The good news: We have finally clocked 20 hours and 50 mins of PV duty!
The bad news: We need a total of 40 hours by end June 2014 and we are only left with 4 months. Boo!
It is not that we had not been volunteering. Every school-week Wednesday, Daddy Lim and /or I will go for our gate duty faithfully. Sometimes, I felt like a guard dog and I can feel the pity looks that the other parents gave me while they wait for their kids. Long time ago, I gave the same sympathy look to parents who wear stupid vest and help little school children cross the road.
Nevertheless, we had been really faithful in performing our gate duties. We had only missed one Wednesday so far due to my stupidity. Unfortunately, it is only 30 mins per week and it is painfully slow in clocking the required hours. On top of the gate duties, we have also performed duties at 3 different functions during working hours. Still, we are so far from clocking the required hours. Just 2 weeks ago, I met a PV who told me that he is finishing his 40 hours and I so felt like slapping that smirk off his face then.
Other than the gate duties, the other activities took place during working offices and we had to reject most of them since they required us to take half a day leave to clock barely 2 or 3 hours. In our opinion, these activities are so not worth us taking our precious half day leave.
As the clock ticks, we grew anxious and I even shamelessly bugged the Vice-Principal via emails a couple of times, asking him if there are more activities coming up. Desperation can musk a person's pride. Daddy Lim and I recognized that it has come to a point that we have no choice but to grab as many activities as we can, regardless of whether they are during working hours or not. If we failed to complete the 40 hours, all our efforts would have gone down the drain.
I have counted that we will have another 12 more Wednesdays before the school holidays and that will give us an additional 6 hours, bringing us to 26 hours and 50 mins. We will still be short of 13 hrs and 10 mins. I have accepted some reading workshop on 8th Mar (3.5hrs), Newater plant tour next Tuesday (4 hours) and a duno-what event in school on 1st Apr (2 hrs). With all these, we will still be short of 3 hours and 40 mins. Stress!
The Vice-Principal had just sent us another email asking for volunteers. We better pick some more and to clock a few more hours than necessary just in case we miscalculated. It is so stressful to be parents now and it is not even some famous school that we are trying to squeeze our kids into. Beware all laid back parents, bcos the world is now cluttered with kiasu parents like me. Hahahahaha.
Mummy Lim
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Irritating Neck Ache
This irritating neck ache is bugging me now. The ache is right at the base of e skull and tip of the spine. The ache is like right deep in the socket and I had difficulty trying to massage it away.
I get this ache when I am too physically tired (read: slept too late cos watched too much K drama or running man). The ache was bad yday and I made myself go to bed early last night, thinking that it would go with a good night sleep. And I did have a good night sleep.
This morning, the ache was still there! I felt cheated that I sacrifice precious K drama watching time. But at least the ache wasn't as intense. Unfortunately, the intensity grew as the day passed and I am screaming murder by the end of the office day. It is not that the pain is unbearable but my patience to tolerate the ache worn out. Arrggghhh. It helped so much when Daddy Lim pitied me and gave me a massage. Then he said that I could finally understand the pain that he suffers everyday from his AS. Ouch! I can't imagine this kind of torture everyday.
Maybe the Zumba class would help, as what Daddy Lim suggested. I only hope that the air con is working better today and I wouldn't be suffocated with the stale sweat smell. Bleh!
Mummy Lim
I get this ache when I am too physically tired (read: slept too late cos watched too much K drama or running man). The ache was bad yday and I made myself go to bed early last night, thinking that it would go with a good night sleep. And I did have a good night sleep.
This morning, the ache was still there! I felt cheated that I sacrifice precious K drama watching time. But at least the ache wasn't as intense. Unfortunately, the intensity grew as the day passed and I am screaming murder by the end of the office day. It is not that the pain is unbearable but my patience to tolerate the ache worn out. Arrggghhh. It helped so much when Daddy Lim pitied me and gave me a massage. Then he said that I could finally understand the pain that he suffers everyday from his AS. Ouch! I can't imagine this kind of torture everyday.
Maybe the Zumba class would help, as what Daddy Lim suggested. I only hope that the air con is working better today and I wouldn't be suffocated with the stale sweat smell. Bleh!
Mummy Lim
Fat!
I have been battling with my weight my entire life. Ever since I started making New Year resolutions, losing weight never fail to make it onto my list. Achieving the resolutions is a totally different story, which also explains why it still makes its appearance every year. Muahaha.
The weighing machine is my best friend and I am obsessed with my weight. I weigh myself every morning and before I go to bed. It is part of an everyday routine that I must stick to or suffered from withdrawal symptoms. This must be one of the quirks that I inherited from my mum. I get paranoid when I am overseas and without my best friend. Lol.
I was super fat after fulfilling my mother role and gave birth to 2 kids. I scare myself when I look at old pictures now.
I tried very hard to lose the weight gained from the 2 pregnancies. I had 4kg to lose to reach my pregnancy weight and I was already not skinny before I got pregnant with Lil Shauna, all thanks to clomid, which drove my appetite nuts. However, regardless of how hard I try, I wasn't even near to succeeding. Slimming salon and slimming pills failed me. And I was thinking if slimming salon with professionals didn't work, what would?!
In September 2012, I got so sick of looking fat that I decided to try Herbalife. For almost 3 months, I went strictly on a shake lunch (even weekends) and light meals and was pleased to see numbers on the scale going down. As an added bonus, the shake tastes great too. In totality, I probably lost about 4.5kgs, just in time to look good for the Korea holidays in December 2012.
It then comes to my realization that there is no such thing as the magic pills. The magic formula to lose weight is to simply eat fewer calories than what one burns. It feels great to be skinny. It does wonder to a person’s self-esteem. Mummy P even post so helpfully found me a before and after pic. Oh gosh, e almost exact post for comparison. Luckily the pictures didn't make it to Facebook.
Unfortunately, staying with liquid meals forever is almost impossible. I am not a foodie but I do love to eat and I cannot resist snacking. It gets even harder with the new company, where there are always some company lunches and lunches with colleagues to network. As I lose the will to stay on a permanent liquid lunch and give in to food temptations, I see my weight creeping up. At least I am glad to say that I am still lighter that before I started Herbalife.
Recently, I started Zumba and also swimming on Saturday when the kids have their swimming lesson. The exercise regime is far from intense. On Saturdays, I barely swim much before Lil Isaac started clinging to me and insists that I bring him home bcos he is too hungry/ cold/ tired/ sleepy. I was hoping that I could bring my weight down the healthier way. Burning more calories will also allow me to indulge in blissful eating instead of sticking to shakes. I have yet to see results of my efforts. The fats that I have easily built up around my waist are still there. Sob. But psychologically, I do feel healthier.
