Cruelty to ants

Mark gleefully shared with me that one can actually confuse an ant by drawing a circle round it with a marker --- the ink scent actually will throw its navigation system completely haywire!! The other two boys volunteered to comb for an ant trail in and around the hourse in order to test out his theory. I told them that I was all for scientific inquiry and investigation, but they would have to clean out the circle markings of course! But, I put my foot down to them verifying feats featured in Ripley's Belive It Or Not!!

Not exactly roasting chestnuts and Winter wonderland

I surprised myself. I thought that for the first time in 16 years that I do not put up the Christmas tree and engage in the usual Yultide gift galore thing, the kids will hate me for it. But our last minute modest BBQ on Christmas eve and ice skating session on Christmas Day more than made up for everything. Amongst 1 Girl Guide, 1 Boy Scout, 1 Red Cross member, 1 St John Ambulance member and 4 other very helpful and enthusisiastic ones, we made a good fire, skewered colourful kebabs, BBQ-ed flavourful variety of meats and seafood, made a sumptious salad and roasted nice potatoes! We even managed to whip up mouth-watering hot soup too! I am biased of course . . . but this BBQ seemed more effortless, . . . I guess because the grown up kids chipped in more to do their part. We played Uno after dinner and the boys cheekily put up a raunchy Chippendale dance in their bath towels afterwards! The rest of us really had no choice but be held literally captive audience. Hahahaaaa!!

Ice skating at Kallang Leisuredome really brought highs for the children! Being the noobiest novice, Brainiac braved many falls and his jeans were all wet. The older ones embarassed me with their Christmas reindeer horns, bright red caps, green T-shirts and Christmas jingles as they skated. I tell you, you don't want to be near this family sometimes!! The Significant Other rushed back from his appointment to join us only towards the end of the session, but from the perpetual silly grin on his face, we can all tell that he is happy with what he saw at the ice rink.

Another Christmas, another wonderful time of family bonding and affirmation . . . The economy may not be wonderful, but I thank God, He is looking over my family!

All I want for Christmas is . . .

Christmas is here and some people just ask for the whimsiest thing that comes to their mind: The boys cheekily asked if I can produce a baby brother for them, that is, if my body is till capable of it!! I retorted that I would if their father could find me a younger mate; that way, they could maybe have a brother who would not look as retarded like them! Wuahahahaha . . . . people, I'm just joking of course; please do not take offence nor be shocked. Sacarsm runs in this family and by now, you probably would have guessed that sex is not a taboo topic under this roof here. Haha! My parents,his parents and most of our immediate family members and friends would be shocked at our openness with our kids; but hey, better get the correct information from us parents than from dubious sources, right?!

On this light note, I wish one and all reading this blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 15 January 2009 bring you good news of your "O" level results and may all your choicest dreams come true!!

Winter Solstice

It's Winter Solstice today, and we did the regular thing with the tang yuan. The Significant Other bought the glutinous rice flour, ground peanut, pandan leaves, rock sugar and the kids had fun kneading the dough into tiny balls and putting peanut fillings into some. We cooked everything in fragrant pandan rock sugar soup and lapped up every bit of our works! This year, the boys entertained with new magic tricks picked up and perfected --- thanks to the internet. Yes, I know, they are supposed to be banned from the internet, but well, I'll shut one eye . . . tis the season to hang loose, or so the kids tell me! But urgghh . . . the extra clearing up after that . . . I didn't quite relish --- not after having scrubbed and washed 6 pairs of dirty and heavy jeans this morning and doing 2 loads of laundry!! Plus the cleaning of the house . . .! I'm helper-less again at the moment. Long story . . .!!

Dance feast

Had two full rehearsal rounds of the ballet concert performance today. We all had fun -- daughter # 2, son # 1 and I helped managed the stage and dancers, while daughters # 1 and # 3 danced! The youngest 2 sons were thrown to the Significant Other to manage. I tell you, I want to be born a dancer in my next life! The grace, poise, lithe movements, music, choreography and beautiful costumes are just so oooOOOHH!! As we got the 6-year-olds ready at the stage wings for their acts, I was reminded of how I got initiated as a ballet Mum way back when daughter #1 was just 4 years old. Today, I could sense the excitement of all the ballet Mums and Dads as they tried to peer into the door windows of the rehearsal venue. And the little ones, all fired up over their bling bling tutus . . . I smiled at their exuberence and innocence! I smiled again as I bunned up their hair and helped them change into their costumes. And the Advanced dancers, . . . a couple of them have moved on to clinch dance scholarships, both locally and abroad. After watching them and the daughters grow over 12 years of dancing together, I feel proud for them.

The darn recession . . . I'm considering if perhaps the daughters should just stop their ballet lessons. You never know . . . better be financially prudent. But then again, they have come very far. Hmm . . . almost as if she just read my mind, the ballet teacher today offered teaching assistantship to the eldest daughter. Well . . . she may well be able to help supplement her own ballet dance fees then . . .

A guy-kind of shopping

Son # 1 and I did a very guy-kind of shopping today. We planned beforehand the kinds of apparel we wanted to buy, parked the car, and tore out the one-and-a-half hours worth of coupons that should nicely see us through our mission. Headed into the very crowded, super-noisy and stuffy Bugis Street bazaar and tried to find stuff that would fit Mr Super-skinny. I tell you, it was tough navigating the stalls and sussing out what we fancy, with the two of us being non-shopping-types! I wish I had my shopoholic sister with me on the trip! Anyway, today, I kind of put myself in the circuit where guy fashion is concerned. It's one of those Mum-things I need do, I guess. But no thanks, amongst the daughters and the sons, I think that the next time round, I shall supply the dough and leave them to do the shopping.

Say, . . . I'm touched

Minghui, thanks for the save-our-blog post! Maybe some more of the rest of you might be encouraged by him to come forward with your postings. You know, I'm officially no more your English Language teacher; maybe this might make you feel more relaxed about contributing to the blog?! Yes?! Okay, I shall not take down the blog. But please feel free to update it and keep it alive so that all will be encouraged to visit it. Yes, . . . it would be nice to keep in touch.

Just yesterday, I met 3 ex-NJC students I taught, at my cousin's wedding. They squealed, " Ms Quan!!", and almost instantaneously, we were yakking away like we never left college. Good grief, over 24 years of not meeting, and we just cliqued like old times . . . I tell you, the teaching profession does yield very rewarding moments . . . I'm totally biased.

And to share with you a light moment: Brainiac wanted me to smuggle him into my gym. He said that I should just put a slice of bread beside each of his ears, and then take him in. That way, when I'm questioned, I should just say, "Look, what I put in my sandwich is my business." Very funny . . . I know it's got to do with the kind of books he's reading these days.

Then, the daughter received her vacation job pay last week. She's graciously giving me $100 and her old man $100 too. Bless her! I'm touched.

Reasons why the blog should not be taken down.

The following blog post shall state the numerous reasons why my classmates and I feel that this class blog should not be taken down. It should be safe to assume that most, if not all of my classmates are for the notion of leaving this blog alive. (Anyone who doesn't agree please come find me. =P)

Firstly, the blog would be a great way for us to organize class gatherings and such. Although today's technological advances evidenced by social networking sites and instant messaging programs make it relatively easy for us to do so, it would be much easier and more efficient if future class gatherings and meet-ups were organised through this blog as everyone would have access to it. We would therefore not be required to disseminate information to each and every one of our classmates, and information about our class gatherings (if any) would be accurate and up-to-date if posted on this blog. As such, I feel that this blog should not be taken down.

Secondly, the blog would help us to keep in contact. (For those not wearing contacts also) A blog can be a short snapshot of one's life, and as long as my classmates regularly update this blog, it would be a quick and easy way to catch up with the random stupid things theywe are doing lately. For example, instead of having to repeat to everybody which JC or Poly you have gone to, it would be easier to just post it here, and we wouldn't have to repeat ourselves so many times and waste our energy. =) Furthermore, it would get harder and harder for us to keep in contact as we would all be going to different Tertiary institutions next year or retaining. This blog would therefore be a simple efficient network for us, and would also be convenient as many of us already have Blogger accounts. Therefore I feel that this blog should not be taken down.

Of course you may say that this blog might require constant maintenance from time to time. However, this does not have to be the case as the running of the blog can be handed to us students. Therefore Ms Quan would be freed from needing to manage this blog and at the same time can keep up to date with us as a class. =) At this point I'm actually really lazy to think of some more reasons and just wrote this sentence so that the post will seem longer and hopefully no one will see this because they'll just skim through the post. Hahaha. Hence I feel that this blog should not be taken down.

In conclusion, this blog should not be taken down as long as my classmates are willing to maintain it and keep it updated. The blog would not only help us to organize class gatherings, but would also help us to stay in contact and the running of the blog can be handed over to us students. Therefore I feel that the blog should not be taken down.


There, I posted. =)
Done by: Zheng Minghui, Sec 4 Integrity.

Chalet2008

Hi guys, this is the group photos yesterday.




I~VaN™

BBQ paradise

1.01am . . . just finished clearing up after a most sumptuous supper of grilled stingrays and sotongs courtesy of you 4 Integrity people! My 6 very satisfied kids want to say a big THANK YOU to you all for so graciously sharing your BBQ fare! View Meng heard their thanks over his handphone earlier on. I had to cut short their zeal to continue to yak with him. They'd probably have yelped: "Mum, what are you doing wandering around the house naked again!!!" or something like that just to embarass me! Hai yo, you don't know them . . .

