Peanut's speech is suddenly improving exponentially.
Each week...no actually, every other day, she seems to be saying something new or surprising me with something she says haha. She still babbles sometimes and mispronounces things but you can clearly hear her intent and there is also a structure to what she says.
====================
She poo-ed in her diapers the other day.
She came to me and said:
"Meimei poo poo. Mama change you. Auntie Hope no."
Translation:
"Meimei just had a poo. Mama, please clean me up and changed me diapers for me. I don't want Auntie Hope to do it."
====================
We were at Jalan Sayang just last night. We went to the opposite neighbours' place and stood at the gates looking at the dogs there. One was a Pomeranian, the other one was a Shih Tzu.
Me: Alyssa, which dog is cuter?
A: *blur* (I think she didn't understand the word "cute")
Me: Alyssa, which dog is prettier?
A: ME!!! (without any hesitation)
Lol....it was a hilarious "facepalm" moment.
====================
Some of her favourite phrases these days:
"Zard poo poo."
Translation: "The lizard poo-ed. Or the lizard is pooing."
"Who is that?"
And she would say this in a deeper voice.
"S'wan. I want s'wan."
Translation: "I want this one."
====================
Animals sounds that she can make these days:
Dog, cat, duck, chicken, bird, cow, goat, sheep, donkey, monkey, snake, bee, frog, owl, mouse.
Animal names that she can say clearly these days:
Dog, cat (though she still prefers to refer to them as "wou wou" and "meow meow"
Owl, mouse, duck, frog, elephant, bird, bee, sheep
Animal names that she is still trying to master:
butterfly (fly)
chicken (kern)
====================
And....her first Chinese words to me came over the last weekend when she said "喝水" to me. :)
====================
Some of the songs that she roughly knows and can either hum along to or sing the last word of some sentences....
Shall we dance - Yul Brynner & Deborah Kerr in The King & I
Do, Re, Mi - Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music
Because it's Singapore - our national day song for 2017
Where I belong - Tanya Chua
Let it Go - from Frozen
Rasa Sayang
Mr Sun - from Barney & Friends
BINGO - Nursery rhyme
Brown Bear - Nursery rhyme
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - Nursery rhyme
....amongst others....
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
*breathe*
Stress is when........
- You send out a draft warning letter to your legal team for vetting. It goes out to them 100% in black text in a word doc. Then it comes back to you with tracked changes. 95% of the document is now in purple amended text and yellow highlights. And many comments within the text as well. Now you need to go through the proposed changes one by one and reply to all the legal team's comments and requests for clarification.
- Your colleague was out of action for August and September. You've been covering her for some aspects of her work. And now your boss is asking you to suddenly take on more pieces of her work as her medical leave was extended till end Oct. Some of the work is not straightforward and requires you to read up and gather background knowledge on the project before you can do anything. But the project is already underway and there are deadlines to meet. Fixing the wheel when the car is running.....boo.
- Your kids' birthday party is coming up and the vendor screws up your order of goodie bag items. NB. Now need to waste extra time to work with them on a solution.
- Your younger girl's wound doesn't seem to be healing and now looks a little puffy. Kind of like a blister. It's worrying that her skin seems to be very sensitiv, especially to wounds and insect bites. A mosquito bite can swell up to a red bump of 5cm X 2cm and end up leaving a mark on her leg. :( There are several such dark scars/marks on her legs already....;(
Thursday, September 21, 2017
一只鸡，一只鸭
Instead of packing from home, I decided to get breakfast from Subway this morning for a change.
In front of me in the queue was an older auntie, maybe 50-plus 60 years of age. Poor lady couldn't converse much in English. And the unfortunate thing was that the entire staff were either non-Chinese or non-Chinese foreigners. I think there was only 1 local staff (who happened to be Indian) amongst the crew of 5.
I had to help the auntie order and was her proxy to decide which bread to choose, which vegetables to add to her breakfast sandwich and which sauce to take.
Sigh...wonder how many of such situations are there around Singapore?
The elderly who can't speak English and getting hindered at establishments where they only have English-speaking staff.
The elderly who can't speak Mandarin and getting hindered at establishments where they only have Mandarin-speaking staff.
Another good example. My Dad and his friends are all kantang Peranakans in their 60s, 70s and 80s who simply cannot handle Mandarin at all. They get extremely frustrated at foodcourts where stall staff are China-born Chinese who cannot speak English or Hokkien. My Dad came home one day and ranted his head off because a Chinese stall helper got his order wrong and he had to spend an extra 10-15mins trying to rectify his order...
In front of me in the queue was an older auntie, maybe 50-plus 60 years of age. Poor lady couldn't converse much in English. And the unfortunate thing was that the entire staff were either non-Chinese or non-Chinese foreigners. I think there was only 1 local staff (who happened to be Indian) amongst the crew of 5.
I had to help the auntie order and was her proxy to decide which bread to choose, which vegetables to add to her breakfast sandwich and which sauce to take.
Sigh...wonder how many of such situations are there around Singapore?
The elderly who can't speak English and getting hindered at establishments where they only have English-speaking staff.
The elderly who can't speak Mandarin and getting hindered at establishments where they only have Mandarin-speaking staff.
Another good example. My Dad and his friends are all kantang Peranakans in their 60s, 70s and 80s who simply cannot handle Mandarin at all. They get extremely frustrated at foodcourts where stall staff are China-born Chinese who cannot speak English or Hokkien. My Dad came home one day and ranted his head off because a Chinese stall helper got his order wrong and he had to spend an extra 10-15mins trying to rectify his order...
Friday, September 15, 2017
More questions again
Had an hour-long Whatsapp chat with the mother of one of Nadya's classmates.
We lamented and also wondered if we were slacker parents. Because other parents were sending their kids to enrichment classes left, right and centre. I recently found out that another of Nadya's classmates is attending Chinese and ballet on Saturdays, and English and Math classes on Sundays.
And our kids were playing masak masak at home or hanging out in malls.
On one hand, I feel we need not tax the kids so early...On the other hand, I'm scared Nadya will start lagging behind.
How like that? ...... :(
Nevermind....I shall mull over it abit more....
First up, swim classes for her....this is a life skill she should have.
I hope she is interested in music classes too...Academic classes...maybe in the next 1-2years?
I didn't have such stuff when I was young. No enrichment and only Chinese tuition simply because my parents were hopeless in Mandarin. Sigh...we all still ended up ok right?
Hmm.....Has the climate changed so much in 30 years?
We lamented and also wondered if we were slacker parents. Because other parents were sending their kids to enrichment classes left, right and centre. I recently found out that another of Nadya's classmates is attending Chinese and ballet on Saturdays, and English and Math classes on Sundays.
And our kids were playing masak masak at home or hanging out in malls.
On one hand, I feel we need not tax the kids so early...On the other hand, I'm scared Nadya will start lagging behind.
How like that? ...... :(
Nevermind....I shall mull over it abit more....
First up, swim classes for her....this is a life skill she should have.
I hope she is interested in music classes too...Academic classes...maybe in the next 1-2years?
I didn't have such stuff when I was young. No enrichment and only Chinese tuition simply because my parents were hopeless in Mandarin. Sigh...we all still ended up ok right?
Hmm.....Has the climate changed so much in 30 years?
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
work
Not concentrating well at work these days.
Why neh? No idea....Could be any of the following or a combination of them.
Why neh? No idea....Could be any of the following or a combination of them.
- Just xian. Or in Korean "kern-yang" (no reason)
- Fatigued. Lack of sleep.
- Fatigued. No work motivation.
- Boredom. No new stuff at work.
- Just me.
Jiejie
Never a good thing when your kid wakes you up at 2am and asks for tissue paper.
In my case, 99% of the time it means that Nadya is having a nosebleed.
And so yep....she woke me at 2am and then again at 530am. She had nosebleeds both times.
Complained of tummy ache at 6plus but couldn't poo. Made gagging sounds a couple of times and finally, she vomitted twice at 7-plus. She retched quite badly the first time round....sigh. Her vomit even had bits of blood in it. Remnants from the nosebleeds she had during the night.
To the doctor we went, after dropping Alyssa off at school.
I hope her tummy settles soon and that this was just a one-off thing.
Their birthday celebration in school is next Friday! Both need to stay healthy!
In my case, 99% of the time it means that Nadya is having a nosebleed.
And so yep....she woke me at 2am and then again at 530am. She had nosebleeds both times.
Complained of tummy ache at 6plus but couldn't poo. Made gagging sounds a couple of times and finally, she vomitted twice at 7-plus. She retched quite badly the first time round....sigh. Her vomit even had bits of blood in it. Remnants from the nosebleeds she had during the night.
To the doctor we went, after dropping Alyssa off at school.
I hope her tummy settles soon and that this was just a one-off thing.
Their birthday celebration in school is next Friday! Both need to stay healthy!
Monday, September 11, 2017
Terrible Twos are here again....
Alyssa got angry when K and I chided her for playing with the shoes in our shoe rack. She was rubbing the soles of the shoes on her face and body. She was throwing the shoes around as well.
She threw a shoe down in defiance and stomped on it.
When I chided her again for doing that, K chimed in as well. She got more upset and threw a smack on his face. I think she narrowly missed him but she immediately turned to me and took a swing at my face as well. I was at that point in time kneeling on the floor to be at her level. My glasses were hit. Luckily they were not damaged or she would have gotten it from me BIG time.
Both K and Nadya know that I am very sensitive about my glasses. I do not allow the girls to touch them at all. Alyssa will need to learn this. I'm sensitive because I used to only have a single pair of glasses. If that gets broken, I'd be blind as a bat. Given my high myopia, I'd only be able to see things clearly if they were like 10cm from my face. Anything further than that and it would just be blobs of colour in my vision.
Anyway, I digressed.
After Alyssa hit both K and I, I was furious and brought her to my room, away from the "crime scene", away from Nadya and away from our neighbour who happened to be standing near our doorway taking to us. That 5-10 second walk back to my room helped calm me down a little. I spoke to her again and explained what she did was wrong.
She refused to listen to me and walked away whenever I got within 1m from her. Her tiny lips were fully pursed and she stomped her feet while getting away from me. I guess she made sure to show me that she was not happy about the whole situation as well lol.
In any case, I managed to speak and explain to her after she had calmed down abit more. She then came over to hug me.
On hindsight, I realised I forgot to get her to apologise for hitting K and I.
Opps.
She threw a shoe down in defiance and stomped on it.
When I chided her again for doing that, K chimed in as well. She got more upset and threw a smack on his face. I think she narrowly missed him but she immediately turned to me and took a swing at my face as well. I was at that point in time kneeling on the floor to be at her level. My glasses were hit. Luckily they were not damaged or she would have gotten it from me BIG time.
Both K and Nadya know that I am very sensitive about my glasses. I do not allow the girls to touch them at all. Alyssa will need to learn this. I'm sensitive because I used to only have a single pair of glasses. If that gets broken, I'd be blind as a bat. Given my high myopia, I'd only be able to see things clearly if they were like 10cm from my face. Anything further than that and it would just be blobs of colour in my vision.
Anyway, I digressed.
After Alyssa hit both K and I, I was furious and brought her to my room, away from the "crime scene", away from Nadya and away from our neighbour who happened to be standing near our doorway taking to us. That 5-10 second walk back to my room helped calm me down a little. I spoke to her again and explained what she did was wrong.
She refused to listen to me and walked away whenever I got within 1m from her. Her tiny lips were fully pursed and she stomped her feet while getting away from me. I guess she made sure to show me that she was not happy about the whole situation as well lol.
In any case, I managed to speak and explain to her after she had calmed down abit more. She then came over to hug me.
On hindsight, I realised I forgot to get her to apologise for hitting K and I.
Opps.
Oh the arrogance
Met a conceited and arrogant taxi driver this morning.
The proud cuckoo rejected my route (PIE/KPE/MCE) and confidently told me that "PIE got jam". "Anyway, your route is so long. Go one big round also. Uncle show you a shorter way."
He thumped his chest when he said "Uncle show you!"
If he were a peacock, he would have been fluttering his plummage in my face by now.
In my heart I was thinking that I've tried out all routes before and I think my route is still the most direct, even if there is a jam. But well...the usual doormat-that-doesn't-like-conflicts me just said whatever, we'll go your way if you're so confident about it. I was tired and couldn't be bothered to talk much.
My eventual fare of $25 ended up being $4 more than the usual $21 or $22 in the morning peak traffic.
When he stopped the car, he conceitedly asked me: "How??? Uncle good or not? Good or not?? Good right??!!" He said it with a straight face. It wasn't a simple proud moment. He was just being arrogant and downright egotistical.
I told him: "No. Not at all. My usual fare is just $21."
I still paid him $25 but left with no pleasantries. I usually wish the driver a good day before I exit the car.
He shut up as well.
Anyway, I didn't quibble with him over the extra $4.
Let that be a lesson to me not to give in to conceited taxi drivers in the future. I had no time anyway as I was rushing for a meeting too.
Just that I started the workday in a not-so-good mood. Bah.
The proud cuckoo rejected my route (PIE/KPE/MCE) and confidently told me that "PIE got jam". "Anyway, your route is so long. Go one big round also. Uncle show you a shorter way."
He thumped his chest when he said "Uncle show you!"
If he were a peacock, he would have been fluttering his plummage in my face by now.
In my heart I was thinking that I've tried out all routes before and I think my route is still the most direct, even if there is a jam. But well...the usual doormat-that-doesn't-like-conflicts me just said whatever, we'll go your way if you're so confident about it. I was tired and couldn't be bothered to talk much.
My eventual fare of $25 ended up being $4 more than the usual $21 or $22 in the morning peak traffic.
When he stopped the car, he conceitedly asked me: "How??? Uncle good or not? Good or not?? Good right??!!" He said it with a straight face. It wasn't a simple proud moment. He was just being arrogant and downright egotistical.
