Uno Stacking

Set your mind to the task and determination takes over. Nothing is impossible. This is Not Impossible as youngest found out last night. Her friends challenged her to 5 stack height when she had never done it before. This morning it has gone up to 8. It's going to get high If she gets more Uno cards.

Innoculation

In about two weeks time, most GP/government polyclinics would have stock of the H1N1 vaccine. At an affordable Price of S$29 at government polyclinic. For now it's only for adult above 18 years of age. Will there be a mad rush to be innoculated before the school holidays begin or rather before everyone heads out of the country.

A walk in the Park

A morning stroll at the Jacob Ballas Garden with youngest. A rare chance for youngest to see, the plants and flowers of the veggy and the fruits we normally consume.
One particular tree had youngest complaining. Being an avid table tennis player, she was disgusted with the bats and balls hanging on one tree.

Getting Around

At 13, eldest, for the 1st time, on her own got lost & confused in the MRT underground labyrinth. Had to call for direction. Even though we've been traveling on the Mrt/Bus countless times.

Yesterday, youngest, for the 1st time on her own got lost & confused in the MRT underground labyrinth. She called sounded paicky until I guided her to familiar surrounding.

Have to admit, it happens to adults too. When being driven, I sometimes get too carried away chatting/listening to the radio/ to notice direction to unfamiliar/new destination only to panic when I have to drive there the next time. When this happens, my eyes will be glued to the left for directional signboards. When all these fails, last resort, call hubby. If unavailable, then wind down the window and start asking for direction.

Family Affair

It's fast becoming part of our family. Fluffy the Netherland dwarf Rabbit. The legal owner, eldest. She bought, provide food and clean lodging while son, comes over now and then gives it a treat, a run round the family hall and spend quality time on his lap while watching the telly. Youngest with the most time on hand at this moment, cleans and plays with him. Mum, rants when the cage is not clean and shreds more carrots as she thinks that's rabbit's diet and Not Timothy hay. Dad, he comes home greets it and gives it a carrot treat. For the time being, in the last 3 weeks, these are the job descriptions.

Wet or Dry?

Heard from Mr butcher that the wet market will be closed for 9 months next April for intensive renovation and make over. The most talked about topic amongst the home chefs, can supermarket replaced wet market? Given a choice, I would prefer to visit my butcher for my cuts. Been his customer for so long, that I now can sms him my orders, the night before. Mrs Fish would advise me on how best the particular fish should be prepared, if I ask. After calculating my purchases, Mrs Vege would add a stalk of chilli, coriander or spring onions knowing, I will appreciate this. Now would I get this personal touch at the supermarket?

Done Yours?

It was during a conversation with SIL, she confided that the specialist have opted a 'wait and see' attitude on the lumps discovered. A timely reminder to get mine done. And so I did. Having gone through previous screening without a hitch, thought nothing of it till a letter arrived. Advising me to make an appointment as soon as possible, for further screening and testing at the Assessement centre. Pamplets were included to explain in explicit details. And the anxiety began. A biopsy done strongly suggest that the lump should be removed. A far safer option than the 'wait and see' on the final outcome. Today, two weeks after the surgery, the final result showed no evidence of an invasive carcinoma but, flat epithelial atypia and incidental lobular neoplasia place me under high risk category.

Breast Cancer, the commonest cancer in singapore affecting 1000 women annually. Early detection through Mammogram is the most promising method of fight this disease.

Being Twelve

As promised, immediately after her last paper, we headed to the shop. Youngest, all so excited but, as we approached the shop, she became apprehensive. She chose her favourite colour and when the lady sat her down, apprehension turn to fear. Upon seeing the equipment, tears started streaming. Meany mummy was being honest. It's going to be painful. Ant bite? Nay, it's as bad as an injection. After 10 minutes and a bucket of tears, she finally kept still and had her two ears pierced. Have been waiting for this day since sister had hers pierced 7 years ago.
A Rite of passage into adolescence.

Giving In

New neighbour has two adorable boys, 3 & 4. One was sobbing incessantly last evening just because he could not get his way. Taking the elavator instead of the stairs as instructed. Chatted with mum briefly this morning on the way out, and she related. Golden rule of disciplining children, never give in to tantrum.

