Grading Test

About 3 weeks back, one of the Masters informed me that Lil Isaac was ready for grading test. I was very surprised. It had afterall been only 2 months since we started TWD. I thought I heard wrongly and double confirmed with another Master. Their heavily Korean-accent English was so tough to understand. Come to think of it, there weren't really much taught in white belt class. I always see Lil Isaac do the same few strokes in class and they aren't that hard for a 5-YO to learn.

After the double confirmation, I paid $50 for Lil Isaac's grading test this morning, 9am at the center at Bukit Timah shopping center. I was told that the test wouldnt take very long.

We took a cab to the venue. By the time we arrived, about 10 mins before 9am, many other students were already there. Some of the masters helped to make sure that the kids were properly attired before the kids made their way into the school. Parents were not allowed into the school and I was worried that Lil Isaac would start crying but he did good. He saw some familiar faces from his class too.

The school probably tied up with the cafe/ mini indoor playground beside. A projector screen was set up and many parents gathered, quite some had a cuppa - good business for the cafe.  We had a good view of what took place within the center.

At about 9am, the masters performed some drill that looked tough. Then there were also some good smashing of planks. In one of the acts, Master David, the young and handsome master of Lil Isaac, jumped off the wall to kick some plank. Lil Isaac declared after the test that Master David is now his favourite master. Lol.

The grading test began after the drill, starting with the white belt. The 1st group of probably 8 looked really young. One of them decided to freeze for a good time until the master encouraged him to move. His parents must had seem their $50 flew away as he played statue. Haha.

I think Lil Isaac was in the 2nd group. If the person whom I think was him is indeed him, then I think he did great. Back row, 1st pax. Is that him?

He was ready to go after his test that barely took 2 mins. He was standing at the door when I went back. He was really excited to tell me about the drill and about how Master David jumped off the wall. Lol. I think he is very inspired.

After the test, we took another taxi to Clementi Mall for Mac bfast. Ah, I do miss junk food.

 The boy was so cheeky but I had much more patience for the kids after the week's rest. We even had time for ice cream before church.

Look at his cheeky face! I totally enjoyed the time alone with the boy.

Results will be out in 2 weeks. Lil Isaac claimed that he did well and have passed the test. Let's see. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Thoughts after the Geneva Trip

After 14 hours of flight, I was finally home yday evening. The kids picked me from the airport and you cannot imagine how much I missed them. I missed home very much. The trip seemed eternity and I was yearning to come home.

I had a great time with ah yee. We didn't manage to spend a lot of time together but took the effort to wake up slightly earlier every day so that we could have a morning cup of coffee/ tea and bfast together. Ah yee said that she had a fantastic time by herself too. I couldn't be more glad. She has always been really independent. 

On Wednesday, it was finally a free night and I had dinner with her. We took a train to town and looked for a Korean restaurant that she had Googled earlier.  She was dying to eat Korean food. The dinner was well-deserved bcos we walked very long in search for it. Lol.

Ah yee left on Thursday morning. On Thursday night, I turned on all the light when I went to bed. The TV was on the whole night too. Lol. Though without ah yee, my bfast didn't turn out too sad. I love bread.

Ah yee looked great. She took great care of me. I had hot coffee every morning after I brushed my teeth. The short time of being a wife has definitely trained her well. Lucky C. I hoped the trip has given her renew energy, back in Paris, to tackle the new chapter of new house. 

I didn't talk much to the kids over the week. I managed to watsapp call with them twice. They didn't seem very interested to talk to me though. Chey! At least I managed to text Daddy Lim as and when. Thank you technology!  

Jetlag was non-existent. I went to bed when it was bedtime last night. No problem. Lol. I think the trip was a great break from the kids too. I thought I sensed renewed energy and patience for the kids. Daddy Lim said that the kids were very much manageable when I was away. They went to bed no later than 9.30pm. 

Now that I am back, all is good. Thank you bb, for making dual roles in my absence. Muaks.

