I’m noticing the other colours around me as I take myself on the .. well trodden, well worn.. path to work. There’s actually quite a lot of purple out there, not on feet but on blouses, shirt ties and oh.., even purple streaked hair.

Oh good .. I’m not really standing out anymore.

Who loves Spongebob ?

2010-10-17T08:31:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday.... no ranting today....

Here's a character who never fails to put a smile on my face.

F is for friends that do stuff together U is for you and me N is for
anywhere and anytime at all down here in the deep blue sea!! says Spongebob

Ranting Saturday - cost of vegetables and haircuts

2010-10-16T12:08:00.000+08:00

Is everything more expensive these days or is it my imagination.
Did I just pay $15 for a handful of vegetables ? Fish is expensive but unfortunately it's also healthier, ..(troublesome too as I get more whining from the the kids ... they 'd rather live on chicken and mutton).... $16 !! for white pomfret is there any point haggling with the fish seller

Prices of food are skyrocketing but our salaries are barely crawling in the upward motion.
The economy is bad then the weather is bad, then the economy picks up and property prices climb again although one has got nothing to do with the other, notice the pattern , it's all just going up (except...) which just means the hole in our pocket grows bigger and bigger.

Now to more mundane stuff... it's time for haircuts AGAIN, why do the boys hair just grow like ... lallang .. at least there are still no-frills barbers around for that; a $7 or $8 for a basic haircut !

Slavery of Women (cont'd)

2010-10-14T22:07:00.000+08:00

I'm still reading 'Half the Sky', am about 3/4 ways through.

Here's a quote of a quote from the book from the father of an Afghan woman, it captures the very essence of the problem, within which is the solution .
'That is why these people are afraid of educating women - they are afraid that then the women will ask questions, will speak up... That's why I believe in education. It is such a powerful tool to overcome poverty and rebuild the country. If we took the foreign aid that goes into guns and weapons and just took one quarter of that and put it into education, that would completely transform this country."

In the introduction there was a discussion from security experts that stuck in my mind that 'Empowering girls.. would disempower terrorists', the discussion stems from the marginalization of women and it's consequences.

Lots of food for thought !

Love my Books

2010-10-13T19:02:00.001+08:00

Went to the bookstore last week; bought 3 books this round, got a little enthusiastic, couldn't stop myself.. at the book store. I feel happy walking among books and books and browsing of course, what a wonderful way to spend time... like a vortex I get sucked in and and forget time and the present.

I tell myself these are books that I will keep. But you know there is only so much space for one’s personal book shelves. So after a while I have to decide what to give away to make space, I pass them on to a thrift store or the church’s second hand shop (which is where I go to rummage for books sometimes)

There’s also a shop (Sans) that takes back the books you buy from them but of course within a certain time period. Which is ok, they essentially refund you about a third of the book cost which beats disposing. So if there is a series I follow, I get them from there and return mostly but keep the exceptional ones.

Slavery of Women

2010-10-09T21:48:00.005+08:00

'Half the Sky' by Nicholas D Kristof & Sheryl Wudunn

Slavery of women exists today. It's not fiction.

Gender discrimination in the East 'is lethal'... millions of females are missing from the globe because of it :-
- priority for health care by parents is given to boys, ultrasounds spell doom for females... .... girls have higher fatality rates.
- human trafficking of young girls into prostitution runs into millions
- India : bride burning .. tales place once every two hours
- Pakistan : over the past 9 years, 5,000 women and girls set alight, doused in kerosene..
- rapes and ruthless murders in Africa

I just started reading and it is maddening to realize this is about modern day depraved cruelties against a huge number of women and girls that is allowed to go on, very much in our backyard.. ... because they are 'discounted humans' defined by a society or culture, because politics is 'divisive' on the subject, because of corruption , because of poverty.......

We all give/help regular charities but it does make me think about redirecting my small efforts and attention to these causes.

Wanting best for my Kids..

2010-10-06T14:50:00.000+08:00

A sms conversation with a pal of mine - do we stress, why we stress, what if we don't stress the kids... it's all about education and the system that perpetuates it.

