What a change

It has been only one year, yet, this one year has seen such a great change! Last year, I struggled to find the right school for Kai. Look what he is doing this year…

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My boy – the resilient one, the strong man, the fighter.

This time, he is the one talking to parents and the P6ers about his school. Giving them a better understanding of what his school is all about. As a mum, I am very proud of him. Since going to S1, he has grown very much. He still has his many bad habits but I must learn to count my blessings. He has indeed matured as a person. We have tried on a few occasions leaving him and Ann alone. On all the occasions, he has risen up to the challenge of being the big brother in charge of the house and his little sister. Ann has also learned that when mum and pops are not around, big brother is in charge!
This was what I wrote last year…

We were all looking forward to Home for Christmas but honestly, it wasn’t the best. It has been one roller coaster ride. It has been very demanding and draining mentally, emotionally and physically. It was trusting and believing even when the world came crashing down on you. Challenges in life have to be handled but when it came to injustice, discrimination, it was an uphill task to fight. Even as a mum, trying her darnest to ease the pain, it proved too much for me that I broke down many times, even crying myself to sleep.

What a change indeed!

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So much truth in this.

Show you care

We joined the church to distribute food bags to the lower income group. Yes, in affluent Singapore, there are still many poor people. These people live in one room flat. They live a very simple yet contented life.

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I was hungry. And you gave me something to eat.
I was thirsty. And you gave me something to drink.
I was a stranger. And you invited me in.
I needed clothes. And you gave them to me.
I was sick. And you took care of me.
I was in prison. And you came to visit me.’
“Then the people who have done what is right will answer him. ‘Lord,’ they will ask, ‘when did we see you hungry and feed you? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in? When did we see you needing clothes and give them to you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘What I’m about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:35-40


Short notes


I have been busy lately. Was helping a friend who is going through some very tough times in her life. It is good to be able to be there for her. At the end of the day, when your friend is so appreciative of your presence, it really makes your life worth living.

It is not just about you, it is about people around you.

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I facilitated my first seminar. It was a privilege to be able to hear Dr Tan Lai Yong speak on the 21st Century Competencies. Dr Tan is an inspiring figure. Who really is he?

 http://travel.cnn.com/singapore/life/dr-tan-lai-yong-going-beyond-call-duty-open-eyes-and-heal-sick-309620

Here is a video clip too.



During his talk, he got two of his students to share about their lives. One of them share about his life and his sister’s life. It was really interesting. The boy talked about PSLE results. His sister, two years older than him, scored 272 and made it to the top girls’ school in Singapore. His score was 184 and he made it to a neighbourhood secondary school, normal acad. He was disappointed but life went on. He studied very hard and at sec. 2, managed to switch to the Express class. Now, both in their 20s, leading a very different life. He is an undergrad studying Bio Engineering and his sister…slacking at home. Not studying, not working.

All parents should attend his talk. So many parents are just so hung up on getting their kids to score straight ‘A’s, so hung up on the PSLE T-score. It  absolutely does not  guarantee a bright future for the kid. I just hope that parents open their eyes to see what really matters is the passion of the child.

Dr Tan mentioned three important things in a child’s life. In this order 1)Friends 2)Passion 3)Grades. I am very glad that the school principal was there for the talk. Bravo!

Incidentally, I just received an email from Ann’s school

“For the present P3 and P4 level, the pupils have been promoted to eight classes: 4 ‘Integrity’ classes and 4 ‘Care’ classes. Pupils in these two clusters are also equally spread based on their overall percentage. There is no last class. (For pupils who are weaker in Math or Mother Tongue, the school will arrange for additional support.)”

Step by step, we will get there. Hopefully, we will have bright kids who will excel in their own field and parents will take pride in all that they are doing.

It is not about grades, it is about what you want in life.

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Ann did very well for her SA2. An overall improvement from SA1. I am happy for her. Her first year back in Singapore and into the Singapore education system, she definitely has performed way beyond my expectation. Is it a pressure cooker here? Is it stressful for parents? Is there a need for tuition? No, no, no! I have finally come to a conclusion. The people who complain most about the education system are the ones who have not only inflicted the stress on themselves but also their kids.

I am just very thankful that God in His own way, has intercepted my plans. Kai did not make it to the school I wanted him to go but is enjoying school and education. Ann did not make it to my alma mater but she had made some very good friends and good teachers.

It is not about kids, it is about parents.

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Writing competition. The National Library organised a flash fiction writing competition. I got Kai and Ann to submit a story each. Guess what? I submitted one under the Open category!

It is not about winning, it is about trying.

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This week, we will be distributing food to the lower income group staying in the Redhill area. Kai will be presenting at the school Open House. Our days are pretty fulfilling the way we are leading our lives!

It is not about saying, it is about getting up and doing it!

First food competition

I submitted my quiche for my very first food competition. Please vote for me if you believe in me.
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This pix with the caption “quiche me!”

https://www.facebook.com/AsianFoodChannel?sk=app_451684954848385&brandloc=DISABLE&app_data=view-vote%2Cfor-1602212

What is the prize? A place in a foodie face-off! The top 50 with the highest votes will stand a chance. Out of the 50, 20 will be selected. 

Updates…

At the Literature quiz, Kai helped the school to clinch a second place. Well done, way to go!
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Ann didn’t clear GEP round two. She was sad for half a day. Out of 16 kids from her class who sat for round two, only one boy got through. What are they looking for? Academic robot? Anyway, I am very pleased. Met a church friend of many years, his girl was from GEP. He said that it was tough for both parent and child. Unless, the giftedness is natural and not manufactured, it is really a lot of work to do. At the parents’ briefing, they were told that they may even have to make appointment to meet the child! *roll eyes*
Well, I think it is good that she didn’t make it. She is a free spirit, she needs freedom. Dance is good for her, it allows her to express herself without restrictions. However, deep inside me, I sense there is something special in her. Bringing her for an assessment this weekend.
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Remember I talked about my uncle having throat cancer. After much prayers, I bring you good news from my aunt…

Praise the Lord! MRI showed no more tumour and that swelling lymph node had regressed!

Miracles still happen, don’t give up.

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Believe, my friends, BELIEVE