I told him: "No. Not at all. My usual fare is just $21."
I still paid him $25 but left with no pleasantries. I usually wish the driver a good day before I exit the car.
He shut up as well.
Anyway, I didn't quibble with him over the extra $4.
Let that be a lesson to me not to give in to conceited taxi drivers in the future. I had no time anyway as I was rushing for a meeting too.
Just that I started the workday in a not-so-good mood. Bah.
Thursday, September 07, 2017
Insurance
Met up with our insurance agent during lunch today near my office. K was there too.
Glad we finally met with her to get the edu plan settled for Alyssa.
So now H&S and edu plans are all settled for both girls.
Time to relook at my own stuff...
I hate these $$ and number issues because I simply cannot understand them.
Guess that's why the first D I ever got in my life was for Financial Management back in Uni year 1.
I'm spending a fair bit of $$ each year on these things...I'd better buck up on my understanding!!
Glad we finally met with her to get the edu plan settled for Alyssa.
So now H&S and edu plans are all settled for both girls.
Time to relook at my own stuff...
I hate these $$ and number issues because I simply cannot understand them.
Guess that's why the first D I ever got in my life was for Financial Management back in Uni year 1.
I'm spending a fair bit of $$ each year on these things...I'd better buck up on my understanding!!
rant
When I travelled frequently in the past, I cleared my work while on the go. It was only the rare minor task that needed my physical presence which I couldn't do and needed someone to help cover.
I wonder why I'm covering 2 person's job when they are travelling next week.
FML?
I wonder why I'm covering 2 person's job when they are travelling next week.
FML?
More questions
10 more days on 17 September, I'll be hitting my 10th year anniversary in this place.
I think my brain synapses have stopped forming or slowed down alot, given the long years spent doing almost similar tasks.
A part of me is content for things to be status quo. Afterall, family and the kids are of a greater priority to me now. And I'm also mighty afraid to try something new.
A smaller part of me is also wanting to transfer out and be in a new department to do something new. It has been at the back of my mind for the last few years.
In fact, I was due for a transfer when I found out I was pregnant with Nadya. I held back and did not go ahead with anything as I wanted to focus on the pregnancy first. And then after that, adjusting to life as a new working mum. The transfer thing just took a back seat. And then Alyssa came along and things just became as such...
Part of my fear of transfer is that I won't enjoy as much flexibility as I am having now. The flexibility to be able to leave on time to go home and spend maybe 30mins or an hour with the girls before they go to bed. The flexibility to work from home if needed. The flexibility to arrive late at work and not get chewed on by the boss when I get held up by the girls in the morning.
And then there's this other option constantly at the back of my mind.
Part-time work? Maybe work 3 days a week? Axe the helper and do all the chores ourselves? Will finances be affected drastically? What else can or should I do? Should I explore this now or when Nadya gets older and goes to primary school? So I can spend time with her on her primary school foundation studies as well?
Will I get myself into more of a fix with part-time work? Will I end up multi-tasking too much and not achieving anything in both work and home?
What gives?
What should I do?
I think my brain synapses have stopped forming or slowed down alot, given the long years spent doing almost similar tasks.
A part of me is content for things to be status quo. Afterall, family and the kids are of a greater priority to me now. And I'm also mighty afraid to try something new.
A smaller part of me is also wanting to transfer out and be in a new department to do something new. It has been at the back of my mind for the last few years.
In fact, I was due for a transfer when I found out I was pregnant with Nadya. I held back and did not go ahead with anything as I wanted to focus on the pregnancy first. And then after that, adjusting to life as a new working mum. The transfer thing just took a back seat. And then Alyssa came along and things just became as such...
Part of my fear of transfer is that I won't enjoy as much flexibility as I am having now. The flexibility to be able to leave on time to go home and spend maybe 30mins or an hour with the girls before they go to bed. The flexibility to work from home if needed. The flexibility to arrive late at work and not get chewed on by the boss when I get held up by the girls in the morning.
And then there's this other option constantly at the back of my mind.
Part-time work? Maybe work 3 days a week? Axe the helper and do all the chores ourselves? Will finances be affected drastically? What else can or should I do? Should I explore this now or when Nadya gets older and goes to primary school? So I can spend time with her on her primary school foundation studies as well?
Will I get myself into more of a fix with part-time work? Will I end up multi-tasking too much and not achieving anything in both work and home?
What gives?
What should I do?
Wednesday, September 06, 2017
Reminder to Self
Sometimes, things may seem common sense to you.
But others can't see it. Nor do they understand it. They need to ask. And ask again if need be.
Before they can comprehend and see the whole picture.
That staff has been around for the last 10 years.
And has worked for at least 15 years more than I have.
Nevermind. Patience. And understanding. And empathy.
Patience, understanding and empathy wins the day.
Another reminder to self.
Frown less when being serious.
But others can't see it. Nor do they understand it. They need to ask. And ask again if need be.
Before they can comprehend and see the whole picture.
That staff has been around for the last 10 years.
And has worked for at least 15 years more than I have.
Nevermind. Patience. And understanding. And empathy.
Patience, understanding and empathy wins the day.
Another reminder to self.
Frown less when being serious.
Wednesday
Wet, weary, woeful, withering.
Dreary day.
Bad back.
Nasty nose.
Woe is me.
Dinner engagement this evening at 6pm.
Hope I can tahan!
*sniff sniff*
Telfast D to the nose's rescue?
Dreary day.
Bad back.
Nasty nose.
Woe is me.
Dinner engagement this evening at 6pm.
Hope I can tahan!
*sniff sniff*
Telfast D to the nose's rescue?
Staycay
We had a staycation last Thursday & Friday. It was a 2D1N thingy at Rendezvous Hotel.
I'm not sure who enjoyed it most though lol...K and I were deadbeat tired.
We had room service for lunch on the first day. Nadya enjoyed it pretty much and fed herself quite okay but Alyssa was a handful. She was playing with her food and cutlery and climbing all over the sofa more than eating. Eventually, Alyssa vomitted her lunch out on the first day and we brought her to the PD clinic near our place in the evening. She had also vomitted the previous day and we were getting worried. Doc eventually diagnosed her as having stomach flu, on top of the cold that sh was already nursing and fighting.
So much so for a staycation hahaha....We dabao-ed dinner back to the hotel room to eat in the end.
When it was bed time, the girls' rejected the hotel's cots and they ended up on the queen-sized bed. K got relegated to the floor and he slept on the cot mattresses. I was on the bed with the girls and didn't sleep much at all because Alyssa woke every hour for the first few hours. Then Nadya threw a hugeass tantrum at 3am in the morning. The girls had also slept later than usual because they were not used to the room.
I'd always known that Alyssa slept in a "chor lor" manner. I didn't know she was THAT chor lor. Nadya pretty much slept within a particular area. At the most, her arms were spread wide. Alyssa on the other hand...rolled from left to right and then back to the left. She got up to a yoga child pose position, twisted herself, lay flat on her back and then lay flat on her tummy. And on and on. And of course, amidst all these "action sequences", she was sometimes on me, on my arm, on my thigh, etc. Plus I was punched by her a few times. Chor lor. Really chor lor. Lol.
Breakfast was pretty ok. Alyssa, after taking medication, managed to keep her food in. There being not much around the hotel in the morning, we just took a leisurely stroll to SOTA and Cathay and then back. Along the way, we ran a little, we took pictures, we played some games, we looked at trees and flowers and we took more pictures :)
Will we do another staycation anytime soon? I don't know haha...maybe not. ;p
I'm not sure who enjoyed it most though lol...K and I were deadbeat tired.
We had room service for lunch on the first day. Nadya enjoyed it pretty much and fed herself quite okay but Alyssa was a handful. She was playing with her food and cutlery and climbing all over the sofa more than eating. Eventually, Alyssa vomitted her lunch out on the first day and we brought her to the PD clinic near our place in the evening. She had also vomitted the previous day and we were getting worried. Doc eventually diagnosed her as having stomach flu, on top of the cold that sh was already nursing and fighting.
So much so for a staycation hahaha....We dabao-ed dinner back to the hotel room to eat in the end.
When it was bed time, the girls' rejected the hotel's cots and they ended up on the queen-sized bed. K got relegated to the floor and he slept on the cot mattresses. I was on the bed with the girls and didn't sleep much at all because Alyssa woke every hour for the first few hours. Then Nadya threw a hugeass tantrum at 3am in the morning. The girls had also slept later than usual because they were not used to the room.
I'd always known that Alyssa slept in a "chor lor" manner. I didn't know she was THAT chor lor. Nadya pretty much slept within a particular area. At the most, her arms were spread wide. Alyssa on the other hand...rolled from left to right and then back to the left. She got up to a yoga child pose position, twisted herself, lay flat on her back and then lay flat on her tummy. And on and on. And of course, amidst all these "action sequences", she was sometimes on me, on my arm, on my thigh, etc. Plus I was punched by her a few times. Chor lor. Really chor lor. Lol.
Breakfast was pretty ok. Alyssa, after taking medication, managed to keep her food in. There being not much around the hotel in the morning, we just took a leisurely stroll to SOTA and Cathay and then back. Along the way, we ran a little, we took pictures, we played some games, we looked at trees and flowers and we took more pictures :)
Will we do another staycation anytime soon? I don't know haha...maybe not. ;p
Tuesday, September 05, 2017
Questions
Do well in a mediocre school or do mediocre in a good school?
Be in a mixed race school or in a school dominated by Chinese and whose curriculum is heavy on the Chinese culture?
Be in a mixed race school or in a school dominated by Chinese and whose curriculum is heavy on the Chinese culture?
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
audit period
My team is in the midst of an internal audit. Definitely not the first time we've been audited by the internal audit team.
But erm....it's the first time ever in our 20 years' history and in my 10 years tenure here that my area of work is being audited.
FML!
I have a feeling I will receive quite a few audit observations. Just a matter of whether the lapses are severe, moderate or minor. :( I admit I've not been the most compliant....but hey, I started out with no process in place ok...and I slowly built them up over the years....
*fingers crossed*
*toes crossed*
Hope I don't kena too many observations....
But erm....it's the first time ever in our 20 years' history and in my 10 years tenure here that my area of work is being audited.
FML!
I have a feeling I will receive quite a few audit observations. Just a matter of whether the lapses are severe, moderate or minor. :( I admit I've not been the most compliant....but hey, I started out with no process in place ok...and I slowly built them up over the years....
*fingers crossed*
*toes crossed*
Hope I don't kena too many observations....
Friday, August 25, 2017
Of careers and jobs and progression? Or the lack of...
My current boss is a nice guy. A people person. He's more of a "get everybody involved and everybody discuss together" kind of boss. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and muddied in operational matters and he is rather independent in terms of admin issues. He has a PA but doesn't rely on her much.
He's a techie and he's also experienced, having assumed several different managerial and leader roles over the years. He's quite lor sor though and can be quite abit of a broken record at times. He was even seconded to Brunei and led their government tech agency as their Director-General for a good 5 years.
Despite his experience, when he returned to Singapore, he remained a Deputy Director and was not promoted to a Director. And I wonder why. At his age (he's in his early 50s)and in his current role as our boss, I doubt he has enough key and strategic responsibilities to be promoted to be a Director.
I see some of his traits and work style in me. And I wonder what my path would be if I am still in the same agency 5, 10, 15 years down the road...
Of course, from my current SM position, I still have many years to go before I hit an Executive Manager or Assistant Director position...and only thereafter will I hit a Deputy Director position. In the current team where I am comfortably at, we are already quite top heavy and I am fully aware I won't progress anymore.
We spoke last week again. On the possibility of some role switching and some restructuring of our team. He mentioned he did consider putting the marketing function or customer service team under my care. Let's see how that goes...talk is just talk sometimes.....
人，大，小，天，口
These days, Nadya's scribbles and drawings include Chinese words and characters...
她长大了...*emo wail*
她长大了...*emo wail*
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Number 2
Alyssa is progressing at her own pace. Slowly but steadily.
She's finally starting to speak in slightly longer sentences. "Mama, jie jie where?" or "Dada there. I want."
She can sing Twinke Twinkle Little Star fully though her diction is still rather unclear.
She is able to self-soothe a little. Sometimes when she gets upset over something, she wails and then runs into her room and grabs her blanket and her favourite teddy bear. And then she's okay, even if her lips are still pursed. :)
She is still our happy pill...Cheerful and happy and smiley and charming.
She's finally starting to speak in slightly longer sentences. "Mama, jie jie where?" or "Dada there. I want."
She can sing Twinke Twinkle Little Star fully though her diction is still rather unclear.
She is able to self-soothe a little. Sometimes when she gets upset over something, she wails and then runs into her room and grabs her blanket and her favourite teddy bear. And then she's okay, even if her lips are still pursed. :)
She is still our happy pill...Cheerful and happy and smiley and charming.
My firstborn
It started raining earlier tonight.
Nadya woke and said to me, "Mama, I think it's raining. Did you bring in the clothes?"
My heart melted. I felt touched that she actually remembered that this is what I do when it starts to rain.
It's at times like this when I don't feel like I have a soon-to-be 4-year-old girl. She seems so mature for her age sometimes.
Nadya woke and said to me, "Mama, I think it's raining. Did you bring in the clothes?"
My heart melted. I felt touched that she actually remembered that this is what I do when it starts to rain.
It's at times like this when I don't feel like I have a soon-to-be 4-year-old girl. She seems so mature for her age sometimes.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Nadya
She's gotten a lot braver compared to before. At the goat farm a few weeks ago, she fed and petted the baby goats on her own.
And at the Animal Resort, she fed the horse, the rabbits and guinea pigs on her own! She used to either cower behind me or I had to hold her hand to feed the horse!
She's growing bigger day by day. *beams*
And at the Animal Resort, she fed the horse, the rabbits and guinea pigs on her own! She used to either cower behind me or I had to hold her hand to feed the horse!
