Lil' Monsters, Inc.

How Far Would You Go

2009-12-18T22:29:00.002+08:00

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

2009-12-16T22:47:00.004+08:00

(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!

2009-11-17T22:49:00.004+08:00

(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

2009-11-06T23:44:00.003+08:00

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

2009-10-04T22:31:00.003+08:00

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

2009-09-29T23:01:00.003+08:00

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

2009-09-20T23:01:00.004+08:00

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

2009-09-11T22:50:00.004+08:00

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

2009-09-05T23:14:00.004+08:00

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

2009-08-01T22:32:00.003+08:00

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

2009-07-18T23:04:00.003+08:00

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

2009-07-18T21:57:00.003+08:00

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

2009-07-17T23:03:00.003+08:00

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

2009-07-10T10:07:00.024+08:00

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

2009-07-01T15:36:00.006+08:00

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

2009-06-27T01:28:00.004+08:00

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

2009-06-25T15:21:00.003+08:00

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

2009-06-23T16:36:00.004+08:00

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

2009-06-19T16:04:00.010+08:00

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

2009-06-15T15:14:00.006+08:00

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

2009-06-06T23:32:00.003+08:00

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

2009-06-04T23:25:00.018+08:00

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

2009-05-28T16:21:00.003+08:00

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

2009-05-13T14:25:00.005+08:00

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

2009-05-11T22:43:00.003+08:00

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

2009-05-07T00:23:00.003+08:00

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

2009-05-03T00:44:00.004+08:00

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

2009-04-30T17:42:00.005+08:00

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

2009-04-28T15:20:00.007+08:00

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

2009-04-22T09:21:00.004+08:00

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!!!)

Obsession

2009-04-20T23:57:00.009+08:00

Errr...no, not the perfume.

This is the latest 'in the house' obsession.

Mommy & Daddy's:
This is normally NOT mommy's cup of tea (as she would normally go for shows with lotsa love-love & kissy-kissy (romance la.. don't think too far off ya, ala Korean/HK minus the tears or 'ham fu ham fatt' as they say in Cantonese) scenes, but that Wenworth Miller as Micheal Scofield sure is a hottie. What a good way to lose sleep over....

So far Mommy is still recovering from Season 1 & 2!!!!

Kor-Kor & Di-Di's:

Yeh! Mommy's off the hook. Why didn't mommy buy a new bicycle to Di-Di way earlier, but tried to 'fleece' Kor-Kor old bike to Di-Di ? Kor-Kor's old bike (redemption from Daddy's credit card) had died its natural death long-long time ago, but still Mommy didn't want to accept it (tried to change the training wheels, seat, wheel chains, etc).
Poor Di-Di. Second child syndrome - always get hand-me-downs. Poor Di-Di again. Mommy too cheapskate. Bought his bicycle from pasar malam (night market). The bike with uneven training wheels. Thot that it should be ok, cos Kor-Kor's bike also like that. Regret big time. What a lousy way to spend 90 bucks!

But then again, that's how Kor-Kor learn to ride without training wheels so fast!

Eat Drink Patong Beach

2009-04-16T23:55:00.019+08:00

There are quite a number of kiddy attractions in Phuket, few of which like the Zoo, Butterfly Garden, Aquarium, Waterfall, Fantasea (cultural theme park), elephant trekking, island hopping, etc.

But besides elephant tracking, we did not move our butts out of Patong Beach. The hotel that we stayed, Holiday Inn, was very convenient for beach-buming. Just need to cross 1 street to the famous Patong beach. The hotel even has a guard who would assist to slow down the traffic, so that the hotel guests can cross without too much hassle. Holiday Inn is normally quite expensive, about RM500/night for a room that can fit a small family with young kids. But if book during their Great Asia Sale, the rooms is going at RM290 onwards! (I think economy not good, hotels also got sale. We booked during their 24-27 Feb sale & I saw that the hotel group recently held another one on 14-17 Apr.) But if don't like the hustle & bustle of being right smack in town, can always go to compare hotel rate, which for me, is better than most search engines because the hotel prices are quoted in our local currency & there are plenty of hotels listed, with rates comparison from multiple online merchants.

Patong Beach is relatively quiet when we were there in March. Supposedly to be low season. But still got plenty to 'sai ngan' (wash your eyes), as 99% of the female species there, from age 3 to 75, are clad in bikini! (Trust me, you would also be interested to look, if you are as self-concious as me & wandering 'why are they not'!! lol)

Though it's a busy beach, it's much cleaner & the sand is much softer than Penang's. Somewhat better than parts of Langkawi, in fact. One thing to heed is don't plonk yr stuff down at the sun chairs, because it's 200Baht for the use, which is not actually expensive if you are into some serious sun soaking (which we are seriously not, going by the amount of sun block I slapped on the boys & myself).