I have also tried snacking on healthy bars that are low in calories. These are delicious and only 90 calories per bar. They work great to satisfy my craving for sweet stuff too.
Hopefully, I will get there – slowly and heavily, like a big, fat elephant.
Mummy Lim
The weighing machine is my best friend and I am obsessed with my weight. I weigh myself every morning and before I go to bed. It is part of an everyday routine that I must stick to or suffered from withdrawal symptoms. This must be one of the quirks that I inherited from my mum. I get paranoid when I am overseas and without my best friend. Lol.
I was super fat after fulfilling my mother role and gave birth to 2 kids. I scare myself when I look at old pictures now.
I tried very hard to lose the weight gained from the 2 pregnancies. I had 4kg to lose to reach my pregnancy weight and I was already not skinny before I got pregnant with Lil Shauna, all thanks to clomid, which drove my appetite nuts. However, regardless of how hard I try, I wasn't even near to succeeding. Slimming salon and slimming pills failed me. And I was thinking if slimming salon with professionals didn't work, what would?!
In September 2012, I got so sick of looking fat that I decided to try Herbalife. For almost 3 months, I went strictly on a shake lunch (even weekends) and light meals and was pleased to see numbers on the scale going down. As an added bonus, the shake tastes great too. In totality, I probably lost about 4.5kgs, just in time to look good for the Korea holidays in December 2012.
It then comes to my realization that there is no such thing as the magic pills. The magic formula to lose weight is to simply eat fewer calories than what one burns. It feels great to be skinny. It does wonder to a person’s self-esteem. Mummy P even post so helpfully found me a before and after pic. Oh gosh, e almost exact post for comparison. Luckily the pictures didn't make it to Facebook.
Unfortunately, staying with liquid meals forever is almost impossible. I am not a foodie but I do love to eat and I cannot resist snacking. It gets even harder with the new company, where there are always some company lunches and lunches with colleagues to network. As I lose the will to stay on a permanent liquid lunch and give in to food temptations, I see my weight creeping up. At least I am glad to say that I am still lighter that before I started Herbalife.
Recently, I started Zumba and also swimming on Saturday when the kids have their swimming lesson. The exercise regime is far from intense. On Saturdays, I barely swim much before Lil Isaac started clinging to me and insists that I bring him home bcos he is too hungry/ cold/ tired/ sleepy. I was hoping that I could bring my weight down the healthier way. Burning more calories will also allow me to indulge in blissful eating instead of sticking to shakes. I have yet to see results of my efforts. The fats that I have easily built up around my waist are still there. Sob. But psychologically, I do feel healthier.
I have also tried snacking on healthy bars that are low in calories. These are delicious and only 90 calories per bar. They work great to satisfy my craving for sweet stuff too.
Hopefully, I will get there – slowly and heavily, like a big, fat elephant.
Mummy Lim
Monday, February 24, 2014
Active Weekend
This is how our car boot looked like on Sunday.
We bought new blades for Lil Isaac. He tried the blades for the third time yday and still has a long way to go. On his 1st attempt, he put on his blades and expected himself to start gliding like a pro. Duh! He gave up pretty soon when hr realized that he couldnt even stand up properly. It is a little harder to teach him than Lil Shauna. He is younger than when jiejie started and it is more difficult to make him listen to instructions. It is alright, he would one day get it when he is of the right age and after plenty of falls. Lol.
Lil Shauna got new blades too. Her bright pink ones are getting a little too small and slow. They will soon go to Boo Boo. She does amazing well on her blades now.
The kids also scooted. Lil Isaac is still falling and knocking bcos he is still a daredevil but I reckon he is getting better at being less of a hazard to himself and others.
We bought wheel shoes for Lil Shauna - something that she had been asking for. We bought the cheap versions and they do not go very fast. Still, the princess is pleased and taught herself to roll in them after a day. She's now constantly asking us to look at her do this trick and that tricks on her skater shoes and even declared that she's full of tricks! Haha.
It is amazing how much time kids can burn when they give them moving equipment even though we were just at a void deck. It is a good way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon too.
Mummy Lim
We bought new blades for Lil Isaac. He tried the blades for the third time yday and still has a long way to go. On his 1st attempt, he put on his blades and expected himself to start gliding like a pro. Duh! He gave up pretty soon when hr realized that he couldnt even stand up properly. It is a little harder to teach him than Lil Shauna. He is younger than when jiejie started and it is more difficult to make him listen to instructions. It is alright, he would one day get it when he is of the right age and after plenty of falls. Lol.
Lil Shauna got new blades too. Her bright pink ones are getting a little too small and slow. They will soon go to Boo Boo. She does amazing well on her blades now.
The kids also scooted. Lil Isaac is still falling and knocking bcos he is still a daredevil but I reckon he is getting better at being less of a hazard to himself and others.
We bought wheel shoes for Lil Shauna - something that she had been asking for. We bought the cheap versions and they do not go very fast. Still, the princess is pleased and taught herself to roll in them after a day. She's now constantly asking us to look at her do this trick and that tricks on her skater shoes and even declared that she's full of tricks! Haha.
Mummy Lim
Thursday, February 20, 2014
In the Right Direction
Lil Isaac seems to be moving towards the right direction. Towards the end of last week, he has stopped crying when he boards the school bus and when he reaches school. When I called to check with his teacher (Ms Chia) last week, I was told that he was improving. He cries less, stops faster and doesn't throw mega tantrums when he was asked to do work. Yeah! He grumbles still but at least he didn't cry.
This week, it seems like things are even better. On Sunday, he told me that he wouldn't cry when he goes for his Phonics class but made me promise that I would be waiting for him in the center. When we reached the center, he was happy to walk into his classroom with his mini tiger in his arm. No tears! Both his teacher and the center staff were surprise! Actually I was very surprise too. Hehe.
School was great too. There was (almost) no tears. Lil Isaac (popo actually) did call this morning and whined that he had to go to school but took it nicely when I told him that we will fetch him at Centris tonight and nothing that a promise of ice cream couldn't solve. I called up Ms Chia again this afternoon and was affirmed that things are well. Ms Chia related that Lil Isaac asked if there was enrichment class yday and didn't cry when Ms Chia said “yes”. I was told that he would usually burst into tears at that answer.
So, what did we do right? We aren’t sure really. To begin with, we are absolutely unsure what caused his reluctance to go to school. We took away the iPad in the evening. We have no iPad and no YouTube the moment we reach home. We would sometimes read, sometimes do his simple phonics homework and sometimes revised his alphabets. We are stuck with the 1st 2 lower case letters that we introduced to him since weeks back but I believe that persistency will pay off.. or I will give up before he gives in. Lol. Most of the time, we would just PLAY! I am not sure if iPad is the culprit but too much is never good and he already gets to hug his cousin’s iPad a lot in the afternoon. It is just strange that he is the only one with the issue and not the girls.
