Today is a happy day. A few months ago, I applied to be a teacher (Chinese) with my partner's Quinnie's encouragement. She was an ex teacher before coming to the real estate business. Seeing my dilemma juggling work and quality time with the gals on the weekends and hubby's busy teaching schedule, she told me I should try and become a teacher too. I told her I'm keen to teach if it's primary school Chinese and she thinks I will have a good chance. So, in the wee hours of the morning in April, I sent in my online application.
After I told hubby, he asked me '你为什么这么 冲动?' My bro asked me '你为什么这么想不开?' Duh, the two teachers closest to me are not supportive lor. But yes, I do understand where they are coming from cos teaching is a very tough job, long hours, high stress and still must bring work home to mark. Working part time in real estate was rewarding (not monetary but the satisfaction I get when I help clients get their dream home), and many of my clients have become my friends.
But the main problem is that my working hours clashes with hb and the gals' leisure time. It gets worse now that RA is dropping naps over the weekends cos once we leave both gals at ILs place when I need to work, ILs will complain that both of them didn't nap. Most of the time, cos RA was not sleepy so she was disturbing Mei Mei. I feel bad 'stoning' at home during the weekday while sending both gals to full day cc, then when they get home or when they are free on weekends, I got to work.
Anyway, I was lucky that MOE shortlisted me for interview and after the interview in May, I waited 5 weeks before getting a offer in end June for contract teaching for primary Chinese. I waited so long that I seriously thought it was gone case by then cos no news from MOE means bad news.
Haha, after getting the offer, I went for appt briefing to sign the contract. Two days later, went for medical check at Raffles Hosp and photoshoot for the PS card.Then, I appealed to both Poi Ching School principal and MOE deployment unit to send to me to Poi Ching because I have logistic issues with the two gals, I have no maid and I need to send my gals to CC in the morning which only opens at 7am earliest and my hb is also a teacher teaching at Marine parade so no one else can do the morning ferryimg. Also I have already registered for PV for Poi Ching as I want to enrol my gals in the nearest primary school to my house and the only school within 1 km. If I posted to other schools, I can't do PV at Poi Ching anymore and RaeAnne doesn't have any nearby primary school within walking distance to go to.
Thankfully, my wish came true! Today, I received the email from MOE that I will be posted to Poi Ching Primary and assuming duty on 30 July. :)
I know I got lots to learn cos I hardly taught except a brief relief teaching experience in Poi Ching in 2009. I know I will be very busy with marking and school work in future. But I hope this will be better for my family in the long term. At least the family finances will be better and we will have synchronised holidays and hopefully I can coach RaeAnne better in Higher Chinese in future if she gets into Poi Ching Primary in 2015. :)
The BRAND NEW Piggy Family
The cartoon is by Piggy Daddy who is a full time educator and freelance illustrator. Anyone who needs freelance illustrations, please contact us! :)
Monday, July 16, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Parent Teachers Conference (PTC) and afterthoughts
This is a backdated post cos RL's PTC was on 26 May before we went to Taiwan and RA was on 12 June after we came back from Taiwan.
Raelynn's PTC didn't go so well cos Wang Laoshi said she has short attention span. 上课, 没有听课, 只顾着玩她的裙子. 叫她的名字,旗庭,旗庭... 她也不知道. When the teacher asks her to do colouring, she will pick a colour pencil, colour a corner here, then take another colour pencil and colour another corner, and repeat until she has a few parts coloured, she will be happy and stop. Wang Laoshi said she is very different from RaeAnne (whom she also taught) who paid attention in class and consciously try to colour within the lines very nicely.
I really wanted to dig a hole and hide inside then, so embarrassed. But luckily, I redeemed myself and Raelynn cos I asked Wang Laoshi if she was as bad compared to the other year end babies. Wang Laoshi didn't know RL is a Dec baby because she is half a head taller than the other year-end-born classmates. After I pointed out to her, she said then she's better cos at least she can answer when Wang laoshi asks her a question (in Mandarin), some of her peers cannot answer yet. RL's form teacher Teacher Jean is new so she said she still needs more time to observe RL.