They were really keen to join you all at your Costa Sands chalet, really. You see, they have been put on a no computer lifestyle this hols, and have to learn to make do with an alternative lifestyle to prove that life can be equally meaningful. Haha.... so far, so good. We have gone back to reading together as a family, swimming, skateboarding, practising on our pianos and drums, skipping, car drives, grocery trips together and learning to cook from new recipes. Yah, we can all attest that weaning ourselves from the computer does free a lot of time for us to try doing other stuff that we wouldn't dream of. Maybe, you all want to give it a shot someday.

It's nice to see you all again at a most lovely setting by the pool, under the moonlight, carrassed by a cool breeze and palate ticked with a wonderful spread of thoughfully BBQ-ed food. I was telling the 6 that I felt pampered . . . by you all. Thanks, people!

I shall miss you all!

Quantum of Solace please

The daughter and I could have died yesterday --- we were involved in a 4-car freak accident on our way home and by a stroke of 'mee-pok' luck, we averted death. The daughter was feeling sick and hungry after her morning work shift and I had just picked her up from the MRT station. Thought I'll cheer her up with a packet of her favourite 'mee pok'. Just managed to stop the car to ease into a parking lot when a goods van veered out of control from the opposite lane, hit the gas delivery truck in front of us, spun 360 degrees and smashed head-on into our car. Like in a 007-movie, played out in slow motion, I told the daughter to sit tight, uttered an "Oh my God", and when the impact hit us and the van had come to a standstill, I shouted for the daughter to get out and run away from the scene fast and far away, as the huge gas cylinders from the truck in front were knocked onto the road! I did not want to be caught in any inferno arising from any leaked gas! I tell you ... thank goodness we were both still safely buckled up and fortunately, the gas truck got the first impact and we only got a reduced impact from the spun van! I dread to think how the daughter and I could have collided head-on with the van had we not stopped for the 'mee pok'! Thank God too that there were miraculously no serious casualties. A lady passsenger of the van had slight cuts and the driver and she were traumatised. The goods van was badly smashed in and my car was the next badly damaged vehicle. Anyway to cut the long story short, I summoned the police, ambulance and the husband. All involved exchanged particulars and later this morning, I would have to make an accident report and insurance claim.

Just to share with you the candid responses I received over the course of yesterday's accident:

1. Son No. 3 called me on my cell phone to ask if I was okay and thence proceeded to continue with his anaylsis of his 2009 school textbook bill and uniform procurement. The accident, notwithstanding, he was more concerned about continuing with our discussion earlier on before I left the house. It was surreal, but I answered him and continued with our discussion, in the midst of talking to the attending traffic cop and the other drivers.

2. The husband was a little exasperated with my unclear directions given to him of the accident location. SIGH! He said that his ex-girl friend would have done a better job. Darn!

3. As for my daughter, I told her that what's done is done and that she should continue to eat her 'mee pok' at the accident scene noodle shop while I attended to the aftermath. Told her to walk home after that while the hubby and I took care of the matter.

Haiz . . . you would think that the daughter and I would get some quantum of solace and fuss over this accident. No . . . essentially, we are quite stoic over matters involving non-consequential outcomes. I was even sent out later in the evening to get peppermint ice cream and early this morning, sons no. 1 and 3 asked if they could be taken for the promise swim session at the club! And right now, the very virulent virus has infected 2 more in the family; that leaves son no. 3, me and the hubby the remaining healthy ones. Vomit, sore-throat and fever central has played for about a week now, and if things do not improve, I must take all for a second trip to the docs.

Bugged!

Tis the season when some nasty virus got 3 down (so far)in the family with fever, bad headaches and body aches. The Southern Ridges, Water Barrage, beach picnics and cycling trips will have to wait until the sick ones recover. Meanwhile, ballet and Chinese Orchestra rehearsals are picking up steam and it's been confirmed that I shall help out with the ballet concert stage management this year. Gonna rope in son no. 1 to help out as well. Maybe daughter no. 2 too if she's alright with it. Haha... you can tell that we are hopelessly family-addicted!

I know, 2008 has not ended yet. But I'm making my new year resolutions already. Gotta lose 3 kgs so that I can run gracefully on the treadmill again, and that Advanced Medical Directive . . . must go check it out seriously. Yah yah .... the kids say that I should nag them less and look more on the bright side of things. Hmmm . . .

A Party To Remember!

Thanks for graduating this year and lending me the opportunity to party with you last evening! You all look gorgeous and handsome! And what's this? 4 Integrity seemed to have hogged the lucky draw prize winnings! Hahahaaaaa! I had a lot of fun at your Prom Party. The fake eye lashes were weighing down on my eyelids, the big flower was pinned a tad too tight to my hair for comfort, and I was fearful of a wardrobe malfunction, considering the rented outfit was clearly made for slimmer bods . . . Notwithstanding these, I die die made sure that I lapped up every moment of the night! You will be flying the secondary school coop soon and in many ways, I shall miss all of you . . . !!

Like the butterfly that I came as, I want you all to know that each one of us has what it takes to morph into something beautiful (within and without)! Believe in yourself, but of course, make the efforts to achieve your set goals.

Early this morning, the workaholic Significant Other reviewed the snapshots taken of the zany me by the kids and recoiled in horror. Very gah-gah hor, he teased. Well, . . . he's not too bad himself. He was gamed when I dressed him up as Santa one Christmas, put him up on high on the roof and made him make wishes come true for our kids and the neighbours' kids. He didn't mind when we nearly skewered him on the metal fences and gamely played out the kiddos' wish to see him ride away into the skies in his reindeer-drawn sleigh . . .

People, contrary to popular belief, you are not only young once; you can stay young as long as you like! You know what I mean.

Have a good hols!

You made it!

By the time you read this, all of you would have been done with the last of your 'O' level papers. Congrats, people! You made it! Now's the time to really live up life. Let's see . . . there's your Prom Party coming up, tons of shopping to catch up with, movies to watch, gossiping with gfs and bfs, travelling, sleeping . . . plentiful fun things to do to reward yourselves for all that mugging! Go have a good time!

I've a fair bit lined up this period of time too. Many days will be devoted to preparing two for an upcoming ballet concert, and I anticipate that I will be helping to sew some costume thingeys and involved with the rehearsals. Imagine --- over 12 years being a ballet mum! But the instructress is a wonderful person --- worth entrusting my kids to her over the years.

At this juncture, I take this opportunity to inform you all that I shall not be renewing my teaching contract for 2009 at HIHS afterall. Will instead be taking up an offer elsewhere. So, I invite you all to pen some posts at our class blog for keepsakes. I am going to take down this blog on 31 December 2008. It would be nice to take some of your penned notes with me . . .

What's there to whine about?

Caught this week's "Life Transformers" and Tuesday feature --- both Chinese TV programmes about courageous characters who are braving life's challenges. The first featured a mother who has been single-handedly caring for her mentally-challenged 33 year-old-son, and the second featured a cancer-stricken 41 year-old-mother-of-two who bravely faces her condition. Okay . . . I was like very moved by what were depicted. The indomitable spirit, selfless love, incredible determination and clear sense of purpose that were displayed by the two individuals in the face of pain, suffering, financial deprivation, and finite life span just overwhelm me.

I thought: what right have I to whine about my life, when many others out there have so much more on their plate and less resources to tap on as support?

Singapore parents

I brought brainiac for his first music theory exam this morning. If you didn't know better, you would have thought that some kind of Imperial Exam were being held. Anxious parents were sitting outside the venue benches and tables, going over last-minute revision notes and hovering anxiously over their charges' tables, as the candidates pasted their identification labels on the exam answer scripts, about 5 minutes to the start of the exams.

Brainiac was unflustered. I told him that he could leave the exam venue after the minimum stipulated 40 minutes if he felt that he had done all that he could for the paper. He came out 45 minutes later. The 5 minutes was just so to please me. Sweet thing!

A parent sitting next to me in the waiting area had other ideas for her daughter. She proudly proclaimed that her daughter was strictly told not to leave the exam venue till the entire duration of the paper is up! Never mind if she has checked, re-checked and are absolutely certain of her answers!

See . . . I don't blame you all. Us parents are sometimes such painful entities. We don't make a lot of sense, do we?

You are thought of ...

By now, you should have maybe about 6 more papers to go? By my reckoning, this is about the time when the full meaning of what the 'O' level exam is all about, begins to kick in. Yeah . . . some of you might be experiencing the rotten feeling of not having prepared as well as you would like, to tackle what's left looming ahead. Some of you might be licking wounds sustained from last week's papers . . . Some of you might just be wondering how you are ever going to find the energy and nerves to make it past 11 November 2008 . . .

Well, . . . people before you have done it and emerged none the worse from the whole thing. So, YOU CAN DO IT TOO!! I remember how when I used to run weekly 10 km through the rough terrains of McRitchie Reservoir, around the mid-way 5 km mark, I often just wanted to throw in the towel. My legs screamed STOP, my head said, WHY TRY SO HARD? And it was so tempting to just slow down and walk or give up when I saw my fitter friends way ahead of me. But you know what, I knew that the effort would be worth it ---- the calories burnt, a fitter body, the camaraderie with fellow runners over nice ice-kacang after the run, and the discipline it developed in me.

Similarly, the heart, pain and sweat you put into your 'O' levels will ultimately bear sweet fruits for you. Persevere, my Integretarians! Final lap! Think of post 11 Nov!

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Good Luck!

This is it, people of 4 Integ . . . the real McCoy tomorrow! Do your best! I wish for you a fair paper 1 and 2, and alert minds to tackle them to the best of your abilities. Manage your time well and stay focused on the tasks at hand. Re-read and check what you have written. Remind yourself to answer ALL parts to a question. Do not squander your time on difficult questions . . . move on to tackle the others and then come back to them later. Keep to given word limits and check to remove careless grammar mistakes. 'Own words' mean just what they say . . . do not pretend that you didn't note them!