What I think we really did right was the tons of encouragement that we gave him. We praised him a lot when he cries lesser and kept giving him encouragement to do better the next day. I even set alarm at 10am every weekday, so that I can call home and to remind him not to cry. He appears very proud of himself when he finally stopped crying. Great job, tiger.
Lil Shauna is doing well too. She has received very nice compliments from her Phonics teacher, who told us that she is doing great in comprehension and creative writing for her age. You can imagine how proud and wide was my grin when the teacher told me that. Unfortunately, we have to work on her spelling. Oopsy. Her spelling is really quite bad. It gets unbearable to read what she writes sometimes. She is also enjoying her Chinese and Maths enrichment and looks forward to them. I hope that enthusiasm stays.
Mummy Lim
This week, it seems like things are even better. On Sunday, he told me that he wouldn't cry when he goes for his Phonics class but made me promise that I would be waiting for him in the center. When we reached the center, he was happy to walk into his classroom with his mini tiger in his arm. No tears! Both his teacher and the center staff were surprise! Actually I was very surprise too. Hehe.
School was great too. There was (almost) no tears. Lil Isaac (popo actually) did call this morning and whined that he had to go to school but took it nicely when I told him that we will fetch him at Centris tonight and nothing that a promise of ice cream couldn't solve. I called up Ms Chia again this afternoon and was affirmed that things are well. Ms Chia related that Lil Isaac asked if there was enrichment class yday and didn't cry when Ms Chia said “yes”. I was told that he would usually burst into tears at that answer.
So, what did we do right? We aren’t sure really. To begin with, we are absolutely unsure what caused his reluctance to go to school. We took away the iPad in the evening. We have no iPad and no YouTube the moment we reach home. We would sometimes read, sometimes do his simple phonics homework and sometimes revised his alphabets. We are stuck with the 1st 2 lower case letters that we introduced to him since weeks back but I believe that persistency will pay off.. or I will give up before he gives in. Lol. Most of the time, we would just PLAY! I am not sure if iPad is the culprit but too much is never good and he already gets to hug his cousin’s iPad a lot in the afternoon. It is just strange that he is the only one with the issue and not the girls.
What I think we really did right was the tons of encouragement that we gave him. We praised him a lot when he cries lesser and kept giving him encouragement to do better the next day. I even set alarm at 10am every weekday, so that I can call home and to remind him not to cry. He appears very proud of himself when he finally stopped crying. Great job, tiger.
Lil Shauna is doing well too. She has received very nice compliments from her Phonics teacher, who told us that she is doing great in comprehension and creative writing for her age. You can imagine how proud and wide was my grin when the teacher told me that. Unfortunately, we have to work on her spelling. Oopsy. Her spelling is really quite bad. It gets unbearable to read what she writes sometimes. She is also enjoying her Chinese and Maths enrichment and looks forward to them. I hope that enthusiasm stays.
Mummy Lim
15th Feb 2014
Finally, ah yee is off the shelf. She tied the knot with Uncle C on 15 Feb 14 in far, far away France. Many months back, we contemplated the idea of flying over (13 hours fight!) to attend her wedding. Unfortunately, when she finally confirmed her wedding date (which kept changing due to so many unforeseen factors) and as the date drew nearer, it came to our realization that Lil Isaac wouldn't suddenly grow up and it is almost impossible to take that horrible flight without us murdering somebody. It is too risky, we might end up with one kid less. We had to drop the idea and one of her very good friend, Uncle A, represented our family and help brought our blessings over.
Two days before the wedding, Uncle A and C messaged me from the far away land and I was suddenly worried. I have very wild imagination and thought about some runaway bride. It turned out that Uncle C hoped that we could make surprise video for ah yee and he would screen it during the wedding dinner. This is after them assuring me that ah yee is very much well and happy. Hehe.
We did put together a short one-minute clip with very uncooperative casts. We finally done a very unprofessional clip after 4 takes and we would have to go on forever if we had refused to make do with that clip. In the video, the blessings were obviously impromptu and Lil Isaac and Feline were seen walking about aimlessly. Lil Isaac was even sulking at one point. Duh! Nevertheless, ah yee told me that she was so touched by the video that she even teared. She felt that we were so near though so far. Hehe.
They are currently in far far Venice for their mini honeymoon. Ah yee was still telling me this morning how scenic and beautiful Venice is.
The time will come when we finally visit them there. I was still telling Daddy Lim that if the global meeting takes place again this year and I get to go plus ah yee happened to be back in France, we could bring the kids there! Lil Isaac would be older by then and we would survive the flight. Ah yee can also render some babysitting assistance while I am having my meeting. This is the best year to travel given that Lil Shauna starts primary school next year. Hmmm… let’s all see how things will work out. Hehe.
Ah yee, so happy for you. So thankful to God that you have found the right one. May everyday of your new “adventure” be filled with love, joy and laughter. We miss you so much in sunny Singapore.
Mummy Lim
Two days before the wedding, Uncle A and C messaged me from the far away land and I was suddenly worried. I have very wild imagination and thought about some runaway bride. It turned out that Uncle C hoped that we could make surprise video for ah yee and he would screen it during the wedding dinner. This is after them assuring me that ah yee is very much well and happy. Hehe.
We did put together a short one-minute clip with very uncooperative casts. We finally done a very unprofessional clip after 4 takes and we would have to go on forever if we had refused to make do with that clip. In the video, the blessings were obviously impromptu and Lil Isaac and Feline were seen walking about aimlessly. Lil Isaac was even sulking at one point. Duh! Nevertheless, ah yee told me that she was so touched by the video that she even teared. She felt that we were so near though so far. Hehe.
They are currently in far far Venice for their mini honeymoon. Ah yee was still telling me this morning how scenic and beautiful Venice is.
The time will come when we finally visit them there. I was still telling Daddy Lim that if the global meeting takes place again this year and I get to go plus ah yee happened to be back in France, we could bring the kids there! Lil Isaac would be older by then and we would survive the flight. Ah yee can also render some babysitting assistance while I am having my meeting. This is the best year to travel given that Lil Shauna starts primary school next year. Hmmm… let’s all see how things will work out. Hehe.
Ah yee, so happy for you. So thankful to God that you have found the right one. May everyday of your new “adventure” be filled with love, joy and laughter. We miss you so much in sunny Singapore.
Mummy Lim
Friday, February 14, 2014
Can God Talk?
LS: Pappy, can God talk?
DL: Yes.
LS: How does God talk?
DL: He talks to our heart, baby.
LS: Where is our heart?
DL: To the left of your chest.