She's growing bigger day by day. *beams*
Monday, August 14, 2017
Nosebleed...
Nadya has always given me middle of the night shocks with her nosebleeds. It happened more often when she was 1 & 2 years old...then it slowly tapered off.
Thereafter it was only once in a blue moon. For a long time, like maybe 6months to a year, she didn't get a nosebleed. Then suddenly 1-2 weeks ago she had an episode. And last night again. :(
I hope she grows out of it soon. And I hope she stops picking at her nose!
Thereafter it was only once in a blue moon. For a long time, like maybe 6months to a year, she didn't get a nosebleed. Then suddenly 1-2 weeks ago she had an episode. And last night again. :(
I hope she grows out of it soon. And I hope she stops picking at her nose!
Wednesday, August 09, 2017
...
Seeking affirmation for my frigging whole life.
When will I ever be enough? For myself and for others?
Monday, August 07, 2017
Patches
I did a patch test on 1 Aug to determine if there were any allergies which might have caused my lip dermatitis. I had to put on the patches for 2 full days before removing them. I couldn't wash my back and even after removing them, I still couldn't wash my back till after I saw the doc on 4 Aug. So the entire process took 4 days.
The result?
I'm allergic to Fragrance Mix and Cinnamyl Alcohol (which is found in Fragrance Mix as well). Fragrance Mix is a combination of 8 of the most commonly used chemicals used to create fragrances. Any combination of these fragrance chemicals can be used in a wide range of products like toiletries and toothpaste.
When I heard it, I wondered if I needed to change all of my toiletries and cosmetic products to something fragrance free. Thank goodness the doc only advised me to switch my facial wash and toothpaste to a fragrance free brand since it was only my lips that were flaring up.
Managed to grab some Simple products yesterday. Using paraffin wax and steroid gel on my lips too.....
Here's to better and more chio lips in the days ahead!
The result?
I'm allergic to Fragrance Mix and Cinnamyl Alcohol (which is found in Fragrance Mix as well). Fragrance Mix is a combination of 8 of the most commonly used chemicals used to create fragrances. Any combination of these fragrance chemicals can be used in a wide range of products like toiletries and toothpaste.
When I heard it, I wondered if I needed to change all of my toiletries and cosmetic products to something fragrance free. Thank goodness the doc only advised me to switch my facial wash and toothpaste to a fragrance free brand since it was only my lips that were flaring up.
Managed to grab some Simple products yesterday. Using paraffin wax and steroid gel on my lips too.....
Here's to better and more chio lips in the days ahead!
Thursday, August 03, 2017
Pek Chek
...is when you try to help a colleague with a piece of work to improve herself and to minimise customers getting back to her with questions because they simply don't understand what she is trying to say in her emails.....
....but the colleague doesn't get what you're doing and doesn't want to improve...
Feel like I'm talking to a wall.
Sigh.
Wednesday, August 02, 2017
$$$$$
One of my business partners is a young guy. 4 years younger. But heaps richer lol.
He started his business with another guy, who is maybe 1-2 years younger than him. That makes them 33yrs old and 32yrs old this year.
They started their business back when they were 21 or 20. Built it to an impressive size....and yesterday, the first guy, who's on pretty ok terms with me, updated me that they'd sold their controlling shares to a publicly-listed company in Australia. I did not ask what the transaction value was. Nor did he share with me.....
After our conversation, I googled about it. And my jaw dropped.
The deal was valued at S$30million.
OMG lah. When will I ever see such an amount of money? Gosh.
Rupee and rupiah maybe can haha.
As it is they already came from well-to-do families, now their coffers are spilling over. The rich get richer.
But I don't deny as well these 2 guys are smart, entrepreneurial, hardworking and absolute go-getters. I know they worked their assess off in the early days of their business, pulling in 15/16 hour days or even more...becoming their customers own 24/7 technical support (their in the hosting and domain name business) when they couldn't afford to hire enough staff.
Hats off to them for pulling this deal off. :)
He started his business with another guy, who is maybe 1-2 years younger than him. That makes them 33yrs old and 32yrs old this year.
They started their business back when they were 21 or 20. Built it to an impressive size....and yesterday, the first guy, who's on pretty ok terms with me, updated me that they'd sold their controlling shares to a publicly-listed company in Australia. I did not ask what the transaction value was. Nor did he share with me.....
After our conversation, I googled about it. And my jaw dropped.
The deal was valued at S$30million.
OMG lah. When will I ever see such an amount of money? Gosh.
Rupee and rupiah maybe can haha.
As it is they already came from well-to-do families, now their coffers are spilling over. The rich get richer.
But I don't deny as well these 2 guys are smart, entrepreneurial, hardworking and absolute go-getters. I know they worked their assess off in the early days of their business, pulling in 15/16 hour days or even more...becoming their customers own 24/7 technical support (their in the hosting and domain name business) when they couldn't afford to hire enough staff.
Hats off to them for pulling this deal off. :)
Friday, July 28, 2017
Alyssa
I was engrossed with our own wedding anniversary and our proposal anniversary....that I forgot about Alyssa's 22months special day.
She turned 22 months on 24 July!
Our little happy pill is picking up new words everyday. While her enunciation is still quite rudimentary, at least she can communicate with us alot more these days.
She's quite fearless and runs around in the playground or attempts to climb various things. Nadya used to stand and freeze at the playground, especially when there are many others around. Nadya also didn't dare to climb many things and has only started being more adventurous in the recent half a year.
She's still smaller than what Nadya was at the same age but I just upped the amount of her night-time milk and hopefully that helps to bulk her up a little. :)
She's still a charmer. So many have called her a doll and when she smiles, she melts all our hearts haha.
She's a protestor now. As all 2-year-olds are. The minute you say no to her, she wails and/or throws a tantrum on the floor. Quite the drama queen.
Looking forward to seeing how she's gonna develop over the next few months! :)
She turned 22 months on 24 July!
Our little happy pill is picking up new words everyday. While her enunciation is still quite rudimentary, at least she can communicate with us alot more these days.
She's quite fearless and runs around in the playground or attempts to climb various things. Nadya used to stand and freeze at the playground, especially when there are many others around. Nadya also didn't dare to climb many things and has only started being more adventurous in the recent half a year.
She's still smaller than what Nadya was at the same age but I just upped the amount of her night-time milk and hopefully that helps to bulk her up a little. :)
She's still a charmer. So many have called her a doll and when she smiles, she melts all our hearts haha.
She's a protestor now. As all 2-year-olds are. The minute you say no to her, she wails and/or throws a tantrum on the floor. Quite the drama queen.
Looking forward to seeing how she's gonna develop over the next few months! :)
Conversations with a 22-month old
Me: Alyssa can you say "good night"?
A: goo nai
Me: I love you
A: urrf yoo
===============
Me: Alyssa can you say "elephant"?
A: fern
Me: air-lee-fernt
A: fern
Me: AIR-LEE-FERNT
A: FERN!!!
===============
A: *makes a buzzing sound*
Me: Bee?
A: *nods*
Me: You want the bee biscuit?
A: *nods*
Me: Say please.
A: Peesh. *waits expectantly*
A: Peesh mama. *waits somemore*
Me: *doesn't do anything*
A: Peesh mama. Kate. KATE!!! I want!!
A: goo nai
Me: I love you
A: urrf yoo
===============
Me: Alyssa can you say "elephant"?
A: fern
Me: air-lee-fernt
A: fern
Me: AIR-LEE-FERNT
A: FERN!!!
===============
A: *makes a buzzing sound*
Me: Bee?
A: *nods*
Me: You want the bee biscuit?
A: *nods*
Me: Say please.
A: Peesh. *waits expectantly*
A: Peesh mama. *waits somemore*
Me: *doesn't do anything*
A: Peesh mama. Kate. KATE!!! I want!!
Awkward Skype Call
My colleague and I had a Skype call yesterday with our Malaysian counterparts. The call was initiated by them as they wanted to find out some things from us.
The Chinese lady leading the call on the other end is quite a straight person. No nonsense. Policy-abiding type. She had 3 other colleagues with her. I was leading the call on my end, with only one other colleague with me.
So the lady tried to engage me in some small talk first before diving into the proper discussion. I'm all for making people feel at ease and setting a friendly atmosphere to the call...But, I don't wish to engage in forced small talk longer than necessary. It was a painful attempt by that lady yesterday...While I appreciate her effort, I think we'd all be better off if we limited that exchange. My colleague was grimacing and rolling her eyes at me.
It started simply enough with the usual pleasantries.
She: Hi Michelle! How have you been? It's been awhile (since we last caught up)
Me: Hi YL! Good good. Things have been ok on our end. And yourself?
She: Oh the same. You know lah.
Then it started getting weird. To me, we should have introduced our teams/colleagues to each other at this point and then gone into the discussion proper....but she apparently didn't think so...
She: So.....so......What's your working hours like? What time do you guys end the workday?
Me: Oh erm...6pm is the official knock-off time.
Then it started getting draggy too....
She: Oh so what's the unofficial knock-off time?
Me: Some people stay abit longer if they need to clear their stuff.
She: So what time do you guys get off work usually?
My colleague grimaced and rolled her eyes at me.
Me: I used to OT from time to time but with kids these days I try to knock off on time everyday.
She: Oh hahahaha.
Me: *awkward laughter*
And it went on for a few more sentences before I decided to kill the awkwardness and asked her what they wanted to check with us.
That is not how you do small talk and engage in pleasantries....
Nope...that was pretty awkward. :)
The Chinese lady leading the call on the other end is quite a straight person. No nonsense. Policy-abiding type. She had 3 other colleagues with her. I was leading the call on my end, with only one other colleague with me.
So the lady tried to engage me in some small talk first before diving into the proper discussion. I'm all for making people feel at ease and setting a friendly atmosphere to the call...But, I don't wish to engage in forced small talk longer than necessary. It was a painful attempt by that lady yesterday...While I appreciate her effort, I think we'd all be better off if we limited that exchange. My colleague was grimacing and rolling her eyes at me.
It started simply enough with the usual pleasantries.
She: Hi Michelle! How have you been? It's been awhile (since we last caught up)
Me: Hi YL! Good good. Things have been ok on our end. And yourself?
She: Oh the same. You know lah.
Then it started getting weird. To me, we should have introduced our teams/colleagues to each other at this point and then gone into the discussion proper....but she apparently didn't think so...
She: So.....so......What's your working hours like? What time do you guys end the workday?
Me: Oh erm...6pm is the official knock-off time.
Then it started getting draggy too....
She: Oh so what's the unofficial knock-off time?
Me: Some people stay abit longer if they need to clear their stuff.
She: So what time do you guys get off work usually?
My colleague grimaced and rolled her eyes at me.
Me: I used to OT from time to time but with kids these days I try to knock off on time everyday.
She: Oh hahahaha.
Me: *awkward laughter*
And it went on for a few more sentences before I decided to kill the awkwardness and asked her what they wanted to check with us.
That is not how you do small talk and engage in pleasantries....
Nope...that was pretty awkward. :)
Monday, July 24, 2017
22/7
22nd July. T'was our 5th Chinese wedding anniversary.
Oh how time flies!
I remember we kind of just missed it altogether last year cos we were busy with the kids and work and other stuff.
It was not a rushed and hushed thing this year and we managed to get a lovely Japanese lunch at Ikoi!
Muacks!
We went from 2 peas to 4 peas in a pod within 3.5 years from our Chinese wedding lol.
24/7
Today is 24/7 i.e. 24th July.
A colleague told me that it's the day that married couples should reaffirm their love for each other and that they would love each other 24/7 always.
So witty. Love each other 24/7 always i.e. 24hrs by 7 days always.
I told this colleague that K proposed to me on 24 July 2011. And he said: "Wah! That means 'love you 24/7 一生一世' leh!!
I'd never thought of it that way haha. But it sounds so romantic when my colleague pointed it out.
My response to him?
"Nah. My hubby probably chose that day/date coincidentally and didn't realize what the date meant too! Lol!"
;p
Thursday, July 20, 2017
sigh
various things
myriad things
work
family
the girls
self
medical appts
home
helper
friends
kin-keeping
relationship-keeping
career
future
finances
insurance
eyes
health
........
.......
...
..
..
.
.
myriad things
work
family
the girls
self
medical appts
home
helper
friends
kin-keeping
relationship-keeping
career
future
finances
insurance
eyes
health
........
.......
...
..
..
.
.
The Girls
Nadya. Head thrown back
Her laughter shrill and merry
A kid’s innocence
Alyssa. Joins in
Her big eyes bright and sparkling
Kids merry-making
Self-dev
July will still be a month focusing on patience and posture.
Maybe I'll add in "a haiku a day" into the mix for July too?....
Maybe I'll add in "a haiku a day" into the mix for July too?....
Friday, July 14, 2017
A little demoralised
Middle of the year is when I feel this way. Cos that's when a majority of my checkups take place.
- 22 June - dental
- 28 June - blood test
- 6 July - heart checkup
- 14 July - derma appointment
- 1 Aug - derma patch test (may have another follow-up)
- 7 Aug - neuro checkup
Not including the gynae and eye clinic checkups I had earlier this year.
And so, after delaying for 2-3 years, I finally went to see a dermatologist this morning. For my lip dermatitis or aka peri-oral dermatitis, which seems to be getting worse over the past year.
Was given paraffin ointment to use on a daily basis instead of petroleum jelly. Also given antibiotic cream if there are any fissures. And also given steroid cream for occasions of flare ups and inflammation.
Jiayou...
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Cabbing
Took cab to work 3 times this week.
And took the cab many times again yesterday afternoon when I had to rush from office to school to bring Alyssa to see the doctor and then fetch her home.
Too much cabbing this week.
Pockets protesting. :(
And took the cab many times again yesterday afternoon when I had to rush from office to school to bring Alyssa to see the doctor and then fetch her home.
