Tracy's Nest

Last day of school and Prize Presentation

2009-11-25T12:19:00.002+08:00

Finally, 20th November saw the last day of school for the year 2009. Ooooo...... time passed so fast and it was like yesterday my girl started going to Std. 1 and now she had finished Year 1. Recalling of her crying for the 1st 6 months every morning when she reaches school gives me the shudders. I was sitting down here and trying to retrieve what I did during the past months. *blank*

Actually Des need not go to school but as there was no one to look after her for me, I had to drag her along to attend the Prize Presentation and Farewell Bidding for the Std. 6 students organised by the school. Yup, as a PIBG member, I was invited.

I called Dr. Loh the previous nite to see whether I could 'tumpang' his car. I was in luck, he wanted to attend too, not becos he was a PIBG member but his daughter, Christine, was one of the prize winners.

We started off at about 6.45 a.m. and after sending Fanny off to work in HUKM, we reached the school at about 7.10 a.m. (no jams at all) and had to wait until 8 a.m. before we were ushered into the school's 'mini' community hall. Hopefully the new 2-storey building with the community hall will be ready before the school reopens next year.

Poor Des, she was the only Std. 1 student, besides the 3 prize winners from her class, who went to school dat day. She refused to sit with her seniors and started to cry and I had to let her sit with me. She cried the first day and (who would have thought she would cry) the last day of school. *duh* *shakes head* .... sigh .....

The 3 brilliant students from Des's class,
Joey Yap, Thong Kai Wen and Christine Loh

The Stage

The Trophies

The Prize winners

The school leavers (Std. 6 students)

Christine receiving her prize

Model student from Co-curriculum category

Model Student (Girl)
Sheryl (Uncle's Ooi's grand-daughter)

Model Student (Boy)

We were entertained performances by the students.

Chinese Yoyo

The School's Band.

Solo Organ player

A dance, a short humorous sketch (Modern Cinderella)

and a song rendered by the school leavers.

Handshaking moments to bid Bye-bye

from the Std. 6 pupils.

Such a 'heavy heart' and sad scene.
I'm sure most of the students and teachers
were trying to hold back their tears.

1ST, 2ND AND 3RD PLACING OF CLASS 1 S, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
THE PRIZE WINNERS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Children's Day 2009

2009-11-10T12:30:00.003+08:00

Destinee's school celebrated Children's Day on 30th October, 2009. There were a few events - Clown & Fan dance, Percussion, Wushu, individual performances – strumming of the guitar + singing, violin playing and games. Des participated in two of the events - Clown + Fan Dance and Feeding a bottle of drink to a classmate.

Doesn't she look funny?

The hat was so big dat 2 clips were needed to pin it in place

or ..... hmmmm ..... her head's too small? (hahaha).

Des and her classmates waiting for the 'Feeding Drink' game.

The kids were so excited.

Des 'feeding' Kai Wen. (Picture courtesy of Teacher Gooi)
Des said she likes Kai Wen *roll eyes* *sweats*.

The class's decorations and the yummy yummy food

brought by the parents.

There was a Children's Day cake and Gift Packs too.

The kids enjoying to the games of

'Passing the Balloons around' and

'大风吹' (Blowing of the Wind)

Musical Chair.

The kids munching away and enjoying the food.
There were so much food, expected by Teacher Gooi,
dat the kids were asked to bring along containers
to 'tar pau' the food back.

Get together and SMILEEEEEEE .......
The drawing on the white board was drawn by their
Art teacher, Teacher Loo.
The hats were made by the kids during Art class taught by
Teacher Loo too.

Another pic by the 'mischievous students' of Class 1 S with
their class teacher, Teacher Gooi and BM teacher, Cikgu Wee.

It was as if the kids were still in kindergarten and I'm sure they enjoyed themselves very much. They have the full attention from the teachers and every student has a chance in participating, be it in competitions or games. Dat's the privilege of being in a 'small' school (heehee).

CLASS PHOTO

Front: Chang Shiau Huei, Joey Kok, Ally Cheah (Monitor),

Joey Au, Christine Loh, Teacher Gooi, Joyce Yap, Yap Hoi Sei,

Chang Pei Shan, Destinee Lee

Back: Pang Kah Lok, Vernon Choo, Kenny Loh,

Thong Kai Wen (Asst. Monitor), Tham Yue Shuen, Ong Yuan Hung,

Thomas Loh, Kong Weng Yin, Leong Ying Hung, Nicholas Choo

I love this pic and I love these kids.

Mischievous yet cute little ones.

I'm sure they would have sometimes made their

teachers 'puke blood' and would like to

'cekik' them. (hahaha)

A Little Update

2009-10-22T13:30:00.001+08:00

Pappy finally went to see a psychiatrist and is on medication at the moment. He needs a lot of rest and must not be too stressful and he can't even lift heavy stuffs or walk fast (his heart will start 'thumping'). He can sleep well and appetite is okay now. He still has this phobia of being 'out of breath'. He really needs time to recuperate from the ordeal.

I've been quite busy lately. I'm back in the office helping Pappy with most of the work esp. carrying piles of printed work and there's Des with her homework and final exam (ok, ok, she's only in Std. 1 but still ..........).

As what Magictree said, 'we're so lucky dat there are kind souls around'. I'm really blessed to have quite a number of friends, who has been helping me with so many matters, especially

Dr. Loh & Fanny - who helped me to find and persuade Uncle Ooi to send Des to school early every morning.
Ah Ni - who helped me pick Des after school when Pappy cannot make it.
Lee Hung - who helped me out in the office.
Elyss, Eugene, Elaine (Des's godmother), Janice, Willy, Pun, Bao Li, Su Chung, Chew Foong, Cathy, Keong, JE, Weng, Kong, Fang - calling us every now and then to see if we needed help.
And most of all, June who is ever ready to lend me her ears and imaginary shoulder.

I really appreciate the calls, emails and sms from friends and bloggers. Thank u so much again.

Unlucky 7th lunar month? Stress.

2009-09-28T10:30:00.003+08:00

Was it an unlucky 7th lunar month for us? First, I was hospitalised for viral infection, Pappy was even worse - business not only slowed down, his car broke down after sending Des to school, his specs dropped and was stepped on by somebody and he was in the hospital twice.

The 7th lunar month on the Chinese calendar is aka the month of the hungry ghost. Friends and relatives believed Pappy 'bumped' into 'dirty things' and dat was why he was so unlucky (or are we being superstituous?).

Pappy has gone thru all the necessary medical examinations and even went to pray to the deities in one of the temples recommended by a friend but he still felt uncomfortable. Uncomfortable in the sense dat there was still something irking him. So how?

He told me he went and prayed to 'change his luck' and not to pray to drive away the dirty things. He still felt there was something bothering him. He called his friend again and off they went to pray to 济公 (aka Jai Gong, Buddha Ji, Master Jhi, Mad Monk ... whatever). The 济公 immediately told Pappy dat he definitely had bumped into dirty things and 'they' were still bothering him. So, the 济公 prayed for Pappy and told him everthing will be okay. Pappy came home, burnt the amulet given by the 济公, into a cup of water, sifted the ashes and drank the water. He was even advised to brush the ashes on his chest (huh?). Well, he slept soundly dat nite (he was snoring the whole nite and surprisingly no tossings).

