Photography Smart

Mom's camera

Aung's camera

Myles stayed focused on what he thinks is the right place, looking at where both cameras DO NOT EXIST, happily in his world.
Me, forever, following the wrong light at the wrong time, always too slow or too fast but smiles anyway.
Callum so effortlessly nailed it all the time.
Speaks alot of our personalities and who is best at staying focused.




 

Fearful F word

and no it is not the 4 letter F word that you may be thinking about (but that is another fearful F word) but the word  "favourtism".  Oh yes, "favourtism" - loving another child MORE over the other child you have.

I am the youngest in the family alongside 2 other older siblings. I know favouritism exist -it didn't bothered me ( not in the BIG way nor did it bug me at all). I knew my mom's favourite was and still is my brother and my late dad's favourite was me. We (among our siblings because parents always denies it) knew about it, accepted it ( there wasn't any fierce fight against it anyway) and we grew up.

However, now that I am a mother of 2 very different children - it began to dawn to me that I treat both children differently.  I see you are having your very own speculations now.

Myles is still ( thankfully) a pretty mild kid. He is sensitive and strives to please and is quick to surrender to higher authorities. He articulates his thoughts and feelings pretty well and leaves us very little room to guess what is in his little mind. He thinks of the world (for now) a place of unicorns, rainbows, goodie good people ) and he wants to be in a better world ( no to animal abuse, off the air-con, be kind to other children etc) and tries his best to be part of contributing to the better world.
Sounds like a perfect child? Well, that is before he whines. Yes, Myles whines. He can annoy you pretty much by whining for what he does not have and why he cannot have.... his pretty much poor motor skills also means that he is not wearing his socks and uniform FAST enough ( Daddy intervenes every morning) and he is bad at opening stuff and putting in stuff etc. He is also ver S-L-O-W, meaning that he cannot be rushed and likes to take his own sweet time even during times of extreme time deficiency moments.

Callum on the other hand is the direct opposite. He is definitely not your mild kid - he does not strive to please but wants to be pleased. His actions articulates more than words (limited too) and all he wants to do now is to jump up and down and at every possible opportunity shouts ELMO on youtube. And, oh boy, he is fast. He is fast to grab his bag, put on his shoes and when he knocks his glass of water, he will run to get tissue to wipe it off. He does not wait for people to attend his matters, he takes matters in his own hands. And all these could be very draining for us. He is stubborn like mule and you can see it in his eyes, how determined he is to get things his ways.We are always one step behind him and we are like thinking how to outsmart him or to soften his heart on areas where we needed him to obey.

In all honesty, Callum at this stage of his life is very very irresistably cute. Because he is always not compliant, any little effort of him behaving, scores him many claps, hoorays and kisses. And this doesn't always seemed fair because Myles always behaves, and the rare moments of him deviating from the good road will lead stern discipline (reprimmands mostly). Myles also comes with homework baggages (unsaid academical stress) that makes him more work than ever in a different way than Callum (who has not started school).

It is precisely because of their obvious differences in characters and age gaps, I begin to make obvious efforts to ensure both boys have it fair and are appreciated for their differences.This can only be done with time alone with each child. If not, Aung will always get Myles and me, Callum because even as parents we have very different personalities and coping competency with each child.

Back to the F word.  Honestly, I dunno. There are days whereby Myles makes me so happy and gooey and all mushy and days whereby I find him so whiny. There are days whereby Callum makes me so excited and wide eyes with his kisses and cuddles and latest tricks - and days whereby he exhausts me especially when he tries to push his luck with the boundaries and I looked high and low for the OFF button on him.

Myles have NEVER said I love Callum but not him or that I have not been fair. Callum can't talk yet - good luck to me.

However, Myles comforts me when I have troubles with Callum and on the other hand, Callum energises me when I feel troubled with Myles and it is amazing how one child could compliment the other child and makes me a more complete parent. I dunno about the F word - I only know that there are good days and bad days with each child but I am clear that not a single day have passed that I do not see them as blessings in my life.



Happy pills.

 

Chinese Criminal

we both are.

Maoster and I.

I don't know what or when it all went downhill but according to him, his mother tongue is English.

" I am English. I am moving to England when I am older." Maoster declared. I raised my eyebrow and rolled my eyes at Aung.

There is obviously NO fairytale ending because, part of the school's curriculumn is to be competent in Chinese language. Even if the education system will try to find a shortcut for English tongues like Maoster - his mom will NOT hear of it. I am Chinese and I speak mandarin. I believe I am bilingual and we attend the chinese congregation in our church. There is beauty and so much treasure in this language. And, I cannot stand my offspring(s), drowning in chinese and suck at it - like failing the subject (almost, close or actually!)