Why do we do it, we just want the best like everyone else for them..we can't help it.

What's best - a good job, a good salary. how about good memories of childhood .. they need time to make those I remind myself.

It's a constant battle to push or let go.

I want them to have childhood memories worth having.
I can't prevent all the bad ones but I can help with time to make happy ones.

Basics, basics ..wherefore art thou ?

2010-10-05T12:53:00.002+08:00

Schools have forgotten about basics. I met my son's teacher a few months back and I said to her 'could you introduce school brushing like they did in the old days?' she looked at me a little queerly. I don't think I meant it in the literal sense but the point was that.

With 'progress' in learning systems - pc-fitted, thinking creatively, learning out of the school room ... online., all of us jumping on the bandwagon of the education rat race, seems we have trouble enforcing the basics like neatness, treating books with care and brushing teeth which for some reason the kids - see as less important !

What's up with that ?

Basics just get pushed down the list.....

it's a guy thing !

2010-09-30T11:31:00.000+08:00

After a few field trips with a team of 4 (2 guys 2 ladies) ..... .. I have come to the conclusion (more like confirms) that .....

men don't read instructions and
don't ask for directions ...
why
simply because they 'know it already' (imagine it in a braggish tone !)
and
when they can't figure out how to work it or get lost they will never admit it..

September birthdays...Godson.. Mum, Sis-in-law

2010-09-25T18:18:00.001+08:00

and aunts too..
Celebration on 10 Sep..
September is full of birthdays.. here's 3 of them right there..(pardon the pix,, it was off a camera phone.),

This was made for Marie's special day...

..called a slider card.

New age ... bad for children

2010-09-23T16:14:00.000+08:00

'boon and bane '

Game speeds, hand eye coordination ... violent game scenarios.... they can pick up games and yet have problem using the Powerpoint ?
Typing is too passe... .. I suppose the invention to do away with that is up next !
Where's the time to experience peace, calm..dinner conversation... when the goal of each waking moment is to fill with some action.

Unless it's 'moving', nothing else seems to HOLD their attention for long... everything else seems slow and booori..ng especially reading..

What's happened to their imagination, where is it buried, how do we bring it back out to work again.
Unlike the ancient floppy disk, the imagination has no limitations so why are children so limited in using theirs.

2010-09-17T14:28:00.001+08:00

To say you have lived means you should at some time in life, have lived as a beast of burden for a time.

The weekend finally..

2010-09-03T22:44:00.000+08:00

I finally have a weekend, a Saturday that's not scheduled for any particular demand on my time.
It's time to go get shoes, somebody's feet grew and somebody's feet is feeling vane.
Time to catch up on assignment and read.
Let's go to a Novena service first I think, then get on with other matters.

Shine on me, sunshine
Rain on me, rain
Fall softly, dewdrop
And cool my brow again.

Storm, blow me from here
With your fiercest wind
Let me float across the sky
Til I can rest again. - Maya Angelou

Funerals

2010-08-31T22:49:00.003+08:00

I don't like funerals. I know they are part and parcel of life, I do attend them out of respect to the dead and courtesy to the living but I don't like them.

I have had thoughts over the last few monthS that there will be more of them, more familiar older people passing as time and age gets on. It is a natural rite of life, as leaves wilt and flowers fade and and yet we have to mourn and grieve. But for the old who have lived and can do little more I can't really mourn as think of their relief as release and a moving on.
Harder of course when death comes unexpected especially to the young.
Funerals force you to deal with loss up close and personal. The 'missing' is more prominent than the life they filled.

It's easier from experience, if that someone was far away in another country, their memory lives on more than the fact that they are gone. No delusions, just that distance keeps the living memories closer.

Inspiring Maya Angelou

2010-08-28T14:16:00.000+08:00

I finished my first of Maya Angelou's books 'The Heart of a Woman '. An amazing woman and amazing life.

She is truly blessed in spite of her struggles she has experienced much as a woman and a mother and has really lived. If I estimate correctly this book covered some 8-10 years of her life til her son went to the University.
So much courage and zeal.

