How Far Would You Go

It all started one week before the school holidays. Kor-Kor came back from school asking to buy an art book from a flyer distributed from school.

I told him no need even though the book is only RM10 (since most of the time he would just buy & then chuck the book somewhere after he got it).

But on the last day to pay up for the book, he called me in the office, pleaded that he really wanted to have the art book. So I gave in & told him to get the money from his grandparents who would be visiting at lunchtime. This was Friday - one week before the school holidays.

When I got home, I asked him to show me what he bought.

“A boy in my class wanted to borrow the book, so I lent him.”

“What?”

“This boy in my class, YY, borrowed my book…” he shrugged.

A monster reared its head in me. “WHY DID YOU LEND YOUR BOOK TO YOUR FRIEND WITHOUT LETTING MOMMY HAVE A LOOK FIRST? I THOT U REALLY WANTED THE BOOK, TO LEARN SOME DRAWING U SAID, THEN WHY DID YOU LENT TO YOUR FRIEND WITHOUT USING A BIT FIRST????”

“YY said he wanted to borrow for a while mah…” Kor-Kor said more carefully now.

I sighed, calmed down “Ok, but next time let mommy have a look first at what u buy. So, remember to ask from him on Monday. I want to have a look at what you buy.”

I reminded him again on Sunday nite – the eve of the last week of school. But on Monday nite when I got home…… NO BOOK.

“YY said he forgot to bring…”

A bigger monster reared. And I think I must have nagged Kor-Kor for about an hour – on how it is his book, so he must show more responsibility towards it, more so since it was his grandparents who gave him the money to buy the book, etc, etc…

“If your friend forgot again, please ask for his mommy’s phone no. I will ask his mommy to help.” [Sigh! That would be awkward as this friend's mom is probably clueless abt all this...]

The next day, Tuesday, was report card day. When I got to the school, Kor-Kor told me his friend couldn’t find the book & he didn’t know his mommy’s phone no.

So I asked him to show me the boy. I told the boy nicely to please remember to find & bring the book, otherwise, to please give his mommy’s phone no. (The monster didn’t rear its head – even when the boy just looked at me nonchalantly & shrugged his shoulders. I was still hoping my son can settle this by himself.) But at home, I stressed to Kor-Kor “Bring me the book or the mommy’s phone no”.

Wednesday evening – NO BOOK. NO PHONE NUMBER!!!

“YY says he doesn’t have his mommy’s phone no. He asked why mommy wants his mommy’s no…”

The biggest, ugliest, monster took control. I WAS PISSED! I was pissed, not at his friend, but at Kor-Kor – at his inability to settle this on his own…, at his indifference…, at his irresponsible manner of tossing things aside after getting them, be it toys or books!

I felt the biggest urge to show him that he must get his book back by all means!

I called the school, hoping to ask the class teacher for assistance.

I called his friends’ mothers, hoping to get the contact of that YY boy. Actually, this was almost impossible since I only have one of his classmate mom’s no. But I called anyway, explaining that the book was a gift from Kor-Kor’s grandparents & thus, the need to get in touch with this YY boy’s parents. This classmate’s mom, bless her, volunteered her son’s help.

But the monster in me still refused to calm down. So the next day, Thursday – the last day of school for the Std. 1, I went to stake out at Kor-Kor’s school before the afternoon session begins, to ask the class teacher for this boy parents’ contact no. (I was at the neighborhood, as was told not to report to work yet due to H1N1 scare at the office.)

The school was having prize giving ceremony whole day, so the teachers were everywhere. After staking out for half hour, his class teacher was not in sight. As the bell had rung for the commencement of the afternoon session, I made my way to Kor-Kor’s classroom. What I saw next blew the wind out of me…

The classmate, whose mom volunteered his help, who is class monitor, approached this YY boy, ”YY, do you have xx [Kor-Kor]’s art book?”

“Yes, here, here, I bring today” That YY boy handed over the book to my son. Kor-Kor had the audacity to cheer…

“What's yr mommy’s no?” The classmate @ class monitor asked sternly again.

That YY boy actually gave him.

This classmate @ class monitor & Kor-Kor saw me hovering outside the class, came tell me that they got the book & the mommy’s handphone number liau…

I was speechless….

What I asked Kor-Kor to do for the last 3 days, this classmate @ class monitor, achieved in 5 minutes!

Sigh! I can just pacify myself that different boys mature at different pace.

But seriously, did I go overboard? I’m not sure now. But at that time, I just want to get the book back – no matter what. Not because of the cost (RM10 only mah..), but because I was so geram (annoyed) that Kor-Kor was so casual about his things. That stupid art book was a gift from his grandparents, how can he just shrugged it off. Moreover, it was a matter of principal mah.

But seriously again, how far would you go to get it back ?

Passed

(I'm such a bad girl....)

Yeah, Kor-Kor passed.

Scraped thru with 160-odd points. Just got the results last Sat. So slow rite? I even asked the coach why they count so slow, should have just outsource to me:)

So having the almost-heart-attack was worth it. At least he doesn't have to repeat level 1 when all his friends moved on to level 2.

They even have medals for the top 20. A few of his friends made it. Kor-Kor was disappointed that he didn't get one (which made me realise my boy competitive also...or may be its a guy thing??? I dunno) In my heart, I was thinking 'aiyo, pass can already lo, want medal some more!', but of course cannot say out loud. Instead, being a good mother, I told him "Try harder next year loh"

And so, wow...Level 2. Like it will be me in Level 2 cos it will be a major challenge...for the mommy.

First, level 2 basketball class starts at 7.30 am! *WOL for weep out loud man*

2nd, he'll need 250 marks to pass!!! Major yikes!!!

This means this mommy can be a slacker...even on a weekend! (Sacrifice! Sacrifice! Sigh! Sigh!)

This Also Got TEST!

(Been putting off writing this article...as dunno whether can capture the experience, the adrenaline, heart-stopping, heart-wrenching moments like it was. Anyway here goes...)

Of all the sports that Kor-Kor picked to join...

He picked one that the school is most passionate about (cos like they are winning championship & stuff)...

He picked one that the coaches are so driven that they have classes even during the school holidays...even up to Dec!

He picked one that the students need to pass a TEST to get to the next level!!! *bang head! bang head! bang head!* (What happen to just having fun, oopps, wrong sports...)

And he picked one that his mommy had no idea what & where. But then again, he could pick any sports that have anything to do with a ball...& his mommy would be blur sotong!

He picked BASKETBALL?

Kor-Kor came back one day a couple of weeks before with a notice written in Chinese - Basketball test???, I scratched head. "Must get 150 marks to pass" I counted. 9 activities. 30 seconds each. Jialat!

(Actually, they had held similar event in Aug, but as I was preparing for his birthday party, I sent Daddy to cheer. When he failed after half the class passed, Daddy was SACKED!!!!)

Anyway, the test was to be held one week after their final exams. So after his final exam, I asked him to practise every nite. Unfortunately, my boy is perpetually glued to the tv, until I come back to 'unglue' him.

So he did the moves. I counted. (Like moving the ball around the body, ball around head to feet & back, ball between their legs x3, dribbling & running around the cones, shooting hoops, etc. The idea is to do as fast as possible & not to drop the ball. Once drop, the count starts again & if the participant did a few attempts in the 30 seconds, the highest is taken.)

In the week's practice, Kor-Kor kept dropping the ball, particularly those on passing the ball between their legs (there are 3 styles here). So my game plan to him was "CONCENTRATE on not dropping the ball, do slow never mind" I also told him just do his best & if he does not pass, its ok, just stay in Level 1 only loh...(its only basketball mah to us women, rite?)

Comes the day...I was quite shocked. Never seen 7-year old boys so competitive among each other before - after each hurdle, they would compare among each other on who gets the highest!

After 6 events, I more or less know that Kor-Kor's score was not good enough - he dropped his ball at one hurdle & his standing position was wrong for the other, so these 2 hurdles pulled down his overall marks. But I can see that he tried very hard, so its good enough for me already. In fact, I was impressed, as could see that he really put his mind to it.

Then I saw him keep looking down at his score while his friends were comparing animatedly. So I sneaked up to him.

"I only got 87, I cannot get 150 already..." he told me sadly, looking down still. Aiyo, breaks my heart man...

So to hell with the never mind crap, I told him not to think about that, just CONCENTRATE on finishing all events, CONCENTRATE on NOT dropping the ball.