That's how the prison begin work - at least 3 days a week for the past 1 month, there is mandatory 60 minutes with mom. We don't do much, we only make sure he can read all the words in the textbook and honestly it is not much but it is ALOT of madness for Maoster.

The prison walls are hard and cold. The sight and sounds are not pleasant and definitely not for the faint hearted.  Sometimes, visitations by family members are permitted - but they are short and swift ( and Mylo always ends up screaming and crying for he wants to be imprisoned as well).

Maoster and I both started out each session with renewed hope. It always mostly ended in a desperate need of consolation for both parties.

A common conversation will be:
" What is this word?"
"Errrr..... Is it XX? Is it XX?
" NO! Think again"
Maoster panics. My blood boils.
"Try again. Mummy have repeated this like 10 times!"
Maoster panics. His eyes widen, his hands are cold.
I raise my voice and gave the answer.
Maoster repeats the words trying hard to memorise it.
I asked again, he fails to recall the word.
I glared. I raise my voice. Tears flow.

Maoster is a prisoner of Chinese. Unless he knows and feels confidence about the language, he doesn't have the key to freedom and love for the language.

Everytime I raise my voice, I glare and especially when I see the tears flow. I become a criminal. I feel lousy, I feel guilty and  my heart breaks into a million pieces.

I try to end the session with a cuddle. I cuddle my son and tells him that he is doing a good job, that he is trying his best, that it is a difficult subject. I tell him that I love him and that I am doing all that for him.

I think that cuddle is more for me. I hope it frees me - from the fact that I made him a prisoner.

Chinese criminals, we both are. We hope to be free one day.

 

Only HEAVEN knows

Have you ever wonder what happens after you die? I often do, I guess human are the only ones that has eternity etched in our hearts. I mean, we often do not think that we will die and therefore we try so hard to live forever.

Lucky for me, I believe in eternal life through my faith. However, I do not know what exactly HEAVEN has in store. There are glimpses of what probably could be but, I guess it is beyond our capabiltiy to fanthom it all because, well, perhaps it is meant to be a SURPRISE ; similarly like a door gift perhaps?

Oh well, often I day dream. -this is one of my favourite past times ( there is no judging) and my IDEAL heaven ( GOD-WILLING) should preferably have:

A GIGANTIC SUPERMARKET

No, I am not insane. I would like to have a gigantic supermarket with the best produce, meat and variety of offerings. Butter, jam, cookies, chips, vegetables, fruits, meat, condiments and all..... and they  have to be absolutely FREE for all to shop and take.

GLORIOUS BEACHES

I hope there's time for sun bathing, swimming and doing absolutely nothing. Best if there would be chilled drinks that will never turn warm and ice cream that will never melt by the beach as well. There would be glorious sun tanning but never sunburnt!

ANIMALS ROAMING AROUND

Bears, cheetahs, pandas, rhinoceros, hippotamus roaming free around. Animals of all sizes and colours all around heaven. They all do not bite and hurt  but will still make their original sound. I DO NOT WANT THEM TO TALK LIKE HUMANS. That would be too much to take.

CLUBHOUSES

For gyms, game rooms ( taboo, risk, monopoly etc), karaoke rooms. You can take away golf course. I don't play golf and dun plan to play that game ( takes too much land, but is that a problem in heaven)

HOUSE WITH A GARDEN, ATTIC and BASEMENT

Self cleaning one please. With fantastic kitchen appliances and oven (I emphasis on the oven because I cannot live without one), bbq pit, king size bed and nice clean sheets. Must come with a big fridge and the garden must be thriving with herbs and produce (without much maintenence please).

PEOPLE WITH HUMOUR

I hope that people up there have a sense of humour. I hope they get my joke and laugh. Maybe they will be too nice not to laugh.

Of cos, darling Aung and Bun offsprings must be there to make my heaven complete.

What's your version of heaven?
 

PRIZED RECIPE

not because it is a proven recipe. Because one of my first students sent me a message with details of the recipe of his signature dish as a chef now with a sweet note that this would be my teacher's day gift - thanking me for my being a great teacher and a good friend to him. He said he message me during his break now.

When you touched lives, your very own life is touched in the most miraculous, wonderful and intimate way. I guess this is what this profession draws people - to be so vulnerable yet be so powerful at the same time ; to invite people into your own life and entering others.

CEREAL PRAWN RECIPE

1) heat the wok/pan 2) put in a little bit of oil and margarin.. abt a 50cent coin amount or margarin 3) put in egg yolk, 1 2 or 3 its up to you.. see how much 蛋丝 eu like 4) keep stiring in circular motion until alot of foaming bubbles comes up and off the fire ( if it foams but not alot, add in abit more oil ) 5) put in 2 - 3 teaspoon of sugar 6) throw in ur fried chicken or prawns 7) put in ur desired amount of cereal ( those common nestle brand will do ) 8) keep stiring until evenly mixed * step 5, 6, 7 and 8 should be done as fast as possible so the heat in the foam will retain and make de cereal crispy

My 5 year old students came to visit me this year at my place - guess who is the chef?