Food & drinks - plenty along the road parallel to the beach & along the off-roads too. If the craving is for authentic local fare, try the off-roads. But with my 3 very 'yim chim fan thong' (picky rice eater), of course we didn't, sigh!

Beer & drinks - There's a bar (or 5) at almost every corner, especially Bangla Road. Patong really comes alive at night.

Shopping - they told us that Phuket town have more variety & cheaper. But the taxis want to charge RM80-RM100 both ways, so Daddy told them to 'forgetaboutit', sob, sob! Mommy was able to seek solace in Patong's 2 small Ocean departmental stores, and its new Jungceylon shopping complex which houses Robinsons (wink!). Actually, I didn't have much to buy, except underwear, ha, ha, which is cheaper in Thailand (& on top of that, Triumph & Wacoal were having upto 30% sale).

And these Glico products:-
Glico Porky is going about RM2.90 here, but in Thailand, RM1.50 equivalent. The boys love it. Glico Thailand also have a lot of variety not carried in Malaysia too (or at least, I cannot find), one of which is the the yellow-color packaged LARB flavor which I absolutely love, love, love (Kor-Kor love too though it's a bit spicy). I think I bought more than 20 Glicos & would have sweep all off the shelves, if not for Daddy giving me the look!

Overall, it was great fun. The boys, as usual, cannot get enough of the pool & beach. Here they are living the high life:-

Horror Stories

2009-04-15T09:51:00.008+08:00

About a week back, Kor-Kor showed me a notice from his primary school informing parents that there were a number of incidence where parents received calls that their child has been kidnapped and a ransom is to be paid for the release. The notice reminded parents to check with the school first, to confirm whether their child is still in the compound, before making any move. Most times the child is still at school & those sickos are hoping the ransom will be paid before the child is back from school.

Also about a week back, a neighbour's house 3 doors down was broken into. Four nites ago, a new Honda Accord (of a neighbour's at the opp. road 5 doors away), gated in by stainless steel auto gate, was driven off in the middle of the nite. Three nites ago, this family's neighbour (meaning 6 doors away from us) was robbed of his notebook right in front of his house. What was so sickening was that they swing an AXE to his wrist when he tried to hold on to his notebook. Not satisfied, those sickos pushed him down to the ground and gave him 5 other 'souvenirs' on his back with parangs. That neighbour is about 60 years old!!!!

Scary, isn't?

About 2 months ago, Kor-Kor walked back from school BY HIMSELF after his basketball practice (though I already told him under no circumstances, he is to walk out of the school gate) because mommy was late to fetch him (as I thought he would want to continue to play with his friends like he normally does). He didn't get hurt, but...

Our house is only about 5-minute walk away from his school (3 with longer strides). To reach home, he would have to cross 2 roads, one of which is serviced by an overhead bridge and the other is a busy residential road. Let's see what COULD have happened. He could have:

fell down the monsoon drain near the overhead bridge.

slipped & fell down the overhead bridge which is quite steep.

knocked down by a vehicle.

kidnapped for ransom!

taken away by sickos who like boys, if u know what I mean.

etc...

And what did happened was that he got an earful from me and was punished to stand in the corner for half hour. Until I was very sure he understood the severity of his actions.

The funny thing is that 30 years he would have been praised for being so clever. Heck, if my school is so near, my parents would have me walk to school once they are relatively satisfied that I no longer blur-blur at crossing roads. Heck, I would think most children worth their salt walked to their neighbourhood school then. Or take the bicycle.

Between then & now, what had happened ? Why now we are so afraid ?

Elephant Rides, Phuket

2009-04-10T14:06:00.030+08:00

As both their daddy & mommy were busy working end of last year, the boys got their 'flying' holiday only recently during the 1st semester mid-break. Though Daddy was not crazy about another beach holiday, he was not adverse to Patong, Phuket given its reputation as a 'happening' place!

We lazed at Patong for the 4D/3N, except this one time when we took the boys for an elephant ride.

We wanted to take a tut-tut, as the boys thought it was cool, but accidentally took a taxi instead (Lesson no.1: Never assume that the new shiny tut-tut that the driver is standing next to is his. Cos our driver led us to his parked vehicle a couple of meters away, sigh!).

About 10 minutes later, we came to this place just out of Patong (on the way to Karon Beach). The boys were really excited, which made Daddy & Mommy excited too...until they showed us the price tag. For a half hour ride up a small hill, 800Baht for an adult & 400Baht per kid!!! Double if it's an hour ride right up to the top of the hill, with scenic view overlooking the sea.

What!!! That would be equivalent to RM240 for the 4 of us!!! (Lesson no. 2: Always enquire/research beforehand the cost, never assume that inflation has not caught up with the elephants. Or whichever animals u are thinking of riding.)

