PSLE - Pause, Stop, Live and Explore

What a stark difference two years back and now. Two years back, I was on part-time and balancing career and family. Many of my friends and relatives thought that I was a tiger mother and took the move to supervise my elder boy who was then taking his PSLE.

That was not the main reason. Rather it was my younger boy who was hopping from one student care to another which made me decide that I had to pause and be there for him. I learnt an important lesson in life as a mother - when the child is challenging to handle, others could throw in the white towel but the mother will keep trying. 

My younger boy has always been an attention seeker or rather seeking the attention of yours truly. My youngest brother recalled as a toddler he would cry his heart out, rejecting any water or taking any break, throughout the time when I was away- be it an hour or even two. 

Yet today, he only needs me to be around closer to the examinations. My mere presence gives him comfort and security. In the daytime when he is taking his examination, I am too taking my PSLE. I pause, stop, live in the moment and explore how I should too chart my life forward. 

As both my two boys become more independent, it is also time for me to explore my interest and live for myself. I am on the cusp of my life and I could create splashes to make a more exciting and add rainbow to the world.

Legoland a fresh new experience

It was in late 2013 when R had a bad fall in Legoland that cut short our day there. During one of our normal daily conversation, R recounted to me that he thought he was going to leave us then as he was bleeding profusely. Thereafter, I suggested that we should go again to recreate new and beautiful memories.

Within a week, the suggestion became a reality. We set off early in the morning and stopping by a food centre for our breakfast. We ate the same wanton egg noodles. The taste was especially savoury with the boys tucking in merrily. It made me feel so happy and warm.

Before long we reached Legoland just when it was to be opened and the visitors were still far and few between. The sun was shining, casting a lovely glow on the place. There were just the right number of clouds to make the weather simply perfect. 

We headed to the air-conditioned area where the boys registered to learn about robots and heartbeats while my hubby and I just lazed around. 

That was me having fun, posing behind Einstein Lego statue.

Next we went to the adventure zone with dragons as the theme. I would say, this was the best day out at a theme park. The crowd was relatively thin that there was little or no waiting time. Thrill rides, we had most of them and managed to convince P to join the thrillest of them of all. We also had time to share for the 4D movie, boat ride and car ride for R.

Thereafter we headed to Taman University Food Centre for our high tea. We would have had dessert as well if not for our favourite stall was closed. Our guess was that Wednesday was its off-day. With Legoland a short drive away, we have had a pact that we would be back again - this time to stay at the rectangular and primary colours building at Legoland hotel.

Just another day

I stopped my car and was fidgeting with my GPS. From the corner of my eyes, I saw a white car reversing next to my car. I turned my head and broke into a wide smile. The familiar face was my husband who had returned home from his work trip.

I had been taking care of the two boys for the past few days. Frankly speaking, the boys were more sensible and responsible when daddy was out of town. It helped that I could knock off on time to have dinner with them. Simple fare it was, we had great family bonding.

While daddy is now back, he would still be busy at work. But he gives me the companionship that I need. It is just like R will want me to take leave just to see me around. My presence gives him motivation to study.

Girls' Day Out

"Oh, M n S are our shining stars!" I gesticulated wildly with both hands stretching out to block my eyes from the imaginary blinding light.

This realisation of the different languages of appreciation planted the seed of having a team outing a month ago. Today, we put our first step to go on an outing together.

It was a lovely day of eating and shopping. We started the day early with a hearty breakfast at Restoran Habib in JB before heading down to Aeron Shopping Mall. Time flew when the girls were having fun shopping and two and a half hours just flew past. Soon it was time for our high tea at KSL resort, Infusion Cafe from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm. 

Looking at the scrumptious spread made my mouth water. There were also life performance and lucky draws.

After a good meal, we continued with more shopping fun. Thanks to my shopping kakis, I managed to buy my happiness in the form of a modest handphone cover. 

Thereafter there was a massage session to rub away the tiredness of a day of walking before heading back home. It was a very simple girls' outing but packed with so much cameraderie. Thank you M and your hubby for your kindness. R, S and Y for joining in. It was such great day when we are with great people. I guess I am counted as a great person too.

Cheers!

Roundup of first 4 months of 2015

It has been a long time since I last put up a post. My life has been meaningful with ups and downs. However, these are little road bumps and I have been managing them well.

I have also put my command of Chinese in good use, having embarked on online shopping. Taobao sea is a shoppers' paradise. I bought new school bags, pencil case and school shoes from the portal and many more. It is also where I show my boys the commercial value of Chinese. Able to communicate over 旺信with taobao sellers makes better purchases. 

At the home front, there are two new jubilee babies added to my extended families. My two boys will have to learn to be role models to their cousins.

In short, life is simple and mundane. But I am contented and happy.

8 Principles to achieve our full potential

I have wanted to listen to Nick Vujicic when he came to Singapore recently. Thanks to YouTube, I could also watch it.

Here are some snippet that Nick about how to reach our full potential:

1. Be thankful

2. You dunno if you will succeed if u dun try

3. If u try n fail, try again

4. Failure is education 

5. Obstacle is opportunity 

6. Dream big 

7. Never give up

8. Faith 

You will not reach your potential until you seek it. You will not seek it until you believe. Faith.

Seize the Day

Sharing a meaningful story:

Richard S. Willis sent this letter out within 45 minutes of reading it. Not even 4 hours later walking along the street to his new job interview, with a really big company, when he ran into Cynthia Bell, his secret love of 5 years. Cynthia came up to him and told him of her passionate crush on him that she had for 2 years. Three days later he proposed to her and they were married. They are still married to this day and have three children.

This is the letter:

Around the corner I have a friend,

In this great city that has no end,

Yet the days go by, and the weeks rush on,

And before I know it a year has gone.

And I never see my old friends face,

For life is a swift and terrible race,

He knows I like him just as well,

As in the days when I rang his bell,

And he rang mine if, we were younger then,

And now we are busy, tired men.

Tired of playing a foolish game,

Tired of trying to make a name.

Tomorrow; I say, I will call on Jim

Just to show I am thinking of him.

But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,

And distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner! - yet miles away,

Here's a telegram sir, Jim died today.

And that's what we get and deserve in the end.

Around the corner, a vanished friend.

Remember to always say what you mean.

If you love someone - tell them.

Don't be afraid to express yourself.

Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you,

because when you decide that it is the right time,

it might be too late.

Seize the day, Never have regrets.

Most importantly stay close to your friends and family,

for they have helped make you the person you are today.

First week of 2015

A new year has arrived! It is the year 2015.

As I mused over the events that unfolded in 2014, there has been ups and downs but I supposed I have managed the year well. Going forward, I need to stay focused on my priorities especially when R will be taking his PSLE this year. R still needs a lot of my attention while P is going through the angst of teenage years. The boys have adjusted well to mom's return to work full time. P did well for his sec 1 exam and is slowly fending for more independence in his own ways.

Being a supportive wife is what I have been doing for close to 20 years. I suppose woman is better multitasking. At the same time, I enjoy my work so yes, it may not be easy but a working mother is what that will define me.

Adaption is the key for me in the next few years. For now, my focus is to help the boys as much as I can. As the Chinese phrase goes "他们是未来的主人翁” -loosely translated as they are the masters of the future.

For myself, I need to continue to learn to keep pace with the changes. Like many, I too own a smartphone and update online regularly. Last year, I started to shop online too. Now I relearn my rusty Chinese to shop on Taobao Sea. Along the way, I learn new and cheaper ways to pay and also pick some security tips on and off.

I believe 2015 will be another awesome year ahead ;)