Too much cabbing this week.
Pockets protesting. :(
Monday, July 10, 2017
Ching-gu
Which means friend in Korean...
Had a longer than usual lunch with Kah Hui today. She had attended a course on Emotional Quotient last week and we spoke at length about it.
Like how she did a test and discovered that she seemed happy but actually wasn't, and that she scored low on confidence and how her usual perception is quite different from reality.
We're quite alike on various counts and it's nice to be able to talk to her and try to work out how we can improve certain aspects of ourselves, be it in the workplace or in our personal lives.
Some areas where we are similar include:
- low risk appetite
- delve into details (sometimes maybe too much)
- low confidence
- worrier
- seem happy on the outside
- emphathetic
Cheers to girlfriends and cheers to girlfriends in the workplace!
Had a longer than usual lunch with Kah Hui today. She had attended a course on Emotional Quotient last week and we spoke at length about it.
Like how she did a test and discovered that she seemed happy but actually wasn't, and that she scored low on confidence and how her usual perception is quite different from reality.
We're quite alike on various counts and it's nice to be able to talk to her and try to work out how we can improve certain aspects of ourselves, be it in the workplace or in our personal lives.
Some areas where we are similar include:
- low risk appetite
- delve into details (sometimes maybe too much)
- low confidence
- worrier
- seem happy on the outside
- emphathetic
Cheers to girlfriends and cheers to girlfriends in the workplace!
Time flies
Nadya hit 3years and 9 months old yesterday. She's turning 4 pretty soon.
And I've suddenly realised that she's grown up quite abit over the last 6 months.
She can help out around the house, sometimes even voluntarily helping me to clean up her own room. Though I think she trashes it more often than helping to clean up haha. She'll put her own dirty clothes into the "dirty clothes tub" in the utility area. She can bring her own dirty dishes or bottles to the kitchen sink. She can brush her own teeth and keep her standing stool when she's done....
She listens more these days too and you can reason things out with her. She still gets her mood swings and has her tantrum-throwing episodes but they've gotten progressively lesser compared to before...
She sometimes helps to look after Alyssa too and dishes out impromptu hugs to Alyssa. Though they still have their daily fights and squabbles, it is more than half the time initiated by Alyssa. (That little peanut is turning out to be quite a tyrant. Terrible twos are here...)
She is more confident of herself these days and is more open when meeting new people or being in new situations.
She still enjoys her books and now also enjoys practising how to write numbers and alphabets. She's learning to enjoy her new 4-wheeler bicycle too.
We can leave her alone for periods of time and she would go find her own activity to occupy herself. Be it playing with Alyssa and conjuring up some mischief, or quietly reading a book in a corner, or practising writing, or drawing/scribbling on a piece of paper...
She's no longer afraid of ants and even squashed one with her bare hand haha.
She's no longer as apprehensive at the playground near our house and the one near my inlaws' place. She can climb up the staircase made up of just metal rails with nothing in between...and can climb up the slide on her own. She used to be so timid and didn't want to attempt these things.
She's also taken to eating her chicken, pork and fish already in recent months!
She's slowly but surely blossoming....and it warms my heart to see her grow....
My firstborn. *hearts*
Who, though still sticky to me, is getting more independent day by day....
Grow well sweetie...!
Mama loves you so much...!
And I've suddenly realised that she's grown up quite abit over the last 6 months.
She can help out around the house, sometimes even voluntarily helping me to clean up her own room. Though I think she trashes it more often than helping to clean up haha. She'll put her own dirty clothes into the "dirty clothes tub" in the utility area. She can bring her own dirty dishes or bottles to the kitchen sink. She can brush her own teeth and keep her standing stool when she's done....
She listens more these days too and you can reason things out with her. She still gets her mood swings and has her tantrum-throwing episodes but they've gotten progressively lesser compared to before...
She sometimes helps to look after Alyssa too and dishes out impromptu hugs to Alyssa. Though they still have their daily fights and squabbles, it is more than half the time initiated by Alyssa. (That little peanut is turning out to be quite a tyrant. Terrible twos are here...)
She is more confident of herself these days and is more open when meeting new people or being in new situations.
She still enjoys her books and now also enjoys practising how to write numbers and alphabets. She's learning to enjoy her new 4-wheeler bicycle too.
We can leave her alone for periods of time and she would go find her own activity to occupy herself. Be it playing with Alyssa and conjuring up some mischief, or quietly reading a book in a corner, or practising writing, or drawing/scribbling on a piece of paper...
She's no longer afraid of ants and even squashed one with her bare hand haha.
She's no longer as apprehensive at the playground near our house and the one near my inlaws' place. She can climb up the staircase made up of just metal rails with nothing in between...and can climb up the slide on her own. She used to be so timid and didn't want to attempt these things.
She's also taken to eating her chicken, pork and fish already in recent months!
She's slowly but surely blossoming....and it warms my heart to see her grow....
My firstborn. *hearts*
Who, though still sticky to me, is getting more independent day by day....
Grow well sweetie...!
Mama loves you so much...!
Wednesday, July 05, 2017
hmmm...
忍一时风平浪静, 退一步海阔天空
有时候, 就算你知道你自己是对的而对方是错的, 但也不需说太多做太多
硬强迫对方接受，和对方理论反而会弄得大家都不开心
take a step back and close the issue
no point in arguing or pursuing your stand too much
not when the other party can't see your view or refuses to budge
just close an eye and take it with a pinch of salt
of course, it also depends on who you're dealing with
loved ones or close relatives...yes I'd back off...
my relationship is more important to me than whatever petty thing we were talking about
will this cause 内伤?
cos sometimes I do feel a little indignant inside even though I choose to back away....
I don't know
maybe I'm just a true Libran....avoider of conflicts and just wants peace and harmony....
有时候, 就算你知道你自己是对的而对方是错的, 但也不需说太多做太多
硬强迫对方接受，和对方理论反而会弄得大家都不开心
take a step back and close the issue
no point in arguing or pursuing your stand too much
not when the other party can't see your view or refuses to budge
just close an eye and take it with a pinch of salt
of course, it also depends on who you're dealing with
loved ones or close relatives...yes I'd back off...
my relationship is more important to me than whatever petty thing we were talking about
will this cause 内伤?
cos sometimes I do feel a little indignant inside even though I choose to back away....
I don't know
maybe I'm just a true Libran....avoider of conflicts and just wants peace and harmony....
Monday, July 03, 2017
Conversations with a 21month-old
Alyssa started speaking later than Nadya did. But she's learning and picking up things fast, especially when she started toddler class. Her pronunciation and diction still needs alot of work though.
--------------------
Me: Alyssa, what's this animal?
A: Fern!
Me: Yes, it's an elephant!
--------------------
Me: Meimei, what do you want?
A: Zin.
Me: Huh?
A: Ziiinnn!!
Me: Oh you want raisins?
A: *nods*
--------------------
A: Mama shee! Mama shee! *points*
Me: Oh, that's a bird!
A: *nods excitedly*
A: cheep cheep!
--------------------
A: moon moon! where?
Me: oh there's no moon tonight. Maybe it's hidden by the clouds.
A: MOON! Where? Where? No more.
--------------------
Me: Alyssa, what's this animal?
A: Fern!
Me: Yes, it's an elephant!
--------------------
Me: Meimei, what do you want?
A: Zin.
Me: Huh?
A: Ziiinnn!!
Me: Oh you want raisins?
A: *nods*
--------------------
A: Mama shee! Mama shee! *points*
Me: Oh, that's a bird!
A: *nods excitedly*
A: cheep cheep!
--------------------
A: moon moon! where?
Me: oh there's no moon tonight. Maybe it's hidden by the clouds.
A: MOON! Where? Where? No more.
Conversations with a 3yr 9month-old
We were in the car, talking about dinner for the day.
Me: Nadya, Popo will be cooking your favourite fish for dinner tonight! What's your favourite fish?
N: Pop friend!
Me: ??? You mean pomfret.
N: Ya, pop friend!
lol....
Me: Nadya, Popo will be cooking your favourite fish for dinner tonight! What's your favourite fish?
N: Pop friend!
Me: ??? You mean pomfret.
N: Ya, pop friend!
lol....
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Biggest wish at the moment
Right eye is turning red again.
I can see blood vessels snaking out from my inner eye to my pupil. And some redness emanating from the pupil area back to the inner eye area.
I've been woken up anywhere between 2 to 5 times a night for the past week or so....or has it been longer? I can't remember.
Both girls wake multiple times a night. At times, Nadya wakes because she was disturbed by Alyssa's wails.
I'd cringe inwardly with envy whenever a new parent tells me that his or her baby has been sleeping through the night from the age of 3 months, 4 months or 5 months. At times, when they announce this to me, I cuss in my mind too...alot.
My older kid is turning 4 in 3.5 months. She still wakes at least 2-3 times a night. Once or twice to pee. And sometimes once or twice to drink milk. I can't refuse her milk because either she can't get back to sleep thereafter or she would kick up a fuss and slowly dissolve into a pool of toddler manic.
As for the younger one, she's recently either been having bad dreams or she's not eating enough dinner or I don't know..........but she wakes up screaming in the night at random times. One night it could be at 12am and 3am. Another night it would be at 1am and 5am. While she's not hysterical, she does scream and cry loudly and half the time, it seems like only Mama can get her to shush up.
I don't know what to do really.
I've tried feeding them more. I've tried turning on the air-con. I've tried it with only the fan on. I've tried laying out less toys and bolsters on Alyssa's bed. We've even changed mattresses.
It's been almost 4 years. In that amount of time, I've not had a single stretch of 6 or 7-hour sleep on a single night.
God, please bless and protect the girls so that can finally sleep well on their own and not wake so many times each night............
I can see blood vessels snaking out from my inner eye to my pupil. And some redness emanating from the pupil area back to the inner eye area.
I've been woken up anywhere between 2 to 5 times a night for the past week or so....or has it been longer? I can't remember.
Both girls wake multiple times a night. At times, Nadya wakes because she was disturbed by Alyssa's wails.
I'd cringe inwardly with envy whenever a new parent tells me that his or her baby has been sleeping through the night from the age of 3 months, 4 months or 5 months. At times, when they announce this to me, I cuss in my mind too...alot.
My older kid is turning 4 in 3.5 months. She still wakes at least 2-3 times a night. Once or twice to pee. And sometimes once or twice to drink milk. I can't refuse her milk because either she can't get back to sleep thereafter or she would kick up a fuss and slowly dissolve into a pool of toddler manic.
As for the younger one, she's recently either been having bad dreams or she's not eating enough dinner or I don't know..........but she wakes up screaming in the night at random times. One night it could be at 12am and 3am. Another night it would be at 1am and 5am. While she's not hysterical, she does scream and cry loudly and half the time, it seems like only Mama can get her to shush up.
I don't know what to do really.
I've tried feeding them more. I've tried turning on the air-con. I've tried it with only the fan on. I've tried laying out less toys and bolsters on Alyssa's bed. We've even changed mattresses.
It's been almost 4 years. In that amount of time, I've not had a single stretch of 6 or 7-hour sleep on a single night.
God, please bless and protect the girls so that can finally sleep well on their own and not wake so many times each night............
give a man a fish or teach a man to fish?
There is a junior officer who tends to ask for help before even trying to figure things out for herself.
Maybe she's trying to take the easier way out. Maybe it's become a habit after more than 20 years of working.
She asked me a question today. While I could have given her the answer in 30 seconds. I gave her a URL and made her read through to find the answer herself, with some guiding questions I gave her.
I used to tell her whenever she looked to me for answers: "Then give me part of your salary lah...since I'm doing some of your work for you."
But I have recently changed tactic and provide her indirect answers or a general direction to go so that she has to work her brain abit and figure out the final answer herself.
Am I mean? I don't know.
I just felt I couldn't just keep giving her answers so easily and must make her work for it.
Oh well. My style.
Maybe she's trying to take the easier way out. Maybe it's become a habit after more than 20 years of working.
She asked me a question today. While I could have given her the answer in 30 seconds. I gave her a URL and made her read through to find the answer herself, with some guiding questions I gave her.
I used to tell her whenever she looked to me for answers: "Then give me part of your salary lah...since I'm doing some of your work for you."
But I have recently changed tactic and provide her indirect answers or a general direction to go so that she has to work her brain abit and figure out the final answer herself.
Am I mean? I don't know.
I just felt I couldn't just keep giving her answers so easily and must make her work for it.
Oh well. My style.
Friday, June 16, 2017
What gives?
Today was good. Just didn't expect the evening to be yet another challenging episode.
2 crying kids. 4 frazzled adults. Frayed nerves all around.
Mama trying to keep the kids, especially the older one, settled down.
Mama being "educated" by the mother-in-law about what to do and how to handle the situation.
Mama faced with either scowls or concerned furtive glances from various folks.
Mama being told that the older kid is only like this when mama is around. (So my fault ah?!)
Mama being told that she is not firm enough. (You have not seen me scold my kid in my own home. You might also have a different parenting approach to me so let's agree to disagree ya.)
Mama feeling frustrated at various things and at the situation but still needing to stay or at least show herself in a calm and happy state so the kids don't spiral down into a crying abyss again.
I'm happy. But at the same time, I'm frustrated.
What gives?
2 crying kids. 4 frazzled adults. Frayed nerves all around.
Mama trying to keep the kids, especially the older one, settled down.
Mama being "educated" by the mother-in-law about what to do and how to handle the situation.
Mama faced with either scowls or concerned furtive glances from various folks.
Mama being told that the older kid is only like this when mama is around. (So my fault ah?!)
Mama being told that she is not firm enough. (You have not seen me scold my kid in my own home. You might also have a different parenting approach to me so let's agree to disagree ya.)
