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?

Courage

Dear all

Another Parent-teacher meeting, you all lamented last evening. What's the point? Same old comments and complaints from teachers. Such a fruitless exercise. Was it? I wonder . . .

I was glad I had the opportunity to meet some of your parents. I was happy that many parents made time to be with their children at a school function, or any occasion for that matter. I saw some of you holding the hands of your mothers and fathers, and parents with arms thrown over the shoulders of their darling ones. It brought warmth to my heart . . . You may be 16 year-olds, but you will always be your parents' children. Did you not hear the concerned voices of your mums and dads as they spoke with us teachers? How they want you to have a secure future and lives that are better than theirs?

I know. I was once your age. Words can hurt . . . but then, attitudes can heal! Maybe for a change, you might want to see things from their points of view, and do a little soul-searching. It might not be a bad idea if you try and meet them along the way to resolve differences.

Many of you opined that it would take too much to change. The bad grammar is ingrained in you, you said. You are simply no good with numbers . . .

Have courage, people!

"Courage does not always roar.
Sometimes it is the quiet voice
at the end of the day saying
"I will try again tomorrow."
- Mary Anne Radmacher-Hershey -

Ms Quan