Bundles

...of energy, joy, pride...

The last couple of days saw me recalling the days of old when I had to raise the 3 girls with the help of Allie, the long time help of the home.

I glanced at my sister and understood her tired looks and stamina. In our fifties, it's truly not easy running around to cope with the whims and fancies of little ones; however lovable and beautiful they can be. Strange, when they fill the home with their cries and whining you wish they will compromise and be quiet. Then you long to be alone and escape to the malls.

After a while, when you don't see them you start to miss them all over again.

What's this? Maternal instincts?

Look at the lovable babies.. Even at this age, they can fight. Kor kor will never allow mei mei to touch his animal toys...elephant, tiger, lion, horse...all pronounced in the baby way. Mei mei doesn't understand why kor kor is always hugging her.





Kor kor touches everything in the house from the fax machine to the hand phone and your heart jumps out of your mouth when he climbs the narrow and spirally stairs. But he knows no fears. A 'No' is the challenge. They told me boys are not girls. Boys have extra energy and always engage themselves in 'kungfu' acts. Never a moment of silence and the only way I could put him to sleep was to make sure that all his animal toys were in a sleeping position too. Some other tricks included singing rhymes and putting the bolster in between his legs ; giving him the ultimate reasons to rest.

This guy boycotted food for a long while and got everyone around him stressed out. No doctors could help until the natural happened... started eating normally on his own after 6 months ! Now dear mummy allows him anything ...sugar, salt, pepper ...anything as long as he eats. I laugh at the mummy and am still laughing. Told her long ago to abandon modern ways and follow traditional ones to which she absolutely refused. Now she knows when the Chinese says ...the older generation has taken more salt than rice...follow good old patterns.

Oh this sweet one is the one who gets everybody's attention by her wails. When will you stop clinging to mama and poor granny? My maternal instincts tell me that she has not enough sleep and the sarong will do the trick. But oh the sarong is a taboo. Sarong? No way says the mama. Also, the chuchu (pacifier) will be a source of comfort. But oh no the 'chuchu' has become a no, no and the baby sticks to mama all the time for comfort and sleep.

I began to tell her mama a story.

When my girls were babies ; 2 disciplines must be in order. Sleep and proper meals.

• awake at 8 am
• sleep at 10am
• porridge and meals at 11.30am
• milk and rest at 2pm
• awake at 4pm
• porridge at 5pm
• to the park on a pram at 6pm
• baby plays from 7pm to 9pm ( put them on big mattresses for them to roll around)
• milk at 8pm
• sleep at 9pm ( later when older even at 10pm )

It's a vicious cycle. When the child does not sleep well, she does not eat well too...my personal belief.

After the weekend, I wonder if I am ready for grandchildren.

I wanna rest first la.

Tired when I see Yi Jay and Yi Sze; but they are truly adorable to play with...play with only.

Who Moved My Cheese ?

A Must Read

We are often afraid of changes especially when we are in a comfortable situation with all things in place. How do we respond to unwanted times of life be it in our jobs, family life, relationships and all other aspects of existence? How do we cope when our 'cheese' has been moved or taken away?

The book 'Who Moved My Cheese?' tells of the responses of 4 personalities played by little people named Hem and Haw and 2 mice called Sniff and Scurry. How they respond to new challenges can be easily related to our daily dealings. When we examine their behaviour we can actually relate their successes and failures to our very own and also to the others around us.

Hem is change-resistant and refuses to budge under under hunger and threat. Haw though like Hem in the beginning laughs at his own foolishness and went out to venture into the unknown and found his dream.

Unlike Hem and Haw, Sniff and Scurry represents the less analytical but practical lot who constantly change with time in find of food and new opportunities. They quickly moved out of the old station when depleted of their cheese and in their venture found loads of new cheese enough to supply them through life.

This book clearly depicts our attitude and perspective towards changes ; more so the need to overcome fear and prejudices against new ideas and risks. It is a good book as it help us reflect our own present situation and creates a healthy spirit towards life. The principles taught can be life changing and students will be uplifted if they knew that the problems they face in their studies can be overcome by conquering their own fears. Adults in all forms of capacities too will benefit from it if we analyse the ways the 4 characters handle the same issue. How does one win and the other lose ?