Mama feeling frustrated at various things and at the situation but still needing to stay or at least show herself in a calm and happy state so the kids don't spiral down into a crying abyss again.
I'm happy. But at the same time, I'm frustrated.
What gives?
Hoorah!
I woke this morning feeling more energised and rested.
Maybe both body and mind know that today is the last day of work for the week.
Maybe it was because Nadya only woke me once instead of twice.
And maybe it was also due to my tummy feeling better. From Mon to Thursday, my tummy was bloated and uncomfortable. It made me nauseated at times. My heart was also palpitating from time to time and I was groggy half the time. My allergies (to dunno what) were acting up too and I was itching at various places, including my eyes and nostrils. I was a walking, itching zombie with a bloated tummy.
I took anti-histamine pills for the last 2 nights. Maybe those helped a little. I still feel itchy but less so.
Anyway, hoorah to feeling better today!
Maybe both body and mind know that today is the last day of work for the week.
Maybe it was because Nadya only woke me once instead of twice.
And maybe it was also due to my tummy feeling better. From Mon to Thursday, my tummy was bloated and uncomfortable. It made me nauseated at times. My heart was also palpitating from time to time and I was groggy half the time. My allergies (to dunno what) were acting up too and I was itching at various places, including my eyes and nostrils. I was a walking, itching zombie with a bloated tummy.
I took anti-histamine pills for the last 2 nights. Maybe those helped a little. I still feel itchy but less so.
Anyway, hoorah to feeling better today!
Thursday, June 15, 2017
心里不平衡？ lol...
Male colleague.
Older than me by 4 years.
Same rank in the company.
Possibly earning more due to NS and that he has worked longer than I have.
But I feel I'm doing more work.
I know.
人比人气死人.
But how not to 比when he asks me for help on things and issues that should be common sense. Or that should have been foreseen and planned for. Or that should not even be asked in the first place?
Bah.
Older than me by 4 years.
Same rank in the company.
Possibly earning more due to NS and that he has worked longer than I have.
But I feel I'm doing more work.
I know.
人比人气死人.
But how not to 比when he asks me for help on things and issues that should be common sense. Or that should have been foreseen and planned for. Or that should not even be asked in the first place?
Bah.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Simisai
The floodgates open too easily these days.
I teared up when I watched a local video about how members of the public and the OtterWatch group came together to protect the Marina Bay otters from being hurt by the Bishan family of otters. The public had stepped in because the Marina Bay otters had 5 young pups in the group and they had also recently lost their alpha male (affectionately named Marina Dad) to poisoning by some inconsiderate asshole.
Like what? Simisai? Watch people protecting otters also can cry?
I am too emo today.
Getting too stressed and tired and emo.
Can I just drop everything, hide in a corner and watch 2 Days 1 Night the whole day?
I teared up when I watched a local video about how members of the public and the OtterWatch group came together to protect the Marina Bay otters from being hurt by the Bishan family of otters. The public had stepped in because the Marina Bay otters had 5 young pups in the group and they had also recently lost their alpha male (affectionately named Marina Dad) to poisoning by some inconsiderate asshole.
Like what? Simisai? Watch people protecting otters also can cry?
I am too emo today.
Getting too stressed and tired and emo.
Can I just drop everything, hide in a corner and watch 2 Days 1 Night the whole day?
Art & Craft time again
I was amassing a bunch of toilet rolls at home. The inner cardboard roll I mean, not the toilet paper itself.
I was intending to do some art and craft at home with Nadya for the longest time but haven't had the chance to. I admit, sometimes it was because I was lazy and bummed out.
So it's quite timely that her Chinese school teacher sent an email out to all parents last week, about a Chinese home DIY project that the children are supposed to do and submit by 23 June. Basically it's about recycling old or existing items at home into something else.
Voila. I shall do a toilet roll pen/crayon/art-brush holder with her. :)
I'll plan out a concept by this afternoon and then start on it tonight with her...
Do a little each day and hopefully by next week we'll have something nice for her to bring to school.
I was intending to do some art and craft at home with Nadya for the longest time but haven't had the chance to. I admit, sometimes it was because I was lazy and bummed out.
So it's quite timely that her Chinese school teacher sent an email out to all parents last week, about a Chinese home DIY project that the children are supposed to do and submit by 23 June. Basically it's about recycling old or existing items at home into something else.
Voila. I shall do a toilet roll pen/crayon/art-brush holder with her. :)
I'll plan out a concept by this afternoon and then start on it tonight with her...
Do a little each day and hopefully by next week we'll have something nice for her to bring to school.
Balance. Not.
A part of me is happy.
A part of me is not.
A part of me is lost.
A part of me is not.
A part of me is settled.
A part of me is losing my shit.
A part of me is clear.
A part of me is fuzzy.
A part of me is calm.
A part of me is frustrated.
A part of me is......
A part of me is......
A part of me is not.
A part of me is lost.
A part of me is not.
A part of me is settled.
A part of me is losing my shit.
A part of me is clear.
A part of me is fuzzy.
A part of me is calm.
A part of me is frustrated.
A part of me is......
A part of me is......
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Bah.
A guy recently added me on FB. It took me quite awhile to remember him. His name was familiar but I'd forgotten how, when and where I knew him from. I think we went out for dinner once maybe 13-14 years ago too? Went to a restaurant in Dempsey I think. We were short-lived colleagues in DuckTours.
We'd never kept in touch so I'm not sure how he suddenly appeared through FB.
He dropped me a FB message too. I got cheesed off.
Why?
Because it started with "Hey babe".
Cue *roll eyes*.
Hello. One, I'm not close to you at all so don't act chummy and "hey babe" me. Two, I have zero liking for any guy that uses "babe" with a girl. Even my closest closest "known-me-for-25-years" guy friends don't "hey babe" me. Only some close girl friends do so.
Thursday, June 08, 2017
duh...
I do up a document. I send it to the team.
They come back with amendments.
And I have to amend their amendments because of grammar and other typo errors.
Abit waste time eh?
*pfffffttttt*
Oh but anyway....life's like that sometimes....
They come back with amendments.
And I have to amend their amendments because of grammar and other typo errors.
Abit waste time eh?
*pfffffttttt*
Oh but anyway....life's like that sometimes....
Tuesday, June 06, 2017
Of goodbyes and take cares....
These 2 weeks has been about departures and impending farewells.
Part of life I guess...people come, people go...and each leaves an imprint in your life in his or her own way.
And so Maryann our previous helper left on 31 May evening...we've been coping pretty ok so far.
Except for Alyssa being much more clingy to me. Especially in the initial 3-4 days after Maryann left. She's slowly adjusting to the new helper, Hope, and Hope has managed to put her to bed for the last 2 nights. That's really good I think. Anyway, I'm still giving Alyssa as many hugs, cuddles and kisses as I can. ;)
Boss just shared that a long-time staff of our team, Jane, has tendered her resignation....She's been with the team since 1999 I think. While she had pre-empted me of her plans 2 months ago, I didn't know when exactly she would be throwing in her towel. Well, apparently it's now....sigh...end June will be her last day....
My ex-boss, who officially retired in October 2015 but is still around as an advisor to the team....will likely not have his contract renewed and he will leave us in April next year. There will be 2 long-serving staff leaving soon...quite sad on one hand...but happy for them too if this is what they want....
Part of life I guess...people come, people go...and each leaves an imprint in your life in his or her own way.
And so Maryann our previous helper left on 31 May evening...we've been coping pretty ok so far.
Except for Alyssa being much more clingy to me. Especially in the initial 3-4 days after Maryann left. She's slowly adjusting to the new helper, Hope, and Hope has managed to put her to bed for the last 2 nights. That's really good I think. Anyway, I'm still giving Alyssa as many hugs, cuddles and kisses as I can. ;)
Boss just shared that a long-time staff of our team, Jane, has tendered her resignation....She's been with the team since 1999 I think. While she had pre-empted me of her plans 2 months ago, I didn't know when exactly she would be throwing in her towel. Well, apparently it's now....sigh...end June will be her last day....
My ex-boss, who officially retired in October 2015 but is still around as an advisor to the team....will likely not have his contract renewed and he will leave us in April next year. There will be 2 long-serving staff leaving soon...quite sad on one hand...but happy for them too if this is what they want....
小开心
Happiness at work is when.....
- Your boss called you and the other 2 colleagues (who are more senior than you, both in age and rank) into his room to discuss something.
- He listened to all our views and suggestions.
- And then he finally agreed whole-heartedly with your suggestion and dismissed the other 2's suggestions....
***WOOT WOOT***
Haha...cheap thrill.
- Your boss called you and the other 2 colleagues (who are more senior than you, both in age and rank) into his room to discuss something.
- He listened to all our views and suggestions.
- And then he finally agreed whole-heartedly with your suggestion and dismissed the other 2's suggestions....
***WOOT WOOT***
Haha...cheap thrill.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Maryann
And so in a blink of an eye, 4 years has passed.
Maryann first arrived at my inlaws' place in July 2013. Just 3 months later Nadya was born and poor Maryann had to assist the confinement nanny in the kitchen. That nanny was apparently a messy one and messed up the kitchen quite badly.
When we shifted out of my inlaws place, Maryann was still around. Nadya was only 9mhs old then.
She stayed for a total of 2 years at my inlaws' place and when my MIL didn't renew her contract, we decided to hire her instead. Especially since Alyssa was on the way at that point in time.
She joined us in our home in June 2015, 4 months before Alyssa was born. I was still Alyssa's main caregiver in the initial months but after I went back to work, I left the nightly duties of caring for Alyssa to Maryann. I couldn't handle 2 kids at night. And both my kids happen to be milk guzzlers. They'd wake in the middle of the night asking for milk.
In a blink of an eye, another 2 years has passed.
This time round, it was she who didn't want to renew the contract. Maybe she was tired of the interrupted nights, maybe she missed her own 6 kids back home. Maybe she really wanted to go home for good.
Maryann just left the home at 1030pm. K fetched her to the airport for her 1am flight. She cried before she left, as she stood in Alyssa's dark room looking over the sleeping little girl. She gave her a kiss goodbye. She then went over to my room to give the sleeping Nadya a kiss goodbye as well.
It was a dramatic farewell. The skies opened up and poured the moment she left the house and brought all her luggage with her.
"Take care madam. Thank you for everything."
I could only smile and nod. I'm bad at such farewells. I don't know what to say. But in my heart, I was saying "Thank you too. Thank you for helping us so much. I think you'll miss Alyssa a lot. She will miss you a lot too."
We promised to send pictures to each other either through Whatsapp or Facebook messenger. (Thank god for technology these days)
I think I'll miss Maryann. She's the only helper who has seen me pregnant and give birth to both my girls. She's the only one so far who has watched both girls grow up till now and who knows their likes and food preferences. She's the only one I trust leaving Alyssa at home with. I hope the new helper (incidentally named Hope) will be as good a help as Maryann was.
I wish Maryann well and hope that her business plans and ideas do come into fruition when she settles back down in the Philippines.
Take care Maryann. Maybe we'll see each other again someday.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
The Coll again....yes, I'm ranting.
I've come to realise some of Coll the Troll's strategies for survival in the workplace.
I'm fair. She's not entirely without merit. She can work well if she wants to. She has some substance as well. But her EQ and teamwork is like f**k.
FFS, you're Grade 12. You're an Executive Manager. Please justify your grade can?
- bully the weaker
- if can siam, then siam
- just keep saying "I'm very busy"
- just keep saying "I don't know how to do"
- if it's a strong arrow, initial effort is still to find excuses to siam first. Failing which, then reluctantly acquiesce
I'm fair. She's not entirely without merit. She can work well if she wants to. She has some substance as well. But her EQ and teamwork is like f**k.
FFS, you're Grade 12. You're an Executive Manager. Please justify your grade can?
The Coll
Throwing your team-mate under the bus is not cool.
Throwing your team-mate under the bus for an issue that you clearly know is not her area but yours, is downright dirty.
I'm cold, tired and still feeling unwell. And that's why I won't waste my energy fuming over your actions.
Anyone could tell you were pulling a fast one. Even the boss. I'll leave it at that.
You tried chatting with me after the team meeting. I only accorded you the barest courtesy I could muster up at that point, which manifested as "mm-s" and "hmm-s".
My conscience is clear. And I know I'm a team-player. You're clearly not.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Monday Morning
Missing the girls terribly.
I miss hugging them.
I miss hearing Alyssa's happy, infectious laughter.
I miss hearing Nadya's maniacal giggles.
I miss the feeling of Alyssa patting my arm or shoulder when I'm carrying her.
I miss the feeling of Nadya's twiddling with my fingers.
I miss making milk and honey for Nadya.
I miss getting cheese for Alyssa.
I miss the pitter patter of their feet on our marble floor.
9 more hours till I see them again.
I don't miss their squabbles though. :)
I miss hugging them.
I miss hearing Alyssa's happy, infectious laughter.
I miss hearing Nadya's maniacal giggles.
I miss the feeling of Alyssa patting my arm or shoulder when I'm carrying her.
I miss the feeling of Nadya's twiddling with my fingers.
I miss making milk and honey for Nadya.
I miss getting cheese for Alyssa.
I miss the pitter patter of their feet on our marble floor.
9 more hours till I see them again.
I don't miss their squabbles though. :)
Something strange
There was a strange blip in the blog stats.
From the period of mid April till 18 May, there were multiple views of my blogposts. Which is erm...actually quite unsettling. Cos who reads this blog these days anyway???
Traffic source was from some URL based in the US. Each blog post during that period averaged between 30 to 45 views. Which is unprecedented. Which is also why I feel unsettled about it.
Anyway, things seem to have tapered back down to normal already for the last few days.
From the period of mid April till 18 May, there were multiple views of my blogposts. Which is erm...actually quite unsettling. Cos who reads this blog these days anyway???