I am guilty of not doing anything for RL's studies cos I still treat her as my baby since she is the youngest in the family. I am not keen for her to grow up so fast too. So, as long as the teacher said she is better than her peers, I will leave her be. After all, she has an elder sister to emulate so I don't think she will take that long to catch up. :P
RaeAnne's PTC was the one we looked forward to cos we wanted some advice from the teachers. We find her very impatient (always shouting and raising her voice), emotional and bad tempered and always fighting with Mei Mei. Yang Laoshi (her form teacher) and Teacher Samantha (English and Maths) said RaeAnne is a good student. Never gave them any trouble just that she is too quiet. Told the teachers that she talks a lot at home but she is bad tempered. Asked the teachers if she is like that in school and the teachers said not at all, she is well behaved and gets along well with her friends so they are surprised to hear this from us.
That's reassuring cos it shows that she knows that in public social settings, she should behave herself. At least we won't be getting complain calls from her teachers. As for her tantrums, the teachers advised us to be more indirect and not to hurt her ego when she does something wrong cos she has a strong personality. Encourage her that she can do something better if she does it another way but don't say that she is wrong.
Anyway, my conclusion is that RA is usually at her best behaviour when Mei Mei is not around so she is just trying to fight for attention and love with Mei mei. She always wants us to treat them fairly and even for us to love her more so I guess she is insecure. Think we should try and bring her out on solo dates with us so that she can feel our love without Mei Mei around to compete with her.
Raelynn's PTC didn't go so well cos Wang Laoshi said she has short attention span. 上课, 没有听课, 只顾着玩她的裙子. 叫她的名字,旗庭,旗庭... 她也不知道. When the teacher asks her to do colouring, she will pick a colour pencil, colour a corner here, then take another colour pencil and colour another corner, and repeat until she has a few parts coloured, she will be happy and stop. Wang Laoshi said she is very different from RaeAnne (whom she also taught) who paid attention in class and consciously try to colour within the lines very nicely.
I really wanted to dig a hole and hide inside then, so embarrassed. But luckily, I redeemed myself and Raelynn cos I asked Wang Laoshi if she was as bad compared to the other year end babies. Wang Laoshi didn't know RL is a Dec baby because she is half a head taller than the other year-end-born classmates. After I pointed out to her, she said then she's better cos at least she can answer when Wang laoshi asks her a question (in Mandarin), some of her peers cannot answer yet. RL's form teacher Teacher Jean is new so she said she still needs more time to observe RL.
I am guilty of not doing anything for RL's studies cos I still treat her as my baby since she is the youngest in the family. I am not keen for her to grow up so fast too. So, as long as the teacher said she is better than her peers, I will leave her be. After all, she has an elder sister to emulate so I don't think she will take that long to catch up. :P
RaeAnne's PTC was the one we looked forward to cos we wanted some advice from the teachers. We find her very impatient (always shouting and raising her voice), emotional and bad tempered and always fighting with Mei Mei. Yang Laoshi (her form teacher) and Teacher Samantha (English and Maths) said RaeAnne is a good student. Never gave them any trouble just that she is too quiet. Told the teachers that she talks a lot at home but she is bad tempered. Asked the teachers if she is like that in school and the teachers said not at all, she is well behaved and gets along well with her friends so they are surprised to hear this from us.
That's reassuring cos it shows that she knows that in public social settings, she should behave herself. At least we won't be getting complain calls from her teachers. As for her tantrums, the teachers advised us to be more indirect and not to hurt her ego when she does something wrong cos she has a strong personality. Encourage her that she can do something better if she does it another way but don't say that she is wrong.
Anyway, my conclusion is that RA is usually at her best behaviour when Mei Mei is not around so she is just trying to fight for attention and love with Mei mei. She always wants us to treat them fairly and even for us to love her more so I guess she is insecure. Think we should try and bring her out on solo dates with us so that she can feel our love without Mei Mei around to compete with her.