Was Pappy really disturbed by the supernaturals or was it, he was always thinking he was uncomfortable and dat was what has been stressing him out? After praying, he felt he was protected and feels at ease now. I won't stop him from going to pray if dat will make him feels comfortable and alrite. But after praying in 4 different temples, he's still like dat.

Well, I don't know, I guess it's up to one to believe. Or is it dat everything's not in the rite place since we shifted over to this house and since Des started school or is Pappy psychologically not well? He used to sleep soundly thru the nite but nowadays he'll be awake at least 2-3 times and dat means he doesn't get enough of sleep.

My analyses in green: I was hospitalised for viral infection (I ate something not cleaned properly), Pappy was even worse - business not only slowed down (I guess the whole market's like dat, esp. during this festive season), his car broke down after sending Des to school (oil filter spoilt, time's up after 5 years), his specs dropped and was stepped on by somebody (he was careless, he left the specs on a pile of papers and somebody removed the papers without realising the specs was there) and he was in the hospital twice (due to stress). And I'm sure he's having phobia about what happened and dat's why he's not confident in most of the things he does.

I, his family, friends have been advising him to RELAX but his answer was "it's easy for u all to say".

He has talked about his problems and we'll try our best to solve. He's worried about his business and us, he feels tired easily nowadays, cannot drive or even sit for too long, sometimes no appetite, feels okay at one moment but suddenly will feel uncomfortable/uneasy. I'm trying to find someone to send and fetch Des to and from school. If we are still in our old place, I don't think we'll have the problem cos we have many friends there. I don't know what's really disturbing him? Should he go and see a pyschiatrist (sooner or later I'll be the one going instead :P but no worries, I'm still sane at the moment) or should we shift back to our old house?

A note to Elaine:
My MIL called and told me dat a "Mrs. Wong" knows me and would email the details . I was cracking my head who "Mrs. Wong" is. So, u were the Mrs. Wong aka "Leng Jai Ah Ong's" wife whom my MIL was talking about. What a coincidence and a small world! Hahaha!

Thank u so much for recommending the acupunturist to us and I've advised Pappy to go and see her (acupunturist) asap. In the meantime, I still strongly convince him to continue taking his medicine from the doctor and maybe he should go and see a pyschiatrist.

Is there anything wrong with her?

2009-09-16T12:11:00.009+08:00

This morning I went to the school's office to see Des's class teacher, 魏老师。She told me Des doesn't like to answer questions. I was dumbfolded for a while. Then only did I realise what she was trying to tell me. During the recent oral test, Des only got 1 mark out of 5! 魏老师 said she even went to the extent of scaring Des dat if she wouldn't open her mouth to answer, teacher would have to give her a ZERO. Dat would bring her grades down just becos she failed her oral test. *sei hmm sei*

魏老师 told me the questions she asked were very simple and general questions, like, "what are u going to do when mommy said she's having stomachache?", "what must u do when mommy cuts her finger?" 魏老师 said Des wouldn't answer. Oops, Std. 1 students have to do this type of oral tests? Those are general knowledge questions, moral questions or what? Oh dear, I think I'm a bit outdated.

My girl doesn't know how to answer or was she scared or she doesn't know how to answer in Chinese? I know Des is scared of answering questions which she's not sure of. Sometimes I've to assure her dat I won't scold her if she has a wrong answer, only then she'll try. She's a chatterbox in the house but in a crowd, she's the opposite. At home, she's a different person. Sometimes I've to ask her to shut her mouth and I don't want to hear another word from her. She'll be asking this and dat until I get fed up and ordered her to stop else I'll tape her mouth or I'll get the cane (which she's very scared of). But alas, I'll get a moment of silence only ... *boo hoo hoo*

When she's with some kids she's not familiar with, she can isolate herself and won't join them in the fun. Yes, she will cling to me like a koala bear or she'll just stand and watch the kids play. She'll only play with her cousins and friends she knows. She's not the friendly and sociable type. I've been trying to let her mix with kids but she doesn't like the idea. She's scared of 'rough' kids too. She will ask "mommy, why are they so 'chou lou'" (rough in Cantonese) ... sigh ...

She has a mouth like a kerang (clam). She has not, on her own, call "auntie", "uncle". She has been reminded every now and then when she sees my friends, she has to call "auntie" or "uncle".

I guess I've to brush Des up with not only general knowledge but everything in general. She's so blur blur and I guess she's too dependent on mommy doing things for her and she's scared of doing things on her own for eg. when we were in a restaurant, she wanted to watch the fishes in the aquarium, she would want either Pappy or me to accompany, she just wouldn't go on her own; she wouldn't go to the washroom alone; she wouldn't sleep alone; she wouldn't dare to go any further from us to get things; she's just not independent. Too pampered, spoilt or over-protective?

Very embarrasing to say dat Des cried for 6 months (yes, almost every day) going to school. She broke the school's record to some one who cried for 3 months. She was okay during the 1st week of school but the ordeal started the following week. She even told me she didn't want to go to school.

魏老师 did praise Des has improved a lot compared to the first few months when she entered school. She dared not do anything the teacher told her to do and dared not go to the school's office to pay fees, toilet, library, bookshop alone. She always persuade Christine (her best friend who's a very independent girl) to accompany her.

I know 魏老师 'forced' her to enter a story telling competition which she refused to take part but after much coaxing from me, she said she would try. I din see how she performed but I know she did her best cos she had been practising hard at home, trying to remember the Chinese characters which I wrote in 'han yu pin yin' for her.

I know it's quite difficult to deal with kids like mine and I would like to thank 魏老师 for being so patient and tolerant and I really hope the other teachers will be patient and understand too.

How come some kids are so independent and brave? Were they trained or it's in their genes? Pappy and I are not the talkative and sociable type and I'm not the brave type too. Is there anything wrong with my girl?

Update on Pappy's condition

2009-09-10T14:45:00.001+08:00

Thank u so much for everyone's concern over Pappy's condition.

So many friends had so many suggestions - go for tests, check-ups and some even advised him to go and 'pray pray' cos this happens to be the 7th lunar month (ghosts' month) for fear dat he might have 'bumped into' some 'dirty things' up the hill.

He went thru 2 ECG's (electrocardiogram), blood, urine tests and found nothing was wrong with him.

After much persuasion and not to waste time any more, he finally went for a more thorough check-up in Tong Shin hospital. He was 'forced' to go by his youngest brother and sister. I did advise him but he was like 'turning a deaf ear' to me and 'dilly dallying', so I had to text his brother and sister for help.

His heart and lungs (and whatever) were x-rayed and results were - there was nothing wrong with him! And there were no blockages of air passages as suspected earlier. The specialist finally found out what was wrong with Pappy. He was over-stressed and had, what was termed as, a PANIC ATTACK! I later checked from the website for panic attack/panic disorder - here. He had ALL (not one less) of the symptoms!

