My Kids' Exam is coming...who is panicking??

My kids' exam is drawing near... in May. Yes, its another month's time but it is really not that far away. Now that all 3 kids are schooling, I don't know who to concentrate on first and whether I can cope for all at the same time. And I only have weekends to do so. My work is going crazy now too. Ryan is still my main focus since he is in Std 2 but Raymund is in his last year of kindy.

I was asking their tuition teacher about Ryan's progress. No doubt better but she thinks Ryan is still going to struggle in Chinese esp Science and Math where the questions are going to be in narrated. Ryan's school teacher also fed back the same. I have established a communication method with Ryan's school teacher. The same what I have done when my kids are in the kindy. It's thru the Message Book. It is worse in Primary school and especially so in Chinese school where the access to teachers is so very restricted. Practically little or no opportunity to talk to teachers. Yep, I may be a bit anal but I want to know my kid's progress. So, I tested to see if the teacher is receptive to notes to her thru the Message Book ('tung kau pu') and I got Ryan to pass it to the teacher to see. She is ok and in fact, my tuition teacher has also been communicating to her on Ryan's studies. Works well. And I recommend for mummies to try. During Std 1 days, I used to write notes on a paper and get Ryan to pass to his teacher but the Message Book is lots better so that there is a trail and consistent place to look out for messaging. Once even, his teacher initiated a note to me telling me that Ryan had not been studying for his spelling and was the only one with zero in the class. Since then, I was able to push for interest and good results from him. This 2 way communication proves to help either party to know where are the weaknesses that we can concentrate on for Ryan.

Because exam is round the corner, I dropped another note to the teacher to ask her where are areas that we should concentrate on. She advised to get Ryan to read more Chinese books to improve his vocab. She also mentioned that she has moved Ryan to front roll to 'watch out for him' knowing that he is not a 'Chinese based' boy. Cool or what :)

With Raymund, he is still in kindy. I'm less worried as he has been quite consistent with his exam results. That is 100% in all subjects. His teachers have been pretty responsive and when there is a problem, they will call me instead. The one piece that I have to concentrate for Raymund is reading. He is almost hopeless with Phonics blending. I noticed that this is a common problem in a lot of children. My colleagues' kids are having the same problem. His other problem is obviously Chinese!!!! Am I surprised??

Looks like I need to set aside time to guide my kids. The good thing about this is all my kids love it when I guide them ... even though I can be quite fierce when they are not concentrating :). I guess they want Mummy's attention.

I'm just worried I'll fail. Sigh!

Coming back ... in frenzy

I haven't been blogging for a year. I was google-ing for some short family travel in June and suddenly, I just thought of visiting my blog. Gosh! I actually... nearly... forgot my login and password... goes to show either that it has been a long time or just plain old age. I'm kinda 2 hearts. Have lots to say - after all it has been a year and a lot has happened - but at the same kind of lazy. Just thinking about my work and splitting my time for my kids and family basically left me no time for blogging. Work has been demanding. My portfolio has been increasing every other day. Truly! My boss keeps adding portfolio for me - looking at it positively, perhaps it means that I can do it... then again, it could also mean that I haven't reached my brim yet. I prefer to go positive :)


My kids are a lot bigger now.. bigger challenges for my husband and I. Especially the studies. My little girl just started kindy this year. How time flies! Sometimes, I wish I have more time to coach my kids. But once I get back from work, most of the time, I want to unwind... then after, I felt guilty for not paying more attention to them. Yes, I have slacked... a lot! Those were the moments when I thought about giving up my job and concentrate on them. The reality of things is that I can't - not now if my husband and I want build a comfortable retirement nest for ourselves. That's not very far away. Eeek! I also realized during those times when I was between jobs with some months to rest, I drifted - a bit - away from my husband. Not in terms on love or passion but on common topics of conversation. The brain sort of dwindled. So, this is the story of my life. We can't have it all. I just have to count my blessing that I can still see the sun and daylight when I leave the office everyday. Those were the days when I work till late at night - but then again, I was young, energetic, in very much need to learn. 


My blogging patterns doesn't seem to change, isn't it? Ranting about not being a SAHM and about kids. I guess I will go a bit of a blogging frenzy tonight to update some thoughts and experience. Hope to keep my readers and supporters entertained :)




Just me, Joanne

Spending Some Quality Time

I took 2 days off work on Thursday and Friday last week. And time flies. My intention was to revise Ryan's school work as next week he will have his 1st exam. Don't think he fully comprehends the real meaning of exam yet. But he does know that if he studies hard and get good results, he will be rewarded and he is very hopeful that he will get his Nerf Gun.

