Nana’s Canoe NSG

Nana spent her secondary years doing netball. Unfortunately, she didn’t get the game and didn’t at all enjoy her CCA throughout 4 years. By the end of it, she was so looking forward to the end of the last NSG, so that she can be so done with netball. 

She was aiming to do ultimate frisbee if she gets into EJC or SAJC but here she is in ACJC. Lol. Ultimate frisbee is not a CCA in ACJC but there is a club that does it for fun. Nana thought of doing dragonboat but there isn’t a girl’s team (or something). In the end, she found herself into canoeing. Same, same but different. Hoho. 

When she started canoeing, she said that her sole aim was to stay afloat and not capsized. In JC1, after about 1 month of learning how to row and not capsized, she participated in the NSG in a K2, which means 1 boat, 2 rowers. There are so many different types of boats and in the same competition, one can opt for the narrower one that goes faster but a higher risk of capsizing or a boarder one, called a kayak, that does the opposite. This kayak is not the same kayak that we know. Anyway, there is so much knowledge in this whole thing, I had thought that it is just to row. 

She had 1 month of experience then and of course she didn’t win. The podium was crowded with national rowers, who started their canoeing journey years back. Canoeing is a tough sports, Nana spent many hours training in the waters and also many hours in gym and running, to train up strength and stamina. Tell me about the stinky and wet clothes that she brings back from MacRichie after training. Eeeewwwkkk… 

Anyhow, Nana has trained hard. At some point in JC1, she had considered giving up bcos the CCA took up so much time. Then, she was made Team Captain. I think that is the teacher’s trick to keep students. Lol. 

NSG took place last week. Before the NSG, there was another canoeing event during the March holidays, which she insisted to take part and missing the JB trip. That was her only chance for her to try out properly with her K2 partner. They didn’t win. She said they almost did.

The “who to participate in what” is a strategy game. For a few weeks before the NSG, Nana was worried that she would be assigned to races and boats that are “sacrifice boats”. This means assigning strong rowers to event which will secure winning places and for races with low/ no chance of winning, the rowers were entered to secure only participation points. This helps to elevate the overall final position for the school. Nana really wanted to win something after all these hard work but there are so many other stronger rowers in her team. 

Eventually, she was assigned to a K1 event, which is for 500m and a K2 event (with the same partner) for a 1,000m distance. After studying the list of participants, 8 per race, she realised that she had a chance for the 4th place for both races, which is medal rewarding. The problem was that her K2 event would start not long after her K1 event and she would be really, really tired. 

She had asked if I would go and watch her compete but I was in India. Her races were at 8am and 8.45am. It is just NSG, but I found myself feeling anxious. It was the same feeling when I watched her do her ice skating competitions, or collecting major exams results. The truth is that they will always be our kids regardless of how old they are. Zzzzzz…

She finally texted later in the morning (still early for me in Mumbai then). DOUBLE MEDALS! She was placed 4th in both event! I was beaming and mega proud of her. 

Nana enthusiastically narrated her races to me when I finally saw her on Thursday evening. She said that in her K1 event, she was very far from the 3rd place and the 5th place was so super near to her. It was nerves whacking. Bcos there wasn’t much time to rest for her K2 event, she could only do her best and gave up hope of winning the top 3. 

Anyhow, we are finally done with all the training. She can now slowly de-tanned. Lol. Ooooooo… I am so pleased that there will be no more stinky wet MacRitchie water clothes to wash in the future. 

Mummy Lim

Lesson on Parenting and Adulting

Parenting is a lifelong learning. Just when we thought we have a good grasp at it, the kids grew up and whatever we thought works become obsolete and we had to learn again. 

In my recent memory, what was really difficult was the “letting go”. I bet there were more difficult phases in the past but I have forgotten, which is a good thing. We learned to “let go” of Nana when she became a teen and had a super active social life. She had so much lesser time for us and we learnt to be a “single child” parents. That phase lasted for a few years. Zaky was very happy to be the “single child” then, enjoying all the attention that his parents showered on him. 

Then Zaky joined Nana’s path and we had to deal with a semi empty nest and had to learn to be a couple again. Our weekends are now for grocery shopping and resting, an integral part of life, especially now that age is though just a number but a very big one. Hoho. 

This year, Nana turns 18 and I am surprised at how old she has become. Lol. Ya, it had caught me by surprise several times this year that my 1st born is now legally an adult. This also inferred how old I have become. My grey hair is not helping. Zzzz. 

