RACHEL...

A Day At The Science Discovery Centre

2009-11-28T15:55:00.001+08:00

Today we went to the science discovery centre. It was very big and crowded. A guide was assigned to show us around. First, we saw what it was like during the olden times. We were amazed by what had happened before. Then, she took us to for a short movie called "I AM SO SINGAPORE". After that, we watched another movie called "CALL OF THE WILD".

Soon it was lunch time. As we ate, we chatted about the show. When we were done, the teacher did a head count. After that we headed for the army museum. There was a show on how Singapore's army fought. At the end of the show, a helicopter span and it was really windy. We wanted to do some gun-shooting but we were too short. So while the taller ones did that, we did some badge making. We also went for a lucky draw. (How lucky some times bad things turn out to be good ) After that we all went to the talking robot. If you asked him a question he can answer it.

Next, we went for our afternoon tea before splitting again. While the older ones went to speedboat, we stayed indoors to play some games.

But minutes after, they headed back to the cafe as it had started to rain. We moved on to watch the movie called "THE CHRISTMAS CAROL". After the movie, we went to talk to the talking robot again before we end the excursion.

Fellowship Day Camp

2009-11-05T17:23:00.007+08:00

A few weeks ago, while we were having our morning assembly, a teacher ( Mrs Julia) announced that there would be a fellowship day camp coming on. She also told us to collect the consent form from the library. We were all so excited that we jumped with glee.

The big day soon arrived! I was so happy that both Primary and Secondary had came. I saw many of my friends there too. We sang songs, danced, ate morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. After we came back from afternoon tea, the teachers would tell us some bible stories. Then we would play a few games like passing the parcel, hide-and-seek and wacko. I enjoyed it as much as my friends did.

On the first day of the fellowship day camp, we made our name tags. We were given a piece of paper, a pair of scissors and some coloured pens. You have to write your name on the piece of paper and put some decorations on it. Once completed, we gave it to the teachers and they will help us punch holes and slip the string through the holes.

On the second day, we had to practice for a play. Our group's play was "God's call to Elisha". As I was too shy and also can't remember the dialogue, I played the role of an ox together with some of my friends. I was being selected to play the role of the slaughtered ox!! *sob sob* Some acted as guest. We had a lot of fun.

On the third day, we acted on stage for the rest of the campers to see. It was a great success.

Soon 3 fun-filled days were over. We were very sad because the group leader is so nice to us and we had so much fun. I hope to attend the fellowship day camp again next year.

Grade 2 Piano Theory Exam

2009-10-31T12:57:00.009+08:00

Today is my Grade 2 piano theory exam. Just before I went into the exam hall, mummy prayed for me. She reminded me to check my work and do everything carefully.

I was scared at first but soon calmed down. The examiner told me to take out my pencil case and start writing, and I did as she said.

For the whole one hour or so, we sat at our desk and wrote and wrote. It was quiet a long time. It was very difficult but I managed to figure some of them out. I could do everything, all except for one. No matter how I thought about it, I still could not figure out the answer. I just wrote down what I thought it was. I was very upset.

Mummy was waiting for me outside and I told her what had happened. As usual, she said the same old sentence, "As long as you tried your best, its okay."

Chess Competition

2009-10-28T16:01:00.004+08:00

A few weeks ago, we had a chess competition in school. We played 6 games of chess and I won for 4 rounds.

Today during flag assembly, a teacher announced that they were going to give away the medals to the winners. I was SO happy as I knew beforehand that I will receive a bronze medal for coming in 5th. When my name was called, I ran up the stage and nervously received my medal. I was so nervous that I dared not look at anyone below.

When I told mummy that, she was so proud of me, but I told mommy that I am not contented because I wanted to get 1st place as 1st place got to receive a trophy. But mummy says that I must be happy to get the medal and she was very pleased with my progress since I only learnt Chess in the beginning of this year.

I really must admit that today is the best day of my life.

International Competitions & Assessment- Science & Maths)

2009-09-12T13:11:00.004+08:00

Today is both a happy and sad day for me.

Sad is because I got back the certificate for the International Competitions and Assessments for School - Maths and Science. For both I got only Credit. I was so upset that I cried during recess time.

For Maths, I only managed to get 25 questions correct out of 40. According to the ranking, my score was in the top 18 percent of Primary 2 participants in Singapore.