But since we were there, we had to have a go, rite ? Cannot disappoint the boys, rite ? So with mommy doing the talking & daddy taking on the 'bad guy' role & trying to walk away, we managed to get some good discounts. (Wink!)

So, up the elephants we went. They took us half way up the hill cos we only took the half hour package, which comes with glimpses of that scenic view overlooking the sea. But that's ok, cos it's not important to the boys anyway. Why would they, when they can enjoy this 'scenic' view. The elephant was peeing. It was like someone turned on the hose full blast for 60 seconds or so...

Before we turned back, the elephants handlers asked whether we wanted to take a photo. I thought that was real nice of him till he asked for 100Baht.

What!!! 100Baht just to take a photo of us with OUR OWN CAMERA!!! I wanted to ask him whether we look like 'sui yee' (guileless tourist who thinks everything is so, so cute!!!), but thot better to zip up my mouth. From ahem... the look on his face. (Lesson no. 3: Always ask "How much?")

Going downhill was tougher. Felt like we were slipping off, so needed to hang on tighter to the seats. While we were hanging on to our dear life (exaggerated), Di-Di suddenly dozed off. Thank god, Daddy's reflexes were quicker or Di-Di would have crashed landed. Kor-Kor & I had a good laugh at the way he was swaying precariously. That baby of mine can really sleep..if he wanted to.

After the 'adventure', our taxi driver recommended lunch at Kan Eang Restaurant at Chalong Bay, about 20 minutes away. He told us it's 'good-good, locals like' (We later found out that it's high on the list of most tuk-tuks or taxis to take tourists. So not so local after all). But the restaurant is beside the beach, so scenery & ambiance was great. Food so-so, or may be we didn't know how to order. But then, how to be really adventurous with 2 kids in tow.

While Daddy was picking up the tab, the boys had a chance to 'khau loi' (pick up girls)! Just kidding...they were watching Ben 10 in Thai.

HUH???!!!

2009-04-09T11:32:00.008+08:00

At times I don't really know what my lil' monsters are talking about. This morning for example:

Kor-Kor (in very serious tone): "Mommy, my friend said ah, in many, many, many, many, many days, thieves are coming to our earth. Then ah, we must run very, very, very, very fast. You cannot fall down one. Must go hide. The thieves are coming to kill us."

Mommy: "Huh??? Errr.....which movie was he watching??? Go ask him ok ?" (so that I would know which movie the friend was referring to, to make sense of this)

Kor-Kor: "No lah, he was not watching any movie. He said the thieves are coming & everybody will DIE!!!"

Mommy: *Speechless*

Gosh! Boys are really violent. That sounds like mankind are really screwed!!!

Toilets and Everything Boys

2009-04-07T09:14:00.012+08:00

The thing about having boys is that....I would not be able to watch over them when they are in the men's toilet! You see, Kor-Kor thinks that he's a big boy now & big boys don't GO girls' toilet, ha, ha. So when Kor-Kor is in the men's, Mommy has to stake out right at the doorway (when Daddy's not out with us), trying to pick out any 'out of ordinary' noises. "Of course rite? What with all the stories we have heard about perverts & lil' boys in toilets!!!" Unfortunately, with Mommy lurking suspiciously at the doorway, mommy would attract stares from strange men, who instead thinks that mommy is a peeping Tom/stalker! There was once Di-Di rushed inside as well, and both of them were in there darn long. They were playing water (can hear water splashing & laughter) & would not come out, no matter how loud I screamed @#$^&*. At last, I had to send in a non-pervert looking guy to drag them out.

The thing about having boys is that....they can wee-wee EVERYWHERE, though now that they are older (especially Kor-Kor who is close to 7), it's kinda embarassing. Ok, for this I'll take the blame, cos mommy was too lazy to search for toilets when they were younger & let them wee-wee at the drains, trees, bushes, roadside, etc. Once, when Kor-Kor was 2.5 yrs old, I took him to wee-wee at the bushes while waiting for taxi cos I was too lazy to walk inside to find a toilet. The classic thing about this incident was that we were at.... SINGAPORE AIRPORT! Daddy thought I had gone bonkers, what with S'pore being such a FINE city!!!!

The thing about having boys is that....they sometimes forget to take the toilet seat up! This would normally happen with Di-Di & especially during his middle of nite's small business. And being half asleep, his aiming sucks. So when mommy had the unfortunate privilage of going next, my butt would hit something cold....Arrrggghhh!!!

But no matter how much pee I had to sit on, I would not change these times with them for the world :P

Mead Johnson Should Be Proud

2009-04-06T09:44:00.008+08:00

Do you know how much you spent on your child's milk powder ?

I recently took out all the Mead Johnson's Enfa milk tin foils and bar codes that I have saved (or rather my personal assistant a.k.a maid saved for me) for the past 5-6 years!(Never gotten around to redeem gift from Mead Johnson cos mommy's been too ~~lazy~~ busy!)