Yesterday saw me reading the book for the 5th or 6th time and I am still overwhelmed by the inspiring spirit and lessons I receive. I will need to apply the principles in all aspects of my life and allow changes if it means for the betterment.

In short, the book tells me there is no problem in life; only solutions. Agree?

Down...

Unifi ...

Down for many days d...

Which is better?

Unifi or Streamax...

You make a good guess.

Fed up.

The Mini Celebration

Ponggal In School

Friday afternoons always are extra busy in school. Several societies function on this day and students are especially joyful as it is the end of the week and fridays mean late nights and a longer time of break. So with light-hearted spirits teachers and students join force for a time of fun in school.

While brisking around school today, I saw this group of Indian students probably belonging to the Hindu Society gathering around for the Ponggal celebration.

I took the teacher in charge aside and asked if the celebration was to mark the first day of the Tamil New Year to which she replied no. She informed me that it is actually a celebration to mark the first rice harvested for the season. The new rice would mean a new beginning and a bigger portion of good fortune.

A pot of milk mixed with some water was put to the boil and when the mixture flowed out when heated up, the 'overflowing' boasted of abundance and good fortune. When that happened, the students encircled the pot under the 'tree' clapping their hands shouting "Jay"- a connotation of success for Seafield children.

Next, Pn Jega and Pn Lakshimi added rice, brown sugar or rock sugar but never white sugar together with cashew nuts and raisins into the milk.

Each student was given the opportunity to scoop a small ladle of uncooked rice and put into the pot to be cooked for consumption later.




The finished product. Brown rice and sugar for an overflow of sweetness for the year.

This is how we learn matters in school. We appreciate each other's culture and respect their beliefs in harmony. I was glad to have the opportunity to witness the occasion and the added knowledge.

Yes, students and teachers come together to learn from one another during extra-curricular activity time.

Aim achieved.

Bye Again

She came home ; baked, baked, baked.

Now it's time to leave again.

I thought she just came home.

Now it's time to leave again.

Her deft fingers were at it almost every other day.

Chocolate coffee cake...

Red velvet cup cakes...

Lemon meringue pie...

Orange chocolate cheese cake which she served to some church leaders on boxing day and immediately received offers but alas she cannot deliver as she needs to leave soon...

She refused her usual serving at dinner today and we could easily decipher the butterflies in her tummy. Dad says he gets this everytime he needs to leave home on a plane. Garrett asks how is it that she was more excited when she left in October and was less teary then.

It must be the 'feeling' that is difficult to express unless you are the one who leaves.

But leaves she must ... to complete what she has started.

God Bless You, child.

A Chinese Mother

I speak ; as a Chinese mother.

Esther sent me a mail on an extract written by Amy Chua; a professor at Yale University which basically differentiates the upbringing pattern of Western and Asian practices.

...Western parents try to respect their children's individuality encouraging them to pursue their true passions, supporting their choices and providing positive reinforcement and a nurturing environment. By contrast, the Chinese believe that the best way to protect their children is by preparing them for the future, letting them see what they are capable of and arming them with skills, work habits and inner confidence that no one can ever take away...

I have been found guilty in many ways after my girls read this article particularly with reference to the following :

• ...hey fatty ; lose some weight... ( I did that to 2 of them) ; they are now slim and beautiful.
• ...Chinese parents spend approximately 10x as long every day drilling academic activities with their children ... ( all 3 girls got it from me); now you know where the As came from.
• ...if a child comes home with an A minus on a test , a Western parent will most likely praise the child. The Chinese mother will gasp in horror and ask what went wrong (Sara was caned in primary school not by me but by dad for that B in moral which she remembers till today)

... the list goes on and on...

But I am Chinese brought up by a set of parents who knew hunger and deprivations in life. They drummed into me the need to do well in school to break vicious cycles. How then do I behave? I followed instructions; did well in school and went to the university with little fuss. Now that I am a teacher; really what else can I do ? Of course it's the discipline that I need to drill and exercise ... letting them see what they are capable of and arming them with skills, work habits and inner confidence that no one can take away...so well said and very well-liked by me, the Chinese mother. Now that my children have grown up I wonder if they will also emulate my style or will they go the other direction of allowing their children a big say and let them have their way. I dare them.