For Science, I answered 21 right questions out of 30. My score ranking for this was in the top 22 percent.

When I told mommy about this, she consoled me saying its ok. Score to her is not important. Rather, my effort to try is more important her. Moreover, she said the paper was not easy, especially Science which is a subject we had yet to learnt. Some of the question goes this way for the Science: Infer the forces acting on a ball in the air? Identify conditions for a fair test when 2 variables are involved? Mommy said she couldn't answer too!

After a sad morning, after recess, we got back our Maths exam paper and I scored 100%!! I was so happy! I couldn't wait to tell mommy this good news! Mommy is right! Maths is the only subject we can scored full mark as long as we put in effort and do it carefully. YIPPEE!!

Hahaha..now Charmaine is getting very worried for her Maths paper..know why? Because she fell asleep during the exam! She told mommy she finished the paper and took a nap before doing a quick check. Mommy nearly fainted when she heard that. Not that we did not sleep early. In fact, mommy made us sleep very early for the whole of last week (exam week). Guess she still doesn't know what exam is.

Grade 2 Piano Exam Result

2009-08-31T10:19:00.004+08:00

Hippee! I finally received my certificate through post today and was so nervous and excited about it. I passed my Grade 2 piano practical with merit. Mommy showed my teacher and she was surprised and happy for me too. She told mommy that a lot of her students only passed with a "Pass" this year. I'm one of the few who gotten the "Merit"!

The Certificate also comes with the examiner's comment on my playing.

For my first song (Allegro), he noted that the piece began confidently. The detail was nice and clear, just the left hand needs a gentle touch in some of its accompaniment today. (Mark: 27/30)

The Second song (Mazurka) - This danced along very musically though sometimes the dotted rhythm was overlooked. The style was clear though. ( Mark: 24/30)

The third song (Mozzie) - This was a characterful, mostly rhythmical performance. Some playing was a little uneven today but you certainly understood this piece. (Mark: 23/30)

For the Scales - These were very well known indeed. Small slips and corrections only. (Mark: 18/21)

Sight reading - This was mostly accurately played above a usual steady pulse. (18/21)

Aural test - Test A & B were not correct but C & D were right.

International Competition And Assessment For Schools - Computer

2009-08-06T09:38:00.006+08:00

In the beginning of the year, we were given an application to sign us (P2 to P6) up for the 2009 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools. There are 4 subjects to choose from (Computer Skills; Science; English and Maths).

According to the write up, the competition will help us gain a measure of our own achievement in an external assessment situation. It also gives schools and teachers a comprehensive report of results and parents helpful information regarding our performance.

We will receive a Certificate and Individual Student Report indicating which questions we had answered correctly as well as how we fare against the National Average.

Certificates are awarded as follows:

High Distinction - Top 1% of the entrants in Singapore

Distinction to the next 10%

Credit to the next 20% and

Participant to all other participating pupils.

When I gave mommy my certificate, she was very happy and surprised that I got Distinction given that I hardly use the computer beside playing computer games and writing in this blog.

Grade 2 Piano Practical Exam

2009-07-13T16:50:00.002+08:00

Today I went for my Piano Exam. First I had to register with the Steward and she asked me what are my exam pieces. After jotting down the Exam piece no, she lead me in the room. I was very nervous at first, but when the exam started, I cooled down.

The examiner asked me if I want to try the piano. I said "okay"and I did. After two minutes, the examiner asked me to stop. He asked me if I wanted to play my exam piece or my scales first. So I told him I wanted to play my scales first. After testing my scales, he asked me to play my exam pieces. The first song is "Allegro Grazioso"; second song is " Mazurka" and the third piece is "Mozzie". For the first song, I played one wrong note but I kept on playing.

Next is the Aural test which consist of 4 part- Clapping to pulse of the music and telling the examiner the timing of the piece; Echo Singing to what the examiner played; telling the changes (Melodic or Rhythmic change); and finally describe the piece that the examiner played. It was a little bit hard but I did not give up.

After the exam ended, I was very happy. As I went out I told mummy about every happening. was relieved as the exam was finally over. Below are the 3 exam pieces I played.