My work has been rather stressful. My boss has high expectation. Good in a way but my body can only take so much. I had a not-so-serious-case of anxiety attack just before CNY. Started with palpitations and a bad case of shortness of breath. I actually thought I was about to have some heart problem. Done the ECG and even thyroid test. Finally, concluded - too stressed - it was really anxiety attack. I made sure I rested during CNY and I recovered somewhat. More stressed came later what with piling work. I feel a short break in between is good for me to recuperate. At the same time, my son needs me. Ryan has been a good boy. He listened to me even when I was a bit harsh with him when he couldn't follow. I feel bad but sometimes, he needs some jostle. I always end the session with a hug so that he knows that Mummy loves him and means well. Raymund wanted to join but after a while, he lost his patience. He can't sit still. Actually, I'm not worried about Raymund. He is a fast learner.

I really enjoyed my 2 days + weekend. There is no rush or race against time. No adrenaline surges. Peace! My kids are my lifeline.... or in Chinese 'mang kan'. Seeing them together makes me very happy.. even though sometimes they drive me nuts. My husband feels the same. In fact, he joined me and took his Friday off too. My kids love it when we are at home with them. It means that they get to go out and have a little fun.

Monday is coming too fast. Definitely Monday Blues or even Manic Monday for me. I'd get very exhausted when I come back from work. But that does not stop me from enjoying my family. After all, working is a means to an end. While I'd like to excel, I consider having a balanced life critically important. Else there is really no meaning. My husband shares the same view as well.

Standard 1 Examination just Round the Corner!

Coming week is school holidays. Right after, Ryan has 2 weeks of examination.

Trying to get him to understand the seriousness of examination is not simple. This is the first real exam. In kindy, they were merely assessments. Half the time, the kindy was telling us parents not to pressure the kids and let it be stress free. Just easy revisions and let them go through them easy.

Now the real thing. How do I even explain the seriousness. That he has to study. That exam is important. You might say that it is only Standard 1. Then it will be 'only Standard 1'. It will have to start somewhere.

A few weeks back, I just tried telling him the examination is important. He has to study with his tuition teacher. I don't have much time as my work is very demanding, what with a new boss. I tried to explain that if he wants to be a doctor, he has to study and get all correct. My boy told me that he wants to become a doctor to take care of his Daddy and Mummy. So sweet :)

Actually, I'm not asking for top of class or really all correct. I just don't want him to fall behind and having stress picking up. That's all I ask. A good average and I'm satisfied.

With the exam, I gave him an incentive. I told him that if he gets all correct (figuratively), I will by him his much desired Nerf Gun - one of those in things for young kids today. Earlier I refused to get him because it just don't like him playing with guns and shooting at people. But he just so loved the toy. So I just told him, if you do well and all correct, that is his reward. Work for it! He said 'But Mummy I thought you say cannot?'. I just said 'I promise that I will give you Nerf Gun if you get all correct. I promise. And you promise you cannot shoot at people. But if you get 1 wrong, you get a smaller present. 2 wrongs even smaller present.' Actually my intend is to reward a present anyway. Just for studying and trying. I don't think he will get the Nerf Gun anyway ie all correct but a good incentive. So bad of me :)

I have taken some days off next week to coach him on English and BM. I have not been a good Mummy. I used to be so closed in coaching. Now I just don't have the time and I'm usually too tired. I rely on the tuition teacher a lot. I felt that the exam require my attention and so I make some time. Not enough but better than none.

The reward piece actually works. Before, Ryan used to get all wrong or few correct in his Spelling, Ejaan and 'ting seah'. Since the time I told him that if he gets all Spelling, Ejaan and ting seah correct, all 3 everytime, I will get him a present. Now he has shown me 100% for Spelling and Ejaan. He told me he has 100% for Chinese and ask me for the reward. I told him to show me. Along the way, when he showed me each, my husband and I 'drama' a bit on our praises. Works and he was very proud.

Standard 1 Blues! And worse, Chinese Primary school!

Yep! Primary Standard One blues! My son's or mine?! Both!!

If you have been following me, you will know that my children are pretty much bananas. Yellow on the outside and white on the inside. They speak English as their mother tongue. And guess what! I have enrolled my eldest Ryan into a Chinese school. I mentioned this before but the reality and the result of that reality hits now.

While I was deciding back then whether choosing a Chinese school for Ryan was a good decision.

Many advised me 'Aiya! Children are flexible and they pick up fast. Don't worry la!'

Taking a closer look, the ones who said that are often the older aunties or have no children or have children in Kebangsaan schools or that they speak Chinese at home.