From time to time, she is able to articulate the most deep seated thoughts a woman or a mother has and I am nodding my head and thinking ...that is life and everyone goes through it.

Somewhere in the second chapter she writes about her fears, doubts and contradictions of life(beyond their control) outside of them and yet in the home to her child she must provide a blanket of stability, which warms but does not suffocate," ..

A common thought for mums..."She questions whether she loves her children enough - or more terribly, does she love them too much".

Busy Saturday this Saturday

2010-08-27T10:32:00.001+08:00

It's been a tiring week, I'd like nothing better than staying at home-sweet-home.

Arn has his calendar full this Saturday, which means my calendar goes out the window.
Parent- teacher meeting in the morning and then I guess I should take him to the birthday party he got an invite to. That will take most of my afternoon and early evening and it's really really... out of the way like in Pasir Ris.
But the child is entitled to his moments.

I will have to hang around somewhere close by for about 3 - 4 hours(or stick my self infront of host's TV) before I can fetch him.

But in the end I will probably be glad for it - that I did bring him.

Should I rent a car ?

Still got things to do.... ... itching to get to my card kit ...

Addictive games...!

2010-08-23T13:58:00.004+08:00

I'm thinking of putting an end to it permanently !

It seems like Maplestory has to go. It's too addictive.. ..

It's CA week, ..I've. got to do something.

Ok...
I pulled the plug this morning. Let's see what the effect is ? Can they survive two days ... a week ... without it ?

Bird Nests - why are they staying away from the trees ?

2010-08-14T17:54:00.003+08:00

Coincidence or is there some strange message behind there ?

Sometime ago at my parent's house, the Sunbirds decided to build their nest right next to the house entrance, against the wall. There are so many trees to choose from and yet they had decided to brave the very human zone. Somehow they knew my folks and any one who goes there can be trusted not to disturb the nest.

Sunbird's nest

Ok I'm not saying they fully trust us humans, not like they were willing to hop onto our hands or anything like that. They were very watchful. Whenever any of us wanted to poke our heads closer to see what was in the nest, momma or papa bird would fly out - flitter here and there at a distant, twitting very loudly as if to say get away ..get away... They would calm down when we moved away. Yet inspite of our 'kaponess' or should I say 'caring curiosity', I believe there has been 3 generations coming out from there.

A week ago at our house, a pair of doves decided to set up nest just on top on of the exterior spotlights outside the window. And yes there were a pair of eggs in it a couple of days ago. We had to peek of course. Momma bird (pretty looking bird) is a little weary but she comes back.

Messages - Facebook

2010-08-13T17:53:00.000+08:00

Beware strangely identical (prettily worded) messages coming from unknown strangers who want to get to know you .

How can I possibly think they are sincere, first thing I think of , is this some kind of scam. ?? Is that possible ?

Important - pay very close attention to your privacy settings and what information you reveal.

There's Life yet... National Day holiday..

2010-08-10T15:31:00.000+08:00

Nat'l Day goodies...

It was National Day (9 Aug) a public holiday, an excellent rest day.
Of course the highlight seems to be the designer Tote bags... (more style with age.. 45 after all!!)

From home you can hear the jets roar and the helicopters rumble and the fireworks boom.. and unless you turn on the tv to watch the parade, only the ears will get a tiny bit of the celebrations happening down at the Padang.

Yesterday evening (while the sky made 'parade' noise) I played badminton with Aor. As much as I groaned when he asked me to play with him, I suppose I am glad that I still have the capacity to move (with some speed) the way I must (the joints are still flexible enough,)..

Of course I perspired, (should I say sparkled … hey the pores are not clogged yet…. surely a very good sign).
It was hot, there was a breeze (the wind comes out whenever the rackets come out… strange).

Has life left its mark ?

2010-08-07T22:22:00.000+08:00

An interesting question that arose out of the book I'm reading 'Goddesses in Everywoman.

Yes I can seriously say 'life has affected me' and left its mark.