Monday, June 18, 2012
18 June 2012
It's been 9 long years since hb and I first became an item. And I almost forgot about our dating anniversary date. I slept at 3am last night and crashed in the morning till afternoon 3pm. No thanks to RA who was sleeping and whining the whole time last night even when I let her sleep on my bed after she came into my room. The gals already slept late close to midnight cos they had late afternoon naps at ILs place.
Anyway, we didn't celebrate the day at all. Initially, wanted to bring the gals to watch Madagascar 3 but that plan was aborted cos they were more keen to go to Uncle Ringo rides next to Tampines Mall. But at least the gals had fun. Hope we can make it up for it next yr, when it's our 10th yr together. :P
Anyway, we didn't celebrate the day at all. Initially, wanted to bring the gals to watch Madagascar 3 but that plan was aborted cos they were more keen to go to Uncle Ringo rides next to Tampines Mall. But at least the gals had fun. Hope we can make it up for it next yr, when it's our 10th yr together. :P
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to hubby! :)
Today was a hectic day so didn't have time to celebrate with hb though I did get him a gift yesterday and RA drew him a beautiful card.
In the morning, we went to Compass Point for late brunch at Burger King then collected the Father's Day cake for FIL. Then we went to ILs house to celebrate with him. RA was excited and keen to blow the candle but RL didn't. RA ate quite a bit of cake but RL refused to have a single bite. Strange that this gal doesn't like cake. Thought most kids do. She loves sweets and chocolate though. :P
Around 245pm, Hb went to China Square Central to 'beow' toys but I was tired. Supposed to go back and nap but I ended up tidying up the mess created by the gals for the past 2 weeks which got worse after our Taiwan trip cos there was so much loose barang barang lying around.
Hb helped to get the Boon Tong Kee chicken from Macpherson Road cos I wanted to go to the temple to pray to my dad. This was my first Father's Day and it feels weird not spending it with him. He always liked Boon Tong Kee chicken. Spent some time 'talking' to him and updating him about our lives. Hope he can really hear me and that he's at peace.
Today was a hectic day so didn't have time to celebrate with hb though I did get him a gift yesterday and RA drew him a beautiful card.
In the morning, we went to Compass Point for late brunch at Burger King then collected the Father's Day cake for FIL. Then we went to ILs house to celebrate with him. RA was excited and keen to blow the candle but RL didn't. RA ate quite a bit of cake but RL refused to have a single bite. Strange that this gal doesn't like cake. Thought most kids do. She loves sweets and chocolate though. :P
Around 245pm, Hb went to China Square Central to 'beow' toys but I was tired. Supposed to go back and nap but I ended up tidying up the mess created by the gals for the past 2 weeks which got worse after our Taiwan trip cos there was so much loose barang barang lying around.
Hb helped to get the Boon Tong Kee chicken from Macpherson Road cos I wanted to go to the temple to pray to my dad. This was my first Father's Day and it feels weird not spending it with him. He always liked Boon Tong Kee chicken. Spent some time 'talking' to him and updating him about our lives. Hope he can really hear me and that he's at peace.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Taiwan 8D7N Family Funtasia
This is going to be a very short post (by my standards). We went to Taiwan with the kids, my mum, mil and small aunt from 2-9 June. 7 people in total. We joined the goup tour by Chan Bros. There were 14 adults and 6 kids in this tour.
We went to Taipei, Jiaoxi, Yilan, Jiufen, Nantou, Sun Moon Lake, Chiayi, Tai chong, before returning to Taipei. The first few days were rainy so it was a bit difficult to move around esp with 2 young kids who dun like raincoats but they were too heavy to carry. The next few days were better but super sunny. As hot as Singapore. In fact, we perspired as if we were in Sg too. :P
What the kids enjoyed: the doctor fish feeding at Spa resort (though RaeAnne kept asking why the fish didn't want to bite her feet. She didn't know it was a compliment paid by the fish cos it meant that her skin is so smooth that the fish had no 死皮 to nibble on), bubble baths at hotel room bathtubs (only when avail) as usual! The carousel and other kiddy rides at 九族文化村 esp when it's free, no queues so they can go as many rounds as they like. They also like the animals at Leofoo resort hotel but since they were too far for them to touch, they were not especially wowed.