LS: (straining her neck) My ear cannot reach my chest!
DL: Lol!
So cute.
Mummy Lim
DL: Yes.
LS: How does God talk?
DL: He talks to our heart, baby.
LS: Where is our heart?
DL: To the left of your chest.
LS: (straining her neck) My ear cannot reach my chest!
DL: Lol!
So cute.
Mummy Lim
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Zumba
Every now and then, I will have this urge to want to exercise. Unfortunately, the lazy bones (I have plenty of those) in me reject all forms of “boring” exercises. Jogging is boring, so is aerobics, kickboxing and similar cardio workout. When such urges surface, I will goggle Amore, CC and sports complex but often ended up with nothing. Amore, the atas heartland fitness center is conveniently located in JP and holds many interesting classes with flexible timing. However, such convenience and flexibility come with an expensive price tag and will require long term (at least 1 year membership) commitment. My past experience with Amore tells me that I will give up after a few months and I will see my $$ going down the drain. CCs and Sport complexes provide cheap alternatives but the variety is very limited and their timing wouldn't fit mine. I have wanted to try yoga and Pilates for the longest time but just couldn’t find a time slot that fits my schedule. I must be a very busy woman.
I wouldn't mind swimming. However, in my books, swimming barely crosses the threshold of being labeled as a boring sport and the chlorinated water dries my hair! Moreover, I don't get that aftermaths shiokness of sweat pouring down after I swim. Lalala, no wonder I haven’t been exercising. Lol.
I was so hit by the urge a while back. It was so intense that I went swimming with the kids on Saturday. Still, that didn't satisfy me. I was yearning for some good workout, something that will make me perspire and happy thereafter. I had been looking for some Zumba classes since like forever back. I heard such great rave about it – a combination of dance moves + aerobic workout. I used to love Latin Cardio and thought that I would like Zumba too. For some strange reasons, I goggled “Zumba in Jurong West” and the Zumba lesson held right smack in Jurong Safra turned up. It is cheap, a very affordable price of $110 for 8 lessons, held right next to JP and a good timing on every Wednesday 6.30pm or 7.30pm. The best thing? The first lesson starts yday! How could I miss this great deal all this time? So you guessed it. I signed up for it and went for my 1st lesson yday.
I didn't have proper attire. I can’t even remember when was the last time I exercised. I was even grateful to find that my track shoes and sports bra haven’t disintegrated. Mummy S was still telling me to dress up for the lesson, like how many others would dress up for Zumba classes. Well, I went for the class in my usual sleeping shorts and a spaghetti top. Muahaha. I didn't look that bad, but my top kept riding up and I was like constantly pulling here and tugging there. And yes, there are many people who dressed up in zumba attire for the lesson.
And oh boy, it was a great workout. The intensity is just nice for someone like me who hasn't workout in like years. Like I suspected, I love the different dance moves and the pop music blasting in the dance studio. I had such a great time and I didn't even realized how fast time passed. I was panting and huffing at times and enjoying the whole time. I was so happy at the end of the class and my muscles are already feeling sore from yday workout. I am looking forward to next week’s lesson!
This is me after the lesson. Do you see my sweat glistering? Lol.
Oh, I need to get some proper attire too so that I can better enjoy my next lesson. Hehe.
Mummy Lim
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Roar
Some moons back, Mummy S was sharing about direct admission scheme to secondary school using sports/ special talent. On a different occasion, my colleagues (with secondary school kids) were sharing that it is now 3 points (L1R5) to enter the top JCs. So on top of perfect A1 score, the kid has to be some all-rounder, be super good in some CCAs and play leadership positions to deduct points so as to get 3 points. Imagine a whole JC full of 3 pointers. What is the world coming to?
Though the kids are still in kindergarten, they are already doing so many different enrichment classes. Before I was married, I used to laugh at the kiasu parents. I think this is call retribution. Lil Shauna now attends Chinese enrichment on Monday, drawing on Tuesday (she asked for this, I wanted to stop it), Chinese enrichment in school on Wednesday (to burn time), Maths enrichment on Friday, swimming on Saturday and Phonics on Sunday after church. Lil Isaac goes for swimming on Saturday and phonics on Sunday after church. Now that I list down all of Lil Shauna’s lessons, the schedule looks scary. Fortunately, most of her lessons are fun and she adores the classes and the teachers. So even though she goes for plenty of classes, she doesn't complain. For Lil Shauna, we also tried and dropped classes that don’t interest her, such as electone and ballet.
Still, I got worried and I thought to myself that it would boost the kids’ chances of getting into a good school if they have a special talent/ skills, like gymnastics, fencing, tennis, etc. It can’t be something too common as well so that they have competitive advantage and it feels like it is the time to start now. Yes, I must be crazy. I feel crazy too. Truth be told, I don't even see free slots to fit in more lessons. But that didn't stop me from sourcing around and also asking Lil Shauna for her opinion. I haven’t decided but I though tennis, gymnastic or ice skating sounds great. Did you hear me roaring? Stop me, somebody.
Mummy Lim
Though the kids are still in kindergarten, they are already doing so many different enrichment classes. Before I was married, I used to laugh at the kiasu parents. I think this is call retribution. Lil Shauna now attends Chinese enrichment on Monday, drawing on Tuesday (she asked for this, I wanted to stop it), Chinese enrichment in school on Wednesday (to burn time), Maths enrichment on Friday, swimming on Saturday and Phonics on Sunday after church. Lil Isaac goes for swimming on Saturday and phonics on Sunday after church. Now that I list down all of Lil Shauna’s lessons, the schedule looks scary. Fortunately, most of her lessons are fun and she adores the classes and the teachers. So even though she goes for plenty of classes, she doesn't complain. For Lil Shauna, we also tried and dropped classes that don’t interest her, such as electone and ballet.
Still, I got worried and I thought to myself that it would boost the kids’ chances of getting into a good school if they have a special talent/ skills, like gymnastics, fencing, tennis, etc. It can’t be something too common as well so that they have competitive advantage and it feels like it is the time to start now. Yes, I must be crazy. I feel crazy too. Truth be told, I don't even see free slots to fit in more lessons. But that didn't stop me from sourcing around and also asking Lil Shauna for her opinion. I haven’t decided but I though tennis, gymnastic or ice skating sounds great. Did you hear me roaring? Stop me, somebody.
Mummy Lim
Monday, February 10, 2014
Status Quo?
Mummy S asked if I have forgiven my mum. Well, the storm seems to have past. Or at least the sea is calm for the time being.
I was struggling for a while if we should really make that drastic decision to send the kids to CC. For some reason, the 3 CC that I called up had vacancies for immediate enrollment. Then Popo can decide what she wants to do with her life. I prayed about it too and didn't hear a distinction answer. I also worried about the repercussion of my decisions – what if Popo really shift out and live on her own? Who will look after her? Where will she stay? I get pissed at myself for worrying about her when she made our lives so miserable. Arrggghh… That goes the saying that blood is thicker than water.