Then I asked the moms who did just that. Those moms like me who can't read and write Chinese and whose kids are plain bananas. A different stories. Quite a few told me that after a year, they just pulled their kids out and put them in private schools. It was absolute misery for their children. They just couldn't follow. Others who took it through just said bite the bullet, it was tough but just continue. Very few did that.

Weighing and deciding was tough. We decided to put him to Chinese schools for 2 main reasons:

1. An additional language - Chinese - of course. And we speak English at home. I'm not gonna be worried that my son would one day say 'jilo' instead of 'zero'. I'll make sure of that!
2. The main reason. The system. The discipline. At least till Standard 6. I have simply no faith in the kebangsaan schools!

My mom was warning me. Watch out for signs. Signs of being bullied. Signs of depression. Anything. Manage it. And be really prepared that if it doesn't work, to pull him out later. We decided to rough it out with him for now.

The signs came. It was subtle. The signs of misery! Ryan started worrying. Telling things like he was worried that when his little brother Raymund joins him, he might get lost. The school is very big. I told to just ask the teachers if he gets lost. And when its Raymund's turn, he can take care of him. He told me he can't. He gets lost too. Ask the teachers, I said. 'The teachers speak a lot of Chinese. I speak a bit Chinese only'. Initially I thought he was just fooling around. When Monday came, he was crying very hard, sobbing in fact. He refused to get down the bus. Crying so hard that the driver had to call me and we had to get him back home. He kept saying that the school is very big and that he is scared of getting lost.

Boy, how could I concentrate on my work. The next day, I took my lunch hour and when to meet my son at the school's drop off area. He was happier. My purpose really was to speak to his teacher. Reading between the lines. I understand that he felt like he didn't belong in a big school and people are not speaking in his lingo. He told me he had no friends and no one to speak to. And he only understood little what his teachers were saying. Imagine! No friends. Can't speak! Big alien area! I felt very sad for my son! My husband was upset as well. But what choice do we have. Pull him out now? I decided to speak to his teacher.

I got his teacher to understand his fear. I asked his teacher's help to place him and sit with someone who can speak both English and Chinese so they can converse and he can also pick up Chinese. His teacher was good! Phew! Thought that settled. Ryan came back happier and better.

You see, if you know my son, he always tries to make me happy and always tries to please me. Has the matter settled? No. A week later, he kept asking me every day how many more days he needed to attend school before holidays or weekend breaks. He was doing a count down. I noticed that. I started using encouragement and praises that his Chinese was getting better. Clever boy, la di da! Then the blues again! Just this Monday. He started saying that he had no friends. Only 1 friend. And his teacher scolds him. Asked further. It was because he was not listening to instructions. Asked even further, 'Did you understand your teacher's instructions?' No!'. All these over the phone on Monday morning. I was working and freaking busy. Can't get away. But worried for my son. Told my mom about it and she decided to go to his school. Again!

This time, my mom spoke to the headmistress and the teacher. She got them to understand Ryan's fears. Got Ryan to speak to them as well in front of the teacher and headmistress. We then realized that his so called partner is not his friend, for whatever the reason. Kids!! They decided to help and told Ryan to choose his own partner. Then the teacher 'helped' him to make some friends. He came back happy saying that he has ten friends. My guess is that he has more than 1 and not really 10.

Gosh! Trauma! Mine!

It was hard to take your kid's suffering. My husband and I felt helpless.

My husband was asking me what to do. I just said what else. We still have to rough it through this first year and decide after that. He has to learn independence sooner or later. It is just that the language is not helping and there is this culture shock of being in a big school.

We just have to be cruel to be kind! Very Hard!

The headmistress mentioned that she had calls from many parents as well that their kids are 'scared' of the big school. Normal, since this kids just came from small kindies. The demand for Chinese school is so great nowadays. It is from all races... not just Chinese. Bottom line, the same reasons I have mentioned. There are over 100 Standard 1 students in my son's school. Imagine the sheer number. No wonder they get scared.

I keep a very close watch on Ryan still. He is still counting down to weekends. He still tells me that the school is big and that he is scared of getting lost. I told him that he is brave and a good boy. I know that it is tough but you can do it. Make a new friend everyday. Make a new friend today and tell me tonight. He tried. Lotsa praises and encouragement. Good boy!

Don't think the situation ends here. But hopefully, it gets better faster.

Next topic - exams! Coming right up ...

Cheers

Joanne

Working. A Means to An End.

Anti climax! After a blissful 2 and a half weeks, it's time to get back to work trow. My husband and I are feeling slightly low since we were always looking forward to the next day of quality time with family. But face it, we have to get back to work. Lotsa work pending. Can't imagine how my week will be like.