 

The clock is ticking...

for Mylo to know how to behave in a proper manner. No kicking, no shouting, sit when the car is moving, no throwing of toys, no biting and no no no no no no... to the thousand and one things that he is planning to do.

My very wise mother who took care of all 7 grandchildren told me when Mylo was 6 months old that he will wise up at 12 months. At 12 months old, she confidently said that at 18 months old, he will behave because he would be able to understand us better. Now at 20 months old, refusing to admit defeat, she says that maybe for Mylo, he needs to be 24 months old to really turn over a new leaf.

I am hardly optimistic. Looking at how things goes, I am really not quite sure if he will be the youngest child to be expelled from school. He is not really that BAD, but seriously STUBBORN. He only likes things his way. He only wants to be carried by me ( he shakes his head and screams his lungs off when Aung tries to carry him). He knows that weekday, he has no choice, so he wants NO ONE but my mother. He insists that games should be played according to his rules and his poor long suffering brother has to do all his biddings. He is very sure of what he wants and does not waiver at all to any temptations or "lies" that we tell him. He is always suspicioius if we do anything out of the norm and will storm off to his normal routine. He switches the TV himself, wipes off his own mess and basically likes to be in total control. We are currently, unfortunately in a way being controlled and slightly defeated. Yet, the only saving grace is that amongst all these hurricanes and waves of chaotic mess, the charms and cuteness of Mylo still dominates. Like bad love ( those that you tell your friends or children to quickly get themselves out of - abusive relationship, cheating partners, belitting attitudes), one cannot help but stick around hoping that at the end of the tunnel (24 MONTHS!), he will be loving, gentle, kind, subdued and so ever OBEDIENT!

I hope my mom is right. I mean, all mothers are supposed to be right, right????

 

Outdated Romance

Saturday, December 14, 2002

Dear Bun,

This is our diary... hopefully the start of a habit of writing thoughts about one another in a non - animal fighting way....

cheers...

What's your name?

Today in class, I taught the students about branding - the importance of it and why companies are spending millions of money trying to build a brand name. With that, I also ask my students what do they think of their own name. They had lots of fun telling me the associations they had with some names - say "ROBERT",  "ANGELINE", "ISABELLA", "GRACE" etc.

I remember that nailing down that name for my children was one of the most painful and well most time consuming first few decisions that a parent had to make for their children. Being chinese doesn't help - apart from English name, we have chinese names and we also have a dialect name that our children can have.

Similarly to "What should I wear for my Prom Party", people HAVE lots of things they want to say about your decision of your child's name. Sometimes, they do not say, but their facial expressions tell you all and then you sort of will think twice and put it in your list of names for the family pet instead list.

To make things easier, let's just analyse my boys' names.

My firstborn was named Myles (pronounced as Miles). Many people will like, " what is your son's name again? They try to pronounce it with some luck or no luck at all. Then, it makes me wonder,

1) DON'TANYONE SING THAT SONG?

If you miss the train I'm on, You will know that I'm gone, You can hear the whistle blow 100 miles. Lord I'm 1, Lord I'm 2, Lord I'm 3, Lord I'm 4, Lord, I'm 500 miles away from home.

Myles or Miles is a common word that does not require you to frown for days and go "huh, huh, huh" all the time.

2) PHONICS CLASS PERHAPS?

Because, miles is not MOUSE. I can accept it if you are like 3 year old but if you are 30 and you still crack that, MOUSE AH? MICKEY MOUSE AH? Then basically I do not know what to do with you but send you for phonics class.

The meaning of Myles:
In Latin it means, "Soldier" and that basically means that I want my boy to be a fighter, to win wars. For God, for men, for himself. To defend, to love, to protect ( his faith, his family, his beliefs, his passion)

Of course, of late, I googled and realised that there could be another meaning of Myles which is " Uncertain, perhaps peaceful" that I burst out laughing because, Myles adopts more to this name at his phase of life right now because, he is always in his world, dreaming, thinking, imagining and although I call him blur, he probably feels rather at peace and feeling peaceful.

My 2nd child is named Callum.

That is pretty straight forward. Less pronouciation pain for people -it is of Scottish origin and it means 'DOVE" . Peace loving and all kindness encompassing. I do hope that no one calls him "COLUMN" and if they do, I blame it on our Singapore's educational system which I am a part of.