Best wishes people! Will pray for you.

I hit the gym today . . . well not really 'hit' it in a big way. Afterall, I have been lazy and away from serious exercise for the longest time ever . . . Met a couple of old (literally!) kakis ---- still diligently pounding away daily on the treadmills at speeds, distances and gradients that put me to great shame! I tell you, getting in shape for that must-die dinner date or to-be-seen-at Christmas party is one thing, but religiously keeping one's body in good and healthy shape 3651/4 days speaks something else about self-discipline and perseverence!

As I did my torturing toning rounds at the gym machines, I thought of you all, my kids and my life in the past year. Yeap, I had done a decent job doing my level best to influence everyone for the better. I really look forward to seeing how everyone's year-end results will bear testimony to all the efforts. You people's too. Half of my kids' results have come in; and I'm happy with them. I've also reflected on their personal growth. Okay, must admit that there's room for a lot more improvement . . . but then again, those are my standards.

Love, hugs, kisses and well wishes

All's very quiet on the MSN and blog tag box fronts. I know that you are all poring over your textbooks, notes and TYS, busy preparing for the 'O' levels. Good luck, fellas and gals! Remember, steady people. . . Do not panic. Plan your answers. Use context clues even for non-EL subjects. Time management is important. Do not leave blanks. Write over blank-o parts of your answers.

Do your best!! I shall remember you all in my prayers!

Commencement it is

Rightly said . . . last evening's ceremony should be more appropriately called your Commencement instead of Graduation Ceremony. Well . . . get the spirit of the message that we want to convey to you all: the end of your Secondary education should not mark the conclusion of your learning journey.

You have a life ahead of you. Live it to the fullest and we wish you all the very best.

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."
- Danny Kaye -

Haha! Kind of brings back memories of our English In Art lessons this year ---- how you poured over nude art works and other art forms, . . . how we sang to Starry Nights and tried to understand Van Gogh . . .

I had fun. I hope that you had too and that your experiences at HIHS will stand you in good stead for things to come.

The transience of most things

It is said that an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: "And this, too, shall pass away."
- Abraham Lincoln -

Dear class, as you stay at home to frantically revise for the O level, I want you to stay focused. During this time, you may be irritated by people, passing comments, anxieties and mood swings, but remember, these shall pass away. Try and stay on track to tackle the more important things. Do not hesitate to seek solace in, and find your bearings from your God, friends and the stable core values in you.

Today, I encountered a thank-less soul and then a cheer-less one. One of those days . . . but I remember that this day shall just pass away too even if I choose to be bothered by them. So, I live and let live . . .

Hello everyone!
I think we should follow judy example and give thanks !
Thanks guys, for the wonderful years !
Although we may be uncertain, un-united at times.
But hey! We got the sprit yo!
Its the end of Sec life,but not the end of our friendships!

I would also like to thank the behind gang clique.
Without u guys, there will be little laughter left in my life
Thanks for all the sorrows shared and the laughter spread
Three cheers for 4 int !


View =)

Hey all! Guess today marks the end of our secondary school life eh? Well, I'm going to miss secondary school life.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone, teachers and students alike for these 2 wonderful years in 3 and 4 Integrity. No doubt, I have fond memories of you guys, having so much laughter and joy while we were studying. It really is a pleasure to be in this class. I hope you guys also had as much fun as I had, but if you don't, then that's your problem already =)

At the same time, I also want to apologize for people I made angry. I'm truly sorry about those times. And about me being a vulgarian, if you know what that means, I hope you guys won't take it to heart. Its just my nature. Haha, but I hope to change that someday. As for pranks and other mischievous stuff that I have caused or created, I would also like to say I'm sorry.

And before I end off this post, to all students of 4 Integrity, GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR 'O' LEVELS!!!


God bless you all,
Jude

Yo, children of 4 Integrity, Happy Children's Day tomorrow! I dedicate to you Destiny's Child "Stand Up For Love" video and song. Here's wishing that in our lives, we will see an end to hopelessness, giving up and suffering. Let's all stand up for life!!

Music Video:STAND UP FOR LOVE (by Destiny's Child)

Music Video Code provided by Video Code Zone

A brush with disappointment

It was not planned. I had not expected it. Today, I walked into a class full of unmotivated young boys and girls who were rude to the core. I asked that they accord themselves self-respect by conducting themselves appropriately. I should have known better. They didn't care . . . Most looked resigned and totally uninterested. Some thought by being defiant, they could somehow draw some meanings into their existence.

I was tempted to blow my top. Good thing I didn't.

Now, what could be bugging these spirited souls? Energy, they sure have a lot of . . . If only they could learn to channel it to doing the right things.

Vagabond gone

Went to get my ice cream supply and also to check out the vagabond last seen residing along the nearby vacant shophouse corridor. This is my fourth check already. Nope, he's no more living there. His dirty-looking plastic chair is still there, but the row of shop house units have recently been white-washed. Guess some new tenants will be moving in soon. Perhaps someone had beaten me to it and got the Ministry of Community Development to put him up somewhere comfortable. Hmmmm . . . hope so. His gangrenous feet need looking into and good grief, how does one pass time seated all day in an uncomfortable chair?

What is your excuse this time?

I finally completed marking your narrative essays. I wanted to keep my word to you that I shall have them graded and returned to you tomorrow during our lesson. But you know what? I counted only 26 scripts turned in. This means that 15 of you either didn't bother to write the essays or could not be bothered to hand them in. What excuse did you give yourself this time? You were too tired? Too distracted by your other subject revisions? Nothing to write about? . . .
You did promise me that if I let you off that Tuesday afternoon, you would exercise self-discipline and complete the task at home. What became of that promise?

Let me share with you the thing about refusing to put in that ounce of hard work and sacrifice to meet deadlines and turn in work reflecting your best ability put in. Many amongst us think that when the time comes for us to write that essay to save our lives, we will be able to do it. But you know what? . . . That self-drive and discipline that are not put in practice for too long will fail you in life and be your stumbling blocks. Procastination is a terrible thing; it will become your bad habit and a difficult thing to shed.

Like I've told you many times in jest in class: how we would shudder when that surgeon who is supposed to operate on us had flippantly said, "Wait . . ." while he attends to some other unimportant whims that distract him? Or if he had not given of his best when he was assigned a case to attend to?

People, take pride in doing your best in all your undertakings! Focus. Exercise self-discipline. You'll be surprised that you can find time to accomplish set tasks and still have time left over to pursue other things.

Try it.

Get Amped

I did the unthinkable today ---- brought the boys to a 'Get Amped Fighter's Jam Party' at Suntec City Mall today. I had to see first hand what the online games fraternity like about their virtual preoccupations. Wow . . . the queue to register for the sparring took an hour and 15 minutes altogether. And you know what, all players who turned up were males. The only females were the organisers, 2 other mothers and myself! The players' ages? Well, all of them were Primary and Secondary School students. I'm not sure if their parents know what they are doing on a Saturday afternoon when the year-end school exams are just around the corner. According to my 2 other sons, their brother is supposed to be quite a 'pro'. I am not very sure about that ---- he got knocked out pretty fast. His excuse was that he unfortunately drew a match line-up against a super good player. Anyway, . . .they had some kicks meeting some avaters face on at the venue. I let them stay on to watch the other 'good' players at work for a while. When it was time (my reckoning of reasonable dosage of this kind of activity), we left. I treated them to bubble tea and McDonalds. I was happy that none of the boys threw tantrums nor showed me the stink eye. Virtual games, . . . I reminded them ---- they must remain just light past-times. The reality is: your family, loved ones, studies, jobs to hold down and a whole life of experiences waiting for you to savour!

Lonely hearts club

I see men --- all types --- walking hand in hand with nubile Vietnamese girls evidently out to make the best money out of their social visit passes to our country. I wonder . . . What goes through the minds of these men? Okay, most of the girls are very attractive, groomed and dressed for lustful eyes. And from what I can see, they really seem to treat their paying males very well: lovingly hooked arms, walking discernable half-steps behind . . . and all. They are coy, demure and certainly smile a lot. Probably sing well too, some of them. Must be wonderful mates for drinking and karaoke sessions or just simply to take strolls under the neon lights of the entertainment establishments with--- trophies to boost one's feel-good and man image. How else do you explain why old men and middle-aged ones flock nightly to certain habitats to part with their money in this manner? If I know us Singaporeans, it must be considered money well spent. These foreign ladies of the night must be quite something. Perhaps, like hearsay, they are a whole lot gentler, understanding and nicer to our men.

Well, men, I hope you know what you're in for . . . STDs, possibly strains to family commitments, and defintely the transience of all these fleeting experiences. There is only so much that lonely hearts can be assuaged in this manner . . .

Hello, View here,

Look guys, i wish we could settle this hoodies things fast.
Come on, cooperate
those who give money le, THANKS ALOT.
Those who have not, please , PLEASE , give alvin soon.
We are not desperate, but we seriously been doing this thing for over a month le.
I wish for your cooperation,
Thanks , =)

Neglected

Had information that two fine young men I know are wasting their lives away. Not entirely their faults, I believe. They are a sad tale of a family torn asunder by divorce, and I'm sure it is not and will not be the last we'll hear of in our society. I had hoped fervently that the kids would find strength somehow to pick up the broken pieces brought on by the adults. But alas, that is not to be. Jin is now in ITE, but not mixing with the right crowd. Zhan, I understand has been retained, and has made it a habit to stay away from home till the early hours of the morning. I heard that they have done cigarettes, engaged in disruptive behaviour in school, and heaven forbid, those are all the vices that I hope they are indulging in. Their care-givers, I'm sure are grieved by their behaviours. I wonder if they ever regret fighting for custody of the two. The estranged mother does not want to show it, but we all know that she is bleeding in her heart.