But honestly speaking, I haven't really gotten much out of it for me yet.
Does that make sense ?

The House I Grew up In

2010-08-02T22:00:00.003+08:00

The Noisy grill

Mum and Dad are moving out of the house I grew up in, of almost 30 yrs

50th Wedding Anniversary Card

There's something steady and stable about that old house almost as steady as Dad.

That's what it represents. I could always come home or go home - it's always there. I never thought of it differently.

Front Porch

The landscape has changed, the neighbours have seen a turnaround too. Lots of tall houses now poking the heads up higher than the rest, to the left and the right a few doors down and immediately behind us and in front of us. The school grew taller too over time.

The side Garden..

But the house remained my comfort zone.. memories of my dogs, the old iron gate - yes I had a share in painting it too, the plants, the trees - ah.. the old forever non-stop flowering and fruiting drumstick tree.

This estate - it is all home.

Even when I moved out of the estate, here was where comfort was. The warmth of memories, growing up, scraped knees, bicycling, childhood games, friends from church and school all familiar and close to the heart.

I feel sad at the thought, but I understand the reasons for the moving. I'm thinking of the house as a person, that will no longer be. Soon it will most likely be torn down and rebuilt so that a new tall house can stand there too.

The estate is not looking as cozy as it once was, it just seems more crowded these days as more houses grow two and half stories tall..

Lessons from the Tree .............

2010-07-23T23:14:00.020+08:00

If you constantly pick the low hanging fruits, 2 things will happen :

one, you won't attempt to stretch ourselves to reach the higher and so you will not grow and

two, you will likely miss a lot of sweeter opportunities and never know what those taste like.

A Chomp Chomp experience

2010-07-23T03:31:00.004+08:00

July 17 , 2010...
(for non-locals reading this Chomp Chomp is the name of the very popular food centre [open / non-aircon] in Serangoon Gardens)

We live here in this estate and yet for some reason I have not brought the kids to eat at Chomp Chomp. Which is exactly what Alx asked me the other day while we were waiting for a table at a very crowded Chomp Chomp, amid noisy woks clanging and chatter.. with the added flavour of cooking 'fragrances' (oil) filling the air and settling in my hair too.

So last Saturday after watching ' Despicable Me', I decided why not let them have the experience of Chomp Chomp and at the same time grab my favourite Hokkien Mee.

We waited 3/4 hour for a table, and about an hour for the Hokkien Mee... some things just don't change. That's how I remember it 20-30 years ago. It was a favourite haunt for us 'youngsters' especially the ice kacang. .... the good ole days... warm memories..

We almost gave up, and wanted to order takeaway.
It was a learning experience - the 'art of waiting for a table '. Alx lucked out when a couple of aunties edged in on her table... age before beauty dear... ! How to be more ruthless than the old aunties... ah but then...they have more experience . ...

All in all it was not too bad I suppose ( inspite of the food smells in my hair ) because the kids actually don't mind doing that again.

I thought for sure they would not want to try that again.

Irritating morning ride

2010-07-21T23:45:00.001+08:00

(very hard to be cool lah)

Simple Courtesy

There are tonnes of people getting out at Little India station and what do you have , two lumps of stone standing at the doorway...(no they are not related perhaps distantly 500 years ago !)

"Excuse Me" is useless..., people shove their way pass them, bags banging at them, still unmovable..- are they brain dead or morons ?

Probably a good shove out the door might do it.

Feeder service woes

My 317 bus....
6 months ago, it used to come on time and regularly, now it doesn't.
They skip a slot, they come two at a time.
Want to imagine how irritating that is ?

and Yes .... both incidents involve 'people'.....

...of course being good citizens we don't resort to 'road' rage or bus captain bashing or finger antics or what uncool ways.. have you,.to let off steam..... we swallow it, not quite digested.. carry it with us and dump it on the unsuspecting junior at the office.....

Beginning of the second dental journey...

2010-07-20T19:13:00.001+08:00

Alr got his dental appliance just over the weekend (18 July).