The doctor gave him 'Xanax' (anti-anxiety medicine) for a week. I know what Xanax's for cos I took those pills when I had post-natal blues. His next appointment will be in a week's time. If his condition is still the same, he will need to see a psychiatrist! *crossing my fingers, toes, hairs* I've oredi advised him to relax and forcing him to bed, latest, by 11 p.m. (he normally goes to bed at about 1 a.m. becos of his work).

Praying and hoping everything will be alrite.

p/s: To Ah Bun (BIL) and Janice (SIL),
Thank u so much for heping in advising Pappy. Janice, thank u so much for lending ur chauffeur to drive ur brother to Tong Shin hospital. Actually, I did not wish to worry u, Auntie Ma or Ah Bun but I felt dat I had to inform u all as u are Pappy's closest family.

A Good Deed and A Close Shave with Death

2009-09-07T12:25:00.001+08:00

Have to jot this down before I forget but I don't think I will forget the latter incident. The two incidents happened in a day but didn't happen to me but to Pappy!

The first incident was after shopping in Tesco and while we were packing our groceries into the car boot, I noticed a black object on a trolley beside our car. I went to the trolley found dat it was a wallet but dared not touch it. I told Pappy about it and he went and picked it up and found out it had an ID card, driving licence, credit cards and some cash (a ten dollar note and a few RM1 notes) in it and they belonged to a young man. Pappy checked his ID card and found the address was in the same garden as the supermarket.

I told Pappy to put it back or to hand it to the guard or to the reception counter for fear dat the owner might be frantically searching for it. Without any consideration, Pappy took the wallet and off we went to in search of the address. He said it was of no use handing the wallet to the guards.

When we came out of the supermarket on the way to find the address, what caught our eyes was the road sign which we were about to search. We went down the road to find the house number. When we found the house, we saw a couple coming out of the house and Pappy got down from the car and went to enquire from the couple whether anyone lost his wallet. The guy recognised the wallet and told us dat the wallet belonged to his brother and immediately called his brother. I guess the brother din even notice his wallet was missing. After having handed over the wallet to the rightful owner and of course not without the 'thank u, thank u', we went off feeling very satisfied. We 'saved' someone from having the trouble to go thru the reports. A good deed done indeed.

Now for the 2nd very happening incident. Pappy recently had this interest of 'climbing hill' in the forest at the back of our apartment. He usually goes with his friends or Des will tag along with him. Yesterday his friends were busy and his daughter had no interest in tagging along, he decided to go on his own. As I was cooking, I received a call from him and he sounded he was in difficulty. He said he couldn't breathe and felt faint at that moment! Immediately all the 'bad thoughts' came into my mind. He told me to contact our doctor friends, Dr. Loh or Fanny (Christine's parents), to ask them what he should do. I immediately called Fanny but she wasn't sure what I was trying to tell her and she passed my call to her hubby. He said he wasn't sure the situation Pappy was in but he did tell me to advise Pappy to lie down. I called Pappy again but couldn't contact him and I was oredi in tears *blek*. Dr. Loh called me again and told me he was coming over.

At dat moment, Su Chung (Pappy's hill climbing companion) called and told me Pappy called him and he said he was going up the hill to find Pappy with his friends. Upon hearing dat, I heaved a sigh of relief, knowing dat help was going to Pappy.

Dr. Loh and Fanny came over and immediately they drove me to the bottom of the hill. Luckily Elyss was around and helped me look after Destinee. I met Su Chung's wife, Chew Foong, who told me a few guys had oredi gone up to find Pappy. These guys were quite familiar with the tracks of the forest. Everyone there was consoling me and I was trying very hard to hold back my tears, not only was I scared and worried but was so heartfelt by the 'warmness' of the people. The sky was getting dark which made my heart thumped faster.

Dr. Loh tried to contact his friends to bring a stretcher cos Pappy couldn't move. Luckily we were able to contact the helpers up the hill and were informed of the situation every now and then. I was informed dat Pappy was conscious but just couldn't move, he had cramps in his hands and felt faint when he tried to get up.

One of the helpers contacted Pantai Hospital which was the nearest but was told they wouldn't come as they were not specialised in climbing hills *duh*. We had no choice but to contact the Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat and later we contacted HUKM where Dr. Loh and Fanny work. I tell u, they were so efficient, they came in about 10 minutes. As there was a gate which separated the road and the hill, the Bomba couldn't come in and Dr. Loh ran all the way out to direct the Bomba the way. A few minutes later, another 'pi po pi po' sound was on the way and dat was the ambulance from HUKM and Dr. Loh got to run all the way out to direct the ambulance again. *phew*

A few firemen and a paramedic made their way up the hill with the direction of one of the climbers and I waited down the hill with, at dat time, so many people. It was oredi pitch dark when we look up the hill. A few minutes was like a few hours to me! Someone finally came down and told me everything was fine and the firemen were trying to get Pappy down. Everyone there was consoling me not to worry and everything will be fine.

We waited for about, I really didn't know for how long, seemed like ages to me. And suddenly everyone was shouting 'coming down oredi, coming down oredi'! Pappy was carried down on a stretcher and was on drips. Quickly he was transferred into the ambulance. I noticed dat it was like a scene from the TVB series, 'Lit for hoong sum' (Burning Flame). I even noticed everyone was putting their heads out of their apartments. Oh boy, what a scene!

'Pi po pi po' and we were on our way to the hospital. Pappy was pushed into the emergency room and I went to register him. Dr. Loh and Fanny came later to accompany me. As they were familiar with the hospital, they tried to get their doctor friend to help 'look afer' Pappy. As it was getting late (I looked at the clock on the wall, it was oredi 9 p.m.), I told Dr. Loh and Fanny to go back and I would update them on Pappy's condition.

Su Chung called and asked me if I needed help but I told him, everything was fine and I would call him if I needed his help. I called Elyss to tell her we had reached the hospital. Fanny called again whether I needed them to drive me back, I told her I had contacted Elyss.

I went in and out of the 'treatment room' (don't know the exact term) to see how Pappy was. He looked okay and was very consious and even told me he was hungry (huh?). Only did I realise I too haven't had dinner yet. After waited for about 2 hours for the result of the report, Dr. Zeehan (I hope I got her name correct) came and told me there was nothing wrong with Pappy, his blood pressure, heart condition ... whatever ... they tested was normal and was allowed to be discharged. *yahoo*

Elyss came and fetched us and finally we were back home at about 1.30 a.m. after supper. We got help from Eugene (Elyss's hubby) to drive Pappy's car back from the bottom of the hill.

Pappy went to the office this morning but came back later and said he was not feeling well. I told him to rest cos I know he had a sleepless nite last nite and so he's resting at home now.

Phew! What an experience for us!

I was so helpless at that time and was like 'kelam kabut'. I really would like to express my thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart who chipped in to help esp. to Dr. Loh and Fanny, Su Chung and Chew Foong, Elyss and Eugene and the climbers. THANK U SOOOOOO VERY MUCHIE!

"Conned" by online buying

2009-09-05T12:45:00.000+08:00

I wonder how many of u out there order/buy things online? Just a piece of advice, never order from this website:

http://www.berrybunchbox.com/grocer/index.php?main_page=index&zenid=49a0ce3442cdac93ea28f83b6451148e.