It's really pointless dissecting the matter over and over again . . .asking all the "what ifs" and mouthing all the "I told you so-s"

I feel helpless. Besides the power of prayer, I wish that I could do something . . .

Duty dinners

So sorry about missing our 6 to 7 pm full session again. Got recalled for me wifey duty at some work dinner with the Significant Other. I was actually quite tired after a full day of workshop at a hotel near our Singapore River. Thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful motivational speaker and her tons of wisdom. Also took an invigorating brisk walk along our river enroute to the nearby Central MRT Station. Yes, all in my nice power suit and three and half inch heels! Had to summon help from one of the daughters when a heavy downpour held me up on my walk home. After that, I managed a little MSN with some of you. Please don't be discouraged. I'm still fine-tuning our online sessions and look forward to using this platform to engage you in EL and etc discussions. If anything, it'll be a good way for us to communicate!

About "duty dinners" --- I generally do not enjoy this kind of socialising. I'm an introvert, really. Surprised? The Significant Other is not very cooperative. He has been known to drag me to private dinner invites with moi as the only female!! He has that much confidence in me as a social butterfly and intelligent companion! zzzZZZZZZ . . . . .

I'm tired. Will be meeting an old friend for lunch tomorrow. Ah . . . I look forward to it. The young ones at home are also looking forward to it. With evil mother out of the house, it'll be FREEDOM!

Recycling

Last week was the culmination of a recycling competition at the boys' school. It was quite hilarious for us at home. We don't drink sugared nor carbonated drinks at our house. So there were no soft drink cans for the young ones to turn it to boost their class recycling tally. There were only Heineken beer and one Tongkat Ali energy drink (some door gift we received!). I volunteered to drink some beer in the name of recycling. :) !! My drinking rate was deemed disatisfactory. The boys think that they should contribute by consuming beer too!! Wah, of course permission was denied! As for the Tongkat Ali drink, the Significant Other had to do his recycling bit for the children. Any damage done ?. . . You'll have to graduate from Sec 4 before I even broach the matter.

Maiden MSN Session

Thanks to all who met up online last evening to try out our MSN EL session. I just learnt how to use another aspect of computer functions! I'm empowered! My children of course shuddered at how I intended to uphold all grammar rules while MSN-ing. Hmm. . . it's afterall kind of an English session. So let's just try and keep to the sacred purpose of being as grammatical as we can, can? Only one hour of stiff good English. I'll permit occasional slips into MSN lingo.

I realise that the group online sessions will offer wonderful opportunities to chat and exchange friendly banters. I like it. Wonderful opportunities to get all the online socialising we need to ....er, boost our net replacement rates??? Haha! I'm pro-family! But I'll be trying to introduce some discussion threads relevant to helping us prepare for the 'O' levels. I hope that you will keep to the spirit of this online platform and participate responsibly. You are also strongly encouraged to clarify any doubts you may have about EL and share your views. I'll do my best to asssist you.

Okay, got to let you know that I shan't be signing in to tonight's session as I'll be making my way to the Teacher's Day Dinner. The theme is "Rewind the '50s'. I've prepared my outfit. You'll love me --- flare skirt, tight sweater top, horn-rimmed glasses, hair band, socks and sneakers, liquid black eyeliner and all, . . . ready to "sh00-warb" and do the 'fish' to '50s hits!! Haha! dressing up is fun! I never quite grew out of this child-like favourite!

Just wondering how your Cross-country will go in a while. Hope that the weather goes well for you. My 6 had a hectic start to the day this morning: one had to decorate his classroom super-early, one will be participating in a rope-skipping competition, another putting up a dance performance and the other 2 busily putting gifts together. The wimpy one is still sleeping. Got to do up his apple gifts later. Whew!

MSN newbee

Sigh!'Quantum leap' is taken. I'm settling for 'quantosaurus@hotmail.com' for my MSN hotmail account. I guess only dinosaurs would want such names. N'er mind! So on ah. . . Let's meet online 6 to 7 pm daily, starting this evening. I guess you'll know when I'm not available.

Happy holidays, people!

Dogs age too

Haiz . . . saw an old Golden retriever lying in the middle of the road in the neighbourhood, at the risk of being mowed down by the huge trucks and passing vehicles. He would usually be lying on the open car park lots at the side of the road, basking in the morning sun and lazily taking in the morning rush taking place in the vicinity. He has no collar on him, but he looks well-fed. I would often smile at him, envying the good life he must be having. But his morning, he was at the wrong place, salivating like crazy and something didn't look right. I stopped my car, honked at him and waved other traffic on to avoid him being run down. Got the daughter to nudge him up from the middle of the road. Then we saw that he was hurt. The hind leg's giving him some problem. And he was sitting on his own muck! He must be sick . . . Anyway, shooed him back to his usual resting spot. At least he would be safe till I contact the SPCA to attend to him! Which I did.

See, age is even cruel to dogs.

You heard me today. I will not be in school tomorrow and on Wednesday. All of you should complete the Comprehension questions (yes, including the Summary question) at home and hand it in to me on Thursday when we meet for our EL lesson. You will also be given another set of Compre paper tomorrow to provide you with more practice during the freed up MT lesson slots. I know, it sounds like an over-kill. But take it in your stride. Try and complete your work in school, and leave only the minimal to be done at home. That way, you'll be able to get sufficient rest too. No can do? CanNNNNNNNNN!! Just be less distracted in class and remind me not to distract you. Wuaahhhhhhh, I sometimes lead you astray. SIGH! So little time, so many fun stuff to share with you!

Coffee, please

I had a brush with the ugly Singaporean somewhat like the experience of the polite retiree gentleman who ordered coffee at a local foodcourt with a sunny, "Coffee, please". He was actually mocked and made fun of for his un-Singaporean 'jiak garng tarng" mannerism.

Well, I pointed out to a young male driver that he should not be parking illegally on our roads and blocking access to a private property. He feigned ignorance. I explained the meanings behind our double yellow prohibition lines. He stared at me. I thought I'll hit the message home with a typical Singaporean scare tactic: that the Traffic Police will fine him! He simply let his wife and child in tow alight, wave his arm rudely at me and said, "Ne'er mind!!" I suppose he meant that he has the money and can therefore occupy any space on our roads!

The gracious Singaporean --- an elusive entity!

At the risk of being 'killed' by my learned colleagues in the staff room, I share with you the following saying (author unknown):

"If I had ony one day left to live, I would live it in my Maths class: it would seem so much longer."

Muahahahaaaa!! Ms Q, you're bad!!

One down, two more to go

Hurray, EL Oral's done! Now you can take a breather and then work strategically towards the Essay and Comprehension papers. Now, let's make this clear: we shall not waste a minute of our EL lessons starting from this week's slots. Pay attention as I do the error analyses for our Prelim papers. It's pointless how some of you repeat old mistakes, and just would not wisen up to better ways of writing essays and rendering compre answers. Of course, you are tired after the very tedious Pre-lims. I understand. I shall try to be succint and "power-packed" in my teaching and revision, but you must promise to seriously concentrate on seeking improvements. It takes two to tango, and between you and I, we can make the GCE "O' levels bear us impressive results at the end of this academic year! How sweet the outcome will be . . .

Happy Birthday indeed

I'm so touched. You sweet people actually bought me a cake and made my day! Quite subtle too with the 2 candles [you're two old (read 'too' old, Miss Q!!)]. Well, I made a compound wish (greedy me!) for good PSLE results for my son, excellent GCE 'O"level results for you all, and of course, World Peace! Haha! So "Miss Congeniality"!

Hope that your Oral went well today. Now about Monday --- lessons will resume, and we are scheduled to have our EL period at 1130 hrs. Not sure if we'll be missing that as you people may be involved in a talk in the hall. So, tell you what, can I come during your recess time, just to see the Monday Oral folks, in case?? Please reply me in this class blog C-box, can?

My birthday so far? Well, I've not spent very much of it with the family yet. The kids were all off to school super-early. There's also going to be a dance class tonight. So I guess, we'll probably make up for the celebration during the weekend. The helper made us all wonderful fish and chips, potato wedges, salad and all, though! Umm. . . yummy dinner! The workaholic Significant Other would probably wake me up for a birthday chat LATE tonight when he knocks off from work. That chirpy late night gallivant of a guy ---- very irritating (okay, said with endearment!) Haha, so mushy, huh?!

Have a good weekend. Recharge for next week's post Prelim analyses.

Congrats!

Dear people. Congrats! On my way out of school for the "O" level Oral Exams, I stole quick glances at the results board. Saw at least 3 'A1s' from our class for the Mother Tongue paper. Wow, well done! Did everyone obtain their expected results? N'er mind if you didn't and want to strive for better grades. Have another go! But you realise that time management will then need serious focusing on. Let's work on more self-motivation and discipline!

About the Oral Prep I mentioned for the 15th of August 2008 ---- I wish to confirm that I shall be waiting outside the Staff Workroom (Spiral Stairway) at 10 am to have a last run-through and practice with those who want to "warm-up" before their oral exams that day. All are welcomed to attend. I would really like to see the following: Kenneth, Yixuan, Karen, Malvin, Yi Peng, Lionel, Mu-chen, Junhan, Chun Wee, Mun Lok, Ivan, Jude and Lenson. But I'm not going to compel anyone. You must feel comfortable and good for your 'O' level EL Oral Exam that day. I think I'll be able to see you up till about 12 noon before you are "locked up". For people who will only be taking the oral exams on the 18th, I shall do the same at 10 am on that morning.