Painstakingly, I chose my names for my boys. I hope one day when they grow up they will not-

1) reply, "I DO NOT KNOW WHY MY PARENTS GAVE ME THAT NAME"
2) ask, " MUMMY, IS IT OKAY IF I CHANGE MY NAME?
3) become, A COWARD as opposed to a soldier or a TYRANT ANNOYING BRAT THAT DESTROYS rather than being a dove that brings peace and gentleness. 

TENtatively

Aungs are turning legally 10 this year in September. Although, rather weirdly, we cannot find our marriage certificate and therefore although we are legally married and binded together, there is NO way I can proof it to you unless I pay to get a duplicate copy of our certificate.

I digress. The main reason of me even blogging about it is, I have been thinking, that since it is our tenth year, I really wanna do something to celebrate our persistence in being together and writing it down should be the best way to organise thoughts (and so I teach). Going on a holiday has been on my mind but parental duties seemed to be in the way. Not only that stupid F1 will definitely make hotel rates sky high in Sept if we are planning a staycation (Ironically, my school or rather my dept  is largely responsible for the F1 happening in Singapore). And I want to be happy. If I wait for Aung to plan ( or not to plan), I will end up miserable and feeling unloved and all. So I am coming up with 10 things that I  we should do sans the children.

1. Dress up and go for dinner at a nice restaurant.
2. Go for a swim and enjoy some sun
3. Watch a decent adult movie that does not come with any morale values. Give me violence, give me blood, give me some sexual scenes and oh baby, I wanna hear some F word. You sort of get it?
4. Go shopping. Try on some clothes instead of buying them online. Try some shoes, try some accessories, get some sanity and wear some socks without holes in them.
5. Wake up without being woken up. Enough said.
6. Watch TV till I fall asleep.
7. I would like to do some massage but Aung hates it. So massage is OFF.
7. Go out late at night and have some wine. Get drunk. Get laid and then do point 5.
8. ?
9.?
10?

This is absolutely spot on. I have NO idea and this is really BAD!

It is so hard to think of 10 things to do!!!!!!!

Gosh, I think we will just end up with 1 and then wait for the next decade to try to do this stuff again. Or anyone who actually reads my  blog has any suggestions? Wait, does ANYONE actually reads my blog? Or is it only me and void and this space. Say hi? Okay.... u are not there.... okay... NO ONE is actually there......just like my 10 to do list.

I should just stop writing because it is NOT helping me to organise my thoughts and find me 10 things to do!


 

When the sun comes down on you

what can you do?

That was what we thought when Jon's mother had a series of medical issues that started with a fall, then giddy spells, the weak legs and the 1 week stay at the hospital.

Suddenly I looked at the 72 years old with a different light. Somewhat warmer light.

Since I became an Aung, we have always lived with her. She is quiet and shy and very highly opinionated in her strong, quiet ways. I would say we have lived quite well together, because she has pretty much left us alone. Her independence and her love for her child would be what I will remember her by if the fateful day comes.

We are glad that the fateful day did not come as yet, that the Lord had been compassionate enough to allow more good years of her with us. However, suddenly thoughts of the roles reversing and that we have to take an active role is not one that does not send shivers down my spine. We are looking at a domestic helper in the years to come and as well as more medical options for her. All these comes not only with additional costs to our already pretty hard commitments but emotionally and physically, it will be rather draining. This is woe of an only child. Well, if Aung had experienced 100% of everything that need not be shared by another sibling, it is then right that he also take 100% of his mother in her golden days. This past few weeks made my MIL a more emotional person than a logical person that she normally is - she praises me more often and behaves more affectionate with the grandchildren. I wonder at the end of my time on earth, how would I be?

The dragon old lady with her dragon warrior.

When the sun comes down on you, well you can also run. ( lame, I know but I am lame after the run too)

Sundown 2014 was the first run after The new 2.4km attempt. Since January this year, I have been trying to keep up with an exercise regimen. Thanks to my new school that comes with almost everything (gym, pool, track & colleagues that are exercise freaks), I am somewhat conditioned to exercise. Of cos, no one exercises for the sake of health! There has been some results although I guess the results might be better if I change my diet. But, that is never going to happen. Laksa & prata is my staple for bf and although I know this will lead me to never changing my wardrobe but at least I stay true to my local delights.

Anyway, my goal for Sundown 10km was not to stop running. Previously when I did my first 10km 4 years ago, I stopped at 6km. This time round I never stopped running till the very end. I was slow, it was more like a slow jog but I am happy and proud of what I had achieve.

So what made the difference in 4 years? I guess they were:

1. Sundown was really more cooling. There was no harsh sun that really almost killed anyone. I was baked, scorched and miserable. This time, I could still experience some bouts of cold breeze and without the glaring sun, you also feel like running home to sleep sooner!