If you're a parent with kids with problem teeth that just won't grow the right way, you'll understand ,. it's expensive,. it's tough the first few days, .. you just got to keep coaxing him to stick with the programme, think of what it will accomplish a year from now, ... 2 years from now.

He's just a kid, such long term goals don't really inspire, it's a little hard to appreciate with such short term discomfort.
What helps him too, is the fact that big sister went through it (not exactly the same, but ..) so if she could, he can too. I hope that'll hold him for a bit.. .. Poor thing .. can't talk properly, can't eat properly.. drooling problem etc etc.....

All in all, so far he seems to be coping better than I expected.

If I wrote about this during Alx's time, I think it would sound less painful, well that story ended with success.
.
I hope .... what do I hope ... many things.. (that I win toto), that the year moves fast for him, that school doesn't negative affect him because of it and the appliance proves effective in correcting the first stage.

And I pray dear Lord all goes well for him.

That's one major item off my to-do list ... what's next.

Today's Sunday message

2010-07-18T22:30:00.001+08:00

Today's gospel reading reached out differently.
Usually it's like I just hear the reading and it's like 'yes I know it, I have heard it before'.
But today I heard it like it was for me.

'you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; '.

Luke 10: 38-42

Why don't I have Perfect Kids ?

2010-07-17T11:23:00.002+08:00

..............because I'm not perfect, neither is their father.

Why weren't we made perfect ?

because our parents were not ?

because ................

Who created us ?

(think I'll stop there !.. it's just one of those days......)

Life was sure less complicated when I was a kid.

Busy .... It's just Work !

2010-07-16T00:02:00.003+08:00

Nothing but litter and trashy ideas..... sometimes the ad business can reek !

What am I talking about ... putting together an anti-littering campaign.....

Busy !

.
.
.
.
.

If you could write your own tombstone, what would you write?

Isn't a Ball a Ball ??

2010-06-28T20:33:00.002+08:00

... soccer simpleton speaks...

Now I've heard everything... first it was about the roundest ball ever (when World Cup began) .. Which means the goalkeepers are having problems with a slipperier ball.

Now it appears there is something to it if the officials are agreeing, it supposedly now feels like one of those mass produced supermarket types...it's too light.. flies to fast etc etc..

So there's more to a ball and that particular ball has a name too.. Jambulani....

Read on if interested in ball engineering World cup soccer ball still lacking..

Doesn't the saying go... a bad workman blames his tools..

Which came first the skill or the ball ?

Caught a movie ...

2010-06-27T14:46:00.012+08:00

Saturday - the last weekend of the June School Holidays.

I suggested a movie before I realised Toy Story 3 was showing. And I thought oh oh I would have to sit through 2 hours for their sake. I'm not that crazy about Toy Story but the kids are (which is OK). Then luckily there was an alternative which they thought was a better idea, Karate Kid.. yay for Jackie Chan and Kung Fu.

Why is that anyway, it's about Kung Fu but the title is Karate Kid ?...are they the same .. Chinese martial arts vs Japanese martial arts ... Jackie = Chinese... Miyagi = Japanese..... ??.

Will Smith's son is a good looking skinny little kid (10 year old Jaden Smith), and I must say has his father's looks and he acts well too. It's a good movie for the kids, there is an underlying message for them to take away about the use of physical force and simple lessons about discipline, courage and determination in spite of pain and fear.

There were a few times during the movie that I thought he acts like Ar or Alr and how I act like Mrs Parker; Drey couldn't be bothered to hang up his jacket and his mother repeatedly reminded him, 'pick up your jacket'... very patiently persistent.. .so it's atypical.
Jackie Chan was good in his serious role (I think this Mr Miyagi was refreshing..) and of course we enjoyed the action and some fabulous scenes in China.

Couple of books to get by Maya Angelou.

2010-06-26T15:09:00.002+08:00

I want to get at least a couple of books by this American autobiographer and poet who has been called "America's most visible black female autobiographer", I read one of her poems on another blogger's site and an excerpt of 'Letter to My Daughter' and knew I should get her books......

Below is one of her poems from her collection ..