I'm a little "gan jiong" for you. Motherly instinct kicking in!

Comprehension Paper best wishes

To one and all: all the best for your Comprehension Paper tomorrow! Read all questions carefully. Study the alloted marks and give befitting answers. Do not beat about the bush. Remember "excess denied". For vocabulary questions, remember to use your "or" and "and" to judiciously link given answers. Manage your time wisely to give attention to the 25-mark summary question. Use your own words to write the summary in one paragaph. Proof-read for tense, spelling, punctuation and other grammar errors.

Give of your best!

Right in the face

All schools are celebrating National Day today. I had to chauffer all 6 to school and MRT stations this morning. One has to take part in some Amazing Race, another a Cross Country Race at the beach and the rest, concerts and mini-parades in their schools. The cupboards at home have been emptied of our red T-shirts. School books have been put away as we start getting into the swing of the long-weekend holiday mood. We'll be hyping ourselves up with Singapore songs from later on till National Day. We'll probably be dancing to the songs and music when we watch the Parade live on TV (but, we've first to get hold of one!) Yeah for Singapore ---- all 43 largely good years!! Majulah Singapura!

I suggested cheekily to the Cross Country Race one that I should perhaps "accompany" her by sun-taning at the beach while she competes in the race. Yep, I shall dig up that old bikini lying at the bottom of the closet, spread me picnic mat and read at the beach . . . just like old times! Everyone in the car this morning recoiled in horror. Don't forget to put a paper bag over your head, Mum, they chorused!

They sure don't mince their words! Okay, look on the bright side, honesty is a virtue . . .

Good sounds

I read with interest how a Japanese researcher claims that mantras chanted can bring about 'good water molecules' while curses make 'bad water molecules'. A Tibetan monk picked up from that, and recommended that we can actually purge our systems of toxic elements by chanting certain utterances and willing a simple thought process. Hmm . . . interesting.

We all know that a positive environment better nurtures desired growth and bring about fruition of potentials. So, the correct thing to do is to surround ourselves (that is, if we can help it) with optimistic and encouraging people. And of course, try and dabble in healthy pursuits. Whenever this is not possible, we should then try and counter any negative influences by building up the goodness and positive energy in us. Remember, to a large extent, we can control our attitudes and reactions to situations. Try it!

Thinking of you all as you tackle your Pre-lims. Wishing you well and looking forward to getting you in best shape for the "O"s!

This family went to the Getai

After dinner, I rounded the family plus helper to watch the Getai staged in our neighbourhood. Wow, the place was packed. Unlike the days of yore, I noted that there was a noticeable number of migrant workers from China, Bangladesh, India and other nationalities in the audience. They were clearly enjoying this respite from the week's hard work. Hmm, I thought to myself: our social landscape has definitely changed. A rare evening breeze boosted the comfort factor of the setting. Everyone was enjoying the gig. Don't 'pray' 'pray' hoh. Although it was a modest set-up compared to the bigger ones you'll see elsewhere in our heartlands, I noticed that they had super-good sound systems. Never mind that the lighting man was perched precariously on a make-shift structure above an electricity meter box. He controlled the spotlight most professionally. Even rigged up some laser effects too! The audience lapped up every evergreen and new hit belted by the singers. They were good. Some were actors, actresses and singers of the soon-to-be released locally produced movie,"12 Lotus". The "Ah Peks" "choped" the front seats (hmm . . . I didn't understand this bit. I thought that they were meant for other "guests"??). You and I know why. There were lots of gyrations and titillating flesh shown. Haha!

That's our Seventh Month. I wish though that there could be the big-time Opera performances like during my time . . . I would then be able to take my 6 down memory-lane and wow them with my on-the-spot translations of the dialect classics!

08.08.08

So, will you be joining the queues to place your bets at Singapore's luckiest Toto outlet this 08.08.08? I teased my children and asked them if we should give it a go. After all, the prize money would be a whopping $8 million! Wow, imagine all that cash! Nah, that would be gambling, wouldn't it? It would be placing good money on buying a dream that has a very slim chance of materialising. Yep, the younger ones think that I should get them Maplestory pre-paid cards instead! SIGH!

How romantic! Some couples are thinking of saying "I do" on 08.08.08. I hinted to the Significant Other how sweet people who are in love can be. He rolled his eye balls. I get the hint. I knew that the Global Positioning System he got me on our last wedding anniversary kind of signalled the end of the lovey dovey stage for us. SIGH! . . .

These are the measurements for our class hoodies.

(Click to enlarge)

Measurement in inch.

1 inch = 2.5cm

Note that :

Not every garment may match these exact measurements due to acceptable measurement tolerances. Any quality issues concerning product measurements should be reported to the wholesaler from which the garment was purchased.

Click here for preview of colours

Think of a nickname for yourself.

The nickname will be printed with the logo in front of the hoody.

Each hoody should be $35, the logo in front and the crossword printed at the back.

* Any enquires feel free to ask Alvin.

* The design will be out after our prelims. Minghui and Stephen are in charge of the designs, feel free to give any idea or comment.

Yo, fellow Integretarians (sounds like you are beings who devour integers!), I share with you the below saying:

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company ...a church ...a home.The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past ...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ...I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

- Charles Swindoll-

All the best for your EL Pre-lims tomorrow!

You know people, I mean what I said today in class. There're enough talents in all of us to make good our lives. Competition should be viewed as a way to bring up the standards in us. Don't let it snuff you out! As for naggy Mums and Dads at this time when you are so overwhelmed by the Prelims and looming 'O' levels, you read the verses by Erma Bombeck today ---- there's really a lot of love behind all the rantings.

Jia you!! Persevere for the Prelims! Let's conquer this first and then strategise for the 'O's. Hai yah, this 'Red Cliff' fever is catchy!

Neat excuse

A useful excuse, courtesy of Erma Bombeck just in case your Mum harasses you about doing household chores: "Housework can kill you if done right." I've never been ready to lay down my life for a spotless house. I kind of take after my Dad. When Mum's away and we're not around too, he'd use up all the clean glasses in the house and save a "clean"used one in the fridge for use till Mum returns!

Ah, . . . but I empathise with what Erma Bombeck said about the toilet roll spindle:
"I don't know why no one thought to paste a label on the toilet-tissue spindle giving 1-2-3 directions for replacing the tissue in it. Then everyone in the house would know what Mama knows."

Haha!

Last night, my boys asked if I am indeed teaching when I disappear from home. Maybe I'm just a performer at some WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) shows. And going by some moniker like 'Big Mummy V'?!! Boy, I tell you, imagination definitely runs wild in this family!

Then the littlest one asked if I could DRIFT (!!) when I was on the road sending him for his Angklung practice.

Now, do you blame me for being a little zany in class? Exposure to the weird and bizarre ones at home do have some side effects. Haha!

Somebody of substantial standing just died in the neighbourhood. By the looks of the elaborate funeral wake, there should be very traditional rites conducted in the next few days, culminating in a very rarely seen send-off. I have not seen any such arrangements since the days of my late grandfather. Then, those who could afford, paid a great deal of attention to ceremonial funerals.

I'm taking the opportunity to do a little sociology lesson on death practices with the 6. So, Wei Ting, you're satisfied that I'm really quite insane?! Haha! Watch out for the promised comic relief during tomorrow's EL lesson!

What?

Kung Fu Panda's father is a duck? How's that possible? I mused to the younger 3. The youngest explored the genetic possibility of such a happening. No. 5 just thinks that I'm a such a kill joy. In cartoons, anything's possible! No. 4 is more like me . . . now. . . what deeper meanings are the film makers out to portray? . . . Haha! . . . I kinda just complicated your simple world, right?

Talking of mutations, our helper at home just made us hot dog-cheese-pratas for tea this afternoon. Another one of the Significant Other's wonderful concoctions. I can't stomach his out-of-the-box creations sometimes. Some are tame, but others can really be out-of-this- world! No thanks, I'll just have my cup of regular tea, please!

My dream

Had a funny dream of Elton John dropping in to visit me at my home. He wanted to move around the neighbourhood incognito. I had fun showing him the sights and sounds of my 'turf'. He didn't play on our piano though. Come to think of it, the piano didn't even feature in my house in the dream! How sad . . .

So what do you make of my dream?

How Do You Walk?

Everyday, from a particular window of my house, I watch all kinds of people making their ways about. The ones walking interest me the most. There's this bespectacled old man who walks with a jerky gait, never seen not grasping a daily copy of the Chinese newpaper tightly to his chest as he heads to the nearby kopi-tiam (?) I surmise that he must have had a tough life. His face is etched with frown lines and he looks like he has the world's problems on his shoulders. Then there is Moustache-man who takes sprightly strides. He may be gruffy-looking, but hmm . . . his shirts are always ironed. Or is it one of those crease-free thingeys? I see 'karang-guni' Miss Loud outside now. She is Queen Of The Roads. Drivers of cars -- big or small --- must give way to her or suffer her loud hisses and curses! She may walk with a limp, but boy, she walks tall! I've seen her pushing her trolley and making her collection rounds outside a radius of 5km from my place. Then there's the closely-knit Muslim family of three. The young adult son is mentally challenged. But he just warms my heart as he ever so patiently walks, pauses and then waits for his aged parents to catch up when they move together!