2. Better runners. I ran with my colleagues who are far better runners. They ran way ahead of me but were super encouraging with my slow but steady strategy. Knowing that they are ahead of me, made me wanna run so that they will not wait for me, screaming, "Where is Becks? Did she run away to some fried chicken store?"

3.Six months of regular exercising. I made it a point to go to the gym or run at least twice a week. Guess my heart got stronger and my bacon legs were more resilient.

Before flag off with my mates. I am the only FAT one.

When the sun sets, I know the sun will rise again.

 

Writer. Dreamer. Child of God.

I am not talking about myself.

With the Mylo-domination going around the Aung family, I think it is only right not to forget that I have a brilliant and endearing 8 year old to be, who is growing up rather nicely.

WRITER:

NEIGHBOURHOOD WALK EXPERIENCE

Last Tuesday, we were really excited. Do you know why? It (is)was because we were going for a neighborhood walk! We were dismissed for a while, then we waited outside the canteen. I was so excited!
I was surprised that when we were told to walk, we saw many things. But there were so many things that I could not list because I would waste paper. So as I was saying, we walked and walked till I felt that my legs were dropping off! I was so thirsty, that I would drink toilet water! We stopped by post box and I got really excited! After we mailed our letters, I was so tired .(more tired than the word dropping legs). I wanted to go back to school, but my wish was not granted.
Is it? Yes! Mdm Nora said that we were going back to school! So, hope was not lost after all. When we reached school, I felt dehydrated! When I went to the canteen, the first thing I did was to buy a drink. How refreshing!
I hope you will not go for a neighborhood walk unless you are a sports person because you will walk and feel dehydrated just like me. Goodbye, for now.

THE BRAINLESS BIRD

Watch out for it. Waiting for teacher's marking.

JOURNAL OF MAO

When mom steals it.

DREAMER

Maoster has great imaginations. He dreams of funny tales and the great future. The other day, he came back from visiting one of his favourite doctors and pondered over the possibility of being a doctor. I asked him if he really wanted to be one, he probably needs a medicine degree. He asked me IF I want him to be a doctor. He said," I'll do it mom, if you really want me to." I believed him when he said that and I immersed in that magical moment of "mom-son"world for I know I would lose more of such when he grows up slowly and also quickly.

Sometimes he would even ask where he should go as his educational path develops - to the JC or Poly. I know this sounds really weird for a boy who have not even gone through PSLE (isn't it a bit too soon to even contemplate the options?) but my special boy could even tell me the difference - Poly courses are modular basis, meaning that there is no ONE major exam but you are tested throughout the years. JC, however need you to pass this MAJOR exam so it seems more stressful. Chances of going to the university seemed higher with the JC path but with poly, you really need to be top students.
He probably talked to someone. Not me. He comes to me only for food, fun and some cuddles.


Child of God.

It took me years and am still learning about God's soverignity over my desires. Aung's mom fell and hurt real bad on the eye and was sent to the hospital A&E department for doctor's examination and a CT scan. While we were at home, I gather Maoster and ask him to lead the prayer for grandma. This was his prayer (from what I remember of),

" God, we know you care for us. We know you care for Nai Nai (Grandm). Nai Nai fell and had a really really really really really bad bruise. She is now going to have a scan and I hope that there will not be any blood inside her head. If, really, after the scan, there is blood, we will still love you. But, I will grieve for Nai Nai."

I think it is a beautiful, mature prayer. In God's timing, in God's hands. We just commit and trust that God knows what is the best. This is not a "resigned" prayer, but one of great faith and understanding that our God who sees the beginning and the end have designed the best plans for us.

Letting his finger decide his ice-cream flavour. I knew he cheated.

I really wonder how my first-born will turn out in the future. I unveil it with fear, anticipation and excitement. I guess, I probably need lots of prayers and patience and to always remind myself that he belongs to God and that my job is to make sure I return to God what he had given me in good condition!


 

Successful Parenting Tip (Again!)

Following my successful mom tips some weeks ago, Aung had his fair share of good tips to share. We are wonderful parents, so please watch and learn.

Whenever Aung walks Mylo after his dinner (to give my mom's sanity a reason to return), he ALWAYS return with a sleeping baby. We are always very impressed that the ball of energy would hibernate and peace and tranquility could resume for all. Aung always emerged like a hero that had strike down this ferorious bear that had caused damage to the village - It honestly feels like that. We will cheer and squeal with delight!

A few days ago, Mylo was at his best, in terms of stretching his physical and energy capacity. He napped only for ONE PRECIOUS HOUR and refused to sleep anymore. This means, he is, roaming around, waiting to be entertained, fed and changed and up to his activities the entire day. When I returned home from work that day, my mom IMMEDIATELY summoned me to bring him for a walk. In almost the exact words of my mom (translated), " Do what your husband does, bring him for a walk and bring him back ASLEEP!"