Mind you, I think some of your children (which are not on mama's milk) could have consumed more. Kor-Kor, for 1, is such a difficult baby. When he was a few months old, and upto about 2 yrs old, I had to hold the milk bottle in one hand & a toy in the other to distract him, just so he would continue to drink some milk. Even with all this hoopla, he would only drink 4 oz! And that's only 8 oz per day- one shot in the morn & one at nite, cos the babysitter had no patience to keep up this clown act.

Di-Di drank more. After I stopped breastfeeding him at 10 months, he has been drinking holes to our pockets.

That would mean approx. 5 Mead Johnson years from Kor-Kor (start at 1, stop on own accord at 6) & approx. 3 Mead-Johnson years from Di-Di (& still going strong). From that, my collection totals 71 tin foils and 166 bar codes.

Assuming each tin foil/bar code cost circa RM50 (though those 1.4kg Enfagrow cost >RM60 now), Daddy & Mommy had spent......

RM11,850*!!!

Why so much ah ? I also don't understand, but I recalculated, really that many tin foils & bar codes wor...(p/s. this can be downpayment for an apartment!!!)

Witch Mountain

2009-04-03T14:59:00.005+08:00

Two or three weeks ago, this mommy 'sui tor hau' (the curse of the big mouth) asked Kor-Kor whether he wants to go watch Witch Mountain when the trailer was shown on tv. Kor-Kor jumped to the idea & held mommy to her big mouth's invitation. (Why his memory so good when comes to such things???)

Not that I don't want to take him but just that the 'outing' needs a lot of 'maneuvering'. But today, opportunity cropped up when Kor-Kor's school took a special day off for Cheng Beng a.k.a All Souls Day (which Daddy commented to be really weird but typical for a Chinese school). I told Kor-Kor that I would take him, BUT....ON ONE CONDITION:

He was NOT to mention in front of Di-Di that he is going to see a movie. You see, mommy was not planning to take Di-Di because Di-Di is not emotionally ready (I took Kor-Kor to see his first movie when he was 4++ and that too, he was fidgeting & talking so much I was scarred the patron in the front row might turn back & punch us!!!).

I told Kor-Kor that this is going to be our secret ops. HAH! And we would go when Di-Di is taking his afternoon nap. But being a kid, of course he blabbered. Though, this time around, he was more cunning already & got all my frowns, winks & eye signals to hush up. This is what he told his Di-Di to cover his tracks:

U go to sleep la. Afterwards, I'm going to school, ok ? I'll be back by 7, ok ?

Sucks! I've create a fibbing monster!

When we came back, Di-Di wanted to know where we went. Since I don't have the heart to lie to him, I vaguely replied that we were at 1-Utama 'to do something'. He was nevertheless, VERY upset, cried buckets & scolded mommy for being 'very naughty' never bring him too. I tried to rationalise that I sometimes bring him to Ikea without Kor-Kor & Kor-Kor never cried what. Didn't work. So Plan B - throw in the goody bag, "Let's go to Giant's Playground!"

Waterworks stopped. My punishment was I had to sit & wait around for an hour. There were plenty of kids their age around, so they had so much fun.

So, was Witch Mountain (& that sinful large caramel popcorn) worth it ? No.
Did Kor-Kor enjoyed Witch Mountain ? No.
Did Kor-Kor still talk loudly in the cinema? Yes.
Did anybody punched us yet ? No.
Would Di-Di be emotionally scarred for life? No.

Because mommy asked Di-Di after Giant Playground time "Is mommy still naughty?".

He said no.

Ben 10, Power Rangers, Ultraman And Everything Boys

2009-04-01T22:42:00.008+08:00

The thing about having boys is that...I HAVE got to know BY HEART all Ben 10 alien names ie Heat Blast, Four Arms, Diamond Head, Ghost Freak, Grey Matter, Rip Jaws, Stink Fly, Upgrade, Wild Mutt & XLR8. Because sometimes there would be a POP QUIZ! And I have got be familiar enough to spell Aliens such as 'Humongousaur' at the drop of the hat. Like who can remember such a thing.

The thing about having boys is that...I HAVE got to know which Power Rangers series is cooler. And which is their current favourite. And I have got to sit thru the cheesy dialogues, rubbery villains, unrealistic fighting sequence over & over again, enduring not one but several series of Power Rangers like Dino Thunder, Wild Force, Ninja Storm, SPD, Mystic Force, Operation Overdrive & the mother of all Power Rangers - Mighty Morphins.

The thing about having boys is that...I HAVE got to know the differences among all Ultramen. How am I supposed to know that the shape of the Ultramen's mask were different or the design of their suits were different. THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME TO ME. And that Ultraman actually had Daddy, Mommy & the whole 'gin' gang. Do you know that Ultraman is 40 meter tall & is 20,000 Earth years old ? Neither do I. I'd just goggled it! Ha, ha!