Mummy Lim

Meeting Ah Yee in Geneva

After checking into the hotel, I met my colleagues at the lobby at 10am. They had wanted to go to town for lunch, while I wanted to go to the airport to meet ah yee, who was arriving at 12 noon. Then, it was waiting for even more people and it was about 11am when we returned to the airport.

I saw the all important revolving door where I was supposed to meet ah yee. It was the same door where we met her last year. 

I had an hour to waste and ended up walking the few shops in the airport and train station. It brought back so many memories! I walked the same shops with Daddy Lim and the kids almost a year back! The same pastry shelf in the same Migros supermarket.

I was so hungry and bought the same bacon pastry that I found so tasty a year back.

Yum!

After walking that same few shops many times, I finally spotted ah yee! I was so super excited to see her.

With her hand trolley, we headed for lunch in town. It was pretty decent and tasty. I saw her order food in French and I am impressed! She was so humble and said that it was basic French but it sounded great to me.

After lunch, we basically strolled and talked and caught up. The weather was fantastic; cool and nice.  We spent almost an hour waking but literally no sweat. We visited places that I have never visited before.

We finally sat down for a coffee outdoor to fantastic views. Ah... life is great.

We headed back to the hotel and I took a nap while waiting for dinner. I was way too tired and ordered food service. Food came, I gobbled up and actually went back to sleep. Ha!

My meeting starts on Monday. How I wish it is a real holiday.

Mummy Lim

Geneva on My Own

I had been reminding the kids that I would be heading to Geneva for work and the day had finally arrived. Saturday was spent sending kids to classes as usual. I was feeling jittery as the day passed. It had been almost 2 years since I last traveled alone. Then, it it was also to Geneva.

When it was time, I almost didn't want to leave them. Lil Shauna was still down with fever and Lil Isaac was tired from flu as well as a full day's activity. Boo. Unfortunately, I didn't have a choice. I missed them already while in the cab on the way to the airport. I watsapp ah yee, who comforted that I would feel better the moment I am in the plane. I hope so.

I met up with my colleagues in the airport but didn't eventually sit with them as we all checked in at the different time. Time at the airport passed quickly too, part shopping, part discussing work.

I should have asked for an aisle seat but I didn't and ended up in the middle of a 4-seater. A Singaporean was beside me and he had to stand up whenever I needed out. To reduce inconveniences, whenever he visited the washroom, I would too or just stretched my legs and spare my butt the torture even if I didn't needed the washroom. My butt is probably so much flatter after the 12 hours flight. Ouch!

The flight was alright. I was indeed feeling better by the time the plane took off. In that 12 and 1/2 hr flight, I watch 2.5 movie and spent the rest of the time (about 6ish hours) in between sleeping and waking. The economy seat, sandwiched between 2 strangers isn't the most comfortable. At certain point, while I was drifting to lala land, the turbulence was bad but fortunately, I will too tired to mind them.

We arrived Zurich at 6.10am Switzerland time, which is 6 hrs behind Singapore before transiting to Geneva. See how tired I was!

Nice views greeted us as we waited for the transit.

For the transit flight, I had a whole row of 3 seats to myself but the flight was only for 30 mins and I didn't really managed to sleep.

After almost 15 hours of flight and transit, we finally arrived safely in Geneva!

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 21

We went ahead with the lesson despite Lil Shauna was down with fever. Bad mummy. I don't know how do the make-up classes work. Me going away for work. The whole of next week didn't help. Aiyo, what a time. Zzzzzz.

The fever went down after her medicine and she didn't look too bad. I was worried that she would be cold in the train and tried keeping her warm.

At least she still has energy to entertain me with crazy shots.

She still had an appetite too and we had Mac for bfast before heading for classes.

The q was impossibly long even before the counter opens for tickets. I think at least 2 secondary school classes took advantage of the free entry and had their school excursion in the rink.