That's what I did, rather confidently. I called Aung and told him that I will be bringing Mylo for a walk for some sleep inducement program. Aung said,"Yup, bring him to walk, he surely will sleep."

I  brought him to walk around the neighbourhood. I brought him to the junior college right behind my mom's and walk around the premise. We watched students played basketball. He coo-ed at most of the stuff, pointed in delight that I brought him to the junior college and then even attempted to play basketball with the students. After an hour - he was NOT ASLEEP. In fact, he was really ON FIRE, walking round the basketball courts and chasing after basketballs with screaming students who fear that the ball might just fly at him and strike him dead.

I went home with my failed mission and a wide awake baby. My mom's first reaction was," WHAT!" She would have packed her luggage and left if she didn't have to feed the hamsters and terrapins.

Aung came home and of cos I passed Mylo to him IMMEDIATELY. On the way home, I was complaining to Aung that Mylo didn't sleep when he was with me for an hour walk, I felt like a failure!

Then as if he was hit by the frisbee, Aung excitedly exclaimed, " OH, I FORGOT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING WHEN U CALLED. WHEN YOU BRING HIM TO WALK, DO NOT TALK TO HIM, KEEP PATTING HIS HEAD AND AVOID EYE CONTACT AT ALL COST!"

Then I realised, my darling mylo slept because he was BORED with his father. That was the tip of the day. BORE YOUR CHILD TO SLEEP. This is Aung's parenting tip for all.

Founder of "bore your child to sleep" and success story

Wishing you a very successful parenting journey.

Meaningful Work, Work Meaningfully.

I enjoy working with students on projects that touches hearts - but more importantly I want these projects to touch the hearts of my students above all. Yes, through such community projects, the recipients do get something - but I always find that it is those who gives that gains the most. It is true that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive and I will Amen  to this. When my students' hearts are touched and when they have experienced the joy of giving, hopefully this would create a spark that could enable a flaming torch to bring warmth and joy to the people around them. As I always tell them, practice makes perfect and even doing good takes lots of practice.

 

 

 

 

Camps.

We are divided. We now have camps. It is not hard to figure out that Maoster and Aung are in the same camp. They are alike in so many ways that makes me and thankfully now with Mylo "THE ODD ONES OUT" - or something like that. They can be characterised by the following:

1. Love to read
2. Hate the sun
3. Indoor rather than outdoor
4. Fried rice/chicken rice/duck rice over anything else you can find in coffeeshop
5. Laughs at stupid cartoons and shows such as Running man
6. Don't like their food piping HOT
7. Poor motor skills
8. High empathy
9. Knows difference between aligator and crocodile and whatever you can find in science books
10. Poor memory
11. Says sorry easily
12. Likes language and will be on repeat mode*
13. Eats cheeseburgers with apples pies in Mcdonalds and nothing elses (no chicken burgers, no fish burgers, just beef patties burgers with cheese which basically in honestly is a cheeseburger)
14. Love animals, want to have them as pets and will (please don't) turn into vegan if I dun insist meat is supreme food.
15. relaxed and chill. No sense of urgency.

and the list goes on. How can they be so alike????? I always thought I have done my fair share of influencing my firstborn to become where and what I wanna be  - like grow your child your way thingy but no GENES dominates.

Last Saturday as we were at the zoo, I was complaining how fat I looked in photos so I asked Maoster firmly - " Can you just tell me the truth, is mummy like hopelessly FAT?"
Aung was dead quiet. Maoster rolled his eyes, thought for a minute ( like Aung) and he replied, "well..... you know I do not mind..." ( This is so Aung) and I pressed on and asked," So am I or not, like so fat????"

Maoster replied," Well, mummy, I really wouldn't say that (So Aung again).... you are just...hmmmm how should I put it (here we have Mr Aung again), you are like, an UNFED PIG."
"What do you mean, I said?"
Maoster cheekily answered but gently (like Aung), " Well, you are a pig but a thin one... Unfed one... okay, mummy... get it?" and both Aung and Maoster laughed out loud.

Mylo looked at me and I looked at Mylo. Now, we only have each other.

*About the repeat mode: Maoster will repeat words he likes under his breathe when he usese them in a speech. For example, he says to me, "Oh mummy, that show is like super awesome and that boy is like out of the world... ( and he repeats quietly..... out of the world... out of the world.... out of the world....) It is very weird and funny at the same time. (Aung then tells me he does this too, but only in his mind)....

Isn't it weird? (weird... weird.... weird.... repeat mode on....)




 

Being Frank.