As time passes, I cooled down too. Somehow, I think she tried to make peace. She was the one who broke the silence the next day. She reacted as if nothing had happened. I was very surprised. For the last few big quarrels, we had cold war for days and I was the one who gave in eventually. Even Daddy Lim noticed that and commented to me that night.
Things appeared to be back to normal now. I tried my very best to meet her crazy demands. It takes some getting used to but it doesn't kill me. So long as she keep her sarcastic remarks to herself and doesn't make the kids scream and cry, I can probably somewhat tolerate. The kids sometimes want to chew me alive and I don't need her to help me grind my remains to powder.
I know that it is an issue not resolved. It is a matter of time that the volcanoes erupt again. The next eruption could be probably worse and has more casualties. Mummy S suggested that we talk and thrash things out. I am not ready for that and my hair stands at that thought. I am too beaten for round 2.
You know what? Until now, I have no idea what caused her lousy mood during CNY. It wasn't me. I didn't do anything.
Mummy Lim
I was struggling for a while if we should really make that drastic decision to send the kids to CC. For some reason, the 3 CC that I called up had vacancies for immediate enrollment. Then Popo can decide what she wants to do with her life. I prayed about it too and didn't hear a distinction answer. I also worried about the repercussion of my decisions – what if Popo really shift out and live on her own? Who will look after her? Where will she stay? I get pissed at myself for worrying about her when she made our lives so miserable. Arrggghh… That goes the saying that blood is thicker than water.
As time passes, I cooled down too. Somehow, I think she tried to make peace. She was the one who broke the silence the next day. She reacted as if nothing had happened. I was very surprised. For the last few big quarrels, we had cold war for days and I was the one who gave in eventually. Even Daddy Lim noticed that and commented to me that night.
Things appeared to be back to normal now. I tried my very best to meet her crazy demands. It takes some getting used to but it doesn't kill me. So long as she keep her sarcastic remarks to herself and doesn't make the kids scream and cry, I can probably somewhat tolerate. The kids sometimes want to chew me alive and I don't need her to help me grind my remains to powder.
I know that it is an issue not resolved. It is a matter of time that the volcanoes erupt again. The next eruption could be probably worse and has more casualties. Mummy S suggested that we talk and thrash things out. I am not ready for that and my hair stands at that thought. I am too beaten for round 2.
You know what? Until now, I have no idea what caused her lousy mood during CNY. It wasn't me. I didn't do anything.
Mummy Lim
Thursday, February 6, 2014
A Day for Myself
The kids started school on Monday but I wasn't due to start work until Wednesday. I had a hair appointment at 11am on Tuesday and needed desperately to color my hair. I couldn't find time to do it before CNY and had white hair sticking out when I went visitation. Oh well, I survived. In my usual doing, I would have spent time with the kids until they left for school before I head for my appointment. However, bcos I was so pissed at my mum, I opted to leave the house in the morning together with Daddy Lim when he headed out to work. That was really early, about 6.30am. I simply do not want to be alone with my mum and the kids yday. I wanted to be selfish and be alone.
The day turned out fantastic. I accompanied Daddy Lim for bfast and he dropped me at Joon Koon MRT at about 7am. I took the train to JP and had a quiet and slow bfast at Mac while reading the papers. I heard that the M1 network was down but luckily the 3G/ 4G was still working and I “chatted” with the ladies via watsapp, sharing my thoughts and feel, without literally having to talk. I was lazy to talk yday. I found talking a chore.
I had some time to burn and ended up sitting by Centris poolside while I blogged and called up some childcare centers. I also spent some time praying but didn't have an answer. The weather couldn't be better. It was sunny yet the cool breeze surrounded me. I could have sat there for like forever but soon realized that it was almost time for my appointment. I had thought that the 4 hours would be difficult to burn only to realize that great time flies by.
I spent the next 3 hours at the salon. While the lady pampers me, I browse through 3 magazines and let my thoughts rest. It was a relaxing 3 hours.
Then I took a train to Jem and did some shopping. Unfortunately and fortunately, I wasn't in a shopping mood and didn't end up with too many purchases. I left Jem at about 4pm and decided to head home. I had an ice cream on my way home before flopping on the sofa watching Korean drama, munching tidbits and drinking coffee. That peacefulness was divine.
That was when I realized that I haven’t done this for many moons. Annual leave is too precious in my eyes for doing nothing or to be spent solely on just myself. After spending 34 years, coming 35 years, I am still so stingy on myself. Unless I have errands to run, otherwise leave are kept for precious holiday trips. Even when I am on leave, I spent whatever pockets of free time with the kids, helping Popo to offload. I always feel guilty to be enjoying myself on my off days while Popo still help me to look after the kids. It feels great to be selfish sometimes. I think I should do this for myself every few months to re-charge. Unfortunately, I still suffered from Wednesday blue last night when it dawned on me that I am starting work today. Lol.
Mummy Lim
The day turned out fantastic. I accompanied Daddy Lim for bfast and he dropped me at Joon Koon MRT at about 7am. I took the train to JP and had a quiet and slow bfast at Mac while reading the papers. I heard that the M1 network was down but luckily the 3G/ 4G was still working and I “chatted” with the ladies via watsapp, sharing my thoughts and feel, without literally having to talk. I was lazy to talk yday. I found talking a chore.
I had some time to burn and ended up sitting by Centris poolside while I blogged and called up some childcare centers. I also spent some time praying but didn't have an answer. The weather couldn't be better. It was sunny yet the cool breeze surrounded me. I could have sat there for like forever but soon realized that it was almost time for my appointment. I had thought that the 4 hours would be difficult to burn only to realize that great time flies by.
I spent the next 3 hours at the salon. While the lady pampers me, I browse through 3 magazines and let my thoughts rest. It was a relaxing 3 hours.
Then I took a train to Jem and did some shopping. Unfortunately and fortunately, I wasn't in a shopping mood and didn't end up with too many purchases. I left Jem at about 4pm and decided to head home. I had an ice cream on my way home before flopping on the sofa watching Korean drama, munching tidbits and drinking coffee. That peacefulness was divine.
That was when I realized that I haven’t done this for many moons. Annual leave is too precious in my eyes for doing nothing or to be spent solely on just myself. After spending 34 years, coming 35 years, I am still so stingy on myself. Unless I have errands to run, otherwise leave are kept for precious holiday trips. Even when I am on leave, I spent whatever pockets of free time with the kids, helping Popo to offload. I always feel guilty to be enjoying myself on my off days while Popo still help me to look after the kids. It feels great to be selfish sometimes. I think I should do this for myself every few months to re-charge. Unfortunately, I still suffered from Wednesday blue last night when it dawned on me that I am starting work today. Lol.