What I enjoyed, the food! Especially the 卤肉饭and醉鸡at 张记 in 九份. And the white bittergourd juice. The scenery at Sun Moon Lake was very nice too. Couldn't wake up for the sunrise though I think it would have been beautiful.
As for the old folks, I'm not really sure what they esp like. Keke. But hope they enjoyed the trip. Dun think we will be going on such big group tours in future, cost being one of the major reasons. ;P
We went to Taipei, Jiaoxi, Yilan, Jiufen, Nantou, Sun Moon Lake, Chiayi, Tai chong, before returning to Taipei. The first few days were rainy so it was a bit difficult to move around esp with 2 young kids who dun like raincoats but they were too heavy to carry. The next few days were better but super sunny. As hot as Singapore. In fact, we perspired as if we were in Sg too. :P
What the kids enjoyed: the doctor fish feeding at Spa resort (though RaeAnne kept asking why the fish didn't want to bite her feet. She didn't know it was a compliment paid by the fish cos it meant that her skin is so smooth that the fish had no 死皮 to nibble on), bubble baths at hotel room bathtubs (only when avail) as usual! The carousel and other kiddy rides at 九族文化村 esp when it's free, no queues so they can go as many rounds as they like. They also like the animals at Leofoo resort hotel but since they were too far for them to touch, they were not especially wowed.
What I enjoyed, the food! Especially the 卤肉饭and醉鸡at 张记 in 九份. And the white bittergourd juice. The scenery at Sun Moon Lake was very nice too. Couldn't wake up for the sunrise though I think it would have been beautiful.
As for the old folks, I'm not really sure what they esp like. Keke. But hope they enjoyed the trip. Dun think we will be going on such big group tours in future, cost being one of the major reasons. ;P
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Clearing bb stuff
Finally decide to sell off some bb stuff yesterday esp the bigger, bulkier items. Posted at SMH WTS thread and today, already sold off the Maxi Cosi car seat, FP Laugh & Learn Home, FP BB Grand Piano. Really felt 'bu she de' to let go of these memories but the house is really too messy and I can't keep waiting for something that may not happen. Time to move on. :P
P.S. 17 July, a day of reckoning. A day to regret my decision. Duh...
P.S. 17 July, a day of reckoning. A day to regret my decision. Duh...
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Mother's Day Stayacation at Resorts World
Day 1
We went for lunch at China square central and I brought the gals and MIL for a mani and pedi using my package. Think it's the first time MIL is trying it. We had to queue to check in though it was already 315pm by the time we reached Festive Hotel. Hubby bought me a SKII gift at the cosmetic shop next door. He wanted to give it to me when MIL was not around but RA couldn't wait. Duh.. A bit paiseh lor cos like the son never buy anything for own mother like that. Mental note to self: must ask hubby to buy a cake for MIL.
I bought a groupon for $88 back scrub, mask and 60 mins massage last week at the hotel spa for $88. Booked the spa treatment from 4-6pm, Mother's Day gift for self. Talk about killing many birds with one stone man. hehe. Had our Mother's Day dinner at Putien at 630pm immediately after my spa treatment. Luckily I booked a table last Sunday, saw a few groups of people waiting for tables cos the restaurant was fully booked esp the bigger round tables. Even though I did book a table, we had to vacate the table at 8pm. Luckily for us, we needed early dinner for the kids so it was no issue. The Mother's Day set dinner at $128 was quite filling and we had to tapao the fried bee hoon and the 'or nee'. Best of all, it came with a free photo and a free pink carnation for MIL. Skipped the cake this year though cos we were too stuffed. Reminded hubby to buy MIL a gift instead.