 

And so, Frank said in some parts of the song,

 

Something in your eyes was so inviting

Something in you smile was so exciting

Something in my heart told me I must have you

 

and Frank said,

 

Ever since that night we've been together

Lovers at first sight, in love forever

It turned out so right for strangers in the night

Love was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away

 

 

I love this song. This is one of those Frank's songs that will make me stop whatever I am doing to listen to it. I imagined this was LOVE. Inviting, exciting, so driven by love and lust and feeling so RIGHT together all the time.

 

 

But FRANK(LY), is this really TRUE?

 

The frank facts are:

 

1. We do not gaze into each other's eyes longingly. Is that a new dress? (I had this for 10 years)
2. We raise brows at each other that reads "YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG (AGAIN )"
3. Our smses consist of mundane/ boring to do lists and reminders.
4. We nudged/pushed each other to sleep a bit more to your side because there is no more space at my side.
5. There are no more fantasies about each other - with or without clothes.
6. Fine dining is a waste of money. You buy gifts that are practical - like an oven, a shaver, socks even!  Wait, what gifts? You want something, just buy lah.
7. I just want you to be happy - oh really, please switch OFF the lights if you are the last person awake and if you are the first to wake, please dun make switch ON the lights cos that will wake me up and worse still, wake my kids up.
8. And we stop asking each other and quite honestly embarrassing stupid questions such as" Do you love me or make bold statements like "I love you.

We are in a "working" relationship, whereby we make things happen. And this NOT only include the baby making part of our lives. This is where we are chauffers, maids, cooks, deliverymen, technicians, translators, negotiators, lawyers, auditors etc of our home that we build together. Day after day, months after months, years after years, we are moulded to operate together, strangely and sometimes I resist saying this, we morph into each other and become one another.

This means:

1. I now could go shopping and look at the boxes that contained the item rather than the item itself.
2. I know more about plants, animals and why good erasers are made of polymer fibre.
3. I begin using toothbrush that are "soft" instead of "hard".
4. I understand a little more about texture, shapes and sizes.
5. I make coffee or milo with 2/3rds of hot water and 1/3 of room tempreture water.
6. I know that sometimes less is more, especially in pizza toppings.
7. I look at Lego and let it go under approved purchases alongside endless of thumbdrives.
8. I will now buy ang ku kwey that is in bean paste.
9. Ya Kun is no longer a stupid place.
10. I also bend the shoes before I buy them for my children.

And the scary list goes on.

And, then, one realised that we have become one like the good book said. And I guess, quite frankly is this what Frank is saying, that love is just a glance away? One glance is all it takes? To know if he has been naughty or nice, faraway or near?

 

And then, the song of Frank is on loop and I smile. Being ONE, is better than being two. We build a home for our hearts together.

Happy V- Day everyone! ( Doing this post earlier to stay away from the loving crowd and before I change my mind about proclaiming about love!)

 

 

A good mother is one who will...

ensure that their chil(ren) is safe, secure and happy.

Now look at these following pictures. These pictures demonstrates how your child should look like when they are with you. HAPPY, CAREFREE, CONFIDENT. (refers to baby on the bicycle seat). So happy that he is doing almost a VICTORY sign. If there is a background song, it should be ...."and I think to myself... what a wonderful world..." on loop.

Note that the Victory sign is child-initiated.



Mylo with my sister in law.  

 Now, look at the following picture. This picture is a negative demonstration of how your child should look like when he/she is with you. Note the firm grip (on both hands)on the bicycle seat, the gaze of fear on the child's eyes and the disapproving frown.

Note that the Victory Sign is mom-initiated.

 

The above pictures will guide you in evaluating if you are bringing up your child(ren) the way a good parent should be and how does your child(ren) really feels when he/she/they are with you.Wishing you all a very successful parenting journey.



All BIG things started small

It all started with an innocent piece of meat.

Then, we thought, it would be great to have it grilled with some hickory wood.

So, we thought, it shouldn't hurt to get a little mini charcoal grill for the house that seemed so "portable". Forgive our senseless mind and our minimal knowledge of cast iron and the word 25kg stated over the internet.

Well, then, it was just a simple e-mail enquiry. Then the Mini Green Egg arrived.

With the egg's arrival, now we are thinking of getting some really good wood and charcoal.

And it would be great if we could have this bed of herbs.

It wouldn't hurt if we can have this trolley where we can place
food.

A nice foldable table for 4 and a picnic set that contains all the necessary ( of cos they are!) plates and all and wine glasses.

We probably cannot do without a chiller. How else are we to have a wine. HOT? Never!

It would be great if we also could have a nice 4 men tent.

Wait, maybe all we need is a house with a big garden.

Oh yes. That's probably what we need. A house with a big garden. Preferably near a butchery. The solution was awfully simple and straight forward.

So really, it began with an innocent piece of meat.
 