Why I decided to talk about this topic. More so because the air is seeping out of a nice balloon... metaphorically speaking. No don't me wrong. I actually like my job. It's just that sometimes people and politics get on my nerves. I have been in the work force well exceeding 10 years ...and don't start counting my age :). Seen enough of my share to appreciate home life.

The early part of it, when I was young and single, I was very focused on building experience and learning. I worked till very late in the night and got home around midnight. After all, I was young, and no dependents. Staying with my parents, all I have to take care of is my expenses. Probably why I was reluctant to get married early. Too comfortable.

Then life took a turn. I got married and had a honeymoon baby. My priorities started to change. Not immediate but gradual. That's probably why I regretted not seeing to Ryan's early development and now have to play catch up. The nanny despite her lack of responsibilities fitted our late work schedule. At this point, to whoever who is reading this, my point is while we work, do not take things for granted especially to your family and kids. And don't ever under estimate the importance of a child's early development. It affects him subsequently. We were young and ignorant. Looking on the bright side, we realized it later and still have time to fix it.

Goals change when you have little ones who depend on you. Fully and wholly depend on you. That shift things quite a bit. Balance of life becomes so very important. While we hit the road running when at work, we draw a line at a certain time latest 8pm to come home to our family. My husband and I have an understanding not to disturb each other during work hours as our work is very demanding. But we draw a line. Our children are very upset when they don't see us and put them in bed. Vice versa. That's why we don't like after work entertainment and such as well as weekend functions and events. While duty calls, we are able to manage occasionally. But to us, that is family time which is just 2 days in a week to rest and play with our kids.

How then do I work out my time when I have loads of work. Delivery is still a must. I have an understanding again with my boss from the on set of my recruitment. I promise delivery but if you don't see me working late in the office does not mean no commitment. I will manage after my cut off at work and then settling my children and my husband after that at home... then only I continue working later in the night. Tiring but I prefer it that way as I get the best of both worlds. The same with my husband. So, it works out.

As I aged :(, I feel that ambitions are still ambitions but in reality, it is a means to an end. Supporting and providing for my family. I don't like politics and neither am I competing with anyone. I'd like a good payoff during bonus and come home celebrating. I have been and still is in a high stress and political heavy organization and simply hate that part of it even though the functional part is good. A real dog eat dog world. No colleague is a true friend when it comes to actualizing their career goals. That's why they say it's lonely up there. My feng shui sifu told me to relax and don't take it too close to heart. Relax and enjoy what's more important. For health and happiness if not for anything else. I'm trying to follow that advice. My husband too.

Latest!

I've been busy since my not so very new job now. That's good news means the excitement is going again. Does that mean I've somewhat neglected my kids' studies? Sadly, yes! I'm depending alot on my tuition teacher now and yes! Enopi! I have recently cut out Cambridge from Ryan's curriculum. I felt that it wasn't as effective as I thought. No doubt it reinforces. Also it requires the kids to do homework such as spellings and such but I felt that the advancing is not as fast as I'd like to. The problem is that I have the tuition teacher working on their school homework and reinforcing languages .. leaving not much time and chance to do Cambridge revision. As for me, after a long days work, I just feel too tired! But I guess I have to start again some time.

Keeping it light and easy for this post. I just wanted to post some of my kids' latest photos on my blog. We recently attended my bro-in-law's wedding and they were the flower boys and girl. My boys in full tux and my little girl an angel. Of course, after a while, the bow ties and shirts were all hanging out and lopsided :)

My Boys Now..

My 2 boys...I've just been downloading some of the latest photos from my camera. I noticed that they have grown so much. No doubt considering how much they eat! They love food!

Here are some latest. Actually there are more. Just that my camera battery konked out. Can't download :(

My Princess at 16+ Months

My little princess at 16+ months. Time passes too quickly. My little girl is not a baby anymore. My hubby and I really miss those baby days. Yesterday came and went. Before long, my little princess will be little lady. Sigh! All the more... it is so very important to spend time with our kids. Work is not everything. Realistically, it is a means to an end.. enjoying the job is just one of the perks.

Here are some of the pictures that I took today.

I Must Find Time to Read with Ryan

Another batch of Scholastic books that I have ordered through my kids' new kindy arrived a few days ago. To be honest with you, I have not even finished half of what I bought in the earlier rounds. No time to read to them. But books are books ... there is nothing wasted about buying books. I have got 3 kids... they get passed down.