Seller's Name: Md Adlin Abu Bakar

Seller's Email: isam@berrybunchbox.com
Boxkeeper name: Sherry Anis

I just received a message from my sister, June. She felt she was 'conned' by this "BERRYBUNCHBOX". On 13th August, she ordered some stuffs thru this website and paid USD73.89 plus delivery charges and was to be delivered to someone in KL on 15th. After 15th, no news, she emailed the person and was told to allow them more time. Fine, they were given 2 days to deliver the stuffs. After 2 days, still no news, June emailed them again, this time no reply. There were no phone numbers to contact. She emailed a few times but din get any replies. Sensing something was wrong, she contacted paypal (cos she paid thru paypal). Paypal promised to investigate. So June waited until she received this message from paypal today:

"We have completed our investigation of this case. We attempted to process a refund from the seller's account to your account. Unfortunately, the seller's account does not contain the funds necessary to cover this refund. We were able to recover $0.84 USD. We have taken action against the seller and are working to recover the remainder of your refund. We will contact when we have more information."

TNS lor, NO MONEY IN THE SELLER'S ACCOUNT! Only recovered USD0.84! Is June going to recover her full refund? Money's not really the big problem but to be 'conned' of about RM259 ......

Those ppl are still updating their website cos we noted different special items are on the list compared to the time we went in to check. Shows dat these 'CONPERSONS' are still up to their business - 'conning' ppl out there!!!

I'm not saying all online sellers are 'bad eggs' but, fellow bloggers, do be careful the next time u do online purchasing!!!!

Hospitalised ..... again?

2009-08-24T10:30:00.000+08:00

Dear all, first of all, thank u so much for ur well wishes.

I mentioned in FB dat I purged 8 times. I din vomit this time as what I did the last time I was hospitalised last year. I started to have pain in the stomach or more like muscle cramps on Friday morning after eating 'chee cheong fun' which Pappy 'tar-paued' for me.

I started purging and by 10 ish I oredi purged 8 times. No choice, I had to see the doctor and she told me if the purging and pain persist, I had to be hospitalised. In my mind the words kept repeating "PLEEEAASSSEEEEE, I DON'T WANT TO GO THE HOSPITAL!" After taking the medicine, I still purged and the pain still persisted. After work, I went to another doctor and was prescribed different medicine. I had no appetite for anything (I din have lunch or dinner) but I forced myself to drink water and 100+.

From morning till midnight, I counted I oredi purged 17 TIMES! Pappy suggested to send me to the hospital but I was reluctant. But the cramps, was unbearable, a long cramp and followed by short cramps every now and then (like when u're in labour). I tried to think the pain away but gave in eventually and asked Pappy to send me to the hospital which was quite near to where we are staying.

I was immediately sent to the emergency room and was on drips. Blood was taken to be tested. The doctor told me I wasn't really food poisoned cos I din vomit but was viral infected and I was dehydrating. I had to spend the nite in the hospital .... arrggghhhh! Okay, never mind, since it was oredi about 2.45 a.m. when I was wheeled to the ward, I just had to spend a few hours and I could go back.

I had a sleepless nite. Pappy came with Des (both of them wore mask as advised by the hospital) at about 10.30 a.m. the next morning (Saturday) and after spending some time with me, Pappy took Des to the office as he had to send some jobs to his client.

Dr. Rao (who attended to me last year) came to check on me at about 11 a.m., advised me stay another day so dat he could monitor me as I still purged and the cramps still lingered. Arrrrgggggh ......! I still didn't have appetite for anything but did forced myself to have some porridge. At nite, Pappy came to keep me company but this time without Des who was with Elyss's.

What affected me emotionally was what Pappy brought me - a letter from Destinee. He told me she wrote it while they were in the office and she was crying as she was writing and drawing. When I looked at the envelope, I was so touched and when I read the letter I had tears in my eyes ..... awwwww .....

The front of the envelope

The back of the envelope

The contents:

Translation:
I want mummy to come back.
I must have mummy.
I think of mummy very much.
I want mummy to come back today.
I feel like crying.

Touching or not?

After on drips (6 bottles) and medication for 2 days in the hospital, my appetite came back. I 'walloped' my breakfast (bread and milo-o), lunch (fish porridge), tea (biscuit and milo) and dinner (fish porridge). I stopped purging but occasionally there were still short cramps. My blood was taken again for test. The doctor came and allowed me to be discharged ... wooohooo ...

I was discharged at about 12.30 p.m. (Sunday) but after the 'klik klak klik klak' procedures, at about 2.30 p.m., I was finally back to my 'home sweet home'. Phew ... it was so good to be back.

Thanks again fellow bloggers.

p/s: All in all I purged 22 times! As I'm writing this, gives me the shudders when I recalled what happened.

On the day of her birthday

2009-08-13T09:30:00.000+08:00

As usual no big celebration for Destinee's birthday (9th August, Sunday) this year. It was a last minute preparation so din invite any of her friends. Des only wanted Charlett and Charmaine to join in. Called Elyss to bring her kids over.

Actually Des has asked Christine (Des's classmate & best friend in class and who's staying nearby) to come over to play as the exam was over. I called Fanny (Christine's mummy) to bring Christine over but they had to go to church cos Des din let Christine know dat it was her birthday. So, we started off with the 'party' without Christine.

Des with the food

As Des wanted to wait for Christine to join in before the singing of the Birthday song, we waited for Fanny to call. We picked Christine after Fanny called to say they were back.

Des counting the number of candles ....
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Correct, there're 7 candles.

The kids singing the Happy Birthday song.
From left: Christine, Destinee, Charmaine and Charlett

Des making a wish.

When Charmaine saw Des closed her eyes

to make a wish, she too closed her eyes. *heehee*

Cake cutting

'Look at me, this is how I gobble the cake', says Christine.

The kids enjoying themselves playing "Boowa and Kwala"

on the computer.

After some time at the computer, it was time for Christine to go back but Des was reluctant to let her go, telling us dat it was still early but we told her we promised Christine's mummy dat we had to send Christine back at about 5.30 pm. After some reasonings and pleadings only did Des allowed Christine to go back *phew*.

Elyss later took the kids to Jusco's Wonderland.

Des and Charlett challenging each other at

the Tiny Hockey table.

On the carousel.

Destinee definitely enjoyed the day and had a wonderful time.

Happy Birthday to Destinee

2009-08-09T11:00:00.000+08:00

Hula Hoop Dance

2009-08-03T10:55:00.000+08:00

Destinee joined the school's Co-curriculum's Dancing (舞蹈) and Calligraphy (书法) societies at the beginning of the year. She was supposed to join the English society and I didn't understand why her class teacher placed her in the Calligraphy society. After attending a few lessons, Destinee came back and told me what she did in Calligraphy class and I now understand why she was placed in the Calligraphy society. She gets to learn the art of writing the Chinese words in which she's weak in. I guess her teacher knows Des is not good in Chinese and wants her to learn and write more. Anyway, 谢谢你，魏老师.

Destinee loves dancing, come Wednesday and Friday, she'll be the one to remind me to pack her 'activity' uniform into her bag. The dancing group made their first appearance when they performed during the school's mini sports day (more of a telematch).