FARMER RABBIT

I have to let this out. I find farmers really sexy. I imagine big strong men, working hard in the fields of corns, tomatoes, turnips, lettuces to be very very very sexy. Their sexy index increases IF they also own some free range hens, cows, pigs and a horse or 2. Would be great if they could cook too.

I imagine myself having a long table in the middle of the field /farm hosting this grand dinner of roast and some fresh salad from the farm. With cheese, wines and olives galore. I feel the warmth of the evening sun shining on my face and the cool chill wind slightly blowing at my direction. I can even hear the laughter of people; nonsesnsical meaningless conversations going around. Children running around, lying on the soil and getting excited over almost anything. There is no rush. There is no schedule. There is no what-to-do next. There is only now. Miles and miles of nothingness surrounds my guests and I and we allow time to pass at their own pace and care less of what is to come.

And now sitting in my corner of my table where NONE of these sights and sounds are in place - I am shamelessly using my office hours to day dream.

Join me in my field of imagination. Of roasts and greens, of peace and tranquility.

 

Relunctantly, happy new year.

This year is a weird year for me. It's like meeting a new friend, or a new job, or reading a new book. I do not know whether or not I like it yet. I do not know 2014 enough to say that I am jumping up and down in excitment, embracing it and welcoming it with all my heart and soul.

I am peering in - with my body stuck in 2013. I guessed I have had a pretty "good" year in 2013. Aung became four end of 2012 and in 2013 we are this happy, complete, contented family. I spent 6 months not working and the rest of 2013 just zoomed by in a blur of happiness of doing minimal. Yes, parenthood is intense with an intense baby who have 0 patience but yet buzzing around this baby seems to be the calming and "non-hurried" element of 2013. Being promoted in 2013 (announced when I was on leave), felt that I had been promoted although I did nothing ( although the assessment was based on 2012).

Now this 2014 came. Gosh, I have never ever remembered not wanting to go to a new year so badly. Not wanting to move forward. Not wanting to do that 12 months ALL OVER AGAIN. It was weirdly alarming that I had turned into this brat. This brat that DO NOT want to face the storms of 2014. This brat that DO NOT want to participate in any fun jolly rewarding whatever that 2014 may bring.

I am not sure whether it is a self-fulfilling prophesy or that sometimes one can feel your hostility and shy away from you but 2014 seems to have snapped back to say that maybe I am also not welcome.

Mylo was hospitalised over a bout of gastric flu that caused him to puke and stuff and the entire clan was down. I was also puking my guts out and had to run to the toilet for the other way. Everything was coming out of me in up and down. By the time we sort of got our slight health back, a week of 2014 passed and school resumes.

BOY, REALLY! 12 MONTHS ALL OVER AGAIN!? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??? ANYONE CAN SHED SOME LIGHT?

So, relunctantly, happy new year.


 

123, Look who turned ONE.

Callum turns ONE on 11.12.13

A year ago on the same day, both Aung and I were excited to go to the hospital to deliver our 2nd child.  It was a child that we  both had prayed for, teared for and waited for.

Well, enough of emotional ribbons on the crib of gift - I would like to recall the "memorable" stuff that happened on the day of his birth in the delivery suite and to commerate this special 1 2 3 once in a lifetime rubbish date that alot of people are excited about.

So, my 1 2 3 are:

1. The pump that supported the epidural drip DID NOT WORK.
This explains ALOT about the pain that I still felt despite being "wired" up. I keep telling the anesthesiologist that I can still feel the pain down there. After he realised that it is NOT in my mind - it was way too late. Callum is all ready down there wondering what is the fuss outside.

2. Twist and Turn is NOT my dance
Both my boys likes to "burrow" downwards facing up. This is NOT right, according to who else but the gynae who says that babies need to be facing downards this brought to the whole decision that he (the gynae) would have to perform a twist and turn in the delivery suite. Twist & Turn basically means, he puts his hand into me and twist the baby and tries to turn him to face downwards. With Maoster, that was not a problem because the pump worked ( refer to point 1). I was in such a pain down there and Callum being himself was stubborn like a mule and was strong beyond words so, the twist and turn actually took few minutes. Sure, whatever, I was strapped up anyway and just pretend I am not there. Dance like no one was looking.... dance away people....

3. Never eat Mee Siam for BF when you need to poop your baby out.
No pun intended. They asked me to push. I did. I mean - HOW WOULD I KNOW THAT MEE SIAM WAS NOT MY BABY????

So after the above 1 2 3 - my baby is finally OUT!

Blessed 1st birthday Babycake!

May you grow to know just how good our God is.

We love you so much - your smiles, your growls, your silly actions.

We hope you have enjoyed your 1st year with us as we celebrate being four with your arrival.

The very grouchy face when he first woke up realising he turned 1. He had the same annoyed face when he was pulled out.