I wonder how others perceive me as they observe how I walk?

How do YOU walk?

Young Botanist Badge

Does completing a series of Science-related tasks to earn your "I am a Young Botanist " badge ring a bell? Well, I'm currently into my 5th badge now --- one more to go i.e. when no. 6 gets initiated into his in 1 year's time. Took no. 5 to the nearby fruiterer to collect the missing fruit seeds. Am waiting for him to complete his remaining 3 star-task before helping him to tidy up his presentation. Don't I get tired of repetitive tasks? Well, . . . it's kind of funny, . . .but no . . . I pretty much still enjoy doing their school stuff with each and every one of them. Every experience will yield different kinds of interactions and outcomes. And you'll be surprised how much more you understand each child as you watch them label their leaves and seeds, colour their sketches, do up their explanations and present their final projects.

Botoxed blog

Hiya people. Got a little vain this Youth Day. Decided to botox the class blog and change my name too. So it's Ms Q, from now onwards, at least on our class blog. HaHAHA! Wish your English teacher were Angelina Jolie, right? Well, dream on . . .

Why Angelina Jolie's pic? Well, I happen to like her a lot. She has this "intense sureness" about her and a fiercely independent spirit. My kind of girl!

Happy Youth Day!

Have fun this long weekend, people! Celebrate your youth in your favourite ways! I'm going for high-tea with my family tomorrow. The brother and family are back for a visit. Yummy! Yummy!

Things that a parent think

Chee Hock's accident brings back memories of what went through my mind last year when a school bus was involved in a horrific fatal accident somewhere in the eastern part of Singapore. I remember that it was after my teaching session at HIHS, yes, to your seniors, the 07 Integritarians. I was driving home when this massive traffic jam held me up on the road near to my children's school. As I eventually inched to the accident site, I remember how my heart raced, stomach went all funny, and a cold spasm rivetted my whole body. My goodness, that school bus was a wreck ---- crushed into a incredulous mess. The ambulances had just left and the whole scene was cordoned off and swarmed with officious looking police officers. I panicked. Wait a minute, that school bus looked just like the one 4 of my children commute in! And the accident location was on their bus journey route! I tell you. I immediately whipped up my handphone and called home as well as the Significant Other to check if anything had happened. As cruel luck would have it, I couldn't reach anyone. I remember crying while stepping on my accelerator to race to the young ones' school. Frantically confirmed that all's well and took a roll call for the remaining 2 before I made my way home. I tell, you, my heart could have stopped that day!

You may think it all silly. But us parents carry the burden of perpetually being worried about you. So the next time you think of being careless about yourself, do think of the torture you would be putting your loved ones through. Take care of your bodies and souls, okay?

'A" not enough

I wish you all an "A" each for your Mother Tongue GCE "O" level Oral Exams tomorrow and on Wednesday! Let this be a good beginning for your "Os"! Huat ah!!

Post Musical

It's over and no regrets up till the last minute of the Gala Night performance! The whole HI Musical experience was one-of-a-kind. For me, the people-factor had been the highlight of it all. I had the privilege of seeing raw talents in action and prime-movers impressing with their leadership abilities. No classroom teaching could have afforded me this invaluable experience.

Thanks must go to the family for so patiently accomodating my absence when rehearsals became intensive. Well, Evil Mother is now back! Muahahaaa! As for you, Sec 4 Integrity, I'm also back. Coach here is going to shape you up for the "O" levels. So, hup 2,3,4! Are you ready?

A very long and early weekend

So, Ill be off school on Thursday AND Friday. Applause! Applause! Yes, I can hear you all clapping. No English lessons. Yeah! Well, take a break away from me, but do remember to do the HIHS 2007 Prelim Compre paper that the relief teacher will be giving you tomorrow. Do your best. Every bit of practice will prepare you for the big "Os"! And those of you who still "owe" me that One-word topic essay, get down to it over the weekend, and hand them over to me come Monday. Don't slack. The time is right to get your momentum going!

For me and many other teachers and students, we shall be hard at work at the Drama centre rehearsing for the Musical. Poor us. Won't be ending the days till 10 pm each night. I have been like an absent Mummy for over a month now. Today, one sick one who reported for school even had to be ferried home by the busy Significant Other. The rest had to rely on public transport for out-of-the-ordinary school and enrichment activities. Thank goodness, I have reliable help at home this year. Can't imagine cooking and freezing main meals for all, and washing, ironing and cleaning at wee hours of the night in order to accomodate my desire to be in the Musical!

Back to school

Moan! . . . it'll back to school tomorrow! Nice try, son no. 1. He swore that his teachers told him that the first day of Term 3 will only commence on Tuesday. As anticipated, tonight, the 6 went to bed past the target time. Some were searching for their missing school books; one was completing his book review and one trying to locate her school blouse buttons! I can imagine what tomorrow morning is going to be like: one big RUSH to get them out of bed, feed them breakfast, shoo some of them up the school bus and drive a couple to the MRT stations!

Sleep tight, everyone. See you in school tomorrow!

Hot!

Wah, the heat's really getting to me! Played some games under the late morning sun yesterday, and the resultant headache's still lingering. How to survive without the air-con? The air-con -- a wonderful invention -- never mind how "ungreen" the contraption!



You people might want to know that I actually commuted by our MRT yesterday; yes, to and fro my destinations. Nope, I wasn't embarassed by closing train doors whilst I face the wrong train-side. And nobody gave up their seats to me. So I guess I don't look too "senior-citizenly" yet. Haha!



Sob! One and a half more days to term 3 of school. The consolation is that I had relatively good fun and rest these past 4 weeks.

Mini Musicals

I went to watch Five Footway Broadway Mini Musicals produced by Musical Theatre Ltd at the Esplanade Theatre Studios last night. Brought one of the daughters along. The Significant Other was working late. Sigh! There went one potential date just with him!

We enjoyed the performance immensely. Six musicals in all were staged, resplendent with largely locally composed music and lyrics, and light-hearted storylines that the audience could identify with. The actors, actresses and musicians impressed me with their slick delivery. With a modest budget, I thought that the whole production set-up was marvellously conceived and staged.

As part of the Arts Fringe events, I thought that the length and variety of such a performance succeeded in reaching out to a wide audience. For the non-artsy ones amongst us, it was light enough to whet our appetite for musicals; for the seasoned culture-vultures, most might have been impressed by the commendable standards of our local talents in the musical scene.

As I commented to the organisers, how I wish many more could have viewed last night's performance. The daughter and I agreed that whilst our butts hurt like crazy from sitting on the cushioned benches at the Theatre Studios, it was all worth it.

We went home happy. The other five at home were still up waiting for us. So we watched a movie on DVD till around 2.30 am!! There's nothing like the hols! Hurray!

Friday the 13th

Nothing freaky happened today. The younger ones did spill water all over the computer table at home . . . then made a fervent wish that the water will somehow evaporate, create rain clouds, then a storm that will hold up traffic on the road and delay my journey home from school. That way, they can have more computer game time before Evil Mother returns!! What wishful thinking! And the lengths they went through to apply book knowledge . . .I was speechless!

Simpe Joy

Let me share with you how you can delight 3 boys on a lazy afternoon and feed them as well, on a low budget: just give them free rein to the kitchen and encourage them to whip up egg omelettes for tea. Do not scream when they crack eggs all over the place --- more onto the floor and kitchen top than into the bowl. Indulge them when they request that you demonstrate for the upteenth time how to beat the eggs into a nice fluff. Do not judge when they insist on dousing their egg mixtures with horrendous amounts of black pepper. Resist holding their hands when they attempt to pour oil and heat the frying pan. Subtly suggest that the heat may perhaps be a tad too high, and the kitchen in danger of being set ablaze. Hold your breath when the young ones flip the omelettes over. Give plenty of praises. Then watch them wolf down with pride their finished products. Tactfully decline their offer to do this EVERY afternoon for tea.

Birthday bash

Just celebrated the birthday of one in the family herd who turned sixteen. Also "hampelah" celebrated Father's Day earlier. It was fun. We made a nice book-card for the man of the house, and ate out with the birthday fella. The younger ones treated the special one with bubble tea, ice cream and what-have-you snacks. Friends sprang a surprise birthday visit to the home late in the night. I think she was touched . . . The younger ones cheekily asked if they could give the birthday one a birthday BASH ---- literally! Mentioned something about Happy Slapping too . . . I know that they were testing me . . . Sigh! . . . the things a mother need go through!

The man of the house was beaming from ear to ear. His precious sons played finger-guessing games with him after dinner. They were roaring with laughter as losers ate chilli, leftovers and whatever that were on the dinner table.

Yeap, another good day . . .

Sway With Me

Today, while watching the choir sing and sway to the music from the stage wing, I was reminded of something funny. Do you know that I suffer from motion sickness very easily? I have discovered that I can't fish from a boat bobbing out at sea, do exercises lying on a Swiss exercise ball nor swing on a hammock. I get all whoozy and may even throw up! Yucccks! Disgusting, huh?

Am now enjoying some very nice piano pieces played by the short-fingered-but-rather-musically inclined daughter. The Significant Other and I often wonder where our children got their music genes from. Haha . . . The smallest one has started to ask for saxaphone lessons. Sure, why not . . . creative pursuits are always fine with me . . . but whither the budget for them?