Destinee with some of her schoolmates.
Dat's Ah Nee in the background.
She helped with the making-up of the kids.

a: Destinee with her classmates, Shiau Huei and Hoi Sei

b: Destinee, Hoi Sei and Hui Jing whom Des calls 'Big sister' (大姐姐)

Hahaha, the shirt and short pants look a bit too loose on her.

The 'dancers' dancing to the tune of "Do Re Mi".

Solo performance.

I was told dat she was the only one who knew how to 'hula' the hoop during the practices and dat might be the reason why her dance teacher let her performed alone.

I wasn't worried whether the hoop will fall halfway but what worried me was her pair of pants. I wished and wished it woundn't drop, else ..... no eyes see. Luckily it 'stayed' on. *kekekekeke*

The rest of the dance .....

Should have 'videocammed' the performance but poor me doesn't have a videocam ... :(

Raisin Buns

2009-07-15T13:30:00.001+08:00

It has been quite some time since I blogged about food. Destinee loves to eat raisin buns so I purposely went to my friend's (Ah Nee) place to learn how to make them.

Recipe and method of making Raisin Buns:

Ingredients A:
300 g. High Protein Flour
5 g. Milk Powder (u can always curi from ur kid)
3 g. Bread Improver (optional)

Ingredients B:
50 g. Castor Sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
30 g. Egg (don't throw away the extra, need it later for brushing on buns)
180 g. cold water (from the fridge)
7.5 g. Instant Yeast

Ingedients C:
15 g. Butter
15 g. Shortening
Raisins (amount, up to u), I added 3x the amount stated in the recipe.

Method:
1) Preheat oven at 180 degrees C.
2) Combine ingredients A & B to form a dough.
3) Add C, knead until smooth and elastic.
4) Mix in raisins and combine.
5) Divide into 40 g. each. Let them prove for 10 mins. Roll and shape into balls.
6) Arrange them into greased tin. Cover and let them prove till double in size.
7) Brush buns with egg.
8) Bake at 180 degrees C for 20-25 mins.

Easy, rite? The only thing u need is to spend time waiting for the dough and buns to be proved.

Destinee presenting the ingredients.

Cannot see? The top picture was a request from Des to take a pic together with the ingredients. Okay, a closer look here:

Front: salt, butter, shortening, yeast, egg, sugar

Back: Flour, milk powder, cold water, raisins.

Kneaded dough

Proved dough

Dough divided into 40 g. each.

Buns placed into greased tin to be proved further.

Buns proved to double in size.

Baked raisin buns.

Yummy, yummy raisin buns

The extra big bun is from the extra dough.

Too lazy to shape it into balls,

so just dump the whole dough onto a plate and bake.

p/s: Ah Nee, thank u so much (muaks). The buns were still soft the day after.

Bits here bits there

2009-07-03T16:50:00.001+08:00

'Chui Mei' 吹梅 - What's dat? I've never heard of the term until Destinee took part in the event. Direct translation is 'blowing plums'. To my understanding, it's blowing Chinese ink with a straw onto a piece of red paper. The blown ink is supposed to be the branches. After the ink dries up, small pieces of cotton wool are to be glued onto the 'branches' to make them look like the plum flowers (梅花）。This kind of art is usually done during the Chinese New Year (correct me if I'm wrong).

I did ask Pappy if he knew what 'chui mei' meant and he said he had no idea *duh*.

Destinee was very excited on the morning of the competition (before the Chinese New Year) and kept telling me dat she couldn't blow nicely cos she didn't do well during Art class (the Art teacher might have made them practise before the actual day). I consoled her by telling her to try her best and didn't matter if she didn't win.

See my girl? So happy.

Teng ... teng ... teng ... teng ....

The 1st prize goes to DESTINEE LEE!

I really didn't expect her to win. A 'banana' like me who knows nothing about the Chinese Art ...... in a way it was a good experience for her.

I really don't know what he wrote. The writings look so 'stiff'. He said he hasn't written for ages and forgot how to hold the brush properly. *kakaka*

This was how she coloured her Art during the exam.

Nice and colourful hor? She got A*star star* leh.

In her favourite Baju Kurung and dancing to the tune of

'Ikan Kek Kek'.

This is how Des naps in the office after school if she's too tired.

Half of her body rests on my ~~director~~ "ah sei" (阿四) chair

and the other half on another chair.

- reminds me of how Kylie (Laundryamah's princess)

sleeps in the office.

Pissed off

2009-06-30T11:09:00.006+08:00

After coming back to the office to work, I seldom cook and I really miss cooking. As usual, yesterday, after work, Pappy asked me what to have for dinner. I told him 'let's go and eat fried beef noodles'. So, off we went to Restaurant Soo Kee in Medan Imbi which is famous for its Fried Beef Noodles. Too bad, upon reaching only realised dat it was closed on Mondays. Okay, no choice, we had to make do with the shop just across which serves the same food (said to be the son who 'branched' out).

We seldom patronise this shop but what to do, I was drooling for fried beef noodles.

What is the title of my post to do with this shop? I tell u, this shop's people really pissed me off with their attitude. We ordered fried beef noodles and a plate of fried rice for Destinee. I told the girl who took our orders dat I only need eggs for the fried rice cos my girl doesn't like other ingredients. The girl told me they don't have this type of fried rice and kept asking us whether to add prawns, beans or not. We told her again and again dat we need eggs and rice only. She said it was difficult for them to charge us but I told her we didn't mind her charging us accordingly to how much they charge for a normal plate of fried rice.

She went to her boss (a man when u see his stuck-up face oso u 'want-to-spit-saliva-on-him' type) and enquired. She came back and told us dat her boss said they don't have such kind of food in their menu (or in my words they don't serve such kind of simple food). Seeing dat it was of no use, I told the girl to forget it. I've been to so many shops and there was no problem ordering fried rice with only eggs. Or they thought we could only afford for fried rice with eggs. If we were to order crabs, prawns or other expensive food, that might be a different story, the boss will run to take our order? *tns*

a e

We expected the boss, to, at least have the courtesy, come over and tell us dat they were sorry dat they don't serve such kind of food. @*%# NO, HE CHANGED HIS SHIRT AND WENT TO HIS LAZY CHAIR TO SLEEP/NAP. I asked the girl: "Need I teach your boss how to fry rice with eggs only"? She just went off and didn't even ask us what else we wanted to order. She didn't even bother to ask us if we wanted to order drinks *tns again*. If it wasn't for cranky Destinee who was hungry and wouldn't budge, we would have walked off. So, we had to substitue the 'fried rice with eggs' for a plate of hokkien mee which Des likes too and drinks from a 'kakak' who was a lot more friendly and courteous.
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What's the name of this shop? I'm sure many have heard and patronised this shop. The name's SOO KEE'S SON (MENG CHUAN) PRAWN AND BEEF NOODLES in Medan Imbi. With dat kind of attitude, no wonder there were so few patrons eventhough Restaurant Soo Kee was closed. Maybe it was my unlucky day or maybe the boss wasn't in a good mood. ''NO FRIED RICE WITH ONLY EGGS" (n****h).

Okay, finished ranting.