While we learn how to let go, the kids are by right supposed to learn how to take over the control. Not only be responsible for the extra freedom but also of the less pleasant side, like finances and logistics. Nana just had an adulting lesson. 

A couple of months ago, she asked if I remembered her SingPass password. She has forgotten and couldn’t log in. Why would I remember her password? Zzzzz.. she is supposed to reset her password and get the app sorted but she didn’t. Earlier this week, she couldn’t find her wallet and her NRIC is in it. I duno why she would bring the physical card around. I only carry my SingPass app. I kept her physical card normally but she needed it for some exams and didn’t pass it back thereafter. 

It is very troublesome and cost $100 to replace NRIC. Then she realised that to do so, she needed her SingPass, which she is unable to log in. To reset her SingPass password would require her NRIC issue date, which is not available bcos she misplaced her NRIC. I was upset with her and she too with herself. Then I realised that I don’t have to - she is an adult now and should take care of these troubles that she had created herself. 

After multiple tries, she managed to log in into SingPass. One hurdle crossed. I now asked both kids to tell me their password, so that I can help to keep a record. 

She did and was feeling very upset with the painful logistics. It is indeed painful. She was all stressed up last night such that I now feel bad to be upset with her. Haha.

Then, we heard her shouted from her room. What?! What?! She found her wallet. It was tucked in the pocket of her school skirt, which she had not worn for the past week bcos she had been skipping school as she was sick. What she needed to do now is to cancel the online police report that she has made, a requisite to replace her NRIC. More logistics but at least happy logistics. 

It is a painful and frustrating lesson. She experienced it 1st hand. I can only tell her “welcome to adulting”. Hoho. 

Mummy Lim

Happy 17th Birthday to the Not So Little Girl

I can’t remember when was the last bday party that Nana had. It must be during her primary school years. I stopped planning thereafter bcos it is such a tiring job.

Unfortunately, Nana spent her sweet 16 falling sick and then mugging for the WAs retakes. Right after her bday, she worked really hard for Chinese O levels. Next year, she would like be mugging for mid year in prep of A levels when she turns 18. Hahahahahaha. 

Being such a nice mummy, I offered her a celebration for her 17th bday bcos she is unlikely to have a chance to do so next year. Her bday this year falls nicely on Vasek Day. After thinking (or was it procrastinating??) for a while, she finally decided that she would have the SHSS kids’ gang to do a sleepover. Then, a BBQ with her secondary friends on Monday. Her planning still sucks and I had to rush her to make plans. Zzzzz. 

Did the sleepover take place? Thankfully yes but it was only Boo and T. Why? I duno. 

The BBQ was quite easy to plan. I ordered the food online and one of the Fs helped her to book a BBQ pit at my brother’s place. Popo cooked her curry and Daddy Lim helped to set up the fire. 

We left shortly after the fire was set up. We told her to look for my brother for help if anything goes wrong but I didn’t even know if my brother was home. The trick is to keep the fire going or to use the gas stove beside the pit if the fire failed. More importantly, to feed the food to her friends 1st if she isn’t sure if the food is cooked. Hoho. 

Nana didn’t disturb us and no news is good news. She only called at 8ish, pleading for Daddy Lim to go and pick her and asked what to do with the rest of the unfinished food. By the time she was home, we were all too tired to ask her what happened at the party. She mentioned that it was great. Good ah!

This should be a last birthday celebration for another long time. After this, she is considered as an adult and should do her own planning, right? Happy birthday Nana! 

Mummy Lim

Nana’s Graduation Ceremony

I think we are quite chilled parents when it comes to school related activities. Remembered Zaky’s OLE trip to BKK? T, who lives in Tampines, actually went to the airport to send him off and told Auntie S that so many parents were there, except Zaky’s, and he had to go to the airport on his own. Haha. #没有人要的小孩 

Nana mentioned that we didn’t attend most of her school investiture ceremonies. Lol. So when we were invited for her school’s graduation ceremony, we took leave to attend. Last chance le. 

The parent chatgroup was active with NH bear and bouquet preorders. Stress siol. 

I figured out that we (and Nana) cannot lose out as well. She didn’t want fresh flowers or a crochet flower bouquet and I decided to do something special and unique for her. Surprise!