No more separation anxiety

Just sent another one off for an overseas camp this hols. This is the one who agonised for one whole year in Primary One over separation anxiety. Poor thing . . . I can still remember all the tears -- hers and mine --- as we stuggled over me not being there for her ( I was out of the country). The Significant Other tried his best, but I guess it just isn't the same. She was closer to me. Fast forward eight years down the road, and today, she confidently waved me good-bye as she strode past the school gates to join her waiting school-mates. Her spirit was high and I didn't detect the slightest tinge of apprehension as I ranted reminders of safety issues, survival tips and the importance of team work. She has come a long way. I am glad.

Commitment

George Clooney ---- the most eligible bachelor on earth --- is single once again. In my opinion, this guy has serious problems with commitment. Don't we all too? How many times have we taken a fancy to something irresistible, only to abandon it all too soon because commitment would require certain sacrifices, give and take and hard work? We crave for the attention, thrill and fun of new experiences, but are often unwilling to hang around when these experiences take on a comfortable familiarity that is dismissed as unexciting and non-adrenalin-pumping. Such is our use-and-discard and instant-gratification mentality. Few people value long-term commitments and loyalty is a rare trait these days.

My Indie!

I'm a die-hard Indiana Jones fan. I love that guy. I'm unashamedly enamoured of Harrison Ford who plays the protagonist. Brought four of my six this afternoon for "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull". Yeap, we lapped up every bit of the movie. Okay, so Harrison Ford's a little old and not too up to his usual level of energy in his action moves. But he's still such eye candy to me! So what if the storyline's rather predictable. . .I'm a bit of an escapist: I like my hero to emerge triumphant and unscathed at the end of all his adventures! Sigh! We all know how reality is quite the opposite! Will get hold of the DVD release and complete my collection of all the Indie movies. Then the whole family can watch and re-watch them over and over again . . .

When I have the time, I shall watch all the 007 movies too. Sean Connery is my favourite actor for the role of Bond. Now you know, I have a weakness for handsome guys . . . Aiyo..... so many handsome men, so little time . . . .

Tired

Am very tired. Must have been all the crying as I took in every bit of the Mediacorp Sichuan quake fund-raising show over channel 8 last night. Can't help weeping when they showed all the injured and dead people, how mothers wailed for their lost children and how families were torn asunder by the calamity. I was moved by accounts of brave acts of heroes / heroines in China, and by the poetry recitals and renditions of hastily composed songs by fellow Singaporeans who rallied to raise the needed funds. Wow, about 6 million dollars raised! Proposed to the six that maybe we should make a trip to China to help rebuild the schools and give free English lessons. No . . .no. . .help with English will do. They just went through a disaster, . . . no need to punish them with our embarassing command of Maths and Science. My daughter pinched me . . . how could I still joke while shedding tears uncontrollably?!

Colours

For quite a while now, I've not stepped into a lower Primary classroom. Was amazed at how different it is, compared to an Upper Secondary one. The brilliant splashes of colour everywhere caught my attention. Rainbow hue posters, drawings, photos and cut-outs dorned the tastefully-done up notice boards and classroom walls. Cheery poems, reflections and model group projects were displayed for all to see. They spoke volumes of the spirited young ones' time spent at their special space in school. And the especially low desks and chairs, thoughtfully designed and ordered to suit the young ones . . . . they brought a tinge of nostalgia of my primary school days . . .

Then I thought of our Secondary School classrooms. They're definitely dirtier, more cluttered and ill-organised. The notice boards are often not up-to-date, and little thought often goes into making the place cheery and proud to be in. Colours . . . seem to be missing in our surroundings and in us!

Best Wishes for your Mother Tongue Exams

Yeah, hard to believe that the first of your"O" levels is just a few days away. "Jia you!" and to Airil, do "baik baik" okay?! Every good grade will count towards a satisfying "O" level certificate, and we all hope to "save" some time for our other subjects with a good Mother Tongue performance this time round, right? Currently, I'm kinda struggling to coach one at home with his Mother Tongue. Hope that he'll be able to make it for his year-end PSLE! It's been an uphill task motivating certain characters in the family to appreciate the Chinese Language, but I'm hopeful. After all, I had one who literally walked round the classroom during her kindergarten Chinese lessons, but who is now pursuing Higher Chinese. Patience, patience, Ms Quan ..... some people just take a longer time to bloom! Can you empathise with what I am feeling as a Singapore parent caught in our competitive education system?

Have a swell time

Have a good time at the Sports Carnival tomorrow, people! Enjoy the blood, sweat and tears! Many years down the road, you will be glad for the chance to reminisce these moments. I remember how I used to go all out for my various Sports Days ---- from running bare-footed in soggy fields at my primary school , to sprinting at stadiums for Teachers' races. Even sustained ugly scars on the knees that would remind me of them forever! Haiz, too old for any overly exertive physical activities now ....

Vesak Day

On this day, we try to go vegetarian, give thanks and reflect on all things good. The Significant Other has gotten up early to whip up vegetarian stuff in the kitchen. It's also to remind us to eat healthy sometimes. Hmmmmm, but he's now doing some vegetarian pancake topped with sinfully rich ice cream. ???????!! Later, we're all taking some visitors to a couple of Buddhist temples to commemorate the birth and enlightenment of a Great Teacher. Also to make donations towards those affected by Cyclone Nargis and the China quake. As we enjoy this day freed from work and school, let's spend some time to reflect on what good we can do to others and how to better our inner make-up.

There has got to be a way

The mother who killed her 13 year-old son must have been driven to desperation. Perhaps she was facing financial difficulties, pressure at work or depression. How I wished she had someone to turn to when she contemplated that life was not worth the living for her son and herself. Must death be the only way out? But then again, I can empathise with the feeling of hopelessness when everything does not seem to be going right. Hungry stomachs, tired bodies, money problems, emotional void, and relentless work and familial demands can be lethal triggers in one's weakest moment. I feel sad . . . why didn't God show her a way? The boy, . . . he was only in Sec 1. I shared with the 6 over breakfast this morning about how we should be sensitised to the people around us. We should also not take what we have for granted. Let's make do with what is necessary and not drive ourselves crazy worrying about what we can perhaps put off until a more opportune time. As for obstacles that seem insurmountable, let's look out for one another and try to pitch in to figure out solutions. There has got to be a way out . . .

Not lost in translation, I hope!

I hope that these past two day's English lessons went down well with most of you. I had intended for you to appreciate that we can use English to talk about almost everything under the sun. I had also wanted to explore a myriad of themes in our lessons and get you to feel comfortable expressing your views on different topics. So why not Art? Okay, okay, some materials were not for the under-sixteens, but look at it from the artistic point of view, right! Our minds should not wander and we should not dwell perpetually on unpure thoughts. Tsk! Tsk! I have lined up some irreverent debate topics for a debate next week. Think you will recover sufficiently from this week's lessons to take on more of our English sessions next week?

A very special day

I don't care if this post is going to make you green with envy. You aren't mothers yet (I hope!), girls, and boys (esp Chee Hock), you'll never be, technically. Today, I had the best day ever! Yep, the little ones all remembered to make me feel special. They shopped, baked and gave me cupcakes that I'll remember for the rest of my life. I was touched that they parted with significant portions of their savings to make the gift of love possible. The littlest one shall have to make instalment payments for a while yet to the older ones till he pays his due share .... Awwww... The Significant Other dedicated dialect songs. Okay, okay, give the chap perfect marks for perseverance and more than perfect marks for being so very bold and shameless. I swear I didn't laugh at him. In fact, he brought a lump to my throat... We finally went bowling together as a whole family. We had a hilariously good time. The other bowlers at the alley must be wondering how there can be so many noobs in one family. The kids also played arcade games. Dinner was wonderful. Never mind how I was blackmailed into letting them order anything that they fancied . . . down to outright sinful desserts! What more could I ask for? ... Well, maybe later on tonight, all 6 kids can take turns to massage me, feed me grapes, while the Significant Other go on and on to count the ways that he loves me? . . . Dream on . . .

How did your day go?

Tough call

In an irrational outburst, the daughter said that one should just ditch all calls for the pursuit of an all rounded education, hire a personal tutor for ALL academic subjects, and then get on the conventional route to a university education. It's just too tiring being a student in Singapore, she lamented. She is desperate for sleep time. The eye bags are seriously becoming luggages! Where is the time to socialise? Argghhh!

I'm resisting. Resisting the urge to just give in and push the 6 of them onto the bandwagon of what I call a "heavily-assisted" and boring educational route. Hire personal tutors to prime them in every single subject? Take them out from all "unnecessary" school activities? Cut out all the "crappy" stuff about moulding them to be good leaders , compassionate people and good team workers? Sometimes, I just want to take the easier way out, hold their hands and spoon-feed them. My heart aches when I see them learn through trials and errors and lots of bruises along the way. But I know that free-range souls would be a lot happier and wholesome in the long run. I hope that I am right. And that they would not hate me for being so "uncool" and an ogress of a Mum!

How's that for logic?

Just read about how the monster dad in Austria, accused of keeping his own daughter prisoner for 24 years, raping her and causing her to have 7 children whilst in captivity, argued his way out of his horrendous deeds. He said that he could have killed them. The fact that he didn't and that he brought his seriously ill 19 year-old daughter and granddaughter for medical attention proved that he wasn't a monster after all. It fact, he argued that in a way, he 'saved' them. Now how's that for logic?

I hope that none of you would give lame arguments like this in your writings or oral communication.