(I must have repeated this like hundreds, bullions even, to him that day. Other parents would probably see a super pushy mommy pushing her kid very hard. But actually...I'm just asking him not to give up!)

2 out of the last 3 hurdles were his weakest - passing the ball between the legs styles. And given that he needed the marks, I nearly pengsan (faint) from holding my breath!

3rd last event....36 marks!!!! Kor-Kor was so happy. Mommy was so bladdy relieved that mommy's heart was still beating.

2nd last event...20 marks!!!! Kor-Kor was ecstatic. Mommy was so, so proud. This was the hardest & I could see him concentrating really, really hard!

Last event was the dribbling & running around the cones - but cannot hit the cones. If hit, marks will be deduced. He needed another 10 or so marks only....OMG! Even my hands were shaking when I held the camera to shoot a pic......

Don't hit the cones....Don't hit the cones....Don't hit the cones!!!

Hand, Foot & Mouth

One week before Di-Di's birthday, his kindie's headmistress called up. Di-Di got ulcer in his mouth & she suspected it was Hand, Foot & Mouth.

I was thinking, she's darn good le. Can tell from only ulcer in mouth!

When I got home from work, Di-Di looked fine to me & I almost too skeptical & ah... lazy to take him consult the doctor. But then, people are generally more sensitive nowadays...with H1N1 la, HFM la, so I thought better move my ass...

But really strike lottery, it was HAND, FOOT & MOUTH! Ahhhhhhh.............!!!!

The Doc said he got mild one only, but he might have fever & may be blisters on his hand & foot. And he would have to be on MC for a week as HFM is highly contagious (thru saliva, sinus, etc). Ahhhhhhhhhh............!!!!!

Kor-Kor would be having final exam for the next week or so le...And I had already planned a small birthday celebration for Di-Di at home that weekend & at his kindie on his actual birthday le. Darn, darn, and I had actually bought all the party packs & stuff.

The next day, I informed the headmistress & casually asked whether any other kids in his school got HFM. Only then she told me about the other 2 boys, both in Di-Di's class & one of them is his playmate in the after school daycare.

I was shocked & pissed...the other 2 boys actually got it earlier & have not been attending school for 2 days already.

I was shocked & pissed...she could have told me earlier. I almost didn't take Di-Di to the Doc le since I thought it was only ulcer mah...

I was shocked & pissed...she told me that it is not the school policy to close the kindie even if more than 2 students contracted HFM, as the other parents who are mostly working parents would not know where to place their kids.

At least she could have told us mah, especially those whose kids stayed back for the after school day care.

The silver lining was Di-Di got a mild one only & did not pass to Kor-Kor.

We also teased Di-Di about it..telling him he got a disease (with emphasis on the.. sease) & he would show us his angry face. Grrrrr!!!!

It was also funny that he can't remember the name & called it Hand, Leg, Mouth disease!

Our Lantern Celebration

For the past 2 years, the boys have been going to a neighbouring 'kampung' which would hold a small community lantern celebration. The great thing is they pass out toys & lanterns for free. And the boys would normally get the better ones because Kor-Kor's ex-babysitter is a volunteer at the community centre.

And oh ya...the best of all was all attendees were encouraged to walk around the 'kampung' with their lanterns! With all the kids, parents & grand parents also taking part, it was very 'yit lau' (merry)!

But this year, apa pun tarak, because of this H1N1 thing (I hope it really is this reason & not because S'gor gomen is running out of budget to give out).

So, to continue to uphold & pass on our Chinese tradition (ahem!), I tried to find the boys another 'group' to carry their lanterns with. We drove to 2 playgrounds, but nobody is celebrating. Sigh!

Then, we saw a small group, who seems to be like they are going somewhere. After tailing them for a while, I stopped to ask one uncle whether they are going to any celebration (that I dunno of).

"No la...it's only us..going around for fun" uncle informed.

Ceh...

So no choice, it was only us lo (plus the maid). So, we rummaged thru the store room to find their old 'free' lanterns. Left only the traditional types, the fish, rabbit & aeroplane shaped ones. The paper ones, with superhero patterns, and the battery ones all 'sudah koyak' (torn and broken). The sticks to carry the lanterns also disappeared already, so have to find branches from the playground.

So we set off, holding by the strings only. But due to the wind (or lanterns are not like they used to be during our generation), their candle lights keep blowing out. So have to settle the boys near the park bench to light a few candles, so that it's easier to re-light their lanterns' candles.

As it was really windy, we tried to arrange leaves to protect the candles lighted on the floor. The boys were so amused. And this mommy sorta encouraged them to 'experiment' cooking the leaves!

Initially the boys were scared & would run off screaming when the leaves caught fire. But after a short while, they began to gain confidence & would dare to get closer to the fire.

Then, 'cooking' leaves soon turned into 'cooking' sticks...

Soon, the few candles turned into a small bonfire...

And they got more & more amused when the fire gets bigger & bigger! Especially when they throw a dry stick or leaf in & that thing caught fire...

Only then I started to get worried. Shoot! Now they know how to start something like this when they are in the house.

This mommy so, so clever rite..teaching her kids how to build a fire!!!!

So I have to start the lecturing & nagging, to drill it in that this fire thing is only for one night a year (and may be during Chinese New Year). Only. (Kor-Kor got the message, but I'm not so sure about Di-Di though...mmmm...though I did tell them that I'll skin them alive if they ever try this at home!)

Still... that worrying doubt aside, it was fun! And may be a bit educational for them. Though we did get a bit off track, playing fire instead of playing with lanterns, haha!

And mommy get to re-live her childhood, playing masak-masak with real fires during the lantern festivities!!!!

SIAU

Tomorrow Kor-Kor has ejaan (spelling in Bahasa Malaysia). As usual, I go thru with him last minute (though he got the words like 2 weeks ago!).

But the words for tomorrow is really 'SIAU'!!!!

For 7-year old, they need to eja (spell):-
1. menggelap (wiping)
2. melayari (surfing)
3. menghantar (sending)
4. menaip (typing)

....and last but not least:
5. memfakskan (faxing)

DUH! Why the direct translation again? Why would a 7-year old need to know about 'memfakskan'? And how is one suppose to explain 'memfakskan' to a 7-year old??? Is their school syllabus designed to 'torture' the parents??? (I could almost see the faces of the writers & authors rubbing their hands together, laughing with glee, getting back at us parents for always complaining about the education system in this country!!!)

And that's not the end of it. I flipped thru his text book & found....
'tetikus',
'pengimbas'

Do you know what are those? Take a guess. Actually the first one is not difficult, but wonder why it is not a direct translation this time!!!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Tetikus = mouse
Pengimbas = scanner
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Just in case you think my B.M is so 'keng chow' (fantastic)...there are pictures next to the words, haha, otherwise I see no road!!!)

Ba-Si Bu-Si

Recently I got to know that my new colleague's 4 year old boy can read (he's now going thru adult section for books on his favourite subject, trains) and can do multiply (his mom says she taught him the logic behind it & get him to put up his own multiply table in a way that he understands...)

Meanwhile, in my Never, neverland, my 7 year old & soon-to-be 4 year old still act & talk like babies.

Like whenever they know I'm going to explode for yelling numerous times to get them to do something...like pick up their toys...or go bathe...they'll 'tabik' (salute) me & say,
"Ok, to the ma sorrr!!!!"

Like whenever they taunt each other with " Neh, neh, ti-ta-yo!!! Neh, neh,ti-ta-yo!!!"

Like whenever they do something silly, they'll call themselves "Ba-si, bu-si!".

I've tried to get them to tell me what these nonsense meant, especially 'Ba-si, bu-si'. A lot. Because they use it A lot. But all I can get out of them is "Ba-si, bu-si is ba-si, bu-si la!" while trying to look at me innocently.

Sigh! I wonder if they can support their mommy's old age travelling and shopping..........

If they join the circus's clown act!

Wonder When He's Gonna Lose His Cuteness

Di-Di is close to 4 years old. He is still cute. No longer a baby, but still yet a kid.

Though I hope he can hold on to his cuteness, I know that one day soon I would wake up and in place is a kid who would run off screaming if I offer to give him a peck on the cheek.

So now I would enjoy all the morning kisses he gives me before I go to work (6 to 9 pecks hahaha!!!). And I would be amused that he would call me to scold me if I do not wake him up to say goodbye.