I received a call from Ryan's class teacher not too long ago. She called to check on Ryan's progress and more so, if I'm happy with his progress since he is the new to the school. This is what I like about SuperFun Learners. She told me about his progress and participation in class. While not as advanced as the kids who came to the kindy from day 1 at 4 years old, Ryan has shown good progress. I noticed that too. I even noticed Raymund's syllabus. When compared with Ryan's when he was at Raymund's age at Eduland (now, Beaconhouse), what a difference!! And it is the good difference. In the same conversation, I told his teacher that I'm worried about my son's reading ability. She advised that at this stage, having frequent reading with Ryan at home will help alot. Let him learn to recognize words from frequent reading.

I told myself that I have to make time to read with Ryan. I have bought so many story books for them. I will let Ryan choose one to read every night. Raymund is still young but Ryan has to go to Primary next year. I have to make time for him first (Correct or wrong?? Gut feel tells me I have to start coaching Raymund too - Sigh!) Saying is easy. My mad schedule was just mad! I was too tired. I finally got down to it tonight. I must say that Ryan hadn't slipped. Must be the kindy and his home tuition. I praised him when he read well! He was very happy and that got him to read more. We agreed that we will do again tomorrow before our Wii game session. I just thought if I can't read with him everyday, at least I should try during the weekend. I have certainly slipped up with my coaching. I depended wholly and too much on the enrichment classes that I have arranged for him. Ultimately, it still needs parents involvement.

It's been a while but I have not forgotten to write..

It's been a while but I have not forgotten about my blog. If you have been following my blog, I just started on my brand new job in Dec09. I had a bit of time to rest before I started .. and that was a mighty good decision. A good rest before a new job helped a lot - to rejuvenate and to refresh. At least it was good for me, good for the new job. Since on board, I have been 'flying' .. haha! If my boss is reading this, he'll probably say not flying high and fast enough :). But it certainly was at high speed. I just launched a big campaign and I'm so lucky to have a good supportive team. But sleep was little, stress was high. I just had no time for my blog. I'm back again. And I thank my readers for your patience. I'm still writing but will pretty much be a weekend writer. Please bear with me :) I'm going to cover a few posts today. Lots to say ... mostly about kids, my family.

Tell You A Story About Truly Bad Service

Let me tell you a story about Bad Service. It's fairly entertaining if you hear it from me now but at that time, I was breathing fire!

In the earlier days, we have been signing up to cards for various reasons. Sometimes, pitying the sales agent. Sometimes, just given to us. And of course, there are those that we really use. But the recent ruling that all cards will be charged with RM50 each forced most of us to consolidate our cards and remove unneccesary ones to avoid unnecessary charges on service tax. I had quite painless process cancellation most of my 'extra' cards until our local bank, 'A' BANK credit card. Here goes!

Thursday 31 Dec

Called Call Centre in the morning. A few attempts before I could get through.

Asked to cancel my card immediately. Don't want to pay service tax. I apologized for the last minute but appreciate urgency.

Call Agent told me to fax in. Gave me a fax number. No prob. I did.

Tried faxing in whole morning. Number busy.

Called again after lunch. They said they never received coz lots of faxes going in and were on Q. Got me a 2nd fax number. Tried to fax until 3pm. Both numbers. Number busy to both. Called again.

Call Agent said didn't receive. Line busy still busy. Told me to fax again to both numbers. Said that she will call me to tell me whether or not they received. No call.

Long break. Then,

Monday 4 Jan:

Called CS line again. Call Agent said never received. Told me to fax again to both numbers. Again said that she will call me to confirm receipt or non receipt. No call from them. Seriously, why bother promising to call when they had no intention to??!!

Called them again after lunch. I was already fuming, feeling cheated. This time, they told me that I CAN email in my cancellation. Should have said earlier!!!

Emailed: Monday, 4 Jan 2:28 PM

Got an auto acknowledgment of receipt. Okayyy...

2 DAYS LATER!!

Wednesday, 6 Jan

They returned emailed and asked me to scan and email the original letter to them. Then only they will proceed to act on it. They want to verify my signature. I read my mail at home! Where to get scanner???

I replied immediately telling me to call me for verification instead. No scanner and I have been inconvenienced enough already!

Got only the auto acknowledgement of receipt .. ONLY!

STILL NO CALL FROM A BANK AGAIN!!!

NO EMAIL EVEN!! NO RESPONSE AT ALL!!

Saturday 9 Jan

Emailed again. No point calling.

The annoying useless auto acknowledgement again. Frankly speaking, what's the use of having it when the service is simply atrocious!!

Told them I'm not just their card customer, I have other accounts with them. I told them to respond else I will 'escalate this issue to relevant authorities' if I'm charged with service tax. I didn't state who.