The thing about having boys is that...I HAVE to 'refrain' from shopping when I'm out with them. After a couple of times being dragged out (by the waist & legs), accompanied by screams of "NOOOOO, MOMMY!!!!!!! No shopping AGAIN!!!!!", I quickly learnt my lesson. Because people are staring & with the boys' loud "...AGAIN", it looks like they are saving this mommy from a shopaholic relapse!

The thing about having boys is that...I HAVE no opportunity whatsoever to buy cutesy girlie accessories & dresses. And there are so many - hair clips, hair band, ribbons, sling bags, purses, bangles, necklaces, party dresses, casual frocks, mini skirts, tank tops....which would 'pok kai' (bankrupt) a small nation!

The thing about having boys is that...I HAVE no opportunity for games girls' play. No Barbie dolls & doll houses, no pretend tea parties & dressing up...only realistic wrestling matches.

BUT, would I want to change a single thing ? Hell, NO!!!

Datin Life in Jakarta/Bandung

2009-03-26T23:41:00.019+08:00

Not many weeks ago, this mommy and her girlfriends conned ourselves some free food & lodging in Jakarta. And we were so lucky - free transportation were thrown in as well.

Well, actually we invited ourselves to a long-lost friend's bachelor pad, arm-twisted for a couple of meals and we were actually so entertaining that he let us make use of his car & driver while he was buried underneath tons of paperwork at office.

Shopping with car-cum-driver is SO different. No need to go round & round looking for a parking space! Once done, just call for the driver to pick us up at the main entrance, similar to Jakartarian upper-middle class, minus their bling-bling! Then, Mr. Driver will just whisk us to another shopping mall. Like fairy godmother. Like we really dig this datin lifestyle!

I was really at awe with the size of their shopping malls. Plaza Indonesia / Grand Indonesia (2 adjacent buildings) makes Mid Valley/Gardens looks puny. It wasn't a sale season at that time, but we found Chloe having 70% discount! My heart nearly stopped beating for a while. Thank god we found that the interesting items were not that cheap even after discount. (Branded labels are marked up much higher in Indonesia, that's why Mr. Host told us that filthy rich Indonesians hop over to Singapore for 1-day shopping trips.)

But genuine designer goods at shopping malls were NOT the main aim of this trip. Our main target were the questionable designer goods at the factory outlets in Bandung, of course. Questionable as in the goods might not even be overruns or rejects. They are just FAKES. Anyway, who cares, as long as they are of good quality & cheap.

Unfortunately, we were at Bandung during the weekends. As the town is on higher terrain & is supposedly cooler (Gohtong Jaya equivalent we were told, but hot like hell when we were there), there was quite an influx of Jakartarians, so the streets were jammed up with all types of large black Lexus and Toyota MPVs. It was a crawl everywhere.

But with the help of our 'personal driver', we still managed to cover about 10 factory outlets in Bandung (or more, I don't remember). My personal favourites were the bigger ones with better display, such as Rumah Mode, Heritage, Cascade & Summit. We were already warned beforehand that these factory outlets in Bandung are totally different from those in US, which have individual outlets for each brand. At Bandung, the goods are everywhere, so we were ready to'work hard' to find IT!

But once we found 'IT', the feeling was really high. Higher when the items are between RM10-RM30 only. Like when i found a black DKNY zip-up sweater (RM30) at the kiddy dept (which the sales assistant said was meant for young teens. Yeah, I can wear!). And this Hard Rock tee for Di-Di for only ~RM10.

Before we left, our 'personal driver' took us to Jln. Cihampelas (a.k.a. Jeans St., the origins of factory outlets). It was ah..em..different! But we did found this cool, cozy place to eat.

All in all, have a look at my personal stimulus plan.
And here goes my remaining Rp. All except Rp.1,ooo (~RM0.30) *Wonder whether I can claim rebate of 102,000 fr IRB!!!*
I'm SO going to eat grass when I'm old!!!!

Bush-like Gaffe

2009-03-26T23:22:00.005+08:00

One fine day, Di-di asked mommy to spell 'bicycle'. (He is forever testing me though he can't tell whether I got it correctly or not.)

Mommy: B-A-S-I-C-A-L. Eh! *dun sound rite* Daddy, how to spell bicycle already ah ?

Daddy: *Give me the look* B-I-C-Y-C-L-E!!!!

DUH!!!!!!!!

P/S. Mommy hope Daddy is not having second thoughts about mommy being tuition teacher to his lil' monsters & still pays the tuition fees!!!!

Unemployment Benefit

2009-03-25T09:53:00.019+08:00

One of the advantages of unemployment is that the boys get to enjoy the neighbourhood playground more often, instead of only on weekends.