Remembering HIM

2009-06-26T22:13:00.023+08:00

*boo hoo hoo* *sob sob sob*

He's gone forever - 29th August, 1958 - 25th June, 2009

Ticket - when he performed in S'pore's National Stadium on

29th August (his birthday), 1993

Ticket - when he performed in KL's Stadium Merdeka on

27th October, 1996

ONE DAY IN YOUR LIFE

One day in your life
you'll remember a place

Someone's touching your face

You'll come back and you'll look around you

One day in your life

You'll remember the love you found here

You'll remember me somehow

Though you don't need me now

I will stay in your heart

And when things fall apart

You'll remember one day...

One day in your life

When you find that you're always waiting

For the love we used to share

Just call my name

And I'll be there

(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh...)

You'll remember me somehow

Though you don't need me now

I will stay in your heart
And when things fall apart
You'll remember one day...

One day in your life

When you find that you're always longing

for the love we used to share

Just call my name

And I'll be there

(Ohh...)

*boo hoo hoo* *sob sob sob*

Why did they choose Chinese Primary schools?

2009-06-10T18:40:00.000+08:00

I accidentally stumbled into this United Subang Jaya Web forum, while searching for some articles, which I would like to share. The subject was:

Why Did They Choose Chinese Primary Schools?
Updated:2005-09-05 19:48:00 MYT

If there is really anything which can never be defeated, it must be the Chinese education in Malaysia.

Indeed, because of its hardiness, it has waded past the loneliness of the colonial days and the brutality of the Japanese Imperial Army, to give rise to 1,288 Chinese primary schools, 60 independent Chinese secondary schools and three private institutions of tertiary education in this country.

That is a journey quite unlike others, a long and winding road. Because of the countless uncertainties ahead of it, it forges ahead without looking back. Because of the towering hills blocking its way, it is clad in soothing verdure. Because of the rocks standing on its way, it has created glorious waves. And because of the persistence and selfless contributions of some, it has flourished into something of a legendary magnitude in the country's education history.

Today, there are some 640,000 students enrolled in the country's Chinese primary schools, 60,000 or about a tenth of whom non-Chinese. If not because Chinese primary schools across Malaysia have been packed to the seams, more non-Chinese parents are expected to enrol their kids there.

Why do these non-Chinese parents send their kids to Chinese primary schools instead of national primarys schools which are more superior in teaching facilities?

That, is indeed a question which our former prime minster Tun Dr Mahathir finds it hard to understand. As such, he proposed recently that an academic investigation be carried out to find out why more and more non-Chinese parents have sent their children to Chinese primary schools. He wants to know whether these parents do so purely to make their kids learn the Chinese language, or simply because Chinese primary schools are actually better run.

I sincerely hope that the leaders of this country will break through the limitations of ethnically oriented education to inspect the country's education system from a more objective and macroscopic perspective. Undeniably, there is a huge gap between what the leaders and what the Chinese community thinks about the country's education issues. Chinese primary schools have often been conveniently labelled as stumbling blocks of the nation's progress and solidarity, which is hardly a secret at all. And because of that, Chinese primary schools have been continuously marginalised and their development neglected, resulting in perennial shortage of qualified teachers.

Some of our leaders believe that as long as we run the national primary schools properly, allowing them to have the best teachers and facilites, Chinese parents would naturally send their kids there to study. But things don't always go that way. Today, not only do Chinese parents send their children to Chinese primary schools, an increasing number of non-Chinese parents are also doing the same.

The reason for Chinese parents to send their children to Chinese primary schools cannot be simpler than passing down the cultural heritage. And because of that, the Chinese community remains unwavering on the issue of Chinese education and will never compromise on it.

As for non-Chinese parents sending their children to Chinese primary schools, their motive is largely profit-oriented. If you don't believe me, you can always find out yourself. Chances are that you will be told that they believe their future is brighter if they get some knowledge of the Chinese language. Simple enough.

As a matter of fact, the increasing enrolment of non-Chinese students at Chinese primary schools pose a very serious question to the schools themselves. Some schools even take the initiative to remind non-Chinese parents that sending their children to Chinese primary schools might not be the right option for them, as their children may encounter communication problems there.

Nevertheless, few parents change their minds. I still remember an Indian parent said, "This is my youngest son. He has three elder brothers, two graduating from national primary schools, and one from a Chinese primary school. They have all started working now. The two brothers from national schools never take home a single cent, only the one graduating from Chinese primary school cares for the family and sends home money every month. So, that's it!" Perhaps the Indian parent did not have much idea what the Chinese culture was all about, however he knew very well how different the son in Chinese school was.

If Dr Mahathir has ever heard what he said, perhaps he could have a clearer understanding of the unique features of Chinese education.

Sin Chew Daily

So much has been heard about National schools whereby the teachers are 'half baked' and lazy and they simply correct the books and seldom or never bother whether the students do their homework or not. I'm not trying to say dat teachers in National schools are no good, I'm sure there are some very good teachers but I do find dat the teachers in Chinese schools are more dedicated and committed.

I've been wondering and am still wondering whether I've made the right decision by sending Des to a Chinese primary school. She's, at present, okay with her homework, not so much as compared with her friends in other schools where there are a lot of writings.

I've been asked on how's Des coping with her studies in a Chinese school since I read little Chinese, speak 'half bucket' Chinese and can't even write Chinese (oops, sorry to say I can't even write Des's name in Chinese and don't expect Pappy to guide her all the time, he just doesn't have the time).

Des's subjects are Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, Science in English and Chinese, Maths in Engish and Chinese, Moral in Chinese, PJ (Pendidikan Jasmani dan Pendidikan Kesihatan) in Chinese, Art in Chinese and Music in Chinese. As until now, she's okay, I'm learning Chinese from her (heehee). Her exam ended before the holidays and surprisingly her results in the Chinese subjects were better than English and BM, she even had full marks in some of the subjects in Chinese.

My criterion is to send Des to a primary Chinese school and later to a National secondary school. If she's good, she'll be able to master the 3 languages, if not, at least she knows the basics of the Chinese language as in conversing, reading and writing. Pappy always says "Chinese educated ppl are better mannered and cares more for the family." Hmmmm ......

I'm sure many of you who are 'bananas' in Chinese (like me) will still send your kids to Chinese schools, rite? Any regrets for not studying in a Chinese school?

Orientation day and 1st day of school

2009-06-02T00:20:00.000+08:00

Destinee was registered into one of the Chinese school in Cheras but so unluckily dat she was rejected by the *duh* Ministry. Pappy wanted to appeal but the principal told him it was not advisable as there were already 9 (NINE) Primary 1 classes and there were about 50 students in a class. Wuah seh! I told Pappy to forget about it.

Destinee was placed in a school which was not to my liking and I was quite worried where to register her. My friend, Ah Nee, came to my rescue. She recommended me to the school where her kids are attending. This school is semi-government and is 48 years old situated in Persiaran Chulan, behind the Chinese Maternity Hospital. She told me I wouldn't have problem registering Destinee in this school as there were not many students. The school is small compared to other schools in KL and there are only 200+ students. Yes, u read rite, 200+ students in the school (from primary 1 to primary 6).