Mummy Lim
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Zoo
Upset as I was, we did head to the zoo eventually to meet Auntie H and booboo, just me and the kids. I still headed out eventually cos the kids were so bored at home. I was hiding in the room, Lil Shauna was watching TV and Lil Isaac was hugging the iPad and could probably continue for a long time if I don't stop him. And if we continued to stay at home, there wasn't much in my room to entertain the kids.
In fact, I had made arrangement to go to the zoo. Despite being kept up by a nasty dry cough the night before, I woke up at 6 am to send Daddy Lim to work so that we have the car for the day. The sky was still dark when I drove back. The roads have changed and there were quite some heavy vehicles. It was a stressful experience but I am proud to bring sixty back in one big piece.
I drove the kids to the zoo and the drive wasn't that bad. I made sure that they were comfortable and the right show was on the screen before starting the ride. The kids cooperated and were well entertained by their show. It was a little challenging at the zoo car park though. I hate crowded car parks. They add stress on to my already lousy parking skills. Luckily we found a lot and there wasn't any moving car while I attempted to park. After several attempts, Sixty was finally safe!
The kids looked at some animals and fed the giraffes before heading to the kids play area. There, they took the merry go round.
I have no idea why Lil Shauna chose a frog when there were so many other nicer looking animals. Lil Isaac said that he was riding a dinosaur, which also happened to be his pet. Lol.
They rode the pony too.
Then finally the Horse carriage. The uncle looks pretty bored though.
But the kids were thrilled.
Then water play before we left the zoo at 4 pm.
The drive back wasn't too tough too. I didn't want to go home and ended up bringing the kids to the Burger King at Arena for an early dinner while waiting for Daddy Lim. Then, we went to the yard to pick him up and even said hello to his colleagues, my ex-colleagues.
Well, at least the kids enjoyed themselves. It is not right for them to be caught in adults' quarrel.
Mummy Lim
In fact, I had made arrangement to go to the zoo. Despite being kept up by a nasty dry cough the night before, I woke up at 6 am to send Daddy Lim to work so that we have the car for the day. The sky was still dark when I drove back. The roads have changed and there were quite some heavy vehicles. It was a stressful experience but I am proud to bring sixty back in one big piece.
The kids looked at some animals and fed the giraffes before heading to the kids play area. There, they took the merry go round.
They rode the pony too.
Well, at least the kids enjoyed themselves. It is not right for them to be caught in adults' quarrel.
Mummy Lim
Another Mega Quarrel
It is a bad, bad CNY. Didnt i just blog that the year must get better? Haiz. I had another major quarrel with Popo yday.
Popo had been in a foul mood the entire CNY. I could live with her craziness on CNY eve knowing that non-routine upsets her. However, she doubled her dosage comes Chu Er after she came home in the morning after an entire night at the casino with my grandma. To begin with, I already expected her to disappear that night and wasnt at all pinning any hope of relying on her the following day. I had been thinking of bringing the kids to USS after Daddy Lim knocked off that afternoon.
Her nonsense started with the usual crazy demands of washing hands and changing clothes, which I already tried my very best to acommodate. The whole time that we were home with her in the mornings, she is always doing some washing or wiping or duno what. Though irked, i shut up. Kids are my responsibility after all and it is right that I take care of them. Then she upped her power and added in sacastic remarks, such as "我上辈子欠你们的" when the kids messed up or just plain nasty comments when the kids dirtied their clothes. For Saturday and Sunday, I tolerated all her nonsense and tiptoed as much as possible in the house. Yet, that doesnt seem to please her or sooth whatever that irritated her. Yes, I have totally no idea what made her mood that foul.
Bcos she was in such foul mood, I didnt dare to even tell her that we made plans to meet Auntie H and booboo in the zoo on Monday. I woke up to her yelling at Lil Shauna who attempted to reach for the tatoo stickers on the shelf with her pink ikea chair. I did tell her that we were going to the zoo before I started getting ready.
I finally blew when her nonsense continued and she got mad at Lil Isaac who wanted mummy to change him or something. I asked her what exactly caused her to react so badly throughout CNY holidays and what exactly she wanted. That was when she accused me of giving her black face after she came back from the casino and I supposed she was retaliating back. I really lost my cool. To begin with, I swear that I have nothing against that casino trip. I didnt pin my hope on relying on her afterall. Thus I didnt at all in any intention to show her black face. I was so pissed that I was being accused at something that I didnt do. And to think that I had been tolerating her over 2 days, acceeding to her whims and fancy. I was very, very upset.
Then the usual $ issue got dragged into the quarrel. Regardless of how much I gave her, she is never satisfied and I think I gave her pretty fairly. At times like this, I really want her out of my life. I did hold my tongue this time but the usual emo threats about her shifting out to stay on her own if I dare send my kids to the child care and how we used to beg her to come stay with us and now abandoning her after using her came in.
It is one of those major quarrels that set me thinking again. Things are not healthy. The kids watched us quarrel and these quarrels simply spoilt the relationship and it seems like one-sided (read: me) trying to give in and accommodate. Yet bcos I am going out of my way, I burst every other few months when I trapped so much that I can no longer bear.
I am thinking if we should really send the kids to the childcare. We could ask my MIL to help or rehire a maid. But that is outrightly chasing my mum away. Moreover, my MIL could be another monster that we are inviting into our lives. My mum could continue to stay in our house if she wanted to after we send our kids to the childcare but we are indirectly implying for her to carry put her threats. It is sad but my life is tipsy topsy bcos of her now and I dont want to care anymore if she would shift or back to my brother's place or how pitiful it is for her to stay out on her own.
I even called up childcare to check for vacancy yday. She has pushed me to this corner. I dont like to be taken for granted and I felt this way now. It is like I am never good enuff. Maybe it would do us good to live apart. My only worry now is to get the kids to adapt to childcare if we really send them to one. I spoke to Lil Shauna and she said that she doesnt want to go to one. She is old enough to know what is a childcare. Lil Isaac will be worse. He hasnt even been adapting to the school that he has attended for the last 1 year. I need lots of prayer. God tells me what to do. Sob.
Mummy Lim
Popo had been in a foul mood the entire CNY. I could live with her craziness on CNY eve knowing that non-routine upsets her. However, she doubled her dosage comes Chu Er after she came home in the morning after an entire night at the casino with my grandma. To begin with, I already expected her to disappear that night and wasnt at all pinning any hope of relying on her the following day. I had been thinking of bringing the kids to USS after Daddy Lim knocked off that afternoon.