But playground time is not as easy as it sounds. I don't get to ~~stare into space~~ jog around or do some exercise myself. Because they expect mommy to:-

Push them on the swing. Simultaneously. Which is really no joke as they will be screaming for faster & higher! Why don't they just swing by themselves u would ask ? For the life of me, I also don't get it why they don't know how, especially Kor-Kor who will be 7 soon. And I have shown them how to move their legs numerous times. Thought swinging is an inbred ability??!!

Playing catch-me-if-you-can around the playarea. Where mommy get to make a fool of herself.

Going down the covered slide. Di-di likes to lie down on top of me & we both go 'whoosh' down. This is also no joke as those covered slides are really worm holes to us. For'whoosh' effect, I need to lie down. Once I instinctly sit up & got stuck! It was really painful trying to twist my neck to a certain angle to release myself. The neck sore lasted a week.

Doing the 400m (or more) race around the adjacent basketball court. I would like to say that I could outrun my sons, but it's getting more & more difficult. I'm usually out flat in 2 rounds, whereas they can do more. And they recover faster, ha, ha!

Shooting hoops. Thank god both of them are still shorty, thus lousy at this so mommy can still awe them with a couple of shots.

My 2-minute respite will be when they go for what I call 'swing-surfing':-

I also get some rest if other kids wanna play with them, ha, ha! But sometimes they are so sweaty & dirty that other mommies look at me funnily. And their feet will go down to our family's Hall of Fame.

Lazy Translation

2009-03-23T10:08:00.008+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I saw this in Kor-Kor's exercise book.

And I have been cracking my head ever since. Is there no similar word in BM for jogging ? Daddy says no. But I just can't believe it - jogging is such a common word. I understand direct translation for more complicated words like innovation, inspiration, etc. But jogging???

In this case, can we also substitute other common words like...mmm, 'clubbing' ? Emak pergi berclubbing dengan bapa (Mommy went clubbing with Daddy) ?

Or 'pimping' ? Kawan saya berpimping laman saya kepada semua (My friend is pimping my web to all).

Or 'bitching'???

Ok, granted bitching and pimping are not such ~~nice~~ common words, but still...

I can almost hear my lil monsters enlightening the cikgu during 'bina ayat' sessions in the foreseeable future:-

Emak selalu berbitching tentang majikannya kepada kawan-kawan (Mommy is always bitching about her boss to friends).

Cikgu terpelanting! (Teacher fell off chair!)

Cheers

2009-03-17T00:02:00.007+08:00

As we ran out of ideas to entertain the boys, Daddy took the boys to his very own 'Cheers'-where everybody knows his name! a.k.a. HIS drinking hole, last Sat nite.

One of the owners-cum-cook whipped up a mean seafood spaghetti for us. While waiting, the boys took a stab at a game of darts.

Other than Coke, they also had a tiny sip of mommy's vodka orange. Please see below for the results:-

Cheers! Here's to starting them young. Burp!!!

Mean girls 1.0

2009-03-13T23:19:00.006+08:00

My 2 lil' monsters love indoor playgrounds such as those in Ikea.

One time, while waiting for them to wear their shoes after picking them up, I heard a mommy made this comment to her daughter.

You can never be good in ballet. Your toes are TOO long.

I nearly choke on my saliva!!!!

English No Enough

2009-03-10T14:04:00.007+08:00

Kor-Kor got his time table during his first week. I of course don't understand since it's all in CHINESE. And since he was in no hurry to learn to pack his bag according to the timetable (he said his teacher asked to bring EVERYTHING everyday!!!), I left him be till his school bag couldn't take it anymore.

So what's a banana like me to do ? Had the timetable translated, of course! At the playground by a Std 3 neighbour's daughter, no less. There and then i started summarising his weekly lessons (with each lesson 0.5 hrs):-
Assembly (with weekly announcements. Trust me they got lots!): 1
Chinese: 12
Bahasa Malaysia: 9
Chinese Math: 6
English Math: 4
Chinese Science: 3
English Science: 3
Moral: 4
Lukisan: 2
Music: 2
P.E.: 2
Computer: 2
and last but not least English : 2.

WHAT???!!! Two lessons for English only!!! One hour a week !!!! How are they going to learn all those verb, noun, adjective, pronoun, present tense, past tense, past participle, etc, etc...with just 2 lessons a week!

No wonder students from Chinese schools are weak in English. And they'll probably get weaker now with only 2 lessons left. Hello...we need FOCUS la...Science and Math in English OR Chinese (or other mother tongue). Choose. Then, more time can be placed for proper English lessons la...

Or else our children will grow up spitting out this kind of English:

Pay note to line no 2 (eg will given; kind operation). HUH? And i can't begin to tell u what's wrong with line 4...

This is a school extra-curricular notice, mind you!