The procedures were: We brought the rejected letter (posted to us) and Des to the school (where she was placed) to be stamped to show dat Des's name was 'cancelled' off. A note was handed to us from this school and we brought this note to the school recommended by Ah Nee. We showed the letter to the new school and was informed there wasn't any problem. *phew*

We were shown around by one of the teachers (very friendly and courteous) and after some 'surveying' around, we were satisfied with the surroundings and environment (could hear birds chirping every now and then). Des told us she liked the school and without hesitation, we filled up a form (transferring Des from one school to another) and the rest of the procedures were done by the school. So, behind her BC, she has a record of 4 different school stamps (heehee).

Orientation day (29th December, 2008) was a week before the actual day (5th January, 2009) of school. There were only 19 students (10 boys and 9 girls) in Des's class and was the one and only Primary 1 class in the school (kekeke). Dat means not much comparison, wonder whether it is good or bad? To me, it's good cos the teachers will be able to control and will be more responsible.

A teacher led the kids to a classroom and I didn't exactly know what happened cos I was busy filling up lots of forms and making payments (RM88 for school fees, RM150 for donation and summed upn to about RM200+). Luckily Ah Nee was around to help me take some pics of Des. I supposed the girls and boys were introduced to each other and later were made to line up and brought around the school. Des was one of the small pint size (if not the smallest size) pupil of the class ... sigh ...

Gee, she held hands ... with the one of the biggest size boy. Hahaha.

Shown around the school by a teacher.

Des in her classroom.

Her new friend, cute smiley faced, Yap Hoi Sei (Chinese and Indon. parentage).

Happy moment -- gift from her teacher.

One moment she was happy going around the school with her new friends but the next she was like dat:

A sad face

She asked me why her friends from kindy were not around and she started to have tears in her eyes ... sigh ...

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (6th January, 2009)

Pics below were courtesy of Ah Nee.

During the very first assembly. Primary 1 were without stools so were made sit on the ground.

I could see a lot of 'yawinings'

The 9 girls.

Her new shoes.

I found out dat Des was not only the smallest size, she was oso the shortest, thinnest and the cry baby of the class *slaps head* ... sigh ... sigh ... sigh ...

Des's school textbooks:

Most of the books were borrowed and has to returned at the end of the year. Took pics of the books as proof of evidence dat the books were old books esp. the Chinese book which is quite worn out.

p/s: A big Thank You to Ah Nee for helping me out.

Last day of school in Q-Dees

2009-05-29T12:40:00.000+08:00

November 14, 2008 marked the last day of school for Destinee in Q-Dees and to celebrate Children's day. She was 'blur blur' and did not really understand dat she would be leaving her favourite Teacher Linda and her little classmates. She thought she would be meeting them when she goes to Primary 1 in 2009. I did try to explain to her dat she might not be meeting her friends again but will be meeting new friends in her new school.

Her best friends Ainantul and Cho Kai En.

Gifts for her teachers.
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The kids were encouraged to bring gifts to exchange.

Gifts for her 2 best friends.

Gifts for her classmates.

Gifts from her classmates.

Kid werere treated to a magic show.

Eee .. dat's not Des. She's SQ (Msau's daughter).

A picture for keeps.

Bye-bye classmates, Bye-bye Teacher Linda, Bye-bye Teacher Amanda, Bye-bye Teacher Fen and lastly BYE-BYE Q-DEES!

Graduation - 6 years old

2009-05-27T23:05:00.001+08:00

My little girl finally graduated from her kindergarten. We paid RM185 for the renting of the hall, graduation robe, the ballet outfit, tickets, chartering of the buses (for ferrying the kids from the school to the designated place), etc. The graduation ceremony and concert took place in The Summit Subang on 1st November, 2008.

The concert started off with the singing of the National Anthem, speech by the principal and gratitude speeches by the 3 six-year-old students of En Armstrong. The graduation ceremony was next on the programme list.

Des receiving the graduation folder from her principal, Teacher Fen.

A group photo of the 'graduates'

Front: Rushil, Yap Siew Cheng, Destinee Lee, Ainantul, Yau Weng Ka,

Yap Siew Leng, Wong Lee Xian, Liew Kien Fei

Centre: Choo Weng How, Wong Ling Mei, Kor Chien, Shirleen Liew,

Emily Lo, Pang Sher Man, Bryan Liew, Leong Ler Yoong, Anson Foong

Back: T. Fen, T. Amanda, Low Pak Shen, Chew Wen Xuan, Loke Pei Nee,

Tong Ru Yin, Chor Kai En, Wong Yi Wen, Tee Sui Yang, Yong Yuet Hung,

T. Ann and T. Linda.

After the graduation ceremony, the programme continued with performances by the cute little students:

Run The Show - 3 years old (T. Vivian)
Rock & Roll - 3 years old (T. Li Xin)
Wheel on the Bus & Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - 3 years old (T. Vivian & T. Li Xin)
Butterfly - 4 years (T. Jesinta)
Hai-Ho - 5 years old (T. Tharane)
Xiao Xiao Yang Er Yao Hui Jia (Little Lambs want to go home) - 4 years old (T. Ann)
Swan Lake - 6 years old (T. Linda)
Shang Shang Xia Xia (Up Up Down Down) - 5 years old (T. Amanda)
The Ants Go Marching By - 5 years old (T. Moh)
Arabian Dance - 5 years old (T. Ann)
Xiao Xiao Yinghuochong (Little Fireflies) - 4 years (T. Ann)
Sailor Dance - 6 years old (T. Amanda)
Bo Lang Gu (Struggle Waves Drums) - 5 years old (T. Tharane)
Tian Shang & Wo De Shen Ti (Up The Sky & My Body) - 4 years old (T. Veness)
Yi Bi Ya Ya & Little Sunny Waters - 4 years old (T. Amanda)
Home Sweet Home & Opposites Attract - 5 & 6 years old (T. Ann)
Hao Jiu Bu Jian (Long Time No See) - 5 years old (T. Moh)
Percussion - 6 years old (T. Linda)

Little 'swans' performing the Swan Lake dance.

A mis-matched pair (hahaha).
The smallest and the tallest/biggest size girls from En Armstrong 2008.

Des and classmates getting ready for the percussion performance.

Sorry to say, the other performances pics were so 'lousily' taken, so in order not to strain ur eyes to see, therefore they won't be shown here (heehee).

The ceremony ended with the teachers and kids singing to the tune of the Q-dees song and Rasa Sayang.

THE END.

I'M BACK

2009-05-26T10:04:00.010+08:00

At last, after such a long absence, I'm finally back. So many to update and don't know where to continue from where I've stopped. The following posts will be mostly on the happenings of Destinee, her graduation from kindy and her days in Primary 1.

Shifted from Seri Kembangan to a place in Taman Cheras Utama, I've yet to adapt to the new environment and still haven't met any friends except the committee members. I could easily make friends in my former place. Seems dat over here most ppl don't come out often from the house to 'kepoh' (sorry, not saying dat ppl from my former place likes to 'kepoh' heehee). Anyway, this place is more comfortable.

Living Hall
Just love to laze on the sofa and watch AOD (heehee).