Roller-blading with Cousins

2009-06-26T09:25:00.002+08:00

In the morning, daddy and mommy brought us to McDonald's for breakfast. I had my usual McMuffins while meimei had her pancake. Daddy was not needed at work, thus he took his time to eat his 2 muffins and read the papers. We were taking our sweet time eating and chatting before mommy realised that its Baby Ryan's milk time and we quickly finished up and went home.

Back home, mommy asked us to do some assessments before we head off to meet our yiyi (mom's sisters) and cousins for lunch at Swensen. I didn't get the chance to eat the ice-cream as I had to rush off for my piano class. Charmaine stayed with yiyi for ice-cream.

After my piano class, yiyi fetched Charmaine to meet us and we drove off to East Coast Park to roller blade. We roller-bladed with Darly while Dylan cycled. After a few round at the "beginner's ring", Charmaine and I bladed alongside Dylan on the roller-blade path.

After nearly two hours of blading, my legs were tired and just as we were taking off our blade, it started to drizzle. We hurry off to return the blade while mommy brought Baby Ryan to the car first.

I felt very happy and hope mommy can bring us there again during our next school holiday.

A Day Of Treats

2009-06-23T00:22:00.001+08:00

After a whole day of work, work and work yesterday, mommy brought us to ice-skating. We met up with LZ and chatted non-stop while mommy and LZmommy gets the tickets.

As I knew how to skate, though not very well, I did not need to use the metal bar. Mommy skated with LZmommy and Z as Z didn't know how to balance himself and mommy helped LZmommy to hold him. But After a few rounds, Z was able to skate by himself and mommy skate with me and Charmaine.

As my sock was too short, my left leg kept rubbing on the skate and the skin around there was very painful. Mommy brought me to the gallery and took off one of her sock and put on for me. She did the same for Charmaine too. So in the end, mommy had no more sock so she couldn't skate. I had great fun there even though I fell a number of times.

After 2 hours of skating, we went to the food court and had our lunch before going to LZ's house. I couldn't help but envy that L got a big playroom! After L had changed off her wet pants, mommy drove us to our enrichment class only to realised that its their Term Break!!

So, instead of sending L home, we got LZmommy's approval to go for ice-cream treats at Swensen. We girls had a good chat while mommy fed Baby Ryan.

I had a great day today and mommy promised we will do it again during the next school holiday. She again reminded us that school will reopen in a few days time and told us not to complain on the amount of works when the time comes..."when its time to work, work hard. When its time to play, play hard." yayaya..we know.

Chinese Enrichment Day Camp

2009-06-19T12:05:00.001+08:00

DAY 1

After some songs and work, we set off to McDonalds for lunch. Next, the bus brought us to "The Health Zone" and we learned how our inner body looked like; how our body moves; how many muscles we have and how many bones we have. We played some exercise games too.

DAY 2

Like yesterday, we did some work and sang songs. Teacher asked us some riddles and I got 1 point for giving a correct answer. After lunch, the bus brought us to Prosper Kitchen to learn how to make dim sum. We each made an egg tart and char siew soh but the centre gave us 2 each (1 extra) for us to bring home. I had lots of fun and the egg tarts is very yummy!

DAY 3

We went to the National Museum today. We watched a show about the Monkey King and the Bone Demon. Then we did some colouring of the characters and made a shadow puppet. Next, we watched a Malay movie. We had lots of fun playing with the shadow puppet at home!

DAY 4

After lunch, we hopped onto the bus and it brought us to Qian Hu for longkang fishing. We saw many types of fishes, some were expensive, others were cheaper. Next, we were given a net and a small fish tank to fish.I caught 15 fishes while meimei caught 6. After that, the uncle told us to throw back the fishes into the longkang so that others can catch. Next, we went to the place where they kept the sick fishes. The man that look after them is called Uncle William. He brought us around to see the sick fishes. Before we head back to the centre, we were each given a tank with fishes in it. Ours died in less than 3 days.

DAY 5

We went to Uncle Ringo Carnival today. We played all the games like jumping castle; Merry-Go-Round and a Too-Too-train. The highlight of the day was playing with the big ball. It was flat at first. We got into the ball with our partner, they will then pumped the ball up . The fun part was when they rolled us into the water. The water was very shallow and its fun to run in the ball but we kept falling down. You have to work together with your partner or else, you never move the ball if we each move in different direction.