Day 2
MIL went to the casino while we brought the kids to Universal Studio (2 adults tickets prices included in this Wow package). All of us woke up late at almost 10am incl MIL, think the blackout curtains in the hotel room were really superb!
First thing we did when we went inside USS to buy RA a pair of shoes/slippers cos she brought her brand new patent red lace flats that we bought from Colettee then complained that her feet after half a day. Bought a crystal hp accessory for MIL with a lucky 招财猫 charm. I initially wanted to get the 发 mahjong tile charm but hubby think it's too 俗气. He was shocked that this little thing costs almost $50 bucks, think he really out of the market for ladies accessories. haha. It was almost 11am by the time we walked to the main theme park area so it was getting a bit warm. Surprisingly, the first thing RA asked for the Shrek Movie (4d animation), not any of the rides. :P Oh well, since she liked it so much, we went there first. At least, this time, Raelynn got to put on the 3d glasses and sit on the real 'moving' seat, not the stationary one which I had to share with her last yr.
She can't see very well cos she is too short and there aren't any booster seats. She was a bit unnerved when the seat started shaking and she got wet from the Donkey's sneeze and her legs touched by the 'spiders' though. So halfway through I carried her and let her sit on my lap. She liked the show much better after that. :)
Next, RA wanted to go on the kiddy dragon roller coaster again so I asked hubby to bring her since I already went last year. RL hasn't reached the minimum ht so I brought her for the carousel. This time, she is ok to ride it on her own after I buckled her safety belt. As we walked back to meet hubby, we caught sight of Puss in Boots posing for pics so I quickly joined the queue cos RL did not have her photo taken with Puss last yr and I know her favourite animal is 猫猫. She was a bit scared when Puss knelt down to hug her though. haha.
Then we met up with RA and hubby for lunch and brought the gals to the carousel ride again since RA still wanted to go. Next, it was off to Jurassic Park, hubby's favourite. Hubby wanted to go for the Rapids Adventure ride but he changed his mind after he realised we will all get wet. So, we queued for almost 30 mins for the flying dinosaur ride. Something like Flying Dumbo at Disneyland so think the kids will enjoy the ride. Wished I had the Universal Express pass then cos it was so hot at 2pm then and pp kept 'cutting' in at the Express lane. I was really fascinated by the Canopy flyer ride but was put off by the 45 mins wait and the long snaking queue. Didn't realise that even it's a Monday, we got to wait so long. I was crazy enough to consider the Universal express pass so I asked abt it at the souvenir shop.
WA, I was shocked! It was $30 per pax (no matter adult or child) for the universal express pass, that's $120 for a family of 4 and only to 'cut queue' legitimately. The full ticket price for adult is only $65. Really 杀人放火 lor! There was another 3d2n package that included Universal express pass. If I ever come back for another stayacation over weekend or PH, must go for that package or else really must wait like crazy. :PAnyway, so no choice got to give up on my Canopy flyer ride, next time then go bah. We went to take a photo with the Dino cos I am a sucker for family pics with all of us in it so no choice got to pay 12 bucks for it. :PThe gals were tired by then esp RA so we went back to the hotel around 3pm. MIL was already back. But cheh, after a quick shower, both of them are refreshed and running around. Refused to nap. So, we went to the cafe downstairs and had cake, club sandwiches, coffee and ice cream. After that, brought the gals to the pool and waterplay area since we didn't have time to go last yr. They enjoyed themselves and made friends with a little bb gal in her float.