Spurred some reaction now - same day now.

They responded that they have acted on it but I have to cut the card into half and return to them.

Card cut thrown long time ago.. where to get it for them. Told them so. Just proceed to cancel and block the card. What is the use of a blocked card to me then?

The darn auto reply again!

Tuesday Jan 12

The same mail asking me to send back cut card!!! Grrrr!! Densed or what!!!

Emailed to them again! Why I bothered! I just want to make sure that my card was terminated and no service charge was charged!! I replied, highly annoyed!

'Didn't you get my mail ralier. I already told you that I have ALREADY cut the card long time ago and dumped it. Where do you think I shld search in the dump to send to you. Another request - pls give me the name and address of your Head of Consumer Banking - or anyone higher. Thanks'

Darn auto reply!

The threat to contact their boss finally spurred actions! But still..

2 days later!! A CALL FROM 'A' BANK, FINALLY!

Some call agent called to apologize but didn't do a good work out of it. When I expressed by irritation, she was jsut silent with tell tale signs of irritation. When asked to speak to her managers. She said all of them were in meeting. When ask for name and address for Consumer Banking Head, she refused to give but said that they will respond with email.

NONE! No news!! Talk about 'A' BANK SERVICE!! Over a very simple transaction! Call lines are not easy to get through. Card cancellation must fax in. Ok, I understand the rationale. But that's fine if the ONLY 2 FAX machines around are not fully congested! Or perhaps that's the ploy??? Refused to pick up the call to solve a simple matter. Dragged for 2 weeks! Emailed cancellation possible but told only years after! Then that irritating autoreply and 2-3days response period. Took TWO WEEKS just to cancel my card after a threat to bring the matter to their boss. I wonder if the management is aware of such going-ons at ground level.

Until today, no one responded to my mail for their head's name and address. Total silence. I'm sick of talking or writing to 'A' Bank. But I'm happy to release some tension by blogging about it, even after all these while. Finally, I'll blow steam again if I kena service tax because of all these dragging.

Happy reading!

Almost a Week Now..

One more day and it'll be already a week in kindy for Raymund. It wasn't easy.

On the 2nd day, Raymund refused to take the van. No choice. Have to take him into it. So, he went into the van crying. We went to the kindy to wait for him. We stayed in the car initially to see if he is ok alone. Shortly, we heard him brawling and the teacher was trying unsuccessfully to calm him. Poor boy.. he has never been alone before. Neither have most 4 year old kids there. There were still so many parents hanging around. Raymund wouldn't let us out of his sight - not just that, we have to be within 2 feet from him. He wouldn't trust us after my maid hid from him the 1st day. Suddenly it dawned on me that I have to let go that day. If he is still not manageable, I'm still at home to take him since I was on leave till Wed. Otherwise, it will be a problem on Thurs when I went back to work.

I got hold of the class teacher and her assistant and told them that we are making a move. I told Raymund as well as it is better not to hide from him and give him a shock. Of course, I expected more brawling. The assistant was holding on to him while he shouted and crying desperately for 'Mummy'. I had to make myself walk away. It may seem like a small thing...or that I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill. But..believe me, it is not easy walking away from your 3 year old frightened child.

We went home and waited. Hoping that the kindy wouldn't call to say that they couldn't handle. At 11am, the van came. Raymund carrying his school bag walked smartly into the house and declared that 'I went to school myself. I sit on Uncle van myself'. Phew!

That afternoon, he had bad dream during his afternoon nap. He woke up crying so many times. My poor boy. It was almost a trauma for him.

The next morning and the next, he refused to get into the van. We had to coax him into the van and he looked back looking lost and desperate while the van drove away at 7:30am. My maid almost cried.

All these while, he has been comfortable, getting up only in the later morning. Now he has to be up at 6:30am. He was sooo not used to it. And he is definitely exhausted as well. Last night, he slept at 7:30pm!! Never before! And today, even though he had his afternoon nap, he went to bed at 8pm! He is that tired.

My heart felt very heavy for my boys. Ryan on the other hand has to take extra tuition and enrichment classes to build his fundamentals for his new kindy.. on top of his daily kindy homework. As I mentioned earlier, there is a vaaaast difference between Eduland/Beaconhouse and SuperFun Learners. He has to play catch up. He too is also exhausted. By 9:30pm-10pm, he was already asleep. I feel like cancelling his extra classes ... but do I have a choice? He will suffer also when he can't catch up. Maybe I'll lighten it when he is up to speed later.