I would also try to keep it in my memory the way he said "Not me, not me" whenever I asked who messed up the room. And the way he would tap his finger on his cheek & rolled up his eyes (do action like he's in deep thoughts) and answered "Maybe its ghost la" [Dunno who teach him one...]

It's also amusing the way he bites his lips and says "Five!". Must bite lower lips one wor when pronounce 'five'...kononnya his teacher says.

And the way he replies to my "Thought you full already, still got space meh? whenever he wants to eat junk food/biscuits/bread right after a full lunch or dinner, by pressing his stomach & rolling his eyes at me (like why this mommy dunno one), "Still got space...see not harddddd"

Now, how to argue with that!

Twilight Zone

Hi! I'm Lil' Monsters, Inc. And I'm a Korean-drama-holic.

My addiction started about a month ago when I took up a friend's suggestion to watch Boys Over Flowers (Korean version of Hana yori Dango/Meteor Garden). It's therapeutic, she said. And the lead actors are all hamsom-hamsom (slang for handsome)!

Ok, since she said they are so, so handsome, I'd checked it out. So far, I've only watched one Korean drama series, Coffee Prince, because the lead actor is so, so handsome! And not draggy. The others, I cannot take the draggy, the pitiful crying, the staring at each other, repeating over and over again...

But Sheeh! She is right. That lead, Lee Min Ho, is really good looking! And OMG, he's only 23 years old...really make me feel like a Dirty Old Woman, oogling after him.

And so, I was stuck. Sacrificing sleep, averaging only 5-6 hrs. Zombie-ing thru daytime. (But at least, I still remember the names of my boys, hehe!)

Till all 25 episodes were completed. And I actually took more than 25 hrs, because of the re-plays on the interesting scenes. (Though the series is actually quite draggy.)

Then, as if not enough 'torture' to my physical & mental health, I couldn't stop myself from watching Coffee Prince (link here to my fav song in the series) again. For comparison sake, I told myself.

Now, I'm back to Boys Over Flowers!!! Oogling at pretty boys!!!!

This is when I realised I needed help. Help to get me out of this Twilight Zone!!!

Whirlwind

Last 2 weeks was so hectic. Dunno who to take care first.

Firstly new job. First day, my little boss told me, "Sorry, but we need your help on a detailed report, deadline in a week, so u gotta stay back." Sucks! What have I gotten myself into, I asked myself.

Secondly, Kor-Kor got exam AGAIN! Mid second term exam. Why so many, I dun understand. That means they (Chinese schools) actually dish out 4 exam a year! Jialat! And the results from these 4 are averaged for streaming purpose. Streaming? My idea of streaming was when in Form 4, we have to decide whether we want to continue with Science stream or go to Arts stream! Nowadays, kids are actually 'ranked' according to their results & the results will actually determine which class they go (I actually thought the results are for choosing the creme for the top few classes only, how naive!). Thus, streaming wor...

So since I can't coach Kor-Kor in the morning already, I'll need to coach him at night. And weekends. But after making sure he has done his homework, checking his school work & other nitty gritty, there's only so little time for 'coaching'. Also have to split some attention for Di-Di le.

Thirdly, new maid also need attention. For my first 3 days at work, my mom helped out. So I didn't have to worry about a thing. But as soon as our new maid arrived, my mom quickly scurried back to my hometown (she can't stand the lifestyle here), after briefing the maid about cooking stuff for half day.

Poor maid too. On her 3rd day at our household, she have to 'manage' on her own already when I go to work. But Daddy did stay to 'look see, look see'.

So armed with verbal instructions with me, she cooked fried rice meant for lunch for breakfast; 'seong yin choy' (water crest vegi) for soup was fried and served for lunch, thus leaving the soup as 'chicken bone & hong zou' soup only; fish for dinner was cooked for lunch!

I asked Kor-Kor did he eat the vegi at lunch? He said yes, but it was very tough!

And Daddy said she kelam-kabut (unsure) about the boys' schedule.

Sigh!

So after that day, I had to come back, talk to boys for a while (both of them will be talking at the same time), quickly eat, bathe Di-Di (as he wants me to do it) and then:-
8.45 - 9.45: Go thru Kor-Kor's school work with him, especially his Bahasa Malaysia (big time weak). Also have to 'layang' (pay little attention) to Di-Di & force him to do some writing.

9.30-10.30 (with some over lap here & there, thus have to multi-task in giving advice & instruction to 3 people): Instruct & show maid on cooking next day's menu. First 'show & tell' with soup. Then asked her to write down (with Marker pen!) on which vegi/fish/chicken supposedly to be lunch/dinner for next day. Thank god most days my in-laws would ta-pau lunch over, so not so bad.

Lastly, go thru with her on the next day schedule. Not to ask her to clean things, mind you...but this:
7am: Make breakfast for Kor-Kor. (Di-Di don't like to eat anything, just drink milk, which I gave before I go work)
7.30: Wake boys up.
8.00: Di-Di must be ready for transport lady to pick him up.
8.20: Kor-Kor must be ready for his transport lady to pick him up.
10.30 or 11.20 (depending on which day of the week it is): Kor-Kor comes back.
11.30: Lunch for Kor-Kor. Then bath. Wear uniform. Pack water & bread for him for tea.
12.20: Be ready for afternoon school pick up.
And so forth. (In between, of course she needs to cook & clean up)

Besides that, she also need to know, the plate numbers & color of transport cars, remember the auntie faces, etc. Which bags to pack. Which uniform to wear to whom & when. My mom also said she almost pengsan the first day she took over! So thank god, our new maid has not gone berserk on us. YET!

After all that, my mind would go all blank & I had to stand in the shower for at least 15 minutes to clear my head. As well as to go thru everything again in case I missed out anything.

Then sleep. Then begin the whirlwind all over again the next day....

About Micheal Jackson

Micheal Jackson's death (bless his soul) got so much coverage that even 7-year old kids asked about him. Kor-Kor asked a few times. I would normally point to a picture of MJ or to his image on tv.

Then one day, he asked "Do you know how Micheal Jackson died?"

"Yes, of course."

"How he died?"

"He cannot sleep, so he took a lot of medicine to help him sleep. One day, he took too much and cannot wake up already lo."

"And so he died ah?"

"Yes, cannot wake up, so died already lo."

"No la, my friend Colin said, Micheal Jackson died because of his nose. It keeps growing longer & longer until he die wor...."

*beat chest* I'm losing influence...

About Girlfriends

Di-Di is always making friends everywhere. At the market with the kueh seller, passenger of the bus one row back, sales girls at the shop, etc. I would sometimes just shiok-shiok asked "Who is that?"

"My friend la...", he would reply giving me a face like why I always ask the obvious.

If it's a girl, then Kor-Kor would question "Why Di-Di got so many girl friends ah?"

"They are just his friends who are girls what. You don't have girl friends meh?"

"I got only one."

"Who?"

"Hui Hui la." He smiled sheepishly, like it's supposed to be a secret. (Hui Hui is his distant cousin who is now studying in the same school.) "Next time I grow up, I have to get married right?"

"Yes." Me wondering where this is leading...

"Next time I'll marry Hui Hui."

*me mata terbeliak ie eyes nearly popped out* "Errrrr....hey, I thot u said u don't like girls..." He mentioned before he don't like girls.

"I don't like girls, but I like Hui Hui little bit, so I marry her la."

Holy shit! Jialat!

Working Mom

This mommy started working on Wednesday.

Yup! Yup! Working again. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

Just think of the money, I tell myself. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

I woke up really early, hoping to get out of the house before the boys woke up. Didn't want any scene, you know. Mom was here helping out for a few days (phew!) as maid has not arrived yet!

No such luck. They woke up early too.

Kor-Kor was no problem. I just kissed him good-bye and told him I'll be back early.

Di-Di too just waved me off after a kiss - surprisingly as previously, he would cry and get angry whenever I mentioned that I'm going back to work.

So I quickly crept downstairs to go off. But Di-Di followed me downstairs & told me:-

"Mommy, another kiss ? See, I big boy, I don't cry d...."

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!

'Stick Together' Holiday - Singapore Our Playground

After the awkward first night, where I was even afraid to go take a shower for fear of my lil monsters' breaking something, our second day at Singapore went better than expected.

No...we didn't move to a hotel. Though I very much wanted to, I just couldn't say it. I mean, how to say to someone who has opened up their home to you & kids "Er...we are going to stay in hotel la...your house got too many things." Anyway, it was kinda comforting that someone would be there in case I needed help with the boys...