Traffic source was from some URL based in the US. Each blog post during that period averaged between 30 to 45 views. Which is unprecedented. Which is also why I feel unsettled about it.
Anyway, things seem to have tapered back down to normal already for the last few days.
Countdown
Last 3 days of current helper being around.
I think I'll miss her somewhat. We've established a rough understanding of each other, after having known each other for 4 years and since I became her employer 2 years back.
I hope the younger girl takes her departure in stride. Fingers crossed.
I've pre-empted the older girl already but anyway, she's not as close to the helper as the younger one is.
See how it goes....
Toes crossed too.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Ganbatte!
It's been an expensive 1-2weeks, what with the 2 girls taking turns to be unwell. My pockets are crying...
I've had to rush between home and office or between office and my inlaw's place or between their school and office. Nadya's mega tantrums on some mornings has made me need to grab a cab to go to work. Most times I need to take a cab during peak hours and the surcharges can amount to much. A trip from home to office is easily $22-24 in the mornings.
PD fees are mad-ex too. $220 for Nadya's visit to the clinic that day. (0_0)
That's around how much I spend on my lunch at work in an entire month!
My self-dev goals for the month of May is kaput. Patience and Posture was the focus for May.
With all the rush and work piling up and taking care of the girls...and the barebone sleep that I get (or sometimes don't even get), my patience has gone downhill pretty much. And I couldn't focus on getting my posture right too....that ache in my right neck/shoulder area is still present too.....
June is coming. May June be a smoother, less challenging and more peaceful month!
Ganbatte!
I've had to rush between home and office or between office and my inlaw's place or between their school and office. Nadya's mega tantrums on some mornings has made me need to grab a cab to go to work. Most times I need to take a cab during peak hours and the surcharges can amount to much. A trip from home to office is easily $22-24 in the mornings.
PD fees are mad-ex too. $220 for Nadya's visit to the clinic that day. (0_0)
That's around how much I spend on my lunch at work in an entire month!
My self-dev goals for the month of May is kaput. Patience and Posture was the focus for May.
With all the rush and work piling up and taking care of the girls...and the barebone sleep that I get (or sometimes don't even get), my patience has gone downhill pretty much. And I couldn't focus on getting my posture right too....that ache in my right neck/shoulder area is still present too.....
June is coming. May June be a smoother, less challenging and more peaceful month!
Ganbatte!
Thursday, May 25, 2017
-_-
Even cleaners play rank.
The auntie came by our cubicles this morning. She cheerily said "老板娘,早安!" to The Coll who is sitting next to me. And then she just walked straight past me.
Fine. The Coll is a rank higher than me. But 不需要这样, right?
Chey.
The auntie came by our cubicles this morning. She cheerily said "老板娘,早安!" to The Coll who is sitting next to me. And then she just walked straight past me.
Fine. The Coll is a rank higher than me. But 不需要这样, right?
Chey.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Breathe
When the stars align, sometimes things all start happening at the same time...
Board meeting next week, other work piling up, Alyssa is only just about recovering, school just called to say that Nadya is having fever, current helper leaving next week, new helper coming this weekend or next Monday...
Transitions, cranky kids, work....
Ganbatte...
Friday, May 19, 2017
Childcare leave today
Happiness is going for a quick trip to Bedok Mall, and having a quick lunch with your parents who swung by from Tampines just to meet up with you and your baby girl, and managing to complete 2 other errands....
......and then reaching home on time to feed your baby her next dose of medication, before letting her have her milk and much-needed nap.......
....all within a 1h45min timeframe....
Steady. :)
Now that Peanut's sleeping.....
Time to clear some work.
Jiayou!
......and then reaching home on time to feed your baby her next dose of medication, before letting her have her milk and much-needed nap.......
....all within a 1h45min timeframe....
Steady. :)
Now that Peanut's sleeping.....
Time to clear some work.
Jiayou!
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Working Mum
I'm a working mother, with more priority placed on family than on work.
And so...
This afternoon, I'll need to leave my boss in the lurch and miss out on a discussion with the new CEO of the company.
Because I need to go to a Mother's Day celebration party at my eldest's school.
And so...
This afternoon, I'll need to leave my boss in the lurch and miss out on a discussion with the new CEO of the company.
Because I need to go to a Mother's Day celebration party at my eldest's school.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Mei Mei is sick
Alyssa is having fever and is at home now with our helper Maryann.
Apparently, she has been calling for Mama, Dada, Nana (Nadya) since we left home this morning...
:(
Feeling sad now.
Body at work but heart and mind at home.....
Will quickly finish up and then leave at 12-plus to go home.
Hang in there Meimei...Mama will be home in 3 hours...
Apparently, she has been calling for Mama, Dada, Nana (Nadya) since we left home this morning...
:(
Feeling sad now.
Body at work but heart and mind at home.....
Will quickly finish up and then leave at 12-plus to go home.
Hang in there Meimei...Mama will be home in 3 hours...
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Wah BEEZEE!
Sometimes when things happen, they happen all at the same time.
Suddenly, work is piling up bit by bit.
Suddenly, various folks are trying to arrange lunches with me.
Suddenly, old hostel friends are appearing and wanting to meet up.
Suddenly, the girls' activities in school that require parent participation are increasing.
Suddenly, family engagements are increasing too.
Suddenly, I realised that I have 4 to 5 separate medical appointments and check-ups within the last 2 weeks of June alone.
How come ah?
Macham the stars aligned or something? Haha....
I think my self-dev plans for May and June may not materialise....
Suddenly, work is piling up bit by bit.
Suddenly, various folks are trying to arrange lunches with me.
Suddenly, old hostel friends are appearing and wanting to meet up.
Suddenly, the girls' activities in school that require parent participation are increasing.
Suddenly, family engagements are increasing too.
Suddenly, I realised that I have 4 to 5 separate medical appointments and check-ups within the last 2 weeks of June alone.
How come ah?
Macham the stars aligned or something? Haha....
I think my self-dev plans for May and June may not materialise....
Monday, May 15, 2017
Wrap Wrap
Discovered a new recipe of sorts.
Grab a wrap
Throw a slice of ham on it
Throw some mozzarella cheese
Crack an egg into the centre of the pile
Throw more cheese
Season with salt and pepper if needed
Wrap the wrap up
Bundle it all into aluminium foil
Bake it at 180C for 20-25mins
Voila!
Did it for my lunch last Friday....turned out pretty alright. :)
Grab a wrap
Throw a slice of ham on it
Throw some mozzarella cheese
Crack an egg into the centre of the pile
Throw more cheese
Season with salt and pepper if needed
Wrap the wrap up
Bundle it all into aluminium foil
Bake it at 180C for 20-25mins
Voila!
Did it for my lunch last Friday....turned out pretty alright. :)
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Mother's Day
It's the last 30mins of Mother's Day 2017.
I'm sitting in the dark. Nadya is sleeping below me on a mattress on the floor. Alyssa is also snoozing in her room.
I still sometimes stare in wonder at the 2 girls.
I am a mother. I am their mother. They came from me. How did K and I create these little humans? How did these little people come from my tummy? How did time fly so fast that Alyssa is already 20mths old and Nadya 3yrs 7mths old?
To witness them growing each day and getting more aware of their surroundings and other things makes me feel somewhat honoured and humbled.
Thank you sweeties, for choosing me to be your mama.
I love you.
And Happy Mother's Day to me.
Nadya made this card in school.
I'm sitting in the dark. Nadya is sleeping below me on a mattress on the floor. Alyssa is also snoozing in her room.
I still sometimes stare in wonder at the 2 girls.
I am a mother. I am their mother. They came from me. How did K and I create these little humans? How did these little people come from my tummy? How did time fly so fast that Alyssa is already 20mths old and Nadya 3yrs 7mths old?
To witness them growing each day and getting more aware of their surroundings and other things makes me feel somewhat honoured and humbled.
Thank you sweeties, for choosing me to be your mama.
I love you.
And Happy Mother's Day to me.
Nadya made this card in school.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
一连串
Saw the dentist this afternoon for an inflamed gum and inner cheek.
Had dinner. Then saw the GP for a burst eye vessel that just happened after lunch this afternoon. Left eye.
What is happening....:(
Monday, May 08, 2017
Peanut's speech
She understands quite alot of words now and is attempting to communicate more with words too.
This was her list of words about 2-3 weeks ago....
This was her list of words about 2-3 weeks ago....
- dog
- shoe
- wear
- where
- open (she says "apom")
- apple (she says "apul")
- fish (she can finally make the "f" sound! And now she says "fish" as "fees")
- dada
- mama
- chieh chieh
- auntie
- cheese
- hi
- bye bye
And now, she's started on the below words as well.....
- hand (uses this when she wants to hold hands)
- wash hand
- i want (she learnt this from her older sis haha)
- there
- tissue (she says "shoe")
- no (one of her favourite words)
- pear (her current fav fruit)
- please (she says "peesh")
- escalator (she says "esh-ker")
- bag
- owl (one of her fav words too)
And she's now saying the last word of various sentences of the following songs :)
- The Alphabet Song - I'll go "l, m, n, o...." and then she'll say "p". :) Or I'll go "now I know my ABCs, next time you can sing with....." and then she'll say "me".
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - she says the "star", the "high" and the "are"
- Chinese song 两个小娃娃
- Snow White's Heigh-Ho
- some other songs that I can't recall offhand :)
Childcare is really making her speak much more.
Friday, May 05, 2017
Father-Son Bonding
Dad and Adrian are in England now.
It took Adrian years to convince my Dad to travel with him to see Anfield. Really. I think it was a good 5 years maybe? Anyway, Dad finally agreed to go and so off they went, on 2 May.
Dad's 75 this year so Mum and I were a tad worried about his health and how the long flights were gonna be for him. Luckily, Adrian had more than enough air miles to get Business Class seats for the both of them. Or maybe he had to top it up in cash, I'm not sure.
They made their way around Manchester over the last few days and took a train earlier today to go to Liverpool.
It's 11pm SG time on 5 May now. Should be around 4pm London time. Adrian just whatsapped us a photo of them. They've finally reached Anfield!
The two of them are so excited haha. It really warms my heart just looking at the photo. I'm really glad Dad went on this mini adventure with Adrian. Creating memories is always great! What more with your own son. :)
YNWA! The two excited boys!
Thursday, May 04, 2017
Office Frolicks
For some reason, someone suddenly shared a piece of office gossip with me out of the blue.
About a 40-something year old lady colleague on the same floor who was having illicit relations with up to 2 other 50-something year old male colleagues, who are also on the same floor.
Scandalous, yes.
But not enough to make my jaw drop.
Anyway, it was something I didn't want to know also.... (0_0)
Errmmm.....eeeww.
About a 40-something year old lady colleague on the same floor who was having illicit relations with up to 2 other 50-something year old male colleagues, who are also on the same floor.
Scandalous, yes.
But not enough to make my jaw drop.
Anyway, it was something I didn't want to know also.... (0_0)
Errmmm.....eeeww.
330am
I don't think I've slept since 2am?
By now, the tears have dropped.
The older girl is still whining and asking for various things. I probably shouldn't have cried in front of her but I couldn't help it.
Small one just drank and hopefully will sleep till 7am.
One can always wish and hope right?
At the rate this goes, older one will be cranky in the morning.
By now, the tears have dropped.
The older girl is still whining and asking for various things. I probably shouldn't have cried in front of her but I couldn't help it.
Small one just drank and hopefully will sleep till 7am.
One can always wish and hope right?
At the rate this goes, older one will be cranky in the morning.
3am
Very tired. Lost track of the number of times I've woken up since 1030pm.
Frustrated. Tears are forming.
Stuffed nose. Sore throat. And I just had a nosebleed.
I need to settle Board paper submissions tomorrow. Amongst other stuff.
Yes I know I'm not the only mother who has 2 kids and who is having a severe lack of sleep. And yes I know, I do have a helper. But I just need my space to air my complaints, bitching and whining or whatever you call it.
So whoever tells me to "suck it up", just shut it ok.
Wednesday, May 03, 2017
Errrrr...?
I'm perplexed.
I'm a Senior Manager. You're an SM too.
Why are you asking me how to handle this aspect of your project ah? You set the deadline for our partners....you decide lah how you want to manage them to solicit responses....If you need my help because the partners know me better, sure, I can help you ping them. But why look to me for simple things like whether to send them a reminder email?
Big question mark.
I'm a Senior Manager. You're an SM too.
Why are you asking me how to handle this aspect of your project ah? You set the deadline for our partners....you decide lah how you want to manage them to solicit responses....If you need my help because the partners know me better, sure, I can help you ping them. But why look to me for simple things like whether to send them a reminder email?
Big question mark.
Drip Drop
Feel a little like crying now.
But.
There are things to be done.
And into work I shall dive.
The tears can wait.
Till a more opportune time.
But.
There are things to be done.
And into work I shall dive.
The tears can wait.
Till a more opportune time.
Sleep
The 2 girls slept together last night. My second attempt at putting them together before the current helper leaves for good and the new one comes.
It was a better attempt compared to the previous time. At least, there were no major screamfests. But the both of them were bad sleepers last night. Each tossed and turned like nobody's business and the small one did a 270 degree rotation to and fro over the course of the night. She would have done a full 360 if not for a bolster blocking her path. She even somehow managed to travel up and down the mattress.
This mom here was relegated to a tiny strip of property at the foot of both mattresses. Just enough for me to lie straight in my back.
Zzzzz...verdict? Good try. Hope it gets better.
But I woke so many times I lost count. It's a busier period for me at work. I hope I can tahan...
I feel the onset of a sore throat plus cough creeping in. Jiayou!!!
Tuesday, May 02, 2017
Annual Performance Appraisal
So I just had a session with my boss. It ended in an hour. His sessions with the other team leads took an average of 1.5 hrs each. Should I be happy or worried? Lol....