Sunway Lagoon

2009-06-14T09:19:00.006+08:00

We went up to Sunway Lagoon on early Friday and spent a good 2 days there. My daddy is so amazing, driving 3 hours from Singapore to Sunway Lagoon non-stop while the rest of us continue our dreamland. We got there at about 8am in the morning and had a quick bite outside the Sunway Lagoon Resort as Mommy said its too early to check in.

We tried whatever ride we can at the Amusement Park on Day 1. Its a pity we were too short for the Pirate's Revenge and Tomahawk. It must be very thrilling to be up there. We passed a Fish Spa and asked mommy to let us tried. Its cost about Rm25 for Adult and RM15 for child but daddy managed to bargain for a free Child..so daddy only paid for 2 Adults and 1 Child.

When the fish nibbles, its so ticklish and both Charmaine and I took some time to get our foot in. And whenever the fish nibbles, its so ticklish that I squeeze my legs together. Mommy told me to stop or I will kill the fish.

Mommy scream the loudest when she put her feet in! She kept giggling and daddy too!

On day 2, we went for the Water and Extreme Park. Mommy was angry that we were not allowed to play most of the games in the Extreme Park. She was grumbling why was she not told that the games are for teenager when she purchased the tickets.

Anyway, we went for 1 or 2 games in the Extreme Park and spent the rest of the day in the Water Park. Its like our Wild Wild Wet and Australia's Water World. Daddy brought us to take those fun slide while mommy played with Nicholas at the Kiddy slide.

Day 3 was spent with mommy shopping in Pyramid and Mid Valley. We wanted to go Ice-Skating but daddy has to work and thus, mommy can't look after the 2 of us.

We had a good weekend there.

A Visit To Haw Par Villa

2009-06-10T17:53:00.011+08:00

After finishing our enrichment class homework, mommy gave us a treat at MacDonald. As we ate fast, she decided we deserve another treat - Milo McFluffy. Its so yummy.

Next, she dropped us at Popular so that we can read some books (there's no library near our place). We spent a good 2 hours reading there.

Then, mommy said she want to bring us to a place that showed us what Hell is like and what will happen to us if we do naughty/ bad things. We reached Haw Par Villa and mommy paid $2.00 ($1.00 for Adult and $0.50 for child) for the admission to the 10 level of hell. Once in there, what greet us send shivers down our spine!

Mommy said different crimes will see us at different level of Hell and different punishment will be meted out. Mommy specially emphasised on those for stealing, lying, unfilial and cheating. The whole time, we are asking mommy all sorts of scenarios.

"What if we were bad for 1/3 of our lives and good for the rest, will we still be punished this way?"

"What if we lie but later apologise, will we still have our tongues cut off or cut off a little bit?"

"What if we want to do something and daddy said its ok but you say its bad, we will be disobeying one parent, so will we be punished?"

"What is we are like Nicholas' age and steal our friends toy? Will we be punished also?"

"What if we accidentally kill somebody and ask God for forgiveness, will we still go to Hell?"

"What if we steal something but before the person knows, we regret and put it back, will we still be punished?"

"But every one will make mistake right? Then everyone will go to Hell?"

"Mommy, then have you ever commit any crimes? Did you lie or steal before?"

We continued asking throughout the journey back home and throughout dinner. We were really frightened by the visit today.

Pictures can be viewed here.

Mommy words:

Rachel was getting very naughty nowadays and I am at a lost of what to do with her. I had tried the soft and hard approach but given her short memory, she repeat the same offence time and again. So I discussed with hubby and decided the last approach will be the "scare approach." Though we are not Buddhist and do not believe in the 10 Courts of Hell, but we hope by bringing the kids there will deter them from committing "crimes/ offence".

But I was totally caught off guard by their so many "what if" questions. I really don't know how to answer them but just keep telling them that as long as they truly repent and ask God for forgiveness and do not do it again, they will not be punished.

I can tell they are really frighten this time. Both were at the verge of crying when they ask those questions. Charmaine who is younger was more affected than Rachel. Shouldn't have brought her there since she is still an "angel" to us. The whole night, she was cringing to us.

Whatever it is, I hope I did the right thing by bringing Rachel there and hope she will stop her bad behaviour.

Best Friends Band

2009-06-01T10:51:00.002+08:00

School holiday is finally here! Mommy had all the outdoor play planned out BUT, both Charmaine and I fell sick (thanks to Nicholas!) and had to stay home.