I told Lil Shauna that we could skip practice today and she could just head for class. She wanted to, so that she would be able to perform better in class. Awww... We didn't practice much though. There was way too many people in the rink and the poor girl complained of headache soon after we started.

Class was very much of a torture (or so I imagined). She didn't perform well of course. I never wish so hard for her class to be over quickly. She looked so tired.

She did learn new stuff today. I shall practice with her when I am back. Rest well baby. 

Mummy Lim

One More Down

Lil Isaac is finally free from fever since yday. What is left is just plenty of phlegm and a very whinny kid, like how they always are when recovering. But at least there is no more fever and I didn't have to worry that it is something more than a flu. He missed quite some school and classes as a result and we busied ourselves with make-up classes.

At the back of my mind, I had been wondering if Lil Shauna would catch the virus. I was keeping my fingers crossed. Just when all seemed to be good, Lil Shauna started whimpering like a puppy in the middle of last night and complained of pain behind the knee. The pain was soothed with some yoko yoko. This morning, she woke me up and complained of headache and backache. She always complained of headache when she has a fever. Oh no...

She measured 37.7 degrees and her temperature slowly climbed. She has ice skating class, followed by phonics class in the afternoon. I dread the thought of more makeup classes.

Eventually, I gave her medicine and we continued with ice skating class. Her fever came back up just before her class but she pressed on. Poor girl.

She was way too tired to continue with her phonics. She had wanted to press on bcos it then meant that we could meet up with Boo boo in the afternoon. However, the body is weak and she eventually chose to go home to rest instead.

I hope she feels better with the rest. I hope even more that her fever will break soon. Why both kids have to fall sick when I am going away? It will be hard on Popo and Daddy Lim. Popo had been complaining to me. What can I do? Sob. Oh ya, I just at least I could go to the pharmacy to stock up the medicine.

Mummy Lim

Poor Zaky, Bad Mummy

Years back, whenever we were about to go on a holiday, one or both the kids must fall sick and it would usually be fever. Most of the time, except once, they recovered in time but the parents always worried sick that the fever wouldn't break before the trip. It is no fun dragging a sick kid around on holiday.  The only one time that we didnt make it was to Genting with my brother's family (I think). It was before Lil Isaac's time and Lil Shauna contracted a viral fever. She was burning with over 38 degrees fever and we had to forego the trip.

The must-fall-sick-before-holiday spell self-dissolved as the kids grew older. Let's not jinx it but it had been a couple of years and all went fine.

I would be leaving for Geneva this Saturday night. Though it wasn't the kids' trip, Lil Isaac fell sick. He came down with a fever on Monday afternoon without any other obvious ailments. His fever peaked at night but broke when he was given the fever medicine. He went to school as usual on Tuesday. Popo called me to tell me to inform the school that Lil Isaac would skip the music enrichment class, so that he could take the school bus home. I got caught in back-to-back meetings and didn't manage to call the school in time. In the evening, I was told that the boy was lethargic by the time that he was home. He even told the teacher that he wanted to skip music class but was denied. His teacher probably thought that he was trying to be funny. Poor boy.

He was given medicine in the early afternoon. He felt warm to touch and a little tired but otherwise alright. I also read in the papers that same morning about how fever is the body auto mechanism to fight infection and there are many possible reasons for fever. So, there is no need to intentionally give fever medicine to bring down the fever unless it is to make the child feel comfortable. If the fever persists for many days then it is necessary to seek medical attention to rule out more serious problems.

Lil Isaac went to bed on Tuesday without another dose of medicine. In the middle of the night, I woke up to a very warm Lil Isaac. I struggled about giving him medicine until I realised that he measured 39 degrees! There was no way that I could go back to sleep knowing that he was burning hot. I gave him another dose of medicine. This morning, he was still feeling warm.

I told Popo that we should bring him to the doctor in the evening if his fever still comes back. I rather do it soon then fly off leaving a sick boy behind. I called after work and Lil Isaac was still feverish. It waz time for the doctor.