Anyway, things sounded pretty positive. He said I was dependable. And when I asked whether there were any areas that I should improve on, in terms of work or character or attitude, he said he couldn't think of any. Woot! I told him I would take that as a positive thing haha.
We discussed possibilities for a job rotation. Either that or a job expansion so that I could develop further. (I told him I was somewhat stagnant). If it were a job rotation, it wouldn't be this year. But it could be next year.
We'll see.....we'll see...how it all goes...
p/s: Besides myself, there are another 3 team leads. Although he did not name names, during our chat, he referred to them as (1) the one that talks alot but either did not deliver or delivered late, (2) the one who thinks he knows alot and is very good but is actually so-so and (3) the one that is very smart but often offends others and EQ needs working on. I had no problems guessing who each one was. It was quite funny....not I'm not sure if he should have referred to them in this manner. I appreciate his candid-ness though haha.
Anyway, things sounded pretty positive. He said I was dependable. And when I asked whether there were any areas that I should improve on, in terms of work or character or attitude, he said he couldn't think of any. Woot! I told him I would take that as a positive thing haha.
We discussed possibilities for a job rotation. Either that or a job expansion so that I could develop further. (I told him I was somewhat stagnant). If it were a job rotation, it wouldn't be this year. But it could be next year.
We'll see.....we'll see...how it all goes...
p/s: Besides myself, there are another 3 team leads. Although he did not name names, during our chat, he referred to them as (1) the one that talks alot but either did not deliver or delivered late, (2) the one who thinks he knows alot and is very good but is actually so-so and (3) the one that is very smart but often offends others and EQ needs working on. I had no problems guessing who each one was. It was quite funny....not I'm not sure if he should have referred to them in this manner. I appreciate his candid-ness though haha.
Last Friday 28 April 2017
Attended Mrs Lim's funeral last Friday afternoon at Mandai Crematorium.
My ex-boss is a diminutive guy, only slightly taller than me, and very slim, with a penchant for baggy shirts that make him seem even smaller in size. Seeing him so distraught made us pretty upset too....
He broke down, cried and wailed when her coffin was sent to the cremation chambers. I've never seen him like this. He was heartbroken. Shattered. He shouted. He sobbed. He said in between heaving cries: "Wait for me. Why did you go so early? Wait for me."
I teared. The 5 of us from the team who were there, including my current boss, teared. I believe the guys did too as I heard some sniffles and throat-clearing.
He was distraught. I hope, I truly hope that he feels slightly better today...
It will take time for him to grieve. But I hope he also takes comfort knowing that she is no longer suffering and is in the arms of the Lord now. No more chemo, no more operations, no more tubes and needles for her.
I'm bad with words and I don't know how to comfort him though I want to.
I did not speak with him that day. I didn't want to interrupt his time alone with his sons.
I hope he heals soon...
My ex-boss is a diminutive guy, only slightly taller than me, and very slim, with a penchant for baggy shirts that make him seem even smaller in size. Seeing him so distraught made us pretty upset too....
He broke down, cried and wailed when her coffin was sent to the cremation chambers. I've never seen him like this. He was heartbroken. Shattered. He shouted. He sobbed. He said in between heaving cries: "Wait for me. Why did you go so early? Wait for me."
I teared. The 5 of us from the team who were there, including my current boss, teared. I believe the guys did too as I heard some sniffles and throat-clearing.
He was distraught. I hope, I truly hope that he feels slightly better today...
It will take time for him to grieve. But I hope he also takes comfort knowing that she is no longer suffering and is in the arms of the Lord now. No more chemo, no more operations, no more tubes and needles for her.
I'm bad with words and I don't know how to comfort him though I want to.
I did not speak with him that day. I didn't want to interrupt his time alone with his sons.
I hope he heals soon...
Friday, April 28, 2017
Quest
It started out as a resolution. To bring the focus back to myself abit more this year.
It is now a mini project of sorts. To make a small tweak/improvement to my life or myself each month. One a month, hopefully it is manageable. And hopefully by the end of the year, I'd be an improved version than back at the start of the year.
It doesn't matter whether it's a big or small change, so long as it's a change that betters myself as a person or improves my lifestyle.
Tweaks so far:
1. Back to public transport 90% of the time. Enough said.
2. Taking care of my face at night. Regularly moisturising at night. I was lazy for many years and did not do so. I actually do see a difference now despite only starting this around 1-plus months ago.
3. Walking more.
4. Stretching more at night. This hasn't improved my neck/shoulder ache yet though...:(
May is coming soon...
Time to decide on what I should embark on.....
It is now a mini project of sorts. To make a small tweak/improvement to my life or myself each month. One a month, hopefully it is manageable. And hopefully by the end of the year, I'd be an improved version than back at the start of the year.
It doesn't matter whether it's a big or small change, so long as it's a change that betters myself as a person or improves my lifestyle.
Tweaks so far:
1. Back to public transport 90% of the time. Enough said.
2. Taking care of my face at night. Regularly moisturising at night. I was lazy for many years and did not do so. I actually do see a difference now despite only starting this around 1-plus months ago.
3. Walking more.
4. Stretching more at night. This hasn't improved my neck/shoulder ache yet though...:(
May is coming soon...
Time to decide on what I should embark on.....
I wish.....I hope!
I think I need a break soon. Just a day off from work. Zero errands. No kids around me.
Best if nobody is around me at all. I just want to lie in bed, cuddle under my blankie and sleep like a log. Stay at home the entire day if possible. Eat in. Maybe heat up some frozen pizza and guzzle Ribena. Watch 2 Days 1 Night and laugh myself silly. Maybe colour a little too.
There are things that need to be done in the coming weeks though....
Hope I can find the chance to just take a day's leave and switch off from everything.
Best if nobody is around me at all. I just want to lie in bed, cuddle under my blankie and sleep like a log. Stay at home the entire day if possible. Eat in. Maybe heat up some frozen pizza and guzzle Ribena. Watch 2 Days 1 Night and laugh myself silly. Maybe colour a little too.
There are things that need to be done in the coming weeks though....
- Current helper leaving, new one coming in early June. Training and lots of guidance needed
- Alyssa's vaccination.
- Both girls' parent-teacher sessions coming up.
- Nadya's book review next week.
- Nadya's trial ballet class??
- I need a haircut. I've not cut my hair in 6 months...the shape's mostly gone and it's frizzy like shit.
Hope I can find the chance to just take a day's leave and switch off from everything.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Mrs CS
Tearing up in office.
For the last 9 years, I served a boss, CS, who was a legendary tyrant, especially during his younger days. There are stories of him throwing papers at staff and shouting at them because he felt they did a bad job at writing the paper.
I am pretty ok with him though we had an exchange once. I can't remember the details but he scolded me something along the lines of "stupid". I flared up and spoke loudly (and rudely I think) to him. People who know me would know that I'm usually a meek one when it comes to bosses. He must have really riled me up. Anyway, I apologised thereafter and he did too.
He mellowed down alot and in the last few years, I got along with him pretty well. Maybe it's because he's the same age as my mum, maybe it's because I travelled with him on official trips on many occasions. His PA has also told me several times that I'm one of his favourites.
His wife has been sickly since 9 years ago when she first had breast cancer. She recently had a relapse and a month plus ago she was found to have a brain tumour. It soon spread to her major organs. She had a lung procedure yesterday and was on GA. Unfortunately, her condition turned form bad to worse and she passed on within 6 hours of the procedure.
I texted CS to ask if he's ok. His reply broke my heart. He said he feels devastated. Devastated that he didn't get any chance to say any last words to her and she was just gone like that.
I'm bad with words. But I tried my best to say something comforting to him.
The whole team is going to visit him at his wife's wake tomorrow during lunch. I hope I don't cry there....
Rest in peace Mrs CS...
I'm sure both your sons will do well in their life and your husband will continue plodding on strongly and steadily as ever....
For the last 9 years, I served a boss, CS, who was a legendary tyrant, especially during his younger days. There are stories of him throwing papers at staff and shouting at them because he felt they did a bad job at writing the paper.
I am pretty ok with him though we had an exchange once. I can't remember the details but he scolded me something along the lines of "stupid". I flared up and spoke loudly (and rudely I think) to him. People who know me would know that I'm usually a meek one when it comes to bosses. He must have really riled me up. Anyway, I apologised thereafter and he did too.
He mellowed down alot and in the last few years, I got along with him pretty well. Maybe it's because he's the same age as my mum, maybe it's because I travelled with him on official trips on many occasions. His PA has also told me several times that I'm one of his favourites.
His wife has been sickly since 9 years ago when she first had breast cancer. She recently had a relapse and a month plus ago she was found to have a brain tumour. It soon spread to her major organs. She had a lung procedure yesterday and was on GA. Unfortunately, her condition turned form bad to worse and she passed on within 6 hours of the procedure.
I texted CS to ask if he's ok. His reply broke my heart. He said he feels devastated. Devastated that he didn't get any chance to say any last words to her and she was just gone like that.
I'm bad with words. But I tried my best to say something comforting to him.
The whole team is going to visit him at his wife's wake tomorrow during lunch. I hope I don't cry there....
Rest in peace Mrs CS...
I'm sure both your sons will do well in their life and your husband will continue plodding on strongly and steadily as ever....
Monday, April 24, 2017
Happy 19 months!
Our cheeky little happy pill. :) Happy 19 months sayang!
You were the one who made Mama worry alot. From your extra thumb (that thankfully dried up and dropped off on its own), to your eye infection early on, to your overlapping toes, to your physiotheraphy sessions, to your sensitive nose and lungs, to your stagnant weight at one period of time......I'm just glad and extremely thankful those were just small issues which were ironed out on their own over time....
You started walking at 15 months, a good 2 months after jiejie did during her time. You only really started talking more at 18 months, another good 2 months after jiejie did during her time. But hey, you've grown and developed and blossomed on your own terms....You're a cheeky little girl now who has started talking and babbling so much now, especially when you started childcare classes 2 weeks ago.
You've got a lovely charming face and an equally lovely, charming smile....but you can be a real badass drama queen too. Oh the cries and protests that come forth when we forbid you to do something or when we scold you. And oh the shrieks and hair-pulling when you fight with jiejie over something....gosh, the first few times we were quite taken aback by the feistiness emanating from you! We were totally not expecting it!
You've always brought us much laughter and cheer! Show us your pearly whites and keep the smiles and giggles coming ya! May you stay blessed, healthy and happy always.
Dada, Mama and Jiejie love you!
Friday, April 21, 2017
Lippy
The thing about lip dermatitis is...sometimes you don't know when it will flare up.
Woke with sausage lips this morning :( And I have a parent-chicks excursion trip later with Alyssa to Gardens by the Bay.
So ugly....bah....
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Patience
I thought I was doing better at being more patient with the kids.
But I think I lapsed last night. I nearly lost it. Thank goodness it was already late at night and I knew I had to keep it down or risk waking everyone up.
It was the first time both girls were sleeping together in the same room. I was with them and getting increasingly tired as the night went by. Both were taking turns to wake and both also tossed in their sleep quite often. Every rustle and every movement made me go into high alert mode. I couldn't sleep well and I couldn't sleep much at all. I probably averaged only 4 hours last night, broken into various sessions of sleep/nap.
At one point, Alyssa was sleeping and I had to force myself not to boil over due to Nadya's whining, which was escalating in scale and volume with every fussing/whining sound she made. I felt she was doing it for no reason. She couldn't or didn't want to say why she was upset when I asked her why she was fussing. I could feel my blood pressure rise. I did not want her to wake Alyssa up.
But eventually, true enough, the noise she made did wake Alyssa up, who started wailing................
Anyway.....Note to self:
Continue to work hard, if not harder, at keeping my temper in check.
Continue to practice restraint.
Continue to practice and learn how to be more patient.
But I think I lapsed last night. I nearly lost it. Thank goodness it was already late at night and I knew I had to keep it down or risk waking everyone up.
It was the first time both girls were sleeping together in the same room. I was with them and getting increasingly tired as the night went by. Both were taking turns to wake and both also tossed in their sleep quite often. Every rustle and every movement made me go into high alert mode. I couldn't sleep well and I couldn't sleep much at all. I probably averaged only 4 hours last night, broken into various sessions of sleep/nap.
At one point, Alyssa was sleeping and I had to force myself not to boil over due to Nadya's whining, which was escalating in scale and volume with every fussing/whining sound she made. I felt she was doing it for no reason. She couldn't or didn't want to say why she was upset when I asked her why she was fussing. I could feel my blood pressure rise. I did not want her to wake Alyssa up.
But eventually, true enough, the noise she made did wake Alyssa up, who started wailing................
Anyway.....Note to self:
Continue to work hard, if not harder, at keeping my temper in check.
Continue to practice restraint.
Continue to practice and learn how to be more patient.
Peanut
Aka....our dear Alyssa.
Time flies so fast these days.
We're already past mid-April and next Friday on 24th April, Alyssa will be 19 months old!
Her current stats and development......
Height: 82cm (60% percentile)
Weight: 10.2kg (55% percentile)
Head Circumference: 47.5cm (80% percentile!) So she's a 大头 like her mum haha...
Mobility: Excellent.
She's a climber and a full-fledged runner lol. Granted she still has her "opps I lost my balance moments" but those are mainly because she got distracted by other stuff happening around her.
Speech: Good.
At least I think she's doing good. Though Nadya was speaking better at the same age. But oh well, different kids develop differently. Words that she can say, though not with accurate enunciation yet, include.....
Cognitive development: Pretty good.
She understands 2-part requests and questions. For e.g. "Please pick that piece of paper up and throw it into the dustbin."
Food: Excellent.
She likes most things her older sister doesn't really go for haha, like green peas, corn and pork. She spit out beef though, when I let her try it several weeks ago. Her favourite food right now include chinese cabbage, corn and green peas, and of course not forgetting snacks like raisins, yoghurt melts, biscuits....She's a milk guzzler like Nadya too.