So does one really think that the Chinese mother has been selfish in her ambition to make successful academicians out of her children ? Or whether the employed style would have created serious psychological harm? I was brought up with far less care and I went through times of thrashing from my parents. Today I still love them dearly and never for a moment blame them for the upbringing; my Chinese parents.

Just this morning No. 1 messaged me after reading my latest entry and virtually accused me of not allowing her to sing and depriving her of a singing career in her younger days and becoming a 'star'. She would have probably turned out to be Madonna if I were that Western mother. I asked if she was glad of my intervention to which she replied... do you really want to know the answer?... I did not ask for it.

Really after all those years and having done my duty to my best ( so I think) , I cannot hold her life anymore. If she wants to sing; sing la. If she wants to dance, dance la. I believe I have led her to her potential and she is now armed with work habits, skills and inner confidence that no one can take away ; that is the crux. How she arrives at it; I can only apologise for some uncalled for moments.

I , the Chinese mother am free of guilt and still think the Chinese have a good way of bringing up their children. I will watch out for my next generation's style. They mustn't be quick to conclude as they have the Chinese blood and may do exactly the way they have been brought up...

... I sound so evil, don't I?...

School of Future Leaders

A Teacher Recalls...

My favourite evening practice is to walk on that machine ; not really out of love but more so to keep some fats away. Then I will automatically switch on the box and watch whatever I can gobble from the idiot box. So I pick up gossips and tear-jerks from Media Corp of Singapore and wonder at the way Singaporean stars perform. Some can really act well especially the ones who always have evil plans up their sleeves and how they can actually pull me to the screen the next day to see the sequel slots. Maybe someday I will talk about these stars.

But today, I must confess that a familiar face more often than not appear in advertisements for NTV7 and at 8 in the evenings reading the Mandarin news. I have this sense of pride whenever I see her broadcast news ; because she is an ex-seafieldian. I remember...she used to be the super singer and star of our very own Bakat Seafield.

Back in the late 90s when we staged vocal competitions we gave our students opportunities to belt out their best and it was then that stardom came along their way...

... and one of them is...

Ms Tiang Kah Chee

In school she was known as the polite girl with perfect manners and spoke Mandarin half the time with Madam Sophia Lau whom I believe is still in contact with her. Though not always a high profile figure, she shone nevertheless during vocal competitions. A soprano, she can hit high pitches and it was a pleasure hearing her sing old Mandarin hits with pitches that hit the roof.
She must have enrolled in a communication degree and later got attached to NTV7. From my observation she not only reads news but appears in local NTV7 singing productions and acting too. Hmm not bad; not bad. I am glad she went far enough to be noticed by others. Also, I see the confidence established out of the vocation she is in.

I have not been in personal contact with her but I observe her from afar and I consider her a leader in her own way.

Glad she is doing fine as she happily sings her lungs out for another Chinese New Year Special Program called 'kwai ler 178" (Happy 178?)

Another star of the school of future leaders.

School of Future Leaders

To be there or there already?

Over breafast yesterday, the Principal told me her heart's desire ; to establish the panaroma of the school an inch further. She reiterated that we should profess it as the 'School of Future Leaders' and to make it work.

Yes, the school of future leaders and for future leaders.

Walking round the premises of the school, my memory stretched back to as far as it could hold and I wondered at all the students who have left us over the decade. Where are they? How can I tell of their stories? How many will tell me their stories? Are some of them aspiring to be towering figures in the country?

For the sake of history, I will try to find out ... as much as it permits.

So, each time I talk about some stories related to them it will be entitled ;

School of Future Leaders.

Incidentally, one figure walked in yesterday and said 'hi'.