Her nonsense started with the usual crazy demands of washing hands and changing clothes, which I already tried my very best to acommodate. The whole time that we were home with her in the mornings, she is always doing some washing or wiping or duno what. Though irked, i shut up. Kids are my responsibility after all and it is right that I take care of them. Then she upped her power and added in sacastic remarks, such as "我上辈子欠你们的" when the kids messed up or just plain nasty comments when the kids dirtied their clothes. For Saturday and Sunday, I tolerated all her nonsense and tiptoed as much as possible in the house. Yet, that doesnt seem to please her or sooth whatever that irritated her. Yes, I have totally no idea what made her mood that foul.
Bcos she was in such foul mood, I didnt dare to even tell her that we made plans to meet Auntie H and booboo in the zoo on Monday. I woke up to her yelling at Lil Shauna who attempted to reach for the tatoo stickers on the shelf with her pink ikea chair. I did tell her that we were going to the zoo before I started getting ready.
I finally blew when her nonsense continued and she got mad at Lil Isaac who wanted mummy to change him or something. I asked her what exactly caused her to react so badly throughout CNY holidays and what exactly she wanted. That was when she accused me of giving her black face after she came back from the casino and I supposed she was retaliating back. I really lost my cool. To begin with, I swear that I have nothing against that casino trip. I didnt pin my hope on relying on her afterall. Thus I didnt at all in any intention to show her black face. I was so pissed that I was being accused at something that I didnt do. And to think that I had been tolerating her over 2 days, acceeding to her whims and fancy. I was very, very upset.
Then the usual $ issue got dragged into the quarrel. Regardless of how much I gave her, she is never satisfied and I think I gave her pretty fairly. At times like this, I really want her out of my life. I did hold my tongue this time but the usual emo threats about her shifting out to stay on her own if I dare send my kids to the child care and how we used to beg her to come stay with us and now abandoning her after using her came in.
It is one of those major quarrels that set me thinking again. Things are not healthy. The kids watched us quarrel and these quarrels simply spoilt the relationship and it seems like one-sided (read: me) trying to give in and accommodate. Yet bcos I am going out of my way, I burst every other few months when I trapped so much that I can no longer bear.
I am thinking if we should really send the kids to the childcare. We could ask my MIL to help or rehire a maid. But that is outrightly chasing my mum away. Moreover, my MIL could be another monster that we are inviting into our lives. My mum could continue to stay in our house if she wanted to after we send our kids to the childcare but we are indirectly implying for her to carry put her threats. It is sad but my life is tipsy topsy bcos of her now and I dont want to care anymore if she would shift or back to my brother's place or how pitiful it is for her to stay out on her own.
I even called up childcare to check for vacancy yday. She has pushed me to this corner. I dont like to be taken for granted and I felt this way now. It is like I am never good enuff. Maybe it would do us good to live apart. My only worry now is to get the kids to adapt to childcare if we really send them to one. I spoke to Lil Shauna and she said that she doesnt want to go to one. She is old enough to know what is a childcare. Lil Isaac will be worse. He hasnt even been adapting to the school that he has attended for the last 1 year. I need lots of prayer. God tells me what to do. Sob.
Mummy Lim
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Better Do Better
Our CNY wasnt the most fantastic. We had to constantly find things to entertain the 2 kids. Other than the visitations on Chu Yi, it didnt quite feel like CNY.
On Chu Er, we went to USS, just like any of the Saturdays. We went in the afternoon after Daddy Lim came back from work and I dont think I need to tell you how merciless the kids were to their poor mother at home. Lol.
USS was very crowded. Apparently, we werent the only ones without much visitations to do on CNY. We didnt catch that many rides bcos there were long q everywhere. The kids were also uncooperative to my request for family picture and so Daddy Lim and me self entertained.
I did manage to get one with the pretty girl while waiting for the Shrek show.
Today, we had wanted to go to church. Luckily, i checked the website only to find that there was only 1 combined service and no Sunday school. The worst?! Daddy Lim came down with stomach flu! I dont know if he caught the virus from us when we have all recovered about a week ago or was it the improper cooking from the steamboat. I am just praying that nobody will be coming down with the virus.
After another round of torture at home this morning by the kids, Daddy Lim finally came home from work and we brought the kids to West Coast park for some scooting fun. We also rented this "go-kart" for the adult without wheels.
So, our CNY had been ordinary. I am bringing the kids to the zoo tomorrow and meeting Auntie H and booboo at the zoo. I hope we had better fun tomorrow. I would be driving and hopefully no extra white hair from the stress. Lol. For some reason, Popo seems to be in bad mood these few days as well. Her face was super black and she was complaining and complaining out loud when we came home from scooting this evening. I didnt even dare to tell her about the plans for tomorrow. Arrghhh.
The start of the horse year hasnt been fantastic so we better do better! Gong Xi Fa Cai.
Mummy Lim
On Chu Er, we went to USS, just like any of the Saturdays. We went in the afternoon after Daddy Lim came back from work and I dont think I need to tell you how merciless the kids were to their poor mother at home. Lol.
USS was very crowded. Apparently, we werent the only ones without much visitations to do on CNY. We didnt catch that many rides bcos there were long q everywhere. The kids were also uncooperative to my request for family picture and so Daddy Lim and me self entertained.
I did manage to get one with the pretty girl while waiting for the Shrek show.
Today, we had wanted to go to church. Luckily, i checked the website only to find that there was only 1 combined service and no Sunday school. The worst?! Daddy Lim came down with stomach flu! I dont know if he caught the virus from us when we have all recovered about a week ago or was it the improper cooking from the steamboat. I am just praying that nobody will be coming down with the virus.
After another round of torture at home this morning by the kids, Daddy Lim finally came home from work and we brought the kids to West Coast park for some scooting fun. We also rented this "go-kart" for the adult without wheels.
So, our CNY had been ordinary. I am bringing the kids to the zoo tomorrow and meeting Auntie H and booboo at the zoo. I hope we had better fun tomorrow. I would be driving and hopefully no extra white hair from the stress. Lol. For some reason, Popo seems to be in bad mood these few days as well. Her face was super black and she was complaining and complaining out loud when we came home from scooting this evening. I didnt even dare to tell her about the plans for tomorrow. Arrghhh.
The start of the horse year hasnt been fantastic so we better do better! Gong Xi Fa Cai.
Mummy Lim
Happy CNY
I think we are probably the one of the most ill-prepared family for CNY. All I managed to do was to buy new clothes for the kids and got the ang baos ready. In our house, there was no major spring cleaning, no CNY decoration and no CNY goodies. We didn't even have time to buy goodies for family and went empty-handed to relatives' place. Even the mandarin oranges were ka-por from Daddy Lim's company. What a shame! I would like to blame that all on Daddy Lim's night shift, which ended just one week before CNY. By the time life goes back to normal, everywhere was crawling with people and we did what we could in preparation for CNY, which was almost nothing. Lol.