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise.

Maya Angelou

Took the boys swimming

2010-06-25T15:57:00.003+08:00

22 June
I was reminded that this is the last week of the school holidays. I am glad really, because it 's stressful, the house almost feels chaotic without the order of school timetables, and beside it's not like I get holidays too
.
So to cram in a little more play, on Tuesday I took a half day, prayed that it didn't rain, to let them have their swim. Actually it was mostly Ar who was pestering me about it, he wanted to practise his new found skills.
We went to Anchorvale, dad brought us, mum wanted some sun and so we all went.

I call it the mini Sunway lagoon, cos it's not just pool but slides and slides and waterfalls and water dumps here and there.
It was pretty crowded in the play area for a weekday. Alx had to go to school, commitments to meet.
It didn't rain..

Why is it, you don't want to entertain their every want (should not) but at the same time you feel you still need to give in to some things and go the extra mile ?
Do you know what I'm talking about, never mind, ... neither do I ?.

My quote........

2010-06-24T23:48:00.002+08:00

Motherhood is the full rosebush, sweet fragrance, gorgeous blooms and thorns
- Helen

Dental visit - ever anyone ?

2010-06-24T11:35:00.001+08:00

I made my first dental appointment a few weeks ago for the first time in 15 or 20 years. Why? Because I'm sadistic.. no, because I thought and thought and thought (gum disease keeps appearing on the tv screens) that it was about time to give that dreaded profession another chance at my mouth.
Many, many moons ago when I was still in school, I was taken to visit Dental Health (or something like that then) and they looked at my rabbit teeth and said there' s nothing to be done but consider pulling out and doing dentures. So naturally that was the end of that. Never gave it another thought for the next decade or two.

Save for taking Alx and Alr to the dentist which I see as my parental duty and because it matters (no matter how bloody costly it is to do) I, me and myself have never sought to go to a dentist for any other reason except pain some 15 or so years ago - to do a minor filling.

2 days ago, was the second appointment.. It's called root planing, it's another way to say drilling out everything that can't be removed by ordinary means. ughh ! ..(ok don't go there).
The moral is: brushing or flossing is NOT ENOUGH after years and years.
It wasn't as bad as expected, the dentist was quite informative and pleasant, definitely knowledgeable, lots of numbing medication, antibiotics and I am done after 2 appointments and some $1,500 poorer. Call it making up for 15 years of check ups and cleaning.

Thank God that's done.

Flying a Kite

2010-06-23T07:54:00.007+08:00

June Hols - Week 2 / week 3

Did I mention, the boys got their first successful thrill with a kite at the beach that camping day?

Rb, my fren's son, bought one, so ok I had to buy two... $8 each, er.. highway robbery ! Of course it's at the East Coast and no one else is selling any close by.. take it or leave it lah. Anyway I digress.

Actually at first I bought one, but of course (how terribly forgetful of me) they would start to fight over it right.. ah but then, ok I digress again. Did I mention my friend said and I thought it too 'lucky she has one only ' .. (giggle giggle).

They got a kick out of it, managed to get it flying... up up and away... for a little while at least. I believe it is their first sucessful attempt at kite flying [cos the last one we bought was just too heavy and would not take off, I think we killed it and buried it somewhere]. I had flown a kite many many moons ago, so it's a wonderful feeling really, there is that exciting something you feel when the wind picks it up, lifts it and it keeps flying while floating higher and higher.

The second attempt was not at the beach, it was near the Anchorvale Recreation Club. The huge open field seems to be popular for very successful kite enthusiasts. Well we were not so successful that day.

The 3rd weekend of the holidays, the boys were insistent on flying their kites. It was not a windy day, it was in fact quite a dreary day, very cloudy and grey, no sun but no rain (just a tiny drop here and there..like the weather couldn't quite make up it's mind !). Because of the lack of wind, it was quite tough to fly the kite, and enthusiasm turned to sour faces and temper tantrums. It was my fault that the weather was not perfect.

Well, we still have the kites in tact, we'll try again soon definitely, I'll just have to make an appointment with the Mother Wind.