The host & hostess were out of the house at crack of dawn (to the gym & then to work, yawn!), so they left us to our own designs. Actually, their condo is like a hotel. They got pools & Cartoon Network. And they bought us breakfast.

At about 9, we also hit the road. But first the boys wanted to make a stopover - they can't wait to try out the unique playground equipment.
They were so engrossed with testing the 'firmness' of the equipment, I had to ply them away. Ha, ha...what to do, mommy loves the zoo & Singapore Zoo is so much nicer than our own. Loved it even more with the Half Price Singapore Surprise. We can even pay the equivalent in RM (but must remember to bring exact change). So for 3 of us, we only paid RM36, instead of S$36. So darn 'tai' (worth it)!

Which is good...cos I didn't get to see much animals!!! The boys were like bullet trains, speeding from one enclosure to the next. They really didn't understand the concept of 'pausing & observing'. Sigh!

I didn't even get to catch the whole elephant show (I remembered it was good when I watched it 4 years ago with Kor-Kor)! They watched the last 5 minutes & were not interested to catch the whole show at later time already! However, I did dragged them to see the Splash Safari show - with the penguins, sea cow & sea lion. This also like the mommy enjoyed it more.

After the show, they were done with animals. The call of Rainforest Kidzworld was just too great. So we hustled over at abt 3. One look & they were so smitten.
I repeatedly told them that there are other interesting areas within Kidzworld that we have not explored. However, nothing could pry them away until the park switched off the water at about 5.30pm - the zoo closes at 6.

After I changed them, they ran off to the dry play area. Since I could see that they would be preoccupied for some time & by then, the area was not crowded anymore, I told them to stay at the play area -& Kor-Kor was to take care of Di-Di - while I made a quick hop to the bathroom (normally I would make them wait outside the bathroom).

When I came out to find them, they were not there anymore. Instead, they have moved a little bit off. All my agitation left me when I saw that they have charmed 4 teenage girls to help to swing them on this.
They so liked this. But it was so tiring cos they always got stuck in the middle (not enough weight & dunno how to swing), so someone had to push them!

They played till almost everybody left. By then, it was getting dark & the zoo was quiet except for the animals' sound. This would be the best time to enjoy the zoo - the weather is cool, few people around & the animals are getting active.

Except Di-Di was whining louder than the hungry animals. Dead tired, he was out cold in the taxi back. So we had to give dinner out a miss, and went back to the condo for home-cooked pasta. Darn good of the host & hostess!

2nd day also started in similar vein. This time, we went to the Bird Park. Similar to 1st day, we took the public transportation again - by the MRT & bus. The boys loved it. Must be a boy thing. And living too privilege a life if they love public transportation.

I always ask for directions or for the best route, at times just to make sure. However, that day, I did not & took us to Bird Park via a longer MRT route. The boys were so restless by then - they were not really interested to look at Singapore suburbs!

By the time we reached, almost all the morning session shows were over already. We only managed to catch the last 15 mins of the Bird n Buddies show. It was very nicely done. "Mommy, it can talk Mandarin eh..." The boys were so captivated by the talking parrot.

We then wanted to do an overview of the park first via the panorail. However, it was not allowed, meaning cannot go one round 1. The panorail is 'mah fan' (troublesome) in this sense as it can only be boarded 3x & passengers must get off at the very next station already!

So we have to get off at the next station & walked. As per day before, the boys did a 'quick tour' again. Sigh!

By lunch time, we were almost done. The longest I demanded for them to stop was at the penguin enclosure - got air-conditioning mah, haha! After lunch, the boys, as usual wanted to checked out the Splash n Slide Station.

But they were disappointed. Compared to the Zoo's Kidzworld, it was pretty lame. And as the play areas are mostly not shaded, it was hot!
So we decided to push off to our next destination - Singapore Flyer! On the way there, the boys were constantly mocking each other & bickering. Running in circles around me as we walked. Making a nuisance of themselves. Didn't manage to burn off some energy at the Splash n Slide play areas, I think.

Then I saw 2 boys about their age walking quietly with their parents. Without thinking, I yelled, really pissed "Why can't 2 of u be like them ????"

The security guards were so amused. And that was the highlight of the Flyer, cos the flight itself was nothing to shout about...it's really just like riding a huge bubble lift. Very stable. Not scary at all. It was one of those 'once is enough' kinda thing.
So we went off in search of another playground. I read on the net that VivoCity has something 'free' to offer. Anyway, the park's lunch (fast food again!) was really zapping my energy & it was only 4+pm.

After filling our stomach at the food court, we went off the the roof, where I read was the wet play area. I had imagined that there would be water fixtures with water shooting from the ground. But alas, there only this:-
But my 2 sons, like 'ak kia kua tuok chui' (hokkien for when ducklings see water) also went in. That's them in the water above. Though the water looked murky due to the color of the floor pavement, but still got a number of people soaked their feet in it, enjoying the harbour view (quite a good view here), so under no circumstances should the boys put any water in their mouth. But did my 2 boys listen? No, they didn't. They repeated sprayed water at each other using their mouths! Ew, I know!

After a while, I managed to drag them out with a promise of another playground downstairs (I asked a cleaner uncle, cos this can't be it). Sure enough, there's another one at Level 2. For me, it was nothing to shout about, but it was still enough to amuse the boys.

We left about 8ish. They were so tired. Di Di started whining immediately after leaving the playground - he would forget to be 'tired' when there are things to play, while Kor Kor was only concerned about missed shows on Cartoon Network.

For 2nd day in a row, Di Di fell asleep in the taxi & I had to haul him back. But Uncle S was still amazed that the boys could last that long, so he promised them another playground the next day.

Our last day at Singapore, Uncle S & wifey took us to breakfast at the Botanic Gardens. They were also so considerate - they brought along a loaf of bread for fish feeding. After breakfast, as we walked along the trail, the boys got to feed the fishes in the big pond. And mommy got some adult conversations.

Our hosts brought us to Jacob Ballas Children's Garden (at a corner of the Botanic Gardens). Both the Botanic Gardens and the Children's Garden are free. And are so well kept. Very impressive.

The boys, of course, charged ahead - climbing trees, running the maze & playing at the tree house.
Their only disappointment was that the wet play area was closed for maintenance. But never fear, there was still the pools at the condo. It was like they have super turbo power or something!

Anyway, we managed to catch our afternoon bus home without a hitch. Di Di must have overdone his super turbo power....he was asleep before the bus left Singapore!

So this mommy had to carry him -like a sack of potatoes - and walk thru 2 checkpoints! One of which, must lug the luggage along (which had to somewhat delegate to Kor-Kor)!!! U should see the face of the immigration 'chop passport' guy when I plonked Di Di on the counter & turned his face for the guy to check. And Di Di slept thru it all...

On the whole, it was really an experience for me. Really tested a few of my boundaries, foremost of which was... patience!

Maid Ban

Guess who is affected?

US!

For those who are not aware, Indonesia on 25 June 2009, banned its domestic helpers from making a beeline to Malaysia. It was so sudden & the definition so unclear that according to my agent, those in the airport awaiting to board their plane to Malaysia were also turned away!

With that stroke of pen went all my happy thoughts from the holiday breaks with my kiddies!

And I'm now faced with a gigantically huge problem...I'm due back to work on the 15th. A job that I've delayed starting once already due to this unsolved domestic issue.

So there's no way I can delay again. It is either saying bye-bye to the job or just step up to it.

My in-laws can't help throughout the weekdays as they need to alternate their time between my sis-in-law's place and our place. My mom already has her own commitments & moreover, recently her health is not that great, so she won't be able to step in indefinitely without help.

And I can't change my maid application yet. The agent says their contacts in Indonesia is 'working out something'. So if we change now, we'll need to reapply all over again. And we probably have difficulty getting our money back...as our agent has paid their Indonesian contacts.

After a few days of massive headache mulling over it, I decided to keep the job offer & call the one other person left that can help out. Kor-Kor's ex-babysitter.

I'm very, very, very hesitant about this because:-

her 'working hours' is up to sharp-sharp 7pm. So that means I've to rush home like mad. And from the heart of most jammed KL to PJ, that means I would need to run down all that get into my way (if I drive) or run like siau car bo (mad woman) to the bus & then the train (if take public transportation)!

nobody will be around to prepare the boys for class/pre-school in the morning as daddy & mommy need to leave the house by 7.30am.

last but not least - transporters - need to re-arrange & beg, if necessary. But thank god, though not so convenient for them, the babysitter's place is not that far off.

