Looking back…


Seeing Ann walking out from school brought back so much memories…Time has changed. I was always looking out for Kai walking out from school. I have looked after him since he turned one and I have always been the one sending and fetching him from school. Only when he was in P2 that I decided to let him take the school bus cos’ it was really impossible to send two kids to different schools at the same time. After taking the school bus for just one term, we were off to USA and then Shanghai. I continued to be their main caregiver, seeing them to school and seeing them home even when we were overseas.

Felt strange just seeing one child walking out from school. Kai is now in sec 1 and he is completely capable of taking care of himself. Soon, Ann will also not need me as much. Then, it will really be an empty nest. Age is catching up too. Since school started, I am so exhausted, completely, thoroughly exhausted. The day starts at 5.15am. I tried sleeping early but I am such a light sleeper and because of that, I could hardly have a restful sleep. Like the other day, I slept at 10.30pm, woke up at 11.30pm and then 2.30am and finally 5.15am…sigh. They say, old people sleep lesser. Is that true?

Another Election

This era must be the era that saw the highest number of elections. It is very interesting to read some of the analysis, it is like playing the game of chess!

One more year and it will be two decades


It has been 19 years. 19 years has been a long time. We have been together for that long, been through the valleys and the mountains. Standing side by side, hand in hand. There were challenging times, there were good times. What kept us strong is having the same focus – Christ.

The signs are showing, always 25! *wink*

Stay wise

I have always wanted Kai to be independent. Before we came back, I have already told him many times that once he gets to secondary school, he must learn to take the public transport on his own. Well, he did it the other day and today will be his second time doing it. But…

The son was lost today and the mama was like the ant on the hot pan. It was 3.15pm and he was still not home. Oh Lord, please protect my son. He has been away for a good couple of years so doesn't really know his way. Called up the school and they said that all sec 1s have been dismissed....aiyo, where is my son? Called him on his handphone, no reply. Finally, he came home at 3.30pm.

son: I took the bus from the wrong side of the road.
me : Where were you?
son: I think Funan, Bras Basah area
me : (Eyes big big) Why you didn't call me?
son : Left my phone at home, on silent mode
me : How did you manage to come home?
son : Cross the road and take 33
me : Very good!
me : Scared? Did you cry?
son : No, through out the journey, I could recognise all the places
me : Well done

I am thankful for the opportunity to raise up my two kids on my own. Every opportunity I have, I bring them out, using the public transport. I kept reminding the kids to observe their surroundings and stay alert. It pays off. Sometimes, as parents, we tend to do everything and give the best for our kids. We tend to always keep them on the safe mode without realising that it may not be the best for them. Exposing them to challenges in life at a younger age will make them a David at a later age.

Straight As is one thing, being street wise is another. It's survival!

Good job, my son!

What art thou?

Kai came home late that day as he was being introduced to the various activities in school. I opened the door when he came back and I was surprised…

 

He is happy, I am happy

Just Pictures…

Food…

Seafood stew

 
My not-so-new toy. First home-made waffle

 
Japanese beef curry rice. Home-made. Easy, should give it a try. Just buy curry cube and short-grain rice, add any meat and vegetable you like.

 
Pandan chiffon cake for breakfast. The kids favourite. "We only eat mama's chiffon cake."

Finally…

my signature dish…

Fun…

Christmas with families

 
 
Skate-boarding and skate-scootering at the park with cousins.

Many roads lead to a destination

Yesterday Kai came home on his own by public bus…the very first time. Nervous, finger biting, not him but the mama. Gave him a handphone, at least I could know where he was and he could call home if he was lost.

At 1.25pm, he texted to say he was on the bus. ETA should be about 2.00pm. Waited and waited, he arrived home one hour later. He told me that the direct bus didn’t come after waiting for some time, so he took another bus, brought him to a bus stop where he could change a bus which brought him home. It took half an hour longer to reach home but he

Well done, my boy. The brain must always be flexible to face different situations in life. Must always be able to think of the best way to solve a problem. It wasn’t a big problem but at least it showed that he was wise enough to know how to react to a situation. It showed that he was thinking. That’s being street smart and it is one of the most crucial trait for survival.