To Meddle or Not to Meddle

2009-03-06T23:52:00.009+08:00

As this mommy was out of work, this mommy punched card at Kor-Kor's school every recess for the first week. To make sure Kor-Kor tucks in his shirt. To find out what's cooking at the canteen. To learn the prices so that Kor-Kor won't be able to bullshit mommy. To peek at what food other kids are bringing. To spy on what other parents are doing for their kids. Most of all, to send telepathy messages to the class teacher to reshuffle the seating arrangement!

Kor-Kor complained after the second day that his naughty neighbour pulled his hand down & refuse to let him volunteer for an answer. My son is no saint, I know. When he was 4, he was punished to stand in the corner almost everyday. When he was 5, his teacher put him to sit with the girls so that he would be better behave & it worked.

I know I really shouldn't butt in. I read somewhere that parents shouldn't try to solve every problems for their kids. How then do they get to practise on their problem-solving skills. Plus the teacher looked stress out. And she hadn't reshuffle the seating arrangement like the other classes yet.

After refraining myself for 4 days, hurray! Saw Kor-Kor sit beside a new boy on Fri. Well, that boy doesn't look like he stand a chance against my lil' monster. Phew! So now cross fingers, Kor-Kor behaves himself well enough so that his neighbour's mommy don't complain about him!

Besides that, also noted:-
1. Kor-Kor was lousy at tucking in his shirt...
2. The canteen food did not look appetising...
3. Considering the quality, prices were ok. Drinks are quite expensive eg Vitagen cost RM1 each.
4. Some bring enough food to feed a trucker.
5. Some parents stalked outside their child's class for a week. Some watched helplessly as their kid slept & drooled. One dad made a movie of his girl sitting in class for entire week! Some mommies discussed the benefit of starting tuition-all lessons (Then what's the point of going to school???).

Me ? Kor-Kor asked to "Can It, Mommy!" (or was it beat it ???)

First Day of School

2009-03-05T22:35:00.008+08:00

Jan 5 (Mon)was a monstrous day. It was Di-Di's FIRST DAY at kindie. I can't believe my baby is so grown up already. I had been grilling him that i would be leaving him there, expect some trouble. But hey, guess what, he just kissed me goodbye. Byeeee, mommieee!!! Aisehman, mommy wanted at least a tear or 2 as evidence that he would miss me, BUT no such luck!

It was also Kor-Kor's FIRST DAY at national school, a Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina. Boy, what a cultural shock (for mommy)! So many dwarfs running around with their parents in tow. Just to give an idea, there were 15 Primary 1 classes, ~45 students a class. That's ~675 Primary 1 students. Add another ~675 Primary 2 and ~450 odd Primary 3 (200 less as these creme of the crop has the privilege of attending morning session). Then add the parents, siblings, grandparents, maids...it's like Isetan on the first day of sale, except there's nothing to buy!

As Kor-Kor was darn cool only, Mommy decided to make herself scarce during assembly. Must make way for other mommies trying to worm their way nearer to their sons/daughters mah. Don't they realise that they are breathing into their children's oxygen. But thank god for those blow fans!

Mommy went to school again during recess to show Kor-Kor some moral support. Eck! Kor-Kor is sitting next to the naughty boy from playground. Sucks! But surely the class teacher is going to reshuffle. Yeah, let's wait. No need to interfere right away, rite ? May be the boy's mommy also thought my lil' monster is a rascal & ban her boy from sitting next to Kor-Kor. Yeah, rite!

As I'm not into the 'wait outside classroom' thing, I came back just before school ends to make sure Kor-Kor knows which car to get into. Kor-Kor looked a bit dazed. Also didn't know how to tuck in his shirt. Sucks! Why we never thought about teaching him that. Oh ya, it's now in fashion NOT to tuck in the tees.

But overall, a successful day...NO COMPLAINTS from either of them! Well, maybe except 1:-
Kor-Kor: "Why this school so long one ? Morning go, nite come back...."
Mommy: "Huh ? Oh no la, starts in the afternoon, ends evening la!!!" [Kids! Exaggeration! (*roll eyes*)]