We sent Lil Shauna to Maths class. Then Daddy Lim went to my brother's place to pick the little boy to some clinic in Clementi while I ran errands. I had a few things to buy for the upcoming trip and also to do grocery so that the would be supplies at home when I am not around.

The GP said that it is a viral fever. Daddy Lim then picked me from Clementi Mall before we turn back to pick Lil Shauna. By the time they got me, Lil Isaac had fell asleep in the car. He was that tired. We showered him when home but he fell back to sleep very shortly. Poor boy.

I hope his fever will break soon and he would be fine by the time I have to leave.

Mummy Lim

Ju Shin Jung

I am not a foodie. In fact, I battle with food since who-know-when so that I wouldn't grow too fat. Zzzzz.  Food is for survival. I am happy to just settle my meals in food courts and fast food joints. I don't need fancy food and wonders why would people runs half the island or q for hours for that food. Daddy Lim isn't a foodie either but loves the occasional good food.

In recent months, I think I have researched too much about Korea such that I was actually craving for Korean bbq. Meat! Daddy Lim never says no when I suggest to go for good food. Lol.

So yday evening, we headed down to Ju Shin Jung along West Coast Road. We were nearby at West Coast Plaza, where Lil Isaac had his Taekwondo class. We had went past this restaurant a couple of times and it always show up whenever I tried to Google about kids' friendly restaurant. We finally made a trip.

The restaurant opens at 6pm for dinner but we were allowed to be seated and wait at about 5.45pm. The kids were overjoyed to find a mini playground within the restaurant filled with ball pit. No wonder it is supposed to be kids friendly. We were given a seat directly facing the playground so that we could eye power the kids. So thoughtful of the staff.

We had intended to do the Korean bbq buffet only to find that Lil Shauna had to pay adult price of $38++ bcos she is slightly over 120cm. Win already. Child's price is at $19++. We ended up with the family set for 2 to 3 pax instead at $129++. The set comes with some pork belly with mushroom, a selection of beef dish, a bottle of rice wine, a soup and side dishes.

While waiting for the main course, we were served with a whole table of replenishable side dishes. Look at how happy the man was. Lol.

We attacked the sides while the kids played in the playground. There was no need to top up the sides as there were so much food! Finally, the mains.

The waitress would do the bbq for us. I could hear the pork belly calling my name.

The kids came back for dinner when the pork and beef were cooked. The kids didn't enjoy dinner as much as we did. I didn't check and ordered a spicy soup. The kids ended up eating dry rice with bbq beef. They would prefer the playground anytime but still had a good amount of dinner bcos we told them that it was good practice for Korea. Lol.

The kids were back in the playground playing with other kids while their parents continued to pig in. After "clearing" a fair amount of the sides, the mushrooms, the pork bellies, the soup and a whole mountain of beef, Daddy Lim and I were bursting. There were simply too much food! I was so full even until the time I go to bed. We joked that we could only do this once in a long while.

So our verdict as non-foodies? The indoor playground helps greatly to entertain the kids and give us peace to eat. The pork was a little dry but the beef was tasty. The next time (which I don't know when) we go back, we could skip the family set and opted for ala carte instead. There was way too much in the family set for the 2 of us. The soup was great but but we should have checked and ordered something non-spicy. Non-foodies epic fail in good food restaurant. Haha. Nevertheless, overall, I would think that it is a thumbs-up.

While tucking in, I was reminded that I should get my Korean colleague to help me pen down in Korean that Lil Isaac is allergic to nuts and "non-spicy" in Korean. That could save us a lot of heartache when we are in Korea. Also, I predicted that there would be plenty of food boo-boos in Korea and have added "bread" in my packing list. I am quite sure we could find plenty of bread and biscuits in Korea convenient stores but just in case of emergency. I was suddenly reminded of our 1st trip 2 years back. The kids took a day or 2 to get used to Korean food and was almost eating none on the 1st day. We had to load them with so much snacks - biscuits, sweets and chocolates - anything that could give them the calories so that they don't starve. Korea! The tot makes me happy. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 20

After 1 week's off from the ice, we are back for lessons. I had thought that Lil Shauna would would be "rusty" but it didn't take very long for her to warm up. The rink was super crowded bcos it was free entry for secondary school kids. I think I saw an entire class having their outing in the rink.