To me, CNY this year is both good and bad. I had a long break, which starts from CNY eve to Tuesday. I was so looking forward to the long break. Don't envy me too much bcos unfortunately, school is also off for about the same period short of Tuesday and Daddy Lim had to work throughout except for Chu Yi. It is no joke stuck at home with 2 bored kids while waiting for Daddy Lim to be home from work so that we could go out.
Things weren't the best on CNY eve bcos there was a Reunion Dinner, which is a big thing and it is something that isn't part of routine, which didn't go well with Popo. However, we all tried our best to stay calm - nobody wanted to quarrel during CNY. Nevertheless, the spread was wonderful and I was drooling while waiting for Daddy Lim to join us after he got off work at 3pm. This is also the 1st year that ah yee didn't join us for reunion dinner and we did miss her plenty, especially when the leftover food stared at us in the face. Lol. She did dial back via Skype and we had her on the mini iPad throughout the dinner. It was 8.30am in France and poor her was trying to fight hunger while she watched us pigged out. She said that she had prepared to do steamboat with C too in the evening, but dinner was a long way to go for her. Lol. I also enjoyed the many CNY goodies at my brother's place. Hehe. CNY is definitely not a nice pal of my almost-not-there waistline.
After Reunion "dinner" at Centris, we rushed off to Daddy Lim's aunt's house for round 2 of Reunion dinner. We had more steamboat. The kids and I could hardly stomach more and had to appoint Daddy Lim as the representative to tuck in more steamboat on our behalf. It had been a long time since we last saw his extended family - the last CNY to be exact. I think we should find time this year to gather more with his extended family. I think it is very sad to meet family only once a year.
Auntie E, who is currently a kindergarten teacher braided Lil Shauna's hair and was jokingly telling her not to wash her hair that night. Lil Shauna took it pretty seriously and almost put up a fight when I had to shower her that night until I promised that I would do the same thing for CNY. I had a "crash course" looking at Auntie E while she was braiding Lil Shauna's hair and was secretly hoping that things would work out the next morning.
On Chu Yi, I did manage to braid Lil Shauna's hair. Though not perfect, I think it could be considered as great work for a 1st timer. More importantly, the princess was happy and I take that as a good pass. Lol.
I was happy too that my eyebrow worked out fine. Hehe. Though still dark, at least I no longer looked like la bi xiao xin.
We tried to get the kids to all take a picture together. Unfortunately, they weren't too cooperative.
The family picture also didn't turn out too well. Chey.
The kids were in Korean style this year.
We went to my Dad's eldest brother's place and then to my grandma's place after gathering at my brother's place in the morning. We saw these relatives once a year as well and I had wanted to get one of my cousin's hp number but forgotten after busily chasing the kids. I used to be very close to my paternal cousins. Every year during CNY visitation, I always felt sad that we only meet once a year after my grandma's death. I thought it would be great if we could all start connecting online and start fb-ing or something. I wonder if I could get her number without too much trouble or to wait until the next CNY. Hmmm...
We headed to nainia's place for more steamboat in the pm and that was about all the CNY visitations that we had to do. We even found time to do swimming in the late evening. This CNY holiday is a little too long in my perspective. I think maybe we could plan a holiday next year. Otherwise, to at least plan for more visitations to slot in next year.
Mummy Lim
To me, CNY this year is both good and bad. I had a long break, which starts from CNY eve to Tuesday. I was so looking forward to the long break. Don't envy me too much bcos unfortunately, school is also off for about the same period short of Tuesday and Daddy Lim had to work throughout except for Chu Yi. It is no joke stuck at home with 2 bored kids while waiting for Daddy Lim to be home from work so that we could go out.
Things weren't the best on CNY eve bcos there was a Reunion Dinner, which is a big thing and it is something that isn't part of routine, which didn't go well with Popo. However, we all tried our best to stay calm - nobody wanted to quarrel during CNY. Nevertheless, the spread was wonderful and I was drooling while waiting for Daddy Lim to join us after he got off work at 3pm. This is also the 1st year that ah yee didn't join us for reunion dinner and we did miss her plenty, especially when the leftover food stared at us in the face. Lol. She did dial back via Skype and we had her on the mini iPad throughout the dinner. It was 8.30am in France and poor her was trying to fight hunger while she watched us pigged out. She said that she had prepared to do steamboat with C too in the evening, but dinner was a long way to go for her. Lol. I also enjoyed the many CNY goodies at my brother's place. Hehe. CNY is definitely not a nice pal of my almost-not-there waistline.
After Reunion "dinner" at Centris, we rushed off to Daddy Lim's aunt's house for round 2 of Reunion dinner. We had more steamboat. The kids and I could hardly stomach more and had to appoint Daddy Lim as the representative to tuck in more steamboat on our behalf. It had been a long time since we last saw his extended family - the last CNY to be exact. I think we should find time this year to gather more with his extended family. I think it is very sad to meet family only once a year.
Auntie E, who is currently a kindergarten teacher braided Lil Shauna's hair and was jokingly telling her not to wash her hair that night. Lil Shauna took it pretty seriously and almost put up a fight when I had to shower her that night until I promised that I would do the same thing for CNY. I had a "crash course" looking at Auntie E while she was braiding Lil Shauna's hair and was secretly hoping that things would work out the next morning.
On Chu Yi, I did manage to braid Lil Shauna's hair. Though not perfect, I think it could be considered as great work for a 1st timer. More importantly, the princess was happy and I take that as a good pass. Lol.
I was happy too that my eyebrow worked out fine. Hehe. Though still dark, at least I no longer looked like la bi xiao xin.
We tried to get the kids to all take a picture together. Unfortunately, they weren't too cooperative.
The family picture also didn't turn out too well. Chey.
The kids were in Korean style this year.
We went to my Dad's eldest brother's place and then to my grandma's place after gathering at my brother's place in the morning. We saw these relatives once a year as well and I had wanted to get one of my cousin's hp number but forgotten after busily chasing the kids. I used to be very close to my paternal cousins. Every year during CNY visitation, I always felt sad that we only meet once a year after my grandma's death. I thought it would be great if we could all start connecting online and start fb-ing or something. I wonder if I could get her number without too much trouble or to wait until the next CNY. Hmmm...
We headed to nainia's place for more steamboat in the pm and that was about all the CNY visitations that we had to do. We even found time to do swimming in the late evening. This CNY holiday is a little too long in my perspective. I think maybe we could plan a holiday next year. Otherwise, to at least plan for more visitations to slot in next year.
Mummy Lim
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