So that means I'll need to:-

wake the boys up by 7am & out of the house by 7.15am so that the babysitter can prepare them for school. Poor boys...

bring for Kor-Kor:- change of clothing, water & bag for morning language enrichment classes; uniform, socks & shoes, school bag with all his books-of-the-day for his afternoon primary 1. Must remind babysitter to give him water & snack for teatime.

bring for Di-Di:- pre-school uniform, socks & shoes, bag with bottle water & a change of clothing for daycare. Yes, Di-Di will stay at daycare until 5pm, as I know he's not keen on the babysitter's place (not that he's keen on daycare too). Moreover, the babysitter's place is rather small & she's now sitting a 2-year old boy & very recently, a 4-month old baby.

ensure that the private transporters do not screw up. Since I'm relinquishing my role as a private car transporter, starting today Di-di got 1 new (to pre-school) & Kor-Kor got 2 new (due to a change we made for his morning activities) & 1 existing (to primary school).

remind their sitter on the pick up times! With a new baby to take care of, her main challenge would be to get them to hustle in the morning...

rush back to pick them up by 7.30pm. This additional 30 mins is an extra from the huge favour I already calling.

What else did I miss out ? I know there's something else.... (think! think!)

I know I'll have slight jitters on the first day, but with all these...I'll be a wreck by the time I reach work!

I wonder if it's worth it...

'Stick Together' Holiday - Prelude & 1st Day

I actually toyed with this idea for many days.

Can I do it ? Will I be able to handle them myself for a few days? Will they listen to me & behave themselves ?

I ran the idea by my mom. 'Why not' my mom darn sporting. Encouraged, I ran my intentions over with Daddy & my MIL. Daddy was very skeptical that I would go through with it. My MIL was the funniest - her eyes almost popped out (mata terbeliak!!!).

With confidence wavering & still not fully decided, I soldiered on, though more like testing waters than anything else. By then, it was kinda 'last minute' already. Called my auntie - away for 10-day retreat wor. Called my brother - sucks! he was away on business. Called one of my girlfriends working there - aiya, her parents were visiting & staying with her.

Really wrong timing le. But what was the alternative - being housemaid & cook at home? Quick, quick, think. Stay in a hotel ? Mmmm...I still got one more try - an ex-colleague/friend whom had extended his invitation long, long, long time ago...

Luck was finally with us. He warmly welcomed us to his home. Good, as I was not too keen with staying at some 3-star hotel with the 2 lil monsters. Anything higher rated than that would be too expensive. Moreover, I didn't want the lil monsters to equate 'going somewhere' with nice hotel with swimming pools & Disney channels!

So I happily went and buy the bus tickets. And start psycho-ing the boys about the possible 'hardship' ahead, haha!

Boy, was I right ? Kor-Kor complained & complained about not taking the plane & staying at hotel!

'Aiyo, you complain so much you don't follow me la!' That normally does the trick. Ya, like for 10 minutes!!!!

The bus ride went better than expected. They were on their best behavior. Didn't kick the seats in front. Didn't disturb other passengers. Phew!

When we reached our destination, we still needed to kill time. My ex-colleague, Uncle S, and wifey, were still stuck in office. I already warned Uncle S that my 2 boys could be his worst nightmare. He was a sport - he said he'll just have to glue everything in place!

I thought that was funny....until we walked into his condo...

OH!MY!GOD!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!

It was 2nd week of school hols. I was in Singapore. Me alone with my 2 lil monsters. Supposedly staying 3 nights at an ex-colleague's place... whom I now realised I hardly know.

And his place is FULL. Antiques. Expensive travel mementos. Expensive furnishing. Italian Murano glassware for godsake!

At every kooks and corners! (cos if he's to glue everything in, he'll need a lot, a lot of glue!)

OMG!OMG! It can't be happening. MY worst nightmare...

I wanna stay hotel. NOW!

(to be continued...)

Two Toilet Rolls A Day

Grrrrr!!! Geram!!! 'Kek Sei Ngoh'!!! Pissed!!!

When they shot water at and disintegrated one toilet roll during their daytime bath, I already told them off. Sternly.

Then comes night time bath, when I was cleaning up after dinner (no more 'tai tai' mah), they had the cheek to do that again. This time up until making paper mache out of the toilet, or is it toilet mache out of paper @#$%^&!!!!!!

The disintegrated toilet paper were plastered everywhere - walls, window, toothbrushes, toilet brushes, floor, clogging the drain like this:

Hello boys, you messed up, mommy have to clean up le...now no auntie or kakak to pick up after you le. Just so you two know when you are older - mommy is giving up a trip to Hong Kong/China & not shipping you to your ex-babysitter or any relative that will have you - just so mommy can cook for you & clean your shits le. So no more this kind of stunt please. Otherwise, please don't blame me for going berserk. Again. OK??????@#$%^&!!!!

Report Card Day

Yesterday was Kor-Kor's school report card day.

It was stated in the notice sheet that he brought back that the parent-teacher session would start at 3.50, after the school recess. I was thinking, no need so 'kan cheong' (anxious) -can go in the evening - to avoid the 'crowd' what.

But one of the mothers I bumped into a few days ago informed that the students could actually go off already after the parents collected the report card. Aisehman! Really? So it's true what Kor-Kor has been trying to tell me ? I thot my son blur-blur!

This meant that I need to make effort to go earlier so that he wouldn't be 'stuck' in class. But, how to be there at that time? Di-Di usually take his nap that time wor. So I told Kor-Kor if his lil bro wakes up early, we'll be there early, otherwise, he'll have to wait. And I told Di-Di he'll have to start his nap earlier - without me nagging - otherwise, I'll ship him to his mah-mah yeh-yeh (my MIL/FIL).

Di-Di was really cooperative wor. We were out of the house by 3.25. But what was supposed to be 5 minutes door-to-door, turned into 15 minutes! No parking @#$%^&*!!!! It looks like parents had been flocking to the school since god knows how early. And by kiasu standard, I'm actually darn late!

By the time we arrived, I was no. 10 in line. Sucks, I noted 2 parents in front were parents to top students of the class. And they were there plus-1 ie with spouse - meaning they got lots & lots & lots to ask/discuss. Sucks!

Surprisingly, the teacher kept it short & simple with everyone - Chinese school efficiency. When came my turn, my son's dear Ms Tan immediately launched - before I can sit down (so efficient rite?) - Kor-Kor has been very talkative & has difficulty concentrating on the lessons since after the school hols!

She was smiling when she said that, so I laughed (cos dunno how to respond le). Anyway, she said he probably needed time adjusting to school regiment after the hols and anyway, he is not very disruptive. Thus, she had not called to inform me on all this. I tried to tell her back in broken Mandarin 'no news is good news!'

Which is true. As long as she doesn't tell me he's a hooligan in class, I'm satisfied already. (Once in kindie, his teacher told me that he purposely play-play sprayed his pee on his friend. Now THAT was embarrassing to face...)

After having that out of the way, I tried to ask one or two things, to help me maneuver the Chinese school system, like:-
1. What constitute the other 50% of Moral marks (as I checked that only 50% was from the subject test paper)? She bla-bla-bla-ed in Mandarin. I didn't really understand those non-day-to-day Chinese bits, but caught words like 'practical', 'class exercise' & 'class behavior'...Can piece together the rest, I should think...
2. Is it true that Moral, Maths in English & Science in English are not counted in the overall marks standing? YES, was the reply wor...But why, why, why, especially on not counting Maths & Science in English ??? I thot these subjects were introduced to improve the command of English of the younger generations??? (Sometimes it is very difficult for a national school raised student - ME - to understand Chinese school curricular. And not that Kor-Kor did particularly well in his Maths & Science in English!)

Anyway, my son's dear Ms Tan did not have any major complaint. She said that comparatively, he is quite well behaved & would listen to instructions. I was smiling broadly.

The only thing I was not smiling about was his results. Not that his results stink - in fact he did pretty good by his parents' standard, with a 90.5% average. It's just that I didn't really realise that Chinese school students were so competitive. And so GOOD academically! Cos with a 90.5% average, Kor-Kor was only 24th, out of 41 students in his class! And in overall Primary 1, he was 370, out of 614!

Stress!!!!