After our piano/ violin practise, mommy told us to choose a craft and do it. We chose the "Best Friends Band". Mommy told us to follow the instructions and to do it. Initially, I just read and presumed how to do, just like my work (mommy said). Then I got it wrong. Mommy took this chance to tell me that I have to learn to follow instruction and not rush into doing it, just like for my Maths. I have to read and understand the question before tackling the sum and not presume it to be the way I think.

Thus, my friendship band turns out to be rather untidy. Only towards the end, it looks more like one. I'm now into my second one, hopefully, I can perfect it.

Victory Kids Day Camp

2009-05-31T09:51:00.002+08:00

To kick start our school holiday programme, mommy signed us up for the church's Victory Kids Day Camp. Its a 2 days camp and we got to play game, learn about God, doing craft work and singing songs.

On the second day of the camp, the teachers prepared cupcakes for us to decorate. The cupcakes were not meant for us to eat but for our Daddy! Its an early Father's Day gift for our daddies!

See, isn't mine neat and nice!?

SA 1 Report card

2009-05-28T18:41:00.006+08:00

Got back my first semester Report card. Though I did well for my Maths mid year exam, my overall marks was pulled down by my CA1.

English - 94.5% However, my CA + SA = 93.4%

Written paper - 52/55 marks loss on grammar mistakes for the comprehension part.

Listening Compre - 10/10

Spelling - 9/10 (careless mistake!!!)

Compo + Oral - 23.5 / 25

Chinese - 88.5%. CA + SA = 86.9%

Written paper - 62.5/70

Oral - 16/20

Listening Compre - 10/10

At least for Mandarin, its not careless mistake.

Maths - 99% CA + SA = 94.5%

1 very careless mistake. As my CA paper was full of careless mistakes, it dragged my overall mark down. So sad.

Teacher's comment:

Rachel enjoys reading and speaks well. She shows interest in her studies and does her work promptly. However, she needs to learn how to be a team player.

Mommy said teacher had been too generous in her comments...She told me not be too self-righteous and learn to give and take and to work as a group with my friends.

English Speech & Drama Concert

2009-05-27T18:56:00.002+08:00

Daddy & mommy came for my Speech & Drama concert today.

I'm a little cat!

My performance is "Through Nurseryland" and ours is the 4th from the beginning. The P2 seems to be less organised and thus the break between the classes is longer. Many parents left after the 6th performance and only those parents whose kids have yet to perform stayed back to watch. So demoralising.

Prawn Fishing

2009-05-17T11:06:00.001+08:00

After the birthday party, daddy brought us for our very first Prawn fishing at Bishan. We were thrill at the sight and couldn't wait to catch our very first prawn.

Almost less than a minute, I almost caught the first prawn but I was too excited and pulled the rod the fast and the prawn swam off...

Charmaine caught the first prawn after some time and we were so excited. Daddy and mommy had no idea how to unhook the prawn and fumble a while. By the time they figure out, they prawn is almost lifeless already.

Thereafter, I caught 3 prawns and on the very last second before we return the rod, Charmaine caught her second prawn.

Nicholas took over the fishing rod while I went to explore the prawn farm with daddy. He refused to give it back to me after that. I have to bribe him with crackers before he willing to part with the rod.

Our catch for the day..See the prawn on the right? That's the first prawn that Charmaine caught..its almost dead already..the rest are still jumping around. We had steam boat dinner that night and, of course, in goes the prawn....one for each of us.

Oh...one of the prawn is pregnant with babies! There are lots of orange eggs on the prawn's "tummy"....too bad, mommy forgot to take photo of it.

Parent-Teacher Meeting

2009-04-04T21:57:00.004+08:00

In th beginning of the year, teachers had commented that my desk is messy. Mommy thus make me clear up whatever "rubbish" I kept under the desk every week. She did spot check every now and then when she comes to school.

During the PTM (Parent Teacher meeting), all the teachers commented that they noticed that my workstation is now neater and tidier. Teachers said I'm very bright but need to be careful with my work.

Mrs Tse (my Pri 1 teacher) spoke to mommy about me too. She commented that my exam/test result does not reflect the true me. She told mommy to work with me on the "carelessness" and once I overcome this, she ask mommy to sign me up for the gifted streaming when I'm in Primary 3.

