How Far Would You Go

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

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

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

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

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

“What?”

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

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

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

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

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

“YY said he forgot to bring…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That YY boy actually gave him.

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

I was speechless….

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

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

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

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

Passed

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

Yeah, Kor-Kor passed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Also Got TEST!

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

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

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

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

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

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

He picked BASKETBALL?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hand, Foot & Mouth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Lantern Celebration

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ceh...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIAU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ba-Si Bu-Si

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If they join the circus's clown act!