Even more stress - in Primary 2, their test results will determine the best 150-odd to 'ching leng pang'* (intelligent class). One mother told me that to cement a place in the top 150, the students would need an average of (at the very least) 97%!!!! That's close to perfect!!! Now I can understand why some ex-colleagues take leave from work to coach their kids pre-exam!

*not practised in all chinese schools, only certain schools, so no fret!

Not that I want to feel the pressure. I mean, I know academic results is not the be-all and end-all. But still...

You see, like some parents who send their children to international schools, it's not only for the academic experience, but the crowd their children get to mix with.

So am I wrong to want Kor-Kor to mix & be influenzed by the better students?

But I have to be realistic too, I guess. 370 is a long, long way from 150. And I also don't want to scare & pressure my kids too much till they don't feel the joy in learning. And take away all the fun of being a kid!

Anyway, (sour grape a bit here) some parents have a head start. They know about the 'Chinese school system' way ahead, whereas this mommy just got to know recently. They have started coaching their kids since they were 4!

Just so you guys know:P

Camp 5 Free Trial Climb

During the recent school holiday, 1 Utama had held quite an assortment of activities for kids. One of them was a free trial climb session at Camp 5. I quickly signed Kor-Kor up. The minimum age was 6, so Di-Di would not be able to join in, but the coordinators informed that he can play at the big rock in front of the reception area. Well, that should be good enough to amuse him for one hour!

Both of them have taken to mimicking Spiderman recently (on top of other superheroes *roll eyes*), so I thought this would be SO amusing to watch.

The session started out quite sedately. The kids were geared in first. Then the instructors a.k.a. marshals (as written at the back of their tees) gave them some pointers on the dos & don'ts.

I took to running back & forth between Kor-Kor at the back of the camp & Di-Di at the front of the camp. As seen here, Di-Di got potential to be the next Tom Cruise (as in MI:2?).
Kor-Kor's first attempt - what looks to me like 2nd easiest. I was holding my breath. Unfortunately, this was the highest he was willing to go - no matter how the instructor coaxed him to continue.o_O

However, he gave it another go. So he got back in line to the... easiest! I was holding my breath again.

There was no need as he did good this time & managed to go over the ledge. But before I can say, "That's my boy!", he was holding up the line...

Kor-Kor was too afraid to jump down to the big-big springy cushion on the ground!

After a few other mommies, beside his own, came to give him 'instructions' on how to jump, he managed to gather enough courage to make the leap. Phew!

Next was the climb up the big wall with harness. The kids were instructed to just lean back & go into sitting position (when they have enough of climbing - no pressure, no need to go to the top)so that the safety ropes will take their weight & bring them down.

Do you know how well my boy did? Well, I think he did manage 3-4 FEET!

MY SON SUCKS! BIG TIME! (HaHaHa!!!)

When the session was over, I whispered to Kor-Kor "Looks like you can't be Spiderman hor..."

He growled! Laughing.

But I tried to mollify "May be with a little more practice then..."

This would go down to being one of the classic 'i-know-my-sons-can't-be-good-at-everything-but-i-still-secretly-would-like-them-to' kind of moments. *Shake head* -at myself, tsk! tsk!

Monsters Vs Aliens

I did it! Yeah! Brought 2 lil monsters to watch a movie all by myself. Phew!

It was no small feat I tell you. When the billboards were up, I already had to start 'brain-washing' Di-Di (cos his eyes go all watery if I teased that I would only bring Kor-Kor).

Things like...cannot jump on the seat, run up & down the aisle, walk around, kick the seat in front, climb to the seat in front or at the back, talk loudly...Basically, to sit still like a statue. I also told him that he cannot ask me to take him pee mid of movie & must hold it in till after the movie. Haha...so mean rite ?

Di-di was probably thinking what's the fun of going to the movies like that. But he was determined to follow his Kor-Kor. He said he almost 6 yrs old already wor...(though he's only almost 4 - cos afraid we leave him behind!)

Pre-movie went without a hitch (cos mommy chose working day, instead of weekend - not so crowded). Besides them chasing each other around, making kung-fu moves when I was getting the tickets & me having to juggle their popcorn & drinks & not losing sight of them, I managed to get them into the cinema safely.

Di-di was so exited. First time mah. But quarter in...he asked to go home already. Alamak!

I was thinking, how to entertain him for the rest of the show. Stress!

But thank god, Di-di kept to his word. Well...almost. How cud he stand not fidgeting, not talking, not climbing up/down the arm rest rite? But at least he didn't run wild at the aisle. Or do kung fu moves on the seats...

Was the movie good then? Ok only...not as good as...Toy Story, Monsters, Inc. or even... Kung Fu Panda!

Did we see it in 3-D ? Hell, no! Must movie-train my lil monsters first, else waste money only.

Here they are trying to kill each other while I was getting the tics.

Safety Lessons

Lately, after my maid ran off, I've been reminding the boys more often on a few safety issues.

Example 1: Can you go off with Auntie G or Auntie M (previous 2 maids) if they come and pick you up from class/school?
Kor-Kor: NO!
Di-Di: NO!
Mommy: Correct! Good!

Example 2: If strangers or people you don't know give you sweets or something to eat, can you take without asking mommy's permission?
Kor-Kor: NO!
Di-Di: YES!
Mommy: *My eyes opened wide-wide!*
Di-Di: No??? (Looking at his brother. Kor-Kor shaking his head.)
Di-Di (again with more conviction this time): NO!
I cannot help smiling at his indecision, cos he NEVER turns down sweets. At least it was not like the first time I asked him this & told him he cannot accept. He answered pathetically "But I want wor..."

Example 3: "What are u supposed to do before you cross a road?"
Kor-Kor: Go Alien & transform to XLR8! (Translation to non-Ben 10 fans: A Ben 10 alien that can run at the speed of light!)
Di-Di: *Making transformation sounds!*
Mommy: *Choking at her own saliva!*

Adventure Zone @ Golden Sands Penang

We took the boys back to my parents' place last weekend. And for a spot of R&R for Daddy (from work) and Mommy (from cooking & cleaning & ta-pau-ing).

The first thing granny said when saw the boys was "Why both of the boys looks skinner ah?" (Oops! Hey, I can't help it if I can barely cook, rite? And that I let the boys get away with eating less because I got no patience with their antics?)

After some heavy binge eating & conversations, Daddy whisked us to Golden Sands @ Batu Feringgi. It was Daddy's very own initiative for this short break (he very, very rarely does this) - so mommy will keep her mouth shut about the cost & about not wanting to get any more darker (yes, i get dark..not tan!)

But the boys enjoyed themselves at the pools & beach. There was a children slide at one of the pools. Initially Di-Di was afraid & wanted me to 'catch' him. My arms really ache, man. After a while, he tested the water & found the water up to his chin only if he tiptoed. Thereafter, he didn't need me to 'catch' him anymore. If I'm not so worried, its actually quite hilarious.

Here is some beach action, with mommy cringing at the blazing sun.

Ain't this cute?
But their highlight of this trip is their discovery of THIS. The slides are quite high (18-20ft) & steep. No way mommy was going to try. But Di-Di went down the blue one (double drop slide with ball pit) with no trouble at all, though Kor-Kor needed some persuasion.

There are quite a number other things at both sides and at the front of these slides as well to keep them occupied, but the slides are the coolest.

After 2 hours of running about with other kids & going down the slides, both of them were exhausted. No problem sleeping early at night. So mommy & daddy got to curl up comfy - to read their books!!!

Two weeks

Wow...has it been that long ???

Last 2 weeks had been crazy. First there was all that jittery about finding the perfect maid (where got such thing rite???). I've even looked all the way to Myanmar -as found the girls working at a neighbourhood shop to be exceptionally good & well behaved. At last, in order not to piss off the agents further for being indecisive, got to settle for a missy from our neighbouring country down south. Cross fingers!

Secondly, due to my own big mouth when met an ex-colleague - "eh, got job or not?" which was actually seriously just a reflex reaction from me only - he sent over 2 head hunters! So that would be juggling and making time to meet up with 2 head hunters and attend 3 interviews - which was no joke considering no maid to babysit the boys for a while.

Last but not least, getting this & spending the whole afternoon waiting for the delivery man to fix it up. Daddy & Mommy were hoping to entice Di-Di to sleep in the next room with Kor-Kor. After a week, still not successful. Up to the point that mommy has to go over & sleep (mommy don't mind actually, only Daddy thinks mommy is spoiling the kids)!

But Kor-Kor really loves it! And Di-Di really loves the idea of it!!!