Ms Quan

T3

Mum's finally off to Taiwan to be with the brother and family. Good for her. She was happy this afternoon. We were all there to see her off at T3. Mighty impressive airport terminal we have here. Had tea at Yakun's. Of course, I baulked at the prices -- 90 cents for a kaya toast! Tsk! Tsk! I borrowed the daughter's droopy skinnies. Had trouble keeping the pants up to protect my modesty. Can't figure out this thing about droopy pants. No wonder designers are coming up with 2-in-one (i.e. visible undies accompanying droopy pants) bottoms to cater to the hungry-for-skin-showing youngsters! On the way back to the car park, I witnessed a very patient elderly father slowly walking his stroke-stricken son back to his wheel-chair. Bless them! If only all children could understand the unconditional love of a parent. I said a tiny prayer for them and wish them well.

Ms Quan

Yippee . . . crabs!

So sweet of the Significant Other. Came home late from work armed with fresh crabs and thence proceeded to whip up a mouth-watering platter of black pepper crabs for all of us. What a supper we had! He's off early this morning to get ingredients to cook us a Labour Day meal. Hyper-active chap. Energiser-bunny type. Sometimes I just want to take out his batteries for a while, so that I can rest.

Thanks Ms Quan for your comments. I have successfully submitted the photos to the committee and they seem satisfied with my work. Bye.


Ivan™

Kodak moments

Good shots, Ivan. I like the pics that you took. Nice and artistic framing of your subjects. I wish you luck in the photo competition! You reminded me of my days with my girlfriends and Significant Other. We had some fun with our cameras too. Those were the days before children came along and everyone got caught up with having to make a serious living with our jobs. Now when I see my children tinkling with their cameras, art work and craft-making, I am thankful that they set aside time for creative pursuits. Life is meant to be fun.

Ms Quan

Ageless beauty

Went to the dentist today. Yep, am systematically giving the old body a thorough overhaul. Met a beautiful lady on her way out of the clinic with the help of her daughter and a helper. I was awestruck by her beauty. She must be at least 80 years of age. Dressed in an elegant cheongsum and with her greyed hair coiffured fashionably into a bun, she was a picture of ageless beauty. I smiled at her, and she returned one spontaneously. She needed to walk with assistance, but her expression told that she is so at peace with herself. Wrinkles could not hide the radiance that emanated from her face and body language. True, she looked like she comes from a well-to-do background, but I'm sure money plays only one part. How I wish I would be like her if I were to live to that age!

Ms Quan

You are invited

I have just invited 3 of you to post at our blog. The rest of you are welcomed to come on board too. Just give me your email address. I look forward to your postings. I'm sure you have lots of interesting things to share. But you know that you'll have to keep to good netiquette. Don't post anything offensive and be open to constructive comments by others. Our blog can only live on if we all take responsible ownership of it.

So what are you waiting for? . . .

Ms Quan

AQ

I can't help but notice how disappointed some of you were upon receiving your ICT and Feature Article marks today. Hey, it's all right you know. I want you all to understand that most of you tried your very best. I am grateful and commend you for that. So, you didn't quite reach the set benchmarks. But that doesn't mean that you wouldn't for future assignments. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and seek help if necessary to gain improvements. Of course you will succeed if you put your minds to it! And yours truly here will try to help you and hold your hands for as long as is necessary.

You may argue that it's easier said than done when I advise here that we all need to have Adversity Quotient (AQ) in life. The paths to most things in this existence unfortunately do not run smooth all the time, and we have to come to terms with this state of affairs. Let's learn to bounce back from setbacks and not say-die so easily. OMG . . .What am I saying? . . . Moping and dying over isolated poor academic grades? . . . Aren't we being a little over-dramatic? Haha! You know what I mean. Chin up, people. And onward march to the "O" levels with greater preparedness and confidence!

Long Live Happiness

The verdict is out ---there are happy people in Singapore! Their common denominator? They are all comfortable about themselves. How true this is! Of course money matters. Health is important too. Beyond these, we actually hold the steering wheels and control the pedals in our passage through life. Be it riding in Lamborghinis, Mercedes, Toyotas, Kias, Protons, Cherys, motorbikes, bicycles or trishaws, we all want to reach our destinations and most will eventually do so. But how many of us will actually take notice of the sights along the way, the fresh air, the sounds and the passengers who are riding with us? Do we sometimes smile and wave on a pedestrian at a walk crossing or flash our middle fingers readily when others cut into our lanes? How do we really feel under our skin each day as we go about our lives? Do we choose to see the sunshine or that faraway dark cloud? What is your happiness quotient?

Last night, the happiness quotient at our home was high. The 3 boys had royal treatments from the Significant Other ---- full body massages , all 10 minutes each! The girls had a brief respite from their academic tests, so they caught up with their YouTube soap operas and MSN-ings. Me? . . . I was contented . It was enough.

The medical saga continues

That's it. Today marks the end of a whole lot of medical tests that I had to undergo to see to the old body. Managed to hold back biting or kicking the doctor as he drew all 10 ml of my blood. Just kidding. . . .I don't kick handsome doctors! Bite, . . . I wish. Haha!

The Significant Other must be quite worried about me. Brought me to a spiritual meeting last night. Hmm . . . As usual, we got into philosophical arguments about religions. After having gone through my long session at the National Heart Centre earlier on, I "gave him chance". Some other day, I'll pick his brains.

Yo, what's with the paper aeroplanes during today's English class? People, people, I wish that you'll respect yourself and your classmates more. Time is precious and we all do want to get the best out of our lessons, right?

Whither the singing?

I attended morning assembly in school for the first time today. Can't help but notice that singing of our National Anthem and school song was pathetically inaudible. The same goes for our pledge taking. Where's the enthusiasm? I remembered what my youngest son said of teachers --- that we often expect our students to sing and say the pledge with gusto, but we do not set the example. Erhem! Could you hear my sweet and patriotic singing, and recitation from the back of the hall? Next time, people, inject some life during morning assembly. Okay?

Watch out, Steven Spielberg!

After 3 weeks of ICT presentations, I have nothing but praises for the impressive efforts put in and final products delivered by all 9 groups. My dear Integrity-ians, you have shown that you have vast potentials in you. Yes, everyone of you has special talents. I am fond of your maiden video clips --- the shots were well-thought out and taken, the acting superb, the script delivery a little unpolished but so endearing, and the camaderie displayed most touching! I hope that you all had fun and learnt a thing or too while completing this project. The pleasure was mine in viewing and assessing your work.

I always say that we should give nothing short of the best in all that we do. I hope that you will remember to uphold this attitude as you journey towards the 'O' levels this October.

ER drama

Wah, didn't think that immediately after I blogged about taking my Mum to the hospital, I landed up in one MYSELF. Got myself warded for observation --- blood pressure dangerously high! Hmm.... I wonder what led to it. It certainly wasn't over the marking of your Compre- summaries. You all wrote fairly good pieces. I guess the old body is just acting up, a reminder that it is no more young and fit . . . Sigh!. . .

It was an interesting 5 hours at the Accident & Emergency (ER, to you TV series buffs) last night. I met a drunkard who systematically "checked into" the A & E for its free meals and then bolted, one who is a regular there for hand-holding by the nurses and doctors, a handsome foreign male nurse out to woo a same nationality female patient (tsk tsk . . .) and the amazing endless stream of patients brought in by ambulances. Wow, was Singapore just sick last night!

Reflections from the hospital

Just came back from a trip to the hospital with my Mum. Such trips never fail to stir up strong feelings in me. I saw sick people -- young and old; those accompanied and fussed over by loved ones; those alone and looking so forlorn; those who faced their conditions with a cheerful outlook; and those who looked resigned to their fates. Everyone patient needs spend at least a whole morning at the hospital --- queuing up for blood tests, consulting the doctors and thence waiting for medicines to be dispensed. Then there is the mammoth bill to contend with! Overall, any hospital visit is quite intimidating and depressing. Especially when you have to face it all by yourself and with not enough funds to spare! I am glad that my siblings and I have always made it a point to make such visits to the doctors a comfortable and personalised one for Mum. At least one of us will always be there to see her through everything.

I am humbled again today. I am reminded once more about the importance of taking care of one's health, and the importance of nurturing a caring family.

A tragedy

So sad to read news about the 2-month old Singapore baby who lost her entire family and grandmother in the tragic North-south highway accident in Malaysia. You must all remember to buckle up in cars, use pedestrain crossings, and unplug your ears of MP3 earphones and other gizzmos when using the roads. Remind your Mums and Dads not to drive if they are tired or not feeling well too. But I guess there is only so much that we can do. It's really up to the One higher up to determine when our time will be up. So don't all these just remind you to live your life more meaningfully?

I'll never know

Just spoken over the phone to the China boy whom the Significant Other and I had intended to adopt 17 years ago. He stayed with us for a couple of years. It didn't work out and he went home to China. Can't imagine that he is now 28 years old and about to get married! Over the phone, he sounded just the same. I often wonder what my present family unit would have been like today with a grown-up son like him. Wow, I could have been a grandmother by now!

Evil mother

I morphed into an evil mother again last night. Did battle with no.5 once more, over his ill-discipline (yes, in respect of Singapore parents' favourite --- HOMEWORK!). Just cannot get him to see that he has to complete his school work and put in some studying before playing his favourite computer games. Sounds familiar to you?

Honestly, I have nothing against computers, relaxation and fun. But I demand moderation and striking an appropriate balance in all that we do. Do you think we parents are being overboard or not tuned-in to your needs?

Of hot cocoa & Christmas cookies

Yes, I'm serious. One day we shall make hot cocoa and mashmallow when temperatures in our sunny isle take a dip. I shall bring us some cookies too. . . not forgetting the the cream and smarties. I promise you'll have a great time decorating and devouring your very own designer cookies!

Ms Quan

Get moving, guys. You don't want to be black and white, and blue all over just sitting on your butts in the cold! Haha. Green, green, pink up the phone . . .yellow? Are you there?