I just feel that the education system is stressing kids younger and younger. Also it could be us parents' expectations and 'kiasu-ness'. Gone were the days when we just had fun in kindy. And the enrichment classes have been capitalizing on this need.

Hmmm...Thinking perhaps it is good to look into young children education business opportunity when I plan for my early retirement :)

My 1st Week at Work

My 1st week of work turned out pretty well considering that I was dragging my feet to start work before then :) Maybe it was the short break that refreshed me. Or maybe that my portfolio is somewhat new and resembling my earlier experience which was more exciting. My boss gives me a free hand in quite a lot of areas but his expectation is nevertheless pretty high. What counts is that he gives me the assurance that I have his support and backing. And I'm very happy with it. Frankly, I had a lousy experience once upon a time with a lousy supervisor who felt threatened by my presence...and too much politics. Needless to say, my opportunities and career was suppressed. Sigh!

You wouldn't believe it but at the interview, I was quite point blank about my need to balance my life. While I promised delivery, I still need to be there for my family. I was specific about me being not able to stay back late unlike the young and single. Some would say that I was pretty silly to bring this up at interview but I feel that if I have to give up the balance, then the work is not suitable for me. After all, working is a means to an end. My boss remembers that and he is quite alright with it. How nice! Of course, I will have to play my part to deliver. What more can I ask. Hope this good luck stays :)

I have to wake up early now and it is almost non stop at work. Yes! This is only my 1st week - haha! When I reached home, I was so drained and practically knocked out before 11 pm. Just as well I have a tuition teacher for Ryan to coach him in his studies. I just don't have the energy. Maybe my body is still in 'siew lai lai' mode like when I was between jobs. Or.. I think .. highly likely.. it is because of my age that is catching up. So unlike those young days when I had boundless energy... I remember I could have a hard day's work, finished late and still go out 'lepak'.

I miss my 24 hour time with my kids. I miss the carefree time during my break when I can decide to visit this shop and run that errand at will. But then again, I scold my kids less now - only see them when I'm not at work mah :) So I appreciate them more and value my weekends and public holidays. I tend to take them for granted when I was not working. Whatever it is, the reality is that I have to earn $$$ to provide for my kids. Education is so expensive what with those extra enrichment classes. I just wish I can have an early retirement in time to come.

Merry Christmas!

Winter Solstice .. or 'Kor Tung' in Cantonese

Today is 'kor tung' ...also known as Winter Solstice or Dong Zhi Festival. My folks used to say...'Tung tai kor nin' .. translated to mean...'Winter Solstice Festival is more important than Chinese New Year'. And a lot even told me that you are 1 year older after Kor Tung instead of Chinese New Year (CNY).

As children , I used to think only that 'Kor Tung' is the day where we eat 'Tang yuen' .. glutinuous ball dumplings (plain or filled), coloured with some red and even green in ginger sugar water. This is also the day where we met all our uncles, aunties, cousins, etc etc and had a good dinner... something similar to 'Tuen Nin Fan' (The evening meal before 1st day of CNY). Yea.. it was all about eating and playing then. I remember the good old days when my grandparents (now in the land of paradise :)) would call all their children and grandchildren home. They would play chef and cooked a good meal for all. My aunties would be busy helping in the kitchen, the men chatting outside and us children... play la, of course. In fact, we have this gathering almost every week as my grandparents were very particular about family get together. Just that on festives, the food got better.

Quite a pity, things weren't the same after they departed. Now, the grandchildren, my generation, we have our own family.. thus our own celebration. So... today, my brother and my family are taking my mum to celebrate 'kor tung'. We are going to eat Steamboat!! My kids have never tried steam boat before... so I told my maid to line their stomach first just in case... that is IF we are taking them along :). Knowing how they love 'kai kai' (outing), they will most likely follow. My husband side of the family.. unfortunately we will miss the celebration with them. Afterall, this is a working day. Hope that there will be no heavy traffic when I rush home later.

Happy Kor Tung to you all... have a wonderful time with your family :)

First Day of Work Today... Yawn!!!

Today is my first day back to the work force. Really take some getting to use to. My new boss arranged some back to back meetings for me... yes, on my first day! Not that I'm complaining. At least I get a good glimpse into the business and the company. But for the 1st day, it's quite abit of information overload. Not to mention that after so many days on rest, of enjoying being a temporary 'si lai', it is a bit tough switching on the 'working mode' again. Yawn!

