Exams

2nd March 2010

See all the blog posts are backdated, since I wrote them earlier, but didnt get to publish them until now!

So, kids will be having exams today and for the next 2 days. I think they have prepared well enough, this time. Even though the teachers covered the syllabus quite hurriedly this time, at least the scope of the exams have all been covered.

Now, it is all up to the kids, to try their best and put what they have learnt on paper. I have reminded them to be careful and check their answers thoroughly. Now, let’s say a little prayer to that the kids to be calm and clear headed so that they can think and attempt the questions smartly. Om mani padme om!

Kai Gong

26th February 2010
The kids will be having exams next week. So, it is notes crunching time again. But, this time, since we have been on our toes since the school reopened and because I have been with them during my half-day-at-home days, I should think that it is pretty relaxed kind of revision.

It was tough getting them to ‘start work’ after the long Chinese New Year holidays, although they told friends and relative that they ‘kai gong’ on the seventh day of CNY. Kids are cute in the way they say things.

But, anyway, after the get the drift that there is no escape from revision, they kind of accepted it, that they have to sit through the one/two hours before they get to the Doraemon, Power Rangers or Smurfs. Anyway, fingers crossed and hopefully, the kids try their best too. I know Mummy always try her best.

Today, I work full day because John is off. Funny thing is I miss the kids. Previously, I used to be easily stressed up with them eg. their dilly-dallying before sleeping time, or their not wanting to eat this or that etc. Now, I can manage and get around all those things with much ease. And kids are also more receptive. Maybe, because they have grown up. Mummy has also grown up. I don’t deny I am learning how to tackle them everyday. And I hope I get better everyday.

New arrangement

12th Feb 2010
So, this new arrangement of me working half days has been carried out for 2 weeks. How do I feel? Do the kids like it? Well, personally, I still have some getting use to do. Jobwise, at times, it is quite rush, having to squeeze in work into half a day. Sometimes, some documents are piling up when I go in for work. Right now, I am still on unpaid half day leaves until the arrangement gets the go-ahead with the top management. But, other than workload, I still bear full responsibility for the functioning of the department. So, the company doesn’t lose out at all.

On the home front, I think I can manage better since I spend more time with the kids. I get to know if they have certain problems with their schoolwork which they need mummy to coach them. As much as I want to be there for them, I also want them to learn to be more independent. So, I will try to work in the “background’ when they are attempting some questions, or finishing up their homework. I will try not to push them too much. Balancing schoolwork and playtime is important.

Kids. I can sense they don’t miss the childcare this time round, since they still get to see their friends at school and still go to the childcare when I need to work full-time during the first week of the month.

When I asked them, “ Do you prefer to stay at home, or go to the childcare?” Both would say without hesitation, “Home!”. “ Why?” Reply:” Food!” Gee…. Kids are kids, you can please them just by giving them their favourite foods. For 2 weeks, I have not repeated the lunch menu. It was mixture of healthy food (fish/chicken porridge, salmon with spaghetti, macaroni , fried noodles, ) plus some kids fave eg. (burger, hotdogs/egg sandwiches, curry mee). They even get to bring food to school for recess on some days. So, it is a stone that can kill many birds.
But, many people ask me whether I really need to sacrifice this way. Yes, I am going ahead with this arrangement. Tired, I maybe, but at least I have to try and make the most out of this. Of course, I hope things turn out the way we expect it to be eg. kids’ schoolwork improve, communication gets better etc. But however, I want to tell myself not to expect sky high on the kids’ results, since it will be added pressure to everyone.

So, for this Chinese New Year, let’s let our hair down. I am going to give the kids a break from their schoolwork. I am giving myself a break too. Yeah… HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

A new family member

It’s been almost a week since we brought Coco home. And I would say all’s well and fine, to my relief.

Some told me that it is not a good idea to rear a pet dog, since one always end up with a lot of cleaning to do eg. the poo, the sleeping place, the fur everywhere, and of course the dog itself. So far, I have entrusted this job to the “trainer” (my hubby, the one with this fantastic pet idea. He has to train the dog as well as the 2 kids on their new job responsibility). So far, he is doing the job very well, diligently getting up earlier to clean the dog place (the dog still steps all over the poo) and feed him. Not sure if it is coincidental, but hubby is also back earlier in the evening and play with the kids and dog .

I am glad that my daughter is able to conquer her fear for small animals and she is now a happy Dog’s Mummy. She would be carrying Coco or holding on to the leash whenever there is a chance. She would even hang around when Trainer is cleaning up, and even willing to wash the “kaka” (poo). The Dog’s Papa (my son) was also very enthusiastic in the first few days, but as Coco always preferred to play with hubby, his interest has waned a little in the past 2 days. But on the whole, I would say, it is not a bad decision to add Coco into the family. At least, now the family has a little one to fuss over, and the kids have a sense of ownership and responsibility. (Today, the Trainer will train the 2 kiddoes to clean Coco up). I hope with this, the kids also build their confidence.

So, here’s to share with everyone, our new addition to the family!