Sleep: Bad.
While she takes her afternoon naps, her sleep at night is rather bad. She is put to bed at 8-plus but probably only falls asleep at 9pm or just past that. She will wake at 11-plus or 12am. And then wake again at 3 or 4am. And then sometimes wake again at 5 or 6am. It's tough looking after her at night.
And I don't know what's wrong. Is it the temperature of the room? The size of the room? The type of mattress we are using for her? The type of pillow she's using? Sigh.....
Happiness: Excellent
Our happy pill. Everybody's happy pill. She's got a natural charm as well. When I brought her out the other day...no less than 4 aunties came up to her at different times to say hi to her, all within a 1.5-hour period...She's charmed her toddler class teachers too!
Drama-ness: Excellent
She's a drama queen. What more can I say? Lol....
The only thing we've not done so well with Alyssa is her exposure to books. By this age, I was reading rhymes and simple stories to Nadya every night...need to catch up on this. I hope I can do it soon!
Grow well sweetie...but take your time too. Not too fast!!
You're our last baby and Mama wants to savour all your firsts to the fullest!
Time flies so fast these days.
We're already past mid-April and next Friday on 24th April, Alyssa will be 19 months old!
Her current stats and development......
Height: 82cm (60% percentile)
Weight: 10.2kg (55% percentile)
Head Circumference: 47.5cm (80% percentile!) So she's a 大头 like her mum haha...
Mobility: Excellent.
She's a climber and a full-fledged runner lol. Granted she still has her "opps I lost my balance moments" but those are mainly because she got distracted by other stuff happening around her.
Speech: Good.
At least I think she's doing good. Though Nadya was speaking better at the same age. But oh well, different kids develop differently. Words that she can say, though not with accurate enunciation yet, include.....
- dog
- shoe
- wear
- where
- open (she says "apom")
- apple (she says "apul")
- fish (she can finally make the "f" sound! And now she says "fish" as "fees")
- dada
- mama
- chieh chieh
- auntie
- cheese
Cognitive development: Pretty good.
She understands 2-part requests and questions. For e.g. "Please pick that piece of paper up and throw it into the dustbin."
Food: Excellent.
She likes most things her older sister doesn't really go for haha, like green peas, corn and pork. She spit out beef though, when I let her try it several weeks ago. Her favourite food right now include chinese cabbage, corn and green peas, and of course not forgetting snacks like raisins, yoghurt melts, biscuits....She's a milk guzzler like Nadya too.
Sleep: Bad.
While she takes her afternoon naps, her sleep at night is rather bad. She is put to bed at 8-plus but probably only falls asleep at 9pm or just past that. She will wake at 11-plus or 12am. And then wake again at 3 or 4am. And then sometimes wake again at 5 or 6am. It's tough looking after her at night.
And I don't know what's wrong. Is it the temperature of the room? The size of the room? The type of mattress we are using for her? The type of pillow she's using? Sigh.....
Happiness: Excellent
Our happy pill. Everybody's happy pill. She's got a natural charm as well. When I brought her out the other day...no less than 4 aunties came up to her at different times to say hi to her, all within a 1.5-hour period...She's charmed her toddler class teachers too!
Drama-ness: Excellent
She's a drama queen. What more can I say? Lol....
The only thing we've not done so well with Alyssa is her exposure to books. By this age, I was reading rhymes and simple stories to Nadya every night...need to catch up on this. I hope I can do it soon!
Grow well sweetie...but take your time too. Not too fast!!
You're our last baby and Mama wants to savour all your firsts to the fullest!
Monday, April 17, 2017
Dusk
Dusk is actually my favourite time of the day.
I'm not a morning person so dawn is not really my cup of tea.
Dusk.
It's a different story.
When the sky takes on pink, orange, purple, blue and grey hues all at the same time.
When the clouds seem lighter and yet, more settled.
When the birds fly home to roost.
When even the temperature seems to cool down a little.
When things seem more bearable.
When the world seems to slow down for just that little bit.
When you feel you've put in your effort for the day and now it is time to rest a little.
When you know you can get to bask in your family's love and presence after a day at work.
This was taken on a weekday evening a week ago. Outside the inlaw's place.
I know. It's just a scene from within a concrete jungle.
Nothing compared to what some see in other countries....
But I loved the view when I saw it.
And I guess, it was more special because I was with Alyssa.
Who was happily running around me in circles and squealing happy squeaks.
I'm not a morning person so dawn is not really my cup of tea.
Dusk.
It's a different story.
When the sky takes on pink, orange, purple, blue and grey hues all at the same time.
When the clouds seem lighter and yet, more settled.
When the birds fly home to roost.
When even the temperature seems to cool down a little.
When things seem more bearable.
When the world seems to slow down for just that little bit.
When you feel you've put in your effort for the day and now it is time to rest a little.
When you know you can get to bask in your family's love and presence after a day at work.
This was taken on a weekday evening a week ago. Outside the inlaw's place.
I know. It's just a scene from within a concrete jungle.
Nothing compared to what some see in other countries....
But I loved the view when I saw it.
And I guess, it was more special because I was with Alyssa.
Who was happily running around me in circles and squealing happy squeaks.
6 Degrees of Separation
This rings even truer in a small city-state like Singapore.
I was going through my Facebook feed and realised that a friend was baptised yesterday at the Catholic church, Church of St. Michael.
Scrolled down further and saw that another friend's wife was also baptised at the same ceremony.
Small small world....:)
Happy for them that they have opened their hearts and mind to the faith.
I was going through my Facebook feed and realised that a friend was baptised yesterday at the Catholic church, Church of St. Michael.
Scrolled down further and saw that another friend's wife was also baptised at the same ceremony.
Small small world....:)
Happy for them that they have opened their hearts and mind to the faith.
Peanut's 1st day at Childcare - 3 April 2017
I'm happy that the blogger app I'm using was updated. It's more stable now and doesn't crash every 30 seconds. And I can finally upload photos to this blog again. Hurrah!
So anyway, this is a throwback to Alyssa's first day at the childcare side.
She was pretty excited to wear the uniform. She looked so cute in it :)
So anyway, this is a throwback to Alyssa's first day at the childcare side.
She was pretty excited to wear the uniform. She looked so cute in it :)
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Cookie time
Nadya had to bake stuff to bring to school. She needs to do a show-and-tell about her baking experience as well.
And so voila...
Alyssa didn't partake in the end. She was happier running around the house. :) Anyway it was better I guess. For they'd both end up fighting if they were going to stir and mix the cookie dough together haha.
P/s: I spent a whole hour making their baker hats and aprons one weekday night a few days ago....it was worth the effort. They loved the hats and Nadya insisted on wearing the apron for more than an hour haha...
And so voila...
Alyssa didn't partake in the end. She was happier running around the house. :) Anyway it was better I guess. For they'd both end up fighting if they were going to stir and mix the cookie dough together haha.
P/s: I spent a whole hour making their baker hats and aprons one weekday night a few days ago....it was worth the effort. They loved the hats and Nadya insisted on wearing the apron for more than an hour haha...
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
For the self
Some things which I set out to do this year for myself and have achieved so far:
- Go back to taking the train to go to work. I've been pretty consistent on this from the start of the work year and I'm all the better for it. My pockets too.
- As such, I've been walking more as well and this is doing some good to my body and general stamina. I think.
- Taking care of my face abit better. Back to moisturising at night. I don't think my skin is getting enormously better, but I think I feel abit better about the state of it now...
- I've started stretching again. A few nights each week to slowly gain back some flexibility and maybe balance? (I used to do it every night before I got married....)
- Some time alone each night before I sleep. To loosen up, to get some laughs, to think through things, to be in an alternate world....
Things I've not managed to get a start on:
- More exercise. Sigh.
- More time on drawing and colouring.
- Go back to taking the train to go to work. I've been pretty consistent on this from the start of the work year and I'm all the better for it. My pockets too.
- As such, I've been walking more as well and this is doing some good to my body and general stamina. I think.
- Taking care of my face abit better. Back to moisturising at night. I don't think my skin is getting enormously better, but I think I feel abit better about the state of it now...
- I've started stretching again. A few nights each week to slowly gain back some flexibility and maybe balance? (I used to do it every night before I got married....)
- Some time alone each night before I sleep. To loosen up, to get some laughs, to think through things, to be in an alternate world....
Things I've not managed to get a start on:
- More exercise. Sigh.
- More time on drawing and colouring.
Conversations with a 3.5 yr-old
This kid is getting smarter. She did her first pun ever that day.
We were in the shower and I was talking to her about claws. Can't remember why we were talking about claws though.
Me: Cats have claws you know? Tigers and lions too.
N: Santa also.
Me: Huh?
N: Santa Claus. So Santa has claws (claus) too.
LOL....
We were in the shower and I was talking to her about claws. Can't remember why we were talking about claws though.
Me: Cats have claws you know? Tigers and lions too.
N: Santa also.
Me: Huh?
N: Santa Claus. So Santa has claws (claus) too.
LOL....
11 April
Yesterday was Granny's 3rd death anniversary.
I'd popped by Holy Family Church on Sunday to say some prayers for her, as well as for the family.
Nadya was at my inlaw's place so only K and Alyssa came along with me. The little girl was so in awe of the stained glass feature in the main church hall. I was glad that she was generally quite well-behaved too. I explained to her that we were there to say our prayers for Ah-Chor (great-granny in Hokkien). She nodded. Though I don't think she understood half of what I said.
Adrian and my parents went to the Marina Pier to pay their respects on Tues, the actual day of her death anniversary. I couldn't make it as I had a team meeting that morning and I couldn't take leave.
Why Marina Pier?
Because that's where we took the boat out to release her ashes into the sea......
I still tear when I think of her. Though I have to admit, I don't get much time to think of her these days. Not with the 2 little girls running around.
I hope Granny, Ipoh, Tuanku and their parents are having fun up there. Maybe playing mahjong and chewing on nonya kueh.
God bless her. RIP Granny....
Or in our family's Peranakan patois, RIP Mama....
I'd popped by Holy Family Church on Sunday to say some prayers for her, as well as for the family.
Nadya was at my inlaw's place so only K and Alyssa came along with me. The little girl was so in awe of the stained glass feature in the main church hall. I was glad that she was generally quite well-behaved too. I explained to her that we were there to say our prayers for Ah-Chor (great-granny in Hokkien). She nodded. Though I don't think she understood half of what I said.
Adrian and my parents went to the Marina Pier to pay their respects on Tues, the actual day of her death anniversary. I couldn't make it as I had a team meeting that morning and I couldn't take leave.
Why Marina Pier?
Because that's where we took the boat out to release her ashes into the sea......
I still tear when I think of her. Though I have to admit, I don't get much time to think of her these days. Not with the 2 little girls running around.
I hope Granny, Ipoh, Tuanku and their parents are having fun up there. Maybe playing mahjong and chewing on nonya kueh.
God bless her. RIP Granny....
Or in our family's Peranakan patois, RIP Mama....
Monday, April 10, 2017
April....beezee......
There seems to be many things going on in April...
- Alyssa's transition to the childcare side...and her being upset in the mornings when we leave her at the childcare centre does take a toll on our minds too....:(
- Nadya had a school activity in early April
- There was a manyue celebration on the 9th
- Alyssa's having a vaccination jab on 13th
- The school is closed on the 13th and 14th is a public holiday
- There's another birthday thing on the 16th
- Nadya needs to bring baked goodies to school on the 17th
- I've a checkup on the 20th
- Alyssa will have an excursion on the 21st
- And we're in the midst of hiring a replacement helper since the current one wants to go back home already....
- And.......I seem to think there's something else in end Apr but I can't recall....
- And.....we need to arrange a meal with my uncle....
- And.....K's birthday is on the 18th.....
- And.....
- And.....
- And...
- ........
- ....
- ...
- ..
*breathe*
The patience that you need dealing with irritating colleagues is vastly different from the patience you need when handling your kids. You need more of it when handling adults. Especially when that said person is just sitting next to you. Period.
Thursday, April 06, 2017
!! !! !! !!
累了。
加油妈米！加油！
Fighting!
Mind over body doesn't seem to work that well these recent years...
Not when the mind is also fuzzy and frazzled and dazed with sleep deprivation...
加油妈米！加油！
Fighting!
Mind over body doesn't seem to work that well these recent years...
Not when the mind is also fuzzy and frazzled and dazed with sleep deprivation...
Tuesday, April 04, 2017
Teamwork
We had a team meeting this morning and the boss brought up the issue of teamwork and care within the team. As a small team, we should care and help each other out. I agree, I really do and I'll strive to do it as far as possible.
My own key take-away?
Graciousness, thoughtfulness, consideration, care, concern and respect is important. Not just within a team. But even within a family and within the wider society. If all of us could just aim to do an act (or two) with one of these traits in mind, then the world will be a much better place.
My other thought?
The one colleague within this small team of 12 pax, the one who exhibits the most selfish tendencies, happens to be sitting right next to me in office. The Coll. Or Coll the Troll as I used to name her previously.
What's the most important trait I think we all should have?
Being considerate. Is this the same thing as having emphathy? I don't know...similar concept I guess. Thinking of others, how they would feel, putting yourself in their shoes and keeping them in mind.
My own key take-away?
Graciousness, thoughtfulness, consideration, care, concern and respect is important. Not just within a team. But even within a family and within the wider society. If all of us could just aim to do an act (or two) with one of these traits in mind, then the world will be a much better place.
My other thought?
The one colleague within this small team of 12 pax, the one who exhibits the most selfish tendencies, happens to be sitting right next to me in office. The Coll. Or Coll the Troll as I used to name her previously.
What's the most important trait I think we all should have?
Being considerate. Is this the same thing as having emphathy? I don't know...similar concept I guess. Thinking of others, how they would feel, putting yourself in their shoes and keeping them in mind.
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