CA Result compared to school standard

2009-04-02T17:50:00.002+08:00

My CA result compared to school standard...For English and Chinese, I'm belongs to the average students. For Maths, I'm in the 3rd category...

Mommy said whatever is over is over...she just request me to be more careful next time.

Singapore Fyler

2009-03-28T20:26:00.001+08:00

Finally Daddy and mommy brought us to the Singapore Flyer! We were so excited the whole day and kept asking mommy what time we will be going.

We were each given a hand-held audio guide and throughout the whole 30minutes ride, I was listening to it explaining the scenery that we were looking at.

I spotted the emergency box and told mommy that inside there were dried food and drinks for the passenger just in case the Singapore Flyer broke down. Mommy was happy that I still remember what daddy told me a few months back when the Singapore Flyer broke down.

I really enjoyed the ride and asked if we could come back again. Mommy suggest we come back next time for the night scene since we had already seen the "sunset".

After the ride, we went for a quick dinner and daddy suggested that we join in the Earth Hour. Since this was a last minute decision, we did not bring along our candles. Daddy was disappointed at the turn out and we stayed only for a while.

Term 1 Chinese Enrichment Appraisal

2009-03-20T20:19:00.000+08:00

Finally, 1 term over for Chinese Compo writing. Still needs to put in a lot of effort to come up with good story ideas and the closing paragraph. I'm now able to link the "helping words" to form simple story. My compo marks had gone up from 10/20 to 14/20 too. Not too bad, mommy said. She reminded me to be more focus in class.

Mr First Holiday Projects

2009-03-19T10:49:00.002+08:00

We were given 2 holiday projects to do before the term break, 1 for Social Studies and another for Health Education.

So with guidance from mommy, I did my FIRST project. I had a lot of fun searching through old newspaper, cutting and pasting the pictures for my Health Education's project. As I do not have my Health Education Textbook, mommy went up the net and search for info and printed it out for me. I was given the printed pages/infos and, without help from mummy, summarize and put them down with my own words.

As for my Social Studies' project, I spent quite sometime thinking for a place. I need to mention 3 good and bad points about the place I chose and some improvement I like to see. After much pondering, finally decides to write about the swimming pool. I took 3 pictures of the swimming pool as required. After that, mommy and us jumped into the pool for a swim. While in there, I thought of 2 things that I can write that I like to see as improvement and quickly told mommy, just in case I forgot later.

Did know doing project can be so fun!

My CA Result

2009-03-10T09:51:00.007+08:00

Mommy expressed disappointment at my CA result. Actually, I should say she was mad at me for making all those silly/careless mistake in my papers. She reminded me that exam/test is not about how fast I can finish but how careful I am. And she was right that I was resting my head on the table while doing the paper! Wonder how she knows about it!!??

Anyway, here are my result:

Chinese Paper - 41/50 which works out to 82%. I make 2 careless mistakes and the rest of my marks was lost in the comprehension. I really dislike comprehension..

Maths Paper - 40.5/50 which works out to 81%

I got most scolding for this paper as 5 marks were gone for careless mistake. eg:

350 + 150 = 500 hundreds (I didn't take note of the words hundred)

30 tens = 300 hundreds etc

English Paper - 45/50 which works out to 90%

Got 2 careless mistakes - mommy wonder if I had short term memory problem as just by copying the words from the box on top of the passage, I can also mis-spell it.

Mommy said that if I don't know the how to answer the question, she still be able to teach me. But if I choose to be careless, then, there is nothing she can do about it. I felt really sad for making mommy so sad.

Expansion On My Business

2009-02-26T11:36:00.003+08:00

Remember my "business"? I have since expanded my business of just merely trading to now a service provider too.

I have also "hired" people (my classmates) to sell handicrafts work for me and at the end of each week, I will pay them their "commission" based on number of stuffs they sold.

I also provide services like cleaning classmates' desk. If they want my service, I will get one of my "helper" to do it and pay the "helper" for her work done.

When mommy found out, she nearly fainted! But daddy was very excited and sat down and passed on to me more of his knowledge. He told me to take a book and record my income and expenses, so that I will know how much I make after a certain time.

But they both warned me to be careful when doing such "business" as they don't want classmates to complain to teachers that I'm cheating them of their money. I have to make sure that I explained everything clearly to the "buyer".