The ceremony took place on Wednesday. From the Parent Gateway, I saw that the parents were to be seated at 8.15am and the ceremony will start at 8.30am. Daddy Lim had originally said that we should leave the house at 7.15am and Nana commented that it was too early. Heeding her advice, we decided to leave the house at 7.30am instead. 

We were almost ready at 7.30am when Nana’s classmate called to ask her whereabout. It was then that she realised that the students were to report at 7.30am. We were still at home. Lol. It was then a mad rush and then super bad traffic. The morning peak hour traffic didn’t give chance and Google map was showing red almost the entire way.

Nana, who hates being late, was super gancheong. She even muttered under her breath, to will an old man, who was hobbling across the zebra crossing with a walking stick to walk faster. Lol. We comforted her that the teacher can’t discipline her anyway on her last day of “school”. At about 8.20am, we dropped her off at the school gate, saw her running into the school compound before heading off to park. 

Daddy Lim and I only settled in the school hall at 8.30am and were probably one of the latest. Nana then whatsapped that she ran all the way and made it just in time to join her class in marching into the school hall. Did her teacher scold her. No ah. I think the teacher also wanted to save some energy. Lol. 

The ceremony started with some speeches, then a class video before the class headed up to the stage to receive their certificate. For a moment, I cannot remember which class Nana was in. Luckily, she messaged and reminded - 404. I thought it was something like that. Hoho. 

Can you spot her? 

We only pay attention when it was her class video and then her turn to go onto the stage. 

Nana said that she really likes the current Principal. He takes time to engage and remember the students’ name, CCA, etc. When receiving her certificate, the Principal asked her not to break her leg again. Lol.

We weren’t not the only ones who only pay attention when needed. All the other parents were playing games, scrolling their phone, checking emails… I even brought a book to read. Other than the class videos and speeches, there was a dance performance, a song performance and the staff also sang. The students were a lot more entertained than the parents. 

Finally, part 1 of the ceremony was completed and we were invited to view the ceremonial walk. 

This was quite symbolical. When the students were in sec 1, they had their ceremonial walk into the school. Now that they are graduating, they ceremonially walk out of the school. Nana said that she had always wanted to be one of those flag bearers and got her chance last year, during her seniors’ graduation ceremony.

I saw how messy some of the girls’ French/ Dutch braids were. Lol. 

A final cohort picture before the ceremony finally ended. 

With this, the students went back to their class for class party. In a sea of white uniform and braided hair, we lost Nana. Luckily we found her in her class bcos we needed to pass her the graduation “bouquet”. Tadah! 

The customary shots. 

She had wanted a new cup (after I broke hers) and thought that she could share those sweets and chocolates with her friends. Ended up, she brought everything home bcos she forgot about it and was busy receiving gifts and giving out her homemade cookies. 

The school made the students write letters to their parents and Nana wrote me a very endearing one. Awwww… my heart melted. 

With the end of the O levels and the graduation ceremony, secondary school life has really come to an end for Nana. She has been looking forward to the school holidays and has hundreds of to do’s (such as going thrifting with Boo) and camps lined up. Who has time for holiday work? 

Nana has worked hard for O levels and deserves her break. Let’s look forward to the next path God has lined up for her. 

Mummy Lim

Nana is Baptised!

Nana left FMC when she was in Secondary 1 to join her CNL youth. I remembered the heartache I felt to let her go to another church but it all turned out well. It must be God’s plan and timing. 

Her youth group is small and thus easier to bond. While the age range is huge (in the group), there are several about her age and she bonds really well with them. Zaky has also started to join her youth after the youth camp late last year. He still joins me for Sunday service in FMC and I am very grateful for his companion.

A few weeks back, Nana asked if she can be baptised in her church. She sounded like she thought I might say no. Of course she can go ahead. I had been exploring the idea myself for a while. A long time back, I did picture our family being baptised together but am glad that God has spoken to her and made her go ahead. There is no need to wait for us. In fact, I couldn’t be more proud that she is genuinely seeking God and not attending church/ youth bcos we made her do so. 

Her baptism took place during church service on Easter Sunday. We have attended her church service several times but I still prefer FMC. It is that familiarity and “at home” feeling when I am in FMC. 

There were a total of 10 people getting baptised and the baptism took place at the start of the service while worship was on-going. Nana was getting baptised together with one of her youths. 

He 

The church videoed some of those getting baptised.

It was a very long worship… for like an hour. Zzzz…

I wondered what did the pastor tell her. 

After like a long chat, finally… 

Baptised!