Cut Queue

Today, when I went to pick up Di-Di, the first thing his teacher said was "Yr son told me today that mommy cut queue when paying money. He said this when I asked him to stand in line & don't jump queue!"

I was flabbergasted, speechless & so, so, so embarrassed!

Thank god I didn't have to stand there and be embarrassed further by her expression, as it was pick-up rush hour. I quickly racked my brain to see when did I set this bad example.

Not that I know of. May be...subconsciously, or does cutting queue while driving thru traffic lights count ? (What to do, need to get them to school in time mah. We are always 5 to 10 minutes behind time...)

I quickly asked Di-Di to explain why he told his teacher I cut queue.

"Mommy...got. That day ah..."

"Which day? Where got?????" Still in denial mode.

"That DAY, sar-sar ma-lam (pasar malam or nite market). Jelly!!!" Getting frustrated with mommy.

Rummaged thru tons of undone housework in brain again. "OOOHHHH...when I paid for the jelly, instead of letting u pay hor!"

"Yes, u cut queue....!!!!"

I have given Di-Di RM1 to pay for the jelly. But after all the hoo-haa of them choosing color, I unintentionally paid instead. Might have said something like ooops, cut queue! Sorry!

Like that also 'chong ciu' (Cantonese slang for striking the opposite of lottery). That lil' monster! There's really no telling what they retain in their heads for their uses at later date.

But I gotta admit, its kinda funny:)

Quiting Habit

I really don't want my son to grow up a quitter. But sometimes, I feel that I still need to cut him some slack - cos I'm not really sure whether he was interested to take it up in the first place. Or did he take up due to ahem... my 'strong' suggestion/cajoling.

However, sometimes, I stand my ground. Adamant he continues. Or at least... plotting for a way for him to continue.

The thing is, since early this year, Kor-Kor has quited on 2 things.

First, he quited on his kung-fu class (something like wu shu). One of my friends who has a son of same age with Kor-Kor, suggested that it might be fun for them to try this out, since it was not expensive; and didn't need to buy expensive uniforms like tai-kwan-do or karate. Initially both the boys hit it off, so he enjoyed the class. But six months down the road, he started complaining that he didn't like my friend's son la, didn't like the class la, got other boys punched him la, etc. So after 1 year, when he started Std 1, I finally gave up too (it was also getting more & more difficult to drive him there bloody early on Sat morn too!).

Secondly, he quited on his music class. But this one, the music teacher was partly to blame, disappearing numerous times for one or two months, for the 2 years he was teaching my son. How to keep up the interest rite? Anyway, Kor-Kor finally drew the line when he knows that his mommy is staying at home and should be taking him to playground instead. I let him win this one, plotting instead to get him & Di-Di to do this together when Di-Di is ready, haha!

Then...he wanted to quit swimming class. I started him on swim lessons last year end long hols. The first 10 lessons dragged out to beginning of this year cos it was usually raining in the evening, or else, either, we or the instructor had other things to attend.

For this one, I admit...I'm the pushy mom, he was not that keen in the first place. But then, the 2 of them always like water (& we like beach hols) & Kor-Kor has no qualms about jumping into the deep end. For me, that's a major problem, cos i need to really closely watch them. So it would help if they know how to swim. (Also, the doc says Kor-Kor has asthmatic tendencies, so swimming would help to strengthen his lungs.)

He was okay for first one or two lessons. Then the complains started. Lesson boring la. He already know how to swim la (he knows how to move a bit, yes! but still looks dangerously like drowning in deep end). Don't like instructor la. And the most classic - instructor fat la & he doesn't like fat people la!

Aiyoyo, I nearly fainted.

But for this one, I plotted & negotiated. The instructor....or ME! I would teach....

...Very reluctantly! Know why, cos I know Kor-Kor would be giving me a lot of 'attitude' that would drive me insane! And it would not do to throttle my son in front of a pool of strangers! (Its ok to do it at home when nobody can see, but not in public view, rite?)

But I'm happy to report that we have been doing this for 6-7 times already (progressing very slow), and Kor-Kor is still in one piece, though he really did pull out all the punches man...like running la, making faces la, talking nonsense la, giggling la. Deep yoga breathing really helps!

Though I must admit I did squeeze his thigh really hard once or twice (thigh under water, not noticeable), grab his arm roughly to drag him back (must stop when I saw other mommies eyeing at me), threathening to send him back to the instructor (he prefer me, dunno why), threathening to cut his tv time, etc.

The best is still rewards. For breast stroke hands & legs coordination, I really need him to concentrate, so his reward for doing correctly is Ben 10 Alien Force series, episode by episode. He now got episode 1-4 on hand already, so I think can buy 1 disc...

If anybody thinks I've a screw loose, in my defence, I actually don't plan to do this for long (don't plan to age before my time). I'm just the interim instructor, my plan is to send him to another instructor, who is not fat, haha!

Undomestic Goddess

U know the book, Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. Though I think the book is a tiny wee bit far fetched, I still kinda enjoyed it.

Becos...I really, really CAN relate to the heroine. I really, really suck BIG time at household chores & cooking!!!!

2 days after my maid ran away, I knew I couldn't put it off any longer...I would need to mop the floor.

Just thinking about it makes my back ache already. So I did what any sane person would do. Go buy a really high tech mop (though we have several already ie the conventional ones, the flat longish one which I'm not very sure whether its a mop or for dusting, the yellow stripe fibre ones).

But hey, why stop at one, why not buy 2 at that, 1 for upstairs & 1 for downstairs.

Still after a day on my own (1st day got Daddy to help out) running about after the boys, sweeping, mopping, washing clothes, etc, I not only got back ache. Leg very pain as well - can hardly walk by night time!

Then there's all that episodes of blanking out. No, not fainting. Just old age forgetfulness. So far I have burned the soup (forgot to turn off gas when re-heating the soup, resulting in charcoal black old cucumber...which I didn't force the boys to eat, in case anyone think I did:), forgot to cook rice (until eating time), forgot to boil water, forgot to turn the water on for the washing machine to work, forgot to take in the clothes, forgot whether to put in garlic or onions or both....(u get the picture).

However, I also conveniently forgot to take out the trash. And forgot to iron the clothes. So that Daddy would do it mah! (Sneaky good, rite ?)

The upside is that the boys now do not seem so helpless & manja (whinny) already. Though previously, I did ask the maid not to do everything for them, she still did cos its actually easier than yelling at them. Though now I still do need to remind them (IN A LOUD VOICE), they'll do it quicker. Not so many delay tactics. And they get it now that the floor don't eat rice - not so messy.

Di-di also doesn't cry anymore when I scold him. Previously, I'm the bad guy & he'll go running to the maid to whine & cry. Now he got nobody to run to, hahaha!

But still, it's very, very, very tough...being down-graded from 'tai-tai' (I like to tell people that...more glamour though I don't always go out 'yam cha'/shopping/spend money) to full fledge HOUSEWIFE!!!!

(I think my brain is still not processing 'me being alone without help' so well!):P

Dramatic Maid

This is going to be my one & only post about my domestic helper a.k.a...maid. (Since this blog is supposed to be about my 2 lil monsters mah.. and sometimes me... NOT HER!). Just want to send this out 'here' as a reminder to myself not to be SO gullible in the future, as well as a warning to those who came by this.

My maid, her name is G, from Philippines, & she has been with us 7 months. She's hardworking, looks honest & seems to love my 2 boys. My previous one, M, was also from Philippines & was with us since Di-Di was born till he was 3 years old. M was very efficient & I didn't have to worry a thing while working long, long hours.

Though G was a bit blur comparatively & will go a bit panicky if got too many things on hand, I still thot we were quite lucky to have her. However, one month down the road, she received a text mesg from hubby. Seemed that her hubby got into accident & broke his leg. Can't go to work. No money to eat & for medicine. No money for daughter to go school. So we sympathised & sent RM500 back for her, when in actual fact, we didn't have to give her salary yet as we have paid her 4 months' salary in advance to the agent as fees for bringing her over.

We continued sending RM500 monthly for the subsequent two other months, as the hubby texted that he was still out of work.

Then, more family tragedy followed. Her father passed away, on the first day of our Chinese New Year Celebration at that! We felt very bad for her, so we sent for her RM1,000, with RM500 as 'pak kam' (condolence money to help with the funeral cost).