As related some time ago, I remember this guy as someone different in class. He dreamt to be a cheer leader and a dancer. His essay told me of it. To make it a reality, he became a figure to behold in the co-curriculum field. So it is true to equate some aspiration and success with active participation in school. He gathered his croonies and bull- dozed through the cheer panel of judges because he formed the first all male team for the 'pom-pom' world and emerged the first ever champion team for the nation...boys don't go pom-pom but they did it and caught the nation's attention.

Then he successfully completed his STPM and enrolled himself in a 'dance degree' emerging again as the best student of his cohort from Universiti Malaya. He knew what he wanted. So what if he had been in the pure science stream in his school career ? He never forgo his dream. He shared that his mum allowed him a full say in what he wanted to do and laughed when he related how many friends' parents forbade them to enroll in such a 'dance degree'. So some of them became engineers, accountants and... still wanted to dance. So they join hands with him and dance, dance, dance even after their professional degrees.They don't want to be in their fields they graduated from. They only wanted to dance !

Yes, it's Chee Wei. He dropped by to say hello to his 'ibu' ; that close to her his heart is. So the Principal confirmed again - school of future leaders.

Chee Wei told me he has never worked for any boss before because he aspires to be the boss himself. In his words...I do not wait for opportunity to come my way; I create my own opportunity. I'm not used to being led cause Seafield trained me to lead... Wow, he sure knows how to 'bodek'...compliment; something up his sleeve? Trying to get business?
Today he is the boss of 'Cheer Aspirations' and provides training services to those who need them. He also does retailing in sports equipment and evrything related to cheer business. He employs many Seafieldians and is still the leader wherever he goes. He is bold and the sky is the limit. He told me he is single but not available. What does that mean?

We will be seeing more of him ... official coach of "The Vulcanz"; the very team he formed in his school days.

Contact him at cheeraspirations @ gmail.com.

Proud of Chee Wei.

Registration Time !

Register or you fall out !

Yea; it's the time of the year again.

Students clamour for their favourite clubs and games ; to get a place or they will be in destitute with no opportunity to participate.

Today was another event which will determine the co-curriculum involvement of the children in the school calendar year. Some may not agree but it is a fact that those who excel in the extra-curricular activities are ones that somehow will shine in life. It is here that they build leadership qualities, social networks, popularity, acceptability and many unspoken skills which may just grant them the extra edge in the future.

I have also seen the active ones excelling in their academic performance and it is a fallacy to equate being active with a waste of time and energy. More often than not, the most active ones in co-curricular participation are the ones who top the school in each academic year.

So be as active as possible.

The leaders of the club frantically looking for clients...come join us.

Who's the sunshine boy? Good way to recruit followers.

Rawr, rawr, rawr !

Yea, she rawrs but doesn't bite. Which group does she belong to?

Yes, they are out to make sure they have the highest number of members...but you must love to serve or the club has no meaning .

How can I further convince you that ours is out of the world? Don't believe? Come in. But I know something ; you cannot recruit the Form 1 and 2 group...lest you all give them the most menial tasks and get them socially bogged down ! Hands off.

But you still try; yes come join the Interact Club. We are going to climb the hill this year.

More, more, more. Come play games for healthier bodies. So many sports club called for members in the canteen...

The registration took up a couple of hours before everyone was dispersed and trudged back to the classroom for lessons proper. Oh do we need to go back to class ?

Yes, ladies and gentlemen ; back to class so said the discipline chief or you will... be in trouble.

It was a day of short but memorable fun.

Fragrance In The Air

The Lovely Yellow Lilies

If you were to enter my abode now , you will surely be mesmerised by the colours and the fragrance exuberated by these blooms. I never knew the species will fill the air with such unforgettable fragrance and honestly you would think the house is sprayed with natural perfume. I must remember to buy them for friends too when an ocassion warants it. The fragrance will lead you to remember the giver with fond thoughts.

Any other phrases for the lovely exposition?

See. The vase stands tall in the hall displaying the charm of her blooms. Really, the house is virtually swarmed with this sweet fragrance since last evening.

Thank you; giver of the blooms...

"Aya young man, why like that one..." I asked.

"Angel of God deserve sth nice mah. Enjoy..." I was told.

Do you believe in Angels of God? I do.