Wanted to order room service since all of us showered after going to the pool, so I wasn't keen to perspire again. But the room service prices were crazy. I paid $12 for the club sandwich at the cafe in the afternoon but the room service menu price was $22! $10 just for the restaurant to bring it up to my room. Cannot take it. So, we went to the mall and tapow food from Ruyi instead. The gals loved the卤肉饭which was supposed to be my dinner instead of their own wanton mee. Looking forward to the Taiwan 卤肉饭 at 九份 for our June holiday, one of the best hubby and I tasted. ;) Poor mei mei was holding a pair of chopsticks while climbing down from the loft bed. MIL was watching her but not fast enough to catch her and she fell midway but luckily she landed on her bum and the whole room is carpeted so impact not as great.
The gals knocked out at 1030pm, only slightly earlier even though they had no nap.
Day 3
Didn't know what to do today and hubby wanted to wait for MIL to come back so we wasted some time in the hotel room. MIL had gone back to the casino to recoup her losses at 8am. RA wanted to take the cable car ride but hubby was afraid it will be too late for us to check out by then since the 2 way ride takes about 30 mins. MIL came back close to 11am, she managed to recoup her losses. Yeah! Hope the 招财猫 was her good luck charm.
Went to Malaysian Food street for lunch after depositing our luggage and Mei Mei KO after just a few mouthfuls of porridge. :PThen RA KO in the car but RL woke up as we put her into her car seat. Was very tired myself so was secretly pleased when RA said she wanted to follow Nai Nai when we reached MIL house. Managed to nap for 1 hr at least. keke.
In the end, I paid $150 and signed up for RWS privileges (non gambling privilege card) so I had another 2 adults tickets for USS valid for 1 yr. Figured it should be worth it since the kids love USS, MIL loves casino and there is free hotel room upgrade, free parking, etc. We will be back again, hopefully next time, we get to stay at a different hotel. :)
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
RA's hedgehog
Day and night by RA
RaeAnne drew this last week but I was too busy to scan and save the drawings. What I liked is that she drew daytime on one side of the paper and night time on the other side. I think she drew Daddy much better this time cos he has short hair and a parting. Hubby shouldn't complain this time. But can tell she is still using her own kiddy logic cos the night picture with the moon has both rain and rainbow. haha.
RL is toilet trained! :)
Raelynn is toilet trained since last month. She will tell us when she needs to pee even after she has fallen asleep at night. So, she is off diapers even for nights so we save on diapers.
A good progress since we only told the teacher to start toilet training her on 9 April. Two reasons 1) she has already spent more than 3 mths at Elfa and I feel that she has adjusted to the cc routine. 2) My other selfish reason is that I don't want to lug diapers and use up precious luggage space for our Taiwan holiday in June.
Then she was diagnosed with HFMD on 17 April so she spent 11 days with MIL until the GP cleared her. After just 2 nights at MIL house, she told us she stopped peeing at night and will only pee in the morning. Even though she started toilet training later (>2 yrs 4 mths) compared to RaeAnne, she mastered it in less than 2 weeks incl night peeing. Maybe being older and having an elder sibling to show her the way means she is more ready.
Once in a while, if she has a second round of milk at bedtime or if she is on medication, there are still 1-2 accidents. But I think I can live with that. Anyway, I still have 3 packs of huggies diaper pants left. Too many to keep for standby, might as well just sell it off. :P
A good progress since we only told the teacher to start toilet training her on 9 April. Two reasons 1) she has already spent more than 3 mths at Elfa and I feel that she has adjusted to the cc routine. 2) My other selfish reason is that I don't want to lug diapers and use up precious luggage space for our Taiwan holiday in June.
Then she was diagnosed with HFMD on 17 April so she spent 11 days with MIL until the GP cleared her. After just 2 nights at MIL house, she told us she stopped peeing at night and will only pee in the morning. Even though she started toilet training later (>2 yrs 4 mths) compared to RaeAnne, she mastered it in less than 2 weeks incl night peeing. Maybe being older and having an elder sibling to show her the way means she is more ready.
Once in a while, if she has a second round of milk at bedtime or if she is on medication, there are still 1-2 accidents. But I think I can live with that. Anyway, I still have 3 packs of huggies diaper pants left. Too many to keep for standby, might as well just sell it off. :P
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