We saw Teacher Raymond before class and asked him about the competition only to find out that the we missed the closing date. Chey. We were excited for a while.  Nevertheless, there would be other chances in the future.

Other than ice skating, Lil Shauna was also given a task. She was to at least speak to Teacher Raymond 3x. I found out not too long ago that she doesn't speak during her enrichment classes! She kept defending that she's too shy but I don't think she should hide behind that wall and keep playing mute in classes. She would be rewarded with sticker in her special sticker book if she did speak. The stickers accumulated can be used in exchange for purchases.

Class went well, no new moves but combinations and this and that and practice and practice.  She went over to the cornered off section for practice before class bcos the main rink was too crowded. Then, realised that she could skate and Walt jump all over the rink and was so excited over her new ability. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Years Later, Same Struggle

About 2 years back, Lil Shauna was promoted to Liftoff and was 1st introduced to spelling. I remembered that she had just started K1. It was a painful experience and we struggled through spelling. There were weeks that I yelled at her in anger and pulled hair when she cannot remember the words even when they are super simple words (in my opinion lah). I ended up giving up during those weeks and she came home with horrible marks even though she had tried her best. 

I also came to realize that some things just come with age. Miraculously, spelling became so much easier in the 2nd half of that year and it was literally no sweat.  That was the case even when her kindergarten also started spelling and ting xie. Those from school were chicken feet to her. Now, learning spelling and ting xie is still such a breeze. Lil Shauna is independent and I merely have to test her.

Two years later and it is now Lil Isaac’s turn. Lil Isaac was recently promoted to Liftoff. At about the same time, his kindy also started spelling and ting xi but the words are fairly simple and mostly phonics words. LCentral started testing him on spelling 2 weeks back too. I knew he had to learn to spell 10 sight words per week but didn't know that he would be tested until a few days ago. To my horror, he only managed 4 out of 10 words in the 1st week. Last week, he didn't manage any! 

Last night, we grilled him big time on the LC spelling and I was half yelling at him, half pulling hair. How come it all seems so familiar? Lol. We finally learnt all the 10 words but I seriously aren’t sure how much he can remember. This is on top of the 4 spelling words that he given by kindy and will be tested today. He gets so easily distracted and can go on to tell a story about a word that he is supposed to spell. He narrate his story so well but cannot remember how to spell the word! Arrgghhhh!

Bcos there are so many spelling and ting xie to learn, we have to split up the words and learn a few each day. This is the toughest period with Lil Shauna and I bet it would be worse with the little boy. I hope it comes with age as well. 

Mummy Lim

SG50

Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, I realised that we would be in time to catch the national day parade! We settled down just in time for the parade.

This is probably the 3rd or 4th time catching the parade on TV since the kids came along. But the 1st time that Lil Shauna was able to appreciate it. She learnt a lot about the nation and her bday in primary school. Lil Shauna even stood in attention to sing the national anthem and recite the pledge with the rest of the nation.

Lil Isaac is only interested in the boy's things like the tanks, air planes etc. We could actually see the Black Hawk fly pass our estate! Daddy Lim and the kids trying to catch a glimpse of them.

Daddy Lim tried to take a picture of his colleagues marching. Missed it totally. Haha.

I remembered National Day Parade to be much longer. Nevertheless, a good experience watching it together as a family.

Happy Birthday Singapore!

Mummy Lim

Batam Day 3

We woke up a little later this morning after a full day's of fun yday. The bfast spread was similar.  The 1st thing that Daddy Lim hit was the eggs upon entering the restaurant. Haha. At one go, he ordered 5 eggs, cooked in different ways.