For the first 10 years as a parent, I held the same belief.

Probably, older, been through, done that, after bring up 3 children of different character and temperament, I now think otherwise.

I am no guru nor are my children angels nor demons but, I am sure, if I had dealt with situations better, growing up would be less stressful/frustrated for both child and parent.

There is no right or wrong, but this is the beginning of learning to give and take, compassion and empathy.

1st week of Oct

So much happenings, packed within this 1st week of October. Children's Day/a minor operation/mid-autumn dinner/arrival of new pet/disturbing family news/birthday/a visit to the vet. On the news front, the earthquake/flooding/typhoon. Indeed a trying month. And, Tomorrow will be youngest 1st major exam.

The Six Sense

Sometimes we ignore what the eye suspects, as the brain knows best and the ear heard nothing upon being questioned by the mouth. When finally the ear hears, the brain reels in shock but, the eye finds justices. The suspicion is comfirmed. A family of the InLaw has chosen to break their matrimony vows. Incompatibility, years of familiarity ultimately the lost of feelings. It's going to take time for the news to go down the gullet.

Risky Ris

She'll be the country's unofficial ambassador. To charm with her personality and polish articulation. Her opinions and thoughts will be heard by millions. Can she do the job? The most talked about Singapore Girl in recent weeks.

Hoya hoya

Hold my breath as I await patiently for this cluster to burst into blossom. A hoya plant native to the tropical rainforest esp. Thailand and Malaysia. Only recently was I aware of this species whereas it's very popular houseplant in Australia and the world at large.

ButterFly

Another creature of god took flight from my balcony. Munching through my kafir leaves before finally morphing into a pupae and emerging out as a butterfly one week later. Amazing how all creatures great and small instinctively know about survival.

Alarm News

In the papers today, Thanks to the handy mobile phone, Alarm clock is on it's way to being extinct. Yes, I wake up to the serenade of ' Sting' while eldest is roused from slumber by her favourite korean singer. When my alarm clock ran out of battery, That was the beginning of the end of my Alarm clock. With the mobile phone, a variation of wake times can be set throughout the week. No more ear piercing sudden heart thumping shrills. Wonder how the clockmaker is going to reinvent and revamp this humble time keeper to stay afloat. An alarm clock that also takes picture and takes call, Perhaps?

Truly Malaysian Food

Rojak! Fruit rojak with tropical fruits of sour mango, red jambu air, kedondong, nutmeg, pineapple, cucumber, jicama(sar kok)and star fruit. Drizzle with pungent fermented prawn paste, a dash of sweet sugar, a teaspoon of piquant belachan powder , a pinch of chopped fiery chilli padi, generous scatter of finely minced exotic fragrant ginger flower, a gentle stir and a final sprinkle with of nutty protein peanut. Presto!, it done.

Truly Malaysian.

A melting pot of indian, chinese, malay and indigenous.

What's the fuss over nasi lemak and chilli crab.

Pic: courtesy from thestar online.

Good Read

Another nail biting read. Makes good reading when down and out. Dan Brown writing on sensitive subjects making many uneasy with the plausibility of events if intepret or view from a different angle. Yet two of his novels made it to hollywood. A newcomer to my stable of favourite authors together with David Morrell.

NLB@16th Floor

A night view of S'pore on the 16th floor of the National Library at Victoria street. Was invited to a function organised by the NLB but spent the later part of the evening taking in the magnificent 360 lights of downtown S'pore.

Flowering Road

Flowering trees lining the streets. Very hot days followed by very heavy rain has cause these trees to burst into full bloom. The street, a carpet of pink and white flower. Alas, once trampled upon, it'll quickly decompose giving the poor sweeper a hard time. Soon in a week's time, it's the showering of the twirling seeds. Youngest and I would scoop these winged seeds, on the 2nd floor release and watch how they spin in the wind.

TeaCups

Antiquity cups, Bodum cups, China cups. When presented I graciously accepted. A set of two dainty Antiquity cups. Carefully cleaned and kept under wraps, till one day it proved it's worth. Serving up warm nourishments to three guests over the years. In prefect condition, or so I thought, till last month. Spots were found on a routine check. More checks were done. Relieved, it's not menacing but for now to remove this lumpy spot is the best solution.