It was such a touching and emotional moment. She is the 1st in our family to be baptised. What touched me more was when I saw Nana hugged Daddy Lim and Zaky. Zaky hugged her so tightly again after service. Daddy Lim and I are born in the era that such physical touches in family (with our own parents and siblings) is rare and probably awkward. 

Did you see the broccoli flower in Nana’s hand? Her friend gifted that to her. So cute right? Then I saw another baptised person has an even bigger bouquet of vegetables. So funny. 

I asked Zaky if he wanted to be baptised too. He said to wait until he feels that it is the right timing. I prayed that God will touch his heart too. Amen!

Mummy Lim

Almost No More Paika

Nana's medical appointment was on Monday. It was about 2 months from the last one. Then, Dr Lam had asked that she go easy on sports and to continue with the physiotherapy. I think she barely did any sports. We didn't restrict her, she simply happily excluded sports in her life. Haha. As for the physiotherapy, she happily forgotten about it and so did I. 

I was busy and the sick on Monday so Daddy Lim took time off to bring Nana for her appointment. Then, I received the news - she is discharged! Dr Lam did advise that she should ease into sports slowly. 

Daddy Lim said that the fracture line is now very faint. I tried looking at the x-ray. It is supposed to be somewhere in that blue circle. I cannot see anything, can you? 

Dr Lam said that if Nana is to step on uneven ground, she should still wear her ankle guard. Otherwise, taking her time to go back into sports should be alright. 

Yay! One more hurdle and challenge overcome! A happy start to 2024!

Mummy Lim

Paika No More!

Nana broke her ankle in mid April 23. She was in a hard cast for a month and during her last appointment in mid May 23, the doctor ordered another 2 months in an aircast. Weaircasted and wheelchaired to BKK and back. Survived!

Nana had her appointment this morning. We suspected that she is very much alright bcos she had been happily walking around at home without the aircast. There was no complaint of pain too. 

It was the usual drill. I have done this like 4 times, split over the 2 kids with broken bone. Nana had to do most of the registration and moving around independently as I went into a call. We managed well. 

The sports center and the X-ray centre were both very empty and we didnt have to wait long. Even the wait for the doctor consultation was very fast. 

The conclusion? The doctor has given the all clear! There was still a faint line on the Xray, which I couldn't really see. The doctor said that it is normal and it would heal with time. Since there is no pain, she gave the go ahead to start walking without cast but to be further excused for exercise for another 3 months. I had asked if physiotherapy is needed and no, bcos she was already in cast for 3 months. Ok, I am just happy that we don't have to come back again. 

Bcos everything was done so much faster (than the last visit), we had time for lunch before Nana took her last "mummy sponsored and without the need to ask" Tada home. She will so miss the many taxi rides. Hoho.

We have to make arrangements to return the crutches and the wheelchair. She can actually return to her room (and bed) and I can have my bed back. Hohoho. We were also eyeing a Bali holiday in September  pending the status of her ankle, and can now buy air tickets. Hohoho. So happy!

Mummy Lim

Updates on the Paika

Unfortunately, Nana is still very paika. Her next appointment will be in mid July, which marks 3 months of being in a cast. 

Bcos of her lack of mobility, we also see her a lot more at home this school holiday. She didn't want to inconvenience her friends. So sad for her. I also miss our evening trips to blk 四百多. She used to frequently accompany me in the evenings after dinner. It is our little escape, little walk to buy snacks and/ or bread for bfast. 

Last week, I offered to wheelchair her to the 7-11 to buy bfast. We have switched her bulky rental wheelchair for a super lightweight travel one, in view of the upcoming holiday. This wheelchair is much smaller and narrower. Luckily, Nana is lean. Her only complaint is that she needed to cross her legs, else, it takes effort to sit ladylikely in the wheelchair. Lol.

The other problem, which will further inconvenience people more, is that this wheelchair doesn't allow her to self wheel. Somebody will have to push her.

While on the wheelchair and without the aircast, she realised how much muscle she has lost and started giggling away. 

The fortunate thing is that she is young and would be able to build back the muscle quickly. 年轻就是本钱. I was talking to one of the cycling kakis this morning. He is a SAF medic and advised for Nana to start the stretching exercise ASAP. 

Nana said that she had been "stretching" her ankle every night when she flops to sleep on her belly and her foot is extended. Hello, stretch intentionally and strengthened the muscle lah. Lol. 

Mummy Lim