The weather was very kind to us in the morning. The sun was shining! For the past 2 days, it was always raining in the morning to noon. We just had to hit the beach in this treat weather.

We rented paddle boat and kayak only to realise that kayak required so much less effort and is so much faster. Nobody wanted the paddle boat thereafter. I didn't have any pictures bcos Daddy Lim and I had so much fun with the kids.  I had so wanted to take the banana boat. Some other groups took it and it looked so fun. We didn't get the chance bcos we ran out of $$. Lol.

We only had enough time to take another mini dip in the pool, shower, pack and it was time to check out. We had an hour wait before the bus to bring us to the ferry. More crazy pictures.

So many other Singaporeans were heading home. The q for the ferry was so long and the ferry was fully packed. The ferry ride took about 40 mins. At some point, it was getting stuffy at the lower deck that we were seated in. Lil Shauna and I went to the upper deck for some fresh air. Finally, it was home sweet home.

So how was the trip? The hotel wasn't fantastic. There was no fancy pool, no kids club and there was only 1 pathetic restaurant. However, I totally heart the beach. The last hotel that we stayed wasn't near to any beach. Most importantly, the kids had companion and had so much fun! We were even kidding that we need not go to Batam; the kids would enjoy themselves just as much if we throw them in the same house. Lol. It would have been lovelier if it ain't so crowded. The hotel staff obviously couldn't cope. While on the fully packed ferry to and from Batam, I kept thinking of escape route if unfortunate events do happen.

Now,  it is time to look forward to the next holiday! Volcano, volcano, pls dun erupt.

Mummy Lim

Batam Day 2

Lil Isaac actually slept through the night! There were some flipping and he woke up a couple of times but slept through nevertheless. He woke up at 6ish and the sky was already bright.

We headed straight for the buffet bfast. The spread was decent but the service was super slow. Daddy Lim insisted for eggs and waited 30 mins when there were less than 5 people in front of him!

We monkey some more and must definitely head to the pool for an early swim. We were after all in a beach resort.

It was drizzling when we hit the pool but of course we swam nevertheless until such a time that the thunder started rolling.

We had wanted to go to the town and had decided to take a taxi out. The reception told us that taxi does not required booking; we could get them when we need them. However, when we were at the lobby, we were told that all the taxis were fully booked and out. What??!!! We spent a lot of time waiting and waiting for... not-sure-what. The kids entertained themselves in the not very equipped game room.

There was an xbox and Daddy Lim had to demonstrate how to play the game when we finally got a turn. Lil Isaac didn't look too happy to be watching. Lol.

My brother approached the different staff to ask for taxis several times. After about an hour, we finally got the cabs. We went to one of the big malls. The journey cost us about 17k INR, about S$17.

The 1st thing that we did was to look for lunch.  KFC was the 1st restaurant that greeted us. After q-ing, we were told that only the hot and crispy recipe was left. Bleh. We ended up with some fried chicken and fish with rice. The food was a little dry and not too enjoyable. Nevertheless, lunch settled.

I had thought that we would do shopping. However, not only our kids but also my brother's kids aren't shopping kids. So we headed to the arcade instead. In the mall, there were 2 huge arcades side by side. We spent about S$25 and had hours of fun! Back home, the same amount of money would probably last us for last than 30 mins.

The last stop was the supermarket before heading back to the hotel. The groceries were so much cheaper but we were unable to bring them back.

We had hoped to hit the beach for some fun but it was too late and the sun was setting. Sad. We headed back to the same restaurant for dinner. More pictures before food was served.

The hotel had special dinner and program in celebration of Singapore national day. We skipped it bcos it was expensive but had perfect view of the traditional dance and fireworks from the room's balcony.

Lil Shauna knocked out from the day's fun. LIL Isaac had a long nap in the afternoon but went to bed shortly after jiejie. I hope we have fantastic weather tomorrow morning so that we have some beach fun!

Mummy Lim