[Kite Flying Carnival- competitions, kite clinic, demo etc at Anchorvale Fields July 4 from 10am-6pm.]

Father's Day

2010-06-21T20:31:00.004+08:00

Sunday 20 Father's Day

It's Father's Day, so of course I asked Father what he would like for dinner. Since my sister already 'ruined' my seafood idea (by taking him out the day before), steaks should be next .... So there are a couple steak restaurants in Serangoon Gardens, why not , he's ok with it.

But nope - Mum says let's go out somewhere else, drive out further.. (meaning not close to home) go to the beach, maybe pizza ?? but I reminded her it's Father's day not kids' day. I think she was confusing taking the kids out for air with dinner for Father's day. So we (dad and me ) sigh, of course somehow we would have to go somewhere close to her 'imaginationings'.

So we ended up at the Marina-Esplanade area by the bay, all in all it was quite close to her 'imaginings' - cool breeze, open space, scenery, lights.. and well we managed to find steaks, rootbeer float and some interesting combination of food (satay, onion rings, soft shell crab, fish and chips, pasta) at a place called the Sour Puss, a restaurant by the bay. Lovely ambience actually, there was a piano recital further down, with the music floating down to where we were.

The kids got a kick out of the search lights shining out from rooftop of the spanking new Marina Bay Sands... 'almost like in Batman'...

Turned out well, all round, lucky for ma,.. didn't like the expensive parking of $5.50 per entry at the Esplanade , but well nothing is perfect.

Happy Father's Day.

Setting up tent

2010-06-20T13:44:00.002+08:00

June 2010 - school holiday- week 2.
I decided to finally try it and prepared the kids . If we could succeed to set it up, that huge tent , we would stay the night. If not we would just make it a day at the beach and go home for the night.

UNFORTUNATELY, while I remembered to pack almost everything, I forgot the camera. And being overly busy with the business of the camping forgot I could have used my phone cam for that special snapshot of a probably never-to-try again experience.

We managed to get it up and set, between Alx(no 1) and me. I had to hoist Alr (no 2) up some (no mean feat that) so he could attempt to to tie the top most center (where the 2 frames crisscrossed). The tent was tall. We anchored all the pegs to all corners and edges, tossed and installed the rainfly and 'presto' (not) it was done. It was supposed to be a 6 man tent, unfortunately that did not include space for luggage!.

The first day right up to dinner was not too bad I have to say, the weather was not at it's usual roasting temperature but it sort of tittered on the edge of a really mild mild drizzle on and off. Then after that we had to huddle in the tent when the rain got heavier. Stayed that way through most of the early morning. We had a friend and her son join us for the day, so that would have made six of us in the tent. But sometime around 1am, they decided to leave for the sake of comfort all round and get back to the comfort of their own dry, soft bed at their own home which was not too far from the beach.
The rain stopped a while in the morning the next day, enough to let us walk to breakfast and back - favourite Macs breakfast never fails to please and just after that, the weather went a little sour again.

We also had a rather noisy bunch of teenagers who set up 5 tents close to us later that first evening, they had the whole wide East Coast park area to select and they decided to park themselves so near us. They made noise for half the night and packed up by 9am the next morning.

But I think the kids had managed to pull out all the activity they could for that whole day that we were there. They managed to get into the water, ride a bicycle, get in a night walk looking at and catching baby crabs by torch light, picking shell and shale, all in all, I think it was a successful campaign attempt inspite of the weather. Using a torch light in the dark of night of course is another thrill for the kids.

In the morning when the rain started again, we all had had enough of huddling in the tent, we decided we would pack it up earlier than planned. The wind had reduced the efficacy of the rainfly, so the sides of the tent were damp and we had little leaks at the side, but still not that bad.

Why do I say I will not repeat it again ever (I think), because the packing up of the canvasses was quite an exercise and then getting home, getting them (camp stuff) cleaned, sunned and packed again ... well that was the exercise for the week and my back.

Memorable indeed.