Dining area and Kitchen
My favourite corner - The kitchen

View from the Kitchen.

I love this view. Whenever I'm at the sink, I'll get this serene scene.

Can hear birds chirping every now and then and can see a lot of monkeys too.

I once counted there were about 20 monkeys jumping from trees to trees.

Destinee's room.
Pink, pink, pink, whenever I ask her 'what colour do u want?".
Without hesitation, her answer will be 'PINK' (haiya).

I'm OK

2009-02-20T13:15:00.002+08:00

What or how do I start off with? The most important thing is to thank my blogger friends and silent reader "fansi" for all the messages and emails. I really appreciate very much. This inspired me to "sweep" the dust and cobwebs off my blog – *pooh pooh pooh* *cough cough cough*

It has been almost half a year since I wrote my last post. I really have lost contact with everyone BUT I do still visit everyone's blog to keep me in touch of what's happening.

What happened to me? I know I've been MIA from my blog, msn, skype, yahoo for quite a long time. I didn't feel like writing posts or to chat or to reply to messages, just didn't have the mood at all. Very very sorry everyone. No worries, no worries, I'm still kicking, struggling and very much alive. So many things happened during the past half year. To Rachel, Msau and Angie, I've shifted to my new place in Cheras, no longer in Seri Kembangan.

Ya, ya, we shifted from Seri Kembangan to Cheras on the notable day of 7th December, 2008 (of course notable cos it was my birthday dat day and easy to remember, heehee). Sooooo many things to do before and after the shift. Had to adapt to the new place with no new friends. After shifting, my sister came back in December with a friend from HKG. After which it was time of the year for Destinee to go to Primary 1 in January, 2009. I have to get up at 5.30 a.m., lastest by 5.45 a.m. to get things ready and by 6.30 a.m, we need to be out of the house. She was okay the first week of school but from the 2nd week, she had been crying since then (yup, until now), if not crying, she'll be sniffing. She wanted to go back to her kindergarten and wanted to have her kindy teachers and friends. Adoi, really stresssssssss to see her like dat.

Din even make any cookies, buy any clothes, only did very simple decorations for the CNY. Elyss did say it was very unusual of me not to make any cookies for the CNY and the house did not look 'hoong dong dong' (red red) as it used to be during the previous CNY. No mood, no mood, no mood!

Another reason is dat old age's catching up with me. I don't seem to have the energy like I used to have. I get tired, moody, headaches, heartburns, felt like crying at times, sweat a lot, sleepless nites but very sleepy during the day and most of all, my "P" din come for 2 months! No, No, No, don't get me wrong! I'M NOT PREGGIE. Of all things, preggie? I rather hit my head on the wall. U guessed rite. Those are the signs of menopausing. Am I really menopausing? I didn't realise I'm actually menopausing cos I've been having regular "P's" all the while until recently it din come for 2 months.

Really pity my 2 "victims" cos I flare my temper at them most of the time. I just hope to get over with this "nightmare" soon.

No worries, no worries, Michelle and Jess, I've made an appointment with the doctor.

Okay, I hope and will try to be back soon.

No celebration

2008-08-11T22:25:00.000+08:00

Pappy and I didn't celebrate Des's birthday this year cos whenever we suggested, yes, it was just a suggestion, to celebrate, she would be having fever, flu and would be coughing her head off. So we were not in the least surprised – she WAS sick before her birthday .... sigh .... This 'jinx' has been like dat since she was a year old. Hmmmmm ..... maybe in future we should celebrate her birthday a week before or after her actual birthday.

However, she celebrated with her little classmates in school on Friday, 8th August. I prepared party packs, jellies and cupcakes for her 21 classmates.

The party packs

Inside the party packs

Orange cupcakes topped with chocolate and coloured 'rice'

Orange flavoured jellies with longan and nata de coco

Des with the cupcakes

Des with the jellies

Her simple birthday cake

The Dora figurine fell onto the cake and got 'muddy'
all over (heehee)

Des waiting to blow the candles

Des with her birthday cake

Present from her best friend classmate, Ainatul

Happy 6th Birthday

2008-08-09T21:00:00.000+08:00

Des's Kindy Sports Day 2008

2008-07-30T01:20:00.000+08:00

27th July, 2008 (Sunday) marked Des's kindy Sports Day. It was so easy waking up Des dat morning. I just had to whisper to her dat it was Sports Day and she was wide awake (heehee). Showed dat she was really excited and eager to 'get' her medal. Pappy was not free to attend and I had to hitch a ride from Des's classmate's (Kai En) mum. We had to reach the Kompleks 3K MPSJ Serdang Jaya's badminton stadium at 9.15 a.m. There were oredi a lot of parents/spectators and students in the hall. Some younger kids (3 or 4-year olds) were crying and some were running around with either parent chasing after them, some were shouting/screaming – HAVOC!

At about 9.30 a.m., the National Anthem and the school's song were presented by the teachers and children.

The 1st event started off with the 3-year olds doing an obstacle race with their parents (which I suppose was a bit difficult with too many stages). The parents had to hold the kid and let the kid jump on the trampoline 10 times, then run to pick up a ball from the basket and the kid had to jump on 5 hoops placed on the ground and put the ball into another basket. Next the kid had to walk on a piece of wood with the parents holding him/her. Finally, they (kid and parents) had to place a piece of newspaper and step on it and get another from behind and step on it (so on and so forth) until they reached the finishing line. I really feel it was such a troublesome event for 3-year-old kids who didn't even know what was happening. Some clinged to the parents and it was like the parents doing the obstacle instead. Maybe it was the school's idea to let the family enjoy.

Des participated in 2 events – Sack hopping race and another was to apply lipstick on mommy's lips and to put on socks for Pappy. As Pappy was not present, Teacher Linda was kind enough to become 'Pappy' for this event.

MINI OLYMPIC GAMES, Q-DEES TAMAN SERDANG UTAMA SPORTS DAY, 2008

The 3-year olds were the first to receive the medals, followed by the 4 and 5-year olds and the 6-year olds were the last. After the presentation of the medals, we were treated to buffet lunch (not without having paid RM30). As the 6-year olds were the last to receive the medals, we were oso the last batch to go into the hall for the buffet lunch. The following was what I commented in Msau's blog:

"Wah! U had 2 plates and so much food. Organisation for the food was indeed very bad. By the time, the 6 years old received their medals, the food was mostly gone oredi. When I and Des went to the hall, we had only fried mee, meehun, fried chicken and some fruits only. Wanted to go for a 2nd round, SEMUA SUDAH HABIS pulak! Of course lor, some came with THE ENTIRE FAMILY (even with grandparents, relatives, maids) and walloped (filled the plates like ‘mountain’) but can’t blame the school too cos how to control people for coming to support hor?"

In my opinion, the school shouldn't have let parents participate in the events in the 1st place cos the scene was like a 'fish market' with so many parents on the 'field' (like last year's where parents did not participate, everything was well organised). And maybe they should have assigned some parents to help to control the kids.

The day's event ended at about 12 noon, Kai En's mum drove us back and once we reached home, I had to drag Pappy to take me out for lunch .... haiya cos stomach was still not filled up yet.