25 Things About..Samseng Kia

2009-03-03T15:26:00.012+08:00

Now here's some juicy stories abt my samseng boys...all 25 things:-

They love pork, but 'siew yuk' better than 'char siew'.
They also love McD.
Kor-kor (big bro) used to be a cry baby, thank god he outgrew it.
Di-Di (small bro) came out an angel, a survival instinct (our theory) that he knew he would have to compete with his big bro whom mommy was giving 130%!
Both of them like to run barefoot around the neighbourhood playground. They have checked with their feet, so no, there's no sharps objects there...
Kor-Kor's current ambition is to be a policeman, mommy says 'no way' (cringe)!
Di-Di is currently going on & on.. & on.. & on.. with 'Hey Diddle Diddle' & 'Simple Simon'...Irritatingly cute!
Their current craze is Ben 10 (which boy age 3 to 10 is not!), so mommy gotta know all Aliens' name also....a pre-requisite..
They are best of pals now, mommy pray very hard they stay that way.
Kor-Kor drinks water from his milk bottle upto close to 6 yrs old (we called it his shame-shame bottle). Then mommy went for a holiday with galpals, and daddy CUT IT AWAY.
Di Di self taught himself to drink from cup since 1+. Also, self taught, take off clothes, wear clothes, wear socks....(c told ya, he's an angel, fr this aspect)
They think having a flying vacation (that involve aeroplane) every year is 'yin tak' ie their entitlement. Boy!
Kor-kor walks like his grand-daddy...a distinct shuffle...
Di-Di is choosy of what he wears since 3. He's very 'Ai sui'!
He's also a picky eater. He has fetish for 'fei yuk' (the fats in meat), fish & chicken skin...calls it gummy-gummy!
Kor-Kor eats more like a Penangite...loves char koay teow, penang rojak (buah) & laksa.
Daddy bribed Kor-Kor a PS2 to sleep by himself in his own room when he was 6. It worked for Kor-Kor but no chance against Di-Di, thus Di-Di still sleeps with Mommy & still kicks Daddy off the bed!
Both of them can climb almost anything...like the top of slides, etc...genes fr mommy side of family.
Both of them are bananas...ie yellow skin, but don't speak any Chinese dialects!
Kor-Kor is anti-social, Di-di is very sociable...he would kiss practically anyone.
Kor-Kor was placed with a babysitter who also nanny a few others till he was 4, thus he can give & take gracefully most times. Di-Di needs more training in that area.
Both of them have more toys than they need.
Both of them have more DVDs than they should.
Sometimes at nite, we pillow-fight & they'll be so out-of-breath that they vomit! (Daddy dunno..sshhh!)
They still think their mommy is d coolest...(wander how long would that last) !

(At the time of press...Kor-Kor is ~6.5, Di-Di is ~3.4 yrs old. They probably beat me up when they older, but hey, how else can i remember...)

25 Things About Me

2009-03-01T23:06:00.007+08:00

I first saw 25 Things in FB. Thot it will be a fun debut blog. Here's my stab at it (more difficult that i realised):-

I can't parallel park...unless the 2 other spaces at the sides are empty!
I'm tone-deaf, can't sing to save my life...
I also have 2 left feet. Would love to get that corrected, if surgically possible.
My only talent is I can tell....whether the pregnancy is a boy or girl. Most of the time...
I am most fidgety when...i have to stand in line. I normally feel like yelling at the serving party if i have to wait for more than 10 minutes!
I have excellent memory (my friends call it elephant memory, god knows why!)....unfortunately about silly, trivial matters....like what my significant half promised me a decade ago, er, no wait, that's IMPORTANT stuff!!!!!
I don't eat goat, cow & lamb meat. And for the last time....it's NOT a religious thing. Don't like it, that's all.
I don't have a good taste bug. Once was tucking in heartily at a tibetan mo-mo (steamboat) until friends voiced out that it smelt like pee!
Nothing attracts me more faster than a 'SALE' sign!
Am not a social butterfly. Won't approach a person to break the ice...unless i know the person is from Penang &/or speaks Hokkien!
I'm not a morning person. Try not to talk to me before 10.
I'm a coffee-holic. I would be yawning, agitated ~~bitch~~ addict if i dun have at least a strong cup a day.
Have forgotten to zip up my pants a few times & didn't realise till i reached work! FYI, I used to take public transport!
Was molested twice in public transport & once in cinema. Was so engrossed with movie that didn't realise the uncle's hand was on my lap. Ew!
Thinks that having four kids would be ideal. Come to think of it, i recently look at pregnant ladies with ENVY again!!! (my hubby would freak out if he knows!)
Loves adventure holidays & was once inspired to climb Everest Base Camp (only kaki bukit, not the entire mountain, I'm definitely not that ambitious, he, he) Still dreaming...
During my late teens, didn't know i was on a group date till the boy called to tell me he missed me! That's me, Blur-blur!
Is guilty of taking a yearly holiday (or two) with gal pals & fib to sons that trip(s) are for work!
Have taken up reading a few books at same time. Cannot parallel park but at least, can parallel read!
Kinda thinks the fish monger near my place looks kinda cute!!!
Like to steal her sons Yakult to drink late at nite. And chocolate. Ice cream sometimes...
Is pretty bad at spring cleaning...thus, my closet looks like the bottom of the Bermuda Triangle.
Is not a touche feelly person, very, very awkward in doing hug hug kiss kiss!!
Is blessed to have BFFs whom I've known since 11.
Last but not least, I'm terrified most of... losing my lil' monsters! Not just literally, also to puberty as they'll probably think it's not cool to hang out with mommy anymore, sob, sob!