Though there was no tragedy in Feb, came Mar, like clockwork, her hubby texted again, that he was still not working as his leg has not fully recovered & he needed more money for food, medicine, schooling fees. We should have suspected then, but G does not look like the type who would tell such big lies. So again, I sent RM500 as advance of her salary back home for her.

Then one & hf weeks ago, I received text mesg from her hubby informing her that their home was burglarised, & they lost their appliances, food & money. By now, Daddy & I had already decided to give her RM500 as advance salary each month (& used the balance of her salary to slowly pay us back for the first 4 months' advances we paid the agent). So we are ok then to send RM500. But she wanted additional RM150 to help out her mom & promised this is one time thing only. So gullible me, gave her RM650 this time around.

Just when I thot things could not get any worse, this Tues past, I received text mesg that her 7-year old only daughter has been hospitalised & was in critical condition. After her call back to her sis-in-law, she came running to me, (beating her own head like a craze person) telling me thru her wails that her sis-in-law informed that her daughter had got denggi & now got 50%-50% chance of living only. I told her to call again to talk to her hubby as her sis-in-law could have exaggerated. I mean, denggi only mah, here the chances of pulling thru is higher, rite ? And quit that crying.

She called again. Her hubby didn't want to talk to her, too upset wor. This time, her sis-in-law told her, the doctor said her daughter would probably not live thru the week. G started beating her own head again, so I told her to go downstairs to calm down.

I called the agent to find out what next I should do. I also told him all the money we sent. Ok, the gist from the agent was 'chances of her stories being true were as high as I strike the Big Sweep'! (But her drama really real le, honest!)

The agent said he would 'kau tim' (take care of it) & asked me to bring her over on Thursday so that he can 'talk' to her. This also meant I gotta suffer her crying spree for another 2 days - she begged to be allowed to go home for a week or two. Dead or alive, she'll be back here, as she needed the money (I actually thot of doing that, but the agent says if she goes home without cancelling her contract, we are screwed ie penalised, if she did not come back (as he needed her passport to do the 'cancel the contract' paperwork).

But I told her I'm not sure of the process, and we are to check out the procedure with the agent. I also found that I still want to believe her, cos being a mother, lying that your daughter is at near death is NOT a thing to do.

Come Thurs, the agent tried to get his local contacts to get hold of her hubby, but he was nowhere to be found as he supposedly lost his hand phone in the burglary. In the meantime, the agent tried one of the numbers G said was her sis-in-law (nos from the few text mesg. I received) and asked for the hospital that the daughter was in. While waiting, the agent told G that if it's true, her daughter has denggi, he would fly both the hubby & daughter over here for treatment. When G heard, she cried harder still, insisting this can't be done & she wanted to go home for a short while only. And for the first time, bells were ringing furiously in my head, cos if I'm her, I'll be jumping with joy. Right ?

Then, the agent managed to get hold of the sis-in-law again. She tried to give him a hand phone number, said its the doctor. The agent insisted on having the hospital's. She sounded very hesitant. He then insisted to talk to the hubby. She said she can't get hold of the hubby as he sold his phone to pay for his daughter medical treatments. (Hey, hold on, didn't he lost his phone in the burglary!!!) He then asked how long was the daughter in the hospital already. The SIL said a week. (Hey, hold on again, wasn't it only last week their house burglarised. There was no mention of daughter in hospital then!!!)

With that, I cannot take it anymore & left for a cup of coffee. When I came back, the agent said he 'kau tim' already. He suspected the hubby was stringing G along, hoping to squeeze as much money out of her or us, as possible. He said after being caught at a few bullshits, the sis-in-law admitted that the daughter, though hospitalised, is suffering from dehydration, not denggi & that the daughter was fine after treatment.

G was to continue with us & finish her contract, moreover she needed to repay us for all those 'advances'. But throughout journey home, she continued wailing saying that the agent lied & that her daughter is still hospitalised. She said the agent roughed her up & threatened her life if she still brings the issue up.

I can then see that it was gonna be a long, long, long, long... months ahead WITH HER, if she continues to act like this....

To cut the story short, we went out for dinner (without her, as cannot stand her wailing) when we came back, she was gone...

I admit I'm not a saint employer (as I tend to have 'certain' standards), but with her gone, not only we lost a lot of money (a lot... cos we are not covered for replacement after 6 months), the worst is that we...I...felt like the BIGGEST SUCKER OF THEM ALL!

Ben 10 Groupie

If they see this, they are SO gonna kill me when they are older...

Major Ben 10 Alien Force groupie:-

Not to be outdone, Di-Di following closely behind...
Well, who ask them NOT to listen to ME when I ask them to....
...eat..don't play with the food...don't chew & talk!
...go take bath NOW!
...go sleep NOW!
...don't run, don't play at the escalator.
...switch off the tv & get into the car NOW!
...wear your seatbelt.
...don't switch channel, mommy want to watch American Idol!

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! (Evil laugh)

My Baby is 3.5 Today

MY BABY IS 3.5 TODAY!!!!!

Seems like only yesterday when he was 'poked' out. Ya, he was induced about 4 days before his due date, because the next few days would be public holidays (got double charges mah...) and moreover, mommy's gynea was going on leave, hahahahaha!

Di-Di is an easy baby (to take care of) and fast learner. As I said before, survival instinct. Once I took him along to buy some products at my facial shop, he kissed every ladies that asked him to - the receptionist, the beauticians, the consultants. And even a man customer!

Di-Di is very agile. As I'm used to it, I'm no longer faint-hearted, unlike his grandparents. Thank god they didn't witness one incident about 2 weeks ago, when he climbed up a 8-feet pole of the monkey bar, hanged there for 10 seconds and climbed down again. All by himself! The aunties at the playground clapped their hands.

He can also hold his head under water for about 10 seconds...

However, when it comes to 'cheng keng' (practical/useful) stuff, he is a bit lazy...like practising his writing. Or picking up after himself. Or walking. Or wee-wee into the toilet bowl!

Before each writing practice session, there are sure to be a lot of negotiations involved, like he wants to play with my cell phone's games or his Kor-Kor's Transformer computer game or the Yahoo Free Games or look at the photos saved on the laptop. After several 'practice' sessions, he can now slowly maneuver & click on the mouse. Then, after further coercion & bribing, practise write 2 lines of 'cheng keng' stuff.

Di-Di is very independent. At times I would ask him, "Do u want me to help you ?". His favorite reply would be, "No, I can do it."

However, when it comes to sleeping by himself, he still refuses. Many a times, when I tell him, mommy's place is on the bed next to Daddy & he is to sleep with himself on the mattress next to the bed, he would show his most pathetic face & say, "Mommy, u sleep here [point to his mattress]. Daddy smelly!"

Sigh! I miss his baby smell. Here is Di-Di when he was 10.5 months - lil monster in the making. Kindly ignore the mommy irritating ra-ra...

Baby No More

Last night, before I tucked him to sleep, Kor-Kor suddenly blurted out.

"Mommy, today I 'nguk-nguk' (pass motion) at school."

I sucked in breath, shocked, "HOW? HOW??"

BECAUSE MY BOY STILL DON'T KNOW HOW TO WIPE HIS ASS!!!

"I got no tissue, the toilet also no tissue, so I had to borrow from my friend la."

I still cringing, "U know how to wipe meh?"

"Dunno"

Still cringing, "Then how? When u wipe, yr hands got 'nguk-nguk" or not?"

"GOT!!!!"

"EEEEEWWWWW!!!!" We all laughed, even Di-Di.

I looked at his hands and asked, "Did u wash your hands?"

"Yes."

"Did you wash your hands with soap?"

"Mommy, the school got NO SOAP laaaaaa......"

"EEEEEWWWW!!!!" We all laughed again.

I checked his fingernails, remembering something, and asked, "How you tell your teacher you want to go 'nguk-nguk'?"

"I asked teacher 'may I go toilet la?'". Thank god he's not so blur, at least he didn't say 'I wanna go 'nguk-nguk'!!!

"But, the teacher laughed cos I got no tissue!"

We laughed, but I thot to myself, sucks, I've been such a bad mother.

Still use baby talk ie for passing motion, urine, shower, etc....

Didn't at least give him a packet of tissue for emergency. Only handkerchief to wipe mouth & hands.

Never teach him how to wipe or wash his ass after passing motion. Because he always go in the morning before school is no excuse, rite ?

But, really!!!

Can someone please show & tell????

How to teach your kid how to wipe/wash his ass after 'nguk-nguk'? (Cos now I panic, panic!!!)