I was two hearts about 2 weeks ago. On one hand, I was excited but what to anticipate in a new environment new boss new function. But on the other, I so love the carefree 'siew lai lai' mode... only have to worry about my kids, their studies and food in the house. Of course at more times than not, my blood pressure was high from scolding and punishing my kids... but still those are one of those quality moments with them. and there were those lazy moments that I can nap my afternoon away. Sigh! Well, there are debts to pay, loans to bring down and tax to get rid off. Gotta work! My dream however is to have an early retirement. I don't wish to slave till 60 or 65 years old. I want quality times with my family. Like favorite HK TVB character 'Chai Kau' (柴九) played by my favorite actor Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung (黎耀祥) in my favorite show Rosy business (巾幗梟雄)...'Yan sang duen duen yau kei tor kor sap nin. Jo yan jui kan yew tung fai.' In case you don't understand this cantonese jargons.. the translation is something like this - 'In our short life, there not many ten years (decades). It's then important we are happy and enjoy our lifetime'. How true!

Yawn! I'm going to bed now. I just hugged and kissed my 3 kids good night. Been a long day for me. See ya!

Cambridge English For Life

In my last post 'No Cosmotots. Take Cambridge CEFL & Home Tuition', I talked about my frustrations with Cosmotots and my plans for Ryan to reinforce his learnings. I discussed in some depth about Cambridge English For Life (CEFL) junior classes for preschoolers. If you are interested to know more, click on the link above :)

I was waiting for the centre manager to call me to advise the right level for Ryan. Should it be JE1 1st term or JE 1 3rd term (there are 2 intakes - Jan and Jun) or just rough it out for Ryan and get him to join JE2? I was shown the books for JE1 and JE2 syllabus. It looked like Ryan's level is actually between JE1 and JE2. So, I'm pretty unsure which one is best for him.

I managed to discuss with her today. Each level offers a full year program afterwhich the kids will move into the next level. Very much a class room based teaching but in very small groups. The one in Bandar Puteri Puchong allows a max of 9 kids for each JE1/JE2 class. I like that. At least, the teacher student attention would be better, hopefully. JE1 focus on ABC covering phonics sounds for single and double letters. Some light reading, some basic 1-10 numbers, even some light craft to spice up the lessons. The 3rd term for JE1 would go into sound blending. Some of which Ryan already knows but not all, and he is not exactly ready for the light reading.

JE2 goes into applying adjectives , more phonics, alternative vowels (sounds like ou and ow that have more than 1 sound - haha! I just learnt :p), words that phonics can't help such as two, even spelling and grammar. Much as I like to but Ryan ain't ready for this. I don't want him to withdraw and close up when he lacks confidence. Happened before. Ryan gets encouraged to learn with praises and progress. So, I have decided not to throw him into JE2 and let him swim ;p.

A 1 year program for each level with 4 terms. The Centre Manager advised me to go for 3rd term JE1. Not starting at the beginning since Ryan knows some sounds and blending. Luckily for us, this centre has two intakes, ie Jan and June. So they have a JE1 third term in Jan. I checked other centres; some only have 1 intake ie Jan. They follow school holiday schedule. So, most of the time, they have no classes during school holidays. What's more the JE classes are held on Sat and Sun. No need to rush from work to chauffeur my kids. Phew! But then again, we have to sacrifice 2 hours of our precious weekend for this lesson. Sigh! We can't have it all! Wouldn't it be great if they have weekday classes AND provide transport?! We can't have it all!

I'll discuss with my husband tonight to see if the timing works for us. Then, we will proceed. Very likely we'll go for it :)

I Had a Great Time Shopping for Clothes Yesterday

I had a great time shopping for clothes yesterday. It's past 2am now - so it was technically 'yesterday' though it was only a few hours ago that I completed my mission ;)

I have decided to get some new clothes before I start my new job. Yep, it is new clothes new job... new excuses haha. I went to Bandar Puteri to shop. A couple of days ago, I spotted many boutiques in Bandar Puteri selling nice clothes. I've decided to check it out. We (my mom accompanied me) walked into one but it was only so-so. Still I got some stuff. You see, I have low expectations coz my shopping experience after I gave birth to my daughter ain't that good. In fact, it was bad! Large size and I have to face the truth that I'm out of shape :) Quite depressing each time. So, I went with low expectations. Anything that make me look reasonably slim and ok, will do. Then we checked the next shop. I told the sales assistance my requirements - 'Clothes for work.. not casual work but more executive work... Hides my tummy... Fits and soften my fat hips. Show me what you've got'. Bingo! Love the designs, prices are reasonable with good discount and miracle of all miracles, the clothes hide my belly pouch and my fat hips. It actually make me look slim!!! What more can I ask. I bought a load!! But came away happy... real happy. Wait till my hubby gets the credit card bill... hehe!

Tai Tai sau wok!! (Big time achievement)