Cameron Highlands

2010-06-19T16:56:00.081+08:00

1st week Dec 2009 -

We drove up to Camneron Highlands with dad, mum decided to forgo the challenging drive up the winding roads....... Tha last time I was up there was like 25 years ago or something like that.

We picked a 'practical' hotel in the heart of Brinchang, the town near the top. Just remember you don't always see everything on the internet. I think it was called Hua Gin, good rates, as basic as they go - beds, small cupboard space, space enough for 4 instead of 5, a couple of drawers and a little bathroom where the hot water shower actually worked. BUT (of course there's a but) there's no such thing as a bell hop service.

Of course, we were given the 'big' room on the 3rd floor which had NO LIFT . The expanded wing they called it. I had a huge luggage bag as befitting someone who packs for kids which had to be air lifted by 'moir'.

About the rest of the stay, I can't really complain, cos the kids did enough. They're so spoilt.! Of course there's no swimming in Cameron Highlands. I think they enjoyed it somewhere along the way, they gave up on the idea of finding the beach and a game arcade.

We visited the tea plantation, viewed the bees and the honey making, enjoyed the strawberry picking,gorgeous flowers,

giaint roses,

(blame it on the camera)

spotted some strange and cute creatures,

some shopping (of course what's a holiday without shopping) and experienced some winding travelling stomach churning drives.

I'm sure Ar forgot about finishing the whole tray of strawberries in the hotel room or the ferris wheel (how many rides was that ?).

Helen Plus Three

Son, taxi is still cheaper than renting acar.

11-year olds and Nerf guns...

Christmas cards and friendship

Renewal

Birthday in December

I d rather take the bus driver's place today...

Christmas is coming...

HUGS

Busy November occasion card.. a Confirmation and a birthday.

Five birds ... a perching

Warm & toasty Greetings.. Nov card

A locally composed song for Mother Earth

Hallo-ween

Strawberry Moments - Card

Rivers and old cemeteries

Time Out with the Animals

The Hug card (wih ingredients)

Almost blue

Are you in a better place now ?

Wise reflections from a hard journey

Need time for my feet !

Bookaholic's seconds

The First Communion Card

Have car will travel

'Branded'

Adding on anxiety with technology

The Bee card with Hero Arts Floral scallop and Sixxiz dies

Going for Walks

Card Making - die cut & embossing

Too many channels to plug!

Balance: not possible

Patience - a lost art..

Sunday Musing: simple daily rules for the living Heart

Movies in spades..

Child deaths...

Odd thoughts (and doubts)

Mummy means 'Lost and Found'

Triangle to peace....

Beautiful Cambodia (June 2011)

Take a break or get Broken.

What really matters in one's youth ?

Digitally-wired kids !

Not quite so smooth..

Quiet New Year's Eve

Tis the season to be busy and dream of cookies..

Clear signs ...

School hols outings.. finding ways to entertain the kids

Moody blues...no leave...soon to come...perk up it's Christmas

Funny bone - do you have one?

God and we ....C S Lewis

Mind-blowing onde onde

Holding our kids' hands....

Home Sweet Home

Reminder to pray..

Eat, Love and Pray

In other words...

Bookshop at the Ion

Don't forget to Love Yourself

Purple shoes

Who loves Spongebob ?

F is for friends that do stuff together U is for you and me N is for anywhere and anytime at all down here in the deep blue sea!! says Spongebob

Ranting Saturday - cost of vegetables and haircuts

Slavery of Women (cont'd)

Love my Books

Slavery of Women

Wanting best for my Kids..

Basics, basics ..wherefore art thou ?

it's a guy thing !

September birthdays...Godson.. Mum, Sis-in-law

New age ... bad for children

The weekend finally..

Funerals

Inspiring Maya Angelou

Busy Saturday this Saturday

Addictive games...!

Bird Nests - why are they staying away from the trees ?

Messages - Facebook

There's Life yet... National Day holiday..

Has life left its mark ?

F is for friends that do stuff together U is for you and me N is for
anywhere and anytime at all down here in the deep blue sea!! says Spongebob